India-China standoff- How Indian Army is preparing to take on China's PLA in Ladakh's snow clad mountains

The possibility of an adverse event after being vaccinated for COVID-19 cannot be ruled out, the government said on Tuesday and asked states and Union Territories to be prepared for this as part of the anti-coronavirus inoculation drive.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

At a press briefing, secretary in the health ministry Rajesh Bhushan said that adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are critical aspect and states have been asked to identify at least one adverse event following immunisation (AEFI)management centre in each block.&nbsp;

"Even during universal immunisation programmes, which have been going on for decades, some adverse effects are seen in children and pregnant women after they are administered shots.&nbsp;So, we can't deny the possibility of an adverse event when the COVID-19 vaccination begins. In countries where inoculation has already started, especially in the UK, adverse events took place on the very first day. So, it is essential that states and union territories prepare for this too," Bhushan said.&nbsp;

Detailed instructions on infection prevention and control practices during vaccination and management of minor, severe, serious AEFI have been issued to states by the Centre, he said.

"States have been asked to identify at least one AEFI management centre in each block. PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, private health facilities or any other fixed health facility with medical officers and para-medical staff can be identified as AEFI management centres," he said.

Further, every session site has to be linked to a designated AEFI management centre and AEFI can also be reported through Co-WIN - a digitalised platform, which will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis, he added.

The possibility of an adverse event after being vaccinated for COVID-19 cannot be ruled out, the government said on Tuesday and asked states and Union Territories to be prepared for this as part of the anti-coronavirus inoculation drive.

The possibility of an adverse event after being vaccinated for COVID-19 cannot be ruled out, the government said on Tuesday and asked states and Union Territories to be prepared for this as part of the anti-coronavirus inoculation drive. At a press briefing, secretary in the health ministry Rajesh Bhushan said that adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are critical aspect and states have been asked to identify at least one adverse event following immunisation (AEFI)management centre in each block. "Even during universal immunisation programmes, which have been going on for decades, some adverse effects are seen in children and pregnant women after they are administered shots. So, we can't deny the possibility of an adverse event when the COVID-19 vaccination begins. In countries where inoculation has already started, especially in the UK, adverse events took place on the very first day. So, it is essential that states and union territories prepare for this too," Bhushan said. Detailed instructions on infection prevention and control practices during vaccination and management of minor, severe, serious AEFI have been issued to states by the Centre, he said. "States have been asked to identify at least one AEFI management centre in each block. PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, private health facilities or any other fixed health facility with medical officers and para-medical staff can be identified as AEFI management centres," he said. Further, every session site has to be linked to a designated AEFI management centre and AEFI can also be reported through Co-WIN - a digitalised platform, which will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis, he added.

Possibility of adverse event after COVID-19 vaccination can't be ruled out: Government

After waiting for over a month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell finally congratulated Joe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-finally-congratulates-joe-biden-on-election-win-says-ready-for-collaboration-349909">Biden</a>,78, for winning the US election 2020.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-joe-biden-wins-by-getting-306-electoral-college-votes-349840/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Electoral College has spoken. So today I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden," McConnell said on the Senate floor.

"Many of us hoped that the presidential election would yield a different result, but our system of government has processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20," he added.

"I also want to congratulate the vice president-elect, our colleague from California, Senator (Kamala) Harris," he said, adding that "all Americans can take pride that they will have a female VP for the first time."

The US Electoral College had declared Biden the winner in the US elections held on November 3 &nbsp;with a 306 to 232 margin over President Trump.&nbsp;Mitch McConnell had stridently refused to recognise the Democratic presidential candidate as the winner in the US elections held last month.

Trump is also yet to concede defeat although he allowed the transition to take place even as Biden in a speech said US democracy proved "resilient" against Trump's "abuse of power" while adding that "it's time to turn the page".

"The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of power can extinguish that," Biden said.

"Our democracy -- pushed, tested, threatened -- proved to be resilient, true, and strong."&nbsp;

"I'm convinced we can work together for the good of the nation," Biden added.

Trump had alleged that the elections were marred with fraud, a claim he hasn't been in able to prove even as he moved courts to prove the verdict was wrong a move which was roundly dismissed by various judges.

After waiting for over a month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell finally congratulated Joe Biden,78, for winning the US election 2020. Watch: "The Electoral College has spoken.

After waiting for over a month, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell finally congratulated Joe Biden,78, for winning the US election 2020. Watch: "The Electoral College has spoken. So today I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "Many of us hoped that the presidential election would yield a different result, but our system of government has processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20," he added. "I also want to congratulate the vice president-elect, our colleague from California, Senator (Kamala) Harris," he said, adding that "all Americans can take pride that they will have a female VP for the first time." The US Electoral College had declared Biden the winner in the US elections held on November 3 with a 306 to 232 margin over President Trump. Mitch McConnell had stridently refused to recognise the Democratic presidential candidate as the winner in the US elections held last month. Trump is also yet to concede defeat although he allowed the transition to take place even as Biden in a speech said US democracy proved "resilient" against Trump's "abuse of power" while adding that "it's time to turn the page". "The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know nothing, not even a pandemic or an abuse of power can extinguish that," Biden said. "Our democracy -- pushed, tested, threatened -- proved to be resilient, true, and strong." "I'm convinced we can work together for the good of the nation," Biden added. Trump had alleged that the elections were marred with fraud, a claim he hasn't been in able to prove even as he moved courts to prove the verdict was wrong a move which was roundly dismissed by various judges.

US elections: Finally, top Republican Mitch McConnell congratulates 'president-elect' Biden

According to the guideline on the safe management of Wuhan virus victims, the World Health Organisation(WHO) says: "people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences. The belongings of the deceased person do not need to be burned or otherwise disposed of,"

In short, it is safe to bury Wuhan virus victims since science does not say burial poses a healthcare risk. However, majoritarian politics does. The pandemic is the perfect opportunity for the government in Colombo to play politics and pander to Islamophobia.

Sri Lanka has been divided along ethnic and religious lines. The Sinhalese Buddhists form the majority. The Tamil Hindus and the Muslims are Lanka's minorities.&nbsp;

Muslims make up 10 per cent of the population. Their lives have been thrown into a turmoil since the 2019 easter bombings. The attack was carried out by Muslim groups. It killed 269 people and marginalised Lankan Muslims as Buddhist nationalist groups led the ethnic tension. Groups like Bodu Bala Sena floated the idea that Sinhala Buddhists were under threat from overpopulating Muslims.

It was with this backdrop that Sri Lanka entered its presidential election. Gotabaya Rajapaksa played heavily on his Sinhalese Buddhist credentials. He was elected to office in November 2019 with 52.25 per cent of the vote.

Rajapaksa's election was seen as a shift towards majoritarian politics and since coming to power he has only proved his critics right. In September, Sri Lanka banned cow slaughter but eating beef is still allowed.

When the pandemic struck, a section of Sri Lanka blamed Muslims for the spread of the Wuhan virus as the country's Buddhist monks sold factless stories. They said burying Wuhan virus victims would contaminate groundwater and apparently spread the Wuhan virus.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa played to the Sinhala emotions and in April&nbsp;Sri Lanka made cremation mandatory for all Wuhan virus victims. The move was 100 per cent political. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had told a news channel in November.

"It is no secret that the majority who voted for me then were Sinhalese. They rallied because they had legitimate fears that the Sinhala race our religion, national resources and the heritage would be threatened with destruction in the face of various local and foreign forces and ideologies that support separatism, extremism and terrorism. The main appeal made by the people to me was "to protect the country".

This is the president protecting his position. He is, in fact, is protecting his votes and in doing so, he has the backing of the Parliament and a green signal from the court. Rajapaksa is denying the minorities of Sri Lanka&nbsp;even the basic dignity in death.

According to the guideline on the safe management of Wuhan virus victims, the World Health Organisation(WHO) says: "people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences.

According to the guideline on the safe management of Wuhan virus victims, the World Health Organisation(WHO) says: "people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences. The belongings of the deceased person do not need to be burned or otherwise disposed of," In short, it is safe to bury Wuhan virus victims since science does not say burial poses a healthcare risk. However, majoritarian politics does. The pandemic is the perfect opportunity for the government in Colombo to play politics and pander to Islamophobia. Sri Lanka has been divided along ethnic and religious lines. The Sinhalese Buddhists form the majority. The Tamil Hindus and the Muslims are Lanka's minorities. Muslims make up 10 per cent of the population. Their lives have been thrown into a turmoil since the 2019 easter bombings. The attack was carried out by Muslim groups. It killed 269 people and marginalised Lankan Muslims as Buddhist nationalist groups led the ethnic tension. Groups like Bodu Bala Sena floated the idea that Sinhala Buddhists were under threat from overpopulating Muslims. It was with this backdrop that Sri Lanka entered its presidential election. Gotabaya Rajapaksa played heavily on his Sinhalese Buddhist credentials. He was elected to office in November 2019 with 52.25 per cent of the vote. Rajapaksa's election was seen as a shift towards majoritarian politics and since coming to power he has only proved his critics right. In September, Sri Lanka banned cow slaughter but eating beef is still allowed. When the pandemic struck, a section of Sri Lanka blamed Muslims for the spread of the Wuhan virus as the country's Buddhist monks sold factless stories. They said burying Wuhan virus victims would contaminate groundwater and apparently spread the Wuhan virus. Gotabaya Rajapaksa played to the Sinhala emotions and in April Sri Lanka made cremation mandatory for all Wuhan virus victims. The move was 100 per cent political. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had told a news channel in November. "It is no secret that the majority who voted for me then were Sinhalese. They rallied because they had legitimate fears that the Sinhala race our religion, national resources and the heritage would be threatened with destruction in the face of various local and foreign forces and ideologies that support separatism, extremism and terrorism. The main appeal made by the people to me was "to protect the country". This is the president protecting his position. He is, in fact, is protecting his votes and in doing so, he has the backing of the Parliament and a green signal from the court. Rajapaksa is denying the minorities of Sri Lanka even the basic dignity in death.

Coronavirus politics: Rajapaksa denies minorities in Sri Lanka basic dignity in death

The virus from Wuhan has brought lonely deaths for more than a million people without the solace of a final goodbye for loved ones.

11 miles from Manhattan lies the largest mass grave in the United States in Hart island. It is the final resting place for unclaimed dead bodies in New York. The island made international headlines in April when the city announced that unclaimed victims of the Wuhan virus will be buried by the end of October more than 2,000 New Yorkers were buried on Hart island more than double the numbers from last year.

It's dreary business, there is no funeral service with workers in Hazmat outfits just bury the dead which is a cruel gift of the pandemic. The Wuhan virus has made grieving the loss of a loved one harder with mass gatherings restricted in several parts of the globe as many end up grieving alone.

In June, families in Brazil had only 10 minutes to say goodbye to their loved ones. Brazil has the world's second-largest death toll in this pandemic as of July strict guidelines were in place for funerals with social gatherings banned.

open casket viewings were not allowed. In May, a cemetery in Sao Paulo was burying 60 bodies in a day with families being given barely a few minutes to bid their loved ones goodbye.

The Wuhan virus has infected burials and funerals too. In Egypt, families were stopped from carrying out the Islamic custom of bathing the body before the burial.

In Mexico wakes were denied to the deceased and in India, large gatherings have been banned. Many don't even get the solace of a final farewell. In Israel, some hospitals have built a glass booth for families to get a last glimpse of the deceased despite restrictions people have found new ways to show solidarity.

Earlier this year in Ireland, Catholic parishioners lined up their cars on a road towards a cemetery when an elderly resident died in Kerry. The vehicles stood seven feet apart and the parishioners paid their last respects from their cars.

It has been almost a year since the pandemic began and hospitals still remain inundated with patients as the death toll continues to rise with the virus showing no signs of slowing down.

The virus from Wuhan has brought lonely deaths for more than a million people without the solace of a final goodbye for loved ones. 11 miles from Manhattan lies the largest mass grave in the United States in Hart island.

The virus from Wuhan has brought lonely deaths for more than a million people without the solace of a final goodbye for loved ones. 11 miles from Manhattan lies the largest mass grave in the United States in Hart island. It is the final resting place for unclaimed dead bodies in New York. The island made international headlines in April when the city announced that unclaimed victims of the Wuhan virus will be buried by the end of October more than 2,000 New Yorkers were buried on Hart island more than double the numbers from last year. It's dreary business, there is no funeral service with workers in Hazmat outfits just bury the dead which is a cruel gift of the pandemic. The Wuhan virus has made grieving the loss of a loved one harder with mass gatherings restricted in several parts of the globe as many end up grieving alone. In June, families in Brazil had only 10 minutes to say goodbye to their loved ones. Brazil has the world's second-largest death toll in this pandemic as of July strict guidelines were in place for funerals with social gatherings banned. open casket viewings were not allowed. In May, a cemetery in Sao Paulo was burying 60 bodies in a day with families being given barely a few minutes to bid their loved ones goodbye. The Wuhan virus has infected burials and funerals too. In Egypt, families were stopped from carrying out the Islamic custom of bathing the body before the burial. In Mexico wakes were denied to the deceased and in India, large gatherings have been banned. Many don't even get the solace of a final farewell. In Israel, some hospitals have built a glass booth for families to get a last glimpse of the deceased despite restrictions people have found new ways to show solidarity. Earlier this year in Ireland, Catholic parishioners lined up their cars on a road towards a cemetery when an elderly resident died in Kerry. The vehicles stood seven feet apart and the parishioners paid their last respects from their cars. It has been almost a year since the pandemic began and hospitals still remain inundated with patients as the death toll continues to rise with the virus showing no signs of slowing down.

Tragedy during pandemic: Burying and saying goodbye to loved ones

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion.

Muslims and Christians bury their dead and they do not cremate, but the government insists: if you have died because of the Wuhan virus in Sri Lanka, you shall be cremated.

The government's orders have gone against their religious beliefs as the government apparently feels that bodies of Wuhan virus victims will contaminate the groundwater.

The order has been in place since April. The administration has been cremating all victims. &nbsp;The outrage began as the latest victim was just 20 days old - a newborn baby who died due to the virus and was cremated despite the objections from his parents. He has become the face of the campaign.

Baby Shaykh is the youngest victim of the virus in Sri Lanka even before his family could process the devastating news of his death the authorities were "ready to hand over the baby's ashes to them".

At least 15 Muslims have been cremated in Sri Lanka and their families say that the cremations were carried out against their will. There is anger against the government. Muslims in Sri Lanka are being denied a burial.

Colombo doesn't want their bodies to be flown back home. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made a special request to the Maldives. The Maldivian president's office has responded and they are holding consultations to bury Sri Lankan Muslims in the Maldives.

The order to cremate all came after influential Buddhist monks raised an alarm. They said burying Wuhan virus victims could contaminate the groundwater. They said buried bodies could spread the virus.

However, no such claim has been found in science. Activists have slammed the argument even as global health bodies have said victims can be buried or cremated but the Lankan government has not paid heed to these voices.

Earlier this month, it found support in the Supreme Court. Sri Lanka's highest court turned down all petitions against compulsory cremations emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision the Sri Lankan government rejected demands from 19 Muslim families.

Reports say they refused to claim the bodies because they wanted a burial and not a cremation, however, the Sri Lankan attorney general ordered the local authorities to go ahead with the cremations.

The move has now triggered public anger over the weekend citizens reached the cremation centre and they tied white ribbons to the gates of the cemetery that houses the crematorium. It was removed on Monday.

The protest then moved online with several citizens claiming that the Rajapaksas are using the pandemic to marginalise the Muslims. One user on Twitter claimed that Muslims are being cremated without tests or a positive report, however, it hasn't been independently verified.

The outrage against the government is quite visible now. Sri Lanka largely contained the first wave of cases but, now there is a second wave and the focus is back on the government's response to the pandemic.

The Rajapaksas known for ruthlessly crushing the civil war have been using the same military textbook to defeat the virus. Reports say officials from the military are being given prominence over experienced civil servants even those who have a record in health services.

Earlier this year, a report claimed that key decisions on the pandemic were communicated by Shavendra Silva, the army commander who is the head of Sri Lanka's national operation center for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak.

Shavendra Silva was called the "public face" of the response. While the pandemic needs a tough response and military precision in managing affairs, the enforced cremations without any scientific basis damage Colombo's record on the pandemic.

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion.

In Sri Lanka pandemic deaths have triggered a massive controversy. The government insists on cremating all the dead - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian whatever be the religion. Muslims and Christians bury their dead and they do not cremate, but the government insists: if you have died because of the Wuhan virus in Sri Lanka, you shall be cremated. The government's orders have gone against their religious beliefs as the government apparently feels that bodies of Wuhan virus victims will contaminate the groundwater. The order has been in place since April. The administration has been cremating all victims. The outrage began as the latest victim was just 20 days old - a newborn baby who died due to the virus and was cremated despite the objections from his parents. He has become the face of the campaign. Baby Shaykh is the youngest victim of the virus in Sri Lanka even before his family could process the devastating news of his death the authorities were "ready to hand over the baby's ashes to them". At least 15 Muslims have been cremated in Sri Lanka and their families say that the cremations were carried out against their will. There is anger against the government. Muslims in Sri Lanka are being denied a burial. Colombo doesn't want their bodies to be flown back home. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made a special request to the Maldives. The Maldivian president's office has responded and they are holding consultations to bury Sri Lankan Muslims in the Maldives. The order to cremate all came after influential Buddhist monks raised an alarm. They said burying Wuhan virus victims could contaminate the groundwater. They said buried bodies could spread the virus. However, no such claim has been found in science. Activists have slammed the argument even as global health bodies have said victims can be buried or cremated but the Lankan government has not paid heed to these voices. Earlier this month, it found support in the Supreme Court. Sri Lanka's highest court turned down all petitions against compulsory cremations emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision the Sri Lankan government rejected demands from 19 Muslim families. Reports say they refused to claim the bodies because they wanted a burial and not a cremation, however, the Sri Lankan attorney general ordered the local authorities to go ahead with the cremations. The move has now triggered public anger over the weekend citizens reached the cremation centre and they tied white ribbons to the gates of the cemetery that houses the crematorium. It was removed on Monday. The protest then moved online with several citizens claiming that the Rajapaksas are using the pandemic to marginalise the Muslims. One user on Twitter claimed that Muslims are being cremated without tests or a positive report, however, it hasn't been independently verified. The outrage against the government is quite visible now. Sri Lanka largely contained the first wave of cases but, now there is a second wave and the focus is back on the government's response to the pandemic. The Rajapaksas known for ruthlessly crushing the civil war have been using the same military textbook to defeat the virus. Reports say officials from the military are being given prominence over experienced civil servants even those who have a record in health services. Earlier this year, a report claimed that key decisions on the pandemic were communicated by Shavendra Silva, the army commander who is the head of Sri Lanka's national operation center for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak. Shavendra Silva was called the "public face" of the response. While the pandemic needs a tough response and military precision in managing affairs, the enforced cremations without any scientific basis damage Colombo's record on the pandemic.

Sri Lanka debates: Does burying coronavirus victims contaminate ground water?

Vijay Diwas - 'You surrender or we wipe you out': When Sam Manekshaw threatened Pak in 1971 Bangladesh liberation war

As the World Health Organization(WHO) investigates the origin of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/face-shields-and-visors-can-spread-coronavirus-study-349974">coronavirus</a> in China, the South China Morning Post(SCMP) published the leaked "floor plan"&nbsp; of the Huanan market in Wuhan where the COVID-19 pandemic allegedly began.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-exponential-rise-on-covid-19-cases-new-variant-of-covid-19-identified-349910/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The report showed "colour-coded plan" of data collected by &nbsp;Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January where the first infection is reported to have taken place including the "653 stalls" where the virus first took place.

China had reported the first case of the virus to the WHO on December 31, 2019 with the Huanan seafood wholesale market becoming the prime target of investigation by&nbsp;authorities. The market was famous for selling everything from seafood and vegetables to wild animals in hundreds of stalls numbering well over 1,000.

The SCMP said experts cited "lack of transparency" about what other information was gathered by scientists and investigators in China. The report said Chinese officials had later "ruled out" the market as the place where the virus first infected humans, citing medical investigations of the facilities.

The report said Chinese scientists sent a document to the WHO in which "none of the frozen carcasses tested positive, while 69 of 842 environmental samples did." &nbsp;

"Beyond these numbers, little information is available about which animals were sampled and the extent of follow-up studies on humans and animals linked to the market."

"China has not disclosed if live animals were among those sampled," the report added.

SCMP highlighted that The Lancet medical journal report had found that Wuhan’s market was linked to about "two-thirds of the first 41 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modernas-covid-19-vaccine-shows-no-specific-safety-concerns-says-us-fda-349983">COVID-19 </a>cases identified in the city" with live animals such as bamboo rats, badgers and deer being sold at the market and that "it seemed a likely place for a pathogen to leap species", however it said that "three of the first four COVID-19 patients had no evident ties to the market."

The WHO health investigators need to find out how the virus was transmitted including understand the drainage and sewage systems at the Wuhan market to know&nbsp;the "transmission pathway".

The report said very little is still known about the investigations into&nbsp;the COVID-19 outbreak in the market due to lack of "analytical epidemiological study among vendors and shoppers".

 
&nbsp;

As the World Health Organization(WHO) investigates the origin of the coronavirus in China, the South China Morning Post(SCMP) published the leaked "floor plan" of the Huanan market in Wuhan where the COVID-19 pandemic allegedly began.

As the World Health Organization(WHO) investigates the origin of the coronavirus in China, the South China Morning Post(SCMP) published the leaked "floor plan" of the Huanan market in Wuhan where the COVID-19 pandemic allegedly began. Watch: The report showed "colour-coded plan" of data collected by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January where the first infection is reported to have taken place including the "653 stalls" where the virus first took place. China had reported the first case of the virus to the WHO on December 31, 2019 with the Huanan seafood wholesale market becoming the prime target of investigation by authorities. The market was famous for selling everything from seafood and vegetables to wild animals in hundreds of stalls numbering well over 1,000. The SCMP said experts cited "lack of transparency" about what other information was gathered by scientists and investigators in China. The report said Chinese officials had later "ruled out" the market as the place where the virus first infected humans, citing medical investigations of the facilities. The report said Chinese scientists sent a document to the WHO in which "none of the frozen carcasses tested positive, while 69 of 842 environmental samples did." "Beyond these numbers, little information is available about which animals were sampled and the extent of follow-up studies on humans and animals linked to the market." "China has not disclosed if live animals were among those sampled," the report added. SCMP highlighted that The Lancet medical journal report had found that Wuhan’s market was linked to about "two-thirds of the first 41 COVID-19 cases identified in the city" with live animals such as bamboo rats, badgers and deer being sold at the market and that "it seemed a likely place for a pathogen to leap species", however it said that "three of the first four COVID-19 patients had no evident ties to the market." The WHO health investigators need to find out how the virus was transmitted including understand the drainage and sewage systems at the Wuhan market to know the "transmission pathway". The report said very little is still known about the investigations into the COVID-19 outbreak in the market due to lack of "analytical epidemiological study among vendors and shoppers".

After accessing leaked 'map' of Wuhan market, report discloses China's 'lack of transparency' in COVID-19 investigation

According to a report, China used <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-hackers-targeting-biden-and-trump-are-faking-mcafee-software-google-336251">mobile </a>phone networks in the Caribbean to put together a surveillance network against US mobile phone users.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-this-loophole-allowed-a-hacker-to-remotely-hack-an-iphone-347324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chinese authorities reportedly "targeted" US phone subscriber to "track and intercept" phone communications,&nbsp;the Threat Intelligence Report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-dismisses-accusations-of-hacking-attempt-on-us-vaccine-developer-moderna-317257">Also Read:&nbsp;China dismisses accusations of hacking attempt on US vaccine developer Moderna</a>

In 2018, two major mobile networks - China Mobile and China Unicom targeted US mobile users in significant volumes.

A cluster of attacks was discovered targeting a&nbsp;group of US phones from&nbsp;networks including China Unicom, Cable &amp; Wireless, Barbados and Bahamas Telecom.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"The attacks against these phones indicated coordination between the operators. This could be achieved by China acquiring network addresses from these two Caribbean operators allowing China to originate attacks, both of which are partially owned by the same parent company Cable &amp; Wireless," it said.

"As surveillance attacks from China decelerated in late&nbsp;2018, they accelerated rapidly in more&nbsp;Caribbean countries such as Antigua, Guyana and the Virgin Islands," the report added.

The report said the "activity" continued until April last year "when&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;the attack volumes across all countries decreased on 3G&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;networks and began transitioning to 4G."

The report informed that China has long expanded its investment in the Caribbean, particularly in the Dominican Republic.

"Huawei has also had a very close relationship with Cable &amp; Wireless based on investment in 4G upgrades at BTC and network investments with other countries in the region," the report said.

The report said that it is likely that many Caribbean operators have sold or leased SS7 Global Title addresses to other cyber-espionage state sponsors and criminal organizations becoming a threat sponsor either deliberately or unintentionally.

According to a report, China used mobile phone networks in the Caribbean to put together a surveillance network against US mobile phone users. Watch: Chinese authorities reportedly "targeted" US phone subscriber to "track and intercept" phone communications, the Threat Intelligence Report said.

According to a report, China used mobile phone networks in the Caribbean to put together a surveillance network against US mobile phone users. Watch: Chinese authorities reportedly "targeted" US phone subscriber to "track and intercept" phone communications, the Threat Intelligence Report said. Also Read: China dismisses accusations of hacking attempt on US vaccine developer Moderna In 2018, two major mobile networks - China Mobile and China Unicom targeted US mobile users in significant volumes. A cluster of attacks was discovered targeting a group of US phones from networks including China Unicom, Cable & Wireless, Barbados and Bahamas Telecom. "The attacks against these phones indicated coordination between the operators. This could be achieved by China acquiring network addresses from these two Caribbean operators allowing China to originate attacks, both of which are partially owned by the same parent company Cable & Wireless," it said. "As surveillance attacks from China decelerated in late 2018, they accelerated rapidly in more Caribbean countries such as Antigua, Guyana and the Virgin Islands," the report added. The report said the "activity" continued until April last year "when the attack volumes across all countries decreased on 3G networks and began transitioning to 4G." The report informed that China has long expanded its investment in the Caribbean, particularly in the Dominican Republic. "Huawei has also had a very close relationship with Cable & Wireless based on investment in 4G upgrades at BTC and network investments with other countries in the region," the report said. The report said that it is likely that many Caribbean operators have sold or leased SS7 Global Title addresses to other cyber-espionage state sponsors and criminal organizations becoming a threat sponsor either deliberately or unintentionally.

China targeted Americans via Caribbean phone networks: Report

After reports emerged that China had employed "ethnic minority" groups in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bans-cotton-imports-from-chinese-producer-citing-xinjiang-slave-labour-347087">Xinjiang</a> to force them to work in cotton farms, the Chinese government denied the allegation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighurs-in-china-being-forced-into-hard-manual-labour-including-cotton-picking-report-349821">Also Read:&nbsp;Uighurs in China being forced into hard, manual labour including cotton picking: Report</a>

Reports claimed that nearly half a million people were "forced to pick cotton by hand through a coercive state-mandated labour transfer and “poverty alleviation” scheme."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-imposes-new-restrictions-on-products-from-chinas-xinjiang-province-347226/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Centre for Global Policy in its report said: "Evidence shows that in 2018, three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-alarm-huawei-worked-with-companies-to-build-tools-that-track-people-by-ethnicity-349670">Uyghur</a> regions alone mobilized at least 570,000 persons into cotton-picking operations."

China's Xinjiang province produces 85 per cent of China’s and 20 per cent of the world’s cotton. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the United States had placed a "Withhold Release Order" on cotton produced by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, however, the report said that entity "only produces 33 per cent of Xinjiang’s cotton and only 0.4 per cent of its highest-quality long-staple cotton."

In September the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had considered a much broader import ban on all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang but the Trump administration stepped back after officials within the government objected.

"Labor transfers involve coercive mobilization through local work teams, transfers of pickers in tightly supervised groups, and intrusive on-site surveillance by government officials and police officers," the report claimed.

"Government supervision teams monitor pickers, checking that they have a “stable” state of mind, and administer political indoctrination sessions. Some regions put Uighur children and elderly persons into centralized care while working-age adults are away on state-assigned cotton-picking work assignments," it said.

A leaked report had earlier claimed that the Chinese government used an expansive data collection project to arbitrarily detain Uighurs in Xinjiang and placed at least 2,000 ethnic Uighurs in detention.

After reports emerged that China had employed "ethnic minority" groups in Xinjiang to force them to work in cotton farms, the Chinese government denied the allegation.

After reports emerged that China had employed "ethnic minority" groups in Xinjiang to force them to work in cotton farms, the Chinese government denied the allegation. Also Read: Uighurs in China being forced into hard, manual labour including cotton picking: Report Reports claimed that nearly half a million people were "forced to pick cotton by hand through a coercive state-mandated labour transfer and “poverty alleviation” scheme." Watch: The Centre for Global Policy in its report said: "Evidence shows that in 2018, three Uyghur regions alone mobilized at least 570,000 persons into cotton-picking operations." China's Xinjiang province produces 85 per cent of China’s and 20 per cent of the world’s cotton. Earlier this month, the United States had placed a "Withhold Release Order" on cotton produced by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, however, the report said that entity "only produces 33 per cent of Xinjiang’s cotton and only 0.4 per cent of its highest-quality long-staple cotton." In September the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had considered a much broader import ban on all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang but the Trump administration stepped back after officials within the government objected. "Labor transfers involve coercive mobilization through local work teams, transfers of pickers in tightly supervised groups, and intrusive on-site surveillance by government officials and police officers," the report claimed. "Government supervision teams monitor pickers, checking that they have a “stable” state of mind, and administer political indoctrination sessions. Some regions put Uighur children and elderly persons into centralized care while working-age adults are away on state-assigned cotton-picking work assignments," it said. A leaked report had earlier claimed that the Chinese government used an expansive data collection project to arbitrarily detain Uighurs in Xinjiang and placed at least 2,000 ethnic Uighurs in detention.

China denies reports of forced labour in Xinjiang's cotton farms

UK foreign secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-to-visit-india-349761">Dominic Raab</a> in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean.

"We look forward to taking the spot in 2021 including the UK's presidency of G-7 and also our presidency of UN Climate Change Conference," Dominic Raab said, adding,"We welcome India's return to UN Security Council."

The UK foreign secretary said he was pleased that PM Boris Johnson has invited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-sardar-patel-on-his-death-anniversary-349834">PM Modi</a> to join the G-7 summit to be held in the UK next year while informing that the UK PM had accepted PM Modi's offer of attending India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26 which he said was a "great honour".

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar said that that the focus between the two countries is to take the "ties to a higher level".

"We focused on five broad themes - connecting people, trade and prosperity, defence &amp; security, climate change and health," Jaishankar said while stating that "India has its vision of Indo-Pacific."

"It is a matter of satisfaction that there is today a growing recognition and acceptance of the idea of Indo-Pacific," India's foreign minister said.

The external affairs minister(EAM) said foreign secretary Dominic Raab's visit comes at a very important time since the UK is at looking at a "post-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-businesses-urge-pm-boris-johnson-for-trade-deal-with-eu-349555">Brexit </a>world".

On asked about the "free trade agreement with UK &amp; India not signing RCEP", the EAM said: "I think it is like comparing apples &amp; oranges. UK wasn't part of the RCEP...our experiences on RCEP can't carry over to discussion with the UK. There's a serious intent to take trade relationship forward."

The EAM said the presence of PM Boris Johnson as the chief guest at Republic Day would be in a way "symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship." 
&nbsp;

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean.

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean. "We look forward to taking the spot in 2021 including the UK's presidency of G-7 and also our presidency of UN Climate Change Conference," Dominic Raab said, adding,"We welcome India's return to UN Security Council." The UK foreign secretary said he was pleased that PM Boris Johnson has invited PM Modi to join the G-7 summit to be held in the UK next year while informing that the UK PM had accepted PM Modi's offer of attending India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26 which he said was a "great honour". India's foreign minister S Jaishankar said that that the focus between the two countries is to take the "ties to a higher level". "We focused on five broad themes - connecting people, trade and prosperity, defence & security, climate change and health," Jaishankar said while stating that "India has its vision of Indo-Pacific." "It is a matter of satisfaction that there is today a growing recognition and acceptance of the idea of Indo-Pacific," India's foreign minister said. The external affairs minister(EAM) said foreign secretary Dominic Raab's visit comes at a very important time since the UK is at looking at a "post-Brexit world". On asked about the "free trade agreement with UK & India not signing RCEP", the EAM said: "I think it is like comparing apples & oranges. UK wasn't part of the RCEP...our experiences on RCEP can't carry over to discussion with the UK. There's a serious intent to take trade relationship forward." The EAM said the presence of PM Boris Johnson as the chief guest at Republic Day would be in a way "symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship."

Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-lets-trump-use-disputed-funds-of-25-billion-for-border-wall-238745">US Supreme Court lets Trump use disputed funds of $2.5 billion for border wall</a>

The US Supreme Court on Friday handed President Donald Trump a victory by letting his administration redirect $2.5 billion in money approved by Congress for the Pentagon to help build his promised wall along the US-Mexico border even though lawmakers refused to provide funding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-nine-injured-after-twin-quakes-hit-northern-philippines-238739">Eight dead, 60 injured after twin quakes hit northern Philippines</a>

At least eight people were killed and over dozen were injured when the northern Philippines was struck with twin earthquakes of magnitudes 5.4 and 5.9 on early Saturday, police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-announces-controversial-asylum-deal-with-guatemala-238748">US President Donald Trump announces controversial asylum deal with Guatemala</a>

President Donald Trump announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-sales-to-support-pakistans-f-16s-indias-c-17s-238754">US approves sales to support Pakistan's F-16s, India's C-17s</a>

Washington on Friday approved $125 million worth of support for Pakistan's F-16 warplanes, and also $670 worth of support for India's C-17 transport planes.

Approval to support US-built aircraft for the two south Asian rivals were approved by the US State Department, and announced simultaneously by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rain-lashes-mumbai-flooding-several-areas-seven-flights-cancelled-238751">Heavy rain lashes Mumbai flooding several areas, traffic severely affected</a>

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai in the last 24 hours flooding several areas and severely affecting the road, rail and air traffic.

US Supreme Court lets Trump use disputed funds of $2.5 billion for border wall The US Supreme Court on Friday handed President Donald Trump a victory by letting his administration redirect $2.

US Supreme Court lets Trump use disputed funds of $2.5 billion for border wall The US Supreme Court on Friday handed President Donald Trump a victory by letting his administration redirect $2.5 billion in money approved by Congress for the Pentagon to help build his promised wall along the US-Mexico border even though lawmakers refused to provide funding. Eight dead, 60 injured after twin quakes hit northern Philippines At least eight people were killed and over dozen were injured when the northern Philippines was struck with twin earthquakes of magnitudes 5.4 and 5.9 on early Saturday, police said. US President Donald Trump announces controversial asylum deal with Guatemala President Donald Trump announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border. US approves sales to support Pakistan's F-16s, India's C-17s Washington on Friday approved $125 million worth of support for Pakistan's F-16 warplanes, and also $670 worth of support for India's C-17 transport planes. Approval to support US-built aircraft for the two south Asian rivals were approved by the US State Department, and announced simultaneously by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Heavy rain lashes Mumbai flooding several areas, traffic severely affected Heavy rains lashed Mumbai in the last 24 hours flooding several areas and severely affecting the road, rail and air traffic.

Global investors worried as China's major companies default

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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