Muslim-majority countries are asking companies manufacturing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>&nbsp;to issue halal certification.

The halal certification will ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines&nbsp;do not contain any ingredient that Islam does not permit its followers to consume, primarily alcohol and&nbsp;pork.&nbsp;

The spread of inaccurate and irresponsible information by the anti-vaccination movement may inflict more harm than good on Muslim communities.

Information addressing religious concerns such as the halal issue must be made a priority and communicated well to the general public, encouraging not only the acceptance of vaccinations but motivating communities to play an active role in promoting vaccination.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-expects-halal-certificate-for-an-experimental-vaccine-348330">Indonesia expects halal certificate for an experimental vaccine</a>

A study by the Indonesian Ulema Council Halal Product Guarantee Agency and Institute for the Assessment of Food, Drugs and Cosmetics has been completed and has been submitted to the council for the making of a fatwa and halal certification, Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy said at a news conference.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo warned his ministers not to rush the launching of a novel coronavirus vaccine amid public concerns about whether it would be certified halal, or permissible under Islamic law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We should consider public perception regarding the halal status of potential COVID-19 vaccines,” he said during a meeting. 
 
Controversy over whether vaccines adhere to Islamic principles has stymied public health responses before in Indonesia, including in 2018, when the Indonesian Ulema Council issued a fatwa or ruling declaring that a measles vaccine was haram, or forbidden under Islam. 
 
“Public communication regarding the halal status, price, quality, and distribution must be well-prepared,” he added.

The much-anticipated Covid-19 vaccine need not be halal in order to be administered in Malaysia, said Health Ministry director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah, allaying concerns among local Muslims about the shots containing substances forbidden by Islam.

"If they can get the halal certification that would be better, but we do not register a medicine based on halal status or not. We do register non-halal medicine too," Noor Hisham said.

Malaysian pharmaceutical company Pharmaniaga has said it is planning to build the world's first "halal vaccine" facility by 2022.

Malaysia&nbsp;inked a deal with Pfizer in November&nbsp;to supply 12.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for 20 per cent of the population. It has also entered a pact with the Covax facility to cover another 10 per cent of the population.&nbsp;

The country is also set to obtain the vaccine from China&nbsp;which has raised questions among Muslims over its halal status.

Muslim-majority countries are asking companies manufacturing coronavirus vaccines to issue halal certification. The halal certification will ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any ingredient that Islam does not permit its followers to consume, primarily alcohol and pork.

Muslim-majority countries are asking companies manufacturing coronavirus vaccines to issue halal certification. The halal certification will ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any ingredient that Islam does not permit its followers to consume, primarily alcohol and pork. The spread of inaccurate and irresponsible information by the anti-vaccination movement may inflict more harm than good on Muslim communities. Information addressing religious concerns such as the halal issue must be made a priority and communicated well to the general public, encouraging not only the acceptance of vaccinations but motivating communities to play an active role in promoting vaccination. Also read: Indonesia expects halal certificate for an experimental vaccine A study by the Indonesian Ulema Council Halal Product Guarantee Agency and Institute for the Assessment of Food, Drugs and Cosmetics has been completed and has been submitted to the council for the making of a fatwa and halal certification, Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy said at a news conference. Indonesian President Joko Widodo warned his ministers not to rush the launching of a novel coronavirus vaccine amid public concerns about whether it would be certified halal, or permissible under Islamic law. “We should consider public perception regarding the halal status of potential COVID-19 vaccines,” he said during a meeting. Controversy over whether vaccines adhere to Islamic principles has stymied public health responses before in Indonesia, including in 2018, when the Indonesian Ulema Council issued a fatwa or ruling declaring that a measles vaccine was haram, or forbidden under Islam. “Public communication regarding the halal status, price, quality, and distribution must be well-prepared,” he added. The much-anticipated Covid-19 vaccine need not be halal in order to be administered in Malaysia, said Health Ministry director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah, allaying concerns among local Muslims about the shots containing substances forbidden by Islam. "If they can get the halal certification that would be better, but we do not register a medicine based on halal status or not. We do register non-halal medicine too," Noor Hisham said. Malaysian pharmaceutical company Pharmaniaga has said it is planning to build the world's first "halal vaccine" facility by 2022. Malaysia inked a deal with Pfizer in November to supply 12.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for 20 per cent of the population. It has also entered a pact with the Covax facility to cover another 10 per cent of the population. The country is also set to obtain the vaccine from China which has raised questions among Muslims over its halal status.

Malaysia in race to make world's first 'halal vaccine'

US President&nbsp;Donald Trump announced on Thursday that&nbsp;Morocco is the latest Arab state to recognise Israel.

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Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations – a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1337067073051238400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Calling it a ''historic breakthrough'', Trump said ''Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations – a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!''

As part of the agreement, Trump changed the longstanding US&nbsp;policy and recognised Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Western Sahara is a desert region where a decades-old territorial dispute has pitted Morocco against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, a breakaway movement that seeks to establish an independent state in the territory.

The White House said Trump and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI had agreed in a conversation that Morocco would resume diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel and expand economic and cultural cooperation to advance regional stability.

As his time in office winds down, Trump said Israel and Morocco would restore diplomatic and other relations, including the immediate reopening of liaison offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv and the eventual opening of embassies. US&nbsp;officials said it would also include joint overflight rights for airlines.

The Republican took to social networking site Twitter and said ''Morocco's serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity!''

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Today, I signed a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. Morocco's serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1337067019385057290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier,&nbsp;Morocco’s constitution recognised&nbsp;the country’s Jewish heritage and permitted&nbsp;Israelis to visit the country, but&nbsp;the two countries did not have formal diplomatic relations.

It comes after&nbsp;a high-profile Moroccan security delegation visited Israel and agreed to cooperate with the Jewish state on a series of issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Morocco is the fourth Arab nation to recognise Israel as the administration seeks to expand its Abraham Accords framework, which began over the summer with an agreement between the Jewish state and the United Arab Emirates.

Bahrain and Sudan have followed suit and administration officials have also been trying to bring Saudi Arabia into the grouping.

Much of the momentum behind the deal-making has been to present a united front against Iran and roll back its regional influence.

Palestinians have been critical of the normalization deals, saying Arab countries have set back the cause of peace by abandoning a longstanding demand that Israel gives up land for a Palestinian state before it can receive recognition.

With Trump due to leave office on Jan. 20, the Morocco deal could be among the last his team, led by White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and US&nbsp;envoy Avi Berkowitz, will negotiate before giving way to President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration.

Kushner told reporters on a conference call it was inevitable that Saudi Arabia would eventually strike a similar deal with Israel.

Washington had supported a 1991 ceasefire between Morocco and Western Sahara's Polisario Front independence movement that called for a referendum to resolve the issue. Last month, after a border incident, the Polisario pulled out of that deal and announced a return to armed struggle.

The Trump White House has tried to get Saudi Arabia to sign on to a normalisation deal with Israel, believing if the Saudis agreed other Arab nations would follow, but the Saudis have signaled they are not ready.

One more Middle East breakthrough is possible. Last week Kushner and his team traveled to Saudi Arabia and Qatar seeking an end to a three-year rift between Doha and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

A tentative deal has been reached on this front but it was far from clear whether a final agreement to end a blockade of Qatar will be sealed. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt have maintained a diplomatic, trade, and travel embargo on Qatar since mid-2017.

While Biden is expected to move US&nbsp;foreign policy away from Trump's "America First" posture, he has indicated he will continue the pursuit of what Trump calls "the Abraham Accords" between Israel and Arab and Muslim nations.

The news broke as Jews marked the first night of the Hanukkah festival of lights, commemorating the 2nd century BC victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers in a revolt in Judea against armies of the Seleucid Empire and the ensuing restoration of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Morocco is the latest Arab state to recognise Israel. Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations – a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Morocco is the latest Arab state to recognise Israel. Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations – a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2020 × Calling it a ''historic breakthrough'', Trump said ''Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations – a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!'' As part of the agreement, Trump changed the longstanding US policy and recognised Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. Western Sahara is a desert region where a decades-old territorial dispute has pitted Morocco against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, a breakaway movement that seeks to establish an independent state in the territory. The White House said Trump and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI had agreed in a conversation that Morocco would resume diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel and expand economic and cultural cooperation to advance regional stability. As his time in office winds down, Trump said Israel and Morocco would restore diplomatic and other relations, including the immediate reopening of liaison offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv and the eventual opening of embassies. US officials said it would also include joint overflight rights for airlines. The Republican took to social networking site Twitter and said ''Morocco's serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity!'' Today, I signed a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. Morocco's serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2020 × Earlier, Morocco’s constitution recognised the country’s Jewish heritage and permitted Israelis to visit the country, but the two countries did not have formal diplomatic relations. It comes after a high-profile Moroccan security delegation visited Israel and agreed to cooperate with the Jewish state on a series of issues. Morocco is the fourth Arab nation to recognise Israel as the administration seeks to expand its Abraham Accords framework, which began over the summer with an agreement between the Jewish state and the United Arab Emirates. Bahrain and Sudan have followed suit and administration officials have also been trying to bring Saudi Arabia into the grouping. Much of the momentum behind the deal-making has been to present a united front against Iran and roll back its regional influence. Palestinians have been critical of the normalization deals, saying Arab countries have set back the cause of peace by abandoning a longstanding demand that Israel gives up land for a Palestinian state before it can receive recognition. With Trump due to leave office on Jan. 20, the Morocco deal could be among the last his team, led by White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and US envoy Avi Berkowitz, will negotiate before giving way to President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration. Kushner told reporters on a conference call it was inevitable that Saudi Arabia would eventually strike a similar deal with Israel. Washington had supported a 1991 ceasefire between Morocco and Western Sahara's Polisario Front independence movement that called for a referendum to resolve the issue. Last month, after a border incident, the Polisario pulled out of that deal and announced a return to armed struggle. The Trump White House has tried to get Saudi Arabia to sign on to a normalisation deal with Israel, believing if the Saudis agreed other Arab nations would follow, but the Saudis have signaled they are not ready. One more Middle East breakthrough is possible. Last week Kushner and his team traveled to Saudi Arabia and Qatar seeking an end to a three-year rift between Doha and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. A tentative deal has been reached on this front but it was far from clear whether a final agreement to end a blockade of Qatar will be sealed. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt have maintained a diplomatic, trade, and travel embargo on Qatar since mid-2017. While Biden is expected to move US foreign policy away from Trump's "America First" posture, he has indicated he will continue the pursuit of what Trump calls "the Abraham Accords" between Israel and Arab and Muslim nations. The news broke as Jews marked the first night of the Hanukkah festival of lights, commemorating the 2nd century BC victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers in a revolt in Judea against armies of the Seleucid Empire and the ensuing restoration of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

Donald Trump announces Morocco latest Arab state to recognise Israel

France is developing bionic soldiers resistant to pain with microchip-enhanced brain power and superior hearing.

The country's ethical committee of the armed forces ministry gave approval in order for France to keep up with countries which are already working on similar projects.&nbsp;

Research is also being done to create pills which will keep soldiers awake for long periods and surgery to improve their hearing.&nbsp;

Potential areas to be explored include implants to increase soldiers’ “cerebral capacity” and to make them immune to stress. Drugs to improve service member’s mental resilience in the event they were captured are also being considered.

French scientists are also looking to create implants which enable army headquarters to remotely track the location of soldiers.&nbsp;And they are also trying to devise drugs which will make soldiers resistant to pain or be able to tolerate being held in isolation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The report warned that the French army could fall behind other countries which have already begun research into similar fields.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-chief-says-china-has-created-biologically-enhanced-super-soldiers-347331">US intel chief says China has created biologically enhanced super soldiers</a>

Without enabling research into technologies such as these, the French armed forces would be at a disadvantage compared to other countries’ militaries, the report added.

However, the committee did lay out an ethical framework for hypothetical interventions, saying they should not jeopardise soldiers’ “humanity” and their ability to reintegrate into civilian life.

Florence Parly, the French armed forces minister, who asked the committee to consider the issue of “augmented” soldiers in January, said that the “invasive” modifications were not part of the&nbsp;army’s current plans.

<form action-xhr="/internal-api/newsletter-component/submit/lite" amp-access="NOT loggedIn" custom-validation-reporting="interact-and-submit" id="reg-lite-form" method="post" novalidate="" on="valid:AMP.setState({liteRegValid: false});invalid:AMP.setState({liteRegValid: true})" target="_top" verify-xhr="/internal-api/newsletter-component/verify">Earlier,&nbsp;US director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, said that China is already trying to find ways to make artificially enhanced soldiers and has already started testing.</form>

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France is developing bionic soldiers resistant to pain with microchip-enhanced brain power and superior hearing. The country's ethical committee of the armed forces ministry gave approval in order for France to keep up with countries which are already working on similar projects.

France is developing bionic soldiers resistant to pain with microchip-enhanced brain power and superior hearing. The country's ethical committee of the armed forces ministry gave approval in order for France to keep up with countries which are already working on similar projects. Research is also being done to create pills which will keep soldiers awake for long periods and surgery to improve their hearing. Potential areas to be explored include implants to increase soldiers’ “cerebral capacity” and to make them immune to stress. Drugs to improve service member’s mental resilience in the event they were captured are also being considered. French scientists are also looking to create implants which enable army headquarters to remotely track the location of soldiers. And they are also trying to devise drugs which will make soldiers resistant to pain or be able to tolerate being held in isolation. The report warned that the French army could fall behind other countries which have already begun research into similar fields. Also read: US intel chief says China has created biologically enhanced super soldiers Without enabling research into technologies such as these, the French armed forces would be at a disadvantage compared to other countries’ militaries, the report added. However, the committee did lay out an ethical framework for hypothetical interventions, saying they should not jeopardise soldiers’ “humanity” and their ability to reintegrate into civilian life. Florence Parly, the French armed forces minister, who asked the committee to consider the issue of “augmented” soldiers in January, said that the “invasive” modifications were not part of the army’s current plans. Earlier, US director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, said that China is already trying to find ways to make artificially enhanced soldiers and has already started testing.

France is developing bionic soldiers resistant to pain

A joint sitting of both houses of&nbsp;Bhutan’s parliament approved a bill on Thursday to legalize gay sex, making the tiny Himalayan kingdom the latest Asian nation to take steps towards easing restrictions on same-sex relationships.

Sections 213 and 214 of the penal code had criminalised “unnatural sex”, widely interpreted as homosexuality.

Lawmaker Ugyen Wangdi, the vice chairperson of a joint panel considering the changes, said 63 of the total 69 members of both houses of parliament had voted in favour of amending the code to scrap the provision. Six members were absent.

“Homosexuality will not be considered as unnatural sex now,” Wangdi told Reuters by phone from the&nbsp;Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, without giving details.

The changes still need to be approved by the King of&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;to become a law.

Rights activist Tashi Tsheten said he was "thrilled and really happy" over the parliamentary move, calling it a “victory” for the LGBT+ community.

“I think the bill being passed on Human Rights Day itself is a momentous day for everyone in&nbsp;Bhutan,” Tsheten, the director of LGBT+ group, Rainbow&nbsp;Bhutan, told Reuters.

“I believe everyone who has stood up for the LGBT+ community in&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;is going to celebrate today as this is our victory”.

The move by the majority-Buddhist nation of 800,000 people comes after other Asian countries relaxed restrictions on the rights of the LGBT+ people.

Neighbouring India removed a centuries-old colonial prohibition on gay sex in 2018, triggering celebration across the country.

In Nepal, authorities will count LGBT+ people for the first time in the national census next year to help sexual minorities gain better access to education and health schemes.

Bhutan&nbsp;is famous for its "gross national happiness" index as an alternative to gross domestic product to indicate real economic progress or development.

A joint sitting of both houses of Bhutan’s parliament approved a bill on Thursday to legalize gay sex, making the tiny Himalayan kingdom the latest Asian nation to take steps towards easing restrictions on same-sex relationships.

A joint sitting of both houses of Bhutan’s parliament approved a bill on Thursday to legalize gay sex, making the tiny Himalayan kingdom the latest Asian nation to take steps towards easing restrictions on same-sex relationships. Sections 213 and 214 of the penal code had criminalised “unnatural sex”, widely interpreted as homosexuality. Lawmaker Ugyen Wangdi, the vice chairperson of a joint panel considering the changes, said 63 of the total 69 members of both houses of parliament had voted in favour of amending the code to scrap the provision. Six members were absent. “Homosexuality will not be considered as unnatural sex now,” Wangdi told Reuters by phone from the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, without giving details. The changes still need to be approved by the King of Bhutan to become a law. Rights activist Tashi Tsheten said he was "thrilled and really happy" over the parliamentary move, calling it a “victory” for the LGBT+ community. “I think the bill being passed on Human Rights Day itself is a momentous day for everyone in Bhutan,” Tsheten, the director of LGBT+ group, Rainbow Bhutan, told Reuters. “I believe everyone who has stood up for the LGBT+ community in Bhutan is going to celebrate today as this is our victory”. The move by the majority-Buddhist nation of 800,000 people comes after other Asian countries relaxed restrictions on the rights of the LGBT+ people. Neighbouring India removed a centuries-old colonial prohibition on gay sex in 2018, triggering celebration across the country. In Nepal, authorities will count LGBT+ people for the first time in the national census next year to help sexual minorities gain better access to education and health schemes. Bhutan is famous for its "gross national happiness" index as an alternative to gross domestic product to indicate real economic progress or development.

Bhutan parliament decriminalises homosexuality, to delight of activists

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China revokes visa exemptions for US diplomats visiting Hong Kong, Macau Azerbaijan's struggle will continue on many other fronts: Erdogan Euro agency hacking: 

China revokes visa exemptions for US diplomats visiting Hong Kong, Macau Azerbaijan's struggle will continue on many other fronts: Erdogan Euro agency hacking: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine documents 'unlawfully accessed' Bird flu outbreak in Japan worsens, over 2 million chickens culled Wuhan virus: 10 steps on how to be China and make most of the pandemic Russia's push towards helium could present 'geopolitical risk of threats to supply': Report Mass graves for mink in Denmark may have already polluted groundwater: Report Wall Street to begin trading water for the first time due to fear of shortages Facebook faces lawsuits that could force sale of Instagram, WhatsApp US attorney's office is investigating my taxes, says Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden

Top 10 world news today: China revokes visa exemptions for US diplomats, Pfizer documents hacked and more

Health authorities in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia have registered the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> for import and use in the country, state news agency SPA said on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia has&nbsp;become the second Gulf country after Bahrain to green-light the&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine.

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Saudi Arabia on Thursday approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech novel coronavirus vaccine, state media reported, becoming the second Gulf country after Bahrain to green-light the drug.

"The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)... has approved the registration of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency.

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"Health authorities in the kingdom can import and use the vaccine," it added.

The SFDA did not specify when it would begin the rollout of the vaccine by US pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech.

Last week, Bahrain announced it had approved the emergency use of the same vaccine. Britain and Canada have also approved it.

American regulators are due to meet on Thursday to assess the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency approval in the United States, the worst-hit nation with more than 15 million known infections and close to 290,000 deaths.

The US Food and Drug Administration is likely to issue an allergy warning if it approves the vaccine, following Britain's lead, after two health care workers there suffered reactions and needed treatment.&nbsp;

The SFDA said it will analyse samples from "each incoming vaccine shipment before using it" to ensure quality standards.

Saudi Arabia has so far recorded nearly 360,000 novel coronavirus cases, including more than 6,000 deaths –- the highest in the Gulf. But the kingdom has also reported a high recovery rate.

Companies have been racing to find a vaccine for the virus, which has killed over 1.5 million people and infected more than 68 million since it emerged in China in December of last year.

Health authorities in Saudi Arabia have registered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for import and use in the country, state news agency SPA said on Thursday.

Health authorities in Saudi Arabia have registered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for import and use in the country, state news agency SPA said on Thursday. Saudi Arabia has become the second Gulf country after Bahrain to green-light the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. Also read: Euro agency hacking: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine documents 'unlawfully accessed' Saudi Arabia on Thursday approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech novel coronavirus vaccine, state media reported, becoming the second Gulf country after Bahrain to green-light the drug. "The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)... has approved the registration of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency. "Health authorities in the kingdom can import and use the vaccine," it added. The SFDA did not specify when it would begin the rollout of the vaccine by US pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Last week, Bahrain announced it had approved the emergency use of the same vaccine. Britain and Canada have also approved it. American regulators are due to meet on Thursday to assess the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency approval in the United States, the worst-hit nation with more than 15 million known infections and close to 290,000 deaths. The US Food and Drug Administration is likely to issue an allergy warning if it approves the vaccine, following Britain's lead, after two health care workers there suffered reactions and needed treatment. The SFDA said it will analyse samples from "each incoming vaccine shipment before using it" to ensure quality standards. Saudi Arabia has so far recorded nearly 360,000 novel coronavirus cases, including more than 6,000 deaths –- the highest in the Gulf. But the kingdom has also reported a high recovery rate. Companies have been racing to find a vaccine for the virus, which has killed over 1.5 million people and infected more than 68 million since it emerged in China in December of last year.

Now, Saudi Arabia approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Wuhan virus: 10 steps on how to be China and make most of the pandemic

The World Bank has approved a USD 300 million loan to help the cash-strapped Pakistan address issues of climate change, health emergency and manage solid waste to reduce flooding chances in the country's financial capital Karachi, a media report said on Thursday.

The Washington-based lender approved USD 200 million for the Sindh Resilience project and USD 100 million for the Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency project, The Express Tribune newspaper reported, citing an official statement issued by the bank's local office.

These investments will bolster Pakistan's efforts to build resilience to natural hazards such as floods and droughts in the Sindh province and will strengthen solid waste management in Karachi to tackle recurrent urban flooding and public health emergencies in the city, it added.

The USD 200 million has been approved in additional financing for the Sindh Resilience project worth USD 100 million, bringing total cost of the scheme to USD 300 million.

"Building resilience to natural disasters and health emergencies is an important and urgent agenda in Pakistan, that will help save lives and protect the economy," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine.

The debilitating impact of recent floods in Karachi, droughts and extreme rainfall in Sindh, and of course the COVID-19 pandemic, make it imperative that risk reduction investments strengthen multi-sectoral dialogue and coordination at the city, provincial and national levels to ensure protection of vulnerable communities and fight the spread of disease, he added.

The additional financing of USD 200 million for the Sindh Resilience project will help the government better manage climate and disaster risks, including floods, droughts, and public health emergencies.

The USD 100 million Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Project (SWEEP) will improve solid waste management services in Karachi - Pakistan's largest city with more than 16 million people - and upgrade the critical solid waste infrastructure to reduce urban flooding and public health risks.

The project focuses on emergency waste removal to restore stormwater drainage capacity before the next monsoon season, especially in the vulnerable communities around drainage and waste collection sites.

The project will improve living conditions for at least half a million residents of Karachi and increase protection for workers by introducing safety protocols that improve labour conditions.

Pakistan received $500 million from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank each in June this year to prop up its struggling economy.

Pakistan's total public debt&nbsp;domestic and external&nbsp;was recorded at Rs36.3 trillion in the financial year 2019-20, up 154 pc (or Rs22 trillion) since FY13, when it was recorded at Rs 14.3 trillion, according to official data.

The World Bank has approved a USD 300 million loan to help the cash-strapped Pakistan address issues of climate change, health emergency and manage solid waste to reduce flooding chances in the country's financial capital Karachi, a media report said on Thursday.

The World Bank has approved a USD 300 million loan to help the cash-strapped Pakistan address issues of climate change, health emergency and manage solid waste to reduce flooding chances in the country's financial capital Karachi, a media report said on Thursday. The Washington-based lender approved USD 200 million for the Sindh Resilience project and USD 100 million for the Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency project, The Express Tribune newspaper reported, citing an official statement issued by the bank's local office. These investments will bolster Pakistan's efforts to build resilience to natural hazards such as floods and droughts in the Sindh province and will strengthen solid waste management in Karachi to tackle recurrent urban flooding and public health emergencies in the city, it added. The USD 200 million has been approved in additional financing for the Sindh Resilience project worth USD 100 million, bringing total cost of the scheme to USD 300 million. "Building resilience to natural disasters and health emergencies is an important and urgent agenda in Pakistan, that will help save lives and protect the economy," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine. The debilitating impact of recent floods in Karachi, droughts and extreme rainfall in Sindh, and of course the COVID-19 pandemic, make it imperative that risk reduction investments strengthen multi-sectoral dialogue and coordination at the city, provincial and national levels to ensure protection of vulnerable communities and fight the spread of disease, he added. The additional financing of USD 200 million for the Sindh Resilience project will help the government better manage climate and disaster risks, including floods, droughts, and public health emergencies. The USD 100 million Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Project (SWEEP) will improve solid waste management services in Karachi - Pakistan's largest city with more than 16 million people - and upgrade the critical solid waste infrastructure to reduce urban flooding and public health risks. The project focuses on emergency waste removal to restore stormwater drainage capacity before the next monsoon season, especially in the vulnerable communities around drainage and waste collection sites. The project will improve living conditions for at least half a million residents of Karachi and increase protection for workers by introducing safety protocols that improve labour conditions. Pakistan received $500 million from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank each in June this year to prop up its struggling economy. Pakistan's total public debt domestic and external was recorded at Rs36.3 trillion in the financial year 2019-20, up 154 pc (or Rs22 trillion) since FY13, when it was recorded at Rs 14.3 trillion, according to official data.

World Bank approves $300 milllion loan for cash-strapped Pakistan

Fluids from millions of buried mink may have polluted the groundwater in two places in Jutland in Denmark, as per a latest report.

The Danish government ordered a cull of some 17 million mink in early November after outbreaks of coronavirus hit hundreds of farms and authorities found mutated strains of the virus among people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-to-dig-up-zombie-mink-that-resurfaced-from-mass-graves-345916">Denmark to dig up 'zombie mink' that resurfaced from mass graves</a>

The logistical challenge of disposing of such a large number of dead animals prompted authorities to bury some of the mink in pits in a military area in western Denmark under two metres of soil.

The government later said it wanted to dig up those mink again after some resurfaced from the mass graves, most likely due to gasses from the decomposition process pushing the mink out of the ground.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-scare-denmark-shaken-by-mink-culling-342511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new study says groundwater in the area may already have become contaminated and urges authorities to take swift action, Radio4 reported.

The report was commissioned by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency in late November and was prepared by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland and the Technical University of Denmark, Radio4 said.

The agency is currently conducting additional examinations to assess the environmental impact of the graves, including geophysical probes and drillings. It said on Wednesday it expected the results of those early next year.

Before the interring of the dead mink, authorities had said the burials would not pose a risk to drinking water or protected areas.

The macabre burial sites, guarded 24 hours a day to keep people and animals away, have drawn complaints from area residents about possible health risks. Newspapers have referred to "zombie mink".

Fluids from millions of buried mink may have polluted the groundwater in two places in Jutland in Denmark, as per a latest report. The Danish government ordered a cull of some 17 million mink in early November after outbreaks of coronavirus hit hundreds of farms and authorities found mutated strains of the virus among people.

Fluids from millions of buried mink may have polluted the groundwater in two places in Jutland in Denmark, as per a latest report. The Danish government ordered a cull of some 17 million mink in early November after outbreaks of coronavirus hit hundreds of farms and authorities found mutated strains of the virus among people. Also read: Denmark to dig up 'zombie mink' that resurfaced from mass graves The logistical challenge of disposing of such a large number of dead animals prompted authorities to bury some of the mink in pits in a military area in western Denmark under two metres of soil. The government later said it wanted to dig up those mink again after some resurfaced from the mass graves, most likely due to gasses from the decomposition process pushing the mink out of the ground. The new study says groundwater in the area may already have become contaminated and urges authorities to take swift action, Radio4 reported. The report was commissioned by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency in late November and was prepared by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland and the Technical University of Denmark, Radio4 said. The agency is currently conducting additional examinations to assess the environmental impact of the graves, including geophysical probes and drillings. It said on Wednesday it expected the results of those early next year. Before the interring of the dead mink, authorities had said the burials would not pose a risk to drinking water or protected areas. The macabre burial sites, guarded 24 hours a day to keep people and animals away, have drawn complaints from area residents about possible health risks. Newspapers have referred to "zombie mink".

Mass graves for mink in Denmark may have already polluted groundwater: Report

From coronavirus to CAA: Top searches on Google in 2020

Beginning this week, water will be exchanged on the Wall Street wares fates market, because of its shortage. The cost of the crucial fluid will vacillate much the same as oil, gold, or wheat, CME Group announced.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Nasdaq?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Nasdaq</a> Veles California Water Index (NQH2O) futures are here, the first-of-its kind tool to help market participants manage water supply and demand risk.
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Water shortages could affect around five billion people worldwide by 2050, according to the United Nations.

The cost of water in California has multiplied in the most recent year, as indicated by the Nasdaq Velez California Water Index. Specialists guarantee that its appearance on the ware market will permit better administration of things to come hazard related to this resource.&nbsp;

The US organisation CME Group will dispatch contracts identified with California spot water, a market of 1.1 billion dollars. With the NQH2O ticker, the cost of water prospects in California was exchanging today at about $ 486.53 per acre-foot, which is comparable to 1,233 cubic meters.&nbsp;

The record depends on costs in California's significant waterway bowls, where water shortage has expanded. This worth can be utilized as a source of perspective for the remainder of the world in the water markets.&nbsp;

Ranchers, assets, or regions may ensure themselves or theorize against changes in the cost of water. As per CME Group, the new agreements will permit better administration of the danger related to water shortage and make a superior relationship among's organic market in the business sectors.&nbsp;

These fates contracts don't need actual conveyance of water and are absolutely monetary. They depend on the week after week cost arrived at the midpoint of over California's best five watersheds through 2022.&nbsp;

These agreements are the first of their sort in the United States and were declared in September when the west bank of the nation was crushed by warmth and fierce blazes. As per Bloomberg, they are expected to "fill in as security for California's biggest water buyers against rising costs and as a marker of shortage for financial specialists around the globe."&nbsp;

China and the United States are the world's primary customers of water. As per the United Nations, 2 billion individuals live in nations with difficult issues of admittance to water. The office gauges that in the following not many years 66% of the planet could encounter water deficiencies and a huge number of individuals will be uprooted by it.&nbsp;

The inadequacy of the crucial fluid is identified with the over the top misuse of these assets by the essential area, industry, and human utilization, just as environmental change.

Beginning this week, water will be exchanged on the Wall Street wares fates market, because of its shortage. The cost of the crucial fluid will vacillate much the same as oil, gold, or wheat, CME Group announced.

Beginning this week, water will be exchanged on the Wall Street wares fates market, because of its shortage. The cost of the crucial fluid will vacillate much the same as oil, gold, or wheat, CME Group announced. .@Nasdaq Veles California Water Index (NQH2O) futures are here, the first-of-its kind tool to help market participants manage water supply and demand risk. — CME Group (@CMEGroup) December 7, 2020 × Water shortages could affect around five billion people worldwide by 2050, according to the United Nations. The cost of water in California has multiplied in the most recent year, as indicated by the Nasdaq Velez California Water Index. Specialists guarantee that its appearance on the ware market will permit better administration of things to come hazard related to this resource. The US organisation CME Group will dispatch contracts identified with California spot water, a market of 1.1 billion dollars. With the NQH2O ticker, the cost of water prospects in California was exchanging today at about $ 486.53 per acre-foot, which is comparable to 1,233 cubic meters. The record depends on costs in California's significant waterway bowls, where water shortage has expanded. This worth can be utilized as a source of perspective for the remainder of the world in the water markets. Ranchers, assets, or regions may ensure themselves or theorize against changes in the cost of water. As per CME Group, the new agreements will permit better administration of the danger related to water shortage and make a superior relationship among's organic market in the business sectors. These fates contracts don't need actual conveyance of water and are absolutely monetary. They depend on the week after week cost arrived at the midpoint of over California's best five watersheds through 2022. These agreements are the first of their sort in the United States and were declared in September when the west bank of the nation was crushed by warmth and fierce blazes. As per Bloomberg, they are expected to "fill in as security for California's biggest water buyers against rising costs and as a marker of shortage for financial specialists around the globe." China and the United States are the world's primary customers of water. As per the United Nations, 2 billion individuals live in nations with difficult issues of admittance to water. The office gauges that in the following not many years 66% of the planet could encounter water deficiencies and a huge number of individuals will be uprooted by it. The inadequacy of the crucial fluid is identified with the over the top misuse of these assets by the essential area, industry, and human utilization, just as environmental change.

Wall Street to begin trading water for the first time due to fear of shortages

President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution.

The Kremlin has said that all Russia's obligations under international treaties remain in force and that Moscow remains fully committed to international law.

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According to the law, the country’s legislation would come with a provision “stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”.

But the legislation has caused concern among some rights advocates in Russia, where hundreds of people appeal to the European Court of Human Rights every year seeking justice that they say they have been denied at home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-submits-bill-to-grant-ex-presidents-immunity-from-prosecution-340857">Russia submits bill to grant ex-presidents immunity from prosecution</a>

Russia has had a very delicate relationship with rights groups, and this bill is expected to receive flak from activists and activist groups alike. In fact, every year, hundreds of Russians flock to the European Court of Human Rights in a bid to seek justice, which according to them, is unattainable at home.

Putin first toyed with the idea in January, during his state-of-the-nation address. It is one of an array of legal and constitutional amendments adopted this year including one allowing Putin to run again for president two more times when his current term comes to an end in 2024.

Another bill has been submitted&nbsp;to the Russian parliament that can grant ex-presidents immunity from criminal prosecution could be extended to any offences committed in their lifetimes, not merely while in office.

The draft legislation is being carefully parsed for clues as to what Putin, who has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades, plans to do in 2024.

Former presidents already enjoy lifetime immunity for crimes committed in the office under legislation adopted after Russia's first post-Soviet president, Boris Yeltsin, handed the reins of power to Putin at the turn of the century.

The new bill would also make it harder to revoke ex-presidents' expanded immunity.

It would require the upper house of parliament to vote overwhelmingly to revoke it on the strength of accusations by the lower house that the president had committed treason or another serious crime.

The bill will become law if the lower house votes to approve it in three readings, the upper house backs it, and Putin then signs it.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Tuesday allowing Russia's national legislation precedence over international treaties and rulings from international bodies in cases when they conflict with the Russian constitution. The Kremlin has said that all Russia's obligations under international treaties remain in force and that Moscow remains fully committed to international law. According to the law, the country’s legislation would come with a provision “stating that the decisions of interstate bodies ... contradicting the constitution of the Russian Federation are not subject to execution in Russia”. But the legislation has caused concern among some rights advocates in Russia, where hundreds of people appeal to the European Court of Human Rights every year seeking justice that they say they have been denied at home. Also read: Russia submits bill to grant ex-presidents immunity from prosecution Russia has had a very delicate relationship with rights groups, and this bill is expected to receive flak from activists and activist groups alike. In fact, every year, hundreds of Russians flock to the European Court of Human Rights in a bid to seek justice, which according to them, is unattainable at home. Putin first toyed with the idea in January, during his state-of-the-nation address. It is one of an array of legal and constitutional amendments adopted this year including one allowing Putin to run again for president two more times when his current term comes to an end in 2024. Another bill has been submitted to the Russian parliament that can grant ex-presidents immunity from criminal prosecution could be extended to any offences committed in their lifetimes, not merely while in office. The draft legislation is being carefully parsed for clues as to what Putin, who has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades, plans to do in 2024. Former presidents already enjoy lifetime immunity for crimes committed in the office under legislation adopted after Russia's first post-Soviet president, Boris Yeltsin, handed the reins of power to Putin at the turn of the century. The new bill would also make it harder to revoke ex-presidents' expanded immunity. It would require the upper house of parliament to vote overwhelmingly to revoke it on the strength of accusations by the lower house that the president had committed treason or another serious crime. The bill will become law if the lower house votes to approve it in three readings, the upper house backs it, and Putin then signs it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signs legislation to Trump international treaties

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