King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud opened the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/saudi-rushes-to-improve-its-image-in-advance-of-g20-and-biden-344465">G20</a> Riyadh Summit on Saturday asserting that an "affordable" and "accessible" vaccine should be created for everyone.

Watch:

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"We also must support the global economy and we must provide support to the developing countries, we need to continue to lay the foundation for robust, sustainable and inclusive growth," the Saudi King said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/counter-terror-covid-19-crisis-black-money-issue-to-be-our-focus-at-g20-virtual-summit-indias-sherpa-suresh-prabhu-343780">Also Read:&nbsp;Counter-terror, COVID-19, black money to be our focus at G20 virtual summit: India</a>

"In the past, we have seen this group working together to fight global economic crisis, today we are working to tackle another deeper global crisis and I hope we can handle it," he said referring to the coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi Arabia is the first Arab nation to host the G20 summit which is taking place amid the global pandemic. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/counter-terror-covid-19-crisis-black-money-issue-to-be-our-focus-at-g20-virtual-summit-indias-sherpa-suresh-prabhu-343780">G20</a> nations have already contributed over $21 billion to combat the pandemic.

The two-day meeting will involve brief online sessions in the form of "digital diplomacy".

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking virtually at the summit, said: "Cooperation within G-20 is key for us to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and resume the pathway towards economic and social recovery."

"From the very beginning, we have emphasised that we should take care of people's health and of the economy at the same time," the Brazil president said.

"Time has proven us right. We must uphold our firm commitment to work towards economic growth, the freedom of our people and the prosperity of the world at large," Bolsonaro added.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's King Salman will preside over the summit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin expected to make speeches.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be in Saudi Arabia on the second day of the summit, however, President Trump's online presence at the even is still being debated even as several world leaders have already congratulated president-elect Joe Biden.

The summit is also expected to discuss climate change and human rights.

King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud opened the G20 Riyadh Summit on Saturday asserting that an "affordable" and "accessible" vaccine should be created for everyone.

King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud opened the G20 Riyadh Summit on Saturday asserting that an "affordable" and "accessible" vaccine should be created for everyone. Watch: "We also must support the global economy and we must provide support to the developing countries, we need to continue to lay the foundation for robust, sustainable and inclusive growth," the Saudi King said. Also Read: Counter-terror, COVID-19, black money to be our focus at G20 virtual summit: India "In the past, we have seen this group working together to fight global economic crisis, today we are working to tackle another deeper global crisis and I hope we can handle it," he said referring to the coronavirus pandemic. Saudi Arabia is the first Arab nation to host the G20 summit which is taking place amid the global pandemic. The G20 nations have already contributed over $21 billion to combat the pandemic. The two-day meeting will involve brief online sessions in the form of "digital diplomacy". Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking virtually at the summit, said: "Cooperation within G-20 is key for us to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and resume the pathway towards economic and social recovery." "From the very beginning, we have emphasised that we should take care of people's health and of the economy at the same time," the Brazil president said. "Time has proven us right. We must uphold our firm commitment to work towards economic growth, the freedom of our people and the prosperity of the world at large," Bolsonaro added. Saudi Arabia's King Salman will preside over the summit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin expected to make speeches. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be in Saudi Arabia on the second day of the summit, however, President Trump's online presence at the even is still being debated even as several world leaders have already congratulated president-elect Joe Biden. The summit is also expected to discuss climate change and human rights.

Saudi King opens G20 summit, pandemic dominates meet

Protesters in Thailand joined school students in Bangkok on Saturday amid calls for education reforms and removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha government and curbs on the power of the monarchy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-the-thai-way-pool-ducks-hunger-games-salute-drag-queens-344079">In Pics:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/protests-the-thai-way-pool-ducks-hunger-games-salute-drag-queens-344079" hreflang="en">Protests the Thai way: Pool ducks, Hunger Games salute &amp; drag queens</a>

Watch:

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The "Bad Student" group greater freedom and fairer treatment in the education system. Reports said at least two students were ordered to report to the capital's police station for questioning.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-pm-threatens-to-use-all-laws-against-pro-democracy-protesters-344269">Also Read:&nbsp;Thailand PM threatens to use 'all laws' against pro-democracy protesters</a>

The student protests come amid large scale anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-scale-monument-turn-their-back-on-kings-motorcade-in-thailand-343187">Thailand </a>which has shaken the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-prime-minister-prayuth-chan-ocha-refuses-to-resign-despite-protests-338463">Prayuth</a> government.

However, the Thai prime minister has dismissed resignation demands even as the opposition has repeatedly accused him of unfair practices during last year's polls.

The "Bad Student" movement has been calling for the resignation of education minister Nataphol Teepsuwan with teenage girls spearheading the movement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thailands-billionaire-king-vajiralongkorn-his-colourful-life-337129">In Pics: Thailand's billionaire King Vajiralongkorn &amp; his colourful life</a>

The "Bad Student" group has been active on social media with the hashtag #ByeByeDinosaurs trending on Saturday.

The protests turned violent last week as police used tear gas shells and water cannons against anti-government demonstrations.&nbsp;

The protests which have been taking place since July have been largely peaceful, however, over the past month it has become violent with clashes reported between royalists and anti-government protesters.

At least 55 people were hurt last Wednesday when demonstrators clashed with police and royalist counter-protesters near the Thai parliament.&nbsp;

The police had put barriers outside parliament even as the demonstrators cut through it, some protesters were hit with gunshot, however, the police denied they had used live ammunition or rubber bullets. Reports said at least six people had gunshot wounds.

Amid criticism, government spokesman Burapachaisri said the police was obliged to use teargas and water cannon to keep lawmakers safe.

Protesters in Thailand joined school students in Bangkok on Saturday amid calls for education reforms and removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha government and curbs on the power of the monarchy.

Protesters in Thailand joined school students in Bangkok on Saturday amid calls for education reforms and removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha government and curbs on the power of the monarchy. In Pics: Protests the Thai way: Pool ducks, Hunger Games salute & drag queens Watch: The "Bad Student" group greater freedom and fairer treatment in the education system. Reports said at least two students were ordered to report to the capital's police station for questioning. Also Read: Thailand PM threatens to use 'all laws' against pro-democracy protesters The student protests come amid large scale anti-government protests in Thailand which has shaken the Prayuth government. However, the Thai prime minister has dismissed resignation demands even as the opposition has repeatedly accused him of unfair practices during last year's polls. The "Bad Student" movement has been calling for the resignation of education minister Nataphol Teepsuwan with teenage girls spearheading the movement. In Pics: Thailand's billionaire King Vajiralongkorn & his colourful life The "Bad Student" group has been active on social media with the hashtag #ByeByeDinosaurs trending on Saturday. The protests turned violent last week as police used tear gas shells and water cannons against anti-government demonstrations. The protests which have been taking place since July have been largely peaceful, however, over the past month it has become violent with clashes reported between royalists and anti-government protesters. At least 55 people were hurt last Wednesday when demonstrators clashed with police and royalist counter-protesters near the Thai parliament. The police had put barriers outside parliament even as the demonstrators cut through it, some protesters were hit with gunshot, however, the police denied they had used live ammunition or rubber bullets. Reports said at least six people had gunshot wounds. Amid criticism, government spokesman Burapachaisri said the police was obliged to use teargas and water cannon to keep lawmakers safe.

Now, 'bad student' group protests against Thailand government

Toronto is set to be put on lockdown from Monday amid a spurt in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-vaccine-news-injects-trillions-in-stock-markets-worldwide-344414">coronavirus</a> cases, Ontario premier Doug Ford announced today.

Watch:

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The city which is the largest in Canada will be put under a 28-day lockdown with strict restrictions which include a ban on indoor private gatherings. The government has also restricted gatherings to ten people with gyms, saloons and casinos to remain closed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-hopes-for-normal-christmas-as-coronavirus-cases-surge-in-europe-344401">Also Read:&nbsp;Britain hopes for 'normal Christmas' as coronavirus cases surge in Europe</a>

"We cannot afford a province-wide lockdown, so we are taking preventative action today by moving Toronto and Peel into lockdown level restrictions ... We need to take decisive action to stop the spread of this deadly virus," Doug Ford said.

The measures during the lockdown include pharmacies and groceries to run at 50 per cent capacity, however, schools will remain open. According to the lockdown rules, restaurants and bars will not be allowed to serve customers.&nbsp;

Ford, however, urged people to buy locally in order to support businesses which is likely to be hit hard heading into Christmas and a normally busy holiday season.&nbsp;

The lockdown measures come as Toronto crossed 100,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-jr-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-spokesman-344439">COVID-19</a> infections as PM Justin Trudeau warned citizens not to "see friends this weekend" and avoid birthday party or dinner gatherings. "A normal Christmas is quite frankly right out of the question," PM Trudeau had said earlier.

"Cases across the country are spiking massively, we're really at risk of seeing caseloads go up and hospitals get overwhelmed," the Canadian prime minister asserted&nbsp;

Canada has registered 317,000 coronavirus cases along with 11,273 fatalities even as infections figures have been rising in the past seven days with 4,800 daily cases and 65 deaths.

Amid the rise in cases, PM Trudeau warned that daily cases could rise to 60,000 by the end of December.

Toronto is set to be put on lockdown from Monday amid a spurt in coronavirus cases, Ontario premier Doug Ford announced today. Watch: The city which is the largest in Canada will be put under a 28-day lockdown with strict restrictions which include a ban on indoor private gatherings.

Toronto is set to be put on lockdown from Monday amid a spurt in coronavirus cases, Ontario premier Doug Ford announced today. Watch: The city which is the largest in Canada will be put under a 28-day lockdown with strict restrictions which include a ban on indoor private gatherings. The government has also restricted gatherings to ten people with gyms, saloons and casinos to remain closed. Also Read: Britain hopes for 'normal Christmas' as coronavirus cases surge in Europe "We cannot afford a province-wide lockdown, so we are taking preventative action today by moving Toronto and Peel into lockdown level restrictions ... We need to take decisive action to stop the spread of this deadly virus," Doug Ford said. The measures during the lockdown include pharmacies and groceries to run at 50 per cent capacity, however, schools will remain open. According to the lockdown rules, restaurants and bars will not be allowed to serve customers. Ford, however, urged people to buy locally in order to support businesses which is likely to be hit hard heading into Christmas and a normally busy holiday season. The lockdown measures come as Toronto crossed 100,000 COVID-19 infections as PM Justin Trudeau warned citizens not to "see friends this weekend" and avoid birthday party or dinner gatherings. "A normal Christmas is quite frankly right out of the question," PM Trudeau had said earlier. "Cases across the country are spiking massively, we're really at risk of seeing caseloads go up and hospitals get overwhelmed," the Canadian prime minister asserted Canada has registered 317,000 coronavirus cases along with 11,273 fatalities even as infections figures have been rising in the past seven days with 4,800 daily cases and 65 deaths. Amid the rise in cases, PM Trudeau warned that daily cases could rise to 60,000 by the end of December.

Canada's largest city Toronto to be on COVID-19 lockdown starting Monday

&nbsp;Indian-origin economist, author and peer Lord Meghnad Desai has resigned as a member of the UK's Opposition Labour Party over its failure to effectively tackle antisemitic racism within its ranks.

The 80-year-old peer said he has only ever been a Labour Party supporter but was forced to take the decision to cancel his membership on Thursday after 49 years after former party leader Jeremy Corbyn was readmitted after just 19 days of suspension despite findings of "unlawful acts" by the country's human rights watchdog.

"It was a very peculiar decision to allow him back without any apology. He has been refused the party whip in the House of Commons for a few months, but that is a very lame response to a very big crisis,"&nbsp;Lord Desai said.

"I have been very uncomfortable and slightly ashamed that the party has been injected with this sort of racism. Jewish MPs were abused openly, and female members were trolled. It is out and out racism,"&nbsp;he said.

The Labour Party has been plagued by allegations of antisemitism over the years, with its disastrous electoral defeat in the December 2019 election also linked to the crisis.

Sir Keir Starmer took over as the new party leader this year with the promise of ridding the party of the scourge and had taken the step to suspend Corbyn last month after he seemed to downplay the very critical findings of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The watchdog had found that Labour had broken the law in its failure to handle antisemitism, or anti-Jewish, complaints and there were "serious failings" by its leadership at the time.

"I don't see things really changing in the foreseeable future and have to ultimately live with my conscience. I can't go on being in an antisemitic party,"&nbsp;said Desai, even as he stressed that he has no plans of joining any other political party.

He has sent in his resignation letter to the Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords, Baroness Angela Smith, and despite many appeals for him to reconsider, he will now sit as an independent peer while his application to be part of the Crossbench group of the UK Parliament's Upper House is underway.

Indian-origin economist, author and peer Lord Meghnad Desai has resigned as a member of the UK's Opposition Labour Party over its failure to effectively tackle antisemitic racism within its ranks.

Indian-origin economist, author and peer Lord Meghnad Desai has resigned as a member of the UK's Opposition Labour Party over its failure to effectively tackle antisemitic racism within its ranks. The 80-year-old peer said he has only ever been a Labour Party supporter but was forced to take the decision to cancel his membership on Thursday after 49 years after former party leader Jeremy Corbyn was readmitted after just 19 days of suspension despite findings of "unlawful acts" by the country's human rights watchdog. "It was a very peculiar decision to allow him back without any apology. He has been refused the party whip in the House of Commons for a few months, but that is a very lame response to a very big crisis," Lord Desai said. "I have been very uncomfortable and slightly ashamed that the party has been injected with this sort of racism. Jewish MPs were abused openly, and female members were trolled. It is out and out racism," he said. The Labour Party has been plagued by allegations of antisemitism over the years, with its disastrous electoral defeat in the December 2019 election also linked to the crisis. Sir Keir Starmer took over as the new party leader this year with the promise of ridding the party of the scourge and had taken the step to suspend Corbyn last month after he seemed to downplay the very critical findings of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The watchdog had found that Labour had broken the law in its failure to handle antisemitism, or anti-Jewish, complaints and there were "serious failings" by its leadership at the time. "I don't see things really changing in the foreseeable future and have to ultimately live with my conscience. I can't go on being in an antisemitic party," said Desai, even as he stressed that he has no plans of joining any other political party. He has sent in his resignation letter to the Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords, Baroness Angela Smith, and despite many appeals for him to reconsider, he will now sit as an independent peer while his application to be part of the Crossbench group of the UK Parliament's Upper House is underway.

Indian-origin peer Lord Meghnad Desai resigns from Labour Party over racism

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-vaccine-news-injects-trillions-in-stock-markets-worldwide-344414"> vaccine</a> that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-vaccine-breakthrough-social-distancing-and-wearing-masks-may-remain-344420">Also Read:&nbsp;Despite vaccine breakthrough, social distancing and wearing masks may remain</a>

The private pharmaceutical company based in the southern city of Hyderabad is developing a whole-virion inactivated vaccine called Covaxin that could be licensed by the second quarter of 2021.

"The data looks really good in terms of reduction and also prevention of disease, and we started our Phase 3 clinical trials this week," Executive Director Sai Prasad told Reuters.

Bharat Biotech is currently recruiting 26,000 volunteers in India for the trials and the results are expected between March and April, he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rush-to-get-vaccine-us-canada-and-eu-pre-book-huge-order-344415">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid rush to get vaccine, US, Canada and EU pre-book huge order</a>

Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it had offered to provide Brazil with millions of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in the first half of 2021, amid evidence the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in South America's largest country.

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE reported final trial results that showed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-eyes-substantial-vaccination-in-first-half-2021-contagion-slows-344424">vaccine</a> was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19.

Bharat Biotech representatives met this week with Brazilian health ministry and regulatory agency officials to see what the requirements are for licensing the vaccine in Brazil and whether trials would have to be done there too.

"We are definitely open for partnerships and for technology transfers," Prasad said in an interview from Hyderabad.

Bharat Biotech has sold a Hepatitis B vaccine to Brazil and is developing others for Zika and Chicungunya that the South American country is interested in, he said.

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19 vaccine that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday.

India's Bharat Biotech this week offered Brazil a COVID-19 vaccine that is in late-stage clinical trials and a possible technology transfer partnership, a company executive said on Friday. Also Read: Despite vaccine breakthrough, social distancing and wearing masks may remain The private pharmaceutical company based in the southern city of Hyderabad is developing a whole-virion inactivated vaccine called Covaxin that could be licensed by the second quarter of 2021. "The data looks really good in terms of reduction and also prevention of disease, and we started our Phase 3 clinical trials this week," Executive Director Sai Prasad told Reuters. Bharat Biotech is currently recruiting 26,000 volunteers in India for the trials and the results are expected between March and April, he said. Also Read: Amid rush to get vaccine, US, Canada and EU pre-book huge order Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it had offered to provide Brazil with millions of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in the first half of 2021, amid evidence the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in South America's largest country. Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE reported final trial results that showed the vaccine was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19. Bharat Biotech representatives met this week with Brazilian health ministry and regulatory agency officials to see what the requirements are for licensing the vaccine in Brazil and whether trials would have to be done there too. "We are definitely open for partnerships and for technology transfers," Prasad said in an interview from Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech has sold a Hepatitis B vaccine to Brazil and is developing others for Zika and Chicungunya that the South American country is interested in, he said.

Bharat Biotech offers Brazil potential coronavirus vaccine

President Xi Jinping speaking on a virtual platform at the &nbsp;Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-india-cooking-up-a-trade-new-deal-with-asean-following-exit-with-rcep-343583">APEC</a>) said China will "actively consider" signing up for a regional free-trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/euro-beats-dollar-as-payment-currency-for-first-time-after-7-years-344417">Also Read:&nbsp;Euro beats dollar as payment currency for first time after 7 years</a>

"The grouping must continue to promote regional economic integration and establish an Asia-Pacific free trade zone at an early date," Xi said even as joint communique called for free and predictable trade to help the global economy hit by the pandemic.

The virtual summit was hosted by Malaysia amid trade tensions between the US and China even as the pandemic continues to ravage economies worldwide. The meeting involves leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global GDP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-address-apec-summit-a-day-after-chinas-xi-jinping-344217">Donald Trump </a>who has been put a legal challenge on the US election results refused to use the official backdrop and delivered a speech to the leaders during the two-hour event which was not open to the media.

President Xi on his part said: "It is important that the Asia-Pacific should remain the bellwether in safeguarding peace and stability, upholding multilateralism, and fostering an open world economy, adding,"Free and open trade and investment cannot be achieved overnight."

China and 14 Asia-Pacific countries had earlier signed free trade pact, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rcep-chinas-strategy-to-browbeat-the-world-343848">RCEP</a>), which will be the world's biggest trade pact.

"We need to trade and invest our way out of the current economic downturn," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who is hosting the event said.

"We must come together and work constructively towards navigating the region along a path of robust, inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and growth," PM Yassin added.

President Xi Jinping speaking on a virtual platform at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) said China will "actively consider" signing up for a regional free-trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

President Xi Jinping speaking on a virtual platform at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) said China will "actively consider" signing up for a regional free-trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Also Read: Euro beats dollar as payment currency for first time after 7 years "The grouping must continue to promote regional economic integration and establish an Asia-Pacific free trade zone at an early date," Xi said even as joint communique called for free and predictable trade to help the global economy hit by the pandemic. The virtual summit was hosted by Malaysia amid trade tensions between the US and China even as the pandemic continues to ravage economies worldwide. The meeting involves leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global GDP. Donald Trump who has been put a legal challenge on the US election results refused to use the official backdrop and delivered a speech to the leaders during the two-hour event which was not open to the media. President Xi on his part said: "It is important that the Asia-Pacific should remain the bellwether in safeguarding peace and stability, upholding multilateralism, and fostering an open world economy, adding,"Free and open trade and investment cannot be achieved overnight." China and 14 Asia-Pacific countries had earlier signed free trade pact, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which will be the world's biggest trade pact. "We need to trade and invest our way out of the current economic downturn," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who is hosting the event said. "We must come together and work constructively towards navigating the region along a path of robust, inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and growth," PM Yassin added.

China will actively consider joining CPTPP, says President Xi at APEC virtual summit

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade.

India had threatened a naval blockade of Pakistan previously during the 1971 war. New Delhi has never issued any such threat against Beijing. The Indian navy was reportedly placed on high alert following the Galwan Valley clash.

However, there was no official word on whether the Indian Navy was considering a blockade on Chinese shipping or whether it was considering interdicting Chinese tankers near the Andaman and Nicobar islands, or perhaps looking at diverting shipping traffic to and from China.

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In June, reports hinted at chances of the United States moving its carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt into the Malacca Straits area in a show of support for India. In the same month, the Global Times was singing praises about China responding by carrying out Naval drills in the South China Sea.

China knows that it is on the backfoot in the Indian Ocean. Beijing knows that Malacca dilemma. India is in a position where it can monitor the traffic at the Malacca Straits or the Lombok and Sunda straits. It can put pressure on the movement of merchant ships while traffic in the high seas that is waters beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast cannot be impeded. This rule will not apply in the event of a war.

China's disadvantage in high seas becomes all the more grave in the South China Sea where China is fighting six countries. Eighty per cent of China's oil imports come through the Malacca Strait. It is also the route for a considerable amount of Chinese trade.

India has been strengthening its maritime cooperation with the Quad countries. In September for the first time, an American P-8 Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft refuelled at an Indian base in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

In October, New Delhi and Washington signed an agreement to expand military satellite information sharing. India is also planning to strengthen its maritime infrastructure. A deepwater port is being built on the great Nicobar island for $1.3 billion.

It is not for nothing that India is working towards building these naval capacities.

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade.

India has naval capabilities near the Indian Ocean chokepoints especially around the Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific, these waters hold a lot of importance for China since it is a crucial route for energy and trade. India had threatened a naval blockade of Pakistan previously during the 1971 war. New Delhi has never issued any such threat against Beijing. The Indian navy was reportedly placed on high alert following the Galwan Valley clash. However, there was no official word on whether the Indian Navy was considering a blockade on Chinese shipping or whether it was considering interdicting Chinese tankers near the Andaman and Nicobar islands, or perhaps looking at diverting shipping traffic to and from China. × In June, reports hinted at chances of the United States moving its carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt into the Malacca Straits area in a show of support for India. In the same month, the Global Times was singing praises about China responding by carrying out Naval drills in the South China Sea. China knows that it is on the backfoot in the Indian Ocean. Beijing knows that Malacca dilemma. India is in a position where it can monitor the traffic at the Malacca Straits or the Lombok and Sunda straits. It can put pressure on the movement of merchant ships while traffic in the high seas that is waters beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast cannot be impeded. This rule will not apply in the event of a war. China's disadvantage in high seas becomes all the more grave in the South China Sea where China is fighting six countries. Eighty per cent of China's oil imports come through the Malacca Strait. It is also the route for a considerable amount of Chinese trade. India has been strengthening its maritime cooperation with the Quad countries. In September for the first time, an American P-8 Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft refuelled at an Indian base in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. In October, New Delhi and Washington signed an agreement to expand military satellite information sharing. India is also planning to strengthen its maritime infrastructure. A deepwater port is being built on the great Nicobar island for $1.3 billion. It is not for nothing that India is working towards building these naval capacities.

China's Malacca dilemma: How India controls Indian Ocean chokepoints

British health secretary Matt Hancock said the country could enjoy a "normal Christmas that people really look forward to" amid strict lockdown measures in place due to surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-guarantees-accuracy-in-pfizer-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-data-344204">coronavirus </a>cases.

Watch:

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Britain is the hardest-hit country in Europe hit with the virus with over 1.45 million <a href="COVID-19 shuffles world’s top 10 most expensive cities rankings">COVID-19</a> cases and over 53,800 deaths. Amid the rise in cases, the Boris Johnson government imposed stringent lockdown measures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-biontech-apply-for-emergency-use-of-coronavirus-vaccine-in-us-344341">Also Read:&nbsp;Pfizer, BioNTech apply for emergency use of coronavirus vaccine in US</a>

However, the UK's Office for National Statistics said that the number of cases was beginning to level off with the number of cases going down by 50,000. England has been in lockdown for the past two weeks which is due to end on December 2.

The UK government had earlier announced that daily testing capacity was set to more than double early next year with the opening of two new "megalabs". Europe has become the epicentre of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-inoculates-almost-a-million-citizens-with-sinopharm-vaccine-344306"> virus </a>amid a surging second wave with over 15,046,656 reported infections and 344,401 deaths due to the virus.

According to reports, Europe now accounts for 26 per cent of global COVID-19 cases and 25 per cent of fatalities. France surpassed Russia to become the fourth largest infected country with over 2 million cases with Spain registering over 1.5 million cases.

Italy accounts for 1.3 million cases as Europe struggles to combat the virus. Both Italy and France have witnessed over 47,000 deaths due to the virus with over 42,000 dieing in Spain.

The virus has hit the economies of almost all European countries with at least 40 per cent EU citizens feeling worse off due to coronavirus economic crunch, according to a poll commissioned by the European Parliament.

British health secretary Matt Hancock said the country could enjoy a "normal Christmas that people really look forward to" amid strict lockdown measures in place due to surge in coronavirus cases.

British health secretary Matt Hancock said the country could enjoy a "normal Christmas that people really look forward to" amid strict lockdown measures in place due to surge in coronavirus cases. Watch: Britain is the hardest-hit country in Europe hit with the virus with over 1.45 million COVID-19 cases and over 53,800 deaths. Amid the rise in cases, the Boris Johnson government imposed stringent lockdown measures. Also Read: Pfizer, BioNTech apply for emergency use of coronavirus vaccine in US However, the UK's Office for National Statistics said that the number of cases was beginning to level off with the number of cases going down by 50,000. England has been in lockdown for the past two weeks which is due to end on December 2. The UK government had earlier announced that daily testing capacity was set to more than double early next year with the opening of two new "megalabs". Europe has become the epicentre of the virus amid a surging second wave with over 15,046,656 reported infections and 344,401 deaths due to the virus. According to reports, Europe now accounts for 26 per cent of global COVID-19 cases and 25 per cent of fatalities. France surpassed Russia to become the fourth largest infected country with over 2 million cases with Spain registering over 1.5 million cases. Italy accounts for 1.3 million cases as Europe struggles to combat the virus. Both Italy and France have witnessed over 47,000 deaths due to the virus with over 42,000 dieing in Spain. The virus has hit the economies of almost all European countries with at least 40 per cent EU citizens feeling worse off due to coronavirus economic crunch, according to a poll commissioned by the European Parliament.

Britain hopes for 'normal Christmas' as coronavirus cases surge in Europe

Eye on China: India-led Quad displays military prowess in Malabar naval exercise

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-lower-house-of-parliament-approves-bill-to-give-putin-lifetime-immunity-343890">Putin</a> was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-vladimir-putin-alarmed-by-rise-in-covid-19-fatality-rate-in-russia-344194/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference. However, state news agency TASS said the Russian president was "absolutely normal".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-mutations-appearing-in-siberia-russian-scientists-343820">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists</a>

Putin was speaking to finance minister Anton Siluanov during the video call when he began coughing.&nbsp;

The Russian president has been plagued by persistent health rumours, earlier this month a report claimed that Putin may quit his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease.

Putin reportedly has been exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There was footage earlier which purportedly showed Putin's legs moving as he gripped onto the armrest of a chair leading to speculation that he was suffering from Parkinson’s.

Putin had said earlier that he was "alarmed" by Russia's spike in virus deaths while acknowledging that several regions in the country were experiencing medicine shortages and long waiting times for ambulances.

The Russian president had warned regional chiefs that "it is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine".

The country continues to battle the virus even as Russia registered the world's first coronavirus vaccine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-china-may-start-producing-sputnik-v-vaccine-russian-president-putin-343716">Sputnik V </a>in August. Putin had announced last month that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona. The Russian president has promised to make the vaccine widely available.

Russia has registered over 2 million virus cases and 34,850 virus-related fatalities.

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President Putin was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours. Watch: Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference.

As Russia grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, President Putin was seen coughing during a televised meeting as the Kremlin denied any health rumours. Watch: Putin,68, reportedly struggled to finish a sentence as he spoke to officials during the coronavirus conference. However, state news agency TASS said the Russian president was "absolutely normal". Also Read: Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists Putin was speaking to finance minister Anton Siluanov during the video call when he began coughing. The Russian president has been plagued by persistent health rumours, earlier this month a report claimed that Putin may quit his post in January amid fears he has Parkinson's disease. Putin reportedly has been exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There was footage earlier which purportedly showed Putin's legs moving as he gripped onto the armrest of a chair leading to speculation that he was suffering from Parkinson’s. Putin had said earlier that he was "alarmed" by Russia's spike in virus deaths while acknowledging that several regions in the country were experiencing medicine shortages and long waiting times for ambulances. The Russian president had warned regional chiefs that "it is completely unacceptable to pretend that all is fine". The country continues to battle the virus even as Russia registered the world's first coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in August. Putin had announced last month that Russia had registered a second coronavirus vaccine, EpiVacCorona. The Russian president has promised to make the vaccine widely available. Russia has registered over 2 million virus cases and 34,850 virus-related fatalities.

Now, Putin coughs repeatedly during televised COVID-19 conference

As Europe grapples with lockdowns due to rising tide of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-250000-as-several-cities-shut-down-schools-343988">coronavirus </a>cases, Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe said one person has been "dying every 17 seconds” in Europe.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/christmas-candles-with-a-twist-in-greece-santa-masked-due-to-coronavirus-344141/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Last week, Europe registered over 29,000 new COVID-19 deaths. That is one person dying every 17 seconds,” Hans Kluge said, adding,"Europe accounts for 28 per cent of global cases, and 26 per cent of deaths cumulatively in the region."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-says-mutated-coronavirus-from-mink-farms-most-likely-eradicated-344112">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/denmark-says-mutated-coronavirus-from-mink-farms-most-likely-eradicated-344112" hreflang="en">Denmark says mutated coronavirus from mink farms 'most likely eradicated'</a>

The WHO official informed that deaths due to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-says-miracle-as-she-gives-birth-to-kids-while-in-coronavirus-coma-344052"> COVID-19</a> had jumped 18 per cent last week. Europe remains the hardest-hit region with the virus accounting for &nbsp;46 per cent of new global cases and 49 per cent fatalities, the UN health agency informed.

According to reports, in Switzerland, all intensive care units are practically all full even as a French government spokesman said the partial lockdown was unlikely to be lifted. Reports say Portugal has been preparing to extend lockdown restrictions for two further weeks.

In Hungary, the partial lockdown has now been extended until February under the state of emergency declared earlier.

Amid the serious lockdown situation and a growing number of cases, WHO said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-safe-for-older-adults-results-show-344093">vaccines </a>will not arrive in time to defeat the second wave of coronavirus.

"I think it's at least four to six months before we have significant levels of vaccination going on anywhere," Michael Ryan, World Health Organization's emergencies director, said.

"Many countries are going through this wave, and they're going to go through this wave, and continue through this wave, without vaccines, Ryan said, adding, "We need to understand and internalise that, and realise: we have got to climb this mountain this time, without vaccines."

As Europe grapples with lockdowns due to rising tide of coronavirus cases, Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe said one person has been "dying every 17 seconds” in Europe.

As Europe grapples with lockdowns due to rising tide of coronavirus cases, Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe said one person has been "dying every 17 seconds” in Europe. Watch: “Last week, Europe registered over 29,000 new COVID-19 deaths. That is one person dying every 17 seconds,” Hans Kluge said, adding,"Europe accounts for 28 per cent of global cases, and 26 per cent of deaths cumulatively in the region." Also Read: Denmark says mutated coronavirus from mink farms 'most likely eradicated' The WHO official informed that deaths due to COVID-19 had jumped 18 per cent last week. Europe remains the hardest-hit region with the virus accounting for 46 per cent of new global cases and 49 per cent fatalities, the UN health agency informed. According to reports, in Switzerland, all intensive care units are practically all full even as a French government spokesman said the partial lockdown was unlikely to be lifted. Reports say Portugal has been preparing to extend lockdown restrictions for two further weeks. In Hungary, the partial lockdown has now been extended until February under the state of emergency declared earlier. Amid the serious lockdown situation and a growing number of cases, WHO said that vaccines will not arrive in time to defeat the second wave of coronavirus. "I think it's at least four to six months before we have significant levels of vaccination going on anywhere," Michael Ryan, World Health Organization's emergencies director, said. "Many countries are going through this wave, and they're going to go through this wave, and continue through this wave, without vaccines, Ryan said, adding, "We need to understand and internalise that, and realise: we have got to climb this mountain this time, without vaccines."

One person dying every 17 seconds in Europe due to coronavirus: WHO

Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-refuses-to-concede-bidens-camp-gets-to-work-343775">Trump's</a> lawyer Rudy Giuliani said today that US president's campaign team is withdrawing the lawsuit in Michigan which complained against vote results in the state as the president struggles to put a legal challenge to his re-election bid.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trump-faces-a-barrage-of-calls-to-enable-a-transition-343781/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">“This morning we are withdrawing our lawsuit in Michigan as a direct result of achieving the relief we sought: to stop the election in Wayne County from being prematurely certified before residents can be assured that every legal vote has been counted and every illegal vote has not been counted,” Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani said.</div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judy-shelton-trump-fed-nominee-fails-to-advance-to-final-vote-343889">Also Read:&nbsp;Judy Shelton, Trump fed nominee, fails to advance to final vote</a>

Earlier, Trump's election team had asked a judge to declare him the winner in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-asks-judge-to-declare-him-winner-in-pennsylvania-344151">Pennsylvania</a> asserting that the state's Republican-controlled legislature should select the electors that will cast votes in the US electoral college system.

In Michigan, elections workers had started opening envelopes on November 2, one day before election day.

"The results of the 2020 presidential general election are defective and providing for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to choose Pennsylvania’s electors," Trump's team said in a court filing.

A judge in Michigan had rejected Republican claims of fraud. US networks had earlier declared Democrat Joe Biden winner in the crucial battleground state of Michigan. The state has 16 electoral vote.

President-elect Joe Biden has won 306 electoral college votes against 232 votes won by President Trump in the US elections held on November 3.

Trump's early leads in Michigan was built by high in-person voting, however, the advantage evaporated after mail-in votes were counted.

Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani said today that US president's campaign team is withdrawing the lawsuit in Michigan which complained against vote results in the state as the president struggles to put a legal challenge to his re-election bid.

Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani said today that US president's campaign team is withdrawing the lawsuit in Michigan which complained against vote results in the state as the president struggles to put a legal challenge to his re-election bid. Watch: “This morning we are withdrawing our lawsuit in Michigan as a direct result of achieving the relief we sought: to stop the election in Wayne County from being prematurely certified before residents can be assured that every legal vote has been counted and every illegal vote has not been counted,” Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani said. Also Read: Judy Shelton, Trump fed nominee, fails to advance to final vote Earlier, Trump's election team had asked a judge to declare him the winner in Pennsylvania asserting that the state's Republican-controlled legislature should select the electors that will cast votes in the US electoral college system. In Michigan, elections workers had started opening envelopes on November 2, one day before election day. "The results of the 2020 presidential general election are defective and providing for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to choose Pennsylvania’s electors," Trump's team said in a court filing. A judge in Michigan had rejected Republican claims of fraud. US networks had earlier declared Democrat Joe Biden winner in the crucial battleground state of Michigan. The state has 16 electoral vote. President-elect Joe Biden has won 306 electoral college votes against 232 votes won by President Trump in the US elections held on November 3. Trump's early leads in Michigan was built by high in-person voting, however, the advantage evaporated after mail-in votes were counted.

US elections 2020: Trump campaign drops Michigan vote count lawsuit

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