According to the state of climate report, last year was one of the warmest years on record with "all major greenhouse gases released into Earth’s atmosphere reaching new record high concentrations in 2019."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-warns-climate-change-crisis-could-be-worse-than-covid-19-pandemic-318665">Also Read:&nbsp;Bill Gates warns climate change crisis could be worse than COVID-19 pandemic</a>

There were also a record number of extreme cool days compared to the last 70 years, but there were more cool days compared to the average of just the past decade, the report noted.

The report added that&nbsp;&nbsp;2019 was among the warmest years on record and the last decade was&nbsp;the hottest since records began in 1800s.

The climate report said that "lake temperatures had increased on average across the globe in 2019" while asserting that over land, the growing season was an average of eight days longer than the 2000–10 average in the northern hemisphere and the global surface temperatures were near-record high with atmospheric temperatures at record or near-record setting.

The report said that the summer monsoon season set in over Kerala in southern peninsular India on 8 June last year, seven days later than its climatological normal date. &nbsp;"The monsoon covered the entire country on 19 July, four days later than its climatological normal date. Even with the late start and suppressed monsoon in June, India experienced one of its heaviest summer monsoon rains since 1995." it said.

"The Arctic land surface temperature for 2019 was the second-highest in the 120-year record with record high temperatures in Alaska and northwest Canada with the Arctic sea ice reaching its maximum extent for the year in March 2019.

"Winter sea ice coverage in the Bering Sea was by far the lowest since at least 1850, the second year in row to break the record low. In September, the minimum sea ice extent at the end of summer tied with 2007 and 2016 for the second smallest in the 41-year satellite record," the report said.

According to the state of climate report, last year was one of the warmest years on record with "all major greenhouse gases released into Earth’s atmosphere reaching new record high concentrations in 2019.

According to the state of climate report, last year was one of the warmest years on record with "all major greenhouse gases released into Earth’s atmosphere reaching new record high concentrations in 2019." Also Read: Bill Gates warns climate change crisis could be worse than COVID-19 pandemic There were also a record number of extreme cool days compared to the last 70 years, but there were more cool days compared to the average of just the past decade, the report noted. The report added that 2019 was among the warmest years on record and the last decade was the hottest since records began in 1800s. The climate report said that "lake temperatures had increased on average across the globe in 2019" while asserting that over land, the growing season was an average of eight days longer than the 2000–10 average in the northern hemisphere and the global surface temperatures were near-record high with atmospheric temperatures at record or near-record setting. The report said that the summer monsoon season set in over Kerala in southern peninsular India on 8 June last year, seven days later than its climatological normal date. "The monsoon covered the entire country on 19 July, four days later than its climatological normal date. Even with the late start and suppressed monsoon in June, India experienced one of its heaviest summer monsoon rains since 1995." it said. "The Arctic land surface temperature for 2019 was the second-highest in the 120-year record with record high temperatures in Alaska and northwest Canada with the Arctic sea ice reaching its maximum extent for the year in March 2019. "Winter sea ice coverage in the Bering Sea was by far the lowest since at least 1850, the second year in row to break the record low. In September, the minimum sea ice extent at the end of summer tied with 2007 and 2016 for the second smallest in the 41-year satellite record," the report said.

2019 was among warmest years on record, Arctic temperatures also increased: Report

All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V'

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the&nbsp;island nation.

Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs. Now, thousands of species run the risk of drowning in a sea of pollution.

The pristine&nbsp;turquoise waters of Mauritius have turned murky brown. Thousands of endangered species and spectacular corals are at risk.&nbsp;A Japanese ship owned by the Nagashiki shipping company has been oozing fuel into the island nation's seawater.&nbsp;

The MV Wakashio&nbsp;believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil&nbsp;ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and now&nbsp;a massive round-the-clock clean-up drive is underway.

Mauritians have made floating booms of human hair and leaves&nbsp;to mop up the oil from leaking further.

Some hair salons are even offering discounts to those donating hair.&nbsp; A&nbsp;state of emergency has been declared in Mauritius as fishermen try and salvage their precious waters. For now, close to 500 tonnes of oil has been safely pumped out of the water.

What is of grave concern is that large cracks have appeared in the hull of the cargo ship which has prompted the prime minister to warn that it may break in two.

Mauritius is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. It's rich flora and fauna attract tourists from across the globe.

Tourism is a major contributor to this island economy and added around $1.6 billion to its coffers last year. Authorities are worried that the oil spill near the blue bay marine park may endanger the corals, fish and other marine life and locals worry that this catastrophe could hamper their livelihood.

A spokesperson for the Mitsui Osk Lines, the operator of the ship, has profusely apologised for the spill.&nbsp;

An aerial view of the Mauritius coastline serves as a reminder of the havoc wreaked by mankind upon nature. For now, the entire country's ecosystem hangs in the balance.

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the island nation.

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the island nation. Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs. Now, thousands of species run the risk of drowning in a sea of pollution. The pristine turquoise waters of Mauritius have turned murky brown. Thousands of endangered species and spectacular corals are at risk. A Japanese ship owned by the Nagashiki shipping company has been oozing fuel into the island nation's seawater. The MV Wakashio believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and now a massive round-the-clock clean-up drive is underway. Mauritians have made floating booms of human hair and leaves to mop up the oil from leaking further. Some hair salons are even offering discounts to those donating hair. A state of emergency has been declared in Mauritius as fishermen try and salvage their precious waters. For now, close to 500 tonnes of oil has been safely pumped out of the water. What is of grave concern is that large cracks have appeared in the hull of the cargo ship which has prompted the prime minister to warn that it may break in two. Mauritius is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. It's rich flora and fauna attract tourists from across the globe. Tourism is a major contributor to this island economy and added around $1.6 billion to its coffers last year. Authorities are worried that the oil spill near the blue bay marine park may endanger the corals, fish and other marine life and locals worry that this catastrophe could hamper their livelihood. A spokesperson for the Mitsui Osk Lines, the operator of the ship, has profusely apologised for the spill. An aerial view of the Mauritius coastline serves as a reminder of the havoc wreaked by mankind upon nature. For now, the entire country's ecosystem hangs in the balance.

Mauritius struggles to preserve ecosystem amid catastrophic oil spill

After Russian President Putin announced the "first" coronavirus vaccine was ready to be launched in the country, the health ministry said that it planned to produce 5 million doses by December-January.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-1st-covid-19-vaccine-ready-for-use-what-do-we-know-about-the-vaccine-319863/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Health minister Mikhail Murashko said that the first doses&nbsp;which would be available in the next two weeks would be administered to doctors. However, the vaccine is yet to pass final trials. The vaccine named "Sputnik V" has been developed by the country's defence forces along with Moscow's Gamaleya Institute.

Russian authorities have said that twenty foreign countries have pre-ordered over a billion doses.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-want-to-know-about-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-sputnik-v-319775">In Pics:&nbsp;All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V' &nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

"I know that it is quite effective, that it gives sustainable immunity," President Putin had said while unveiling the vaccine, even as 2,000 people are set to be put under clinical trial on Wednesday.

The World Health Organization(WHO) had said that it was in touch with Russian authorities over the vaccine while insisting that it would have to undergo "rigorous review and assessment".

The Russian vaccine was met with scepticism worldwide as German health ministry said that there was "no known data on the quality, efficacy and safety of the Russian vaccine".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-inks-15-billion-deal-with-moderna-for-100-million-doses-of-covid-19-vaccine-319847">Also Read:&nbsp;US inks $1.5 billion deal with Moderna for 100 million doses&nbsp;</a>

US Health Secretary Alex Azar echoed his doubts over the vaccine saying that "it's important that we provide safe, effective vaccines and that the data be transparent... This is not a race to be first."

"I should note that two of the six US vaccines that we've invested in entered the phase three clinical trials weeks ago that the Russian vaccine is now only beginning," he added.

"The data from the initial trials in Russia have not been disclosed, it's not transparent," Azar asserted.

After Russian President Putin announced the "first" coronavirus vaccine was ready to be launched in the country, the health ministry said that it planned to produce 5 million doses by December-January.

After Russian President Putin announced the "first" coronavirus vaccine was ready to be launched in the country, the health ministry said that it planned to produce 5 million doses by December-January. Watch: Health minister Mikhail Murashko said that the first doses which would be available in the next two weeks would be administered to doctors. However, the vaccine is yet to pass final trials. The vaccine named "Sputnik V" has been developed by the country's defence forces along with Moscow's Gamaleya Institute. Russian authorities have said that twenty foreign countries have pre-ordered over a billion doses. In Pics: All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V' "I know that it is quite effective, that it gives sustainable immunity," President Putin had said while unveiling the vaccine, even as 2,000 people are set to be put under clinical trial on Wednesday. The World Health Organization(WHO) had said that it was in touch with Russian authorities over the vaccine while insisting that it would have to undergo "rigorous review and assessment". The Russian vaccine was met with scepticism worldwide as German health ministry said that there was "no known data on the quality, efficacy and safety of the Russian vaccine". Also Read: US inks $1.5 billion deal with Moderna for 100 million doses US Health Secretary Alex Azar echoed his doubts over the vaccine saying that "it's important that we provide safe, effective vaccines and that the data be transparent... This is not a race to be first." "I should note that two of the six US vaccines that we've invested in entered the phase three clinical trials weeks ago that the Russian vaccine is now only beginning," he added. "The data from the initial trials in Russia have not been disclosed, it's not transparent," Azar asserted.

Amid scepticism, Russia says will produce 5 million vaccine doses by December-January

India’s crackdown on China is intensifying. On Tuesday, income tax officials busted a major laundering racket after raiding at least two dozen premises in three cities.

A nexus of shell companies and dubious firms has been exposed. It is a Rs 1,000 crore money laundering racket which is over $100 million.

100 crore alone was taken as bogus advances from shell entitles to operate businesses of retail showrooms in India. WION has learned that searches were conducted at 21 locations. They were spread out across Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gurugram.

It wasn’t a one-man operation. It involved Chinese entities, their close confederates and a couple of bank employees. The Chinese nationals created more than 40 bank accounts. One Chinese man has been named - Luo Sang. He has been detained. He reportedly entered India illegally from Nepal in 2014 and took up a fake name Charlie Peng.

Later, he married a woman from Mizoram and assumed an Indian identity using that he managed to get an Aadhaar card, a PAN card and even a passport. Luo Sang has been booked for laundering before. He was granted bail in 2019. Now he has been caught again allegedly Luo Sang was using eight to ten bank accounts. He represented fake Chinese companies in laundering operations worth Rs 300 crore.

Chinese money launderers have been busted in Australia too. Two men have been arrested in Sydney. They have been accused of laundering "tens of millions of dollars". The police claim that they were moving money made from illegal drug sales.

Daigou, Sydney-based surrogate shopping business was used. It is a service that is very popular among the Chinese community. Daigou translates to "buying on behalf of". It is a service where shopping agents buy things abroad for customers on the Chinese mainland and later they ship it there. 
&nbsp;

India’s crackdown on China is intensifying. On Tuesday, income tax officials busted a major laundering racket after raiding at least two dozen premises in three cities.

India’s crackdown on China is intensifying. On Tuesday, income tax officials busted a major laundering racket after raiding at least two dozen premises in three cities. A nexus of shell companies and dubious firms has been exposed. It is a Rs 1,000 crore money laundering racket which is over $100 million. 100 crore alone was taken as bogus advances from shell entitles to operate businesses of retail showrooms in India. WION has learned that searches were conducted at 21 locations. They were spread out across Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gurugram. It wasn’t a one-man operation. It involved Chinese entities, their close confederates and a couple of bank employees. The Chinese nationals created more than 40 bank accounts. One Chinese man has been named - Luo Sang. He has been detained. He reportedly entered India illegally from Nepal in 2014 and took up a fake name Charlie Peng. Later, he married a woman from Mizoram and assumed an Indian identity using that he managed to get an Aadhaar card, a PAN card and even a passport. Luo Sang has been booked for laundering before. He was granted bail in 2019. Now he has been caught again allegedly Luo Sang was using eight to ten bank accounts. He represented fake Chinese companies in laundering operations worth Rs 300 crore. Chinese money launderers have been busted in Australia too. Two men have been arrested in Sydney. They have been accused of laundering "tens of millions of dollars". The police claim that they were moving money made from illegal drug sales. Daigou, Sydney-based surrogate shopping business was used. It is a service that is very popular among the Chinese community. Daigou translates to "buying on behalf of". It is a service where shopping agents buy things abroad for customers on the Chinese mainland and later they ship it there.

Chinese money laundering racket busted in India & Australia

Joe Biden's vice-presidential pick Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California. Her mother Shayamala was a breast cancer scientist from India and her father was of Jamaican origin.

Kamala is the elder of the two siblings. Her sister is named Maya.&nbsp;She was raised by her mother after their parents separated. In her autobiography, "The Truths We Hold" Kamala writes that her mother adopted Oakland's black culture.

"She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women'. Kamala's identity as a black woman sticks with her through her career.

When Kamala was in school, her mother took up a teaching job in Canada. Kamala and her sister moved to Montreal along with their mother. Upon returning to the US, Kamala Harris enrolled herself in one of the country's prominent black campuses - the Howard University and studied law.

Kamala describes the four years at Howard as one of the most formative experiences of her life.

"For me, Howard is home, the family that you chose," she said. In 2003, Kamala Harris became the District Attorney for San Francisco and very soon she became the first woman and the first black person to serve as California's Attorney General.

Kamala describes herself as a progressive prosecutor but not many agree. Kamla entered the Senate in 2017. The highlight of her term as a junior Senator was the interrogation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh in the Mueller probe.&nbsp;

Kamala announced her presidential race in 2019 to change the system from within. Kamala took on Biden during the primary debates but she soon had to end her candidacy over shortage of funds.

In December 2019, Harris said she would do everything in her power to elect Joe Biden as the next US president. Today, she is his running mate.

Kamala carries with her a bag full of ironies. She is expected to bring in the Indian votes but prides in being a black American. Today, Kamala is extremely vocal about reforms in the police system but during her term as a prosecutor she rarely prosecuted police officers who killed civilians.

Kamala refused to allow DNA testing that may have exonerated a black man on death row, when it comes to her views on civil rights and democracy, Kamala says they were shaped during her walks along the beaches of Chennai.

Joe Biden's vice-presidential pick Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California. Her mother Shayamala was a breast cancer scientist from India and her father was of Jamaican origin.

Joe Biden's vice-presidential pick Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California. Her mother Shayamala was a breast cancer scientist from India and her father was of Jamaican origin. Kamala is the elder of the two siblings. Her sister is named Maya. She was raised by her mother after their parents separated. In her autobiography, "The Truths We Hold" Kamala writes that her mother adopted Oakland's black culture. "She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women'. Kamala's identity as a black woman sticks with her through her career. When Kamala was in school, her mother took up a teaching job in Canada. Kamala and her sister moved to Montreal along with their mother. Upon returning to the US, Kamala Harris enrolled herself in one of the country's prominent black campuses - the Howard University and studied law. Kamala describes the four years at Howard as one of the most formative experiences of her life. "For me, Howard is home, the family that you chose," she said. In 2003, Kamala Harris became the District Attorney for San Francisco and very soon she became the first woman and the first black person to serve as California's Attorney General. Kamala describes herself as a progressive prosecutor but not many agree. Kamla entered the Senate in 2017. The highlight of her term as a junior Senator was the interrogation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh in the Mueller probe. Kamala announced her presidential race in 2019 to change the system from within. Kamala took on Biden during the primary debates but she soon had to end her candidacy over shortage of funds. In December 2019, Harris said she would do everything in her power to elect Joe Biden as the next US president. Today, she is his running mate. Kamala carries with her a bag full of ironies. She is expected to bring in the Indian votes but prides in being a black American. Today, Kamala is extremely vocal about reforms in the police system but during her term as a prosecutor she rarely prosecuted police officers who killed civilians. Kamala refused to allow DNA testing that may have exonerated a black man on death row, when it comes to her views on civil rights and democracy, Kamala says they were shaped during her walks along the beaches of Chennai.

Meet Joe Biden's White House running mate Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris today is the subject of global headlines because despite dropping out of the US presidential election she is back in the race. She has joined hands with her toughest opponent and will be the vice-presidential nominee for the Democrats as Joe Biden has picked her as his running mate.

With less than 90 days left for the US presidential election which will be held on November 3, America will decide who gets to rent the White House for the next four years even when it is gripped by the pandemic.

It is make-or-break time for the Democrats which is the party in Opposition in America. It is desperately trying to pull Donald Trump down and deny him a second term.

Biden's choice of Kamala Harris as his vice presidential candidate gives the Democrats a fighting chance. Kamala Harris, 55,&nbsp;ticks all four boxes - she&nbsp;is the first female, person of colour, Indian-American, vice president choice.

Until last year Harris was a favourite in the presidential race. She was an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and her performance during the debates went viral across the world. Harris had even unsettled Biden on several occasions especially on the issue of race but she couldn’t keep her campaign going as it ran out of funds.

Former President Barack Obama has given his blessing to Biden's pick. Biden by picking Harris has put aside his differences with Harris and going after the common enemy- Donald Trump.

Biden's announcement today was telling and his camp sent out a text message to the supporters, it said: "Joe Biden here. big news: I’ve chosen Kamala Harris as my running mate. Together, with you, we’re going to beat Trump." 
&nbsp; 
Experts consider Harris as a safe choice for Biden. She is a reliable Democrat with strong experience in domestic policy and as an Indian-American, Harris would help Biden secure that vote bank.

US President Donald Trump has tried to win over Indian-Americans too with his appearances alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston and Ahmedabad.

Trump’s vice president Mike Pence welcomed Harris to the race. Pence said that he is looking forward to facing her in October at the debate of the vice-presidential candidates in Salt Lake City. 
&nbsp;

Kamala Harris today is the subject of global headlines because despite dropping out of the US presidential election she is back in the race. She has joined hands with her toughest opponent and will be the vice-presidential nominee for the Democrats as Joe Biden has picked her as his running mate.

Kamala Harris today is the subject of global headlines because despite dropping out of the US presidential election she is back in the race. She has joined hands with her toughest opponent and will be the vice-presidential nominee for the Democrats as Joe Biden has picked her as his running mate. With less than 90 days left for the US presidential election which will be held on November 3, America will decide who gets to rent the White House for the next four years even when it is gripped by the pandemic. It is make-or-break time for the Democrats which is the party in Opposition in America. It is desperately trying to pull Donald Trump down and deny him a second term. Biden's choice of Kamala Harris as his vice presidential candidate gives the Democrats a fighting chance. Kamala Harris, 55, ticks all four boxes - she is the first female, person of colour, Indian-American, vice president choice. Until last year Harris was a favourite in the presidential race. She was an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and her performance during the debates went viral across the world. Harris had even unsettled Biden on several occasions especially on the issue of race but she couldn’t keep her campaign going as it ran out of funds. Former President Barack Obama has given his blessing to Biden's pick. Biden by picking Harris has put aside his differences with Harris and going after the common enemy- Donald Trump. Biden's announcement today was telling and his camp sent out a text message to the supporters, it said: "Joe Biden here. big news: I’ve chosen Kamala Harris as my running mate. Together, with you, we’re going to beat Trump." Experts consider Harris as a safe choice for Biden. She is a reliable Democrat with strong experience in domestic policy and as an Indian-American, Harris would help Biden secure that vote bank. US President Donald Trump has tried to win over Indian-Americans too with his appearances alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston and Ahmedabad. Trump’s vice president Mike Pence welcomed Harris to the race. Pence said that he is looking forward to facing her in October at the debate of the vice-presidential candidates in Salt Lake City.

Biden picks India-American Kamala Harris as his running mate

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-injuries-reported-after-scottish-train-derails-during-storms-319982">'Serious injuries' reported after Scottish train derails during storms</a>

<img alt="Scotland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64cc19d1-0b57-4600-8395-baed8857b881" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2829%29_7.jpg" />

A passenger train derailed in northeast&nbsp;Scotland&nbsp;on Wednesday, with reports of "serious injuries" in what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described as "an extremely serious incident". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-injuries-reported-after-scottish-train-derails-during-storms-319982">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-suspends-extradition-agreements-with-france-and-germany-319958">Hong Kong suspends extradition agreements with France and Germany</a>

<img alt="Hong Kong " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="920e8d6b-dd6a-4fac-8661-b1a5cf2fcee1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Carrie-Lam-1.jpg" />

Amid tensions over the national security bill, the Hong Kong government said today that it has suspended its extradition agreements with France and Germany. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-suspends-extradition-agreements-with-france-and-germany-319958">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusians-should-have-the-freedoms-that-they-are-demanding-pompeo-319992">Belarusians should have the 'freedoms that they are demanding': Pompeo</a>

<img alt="Pompeo " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="252c0d11-7c1d-4d03-87df-b2993bea4899" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2832%29_7.jpg" />

Belarusians should be given "the freedoms that they are demanding", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday, urging authorities in the former Soviet republic not to harm protesters. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusians-should-have-the-freedoms-that-they-are-demanding-pompeo-319992">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-skepticism-russia-says-will-produce-5-million-vaccine-doses-by-december-january-320006">Amid skepticism, Russia says will produce 5 million vaccine doses by Dec-Jan</a>

<img alt="vaccine " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e559c3e0-e1b3-4a33-a320-794f32b98873" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020_8%24largeimg_1580730410.jpg" />

After Russian President Putin announced the "first" coronavirus vaccine was ready to be launched in the country, the health ministry said that it planned to produce 5 million doses by December-January. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-skepticism-russia-says-will-produce-5-million-vaccine-doses-by-december-january-320006">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pms-near-identical-speeches-in-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-spark-anger-319973" hreflang="en">Japan PM's near-identical speeches in Hiroshima and Nagasaki spark anger</a>

<img alt="Abe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2312c965-9083-496b-ad1d-8ca97cabf10e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/54456317_401_0.jpg" />

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been accused of delivering two near-identical speeches to mark the anniversaries of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daigou-money-laundering-racket-australian-police-arrest-two-men-319979" hreflang="en">'Daigou' money laundering racket: Australian police arrest two men</a>

<img alt="Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="52db8339-fcd6-4333-8397-09150ef39084" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nz_arrest_120860.jpg" />

Australian police have arrested two men on suspicion of moving tens of millions of dollars of illicit drug money through a Sydney-based "daigou", a surrogate shopping business popular with Chinese. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daigou-money-laundering-racket-australian-police-arrest-two-men-319979">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-apple-daily-taking-legal-action-against-unlawful-seizure-of-journalistic-materials-319911" hreflang="en">HK's Apple Daily taking legal action against unlawful seizure of materials</a>

<img alt="Hong Kong's Apple Daily" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bcbcc817-fdab-45e5-b36f-a5aec5b23eb2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020-08-10T202138Z_1232193315_RC28BI972D3X_RTRMADP_3_HONGKONG-SECURITY.jpg" />

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-apple-daily-taking-legal-action-against-unlawful-seizure-of-journalistic-materials-319911">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denounces-us-health-chiefs-criticism-over-virus-as-political-show-319967" hreflang="en">China denounces US health chief's criticism over virus as 'political show'</a>

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9f65320d-ad3f-4a01-aae9-61e346510792" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/http___com.ft_.imagepublish.upp-prod-us.s3.amazonaws_0.jpg" />

China said on Wednesday that US&nbsp;Health Secretary Alex Azar has performed the "worst in the world" in controlling the novel coronavirus, rejecting criticism of China made by Azar during a three-day trip to Taiwan this week. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denounces-us-health-chiefs-criticism-over-virus-as-political-show-319967">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-investigations-threaten-north-koreas-underground-railroad-319964" hreflang="en">South Korea investigations threaten North Korea's 'underground railroad'</a>

<img alt="North and South Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dc8a2048-49cb-417b-951c-566f1f588730" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2826%29_12.jpg" />

A combination of an&nbsp;unprecedented pressure campaign and&nbsp;coronavirus border closures and an by a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean government keen to engage with North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-investigations-threaten-north-koreas-underground-railroad-319964">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dialogue-over-oppression-says-taiwanese-president-while-extending-support-to-hong-kong-319937" hreflang="en">Dialogue over oppression, says Taiwanese president while extending support to Hong Kong</a>

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Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on August 12 called&nbsp; on China to resolve issues in Hong Kong through dialogue instead of “oppressing the people”.

'Serious injuries' reported after Scottish train derails during storms A passenger train derailed in northeast Scotland on Wednesday, with reports of "serious injuries" in what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described as "an extremely serious incident".

'Serious injuries' reported after Scottish train derails during storms A passenger train derailed in northeast Scotland on Wednesday, with reports of "serious injuries" in what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described as "an extremely serious incident". Read more Hong Kong suspends extradition agreements with France and Germany Amid tensions over the national security bill, the Hong Kong government said today that it has suspended its extradition agreements with France and Germany. Read more Belarusians should have the 'freedoms that they are demanding': Pompeo Belarusians should be given "the freedoms that they are demanding", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday, urging authorities in the former Soviet republic not to harm protesters. Read more Amid skepticism, Russia says will produce 5 million vaccine doses by Dec-Jan After Russian President Putin announced the "first" coronavirus vaccine was ready to be launched in the country, the health ministry said that it planned to produce 5 million doses by December-January. Read more Japan PM's near-identical speeches in Hiroshima and Nagasaki spark anger Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been accused of delivering two near-identical speeches to mark the anniversaries of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Read more 'Daigou' money laundering racket: Australian police arrest two men Australian police have arrested two men on suspicion of moving tens of millions of dollars of illicit drug money through a Sydney-based "daigou", a surrogate shopping business popular with Chinese. Read more HK's Apple Daily taking legal action against unlawful seizure of materials Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law. Read more China denounces US health chief's criticism over virus as 'political show' China said on Wednesday that US Health Secretary Alex Azar has performed the "worst in the world" in controlling the novel coronavirus, rejecting criticism of China made by Azar during a three-day trip to Taiwan this week. Read more South Korea investigations threaten North Korea's 'underground railroad' A combination of an unprecedented pressure campaign and coronavirus border closures and an by a South Korean government keen to engage with North Korea may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say. Read more Dialogue over oppression, says Taiwanese president while extending support to Hong Kong Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on August 12 called on China to resolve issues in Hong Kong through dialogue instead of “oppressing the people”.

Top 10 world news today: Scottish train derailment, Hong Kong suspends extradition agreements and more

China on Wednesday announced it was relaxing travel restrictions for citizens belonging to 36 European countries which was put in place in March as the coronavirus infections mounted in the country.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-city-wuhan-recovers-from-impact-of-pandemic-wuhan-springs-back-to-life-319971/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The countries include Germany, UK and France whose citizens can now apply for a Chinese visa without an invitation letter. However, those returning to China have to reapply for a visa since travel documents issued before the pandemic have been nullified.

Despite easing restrictions, the visitors will still be subject to coronavirus tests and a 14-day quarantine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/china-hails-its-virus-triumphs-and-glosses-over-its-mistakes-319726">In Pics: China hails its virus triumphs, and glosses over its mistakes</a>

Air France has been allowed to operate three weekly flights between China and France from the end of August. China has largely contained the virus after it first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan which was put under 76-day lockdown which was finally lifted in April.

However, the country has witnessed sporadic outbreak in some parts of the country including Beijing with authorities quick to clampdown on new cases.&nbsp;

The virus which has now spread throughout the world surpassed 20 million cases with the death toll expected to surpass 750,000 as the global health crisis that began in Wuhan continues.

China had reported its first case of COVID-19 to the World Health Organization(WHO) on December 31 last year. The United States has been worst-hit country due to the virus recording 163,370 deaths and 5,085,821 cases, according to the tracker at Johns Hopkins University.

China on Wednesday announced it was relaxing travel restrictions for citizens belonging to 36 European countries which was put in place in March as the coronavirus infections mounted in the country.

China on Wednesday announced it was relaxing travel restrictions for citizens belonging to 36 European countries which was put in place in March as the coronavirus infections mounted in the country. Watch: The countries include Germany, UK and France whose citizens can now apply for a Chinese visa without an invitation letter. However, those returning to China have to reapply for a visa since travel documents issued before the pandemic have been nullified. Despite easing restrictions, the visitors will still be subject to coronavirus tests and a 14-day quarantine. In Pics: China hails its virus triumphs, and glosses over its mistakes Air France has been allowed to operate three weekly flights between China and France from the end of August. China has largely contained the virus after it first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan which was put under 76-day lockdown which was finally lifted in April. However, the country has witnessed sporadic outbreak in some parts of the country including Beijing with authorities quick to clampdown on new cases. The virus which has now spread throughout the world surpassed 20 million cases with the death toll expected to surpass 750,000 as the global health crisis that began in Wuhan continues. China had reported its first case of COVID-19 to the World Health Organization(WHO) on December 31 last year. The United States has been worst-hit country due to the virus recording 163,370 deaths and 5,085,821 cases, according to the tracker at Johns Hopkins University.

China eases entry restrictions for nationals from 36 European countries

As many as twenty-three firms including Bombardier, Alstom, Siemens and GMR have shown interest in running private trains in the country and attended a pre-application meeting on Wednesday as a first step, the Railways said.

Other companies that attended the meeting on running private trains in 12 clusters included BEML, IRCTC, BHEL, CAF, Medha Group, Sterlite, Bharat Forge, JKB infrastructure and Titagarh Wagons Limited, it said.

The Railways has invited 12 Request for Qualifications for private participation in operation of passenger trains over 109 origin-destination pair of routes through introduction of 151 modern trains (rakes).

These new trains will be in addition to the existing ones operated on the network.

It is the first initiative of private investment for running passenger trains on the Railways network. The project would entail private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore.

The private entities for undertaking the project will be selected through a two-stage competitive bidding process comprising Request for Qualification (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP).

As many as twenty-three firms including Bombardier, Alstom, Siemens and GMR have shown interest in running private trains in the country and attended a pre-application meeting on Wednesday as a first step, the Railways said.

As many as twenty-three firms including Bombardier, Alstom, Siemens and GMR have shown interest in running private trains in the country and attended a pre-application meeting on Wednesday as a first step, the Railways said. Other companies that attended the meeting on running private trains in 12 clusters included BEML, IRCTC, BHEL, CAF, Medha Group, Sterlite, Bharat Forge, JKB infrastructure and Titagarh Wagons Limited, it said. The Railways has invited 12 Request for Qualifications for private participation in operation of passenger trains over 109 origin-destination pair of routes through introduction of 151 modern trains (rakes). These new trains will be in addition to the existing ones operated on the network. It is the first initiative of private investment for running passenger trains on the Railways network. The project would entail private sector investment of about Rs 30,000 crore. The private entities for undertaking the project will be selected through a two-stage competitive bidding process comprising Request for Qualification (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP).

Bombardier, Alstom, GMR attended meeting on running private trains: Railways

Australian police have arrested two men on suspicion of moving tens of millions of dollars of illicit drug money through a Sydney-based "daigou", a surrogate shopping business popular with Chinese.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-national-with-fake-indian-passport-involved-in-money-laundering-319822">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering</a>

Investigators are looking into whether the daigou operators were aware that they might have been helping money-laundering organisations move "dirty money" offshore, the Australian Federal Police said in a statement on Wednesday.

There are tens of thousands of daigou in Australia that use social media and mobile payment apps to buy goods on behalf of customers in China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/always-require-overseas-chinese-citizens-to-abide-by-local-laws-says-china-over-indias-cbdt-raids-on-chinese-entities-linked-to-money-laundering-319965">Also Read:&nbsp;Always require overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws, says China over India's CBDT raids</a>

While daigou first made waves in the West shipping luxuries from Europe like Gucci handbags, the Australia operators mostly deal in "white gold" - baby milk formula - and other consumer staples.

So popular is the trend that a specialist daigou retailer, AuMake, listed on the Australian stock exchange about three years ago.

Police did not identify any businesses in their statement.

Daigou are cash-intensive export driven businesses, making them an easy target for money-laundering operations and allowing criminals to transfer dirty proceeds offshore without using Australian bank accounts, police said.

Police said they suspected the two Sydney men had funnelled millions of dollars from the sale of drugs through the daigou business on behalf of their criminal clients.

Police arrested one of the men, 37, on Monday as he delivered A$1 million in cash in cooler bags to the daigou business in the western suburb of Auburn.

The second man, 40, is allegedly the Sydney-based "coordinator" of the overseas money-laundering enterprise.

The pair have been charged with dealing with proceeds of crime, which carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

Australian police have arrested two men on suspicion of moving tens of millions of dollars of illicit drug money through a Sydney-based "daigou", a surrogate shopping business popular with Chinese.

Australian police have arrested two men on suspicion of moving tens of millions of dollars of illicit drug money through a Sydney-based "daigou", a surrogate shopping business popular with Chinese. Also Read: Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering Investigators are looking into whether the daigou operators were aware that they might have been helping money-laundering organisations move "dirty money" offshore, the Australian Federal Police said in a statement on Wednesday. There are tens of thousands of daigou in Australia that use social media and mobile payment apps to buy goods on behalf of customers in China. Also Read: Always require overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws, says China over India's CBDT raids While daigou first made waves in the West shipping luxuries from Europe like Gucci handbags, the Australia operators mostly deal in "white gold" - baby milk formula - and other consumer staples. So popular is the trend that a specialist daigou retailer, AuMake, listed on the Australian stock exchange about three years ago. Police did not identify any businesses in their statement. Daigou are cash-intensive export driven businesses, making them an easy target for money-laundering operations and allowing criminals to transfer dirty proceeds offshore without using Australian bank accounts, police said. Police said they suspected the two Sydney men had funnelled millions of dollars from the sale of drugs through the daigou business on behalf of their criminal clients. Police arrested one of the men, 37, on Monday as he delivered A$1 million in cash in cooler bags to the daigou business in the western suburb of Auburn. The second man, 40, is allegedly the Sydney-based "coordinator" of the overseas money-laundering enterprise. The pair have been charged with dealing with proceeds of crime, which carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

'Daigou' money laundering racket: Australian police arrest two men

A day after India's tax department raided Chinese entities uncovering money laundering and hawala transactions in shell companies, the Chinese embassy in Delhi today said that "foreign governments and relevant departments" should enforce the "law impartially" to ensure the "safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-money-laundering-racket-busted-chinese-firms-raided-by-indian-tax-department-319882/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations," the embassy said, adding,"we also require foreign governments and relevant departments to enforce the law impartially to ensure the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-national-with-fake-indian-passport-involved-in-money-laundering-319822">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering</a>

The Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) said during the search it found that Chinese individuals had created 40 bank accounts in dummy entities which entered into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crores.

A Chinese national allegedly involved in the hawala transaction goes with the name Luo Sang. He reportedly took a fake identity, Charlie Peng, with Indian passport which he was allegedly able to get from Manipur.&nbsp;

The tax officials have reportedly shared information of alleged possession of fake Indian passport with police authorities.&nbsp;

"Search action revealed that at the behest of Chinese individuals, more than 40 bank accounts were created in various dummy entities, entering into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crore over the period," the CBDT said in a statement.

"Incriminating documents of hawala transactions and money laundering with active involvement of bank employees and Chartered Accountants have been found as a result of the search action," it said.

A day after India's tax department raided Chinese entities uncovering money laundering and hawala transactions in shell companies, the Chinese embassy in Delhi today said that "foreign governments and relevant departments" should enforce the "law impartially" to ensure the "safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens.

A day after India's tax department raided Chinese entities uncovering money laundering and hawala transactions in shell companies, the Chinese embassy in Delhi today said that "foreign governments and relevant departments" should enforce the "law impartially" to ensure the "safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens." Watch: "The Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations," the embassy said, adding,"we also require foreign governments and relevant departments to enforce the law impartially to ensure the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens. Also Read: Chinese national with fake Indian passport involved in money laundering The Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) said during the search it found that Chinese individuals had created 40 bank accounts in dummy entities which entered into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crores. A Chinese national allegedly involved in the hawala transaction goes with the name Luo Sang. He reportedly took a fake identity, Charlie Peng, with Indian passport which he was allegedly able to get from Manipur. The tax officials have reportedly shared information of alleged possession of fake Indian passport with police authorities. "Search action revealed that at the behest of Chinese individuals, more than 40 bank accounts were created in various dummy entities, entering into credits of more than Rs 1,000 crore over the period," the CBDT said in a statement. "Incriminating documents of hawala transactions and money laundering with active involvement of bank employees and Chartered Accountants have been found as a result of the search action," it said.

Always require overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws, says China over India's CBDT raids on Chinese entities linked to money laundering

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