Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) in Britain are lagging behind&nbsp;white people in COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a study.

As per early research on England's coronavirus vaccination programme,&nbsp;only 55 per cent&nbsp;of Black people in England aged between 70 to 79 had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by February&nbsp;11, compared to 86&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of white people in this age group.

Among people from South Asian backgrounds, the figure stood at 73 per cent, according to a study by OpenSafely, run by the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

These ethnic groups have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 with a disproportionate number of deaths. Government advisers have said that factors such as living circumstances and profession are driving the increased risk.

Public health officials are calling for a more concerted campaign to address vaccine hesitancy as recent polls in Britain have shown that Black, Asian and other minority groups are less open to getting the vaccine than white people because they worry about the vaccine's reliability. Britain's drug regulator has said the vaccines are safe.

The government is banking on the biggest and swiftest global vaccine rollout in its history as the escape route from a series of national lockdowns and their crippling economic impact.

Britain, which was the first Western country to begin mass vaccinations in December, has vaccinated 15.94 million people with a first dose and 558,577 with a second dose, the fastest rollout per capita of any large country.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) in Britain are lagging behind white people in COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a study. As per early research on England's coronavirus vaccination programme, only 55 per cent of Black people in England aged between 70 to 79 had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by February 11, compared to 86 per cent of white people in this age group.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) in Britain are lagging behind white people in COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a study. As per early research on England's coronavirus vaccination programme, only 55 per cent of Black people in England aged between 70 to 79 had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by February 11, compared to 86 per cent of white people in this age group. Among people from South Asian backgrounds, the figure stood at 73 per cent, according to a study by OpenSafely, run by the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. These ethnic groups have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 with a disproportionate number of deaths. Government advisers have said that factors such as living circumstances and profession are driving the increased risk. Public health officials are calling for a more concerted campaign to address vaccine hesitancy as recent polls in Britain have shown that Black, Asian and other minority groups are less open to getting the vaccine than white people because they worry about the vaccine's reliability. Britain's drug regulator has said the vaccines are safe. The government is banking on the biggest and swiftest global vaccine rollout in its history as the escape route from a series of national lockdowns and their crippling economic impact. Britain, which was the first Western country to begin mass vaccinations in December, has vaccinated 15.94 million people with a first dose and 558,577 with a second dose, the fastest rollout per capita of any large country.

UK: Black, South Asian groups lagging behind white people in COVID-19 vaccinations

Planet Earth witnessed its quietest period in decades during 2020 as lockdowns significantly reduced human activity and its impact on the planet's crust, according to scientists working on a global study.

&nbsp;An international group of seismologists from 33 countries measured a drop of up to 50 per cent in so-called ambient noise generated by humans travelling and factories humming after lockdowns came into force around the world.

The team, which included experts from the Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich, a university, measured lower noise levels at 185 of the 268 seismic stations analysed around the world.

Urban ambient noise fell by up to 50 per cent at some measuring stations during the tightest lockdown weeks, as buses and train services were reduced, aircraft grounded and factories shuttered.

This made it much quieter than Christmas, traditionally the quietest time of the year.

referring to data archives covering the last 20 years, seismologist John Clinton said "The weeks during lockdown were the quietest period we have on record."

"With human noise always increasing, it is highly likely that it was the quietest period for a very long time."

The experts, led by Thomas Lecocq from the Royal Observatory of Belgium, were able to track the "wave of quiet" around the world as lockdown came first in China, then Italy, before spreading across the rest of Europe and onto the Americas.

Lower background noise during lockdowns also means small earthquakes that otherwise would not be observed have been detected in some places.

Small tremors allow us to improve our understanding of the seismic hazard, said scientist Frederick Massin, and also help assess the probability of larger earthquakes in the future.

"This was an unprecedented opportunity. There's no way we would normally be able to do this kind of experiment," said Massin.

Planet Earth witnessed its quietest period in decades during 2020 as lockdowns significantly reduced human activity and its impact on the planet's crust, according to scientists working on a global study.

Planet Earth witnessed its quietest period in decades during 2020 as lockdowns significantly reduced human activity and its impact on the planet's crust, according to scientists working on a global study. An international group of seismologists from 33 countries measured a drop of up to 50 per cent in so-called ambient noise generated by humans travelling and factories humming after lockdowns came into force around the world. The team, which included experts from the Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich, a university, measured lower noise levels at 185 of the 268 seismic stations analysed around the world. Urban ambient noise fell by up to 50 per cent at some measuring stations during the tightest lockdown weeks, as buses and train services were reduced, aircraft grounded and factories shuttered. This made it much quieter than Christmas, traditionally the quietest time of the year. referring to data archives covering the last 20 years, seismologist John Clinton said "The weeks during lockdown were the quietest period we have on record." "With human noise always increasing, it is highly likely that it was the quietest period for a very long time." The experts, led by Thomas Lecocq from the Royal Observatory of Belgium, were able to track the "wave of quiet" around the world as lockdown came first in China, then Italy, before spreading across the rest of Europe and onto the Americas. Lower background noise during lockdowns also means small earthquakes that otherwise would not be observed have been detected in some places. Small tremors allow us to improve our understanding of the seismic hazard, said scientist Frederick Massin, and also help assess the probability of larger earthquakes in the future. "This was an unprecedented opportunity. There's no way we would normally be able to do this kind of experiment," said Massin.

Planet Earth witnessed its quietest period in decades during 2020

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison slams Facebook's move to block news China defends use of Twitter, Facebook in COVID-19 campaign Thousands of Hong Kong citizens sign up for new UK visa Myanmar: Arrest warrants against celebrities; hackers target govt websites US charges three North Korean hackers in $1.

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Top 10 world news today: Australian PM slams Facebook, China defends use of social media in COVID-19 campaign and more

The United States has charged three&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean computer programmers with a massive hacking spree aimed at stealing more than $1.3 billion in money and cryptocurrency, affecting companies from banks to Hollywood movie studios, the Department of Justice said on Thursday.

The first action against Pyongyang by President Joe Biden's administration took aim at what the department called "a global campaign of criminality" being waged by&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea.&nbsp;

The indictment alleges that Jon Chang Hyok, 31, Kim Il, 27, and Park Jin Hyok, 36, stole money while working for&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's military intelligence services.&nbsp;

In addition to the earlier charges, the three allegedly operated out of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, Russia and China to hack computers using spearfishing techniques, and to promote cryptocurrency applications loaded with malicious software that allowed them to empty victims' crypto-wallets.

They allegedly robbed digital currency exchanges in Slovenia and Indonesia and extorted a New York exchange of $11.8 million.

In a 2018 scheme, they robbed $6.1 million from ATM machines from Pakistan's BankIslami after gaining access to its computer network.

Over at least seven years, the officials created malicious cryptocurrency applications that opened back doors into targets' computers; hacked into companies marketing and trading digital currencies like bitcoin; and developed a blockchain platform to evade sanctions and secretly raise funds, the department said.

The Justice Department said the hackers were responsible for a wide range of criminal activity and high-profile intrusions, including a retaliatory 2014 attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment for producing "The Interview" movie, which depicted the assassination of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's leader.

The group is alleged to have targeted the staff of AMC Theatres and broken into computers belonging to Mammoth Screen, a UK film company that was working on a drama series about&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea.

The Justice Department also alleged that the trio participated in the creation of the destructive WannaCry 2.0 ransomware - which hit Britain's National Health Service hard when it was set loose in 2017.

The indictment pins the blame on the hackers for breaking into banks across South and Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Africa by penetrating the financial institutions' networks and abusing the SWIFT protocol to steal money. They are also alleged to have deployed malicious applications from March 2018 through September 2020 to target cryptocurrency users.

The overall amount of money stolen by the hackers is not clear because in some cases the thefts were either halted or reversed. But the figures are significant. In one 2016 heist alone - at the Bangladesh Bank - the hackers are alleged to have made off with $81 million.

"North&nbsp;Korea's operatives, using keyboards rather than guns, stealing digital wallets of cryptocurrency instead of sacks of cash, are the world's leading 21st-century nation-state bank robbers," US&nbsp;Assistant Attorney General John Demers told a news briefing.

The United States has charged three North Korean computer programmers with a massive hacking spree aimed at stealing more than $1.3 billion in money and cryptocurrency, affecting companies from banks to Hollywood movie studios, the Department of Justice said on Thursday.

The United States has charged three North Korean computer programmers with a massive hacking spree aimed at stealing more than $1.3 billion in money and cryptocurrency, affecting companies from banks to Hollywood movie studios, the Department of Justice said on Thursday. The first action against Pyongyang by President Joe Biden's administration took aim at what the department called "a global campaign of criminality" being waged by North Korea. The indictment alleges that Jon Chang Hyok, 31, Kim Il, 27, and Park Jin Hyok, 36, stole money while working for North Korea's military intelligence services. In addition to the earlier charges, the three allegedly operated out of North Korea, Russia and China to hack computers using spearfishing techniques, and to promote cryptocurrency applications loaded with malicious software that allowed them to empty victims' crypto-wallets. They allegedly robbed digital currency exchanges in Slovenia and Indonesia and extorted a New York exchange of $11.8 million. In a 2018 scheme, they robbed $6.1 million from ATM machines from Pakistan's BankIslami after gaining access to its computer network. Over at least seven years, the officials created malicious cryptocurrency applications that opened back doors into targets' computers; hacked into companies marketing and trading digital currencies like bitcoin; and developed a blockchain platform to evade sanctions and secretly raise funds, the department said. The Justice Department said the hackers were responsible for a wide range of criminal activity and high-profile intrusions, including a retaliatory 2014 attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment for producing "The Interview" movie, which depicted the assassination of North Korea's leader. The group is alleged to have targeted the staff of AMC Theatres and broken into computers belonging to Mammoth Screen, a UK film company that was working on a drama series about North Korea. The Justice Department also alleged that the trio participated in the creation of the destructive WannaCry 2.0 ransomware - which hit Britain's National Health Service hard when it was set loose in 2017. The indictment pins the blame on the hackers for breaking into banks across South and Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Africa by penetrating the financial institutions' networks and abusing the SWIFT protocol to steal money. They are also alleged to have deployed malicious applications from March 2018 through September 2020 to target cryptocurrency users. The overall amount of money stolen by the hackers is not clear because in some cases the thefts were either halted or reversed. But the figures are significant. In one 2016 heist alone - at the Bangladesh Bank - the hackers are alleged to have made off with $81 million. "North Korea's operatives, using keyboards rather than guns, stealing digital wallets of cryptocurrency instead of sacks of cash, are the world's leading 21st-century nation-state bank robbers," US Assistant Attorney General John Demers told a news briefing.

US charges three North Korean hackers in $1.3 billion theft spree

China on Thursday&nbsp;defended its use of social networking platforms&nbsp;Twitter and Facebook&nbsp;following a report that it had used its growing media presence to spread disinformation about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When asked about the report, the Foreign Ministry's top spokesperson, Hua Chunying, didn't directly address the allegations about China's role in spreading virus disinformation. However, she called the report ''exaggerated''&nbsp;and said China should have the right to use social media too.

Also read-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/misinformation-and-shifting-blame-how-china-has-lost-out-on-the-debate-over-coronavirus-287253">Misinformation and shifting blame: How China has lost out on the debate over coronavirus</a>

Earlier, an investigative report in collaboration with the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, found that powerful political figures and allied media in China, as well as the US, Russia and Iran, flooded the globe with disinformation about the virus.

The report, published earlier this week, said that Chinese officials went on the offensive in reaction to a narrative&nbsp;nursed by former US President Donald Trump among others&nbsp;that the virus had been manufactured by China. Experts have largely ruled out that possibility.

Hua, asked about the report at a daily Foreign Ministry briefing, said that some people in Western countries, such as the US don't want to hear China's objective and true voice.

"They are afraid that more people will learn the truth, so that they can no longer spread false information unscrupulously and do whatever they want to mislead and monopolize international public opinion," she said.

China's response, though, was to start spreading rumours that the virus had been created by a US military lab and released during an international competition for military athletes in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the new coronavirus was first detected in late 2019.

The search for the origins of the virus has become highly politicised. Trump sought to pin the blame on China, in part to deflect criticism of his administration's response to the pandemic in the United States.

China, in turn, has played up reports that the virus was circulating outside of the country before the outbreak in Wuhan, suggesting it may have been brought in from elsewhere.

Determining where the virus started is likely to take years of research and may never be known. Most scientists say the most likely scenario is it was first carried by bats in southwest China or neighbouring Southeast Asia, and then spread to another animal before infecting humans.

China on Thursday defended its use of social networking platforms Twitter and Facebook following a report that it had used its growing media presence to spread disinformation about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China on Thursday defended its use of social networking platforms Twitter and Facebook following a report that it had used its growing media presence to spread disinformation about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked about the report, the Foreign Ministry's top spokesperson, Hua Chunying, didn't directly address the allegations about China's role in spreading virus disinformation. However, she called the report ''exaggerated'' and said China should have the right to use social media too. Also read-Misinformation and shifting blame: How China has lost out on the debate over coronavirus Earlier, an investigative report in collaboration with the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, found that powerful political figures and allied media in China, as well as the US, Russia and Iran, flooded the globe with disinformation about the virus. The report, published earlier this week, said that Chinese officials went on the offensive in reaction to a narrative nursed by former US President Donald Trump among others that the virus had been manufactured by China. Experts have largely ruled out that possibility. Hua, asked about the report at a daily Foreign Ministry briefing, said that some people in Western countries, such as the US don't want to hear China's objective and true voice. "They are afraid that more people will learn the truth, so that they can no longer spread false information unscrupulously and do whatever they want to mislead and monopolize international public opinion," she said. China's response, though, was to start spreading rumours that the virus had been created by a US military lab and released during an international competition for military athletes in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the new coronavirus was first detected in late 2019. The search for the origins of the virus has become highly politicised. Trump sought to pin the blame on China, in part to deflect criticism of his administration's response to the pandemic in the United States. China, in turn, has played up reports that the virus was circulating outside of the country before the outbreak in Wuhan, suggesting it may have been brought in from elsewhere. Determining where the virus started is likely to take years of research and may never be known. Most scientists say the most likely scenario is it was first carried by bats in southwest China or neighbouring Southeast Asia, and then spread to another animal before infecting humans.

China defends use of social networking platforms amid allegations of spreading disinformation

Almost 5,000 Hong Kong citizens have applied for a British visa&nbsp;after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year.

London made changes to its visa rules to give millions of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents a chance to settle in Britain after China imposed a new security law that democracy activists say will end the freedoms promised to the territory in 1997.

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Under the rules,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents who hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport will be allowed to live in the United Kingdom for five years and then apply for "settled status" and citizenship.

Some 5.4 million&nbsp;Hongkongers could ultimately be eligible for British citizenship under the scheme.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-activists-stand-trial-for-2019-protests-363962">Hong Kong pro-democracy activists stand trial for 2019 protests</a>

Those people had already been offered a temporary settlement in the United Kingdom after fleeing China's security crackdown while waiting for the visa change.

Britain and China have been arguing for months about what London and Washington say is an attempt to silence dissent in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;after pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020.

The British flag was lowered over&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;when the colony was handed back to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule - imposed after Britain defeated China in the First Opium War.

Hong&nbsp;Kong's autonomy was guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" agreement enshrined in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration signed by then Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

China says Britain's views on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;are clouded by an imperial hangover and that the territory needs the national security law to counter damaging unrest.

China and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;have said they will no longer recognise the BNO passport as a valid travel document from Jan. 31. BNO status was created by Britain in 1987 specifically for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents.

The British government has forecast the new visa could attract more than 300,000 people and their dependants to Britain. Beijing said it would make them second-class citizens.

Almost 5,000 Hong Kong citizens have applied for a British visa after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year. London made changes to its visa rules to give millions of Hong Kong residents a chance to settle in Britain after China imposed a new security law that democracy activists say will end the freedoms promised to the territory in 1997.

Almost 5,000 Hong Kong citizens have applied for a British visa after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year. London made changes to its visa rules to give millions of Hong Kong residents a chance to settle in Britain after China imposed a new security law that democracy activists say will end the freedoms promised to the territory in 1997. Under the rules, Hong Kong residents who hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport will be allowed to live in the United Kingdom for five years and then apply for "settled status" and citizenship. Some 5.4 million Hongkongers could ultimately be eligible for British citizenship under the scheme. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy activists stand trial for 2019 protests Those people had already been offered a temporary settlement in the United Kingdom after fleeing China's security crackdown while waiting for the visa change. Britain and China have been arguing for months about what London and Washington say is an attempt to silence dissent in Hong Kong after pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020. The British flag was lowered over Hong Kong when the colony was handed back to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule - imposed after Britain defeated China in the First Opium War. Hong Kong's autonomy was guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" agreement enshrined in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration signed by then Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. China says Britain's views on Hong Kong are clouded by an imperial hangover and that the territory needs the national security law to counter damaging unrest. China and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognise the BNO passport as a valid travel document from Jan. 31. BNO status was created by Britain in 1987 specifically for Hong Kong residents. The British government has forecast the new visa could attract more than 300,000 people and their dependants to Britain. Beijing said it would make them second-class citizens.

Thousands of Hong Kong citizens sign up for new UK visa

Russian scientists have unlocked the mysteries of the formation of&nbsp;massive holes&nbsp;in the north of Western Siberia, in the central part of the Yamal Peninsula.

The giant crater&nbsp;named C17 in the geoinformation system “The Arctic and the World Ocean”&nbsp;was created by the Oil and Gas Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (OGRI RAS). It was&nbsp;formed in the period 15 May–9 June 2020.

It is characterised by minimal water flooding and the uniquely good preservation of a significant part of the arch and a cavity of the complex shape formed in the ground ice.

For the first time, as a result of aerial photography from inside the crater with a UAV, a 3D model of the crater and a giant cavity in the ground ice, formed during its thawing from below, was built. The crater's&nbsp;diameter was about 25 m.

Study author Igor Bogoyavlensky, of the Oil and Gas Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said&nbsp;"Three times we got close to losing it, but succeeded in getting the data for the 3D model."

<section data-containers="36" data-eq-pts="xsmall: 0, medium: 460, large: 780, full16x9: 1100" data-eq-state="xsmall medium large" data-vr-zone="zone-1-0" data-zn-id="body-text" data-zone-label="bodyText" id="body-text">The accumulation of gas, the pressure rise and the development of gas-dynamic processes in the cavity led to the growth of the PHM, and the explosion and formation of the crater.</section>

The formation of the crater C17 was preceded by a long-term growth of the perennial heaving mound (PHM) on the surface of the third marine terrace.

According to&nbsp;Evgeny Chuvilin, the lead research scientist at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology's Center for Hydrocarbon Recovery in Moscow, "The new crater is uniquely well preserved, as surface water hadn't yet accumulated in the crater when we surveyed it, which allowed us to study a 'fresh' crater, untouched by degradation."

Rapid climate warming at northern high latitudes is driving geomorphic changes across the permafrost zone. In the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas in western Siberia, subterranean accumulation of methane beneath or within ice-rich permafrost can create mounds at the land surface. Once over-pressurized by methane, these mounds can explode and eject frozen ground, forming a gas emission crater (GEC).

"The craters and other abrupt changes occurring across the Arctic landscape are indicative of a rapidly warming and thawing the Arctic, which can have severe consequences for Arctic residents and globally," said&nbsp;Sue Natali, Arctic program director at the Woodwell Climate Research Center and coauthor of the study.

Russian scientists have unlocked the mysteries of the formation of massive holes in the north of Western Siberia, in the central part of the Yamal Peninsula. The giant crater named C17 in the geoinformation system “The Arctic and the World Ocean” was created by the Oil and Gas Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (OGRI RAS).

Russian scientists have unlocked the mysteries of the formation of massive holes in the north of Western Siberia, in the central part of the Yamal Peninsula. The giant crater named C17 in the geoinformation system “The Arctic and the World Ocean” was created by the Oil and Gas Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (OGRI RAS). It was formed in the period 15 May–9 June 2020. It is characterised by minimal water flooding and the uniquely good preservation of a significant part of the arch and a cavity of the complex shape formed in the ground ice. For the first time, as a result of aerial photography from inside the crater with a UAV, a 3D model of the crater and a giant cavity in the ground ice, formed during its thawing from below, was built. The crater's diameter was about 25 m. Study author Igor Bogoyavlensky, of the Oil and Gas Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said "Three times we got close to losing it, but succeeded in getting the data for the 3D model." The accumulation of gas, the pressure rise and the development of gas-dynamic processes in the cavity led to the growth of the PHM, and the explosion and formation of the crater. The formation of the crater C17 was preceded by a long-term growth of the perennial heaving mound (PHM) on the surface of the third marine terrace. According to Evgeny Chuvilin, the lead research scientist at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology's Center for Hydrocarbon Recovery in Moscow, "The new crater is uniquely well preserved, as surface water hadn't yet accumulated in the crater when we surveyed it, which allowed us to study a 'fresh' crater, untouched by degradation." Rapid climate warming at northern high latitudes is driving geomorphic changes across the permafrost zone. In the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas in western Siberia, subterranean accumulation of methane beneath or within ice-rich permafrost can create mounds at the land surface. Once over-pressurized by methane, these mounds can explode and eject frozen ground, forming a gas emission crater (GEC). "The craters and other abrupt changes occurring across the Arctic landscape are indicative of a rapidly warming and thawing the Arctic, which can have severe consequences for Arctic residents and globally," said Sue Natali, Arctic program director at the Woodwell Climate Research Center and coauthor of the study.

Scientists unravel mysteries of massive holes forming in Siberian permafrost

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday slammed Facebook's move to block news in the country and called it&nbsp;''arrogant''.

Morrison, on his Facebook page, said&nbsp;"Facebook's actions to unfriend Australia today, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing.

<img alt="Fb" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35f1d020-f40d-4cb0-99ec-d6f9ad10af65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%207489584.JPG" />

"These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behaviour of Big Tech companies who think they are bigger than governments and that the rules should not apply to them."

Facebook's dramatic move represents a split from Alphabet Inc-owned Google after they joined together for years to campaign against the laws. Both had threatened to cancel services in Australia, but Google has instead sealed preemptive deals with several outlets in recent days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-handed-several-key-sectors-hit-as-facebook-blocks-news-sharing-in-australia-364398">Several key sectors hit as Facebook blocks news sharing in Australia</a>

The move was swiftly criticised by news producers, politicians and human rights advocates, particularly as it became clear that official health pages, emergency safety warnings and welfare networks had all been scrubbed from the site along with news.

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp was the latest to announce a deal in which it will receive "significant payments" from Google in return for providing content for the search engine's News Showcase account.

The Australian law would require Facebook and Google to reach commercial deals with news outlets whose links drive traffic to their platforms or be subjected to forced arbitration to agree a price.

Facebook said in its statement that the law, which is expected to be passed by parliament within days, "fundamentally misunderstands" the relationship between itself and publishers and it faced a stark choice of complying or banning news content.

The tech giant has said news makes up just 4 per cent&nbsp;of what people view on its website, but for Australians Facebook's role in news&nbsp;delivery is growing.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday slammed Facebook's move to block news in the country and called it ''arrogant''. Morrison, on his Facebook page, said "Facebook's actions to unfriend Australia today, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday slammed Facebook's move to block news in the country and called it ''arrogant''. Morrison, on his Facebook page, said "Facebook's actions to unfriend Australia today, cutting off essential information services on health and emergency services, were as arrogant as they were disappointing. "These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behaviour of Big Tech companies who think they are bigger than governments and that the rules should not apply to them." Facebook's dramatic move represents a split from Alphabet Inc-owned Google after they joined together for years to campaign against the laws. Both had threatened to cancel services in Australia, but Google has instead sealed preemptive deals with several outlets in recent days. Also read: Several key sectors hit as Facebook blocks news sharing in Australia The move was swiftly criticised by news producers, politicians and human rights advocates, particularly as it became clear that official health pages, emergency safety warnings and welfare networks had all been scrubbed from the site along with news. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp was the latest to announce a deal in which it will receive "significant payments" from Google in return for providing content for the search engine's News Showcase account. The Australian law would require Facebook and Google to reach commercial deals with news outlets whose links drive traffic to their platforms or be subjected to forced arbitration to agree a price. Facebook said in its statement that the law, which is expected to be passed by parliament within days, "fundamentally misunderstands" the relationship between itself and publishers and it faced a stark choice of complying or banning news content. The tech giant has said news makes up just 4 per cent of what people view on its website, but for Australians Facebook's role in news delivery is growing.

'Arrogant': Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison slams Facebook's move to block news

India, United States, Japan and Australia are members of the&nbsp;Quad, an informal group that Washington has been promoting to work as a potential bulwark against China's increasing political, commercial and military activity in the Indo-Pacific.

The four nations that make up the so-called&nbsp;Quad&nbsp;group (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)&nbsp;began their largest joint naval exercises over a decade ago, as part of efforts to balance China's vast military and economic power in the region.

It's an old group with a new life and the members need it, now more than ever.

Japan wants to end Chinese incursions in its waters.&nbsp;To counter China, Suga last month visited Vietnam and Indonesia to bolster ties with key Southeast Asian allies. That followed a meeting in Tokyo of foreign ministers from the "Quad" an informal group of Japan, Australia, the United States, and India.

While Australia wants to counter China's punitive taxes, America wants an open Indo-Pacific and India wants respect for its territorial integrity.

The grouping makes sense but for it to make a difference it must get its act together, speak in one voice and in a language of strength.

The Quad must be consistent and proactive and not&nbsp;compliant and reactive.

In 2004,&nbsp;a tsunami had devastated the Indian Ocean region and the world was looking to help. Four countries decided to coordinate their response, these include&nbsp;India, the United States, Japan and Australia.

They launched ad hoc operations to provide relief&nbsp;but the engagement was limited. In 2007,&nbsp;the ASEAN regional forum took place in the Philippines, the prime ministers of&nbsp;India, Japan and Australia&nbsp;met with then US&nbsp;Vice President Dick Cheney.

This was the first quadrilateral summit.&nbsp;A&nbsp;few months later,&nbsp;the four countries held a large multilateral naval exercise in the Indian Ocean

Hu Jintao, former president of the People's Republic of China,&nbsp;did not like it and&nbsp;exerted pressure.

China has denounced the&nbsp;Quad&nbsp;as an attempt to contain its development and urged the United States to drop its "Cold War mentality".

For&nbsp;the next 10 years, the Quad&nbsp;lay dormant. But&nbsp;2017 came as a big turning point as China's Belt and&nbsp;Road initiative was expanding.

Quad&nbsp;member nations saw what China was up to and&nbsp;resurrected the&nbsp;alliance with a meeting. The discussion revolved around a 'free and&nbsp;open Indo-Pacific.

After unleashing the coronavirus pandemic, China emerged as the single biggest threat to the stability of the Indo-Pacific.

Its&nbsp;increasing assertiveness,&nbsp;expanding maritime aggression&nbsp;and bizarre territorial claims has&nbsp;infuriated Quad members and the other countries in the region.

Beijing is currently fighting&nbsp;a trade war with the United States,&nbsp;a diplomatic war with Australia,&nbsp;a border conflict with India&nbsp;and multiple territorial disputes with Japan.

The&nbsp;threat is real and Quad is looking to evolve from an informal grouping into a formal alliance because together&nbsp;it has the potential to counter China's aggression.

China has an army of two&nbsp;million. Meanwhile, the combined army strength of&nbsp;India, United States, Japan and Australia&nbsp;is 2.2 million.

While the Chinese navy has a strength of 240,000,&nbsp;for the Quad, the naval forces stand at 760,000.

But even though the potential is immense,&nbsp;challenges remain, especially for India, proximity and the lack&nbsp;of a formal alliance are major concerns.

India is the only quad member that shares a border with China and is thus, the most vulnerable to Chinese retaliation.

Unlike Japan and&nbsp;Australia, India does not have a formal security alliance with America.

India sticks to the idea of non-alignment and strategic autonomy, it cannot command the Quad's intervention, should China provoke again.

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed in a telephone call to strengthen Indo-Pacific security through the&nbsp;Quad&nbsp;grouping of countries that is seen as a way to push back against China's growing assertiveness in the region.

To be&nbsp;potent and effective, Quad and its members&nbsp;must establish a formal alliance and&nbsp;not wait for another pandemic&nbsp;to join hands.

India, United States, Japan and Australia are members of the Quad, an informal group that Washington has been promoting to work as a potential bulwark against China's increasing political, commercial and military activity in the Indo-Pacific.

India, United States, Japan and Australia are members of the Quad, an informal group that Washington has been promoting to work as a potential bulwark against China's increasing political, commercial and military activity in the Indo-Pacific. The four nations that make up the so-called Quad group (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) began their largest joint naval exercises over a decade ago, as part of efforts to balance China's vast military and economic power in the region. It's an old group with a new life and the members need it, now more than ever. Japan wants to end Chinese incursions in its waters. To counter China, Suga last month visited Vietnam and Indonesia to bolster ties with key Southeast Asian allies. That followed a meeting in Tokyo of foreign ministers from the "Quad" an informal group of Japan, Australia, the United States, and India. While Australia wants to counter China's punitive taxes, America wants an open Indo-Pacific and India wants respect for its territorial integrity. The grouping makes sense but for it to make a difference it must get its act together, speak in one voice and in a language of strength. The Quad must be consistent and proactive and not compliant and reactive. In 2004, a tsunami had devastated the Indian Ocean region and the world was looking to help. Four countries decided to coordinate their response, these include India, the United States, Japan and Australia. They launched ad hoc operations to provide relief but the engagement was limited. In 2007, the ASEAN regional forum took place in the Philippines, the prime ministers of India, Japan and Australia met with then US Vice President Dick Cheney. This was the first quadrilateral summit. A few months later, the four countries held a large multilateral naval exercise in the Indian Ocean Hu Jintao, former president of the People's Republic of China, did not like it and exerted pressure. China has denounced the Quad as an attempt to contain its development and urged the United States to drop its "Cold War mentality". For the next 10 years, the Quad lay dormant. But 2017 came as a big turning point as China's Belt and Road initiative was expanding. Quad member nations saw what China was up to and resurrected the alliance with a meeting. The discussion revolved around a 'free and open Indo-Pacific. After unleashing the coronavirus pandemic, China emerged as the single biggest threat to the stability of the Indo-Pacific. Its increasing assertiveness, expanding maritime aggression and bizarre territorial claims has infuriated Quad members and the other countries in the region. Beijing is currently fighting a trade war with the United States, a diplomatic war with Australia, a border conflict with India and multiple territorial disputes with Japan. The threat is real and Quad is looking to evolve from an informal grouping into a formal alliance because together it has the potential to counter China's aggression. China has an army of two million. Meanwhile, the combined army strength of India, United States, Japan and Australia is 2.2 million. While the Chinese navy has a strength of 240,000, for the Quad, the naval forces stand at 760,000. But even though the potential is immense, challenges remain, especially for India, proximity and the lack of a formal alliance are major concerns. India is the only quad member that shares a border with China and is thus, the most vulnerable to Chinese retaliation. Unlike Japan and Australia, India does not have a formal security alliance with America. India sticks to the idea of non-alignment and strategic autonomy, it cannot command the Quad's intervention, should China provoke again. US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed in a telephone call to strengthen Indo-Pacific security through the Quad grouping of countries that is seen as a way to push back against China's growing assertiveness in the region. To be potent and effective, Quad and its members must establish a formal alliance and not wait for another pandemic to join hands.

Quad: Potential bulwark against China's increasing activity in the Indo-Pacific

Russia on Wednesday rejected the call&nbsp;from the European Court of Human Rights and said&nbsp;there were no legal grounds to set Kremlin critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;free.

Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-says-europe-court-has-ordered-his-release-364335" hreflang="en">Kremlin critic Navalny says Europe court has ordered his release</a>

The court said Russia insisted in its argument to the court that&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;was being held in an appropriately guarded facility and that his cell was under video surveillance.

But&nbsp;Navalny, who lodged a complaint on January 20, contended that "the arrangements listed by the government could not provide sufficient safeguards for his life and health," the court said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pro-navalny-demonstrations-in-moscow-363749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Member states are obliged to enforce ECHR decisions, though in practice they may not be implemented.&nbsp;

European Court of Human Rights belongs to&nbsp;Council of Europe rights body, of which Russia is a member.

President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia.

His arrest sparked two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release, in some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-seek-13000-slander-fine-for-navalny-364043">Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny</a>

The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to.

A Moscow court earlier this month ruled to convert a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;received on fraud charges in 2014 to jail time over alleged parole violations.

Navalny&nbsp;is now facing defamation charges for referring to a World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors".

A Moscow district court on Tuesday heard the final arguments in the case, during which the prosecutor asked for a fine of 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros).

As the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence, the prosecutor also requested that it be converted to real jail time, despite the other court having already ruled to do so.

Russia on Wednesday rejected the call from the European Court of Human Rights and said there were no legal grounds to set Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny free. Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody".

Russia on Wednesday rejected the call from the European Court of Human Rights and said there were no legal grounds to set Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny free. Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody". Also read: Kremlin critic Navalny says Europe court has ordered his release The court said Russia insisted in its argument to the court that Navalny was being held in an appropriately guarded facility and that his cell was under video surveillance. But Navalny, who lodged a complaint on January 20, contended that "the arrangements listed by the government could not provide sufficient safeguards for his life and health," the court said. Member states are obliged to enforce ECHR decisions, though in practice they may not be implemented. European Court of Human Rights belongs to Council of Europe rights body, of which Russia is a member. President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia. His arrest sparked two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release, in some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years. Also read: Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to. A Moscow court earlier this month ruled to convert a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence Navalny received on fraud charges in 2014 to jail time over alleged parole violations. Navalny is now facing defamation charges for referring to a World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors". A Moscow district court on Tuesday heard the final arguments in the case, during which the prosecutor asked for a fine of 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros). As the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence, the prosecutor also requested that it be converted to real jail time, despite the other court having already ruled to do so.

'No legal grounds' to release Navalny, says Russia

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Wednesday that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ordered Russia to release him immediately, citing risks to his life.

"The Court decided to indicate to the Government of Russia... to release the applicant. This measure shall apply with immediate effect," the ECHR said.

It said that the ruling was taken with "regard to the nature and extent of risk to the applicant's life".

European Court of Human Rights belongs to&nbsp;Council of Europe rights body, of which Russia is a member.

Member states are obliged to enforce ECHR decisions, though in practice they may not be implemented.&nbsp;

The court said Russia insisted in its argument to the court that&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;was being held in an appropriately guarded facility and that his cell was under video surveillance.

But&nbsp;Navalny, who lodged a complaint on January 20, contended that "the arrangements listed by the government could not provide sufficient safeguards for his life and health," the court said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pro-navalny-demonstrations-in-moscow-363749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Russian Justice Minister&nbsp;Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody".&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia.

His arrest sparked two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release, in some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.

The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-seek-13000-slander-fine-for-navalny-364043">Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny</a>

A Moscow court earlier this month ruled to convert a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence&nbsp;Navalny&nbsp;received on fraud charges in 2014 to jail time over alleged parole violations.

Navalny&nbsp;is now facing defamation charges for referring to a World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors".

A Moscow district court on Tuesday heard the final arguments in the case, during which the prosecutor asked for a fine of 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros).

As the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence, the prosecutor also requested that it be converted to real jail time, despite the other court having already ruled to do so.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Wednesday that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ordered Russia to release him immediately, citing risks to his life.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Wednesday that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ordered Russia to release him immediately, citing risks to his life. "The Court decided to indicate to the Government of Russia... to release the applicant. This measure shall apply with immediate effect," the ECHR said. It said that the ruling was taken with "regard to the nature and extent of risk to the applicant's life". European Court of Human Rights belongs to Council of Europe rights body, of which Russia is a member. Member states are obliged to enforce ECHR decisions, though in practice they may not be implemented. The court said Russia insisted in its argument to the court that Navalny was being held in an appropriately guarded facility and that his cell was under video surveillance. But Navalny, who lodged a complaint on January 20, contended that "the arrangements listed by the government could not provide sufficient safeguards for his life and health," the court said. Meanwhile, Russian Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko said the court's demand was "unreasonable and unlawful" and "there are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody". President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia. His arrest sparked two consecutive weekends of nationwide protests demanding his release, in some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years. The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to. Also read: Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny A Moscow court earlier this month ruled to convert a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence Navalny received on fraud charges in 2014 to jail time over alleged parole violations. Navalny is now facing defamation charges for referring to a World War II veteran and others who appeared in a pro-Kremlin video as "traitors". A Moscow district court on Tuesday heard the final arguments in the case, during which the prosecutor asked for a fine of 950,000 rubles ($13,000/10,600 euros). As the alleged defamation occurred during the suspended sentence, the prosecutor also requested that it be converted to real jail time, despite the other court having already ruled to do so.

Kremlin critic Navalny says Europe court has ordered his release

Google is teaming up with the European Investment Fund (EIF) and two other organisations in Latin America and Asia to provide $75 million in funding to small- and medium-sized companies suffering from the impact of COVID-19.

The funds are part of an $800 million initiative announced in March last year in response to the pandemic.

Google, a unit of Alphabet, said on Wednesday that it would invest in two EIF funds, giving $15 million in loan capital to 1,000 European small businesses and $10 million in EIF’s venture capital fund backing 200 life sciences companies.

The EIF is part of the European Investment Bank group, the lending arm of the European Union.

In Latin America, Google will work with the Inter-American Development Bank to allocate $8 million to small companies.

It has also set up a $26 million loan fund with Kiva, an organisation that crowdfunds loans, to help businesses in Africa, the Middle East and Indonesia. Indian companies will get $15 million.

Google is teaming up with the European Investment Fund (EIF) and two other organisations in Latin America and Asia to provide $75 million in funding to small- and medium-sized companies suffering from the impact of COVID-19.

Google is teaming up with the European Investment Fund (EIF) and two other organisations in Latin America and Asia to provide $75 million in funding to small- and medium-sized companies suffering from the impact of COVID-19. The funds are part of an $800 million initiative announced in March last year in response to the pandemic. Google, a unit of Alphabet, said on Wednesday that it would invest in two EIF funds, giving $15 million in loan capital to 1,000 European small businesses and $10 million in EIF’s venture capital fund backing 200 life sciences companies. The EIF is part of the European Investment Bank group, the lending arm of the European Union. In Latin America, Google will work with the Inter-American Development Bank to allocate $8 million to small companies. It has also set up a $26 million loan fund with Kiva, an organisation that crowdfunds loans, to help businesses in Africa, the Middle East and Indonesia. Indian companies will get $15 million.

Google to invest $75 million in coronavirus-hit small businesses

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