Kamala Harris' ancestral Indian village celebrates ahead of her inauguration

Meet the Bidens: A look at the America's new 'first family'

India on Wednesday starts the supply of its coronavirus vaccines to six nations in which Bhutan and Maldives will be the first recipients under its neighbourhood first policy as a ''goodwill gesture''.

The step will pave&nbsp;the way for many mid-and lower-income countries to get supplies of the easy-to-store Oxford/AstraZeneca drug, of which it said it plans to ship millions of doses within days.

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India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineMaitri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineMaitri</a> <a href="https://t.co/9Czfkuk8h7">https://t.co/9Czfkuk8h7</a>
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Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine producer said last week&nbsp;it soon expected emergency use authorisation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for that vaccine, which SII has been licensed to make.

The foreign ministry said shipments would start on Wednesday following requests from "neighbouring and key partner countries". Officials said the first doses would go to Bhutan and Maldives.

Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will also get supplies in this week's first phase, the external affairs ministry said.

The Bangladesh foreign ministry said it expected to receive a gift of two million doses on Thursday. The country of 160 million, which has yet to start its vaccination programme, has ordered a further 30 million doses, officials said.

The vast majority of the production of the three most widely approved COVID vaccines globally has so far been hoovered up by developed nations, raising concerns at the WHO and elsewhere that poorer countries could face a long wait for supplies.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is widely viewed as their best option because the other two, manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech and by Moderna, need to be stored at very low temperatures.

WHO emergency authorisation for the Astra-Oxford vaccine would additionally allow SII to begin supplying it to the WHO-backed COVAX initiative aimed at fairly distributing COVID-19 shots across the world.

India, which has the world's second-highest COVID caseload, has said it needs to balance its domestic requirements with international demands.

It began giving shots of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as another developed by Bharat Biotech, to domestic health workers on Saturday.

The country plans to start exporting Bharat Biotech's vaccine at a later stage.

The foreign ministry said Astra-Oxford vaccine supplies to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius would begin soon after those countries' regulators cleared the drug.

India on Wednesday starts the supply of its coronavirus vaccines to six nations in which Bhutan and Maldives will be the first recipients under its neighbourhood first policy as a ''goodwill gesture''.

India on Wednesday starts the supply of its coronavirus vaccines to six nations in which Bhutan and Maldives will be the first recipients under its neighbourhood first policy as a ''goodwill gesture''. The step will pave the way for many mid-and lower-income countries to get supplies of the easy-to-store Oxford/AstraZeneca drug, of which it said it plans to ship millions of doses within days. India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead. #VaccineMaitri https://t.co/9Czfkuk8h7 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2021 × Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine producer said last week it soon expected emergency use authorisation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for that vaccine, which SII has been licensed to make. The foreign ministry said shipments would start on Wednesday following requests from "neighbouring and key partner countries". Officials said the first doses would go to Bhutan and Maldives. Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will also get supplies in this week's first phase, the external affairs ministry said. The Bangladesh foreign ministry said it expected to receive a gift of two million doses on Thursday. The country of 160 million, which has yet to start its vaccination programme, has ordered a further 30 million doses, officials said. The vast majority of the production of the three most widely approved COVID vaccines globally has so far been hoovered up by developed nations, raising concerns at the WHO and elsewhere that poorer countries could face a long wait for supplies. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is widely viewed as their best option because the other two, manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech and by Moderna, need to be stored at very low temperatures. WHO emergency authorisation for the Astra-Oxford vaccine would additionally allow SII to begin supplying it to the WHO-backed COVAX initiative aimed at fairly distributing COVID-19 shots across the world. India, which has the world's second-highest COVID caseload, has said it needs to balance its domestic requirements with international demands. It began giving shots of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as another developed by Bharat Biotech, to domestic health workers on Saturday. The country plans to start exporting Bharat Biotech's vaccine at a later stage. The foreign ministry said Astra-Oxford vaccine supplies to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius would begin soon after those countries' regulators cleared the drug.

'Goodwill gesture': India begins export of coronavirus vaccines to six nations

In a sombre ceremony at&nbsp;Lincoln Memorial on Tuesday, President-elect Joe Biden&nbsp;honoured&nbsp;the 400,000 Americans lost to Covid-19 as he arrived in Washington on the eve of his inauguration.

The sundown commemoration came just hours before President Donald Trump was due to leave the White House and hand over a country in crisis. The ceremony, spearheaded by&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris from the base of the Lincoln Memorial, marked the federal government's first official nod to the staggering death toll from the pandemic.

Biden, who himself has suffered deep personal tragedy of his own and who is known for his public displays of emotion, has stressed the need to unite the country after President Donald Trump's chaotic four years in office.

"We must remember. It's hard sometimes to remember, but that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in brief remarks to kick off a tribute that was to include observances in cities across the country.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/washington-prepares-for-bidens-inauguration-with-final-dress-rehearsals-357790" hreflang="en">Washington prepares for Biden's inauguration with final dress rehearsals</a>

Inauguration eve is normally a time of massive crowds gathering in the capital, but Biden, joined by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, were almost alone on the empty National Mall due to Covid restrictions and heightened security after the deadly riot at the US Capitol.

As darkness fell over the nation's capital, 400 electric lamps lining the sides of the Reflecting Pool were illuminated to honour the 400,000 lives lost, followed by gospel singer Yolanda Adams' performance of the song "Hallelujah," then a moment of silence in memory of the COVID-19 dead.

"Though we may be physically separated, we the American people are united in spirit," Harris said separately.

A hospital nurse from Michigan, Lori Marie Key, sang "Amazing Grace" before&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;took to the podium. About 4 miles (6.5 km) from where&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;appeared, the bells of the National Cathedral were tolled 400 times after he spoke.

On the Mall's grassy expanse, some 200,000 flags have been planted to represent the absent crowds at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.

Trump, who has not appeared in public for a week, broke days of silence with a pre-recorded farewell video address.

For the first time, he asked Americans to "pray" for the success of the incoming administration, a change from months spent persuading his Republican followers that the Democrats cheated their way to election victory.

The United States surpassed 24 million COVID-19 infections and 400,000 lives lost from the virus on Tuesday. The country has recorded more than 200,000 new cases and 3,220 deaths on average over the last seven days.&nbsp;

Among the other landmarks participating in the lighting ceremony were the Empire State Building in New York City and the Space Needle in Seattle,&nbsp;Biden's inaugural committee said in a statement. The committee also said it was encouraging Americans to light candles in their windows and churches to ring their bells in a show of unity.

In a sombre ceremony at Lincoln Memorial on Tuesday, President-elect Joe Biden honoured the 400,000 Americans lost to Covid-19 as he arrived in Washington on the eve of his inauguration.

In a sombre ceremony at Lincoln Memorial on Tuesday, President-elect Joe Biden honoured the 400,000 Americans lost to Covid-19 as he arrived in Washington on the eve of his inauguration. The sundown commemoration came just hours before President Donald Trump was due to leave the White House and hand over a country in crisis. The ceremony, spearheaded by Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris from the base of the Lincoln Memorial, marked the federal government's first official nod to the staggering death toll from the pandemic. Biden, who himself has suffered deep personal tragedy of his own and who is known for his public displays of emotion, has stressed the need to unite the country after President Donald Trump's chaotic four years in office. "We must remember. It's hard sometimes to remember, but that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation," Biden said in brief remarks to kick off a tribute that was to include observances in cities across the country. Also see: Washington prepares for Biden's inauguration with final dress rehearsals Inauguration eve is normally a time of massive crowds gathering in the capital, but Biden, joined by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, were almost alone on the empty National Mall due to Covid restrictions and heightened security after the deadly riot at the US Capitol. As darkness fell over the nation's capital, 400 electric lamps lining the sides of the Reflecting Pool were illuminated to honour the 400,000 lives lost, followed by gospel singer Yolanda Adams' performance of the song "Hallelujah," then a moment of silence in memory of the COVID-19 dead. "Though we may be physically separated, we the American people are united in spirit," Harris said separately. A hospital nurse from Michigan, Lori Marie Key, sang "Amazing Grace" before Biden took to the podium. About 4 miles (6.5 km) from where Biden appeared, the bells of the National Cathedral were tolled 400 times after he spoke. On the Mall's grassy expanse, some 200,000 flags have been planted to represent the absent crowds at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday. Trump, who has not appeared in public for a week, broke days of silence with a pre-recorded farewell video address. For the first time, he asked Americans to "pray" for the success of the incoming administration, a change from months spent persuading his Republican followers that the Democrats cheated their way to election victory. The United States surpassed 24 million COVID-19 infections and 400,000 lives lost from the virus on Tuesday. The country has recorded more than 200,000 new cases and 3,220 deaths on average over the last seven days. Among the other landmarks participating in the lighting ceremony were the Empire State Building in New York City and the Space Needle in Seattle, Biden's inaugural committee said in a statement. The committee also said it was encouraging Americans to light candles in their windows and churches to ring their bells in a show of unity.

Joe Biden grieves America's COVID-19 victims on eve of inauguration

Outgoing US President Donald Trump’s youngest daughter, Tiffany, is engaged to be married.

The 27-year-old recent Georgetown law school graduate announced her good news on Instagram on Tuesday, her father’s final full day in office.

She shared a photograph of herself and fiance Michael Boulos posing on the West Wing colonnade at the White House.

“It has been an honour to celebrate many milestones, historic occasions and create memories with my family here at the White House, none more special than my engagement to my amazing fiance Michael!” Tiffany Trump wrote. “Feeling blessed and excited for the next chapter!”

Boulos, a 23-year-old business executive, also shared the photograph on his Instagram account.

“Got engaged to the love of my life! Looking forward to our next chapter together,” he wrote.

Tiffany Trump is the president’s daughter with Marla Maples, his second ex-wife.

She and Boutros have been dating for the past few years and have attended White House events together.

&nbsp;

Outgoing US President Donald Trump’s youngest daughter, Tiffany, is engaged to be married. The 27-year-old recent Georgetown law school graduate announced her good news on Instagram on Tuesday, her father’s final full day in office.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump’s youngest daughter, Tiffany, is engaged to be married. The 27-year-old recent Georgetown law school graduate announced her good news on Instagram on Tuesday, her father’s final full day in office. She shared a photograph of herself and fiance Michael Boulos posing on the West Wing colonnade at the White House. “It has been an honour to celebrate many milestones, historic occasions and create memories with my family here at the White House, none more special than my engagement to my amazing fiance Michael!” Tiffany Trump wrote. “Feeling blessed and excited for the next chapter!” Boulos, a 23-year-old business executive, also shared the photograph on his Instagram account. “Got engaged to the love of my life! Looking forward to our next chapter together,” he wrote. Tiffany Trump is the president’s daughter with Marla Maples, his second ex-wife. She and Boutros have been dating for the past few years and have attended White House events together.

Tiffany Trump announces engagement on dad's final full day

Foreigners caught not wearing face masks on the Indonesian resort island of Bali are being subject to an unusual punishment: push-ups.

Video footage circulating on social media this week shows tourists in T-shirts and shorts being made to do the exercise in sweltering tropical heat as masked security officials stood over them.

Bali authorities made wearing a face mask in public mandatory last year as&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;battled a raging Covid-19 outbreak.

In recent days, however, scores of foreigners have been caught without face coverings, said security official Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara.

More than 70 people paid a fine of 100,000 rupiah ($7), but about 30 others said they did not have the cash.

Instead, they were ordered to do push-ups.

Those not carrying a mask had to do up to 50, while those who were wearing one improperly were punished with 15.&nbsp;

"At first, they would claim that they didn't know the regulation," Suryanegara told AFP.&nbsp;"Then they said they forgot, or that the mask was wet or damaged."

Some Indonesians on the island, which is a pocket of Hinduism in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, have also been hit with the unusual punishment.

Bali's authorities have also warned that foreigners who break virus regulations could be thrown out of the country, although so far there have no reports of anyone being deported for failing to wear a mask.

The island, which has been hammered by the epidemic, remains officially closed to overseas tourists but is home to many long-term residents from abroad.

Foreigners living elsewhere in&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;can still visit.&nbsp;

Foreigners caught not wearing face masks on the Indonesian resort island of Bali are being subject to an unusual punishment: push-ups. Video footage circulating on social media this week shows tourists in T-shirts and shorts being made to do the exercise in sweltering tropical heat as masked security officials stood over them.

Foreigners caught not wearing face masks on the Indonesian resort island of Bali are being subject to an unusual punishment: push-ups. Video footage circulating on social media this week shows tourists in T-shirts and shorts being made to do the exercise in sweltering tropical heat as masked security officials stood over them. Bali authorities made wearing a face mask in public mandatory last year as Indonesia battled a raging Covid-19 outbreak. In recent days, however, scores of foreigners have been caught without face coverings, said security official Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara. More than 70 people paid a fine of 100,000 rupiah ($7), but about 30 others said they did not have the cash. Instead, they were ordered to do push-ups. Those not carrying a mask had to do up to 50, while those who were wearing one improperly were punished with 15. "At first, they would claim that they didn't know the regulation," Suryanegara told AFP. "Then they said they forgot, or that the mask was wet or damaged." Some Indonesians on the island, which is a pocket of Hinduism in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, have also been hit with the unusual punishment. Bali's authorities have also warned that foreigners who break virus regulations could be thrown out of the country, although so far there have no reports of anyone being deported for failing to wear a mask. The island, which has been hammered by the epidemic, remains officially closed to overseas tourists but is home to many long-term residents from abroad. Foreigners living elsewhere in Indonesia can still visit.

Foreigners without face masks punished with push-ups in Bali

Ahead of a change in the US administration, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country cannot be ignored and strongly believes that no administration can ignore the country. 
 
The Foreign Minister, while speaking to Geo TV, said that a new world is being established out of which new priorities are coming forward. He added that Pakistan and the incoming US administration have a lot of "commonalties". 
 
"Challenges will be there. I`m not saying they won`t be there. We have to face the facts, but I believe Pakistan has a lot to offer," said Qureshi, adding that Pakistan is an important country of the region. 
 
"Pakistan cannot be ignored and I do think that no administration will ignore Pakistan," said Qureshi. 
 
To a question about what Pakistan expects, Qureshi said the people being nominated by President-elect Joe Biden are those who know about Pakistan. He also shared that he had the opportunity to work with them when the Democrats were in power last. 
 
"They understand the region very well," remarked Qureshi. 
 
The foreign minister told the hosts that Biden, during his time as a senator, was a "well-respected" member of the foreign relations committee. 
 
"He has a very clear opinion about Pakistan and South Asia," said Qureshi. He also mentioned that Pakistan and the US have a convergence of interest in Afghanistan. 
 
"There are many areas where the Imran Khan government and Biden government have a common interest," said Pakistan`s top diplomat. He shared examples of climate change and the COVAX initiative.

Ahead of a change in the US administration, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country cannot be ignored and strongly believes that no administration can ignore the country.

Ahead of a change in the US administration, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country cannot be ignored and strongly believes that no administration can ignore the country. The Foreign Minister, while speaking to Geo TV, said that a new world is being established out of which new priorities are coming forward. He added that Pakistan and the incoming US administration have a lot of "commonalties". "Challenges will be there. I`m not saying they won`t be there. We have to face the facts, but I believe Pakistan has a lot to offer," said Qureshi, adding that Pakistan is an important country of the region. "Pakistan cannot be ignored and I do think that no administration will ignore Pakistan," said Qureshi. To a question about what Pakistan expects, Qureshi said the people being nominated by President-elect Joe Biden are those who know about Pakistan. He also shared that he had the opportunity to work with them when the Democrats were in power last. "They understand the region very well," remarked Qureshi. The foreign minister told the hosts that Biden, during his time as a senator, was a "well-respected" member of the foreign relations committee. "He has a very clear opinion about Pakistan and South Asia," said Qureshi. He also mentioned that Pakistan and the US have a convergence of interest in Afghanistan. "There are many areas where the Imran Khan government and Biden government have a common interest," said Pakistan`s top diplomat. He shared examples of climate change and the COVAX initiative.

No US administration can ignore Pakistan: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Afghan authorities lambasted the Taliban Wednesday for failing to actively participate in peace talks seeking to end the country's long-running war.

Following months of deliberations and a first-round that failed to achieve any major breakthrough, the Afghan government and Taliban are meeting again in Qatar,&nbsp;but so far only discussing the agenda for round two.

"Unfortunately, the talks are going at a snail's pace," Waheed Omar, media adviser to President Ashraf Ghani told reporters.

"The Taliban have no clear vision. We see no changes in them."

Kabul is pushing for a permanent ceasefire and to protect governance arrangements in place since the ouster of the Taliban by a US-led invasion following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

But since the second round of talks began on January 6 in Doha there has been no significant announcement about how negotiations were proceeding.

The talks have been marred by a surge in violence, with a recent spate of high-profile killings of officials, judges, journalists and activists leaving the war-weary country reeling.

Omar said there was no plan to release more Taliban prisoners to help spur the talks along, saying the government's previous experience of releasing insurgents failed to reduce fighting.

"The Taliban not only did not reduce the violence, but they increased the violence," Omar said.

Before the start of the peace talks on September 12, authorities released more than 5,000 Taliban inmates as demanded by the group in a deal with Washington last year.

In return, the Taliban agreed to give some security guarantees and participate in peace talks aimed at ending the country's war.

Under the landmark deal signed last year, the US pledged to pull out all foreign forces from Afghanistan by May 2021.

Both the Taliban and the Afghan government are anxiously awaiting President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration and any new policy directions from the incoming administration.

Afghan authorities lambasted the Taliban Wednesday for failing to actively participate in peace talks seeking to end the country's long-running war. Following months of deliberations and a first-round that failed to achieve any major breakthrough, the Afghan government and Taliban are meeting again in Qatar, but so far only discussing the agenda for round two.

Afghan authorities lambasted the Taliban Wednesday for failing to actively participate in peace talks seeking to end the country's long-running war. Following months of deliberations and a first-round that failed to achieve any major breakthrough, the Afghan government and Taliban are meeting again in Qatar, but so far only discussing the agenda for round two. "Unfortunately, the talks are going at a snail's pace," Waheed Omar, media adviser to President Ashraf Ghani told reporters. "The Taliban have no clear vision. We see no changes in them." Kabul is pushing for a permanent ceasefire and to protect governance arrangements in place since the ouster of the Taliban by a US-led invasion following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. But since the second round of talks began on January 6 in Doha there has been no significant announcement about how negotiations were proceeding. The talks have been marred by a surge in violence, with a recent spate of high-profile killings of officials, judges, journalists and activists leaving the war-weary country reeling. Omar said there was no plan to release more Taliban prisoners to help spur the talks along, saying the government's previous experience of releasing insurgents failed to reduce fighting. "The Taliban not only did not reduce the violence, but they increased the violence," Omar said. Before the start of the peace talks on September 12, authorities released more than 5,000 Taliban inmates as demanded by the group in a deal with Washington last year. In return, the Taliban agreed to give some security guarantees and participate in peace talks aimed at ending the country's war. Under the landmark deal signed last year, the US pledged to pull out all foreign forces from Afghanistan by May 2021. Both the Taliban and the Afghan government are anxiously awaiting President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration and any new policy directions from the incoming administration.

Peace talks at 'snail's pace' due to Taliban, says Afghan government

The UK coronavirus strain has spread to at least 60 countries, the World Health Organization reported Wednesday after US President-elect Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;led a moving tribute to American victims.

Covid-19 has claimed more than two million lives globally since it was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan more than a year ago, while the total number of reported cases is edging towards 100 million, according to an AFP tally.

The arrival of mass inoculation drives in the United States, Europe and Asia had brought hope that the end of the epidemic was in sight.

But deep concern over new variants of the deadly pathogen has triggered governments around the world to toughen constraints on restriction-weary populations as officials grapple with how to slow infections until vaccines become widely available.

In its weekly update, the WHO announced the strain first found in the UK was now in 10 more countries than seven days ago.

It said the South African variant,&nbsp;which similarly is believed to be more transmissible -- has been reported in 23 countries and territories.

The number of new deaths climbed to a record high of 93,000 over the previous week, it added, with 4.7 million new cases reported over the same period.

&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;leads tributes&nbsp;

The US is by far the worst-hit nation with more than 400,000 deaths, and incoming Commander-in-Chief&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;focused on healing at a memorial for victims on the eve of his&nbsp;inauguration.

Almost a year after the US registered its first fatality, the pace of the pandemic has picked up with 100,000 deaths in the past month alone.

"It's hard sometimes to remember, but that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in sombre remarks on Tuesday in Washington at the National Mall reflecting pool, where lights were turned on as a memorial to those who have died.

"Let us shine the lights in the darkness along the sacred pool of reflection and remember all who we lost,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said.

The President-elect has made tackling the pandemic his top priority, as he prepares to take office in Washington on Wednesday.

He is already being forced to take action, with his aides contradicting an order from outgoing President Donald Trump to lift travel bans to Europe and Brazil designed to stop the spread.

Beijing lockdown

In China, which has largely brought the virus under control, a partial lockdown was imposed on the capital Beijing on Wednesday, with 1.6 million residents banned from leaving the city.

The country is battling its largest resurgence of Covid-19 cases in nearly a year, although the official figures are startlingly low compared to the rest of the world: just seven cases were reported in Beijing on Wednesday.

Authorities ordered residents of the southern Beijing district of Daxing -- which includes one of the city's two international airports -- to remain indoors.&nbsp;

But in Wuhan, the city of 11 million people now synonymous with the coronavirus, there were scenes of relaxation and travel freedoms this week.

Wet markets throng with shoppers, elderly dancers rehearse in the parks, and bars sell "Wuhan Stay Strong" craft beer.

"Wuhan had a tough year in 2020," Wang Chen, a 20-year-old resident, told AFP outside the exhibition, adding that China "handled the crisis very well."

Olympic spirit

Despite mounting case numbers, organisers of the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics are "unwavering" on holding the event this year.

In an interview with AFP ahead of the six-month countdown, Games CEO Toshiro Muto insisted the sporting showpiece was still possible, but conceded people are "anxious", including in Japan where Tokyo is under a state of emergency.

"We are not discussing cancellation," he said while admitting organisers couldn't rule out staging the event without spectators.

"Holding the Games is our unwavering policy, and at this point in time we're not discussing anything other than that."

However, his view was in contrast to that of a senior official from the London 2012 Games Keith Mills, who told the BBC Tokyo officials should be making plans to cancel.

Meanwhile, on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, dozens of foreigners caught without masks have been subjected to an unusual punishment -- push-ups in the street.

Video footage showed people in T-shirts and shorts doing the vigorous exercise on pavements in the sweltering tropical heat, as masked security officials stood over them.

The UK coronavirus strain has spread to at least 60 countries, the World Health Organization reported Wednesday after US President-elect Joe Biden led a moving tribute to American victims.

The UK coronavirus strain has spread to at least 60 countries, the World Health Organization reported Wednesday after US President-elect Joe Biden led a moving tribute to American victims. Covid-19 has claimed more than two million lives globally since it was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan more than a year ago, while the total number of reported cases is edging towards 100 million, according to an AFP tally. The arrival of mass inoculation drives in the United States, Europe and Asia had brought hope that the end of the epidemic was in sight. But deep concern over new variants of the deadly pathogen has triggered governments around the world to toughen constraints on restriction-weary populations as officials grapple with how to slow infections until vaccines become widely available. In its weekly update, the WHO announced the strain first found in the UK was now in 10 more countries than seven days ago. It said the South African variant, which similarly is believed to be more transmissible -- has been reported in 23 countries and territories. The number of new deaths climbed to a record high of 93,000 over the previous week, it added, with 4.7 million new cases reported over the same period. Biden leads tributes The US is by far the worst-hit nation with more than 400,000 deaths, and incoming Commander-in-Chief Biden focused on healing at a memorial for victims on the eve of his inauguration. Almost a year after the US registered its first fatality, the pace of the pandemic has picked up with 100,000 deaths in the past month alone. "It's hard sometimes to remember, but that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation," Biden said in sombre remarks on Tuesday in Washington at the National Mall reflecting pool, where lights were turned on as a memorial to those who have died. "Let us shine the lights in the darkness along the sacred pool of reflection and remember all who we lost," Biden said. The President-elect has made tackling the pandemic his top priority, as he prepares to take office in Washington on Wednesday. He is already being forced to take action, with his aides contradicting an order from outgoing President Donald Trump to lift travel bans to Europe and Brazil designed to stop the spread. Beijing lockdown In China, which has largely brought the virus under control, a partial lockdown was imposed on the capital Beijing on Wednesday, with 1.6 million residents banned from leaving the city. The country is battling its largest resurgence of Covid-19 cases in nearly a year, although the official figures are startlingly low compared to the rest of the world: just seven cases were reported in Beijing on Wednesday. Authorities ordered residents of the southern Beijing district of Daxing -- which includes one of the city's two international airports -- to remain indoors. But in Wuhan, the city of 11 million people now synonymous with the coronavirus, there were scenes of relaxation and travel freedoms this week. Wet markets throng with shoppers, elderly dancers rehearse in the parks, and bars sell "Wuhan Stay Strong" craft beer. "Wuhan had a tough year in 2020," Wang Chen, a 20-year-old resident, told AFP outside the exhibition, adding that China "handled the crisis very well." Olympic spirit Despite mounting case numbers, organisers of the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics are "unwavering" on holding the event this year. In an interview with AFP ahead of the six-month countdown, Games CEO Toshiro Muto insisted the sporting showpiece was still possible, but conceded people are "anxious", including in Japan where Tokyo is under a state of emergency. "We are not discussing cancellation," he said while admitting organisers couldn't rule out staging the event without spectators. "Holding the Games is our unwavering policy, and at this point in time we're not discussing anything other than that." However, his view was in contrast to that of a senior official from the London 2012 Games Keith Mills, who told the BBC Tokyo officials should be making plans to cancel. Meanwhile, on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, dozens of foreigners caught without masks have been subjected to an unusual punishment -- push-ups in the street. Video footage showed people in T-shirts and shorts doing the vigorous exercise on pavements in the sweltering tropical heat, as masked security officials stood over them.

UK coronavirus strain detected in at least 60 countries: WHO

Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will be sworn in Wednesday as the 46th president of the United States, during a day steeped in tradition and ceremony that nonetheless has been altered due to the pandemic and tight security after the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Outgoing President Donald Trump entered the White House four years ago as a brash billionaire outsider, but he is being ousted by a polar opposite whose devotion to service, deep knowledge of Washington, and personal scars will unquestionably set a different tone.

Biden, who is known around the world for his stint as the vice president during the Obama administration, will be the oldest person ever sworn in as president of the country.&nbsp;He turned 78 in November 2020.

President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in at the West Front of the US capitol during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/washington-prepares-for-bidens-inauguration-with-final-dress-rehearsals-357790" hreflang="en">Washington prepares for Biden's inauguration with final dress rehearsals</a>

While a transition of power will occur much as it has for more than two centuries, this&nbsp;inauguration&nbsp;is unlike any other.

Official Washington has taken on the dystopian look of an armed camp, protected by some 25,000 National Guard troops tasked with preventing any repeat of this month's attack.

And with the pandemic raging, the general public is essentially barred from attending the swearing-in, leading to unprecedented optics: an empty National Mall on&nbsp;Inauguration&nbsp;Day.

The security in the capital has been beefed up amid a high level of security concerns following the January 6 Capitol riots. In his victory speech in his hometown, Wilmington, Delaware in November, Biden pledged to unite the country as he called it ''a time to heal in America''.

"I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify; who doesn't see red states and blue states, only sees the United States," Biden said.

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Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1942 and moved to Delaware as a child.

At age 29, Biden became one of the youngest people ever elected to the United States Senate.&nbsp;Weeks later, tragedy struck the Biden family when his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi were killed and sons Hunter and Beau critically injured in an auto accident.

Biden was sworn into the US Senate at his sons'&nbsp;hospital bedside and began commuting from Wilmington to Washington every day. For five years, he raised Beau and Hunter as a single father, with the help of his sister Valerie and his family.

Biden married again five years after Neilia`s death, to his current wife Jill. The couple married on June 17, 1977, at the United Nations Chapel in New York City and has one daughter together, Ashley Blazer, who was born in 1981.

The 2020 race marked Biden's third attempt at running for President. He first tried in 1988 but dropped out after allegations of plagiarism. He ended his second attempt in 2008 after garnering less than one per cent in the crucial Iowa caucuses.

Biden served as vice president in the former president Barack Obama administration for two terms from 2008 to 2016. Biden and Obama developed a close friendship from what had initially been a more strategic pairing, with Biden credited for using his working-class roots, folksy flourishes and experience to help shore up support for the country's first Black president from older white Americans in key northern swing states.

It is anticipated there will be roughly 1,000 guests in attendance, the majority of whom will be members of Congress and their guests during the event today. US President Donald Trump has said he will not be joining Biden at the inauguration.

It's customary for an outgoing president and other former presidents to sit behind a new president, symbolising the peaceful transfer of power. Biden called Trump's decision not to attend "one of the few things he and I have ever agreed on."

As Joe Biden will take the helm of America, challenges await him that require immediate attention including coronavirus and racial tensions.

The nation is struggling under the human and economic toll of a pandemic that has killed more than 380,000 Americans. Racial tensions, exacerbated by the departing president to whom they were weapons in his arsenal of disunion, remain to be addressed and healed.&nbsp;

Trump snub

Trump, who has not appeared in public for a week, broke days of silence with a pre-recorded farewell video address on Tuesday.

For the first time, he asked Americans to "pray" for the success of the incoming administration, a change from months spent persuading his Republican followers that the Democrats cheated their way to election victory.

Trump, whose efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and console its victims have been widely criticised, will snub Biden by not attending the inauguration.

He has also yet to personally congratulate&nbsp;Biden, who first ran for president in 1987, on his win, and did not invite him for the customary cup of tea in the Oval Office.

Joe Biden will be sworn in Wednesday as the 46th president of the United States, during a day steeped in tradition and ceremony that nonetheless has been altered due to the pandemic and tight security after the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Joe Biden will be sworn in Wednesday as the 46th president of the United States, during a day steeped in tradition and ceremony that nonetheless has been altered due to the pandemic and tight security after the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Outgoing President Donald Trump entered the White House four years ago as a brash billionaire outsider, but he is being ousted by a polar opposite whose devotion to service, deep knowledge of Washington, and personal scars will unquestionably set a different tone. Biden, who is known around the world for his stint as the vice president during the Obama administration, will be the oldest person ever sworn in as president of the country. He turned 78 in November 2020. President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in at the West Front of the US capitol during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony. Also see: Washington prepares for Biden's inauguration with final dress rehearsals While a transition of power will occur much as it has for more than two centuries, this inauguration is unlike any other. Official Washington has taken on the dystopian look of an armed camp, protected by some 25,000 National Guard troops tasked with preventing any repeat of this month's attack. And with the pandemic raging, the general public is essentially barred from attending the swearing-in, leading to unprecedented optics: an empty National Mall on Inauguration Day. The security in the capital has been beefed up amid a high level of security concerns following the January 6 Capitol riots. In his victory speech in his hometown, Wilmington, Delaware in November, Biden pledged to unite the country as he called it ''a time to heal in America''. "I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify; who doesn't see red states and blue states, only sees the United States," Biden said. Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1942 and moved to Delaware as a child. At age 29, Biden became one of the youngest people ever elected to the United States Senate. Weeks later, tragedy struck the Biden family when his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi were killed and sons Hunter and Beau critically injured in an auto accident. Biden was sworn into the US Senate at his sons' hospital bedside and began commuting from Wilmington to Washington every day. For five years, he raised Beau and Hunter as a single father, with the help of his sister Valerie and his family. Biden married again five years after Neilia`s death, to his current wife Jill. The couple married on June 17, 1977, at the United Nations Chapel in New York City and has one daughter together, Ashley Blazer, who was born in 1981. The 2020 race marked Biden's third attempt at running for President. He first tried in 1988 but dropped out after allegations of plagiarism. He ended his second attempt in 2008 after garnering less than one per cent in the crucial Iowa caucuses. Biden served as vice president in the former president Barack Obama administration for two terms from 2008 to 2016. Biden and Obama developed a close friendship from what had initially been a more strategic pairing, with Biden credited for using his working-class roots, folksy flourishes and experience to help shore up support for the country's first Black president from older white Americans in key northern swing states. It is anticipated there will be roughly 1,000 guests in attendance, the majority of whom will be members of Congress and their guests during the event today. US President Donald Trump has said he will not be joining Biden at the inauguration. It's customary for an outgoing president and other former presidents to sit behind a new president, symbolising the peaceful transfer of power. Biden called Trump's decision not to attend "one of the few things he and I have ever agreed on." As Joe Biden will take the helm of America, challenges await him that require immediate attention including coronavirus and racial tensions. The nation is struggling under the human and economic toll of a pandemic that has killed more than 380,000 Americans. Racial tensions, exacerbated by the departing president to whom they were weapons in his arsenal of disunion, remain to be addressed and healed. Trump snub Trump, who has not appeared in public for a week, broke days of silence with a pre-recorded farewell video address on Tuesday. For the first time, he asked Americans to "pray" for the success of the incoming administration, a change from months spent persuading his Republican followers that the Democrats cheated their way to election victory. Trump, whose efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and console its victims have been widely criticised, will snub Biden by not attending the inauguration. He has also yet to personally congratulate Biden, who first ran for president in 1987, on his win, and did not invite him for the customary cup of tea in the Oval Office.

At 78, Joe Biden to become the oldest US president to take oath

Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday said that the foreign funding case is "the biggest scandal in Pakistan`s political history" and its central character is Prime Minister Imran Khan, reported Dawn.

He accused Khan of illegally collecting millions of rupees and using it "for political disruption and election rigging by bringing the money into the country through hundi and other means".

Rehman said the foreign funding case against the ruling PTI has been pending for six years while the Prime Minister took "the mother of NROs" to create political instability in Pakistan and "used funds collected in the name of charity for personal business and spreading chaos, illegally and through secret accounts".

The foreign funding case against the PTI was filed in November 2014 by Akbar S Babar, a founding member of the party. The case relates to allegations of undisclosed foreign funding of the PTI, reported Dawn.

"We will demand the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to immediately give a decision on the crime which has been accepted," he said, adding that further delays were giving rise to doubts and suspicions.

Referring to former premier Nawaz Sharif, Rehman said, on one hand, a decision was issued against an elected prime minister within six months, while a case was pending against a "selected" prime minister for six years. "What kind of justice is this?" he asked.

Ahead of the scheduled march to ECP today (January 19) by PDM - an 11-party alliance against Imran Khan, the Maulana reiterated that PDM members were democratic people and followed the Constitution and law.

"We want the freedom of democracy in the country because that is the demand of the Constitution and the law," he added.

"The PDM leadership will enthusiastically stage a protest demonstration in front of the Election Commission regarding the foreign funding case," said the Maulana after a meeting of the PDM steering committee in Islamabad.

The PDM chief appealed to Pakistanis to participate in the protest for the sake of "national security" and against "obtaining funds from anti-Pakistan lobbies".

The PDM had announced last week that it would stage a demonstration outside the ECP offices in Islamabad on January 19, when the commission is set to resume the hearing of the foreign funding case against the PTI on Tuesday, reported Dawn.

Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday said that the foreign funding case is "the biggest scandal in Pakistan`s political history" and its central character is Prime Minister Imran Khan, reported Dawn.

Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday said that the foreign funding case is "the biggest scandal in Pakistan`s political history" and its central character is Prime Minister Imran Khan, reported Dawn. He accused Khan of illegally collecting millions of rupees and using it "for political disruption and election rigging by bringing the money into the country through hundi and other means". Rehman said the foreign funding case against the ruling PTI has been pending for six years while the Prime Minister took "the mother of NROs" to create political instability in Pakistan and "used funds collected in the name of charity for personal business and spreading chaos, illegally and through secret accounts". The foreign funding case against the PTI was filed in November 2014 by Akbar S Babar, a founding member of the party. The case relates to allegations of undisclosed foreign funding of the PTI, reported Dawn. "We will demand the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to immediately give a decision on the crime which has been accepted," he said, adding that further delays were giving rise to doubts and suspicions. Referring to former premier Nawaz Sharif, Rehman said, on one hand, a decision was issued against an elected prime minister within six months, while a case was pending against a "selected" prime minister for six years. "What kind of justice is this?" he asked. Ahead of the scheduled march to ECP today (January 19) by PDM - an 11-party alliance against Imran Khan, the Maulana reiterated that PDM members were democratic people and followed the Constitution and law. "We want the freedom of democracy in the country because that is the demand of the Constitution and the law," he added. "The PDM leadership will enthusiastically stage a protest demonstration in front of the Election Commission regarding the foreign funding case," said the Maulana after a meeting of the PDM steering committee in Islamabad. The PDM chief appealed to Pakistanis to participate in the protest for the sake of "national security" and against "obtaining funds from anti-Pakistan lobbies". The PDM had announced last week that it would stage a demonstration outside the ECP offices in Islamabad on January 19, when the commission is set to resume the hearing of the foreign funding case against the PTI on Tuesday, reported Dawn.

Imran Khan central character of foreign funding scandal: PDM chief Fazlur Rehman

Melania&nbsp;Trump is being criticised online for&nbsp;reportedly not inviting&nbsp;future First Lady Jill Biden for a walkthrough of the private living quarters, what has become a tradition in transitions of power.

While Melania seems to have discarded the tradition, from Bess Truman and Mamie Eisenhower's meeting to the visit Laura Bush hosted where Jenna and Barbara Bush showed Sasha and Malia Obama how to slide down the bannister in the Residence, to the visit where Michelle Obama invited Melania Trump even after Donald Trump had questioned her husband`s citizenship, the tradition has long been one of the first lady's many unwritten obligations.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Michelle Obama graciously hosted Melania Trump at the White House immediately after 2016 election to ensure a smooth transition. 
Melania Trump has done absolutely nothing for Dr. Jill Biden. 
Some people are givers, others takers: <a href="https://t.co/lBYWe32wkR">pic.twitter.com/lBYWe32wkR</a>
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeschlossDC/status/1351236636575739916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Who remembers this bit where Donald left Melania standing by the car, striding up on into the Whitehouse? The Obamas kept it classy and went to her and welcomed her in. Such a small thing. Such a big thing.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Inauguration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Inauguration</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a> <a href="https://t.co/hpjdRWU0s7">pic.twitter.com/hpjdRWU0s7</a>
— Linda Holtby (@holtby_linda) <a href="https://twitter.com/holtby_linda/status/1351343952654442497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Melania&nbsp;delivered farewell remarks from the White House on Monday calling on Americans to follow her "be best" initiative and advising that "violence is never the answer."

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A Farewell Message from First Lady Melania Trump <a href="https://t.co/WfG1zg2mt4">pic.twitter.com/WfG1zg2mt4</a>
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1351258353704579074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Neither the First Lady nor President Donald Trump will attend the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Earlier, President Donald Trump also went against the old tradition by not calling his successor President-elect Joe Biden ahead of the inauguration.&nbsp;

According to a report, while Trump will be departing Washington, DC, early on the inauguration day, Vice President Mike Pence will be attending the ceremony.

On January 6, a group of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol to protest legislators confirming electoral slates from battleground US states they thought were invalid.

Trump had made a speech among thousands of supporters reiterating his claim a massive voter fraud had robbed his election victory and encouraged supporters to maintain support to "stop the steal."

Melania Trump is being criticised online for reportedly not inviting future First Lady Jill Biden for a walkthrough of the private living quarters, what has become a tradition in transitions of power.

Melania Trump is being criticised online for reportedly not inviting future First Lady Jill Biden for a walkthrough of the private living quarters, what has become a tradition in transitions of power. While Melania seems to have discarded the tradition, from Bess Truman and Mamie Eisenhower's meeting to the visit Laura Bush hosted where Jenna and Barbara Bush showed Sasha and Malia Obama how to slide down the bannister in the Residence, to the visit where Michelle Obama invited Melania Trump even after Donald Trump had questioned her husband`s citizenship, the tradition has long been one of the first lady's many unwritten obligations. Michelle Obama graciously hosted Melania Trump at the White House immediately after 2016 election to ensure a smooth transition. Melania Trump has done absolutely nothing for Dr. Jill Biden. Some people are givers, others takers: pic.twitter.com/lBYWe32wkR — Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) January 18, 2021 × Who remembers this bit where Donald left Melania standing by the car, striding up on into the Whitehouse? The Obamas kept it classy and went to her and welcomed her in. Such a small thing. Such a big thing.#Inauguration #Trump pic.twitter.com/hpjdRWU0s7 — Linda Holtby (@holtby_linda) January 19, 2021 × Melania delivered farewell remarks from the White House on Monday calling on Americans to follow her "be best" initiative and advising that "violence is never the answer." A Farewell Message from First Lady Melania Trump pic.twitter.com/WfG1zg2mt4 — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 18, 2021 × Neither the First Lady nor President Donald Trump will attend the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Earlier, President Donald Trump also went against the old tradition by not calling his successor President-elect Joe Biden ahead of the inauguration. According to a report, while Trump will be departing Washington, DC, early on the inauguration day, Vice President Mike Pence will be attending the ceremony. On January 6, a group of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol to protest legislators confirming electoral slates from battleground US states they thought were invalid. Trump had made a speech among thousands of supporters reiterating his claim a massive voter fraud had robbed his election victory and encouraged supporters to maintain support to "stop the steal."

Melania Trump faces criticism for breaking tradition on giving official walkthrough to next First Lady

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