It is rare for the Indian Army chief to travel abroad. General MN Naravane is the first army chief to visit the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Army chief is on a six-day long trip designed to create a military alliance with two Gulf powers.

General Naravane will be starting from scratch since India's defence cooperation with the Gulf has been limited.

The army chief could discuss the possibility of separate, but regular joint military exercises with the two Gulf allies. In recent years, the Indian Navy has held drills with Gulf partners.

In March 2018, India and the UAE conducted their maiden naval exercise "Gulf Star 1". In 2019, India and Saudi Arabia announced their first joint naval drills. Reports say the Indian Army had scheduled exercises in the Gulf before but they were delayed due to the outbreak of the Wuhan virus.

General Naravane could use the opportunity to reschedule the drills. Joint production of defence equipment could be on agenda too. Some reports have referred to the possibility of arms sales to the Gulf.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested in India's Brahmos missile.&nbsp;

The Gulf could be a lucrative market for India to sell its indigenous defence technology by March this year Saudi arms imports increased by 130 per cent with the UAE accounting for almost four per cent of the global arms deals both countries largely depend on the United States for weapons but they have been scouting other suppliers too.

The UAE is interested in equipping the Indian army. It is in talks with New Delhi to set up a Make in India route to supply carbines. UAE-based firm Caracal had won a contract two years back. Reports say the deal is yet to be signed.

The Army chief's West Asia tour will irk Pakistan and the generals in Rawalpindi. Over the years, a number of Pakistani soldiers have been deputed to Saudi Arabia and the UAE with the Pakistani military roped in the protection of the House of Saud.

Now, the Gulf powers are looking at India as a long term security partner. General Naravane's visit to the Gulf comes at a significant time. The UAE and Bahrain have established diplomatic ties with Israel.

The new partnerships open up possibilities for closer security cooperation with countries that are allies of India. New Delhi must make most of this realignment.

It is rare for the Indian Army chief to travel abroad. General MN Naravane is the first army chief to visit the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Army chief is on a six-day long trip designed to create a military alliance with two Gulf powers.

It is rare for the Indian Army chief to travel abroad. General MN Naravane is the first army chief to visit the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Army chief is on a six-day long trip designed to create a military alliance with two Gulf powers. General Naravane will be starting from scratch since India's defence cooperation with the Gulf has been limited. The army chief could discuss the possibility of separate, but regular joint military exercises with the two Gulf allies. In recent years, the Indian Navy has held drills with Gulf partners. In March 2018, India and the UAE conducted their maiden naval exercise "Gulf Star 1". In 2019, India and Saudi Arabia announced their first joint naval drills. Reports say the Indian Army had scheduled exercises in the Gulf before but they were delayed due to the outbreak of the Wuhan virus. General Naravane could use the opportunity to reschedule the drills. Joint production of defence equipment could be on agenda too. Some reports have referred to the possibility of arms sales to the Gulf. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested in India's Brahmos missile. The Gulf could be a lucrative market for India to sell its indigenous defence technology by March this year Saudi arms imports increased by 130 per cent with the UAE accounting for almost four per cent of the global arms deals both countries largely depend on the United States for weapons but they have been scouting other suppliers too. The UAE is interested in equipping the Indian army. It is in talks with New Delhi to set up a Make in India route to supply carbines. UAE-based firm Caracal had won a contract two years back. Reports say the deal is yet to be signed. The Army chief's West Asia tour will irk Pakistan and the generals in Rawalpindi. Over the years, a number of Pakistani soldiers have been deputed to Saudi Arabia and the UAE with the Pakistani military roped in the protection of the House of Saud. Now, the Gulf powers are looking at India as a long term security partner. General Naravane's visit to the Gulf comes at a significant time. The UAE and Bahrain have established diplomatic ties with Israel. The new partnerships open up possibilities for closer security cooperation with countries that are allies of India. New Delhi must make most of this realignment.

India eyes new defence partnership as Army chief General Naravane visits West Asia

The Indian government has launched a direct attack on Beijing until now New Delhi was sticking to the diplomatic code of conduct. In public the statements were non-confrontational, however, in private, India has been direct.

The Indian government wanted the Chinese troops to withdraw but China hasn't listened. So today, India spoke publicly. The development comes at a time when SFJ has been leading protests in Canada, US and UK in front of Indian missions in the name of "solidarity" for the farmer protests in India. 
&nbsp; 
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar says the India-China relationship has been significantly damaged this year and that it cannot be business as usual with China as long as the PLA is on the border.

Jaishankar was speaking to an American think-tank where he shared the latest assessment on China border standoff. Jaishankar said China is in a major breach of bilateral agreements. The Chinese side has given five different explanations to explain the provocation but failed to explain why they didn't adhere to the agreements.

In fact, the provocations haven't stopped. China has dispatched fighter aircraft and troops to a Pakistani airbase. It close to the Indian state of Gujarat. The deployment is for the Shaheen military exercise. Now, India has Chinese soldiers at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh and in the west the Chinese have been conducting drills with Pakistan.

China hasn't responded to the Indian minister's statement, however, Russia has spoken on the border standoff and it is an interesting assessment from a country that has been India's strategic ally and major arms supplier.

Russia feels the West is engineering a split between Moscow and New Delhi, however, ignoring the Chinese aggression, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Western powers are trying to engage India in an "anti-China" game.

"For instance, India is a matter of persistent, aggressive devious Western policy which tries to draw the country into anti-Chinese games, promoting so-called Indo-Pacific strategies," Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said, adding, "and at the same time, (western policy tries to) weaken our close partnership, strategic, privileged relations with Indians. There is a very tough pressure undertaken by Americans on New Delhi, concerning (Indian) military technical cooperation (with Russia)."

No prizes for guessing who Lavrov is talking about - the United States of America. Russia has its own theory about the border standoff. In the statement, Lavrov referred to India as a "clear pole" in the world order.

He says the West wants to weaken India's alliances with different global powers to maintain what he calls a "unipolar" world order and with those words Moscow seems to have effectively given a clean chit to Beijing.

At the same time, Lavrov has drawn the attention of the world to the great "power game". The pandemic has shaken the world order. New alliances are taking shape and Russia doesn't want to lose an ally like India.

Global powers like Russia and the United States have been vying for India's partnership. India will have to hedge its bets and make sure its rise doesn't come with a compromise.

The Indian government has launched a direct attack on Beijing until now New Delhi was sticking to the diplomatic code of conduct. In public the statements were non-confrontational, however, in private, India has been direct.

The Indian government has launched a direct attack on Beijing until now New Delhi was sticking to the diplomatic code of conduct. In public the statements were non-confrontational, however, in private, India has been direct. The Indian government wanted the Chinese troops to withdraw but China hasn't listened. So today, India spoke publicly. The development comes at a time when SFJ has been leading protests in Canada, US and UK in front of Indian missions in the name of "solidarity" for the farmer protests in India. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar says the India-China relationship has been significantly damaged this year and that it cannot be business as usual with China as long as the PLA is on the border. Jaishankar was speaking to an American think-tank where he shared the latest assessment on China border standoff. Jaishankar said China is in a major breach of bilateral agreements. The Chinese side has given five different explanations to explain the provocation but failed to explain why they didn't adhere to the agreements. In fact, the provocations haven't stopped. China has dispatched fighter aircraft and troops to a Pakistani airbase. It close to the Indian state of Gujarat. The deployment is for the Shaheen military exercise. Now, India has Chinese soldiers at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh and in the west the Chinese have been conducting drills with Pakistan. China hasn't responded to the Indian minister's statement, however, Russia has spoken on the border standoff and it is an interesting assessment from a country that has been India's strategic ally and major arms supplier. Russia feels the West is engineering a split between Moscow and New Delhi, however, ignoring the Chinese aggression, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Western powers are trying to engage India in an "anti-China" game. "For instance, India is a matter of persistent, aggressive devious Western policy which tries to draw the country into anti-Chinese games, promoting so-called Indo-Pacific strategies," Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said, adding, "and at the same time, (western policy tries to) weaken our close partnership, strategic, privileged relations with Indians. There is a very tough pressure undertaken by Americans on New Delhi, concerning (Indian) military technical cooperation (with Russia)." No prizes for guessing who Lavrov is talking about - the United States of America. Russia has its own theory about the border standoff. In the statement, Lavrov referred to India as a "clear pole" in the world order. He says the West wants to weaken India's alliances with different global powers to maintain what he calls a "unipolar" world order and with those words Moscow seems to have effectively given a clean chit to Beijing. At the same time, Lavrov has drawn the attention of the world to the great "power game". The pandemic has shaken the world order. New alliances are taking shape and Russia doesn't want to lose an ally like India. Global powers like Russia and the United States have been vying for India's partnership. India will have to hedge its bets and make sure its rise doesn't come with a compromise.

Russia gives new twist to India-China standoff at LAC

As Europe prepares to roll out the coronavirus vaccine, the European Medicines Agency(EMA) said today that it was targeted in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-it-foiled-the-norths-attempt-to-hack-covid-19-vaccine-makers-345752">cyber attack</a>.

Watch:

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"EMA cannot provide additional details whilst the investigation is ongoing. Further information will be made available in due course," it said in a statement.

The EMA is responsible for approving various medicines including vaccines for the European Union(EU). It is still unclear whether anything was compromised or who was responsible for the attack.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intellectual-property-war-hackers-try-to-steal-covid-vaccine-secrets-344840">cyber attack</a> report comes as fears have grown that hackers could target agencies handling vaccine information.

"EMA has been the subject of a cyber attack. The Agency has swiftly launched a full investigation, in close cooperation with law enforcement and other relevant entities," the Amsterdam-based agency said.

EU's medicines agency had earlier said that it wants to wait for further review among its members before rolling out the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.

The European agency has set December 29 deadline to decide on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and January 12 next year for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

IBM had earlier uncovered cyber attacks reportedly carried out by "state actors" against companies involved in distributing COVID-19 vaccines.

"Our team recently uncovered a global phishing campaign targeting organizations associated with a COVID-19 cold chain," IBM's analysts Claire Zaboeva and Melissa Frydrych had said.

The IBM analysts asserted that the motive behind the cyber attack "may have been to harvest credentials, possibly to gain future unauthorized access to corporate networks and sensitive information relating to the COVID-19 vaccine distribution."

According to the Wall Street Journal, hackers have tried to target several pharmaceutical companies developing vaccines including Johnson &amp; Johnson, Novavax, AstraZeneca including South Korean laboratories.

As Europe prepares to roll out the coronavirus vaccine, the European Medicines Agency(EMA) said today that it was targeted in a cyber attack. Watch: "EMA cannot provide additional details whilst the investigation is ongoing.

As Europe prepares to roll out the coronavirus vaccine, the European Medicines Agency(EMA) said today that it was targeted in a cyber attack. Watch: "EMA cannot provide additional details whilst the investigation is ongoing. Further information will be made available in due course," it said in a statement. The EMA is responsible for approving various medicines including vaccines for the European Union(EU). It is still unclear whether anything was compromised or who was responsible for the attack. The cyber attack report comes as fears have grown that hackers could target agencies handling vaccine information. "EMA has been the subject of a cyber attack. The Agency has swiftly launched a full investigation, in close cooperation with law enforcement and other relevant entities," the Amsterdam-based agency said. EU's medicines agency had earlier said that it wants to wait for further review among its members before rolling out the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. The European agency has set December 29 deadline to decide on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and January 12 next year for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. IBM had earlier uncovered cyber attacks reportedly carried out by "state actors" against companies involved in distributing COVID-19 vaccines. "Our team recently uncovered a global phishing campaign targeting organizations associated with a COVID-19 cold chain," IBM's analysts Claire Zaboeva and Melissa Frydrych had said. The IBM analysts asserted that the motive behind the cyber attack "may have been to harvest credentials, possibly to gain future unauthorized access to corporate networks and sensitive information relating to the COVID-19 vaccine distribution." According to the Wall Street Journal, hackers have tried to target several pharmaceutical companies developing vaccines including Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, AstraZeneca including South Korean laboratories.

EU's medicines agency responsible for vaccine approval suffers cyber attack

Future of air travel: New York to Rome in COVID-tested flight

India's ministry of health and family welfare dismissed a media report about the rejection of vaccines developed by Serum Institute of India(SII) and Bharat Biotech as "fake".

Watch:

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India's government had said earlier that emergency use authorisation&nbsp;(EUA) for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-like-china-and-saudi-arabia-used-covid-19-to-curtail-civil-liberties-finds-study-348604">coronavirus</a> vaccines developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, Pune's Serum Institute of India and Pfizer were under consideration.

All three vaccine makers have applied to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

In India at least eight vaccines are in different stages of development in phase two and three clinical trials.

Covishield, manufactured by SII in collaboration with AstraZeneca, also Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the ICMR is in phase-3 of trials, according to the government.

Also in the running is ZyCOV-D developed by Cadila Healthcare in Ahmedabad which is in phase-2 of the trials.

Russia's Sputnik V is being manufactured by Dr Reddy's Lab, Hyderabad in collaboration with Gamaleya National Centre. The phase-2&nbsp;trial in India of Sputnik V is over and phase-3&nbsp;will begin next week, the government informed.

Russia has already started mass vaccination campaign of the Sputnik V even as testing is underway in India. Biological E Ltd Hyderabad's Recombinant Protein antigen-based vaccine is also undergoing tests in collaboration with MIT, USA.

HGCO 19 manufactured by Genova in Pune in collaboration with HDT, USA is set to begin phase-1 and 2 clinical trials and Bharat Biotech International Ltd's vaccine developed in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University, USA is in pre-clinical stage.

India's ministry of health and family welfare dismissed a media report about the rejection of vaccines developed by Serum Institute of India(SII) and Bharat Biotech as "fake".

India's ministry of health and family welfare dismissed a media report about the rejection of vaccines developed by Serum Institute of India(SII) and Bharat Biotech as "fake". Watch: India's government had said earlier that emergency use authorisation (EUA) for coronavirus vaccines developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, Pune's Serum Institute of India and Pfizer were under consideration. All three vaccine makers have applied to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). In India at least eight vaccines are in different stages of development in phase two and three clinical trials. Covishield, manufactured by SII in collaboration with AstraZeneca, also Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the ICMR is in phase-3 of trials, according to the government. Also in the running is ZyCOV-D developed by Cadila Healthcare in Ahmedabad which is in phase-2 of the trials. Russia's Sputnik V is being manufactured by Dr Reddy's Lab, Hyderabad in collaboration with Gamaleya National Centre. The phase-2 trial in India of Sputnik V is over and phase-3 will begin next week, the government informed. Russia has already started mass vaccination campaign of the Sputnik V even as testing is underway in India. Biological E Ltd Hyderabad's Recombinant Protein antigen-based vaccine is also undergoing tests in collaboration with MIT, USA. HGCO 19 manufactured by Genova in Pune in collaboration with HDT, USA is set to begin phase-1 and 2 clinical trials and Bharat Biotech International Ltd's vaccine developed in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University, USA is in pre-clinical stage.

Fake report on rejection of vaccines by Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech: Government

After two British health officials suffered allergic reaction as they were administered with the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-western-countries-hoard-vaccines-9-out-of-10-in-low-income-countries-to-miss-out-348585">vaccine</a>, UK health department on Wednesday issued a warning cautioning people not to take the jab if they have a history of allergic reactions.

Watch:

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The National Health Service(NHS) England medical director Stephen Powis said both patients were recovering after being treated.&nbsp;

"People with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination as a precaution, significant&nbsp;allergic reactions include those to medicines, food or vaccines," UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said.

Britain started the coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-safe-and-effective-against-covid-latest-study-confirms-348436">vaccination</a> drive on Tuesday starting mainly with elderly people including NHS workers. Margaret Keenan, 91, was the first to receive the vaccine in the UK as Britain called it "V-Day", taking up the World War II victory slogan.

Britain has received some 800,000 doses of the vaccine in the first batch and is set to get 40 million more with over four million doses expected by the end of December. The dose consists of two jabs 21 days apart.

UK has been hit hardest with the virus in Europe with over 62,000 fatalities and 1.75 million cases.

The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)&nbsp;on Tuesday had said the Pfizer-BioTech vaccine showed "no specific safety concerns" while adding that it had "a favourable safety profile, with no specific safety concerns identified."

US health officials are set to begin deliberations on Pfizer's vaccine today as the country battles with the virus. The United States is the worst-hit country with the virus with over 15 million coronavirus cases and over 286,300 deaths.

After two British health officials suffered allergic reaction as they were administered with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, UK health department on Wednesday issued a warning cautioning people not to take the jab if they have a history of allergic reactions.

After two British health officials suffered allergic reaction as they were administered with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, UK health department on Wednesday issued a warning cautioning people not to take the jab if they have a history of allergic reactions. Watch: The National Health Service(NHS) England medical director Stephen Powis said both patients were recovering after being treated. "People with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination as a precaution, significant allergic reactions include those to medicines, food or vaccines," UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said. Britain started the coronavirus vaccination drive on Tuesday starting mainly with elderly people including NHS workers. Margaret Keenan, 91, was the first to receive the vaccine in the UK as Britain called it "V-Day", taking up the World War II victory slogan. Britain has received some 800,000 doses of the vaccine in the first batch and is set to get 40 million more with over four million doses expected by the end of December. The dose consists of two jabs 21 days apart. UK has been hit hardest with the virus in Europe with over 62,000 fatalities and 1.75 million cases. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) on Tuesday had said the Pfizer-BioTech vaccine showed "no specific safety concerns" while adding that it had "a favourable safety profile, with no specific safety concerns identified." US health officials are set to begin deliberations on Pfizer's vaccine today as the country battles with the virus. The United States is the worst-hit country with the virus with over 15 million coronavirus cases and over 286,300 deaths.

UK issues 'allergy warning' over Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine after two reported cases

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-blaming-us-and-india-china-claims-covid-19-originated-in-australia-348371">Chinese </a>authorities tested over a quarter of a million people after two new coronavirus cases were detected in Chengdu city.

Watch:

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According to reports, at least 255,200 residents were tested after six confirmed cases were detected including one asymptomatic patient. The authorities said that an elderly woman was diagnosed with the virus on Monday as officials decided to conduct mass testing in the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-registers-chinas-sinopharm-vaccine-says-86-effective-348540">Also Read:&nbsp;UAE registers China's Sinopharm vaccine, says 86% effective</a>

Reports said a 69-year-old woman was detected with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-exports-generate-record-trade-surplus-as-coronavirus-lockdowns-return-to-the-west-348062">virus </a>in Chengdu's Pidu district including her 71-year-old husband and almost immediately the residents in the area were allowed to move around in the area only after taking special permission from authorities.

Health officials said the virus was reportedly detected in food stored in a fridge and on a chopping board in the flat. Local authorities quickly closed schools in the district where the virus was detected with students and teachers placed on quarantine.

Authorities quickly switched to mass testing as the virus was detected on Monday collecting over 24,000 samples on Tuesday and testing almost all of them, reports said as Taiping village was marked out as "medium risk" area.

According to the World Health Organization(WHO) there is no evidence to suggest that the virus can spread through frozen food.

The Chinese authorities had earlier said that in&nbsp;Tianjin the virus was detected in imported pig heads from North America, however, it could not be confirmed through independent analysis.

China has tested millions of people ever since the virus was first detected in Wuhan last year and authorities disclosed the first case on December 31, 2019, since then the virus has spread to over 65 million people with over 1.5 million casualties worldwide. 
&nbsp;

Chinese authorities tested over a quarter of a million people after two new coronavirus cases were detected in Chengdu city. Watch: According to reports, at least 255,200 residents were tested after six confirmed cases were detected including one asymptomatic patient.

Chinese authorities tested over a quarter of a million people after two new coronavirus cases were detected in Chengdu city. Watch: According to reports, at least 255,200 residents were tested after six confirmed cases were detected including one asymptomatic patient. The authorities said that an elderly woman was diagnosed with the virus on Monday as officials decided to conduct mass testing in the city. Also Read: UAE registers China's Sinopharm vaccine, says 86% effective Reports said a 69-year-old woman was detected with the virus in Chengdu's Pidu district including her 71-year-old husband and almost immediately the residents in the area were allowed to move around in the area only after taking special permission from authorities. Health officials said the virus was reportedly detected in food stored in a fridge and on a chopping board in the flat. Local authorities quickly closed schools in the district where the virus was detected with students and teachers placed on quarantine. Authorities quickly switched to mass testing as the virus was detected on Monday collecting over 24,000 samples on Tuesday and testing almost all of them, reports said as Taiping village was marked out as "medium risk" area. According to the World Health Organization(WHO) there is no evidence to suggest that the virus can spread through frozen food. The Chinese authorities had earlier said that in Tianjin the virus was detected in imported pig heads from North America, however, it could not be confirmed through independent analysis. China has tested millions of people ever since the virus was first detected in Wuhan last year and authorities disclosed the first case on December 31, 2019, since then the virus has spread to over 65 million people with over 1.5 million casualties worldwide.

China goes on overdrive, tests over quarter of a million people after two COVID-19 cases in Chengdu

Pakistan's economy is in the doldrums plunging to new lows every day with inflation at an all-time high.

In January, Pakistan had witnessed 12-year high inflation at 14.6 per cent which is among the highest in the world.

Food prices have been spiralling out of control in the country. In October, food inflation was at 16.6 per cent. The Pakistan government has gone on a panic-buying spree to bring the prices down.

The Pakistani currency has weakened at 160 Pakistani rupees to a dollar it has become one of the worst-performing currencies in the region. "Naya Pakistan" is turning out to be a nightmare for Imran Khan which has taken the shape of the country - failed and adrift.

For all his tall promises of a new era, PM Imran Khan has only taken his country backwards.

The total public debt has in Pakistan has ballooned. It has increased by 11 trillion rupees at a total of 36.3 trillion which is 87 per cent of Pakistan's total GDP in the two years under Imran Khan's rule.

Then there are international loans which have been piling up. Islamabad is still turning to foreign banks to meet its balance of payments. In the latest instance, the Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of $300 million to Islamabad, it is in addition to $1.3 billion that Pakistan borrowed from the IMF in April which was in addition to a $6 billion loan it secured from the IMF in July.

Pakistan's economy is scraping the bottom of the barrel with unemployment zooming. According to the World Economic Forum, the youth unemployment rate in Pakistan stands at 8.5 per cent in a country where 64 per cent of the population is below the age of 30.

Pakistan's healthcare has been going from bad to worse. According to Pakistan's national command operation centre, 10,300 healthcare professionals have been infected during the pandemic and at least 100 healthcare workers have lost their lives to the virus from China.

There's also a severe shortage of oxygen in hospitals. In Peshawar, at least 6 patients lost their life due to oxygen shortage even as over 200 patients had their oxygen supply curtailed for hours.

Corruption in Pakistan has become institutionalised. The bus rapid transit project and the billion tree Tsunami project which was the brainchild of Imran Khan are now scams. A report by Pakistan's auditor-general has revealed financial irregularities of up to 2.77 billion Pakistani rupees in the bus rapid transport project and the billion tree Tsunami project is facing a probe for embezzlement of funds and misuse of authority.

PM Imran Khan had promised a tsunami of trees across Pakistan. The money has been spent but there are no trees to show for it, all that is left is a hole in the public exchequer's purse with a loss of over 432 million Pakistani rupees.

Naya Pakistan is riddled with the same old problems - the politicians are embroiled in corruption, the elites have been exploiting the masses and the clerics have been radicalising them. The army is taking control and cash and terrorism have become a means for survival, the people of Pakistan, however. are barely managing to survive.

Pakistan's economy is in the doldrums plunging to new lows every day with inflation at an all-time high. In January, Pakistan had witnessed 12-year high inflation at 14.

Pakistan's economy is in the doldrums plunging to new lows every day with inflation at an all-time high. In January, Pakistan had witnessed 12-year high inflation at 14.6 per cent which is among the highest in the world. Food prices have been spiralling out of control in the country. In October, food inflation was at 16.6 per cent. The Pakistan government has gone on a panic-buying spree to bring the prices down. The Pakistani currency has weakened at 160 Pakistani rupees to a dollar it has become one of the worst-performing currencies in the region. "Naya Pakistan" is turning out to be a nightmare for Imran Khan which has taken the shape of the country - failed and adrift. For all his tall promises of a new era, PM Imran Khan has only taken his country backwards. The total public debt has in Pakistan has ballooned. It has increased by 11 trillion rupees at a total of 36.3 trillion which is 87 per cent of Pakistan's total GDP in the two years under Imran Khan's rule. Then there are international loans which have been piling up. Islamabad is still turning to foreign banks to meet its balance of payments. In the latest instance, the Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of $300 million to Islamabad, it is in addition to $1.3 billion that Pakistan borrowed from the IMF in April which was in addition to a $6 billion loan it secured from the IMF in July. Pakistan's economy is scraping the bottom of the barrel with unemployment zooming. According to the World Economic Forum, the youth unemployment rate in Pakistan stands at 8.5 per cent in a country where 64 per cent of the population is below the age of 30. Pakistan's healthcare has been going from bad to worse. According to Pakistan's national command operation centre, 10,300 healthcare professionals have been infected during the pandemic and at least 100 healthcare workers have lost their lives to the virus from China. There's also a severe shortage of oxygen in hospitals. In Peshawar, at least 6 patients lost their life due to oxygen shortage even as over 200 patients had their oxygen supply curtailed for hours. Corruption in Pakistan has become institutionalised. The bus rapid transit project and the billion tree Tsunami project which was the brainchild of Imran Khan are now scams. A report by Pakistan's auditor-general has revealed financial irregularities of up to 2.77 billion Pakistani rupees in the bus rapid transport project and the billion tree Tsunami project is facing a probe for embezzlement of funds and misuse of authority. PM Imran Khan had promised a tsunami of trees across Pakistan. The money has been spent but there are no trees to show for it, all that is left is a hole in the public exchequer's purse with a loss of over 432 million Pakistani rupees. Naya Pakistan is riddled with the same old problems - the politicians are embroiled in corruption, the elites have been exploiting the masses and the clerics have been radicalising them. The army is taking control and cash and terrorism have become a means for survival, the people of Pakistan, however. are barely managing to survive.

Imran's 'Naya Pakistan' turns into nightmare as economy hits new low

Pakistan citizen's misery under the Imran Khan government is evident, not just for those who live in the country but also for those working overseas.

PM Imran Khan's Islamic powerplay has hurt Pakistanis outside, especially in the Gulf.

Imran Khan had joined the Islamic alliance with Malaysia and Turkey falling out of favour with the Gulf powers..

As a cricketer, Imran Khan was Pakistan's biggest global ambassador, however, as prime minister, he may be proving to be the biggest embarrassment stumbling his way from one diplomatic disaster to the next while feeling the brunt are Pakistanis - both at home and abroad.

Imran Khan had gone against Gulf powers and joined hands with Turkey and Malaysia. Now, overseas Pakistanis are paying the price for it. Last month, the UAE had stopped issuing visas to 13 Muslim countries which includes Pakistan.

For the Pakistani labourers, it was a punch in the gut. They lost employment and the Pakistan government also suffered some losses since remittances were already falling. In July, Pakistan expected a drop of 10 per cent in remittances from the UAE. Now, the drop will be much higher and to rub salt on the wound, Indians are benefiting from the ban on Pakistanis.

Reports say a recruitment agency in Rawalpindi alone lost 3,000 openings to India - its a triple whammy for Imran Khan. While the ban is temporary, Pakistan is out of the good graces of Gulf states. The reason is Imran Khan's call to join Turkey and Malaysia - the new Muslim axis that challenges traditional Muslim powers Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

After repeated warnings, the Gulf powers dumped Pakistan and by April more than 21,000 Pakistani expats in Gulf states were laid off. In November, it grew to 50,000 as they returned to Pakistan on paid or unpaid leaves with their jobs are on the line.

Pakistan has clearly lost the plot and it may be too late to salvage the relationship. Gulf countries are moving closer to new allies with the UAE and Bahrain have recently established diplomatic ties with Israel, Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar recently travelled to these countries signalling a visible realignment.

Later this month, Jaishankar will travel to Qatar and Kuwait while his deputy will pay a visit to Oman. The Indian Army chief MM Naravane kicked off his visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE today.

As India's ties with the Gulf deepen, Pakistan is being dumped. The Pakistanis have lost jobs and they only have Imran Khan to blame.

Pakistan citizen's misery under the Imran Khan government is evident, not just for those who live in the country but also for those working overseas. PM Imran Khan's Islamic powerplay has hurt Pakistanis outside, especially in the Gulf.

Pakistan citizen's misery under the Imran Khan government is evident, not just for those who live in the country but also for those working overseas. PM Imran Khan's Islamic powerplay has hurt Pakistanis outside, especially in the Gulf. Imran Khan had joined the Islamic alliance with Malaysia and Turkey falling out of favour with the Gulf powers.. As a cricketer, Imran Khan was Pakistan's biggest global ambassador, however, as prime minister, he may be proving to be the biggest embarrassment stumbling his way from one diplomatic disaster to the next while feeling the brunt are Pakistanis - both at home and abroad. Imran Khan had gone against Gulf powers and joined hands with Turkey and Malaysia. Now, overseas Pakistanis are paying the price for it. Last month, the UAE had stopped issuing visas to 13 Muslim countries which includes Pakistan. For the Pakistani labourers, it was a punch in the gut. They lost employment and the Pakistan government also suffered some losses since remittances were already falling. In July, Pakistan expected a drop of 10 per cent in remittances from the UAE. Now, the drop will be much higher and to rub salt on the wound, Indians are benefiting from the ban on Pakistanis. Reports say a recruitment agency in Rawalpindi alone lost 3,000 openings to India - its a triple whammy for Imran Khan. While the ban is temporary, Pakistan is out of the good graces of Gulf states. The reason is Imran Khan's call to join Turkey and Malaysia - the new Muslim axis that challenges traditional Muslim powers Saudi Arabia and the UAE. After repeated warnings, the Gulf powers dumped Pakistan and by April more than 21,000 Pakistani expats in Gulf states were laid off. In November, it grew to 50,000 as they returned to Pakistan on paid or unpaid leaves with their jobs are on the line. Pakistan has clearly lost the plot and it may be too late to salvage the relationship. Gulf countries are moving closer to new allies with the UAE and Bahrain have recently established diplomatic ties with Israel, Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar recently travelled to these countries signalling a visible realignment. Later this month, Jaishankar will travel to Qatar and Kuwait while his deputy will pay a visit to Oman. The Indian Army chief MM Naravane kicked off his visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE today. As India's ties with the Gulf deepen, Pakistan is being dumped. The Pakistanis have lost jobs and they only have Imran Khan to blame.

PM Imran Khan's Islamic alliance with Malaysia, Turkey hurts Pakistanis in the Gulf

Almost 50 per cent of Pakistan's Parliament members are set to resign with the opposition mulling mass resignation.

The Pakistan democratic movement which is an alliance of eleven opposition parties has been contemplating mass exit which might trigger a constitutional crisis in the middle of a pandemic.

A meeting of opposition leaders was held today and it stretched for hours. Sources say the opposition is united and they all ready to resign with the details and specifics being worked out.

Pakistan Muslim League(Nawaz) leader Maryam Nawaz has been at the forefront of the movement.

"If we call for resignations from the assemblies, you must be willing to stand by us. Do not fall under any pressure," &nbsp;Maryam told party leaders while she was addressing the provincial and national assembly members of her party.

Reports say elected members of the PML(N) at the provincial level have begun handing in their resignations.&nbsp;

Maryam Nawaz has made the same appeal to leaders of other opposition parties as well, if all of them walk the talk Pakistan will witness an unprecedented situation with more than half the legislators across the country resigning in protest against PM Imran Khan.

The campaign against PM Imran Khan has been gaining momentum for months with massive rallies held across around Pakistan as leaders like Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari leading these jalsas with speeches critical of the Imran Khan-led government and the military establishment.

Another major rally is scheduled on December 13 at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan. However, PM Imran Khan has been trying to stop the campaign. His government has refused permission to hold the rally.

PM Imran Khan says the police will book everyone involved which means not just political leaders and party workers, he has promised he won't spare even the caterer who supplies chairs or those installing mikes and speakers at the venue - the kind of threats that can only be issued in Pakistan.

The Pakistan opposition has joined hands like never before - the Sharifs and the Bhutto-Zardaris - the leaders whom Imran Khan had put behind bars have now closed ranks.&nbsp;

Imran Khan's only hope is the military that is said to have selected him for the PM's job but the military too seems to be gearing up for a shift.

They have largely and now openly taken control of the civilian government. Now they want to control Chinese investments in Pakistan to secure China's interests even if the civilian government collapses.

So the Pakistan army has set its sights on the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC). Later this month a bill is supposed to hit the floor of the Pakistani parliament called the CPEC authority bill.

It is a law that would put a powerful body led by the military in charge of CPEC.

Right now, CPEC projects are being controlled by the planning and development ministry at least on paper.&nbsp;

However, after the bill is passed the Chinese projects will be controlled by the CPEC authority - the same authority that is headed by retired Army general Asim Saleem Bajwa, the infamous pizza general who had to leave the Pakistani government over charges of graft.

The bill is likely to be brought before the parliament in the second week of December. The idea is simple: eliminate the government from all projects related to China. General Bajwa will replace the planning minister as the co-chair of a Pakistan-China joint committee.

The army wants to appease the Chinese since they are unhappy over the progress of CPEC projects. So the Pakistani military is making amends. It will now officially handle Chinese investments in Pakistan. It is something China demanded way back in 2016, so the writing is on the wall for Imran Khan. The opposition is gunning for him and the military won't think twice before disposing of him.&nbsp;

Almost 50 per cent of Pakistan's Parliament members are set to resign with the opposition mulling mass resignation. The Pakistan democratic movement which is an alliance of eleven opposition parties has been contemplating mass exit which might trigger a constitutional crisis in the middle of a pandemic.

Almost 50 per cent of Pakistan's Parliament members are set to resign with the opposition mulling mass resignation. The Pakistan democratic movement which is an alliance of eleven opposition parties has been contemplating mass exit which might trigger a constitutional crisis in the middle of a pandemic. A meeting of opposition leaders was held today and it stretched for hours. Sources say the opposition is united and they all ready to resign with the details and specifics being worked out. Pakistan Muslim League(Nawaz) leader Maryam Nawaz has been at the forefront of the movement. "If we call for resignations from the assemblies, you must be willing to stand by us. Do not fall under any pressure," Maryam told party leaders while she was addressing the provincial and national assembly members of her party. Reports say elected members of the PML(N) at the provincial level have begun handing in their resignations. Maryam Nawaz has made the same appeal to leaders of other opposition parties as well, if all of them walk the talk Pakistan will witness an unprecedented situation with more than half the legislators across the country resigning in protest against PM Imran Khan. The campaign against PM Imran Khan has been gaining momentum for months with massive rallies held across around Pakistan as leaders like Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari leading these jalsas with speeches critical of the Imran Khan-led government and the military establishment. Another major rally is scheduled on December 13 at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan. However, PM Imran Khan has been trying to stop the campaign. His government has refused permission to hold the rally. PM Imran Khan says the police will book everyone involved which means not just political leaders and party workers, he has promised he won't spare even the caterer who supplies chairs or those installing mikes and speakers at the venue - the kind of threats that can only be issued in Pakistan. The Pakistan opposition has joined hands like never before - the Sharifs and the Bhutto-Zardaris - the leaders whom Imran Khan had put behind bars have now closed ranks. Imran Khan's only hope is the military that is said to have selected him for the PM's job but the military too seems to be gearing up for a shift. They have largely and now openly taken control of the civilian government. Now they want to control Chinese investments in Pakistan to secure China's interests even if the civilian government collapses. So the Pakistan army has set its sights on the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC). Later this month a bill is supposed to hit the floor of the Pakistani parliament called the CPEC authority bill. It is a law that would put a powerful body led by the military in charge of CPEC. Right now, CPEC projects are being controlled by the planning and development ministry at least on paper. However, after the bill is passed the Chinese projects will be controlled by the CPEC authority - the same authority that is headed by retired Army general Asim Saleem Bajwa, the infamous pizza general who had to leave the Pakistani government over charges of graft. The bill is likely to be brought before the parliament in the second week of December. The idea is simple: eliminate the government from all projects related to China. General Bajwa will replace the planning minister as the co-chair of a Pakistan-China joint committee. The army wants to appease the Chinese since they are unhappy over the progress of CPEC projects. So the Pakistani military is making amends. It will now officially handle Chinese investments in Pakistan. It is something China demanded way back in 2016, so the writing is on the wall for Imran Khan. The opposition is gunning for him and the military won't think twice before disposing of him.

As Pak opposition decides on mass resignation, PM Imran Khan faces heat from military

As the first coronavirus<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-joke-william-shakespeare-from-warwickshire-gets-coronavirus-jab-in-uk-after-margaret-keenan-348372"> vaccine</a> jabs were administered in the UK on Tuesday, Europe recorded a total 20 million COVID-19 cases as several areas continued to be in various stages of lockdown in the continent amid a second wave of the virus.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australians-panic-buying-christmas-trees-in-2020-drone-footage-shows-anything-is-possible-348279/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Germany's Saxony region announced strict lockdown measures after it became a new<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doctor-who-saved-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-life-in-april-contracts-coronavirus-348357"> coronavirus</a> hotspot. Saxony reported 319 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days which is double the rate of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/90-year-old-grandma-becomes-first-in-the-world-to-receive-coronavirus-jab-outside-trial-348296">Also Read:&nbsp;90-year-old grandma becomes first in the world to receive coronavirus jab&nbsp;</a>

The German eastern region decided to shut schools moving classes online with shops selling non-essential items also ordered to close as the country continues to grapple with the virus.

According to reports, nearly 40 per cent new<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-of-the-end-for-pandemic-britain-begins-roll-out-of-pfizers-drug-to-the-public-348249"> coronavirus </a>cases in the last seven days worldwide were in Europe. There are at least 67 million coronavirus cases recorded across the world since the outbreak was first recorded in China's Wuhan on December 31, 2019.

In Italy, the death toll crossed 60,000 and over 1.7 million infections with 564 coronavirus-related deaths reported on Sunday becoming the sixth nation in the world to surpass 60,000 death mark and second after the UK which has over 61,500 fatalities so far.

Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases, Italy's interior minister Luciana Lamorgese tested positive for the virus on Monday.&nbsp;

Italy has been witnessing rising hospitalizations for the past one month with intensive care occupancy reportedly increasing by nearly 100 per day.

Governments across Europe have been trying to ensure the virus spread does not go out of control during the busy Christmas holiday season as families congregate amid strict guidelines on gathering imposed in several countries.

As the first coronavirus vaccine jabs were administered in the UK on Tuesday, Europe recorded a total 20 million COVID-19 cases as several areas continued to be in various stages of lockdown in the continent amid a second wave of the virus.

As the first coronavirus vaccine jabs were administered in the UK on Tuesday, Europe recorded a total 20 million COVID-19 cases as several areas continued to be in various stages of lockdown in the continent amid a second wave of the virus. Watch: Germany's Saxony region announced strict lockdown measures after it became a new coronavirus hotspot. Saxony reported 319 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days which is double the rate of the country. Also Read: 90-year-old grandma becomes first in the world to receive coronavirus jab The German eastern region decided to shut schools moving classes online with shops selling non-essential items also ordered to close as the country continues to grapple with the virus. According to reports, nearly 40 per cent new coronavirus cases in the last seven days worldwide were in Europe. There are at least 67 million coronavirus cases recorded across the world since the outbreak was first recorded in China's Wuhan on December 31, 2019. In Italy, the death toll crossed 60,000 and over 1.7 million infections with 564 coronavirus-related deaths reported on Sunday becoming the sixth nation in the world to surpass 60,000 death mark and second after the UK which has over 61,500 fatalities so far. Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases, Italy's interior minister Luciana Lamorgese tested positive for the virus on Monday. Italy has been witnessing rising hospitalizations for the past one month with intensive care occupancy reportedly increasing by nearly 100 per day. Governments across Europe have been trying to ensure the virus spread does not go out of control during the busy Christmas holiday season as families congregate amid strict guidelines on gathering imposed in several countries.

As UK begins vaccination, COVID-19 cases in Europe top 20 million

As the Trump administration approved fresh arms sale to Taiwan, the country's President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan faces military threats from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sentences-taiwanese-professor-to-four-years-in-jail-345244">China</a> on a "daily basis" over the South China Sea region.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-says-faces-daily-threats-as-us-notifies-of-280m-arms-sale-348300/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Authoritarian forces consistently attempt to violate the existing norms-based order," Tsai said, adding, "Taiwan has been at the receiving end of such military threats on a daily basis."

China had threatened sanctions against Taiwan over the new arms sale as President Tsai said the contentious South China Sea area has become "increasingly militarised". &nbsp;

Taiwan's defence ministry hailed the US government asserting that it helped to "consolidate security partnership" between the two countries in order to "maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".

The Trump administration handed over the sixth arms package to Taiwan&nbsp;this year amid escalation of tensions between the US and China. The sale of weapons to Taiwan by the US government has touched $5 billion this year.

The new arms sale by the US government to Taiwan is worth $280 million as China said it would take &nbsp;"necessary countermeasures" and "justified measures" against the US move to arm Taiwan.

On Monday, the US government had notified Congress of the sale of a new Field Information Communications System(FICS) as the Chinese foreign ministry urged the US to halt arms sale.&nbsp;

According to reports, the FICS is designed to provide mobile communications and is an attempt to bloster Taiwan's military communications capability. It is the eleventh arms sale to Taiwan by the Trump administration during its four-year term.

"China urges the US to abide by the One-China principle and Three Joint Communique, stop selling arms to Taiwan, stop military contact with Taiwan, and withdraw from arms sales plans to Taiwan to avoid to harming China-US relations," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

"I hope they can distinguish whether the United States is actually helping them or harming them," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said.

As the Trump administration approved fresh arms sale to Taiwan, the country's President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan faces military threats from China on a "daily basis" over the South China Sea region.

As the Trump administration approved fresh arms sale to Taiwan, the country's President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan faces military threats from China on a "daily basis" over the South China Sea region. Watch: "Authoritarian forces consistently attempt to violate the existing norms-based order," Tsai said, adding, "Taiwan has been at the receiving end of such military threats on a daily basis." China had threatened sanctions against Taiwan over the new arms sale as President Tsai said the contentious South China Sea area has become "increasingly militarised". Taiwan's defence ministry hailed the US government asserting that it helped to "consolidate security partnership" between the two countries in order to "maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait". The Trump administration handed over the sixth arms package to Taiwan this year amid escalation of tensions between the US and China. The sale of weapons to Taiwan by the US government has touched $5 billion this year. The new arms sale by the US government to Taiwan is worth $280 million as China said it would take "necessary countermeasures" and "justified measures" against the US move to arm Taiwan. On Monday, the US government had notified Congress of the sale of a new Field Information Communications System(FICS) as the Chinese foreign ministry urged the US to halt arms sale. According to reports, the FICS is designed to provide mobile communications and is an attempt to bloster Taiwan's military communications capability. It is the eleventh arms sale to Taiwan by the Trump administration during its four-year term. "China urges the US to abide by the One-China principle and Three Joint Communique, stop selling arms to Taiwan, stop military contact with Taiwan, and withdraw from arms sales plans to Taiwan to avoid to harming China-US relations," the Chinese foreign ministry said. "I hope they can distinguish whether the United States is actually helping them or harming them," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said.

Trump administration announces another arms sale to Taiwan; China threatens 'countermeasures'

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