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Soleimani killing: Iran vows 'resistance'; says murderers not safe France: Dozens of cars torched on New Year’s Eve by rioters on violence spree Indian panel re

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Top 10 world news today: Iran vows resistance in Soleimani killing, dozens of cars torched in France and more

Iran on Friday warned that Qasem Soleimani's killers will "not be safe on Earth", as the Islamic republic began marking the first anniversary of the top general's assassination in a US strike.

Iran's judiciary chief&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi, speaking at an event in Tehran to pay tribute to Soleimani, said not even US President Donald Trump, who ordered the strike, was "immune from justice".

"They will witness severe revenge. What has come so far has only been glimpses" of it, Raisi told the gathering at Tehran University.

"Do not presume that someone, as the president of America, who appeared as a murderer or ordered a murder, maybe immune from justice being carried out. Never," he said.

"Those who had a role this in this assassination and crime will not be safe on Earth."

The United States killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, in Iraq on January&nbsp;3, 2020. Washington had accused him of masterminding attacks by Iranian-aligned militias on US&nbsp;forces in the region.

Days after the US&nbsp;drone strike, Iran retaliated with a rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase where US&nbsp;forces were stationed, and Iranian forces on high alert mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger airliner taking off from Tehran.

Two US&nbsp;B-52 bombers flew over the Middle East on Wednesday&nbsp;in what US&nbsp;officials said was a message of deterrence to Iran ahead of the first anniversary.

On Thursday, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused US&nbsp;President Donald Trump of attempting to fabricate a pretext to attack Iran and said Tehran would defend itself forcefully.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed crippling sanctions.

The two sides have twice come to the brink of war since June 2019, especially following the killing of Soleimani.

Iran on Friday warned that Qasem Soleimani's killers will "not be safe on Earth", as the Islamic republic began marking the first anniversary of the top general's assassination in a US strike.

Iran on Friday warned that Qasem Soleimani's killers will "not be safe on Earth", as the Islamic republic began marking the first anniversary of the top general's assassination in a US strike. Iran's judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, speaking at an event in Tehran to pay tribute to Soleimani, said not even US President Donald Trump, who ordered the strike, was "immune from justice". "They will witness severe revenge. What has come so far has only been glimpses" of it, Raisi told the gathering at Tehran University. "Do not presume that someone, as the president of America, who appeared as a murderer or ordered a murder, maybe immune from justice being carried out. Never," he said. "Those who had a role this in this assassination and crime will not be safe on Earth." The United States killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, in Iraq on January 3, 2020. Washington had accused him of masterminding attacks by Iranian-aligned militias on US forces in the region. Days after the US drone strike, Iran retaliated with a rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces were stationed, and Iranian forces on high alert mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger airliner taking off from Tehran. Two US B-52 bombers flew over the Middle East on Wednesday in what US officials said was a message of deterrence to Iran ahead of the first anniversary. On Thursday, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to fabricate a pretext to attack Iran and said Tehran would defend itself forcefully. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed crippling sanctions. The two sides have twice come to the brink of war since June 2019, especially following the killing of Soleimani.

Soleimani killing: Iran vows 'resistance'; says murderers not safe

Praising the Chinese development model, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said his government wants to learn from China's industrial development to accelerate economic growth and eradicate poverty.

"If we can learn from any one country in the world, it is China. Their development model suits Pakistan the best," Khan said while speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad.

"The speed with which China developed in the last 30 years is something we can learn from," he added.

Khan said that Beijing had managed to prove that poverty alleviation is real development.

"The way they industrialised, made special export zones, brought investments from abroad, and used those investments to increase their exports, all resulted in China increasing its wealth," he said.

"They used that money to bring their population out of poverty [...] there is no other example of this in history."

He said that his government was focused on making Pakistan a welfare state and eradicating poverty.

China last month announced that all registered impoverished counties in the world's most populous country have shaken off poverty.

Khan said that the government had made special economic zones to attract and relocate Chinese industries so that they can export their products from Pakistan.

The prime minister said that the new year would be the year of economic growth as the country was moving in the right direction.

''Our exports are increasing as compared to our competitors, so Pakistan is headed in the right direction,''&nbsp;he said.

Khan said his government would focus on industrial development during the current year that would have a positive impact on economic growth. He noted that the cement and textile sectors recorded fast growth in recent months.

The premier said that the government's policy was simple and based on the concept of supporting business for the creation of wealth that would lead to prosperity.

He said the government has dealt with the COVID-19 challenge in the country effectively.

Separately, Khan in a series of tweets said that 2020 was a tough year for Pakistan and the world because of the pandemic.

''But by the grace of God, we fared far better than most. We not only managed to protect our people but also saved them from hunger. We are moving forward to making Pakistan a welfare State,''&nbsp;he said.

He made two New Year resolutions for 2021 about completing two projects.

''One, universal health coverage to all our citizens. It has begun in KP (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) and&nbsp;will soon in Punjab and&nbsp;GB (Gilgit-Baltistan). We hope other provinces will replicate this programme,''&nbsp;he said.

''Two, we will start our most ambitious nationwide project "Koi Bhuka Na Soyay" (No one should sleep hungry) under Ehsaas programme. By the end of the year, these two projects will move us closer to our goal of making Pakistan a welfare state,''&nbsp;he said.

Praising the Chinese development model, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said his government wants to learn from China's industrial development to accelerate economic growth and eradicate poverty.

Praising the Chinese development model, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said his government wants to learn from China's industrial development to accelerate economic growth and eradicate poverty. "If we can learn from any one country in the world, it is China. Their development model suits Pakistan the best," Khan said while speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad. "The speed with which China developed in the last 30 years is something we can learn from," he added. Khan said that Beijing had managed to prove that poverty alleviation is real development. "The way they industrialised, made special export zones, brought investments from abroad, and used those investments to increase their exports, all resulted in China increasing its wealth," he said. "They used that money to bring their population out of poverty [...] there is no other example of this in history." He said that his government was focused on making Pakistan a welfare state and eradicating poverty. China last month announced that all registered impoverished counties in the world's most populous country have shaken off poverty. Khan said that the government had made special economic zones to attract and relocate Chinese industries so that they can export their products from Pakistan. The prime minister said that the new year would be the year of economic growth as the country was moving in the right direction. ''Our exports are increasing as compared to our competitors, so Pakistan is headed in the right direction,'' he said. Khan said his government would focus on industrial development during the current year that would have a positive impact on economic growth. He noted that the cement and textile sectors recorded fast growth in recent months. The premier said that the government's policy was simple and based on the concept of supporting business for the creation of wealth that would lead to prosperity. He said the government has dealt with the COVID-19 challenge in the country effectively. Separately, Khan in a series of tweets said that 2020 was a tough year for Pakistan and the world because of the pandemic. ''But by the grace of God, we fared far better than most. We not only managed to protect our people but also saved them from hunger. We are moving forward to making Pakistan a welfare State,'' he said. He made two New Year resolutions for 2021 about completing two projects. ''One, universal health coverage to all our citizens. It has begun in KP (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) and will soon in Punjab and GB (Gilgit-Baltistan). We hope other provinces will replicate this programme,'' he said. ''Two, we will start our most ambitious nationwide project "Koi Bhuka Na Soyay" (No one should sleep hungry) under Ehsaas programme. By the end of the year, these two projects will move us closer to our goal of making Pakistan a welfare state,'' he said.

Imran Khan says his government wants to learn from China's development model to eradicate poverty

To capitalise on the pandemic-driven boom in gaming, Sony said on Friday that it&nbsp;is launching&nbsp;PlayStation 5 in India.

The Japanese firm tweeted from its&nbsp;PlayStation&nbsp;India Twitter handle,&nbsp;"We are happy to announce that PS5 shall be launched in India on 2nd of February 2021."

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Preorders for Sony's PS5 will begin on January 12 and will be available for orders at major retailers, including Amazon and Flipkart, the tech firm said.

In India, PlayStation 5 is priced at $685, which is rupees 49,990. And its digital edition will sell at $550, which rupees 39,990.

Microsoft Corp launched two models of its Xbox gaming console in November, seven years after the debut of the previous version, while Sony launched its PS5 in core markets two days later.

Xbox will compete with Sony Corp's PlayStation 5, which&nbsp;is widely viewed as leading the console race due to its bigger fan base and a broader range of exclusive gaming titles available at launch.

Rising numbers of people around the world are seeking distraction during a pandemic that has claimed millions of lives all across the globe.

Both Sony and&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;have lined up a roster of eagerly awaited games -- headlined by the latest edition of Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed, an open-world Viking epic -- to launch with the consoles, which will offer much more powerful central and graphics processors than their predecessors.

To capitalise on the pandemic-driven boom in gaming, Sony said on Friday that it is launching PlayStation 5 in India. The Japanese firm tweeted from its PlayStation India Twitter handle, "We are happy to announce that PS5 shall be launched in India on 2nd of February 2021.

To capitalise on the pandemic-driven boom in gaming, Sony said on Friday that it is launching PlayStation 5 in India. The Japanese firm tweeted from its PlayStation India Twitter handle, "We are happy to announce that PS5 shall be launched in India on 2nd of February 2021." pic.twitter.com/3U2p5o21Em — PlayStation India (@PlayStationIN) January 1, 2021 × Preorders for Sony's PS5 will begin on January 12 and will be available for orders at major retailers, including Amazon and Flipkart, the tech firm said. In India, PlayStation 5 is priced at $685, which is rupees 49,990. And its digital edition will sell at $550, which rupees 39,990. Microsoft Corp launched two models of its Xbox gaming console in November, seven years after the debut of the previous version, while Sony launched its PS5 in core markets two days later. Xbox will compete with Sony Corp's PlayStation 5, which is widely viewed as leading the console race due to its bigger fan base and a broader range of exclusive gaming titles available at launch. Rising numbers of people around the world are seeking distraction during a pandemic that has claimed millions of lives all across the globe. Both Sony and Microsoft have lined up a roster of eagerly awaited games -- headlined by the latest edition of Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed, an open-world Viking epic -- to launch with the consoles, which will offer much more powerful central and graphics processors than their predecessors.

Sony PlayStation 5 launching in India; pre-orders start January 12

A shisha bar owner in London is facing a massive fine of&nbsp;$13,700, that is 10,000 pounds for COVID rules breach amid tier 3 and 4 lockdown due to the new strain of coronavirus.

Police in London burst in on about 50 people smoking shisha pipes, watching football, and playing loud music inside a cafe, a major breach of strict COVID-19 regulations banning any kind of socialising between people from different households.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Friday that the group fled when the police arrived, but officers who searched the venue in Wembley, northwest London, found 21 shisha pipes lit and still warm.

"I completely appreciate that 2020 has been a tough year for many of us, but now is not the time for people to start getting relaxed about the rules that have been put in place to help slow and reduce the spread of this virus," said Louis Smith, the police commander in the area.

Coronavirus infection rates are soaring in London, where a new variant of COVID-19 that is even more contagious is prevalent. Hospitals are reporting severe strain on their intensive care units, and schools in most of the capital have been ordered to close.

A shisha bar owner in London is facing a massive fine of $13,700, that is 10,000 pounds for COVID rules breach amid tier 3 and 4 lockdown due to the new strain of coronavirus.

A shisha bar owner in London is facing a massive fine of $13,700, that is 10,000 pounds for COVID rules breach amid tier 3 and 4 lockdown due to the new strain of coronavirus. Police in London burst in on about 50 people smoking shisha pipes, watching football, and playing loud music inside a cafe, a major breach of strict COVID-19 regulations banning any kind of socialising between people from different households. The Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Friday that the group fled when the police arrived, but officers who searched the venue in Wembley, northwest London, found 21 shisha pipes lit and still warm. "I completely appreciate that 2020 has been a tough year for many of us, but now is not the time for people to start getting relaxed about the rules that have been put in place to help slow and reduce the spread of this virus," said Louis Smith, the police commander in the area. Coronavirus infection rates are soaring in London, where a new variant of COVID-19 that is even more contagious is prevalent. Hospitals are reporting severe strain on their intensive care units, and schools in most of the capital have been ordered to close.

London: Shisha bar owner faces massive fine of $13,700 for COVID rules breach

With 2020 coming to an end, while countries worldwide are sliding into recession due to the coronavirus pandemic, the People’s Republic of China has bounced back to moderate economic growth.

China’s control over the pandemic is widening its divergence with other major nations, many of which are now re-imposing virus restrictions amid new waves of cases.

The Chinese Communist Party will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021 and commemorate the occasion by organising several events as a reminder.

During 2020 the Communist Party dealt crushing blows to two things that might have spoiled the centenary celebration: coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;and unrest in Hong Kong.

However, even in 2021, China will face challenges on several fronts as democratic countries push back against Beijing.

In its bid to remain assertive and become the global superpower, China's relationship will remain tense with neighbours.

The threat of an armed conflict is real since the Chinese army&nbsp;remains active on multiple fronts, including India, Taiwan,&nbsp;South China Sea and Japan.

China's&nbsp;government sees&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;as an existential threat. Its reaction could pose an existential threat to the rights of people worldwide.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-to-expect-from-china-in-2021-353690">WATCH|</a>

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In its report, the Human Rights Watch said China conducts repression&nbsp;under the guise of “anti-separatism” or “counter-terrorism” remained particularly severe in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) and Tibetan-populated areas (Tibet). Authorities subjected Uighurs, Kazakhs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang to intrusive surveillance, arbitrary detention and forced indoctrination.

The government continued to intimidate, harass, and prosecute human rights defenders and independent NGOs, including raids on their homes and offices. Human rights defenders’ family members were subjected to police surveillance, harassment, detention and restrictions on their freedom of movement.

US President-elect Joe Biden on Monday slammed China once again for “abuses” on trade, technology and human rights.

The&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;opposition in&nbsp;Hong Kong's&nbsp;Legislative Council resigned en masse, a powerful show of solidarity against Beijing's&nbsp;latest intervention in the territory.

The protest came after the Chinese government passed a new law that would disqualify legislators for&nbsp;“unpatriotic”&nbsp;behavior — things like supporting Hong Kong’s independence or colluding with foreign powers.&nbsp;

Western countries such as Britain are granting&nbsp;asylum to Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters. Activist Nathan Law has submitted a refugee claim to the UK government.&nbsp;

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed adhering to systematic thinking to build a holistic national security architecture.

China's virus ruined its global reputation in 2020 and the&nbsp;cover-up along with the&nbsp;military campaigns to seize disputed territories made it worse.

Chinese President Jinping&nbsp;begins 2021 with a massive trust deficit, both at home and outside.

&nbsp;

With 2020 coming to an end, while countries worldwide are sliding into recession due to the coronavirus pandemic, the People’s Republic of China has bounced back to moderate economic growth.

With 2020 coming to an end, while countries worldwide are sliding into recession due to the coronavirus pandemic, the People’s Republic of China has bounced back to moderate economic growth. China’s control over the pandemic is widening its divergence with other major nations, many of which are now re-imposing virus restrictions amid new waves of cases. The Chinese Communist Party will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021 and commemorate the occasion by organising several events as a reminder. During 2020 the Communist Party dealt crushing blows to two things that might have spoiled the centenary celebration: coronavirus pandemic and unrest in Hong Kong. However, even in 2021, China will face challenges on several fronts as democratic countries push back against Beijing. In its bid to remain assertive and become the global superpower, China's relationship will remain tense with neighbours. The threat of an armed conflict is real since the Chinese army remains active on multiple fronts, including India, Taiwan, South China Sea and Japan. China's government sees human rights as an existential threat. Its reaction could pose an existential threat to the rights of people worldwide. WATCH| × In its report, the Human Rights Watch said China conducts repression under the guise of “anti-separatism” or “counter-terrorism” remained particularly severe in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) and Tibetan-populated areas (Tibet). Authorities subjected Uighurs, Kazakhs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang to intrusive surveillance, arbitrary detention and forced indoctrination. The government continued to intimidate, harass, and prosecute human rights defenders and independent NGOs, including raids on their homes and offices. Human rights defenders’ family members were subjected to police surveillance, harassment, detention and restrictions on their freedom of movement. US President-elect Joe Biden on Monday slammed China once again for “abuses” on trade, technology and human rights. The pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong's Legislative Council resigned en masse, a powerful show of solidarity against Beijing's latest intervention in the territory. The protest came after the Chinese government passed a new law that would disqualify legislators for “unpatriotic” behavior — things like supporting Hong Kong’s independence or colluding with foreign powers. Western countries such as Britain are granting asylum to Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters. Activist Nathan Law has submitted a refugee claim to the UK government. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed adhering to systematic thinking to build a holistic national security architecture. China's virus ruined its global reputation in 2020 and the cover-up along with the military campaigns to seize disputed territories made it worse. Chinese President Jinping begins 2021 with a massive trust deficit, both at home and outside.

China in 2021: What's in store?

Dozens of&nbsp;cars were set on fire&nbsp;across Strasbourg, France after groups of vandals flouted an 8 pm curfew order&nbsp;as New Year’s Eve celebrations once again turned violent, the French Interior Ministry said on Friday.

Several police officers and firefighters were injured, and 40 vandals, some of them minors, were arrested.

According to Annie Bregal, Bas-Rhin’s director of public security&nbsp;in Strasbourg, ''In addition to a nationwide 8 pm curfew and a number of street closures in Strasbourg, fireworks had been banned for the entire month of December. Local police also set up “mobile forces” in “strategic locations” across the city''.

Smoldering cars, as well as those fully engulfed in flames, were seen in videos posted to social media, in some cases setting off loud blasts as the vehicles’ fuel ignited.

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Every New Year’s Eve nervous car owners across France cross their fingers in the hope they can start the New Year with their vehicle intact.

That’s because of a longstanding French tradition that sees youths in certain parts of cities torching scores of cars.

Car burnings are regular occurrences in poor suburbs that ring France’s big cities, but the arson is especially prevalent during New Year’s Eve revelry.

The custom of setting vehicles alight on New Year's Eve reportedly began in the east of the country, around Strasbourg, in the 1990s, in the city's poorer neighbourhoods.

It was then quickly adopted by youths in cities across the country.

Cars are often set ablaze whenever there is an outbreak of social disorder, as seen in the 2005 riots when hundreds of vehicles were torched.

Dozens of cars were set on fire across Strasbourg, France after groups of vandals flouted an 8 pm curfew order as New Year’s Eve celebrations once again turned violent, the French Interior Ministry said on Friday.

Dozens of cars were set on fire across Strasbourg, France after groups of vandals flouted an 8 pm curfew order as New Year’s Eve celebrations once again turned violent, the French Interior Ministry said on Friday. Several police officers and firefighters were injured, and 40 vandals, some of them minors, were arrested. According to Annie Bregal, Bas-Rhin’s director of public security in Strasbourg, ''In addition to a nationwide 8 pm curfew and a number of street closures in Strasbourg, fireworks had been banned for the entire month of December. Local police also set up “mobile forces” in “strategic locations” across the city''. Smoldering cars, as well as those fully engulfed in flames, were seen in videos posted to social media, in some cases setting off loud blasts as the vehicles’ fuel ignited. #Strasbourg #France Demonstrations turned violent as rioters set fire to approximately 30 vehicles in Strasbourg, France. pic.twitter.com/cZ66fdP4bw — Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) January 1, 2021 × Every New Year’s Eve nervous car owners across France cross their fingers in the hope they can start the New Year with their vehicle intact. That’s because of a longstanding French tradition that sees youths in certain parts of cities torching scores of cars. Car burnings are regular occurrences in poor suburbs that ring France’s big cities, but the arson is especially prevalent during New Year’s Eve revelry. The custom of setting vehicles alight on New Year's Eve reportedly began in the east of the country, around Strasbourg, in the 1990s, in the city's poorer neighbourhoods. It was then quickly adopted by youths in cities across the country. Cars are often set ablaze whenever there is an outbreak of social disorder, as seen in the 2005 riots when hundreds of vehicles were torched.

France: Dozens of cars torched on New Year’s Eve by rioters on violence spree

Around 50 countries around the world have already started vaccinating their people against Covid-19, barely a year after the first alert by China signalled the start of the epidemic.

China leads the way

China, where the pandemic first emerged, was also the first to start vaccinations over the summer, without waiting for a vaccine to be formally authorised but targeting the most vulnerable.

To date nearly five million Chinese people have been vaccinated. Beijing on Thursday granted "conditional" market approval to a Sinopharm vaccine with a reported 79 percent efficacy rate against Covid-19.

Russia followed on December 5, rolling out vaccinations for those considered high risk with its contentious Sputnik V vaccine, which has since been approved in Belarus and Argentina, which launched their vaccination campaigns on Tuesday.

Algeria is set to follow them in January.

Britain first in West

Britain led the way in the Western world, authorising the vaccine made by US-German pharma alliance Pfizer-BioNTech. Its vaccination campaign started on December 8 and by December 27 close to 950,000 people had received their jabs, according to official figures published Thursday.

Britain was also the first on Wednesday to approve the coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. It will be administered for the first time on January 4.

Canada and the United States started their vaccination drives on December 14, Switzerland on the 23rd, Serbia the 24th, the vast majority of the European Union on December 27, Norway on Sunday and Iceland on Tuesday. All of them are using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The United States and Canada are also the first two countries to have authorised the vaccine by US pharma company Moderna, which is up for approval on January 6 by the EU.

Around 2.8 million Americans have already been given their first dose of the Covid-19 jab. In the 27-nation EU Germany has so far given the most injections, with more than 130,000 in five days.

Israeli target

In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates were the first to launch their vaccination campaign with doses of China's Sinopharm, on December 14 in the capital Abu Dhabi. Dubai started its vaccinations on December 23, using doses of Pfizer-BioNTech.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain launched their campaigns on December 17, Israel two days later, Qatar on the 23rd, Kuwait the 24th, and Oman on December 27.

All are solely using the Pfizer- BioNTech jab, except for Bahrain which is also using China's Sinopharm.

Israel, which has set itself the ambitious goal of inoculating a quarter of its population in a month, has already injected nearly 800,000 people. Bahrain has vaccinated nearly 60,000 and Oman more than 3,000.

Turkey, which has received doses of China's Sinovac, will launch its vaccination drive in mid-January.

In Latin America, Mexico, Chile, and Costa Rica were the first to launch, on December 24, jabs with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In Asia, Singapore launched its campaign on Wednesday with the same vaccine.

Other countries on the Asian continent however have decided to take their time: India, Japan, and Taiwan plan to begin vaccinations in the first quarter of 2021 and the &nbsp;Philippines and Pakistan in the second quarter, while Afghanistan and Thailand plan to start in mid-2021.

In sub-Saharan Africa and in Oceania vaccinations have yet to take off. But in West Africa Guinea this week administered its first few doses of Russia's Sputnik V on a trial basis.

Around 50 countries around the world have already started vaccinating their people against Covid-19, barely a year after the first alert by China signalled the start of the epidemic.

Around 50 countries around the world have already started vaccinating their people against Covid-19, barely a year after the first alert by China signalled the start of the epidemic. China leads the way China, where the pandemic first emerged, was also the first to start vaccinations over the summer, without waiting for a vaccine to be formally authorised but targeting the most vulnerable. To date nearly five million Chinese people have been vaccinated. Beijing on Thursday granted "conditional" market approval to a Sinopharm vaccine with a reported 79 percent efficacy rate against Covid-19. Russia followed on December 5, rolling out vaccinations for those considered high risk with its contentious Sputnik V vaccine, which has since been approved in Belarus and Argentina, which launched their vaccination campaigns on Tuesday. Algeria is set to follow them in January. Britain first in West Britain led the way in the Western world, authorising the vaccine made by US-German pharma alliance Pfizer-BioNTech. Its vaccination campaign started on December 8 and by December 27 close to 950,000 people had received their jabs, according to official figures published Thursday. Britain was also the first on Wednesday to approve the coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. It will be administered for the first time on January 4. Canada and the United States started their vaccination drives on December 14, Switzerland on the 23rd, Serbia the 24th, the vast majority of the European Union on December 27, Norway on Sunday and Iceland on Tuesday. All of them are using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The United States and Canada are also the first two countries to have authorised the vaccine by US pharma company Moderna, which is up for approval on January 6 by the EU. Around 2.8 million Americans have already been given their first dose of the Covid-19 jab. In the 27-nation EU Germany has so far given the most injections, with more than 130,000 in five days. Israeli target In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates were the first to launch their vaccination campaign with doses of China's Sinopharm, on December 14 in the capital Abu Dhabi. Dubai started its vaccinations on December 23, using doses of Pfizer-BioNTech. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain launched their campaigns on December 17, Israel two days later, Qatar on the 23rd, Kuwait the 24th, and Oman on December 27. All are solely using the Pfizer- BioNTech jab, except for Bahrain which is also using China's Sinopharm. Israel, which has set itself the ambitious goal of inoculating a quarter of its population in a month, has already injected nearly 800,000 people. Bahrain has vaccinated nearly 60,000 and Oman more than 3,000. Turkey, which has received doses of China's Sinovac, will launch its vaccination drive in mid-January. In Latin America, Mexico, Chile, and Costa Rica were the first to launch, on December 24, jabs with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. In Asia, Singapore launched its campaign on Wednesday with the same vaccine. Other countries on the Asian continent however have decided to take their time: India, Japan, and Taiwan plan to begin vaccinations in the first quarter of 2021 and the Philippines and Pakistan in the second quarter, while Afghanistan and Thailand plan to start in mid-2021. In sub-Saharan Africa and in Oceania vaccinations have yet to take off. But in West Africa Guinea this week administered its first few doses of Russia's Sputnik V on a trial basis.

More than 50 countries launch Covid-19 vaccination campaigns

China is recasting Wuhan as a heroic coronavirus victim and trying to throw doubt on the pandemic's origin story as it aims to seize the narrative at a time of growing global distrust of Beijing.

While the world is still struggling with COVID-19, life in Wuhan, the original epicentre of the novel coronavirus, has returned back to normal.

The bustle, bright lights and din of the street appear to show a city back to some normality one year on from 31 December 2019, the day that health authorities in the city reported an unknown pneumonia outbreak to World Health Organization (WHO) colleagues in Beijing.

From the first days of COVID-19’s appearance in the city of Wuhan, Chinese leaders&nbsp;suppressed initial reporting and research about the outbreak, thereby slowing efforts to understand the virus and its pandemic potential.&nbsp;

As it began to contain the outbreak within its own borders, Beijing launched an assertive external information campaign aimed at sculpting global discussion of its handling of the virus. This campaign has clear goals: to deflect blame from Beijing’s own failings and to highlight other governments’ missteps.

Beijing was subject to significant criticism for a slew of reasons, including violations of&nbsp;individual rights&nbsp;and&nbsp;censorship, withholding information, and underreporting the severity.

After criticizing American officials for politicizing the&nbsp;pandemic,&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;officials and news outlets have floated unfounded theories that blamed the United States and later India as the source of the virus.

A&nbsp;Chinese court on Monday handed down a four-year jail term to a citizen-journalist who reported from the central city of Wuhan at the peak of this year's coronavirus outbreak on the grounds of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble", her lawyer said.

Zhang Zhan, 37, the first such person known to have been tried, was among a handful of people whose firsthand accounts from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more dire picture of the pandemic epicentre than the official narrative.

China has also contributed an estimated additional $20 million to the WHO in a bid to strengthen the global response to the pandemic.

In statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China is painting itself as a success story. Earlier this week, the foreign ministry said “[China will] contribute [its] strength and wisdom to securing a final victory against the pandemic and to building a community with a shared future for mankind.”

China has made considerable progress in developing its economy and eradicating rural poverty over the past year despite the coronavirus pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said in a New Year’s address on Thursday.

&nbsp;

China is recasting Wuhan as a heroic coronavirus victim and trying to throw doubt on the pandemic's origin story as it aims to seize the narrative at a time of growing global distrust of Beijing.

China is recasting Wuhan as a heroic coronavirus victim and trying to throw doubt on the pandemic's origin story as it aims to seize the narrative at a time of growing global distrust of Beijing. While the world is still struggling with COVID-19, life in Wuhan, the original epicentre of the novel coronavirus, has returned back to normal. The bustle, bright lights and din of the street appear to show a city back to some normality one year on from 31 December 2019, the day that health authorities in the city reported an unknown pneumonia outbreak to World Health Organization (WHO) colleagues in Beijing. From the first days of COVID-19’s appearance in the city of Wuhan, Chinese leaders suppressed initial reporting and research about the outbreak, thereby slowing efforts to understand the virus and its pandemic potential. As it began to contain the outbreak within its own borders, Beijing launched an assertive external information campaign aimed at sculpting global discussion of its handling of the virus. This campaign has clear goals: to deflect blame from Beijing’s own failings and to highlight other governments’ missteps. Beijing was subject to significant criticism for a slew of reasons, including violations of individual rights and censorship, withholding information, and underreporting the severity. After criticizing American officials for politicizing the pandemic, Chinese officials and news outlets have floated unfounded theories that blamed the United States and later India as the source of the virus. A Chinese court on Monday handed down a four-year jail term to a citizen-journalist who reported from the central city of Wuhan at the peak of this year's coronavirus outbreak on the grounds of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble", her lawyer said. Zhang Zhan, 37, the first such person known to have been tried, was among a handful of people whose firsthand accounts from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more dire picture of the pandemic epicentre than the official narrative. China has also contributed an estimated additional $20 million to the WHO in a bid to strengthen the global response to the pandemic. In statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China is painting itself as a success story. Earlier this week, the foreign ministry said “[China will] contribute [its] strength and wisdom to securing a final victory against the pandemic and to building a community with a shared future for mankind.” China has made considerable progress in developing its economy and eradicating rural poverty over the past year despite the coronavirus pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said in a New Year’s address on Thursday.

Wuhan one year on: How China tried to spin the tale of the pandemic

In a historic move, Australia changed a line in its national anthem to recognise the history of the Indigenous people in the country.

From January 1, 2021, the second line of Australia's national anthem will change from, 'For we are young and free' to 'For we are one and free'.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the second line in the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, would change from "For we are young and free" to "For we are one and free".

"Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, but our country’s story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect," Morrison wrote in The Age newspaper on New Year's Eve.

It picks up an idea floated earlier in the year by the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, who said the current wording ignored Australia’s “proud First Nations culture” and made some people feel excluded.

Advance Australia Fair was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878.

It was adopted as the country's national anthem on April 19, 1984, replacing God Save the Queen which had been in place since the time of British settlement.

Prime Minister Bob Hawke last recommended a modification of the national anthem to the Governor-General in 1984.

The historic change to Advance Australia Fair has involved consultations with state premiers, state governors who have been advised by the Governor-General as well as the Speaker of Federal Parliament and the President of the Senate.

In recent times, leaders from all sides of politics have expressed public support for changing the anthem to better reflect modern Australia and its Indigenous heritage.

Australia is a country still reckoning with its colonial past and inequality facing its First Nations peoples, with&nbsp;Indigenous children twice as likely to die before their fifth birthday, according to official statistics.

Earlier this year, large protests were held in several cities around the country calling for an end to deaths in custody of Indigenous people -- which number more than 400 in the last three decades.

No prosecutions have been brought despite dozens of investigations, inquests and in some cases video evidence of abuse.

In a historic move, Australia changed a line in its national anthem to recognise the history of the Indigenous people in the country. From January 1, 2021, the second line of Australia's national anthem will change from, 'For we are young and free' to 'For we are one and free'.

In a historic move, Australia changed a line in its national anthem to recognise the history of the Indigenous people in the country. From January 1, 2021, the second line of Australia's national anthem will change from, 'For we are young and free' to 'For we are one and free'. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the second line in the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, would change from "For we are young and free" to "For we are one and free". "Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, but our country’s story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect," Morrison wrote in The Age newspaper on New Year's Eve. It picks up an idea floated earlier in the year by the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, who said the current wording ignored Australia’s “proud First Nations culture” and made some people feel excluded. Advance Australia Fair was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878. It was adopted as the country's national anthem on April 19, 1984, replacing God Save the Queen which had been in place since the time of British settlement. Prime Minister Bob Hawke last recommended a modification of the national anthem to the Governor-General in 1984. The historic change to Advance Australia Fair has involved consultations with state premiers, state governors who have been advised by the Governor-General as well as the Speaker of Federal Parliament and the President of the Senate. In recent times, leaders from all sides of politics have expressed public support for changing the anthem to better reflect modern Australia and its Indigenous heritage. Australia is a country still reckoning with its colonial past and inequality facing its First Nations peoples, with Indigenous children twice as likely to die before their fifth birthday, according to official statistics. Earlier this year, large protests were held in several cities around the country calling for an end to deaths in custody of Indigenous people -- which number more than 400 in the last three decades. No prosecutions have been brought despite dozens of investigations, inquests and in some cases video evidence of abuse.

'We are one and free': Australian anthem changed to recognise Indigenous people

China has detected its first imported case of the new coronavirus variant that is spreading rapidly around Britain, according to a publication run by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The new strain, which experts say potentially spreads faster than the original variant, has prompted travel restrictions on the UK by more than 50 countries, including&nbsp;China, where the coronavirus first emerged late last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ordered-its-top-agency-to-not-reveal-info-on-coronavirus-investigation-shows-353457" hreflang="en">China ordered its top agency to not reveal info on coronavirus, investigation shows</a>

The first patient in&nbsp;China&nbsp;with the new variant is a 23-year-old woman from Shanghai who arrived from Britain on December 14,&nbsp;health officials said.

She was hospitalised on arrival as she showed mild symptoms. Health experts conducted a genetic sequencing of her test samples on December 24 "due to travel history from the UK and abnormalities in nucleic acid test results"," the&nbsp;China&nbsp;CDC said.

The patient was found to have a strain different to those found in Shanghai or Wuhan earlier, and further testing confirmed it was the&nbsp;variant known as B.1.1.7 that has been spreading in the UK since October.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-approves-its-first-covid-vaccine-developed-by-sinopharm-for-general-use-353516" hreflang="en">China approves its first Covid vaccine, developed by Sinopharm, for general use</a>

The variant includes a genetic mutation that, in theory, could result in COVID-19 spreading more easily between people.

The case "poses a great potential threat to the prevention and control of COVID-19 in China", the publication said.

Health authorities have carried out contact-tracing, the CDC statement added.

China&nbsp;suspended direct flights to and from Britain indefinitely on December 24 because of the new strain.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the new variant "may be up to 70 percent more transmissible than the original version of the disease".

But there is&nbsp;no evidence so far to suggest that infection with&nbsp;the new variant is more likely to lead to a severe case of Covid-19 or increase the risk of death.

China has detected its first imported case of the new coronavirus variant that is spreading rapidly around Britain, according to a publication run by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

China has detected its first imported case of the new coronavirus variant that is spreading rapidly around Britain, according to a publication run by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new strain, which experts say potentially spreads faster than the original variant, has prompted travel restrictions on the UK by more than 50 countries, including China, where the coronavirus first emerged late last year. Also read: China ordered its top agency to not reveal info on coronavirus, investigation shows The first patient in China with the new variant is a 23-year-old woman from Shanghai who arrived from Britain on December 14, health officials said. She was hospitalised on arrival as she showed mild symptoms. Health experts conducted a genetic sequencing of her test samples on December 24 "due to travel history from the UK and abnormalities in nucleic acid test results"," the China CDC said. The patient was found to have a strain different to those found in Shanghai or Wuhan earlier, and further testing confirmed it was the variant known as B.1.1.7 that has been spreading in the UK since October. Also read: China approves its first Covid vaccine, developed by Sinopharm, for general use The variant includes a genetic mutation that, in theory, could result in COVID-19 spreading more easily between people. The case "poses a great potential threat to the prevention and control of COVID-19 in China", the publication said. Health authorities have carried out contact-tracing, the CDC statement added. China suspended direct flights to and from Britain indefinitely on December 24 because of the new strain. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the new variant "may be up to 70 percent more transmissible than the original version of the disease". But there is no evidence so far to suggest that infection with the new variant is more likely to lead to a severe case of Covid-19 or increase the risk of death.

China reports first case of UK coronavirus variant

Out of its target to fulfil 20 million coronavirus vaccinations, only about 2.8 million Americans had received a COVID-19 vaccine going into the last day of December.

Shots are reaching nursing home residents at an even slower pace than others first in line even though they are most at risk of dying of the virus.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/good-riddance-new-york-ceremoniously-knocks-out-2020-353207/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Only 170,000 people in long-term care facilities received a shot as of December&nbsp;30 even though 2.2 million doses were distributed for residents, according to data released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 14 million doses of Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccines have been distributed to states so far, federal officials told reporters on Wednesday, shy of its goal to ship 20 million doses this month.

As late as early December, officials maintained they would have 40 million doses available this month, enough to vaccinate 20 million Americans with a two-dose regimen.

On December&nbsp;4, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn told Reuters that vaccinating 20 million Americans by year-end was realistic, depending on the vaccination campaign.

Since then, officials have said they are committed to making enough doses available without commenting on targets for actual vaccinations as it has become clear that inoculations are falling short of the number of doses distributed.

"The rapid availability and distribution of so many doses – with 20 million first doses allocated for distribution just 18 days after the first vaccine was granted emergency use authorisation – is a testament to the success of Operation Warp Speed," a US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said in a statement. Doses that have been allocated but not distributed will ship in January.

The government has said that for every dose shipped, it is keeping the second dose in reserve as well as safety stock, which would bring the total number of vaccine doses closer to 40 million.

Even as the number of doses distributed neared the goal of reaching 20 million people, the pace of actual vaccinations has been far slower than anticipated, according to CDC data.

"The Federal Government has distributed the vaccines to the states. Now it is up to the states to administer. Get moving!" U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted.

Local public heath officials told Reuters that the lack of federal funding for vaccine distribution has prevented them from hiring needed staff.[L1N2JA1GB]

"We know that it should be better and we are working hard to make it better," Operation Warp Speed chief adviser Dr. Moncef Slaoui said on a media briefing.

U.S. vaccinations of the country's 21 million healthcare workers began on Dec. 14. Inoculations of the country's 3 million nursing home residents, who are also in the first priority group, shortly followed.

Some 51 million U.S. frontline essential workers, like fire fighters, police, and teachers, as well as people over 75 should be next to receive a vaccine, a CDC advisory panel has recommended.

Out of its target to fulfil 20 million coronavirus vaccinations, only about 2.8 million Americans had received a COVID-19 vaccine going into the last day of December.

Out of its target to fulfil 20 million coronavirus vaccinations, only about 2.8 million Americans had received a COVID-19 vaccine going into the last day of December. Shots are reaching nursing home residents at an even slower pace than others first in line even though they are most at risk of dying of the virus. Only 170,000 people in long-term care facilities received a shot as of December 30 even though 2.2 million doses were distributed for residents, according to data released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 14 million doses of Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccines have been distributed to states so far, federal officials told reporters on Wednesday, shy of its goal to ship 20 million doses this month. As late as early December, officials maintained they would have 40 million doses available this month, enough to vaccinate 20 million Americans with a two-dose regimen. On December 4, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn told Reuters that vaccinating 20 million Americans by year-end was realistic, depending on the vaccination campaign. Since then, officials have said they are committed to making enough doses available without commenting on targets for actual vaccinations as it has become clear that inoculations are falling short of the number of doses distributed. "The rapid availability and distribution of so many doses – with 20 million first doses allocated for distribution just 18 days after the first vaccine was granted emergency use authorisation – is a testament to the success of Operation Warp Speed," a US Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said in a statement. Doses that have been allocated but not distributed will ship in January. The government has said that for every dose shipped, it is keeping the second dose in reserve as well as safety stock, which would bring the total number of vaccine doses closer to 40 million. Even as the number of doses distributed neared the goal of reaching 20 million people, the pace of actual vaccinations has been far slower than anticipated, according to CDC data. "The Federal Government has distributed the vaccines to the states. Now it is up to the states to administer. Get moving!" U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted. Local public heath officials told Reuters that the lack of federal funding for vaccine distribution has prevented them from hiring needed staff.[L1N2JA1GB] "We know that it should be better and we are working hard to make it better," Operation Warp Speed chief adviser Dr. Moncef Slaoui said on a media briefing. U.S. vaccinations of the country's 21 million healthcare workers began on Dec. 14. Inoculations of the country's 3 million nursing home residents, who are also in the first priority group, shortly followed. Some 51 million U.S. frontline essential workers, like fire fighters, police, and teachers, as well as people over 75 should be next to receive a vaccine, a CDC advisory panel has recommended.

US falling short of coronavirus vaccination target by a wide margin

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