Central banks manage a country’s money and keep its economy stable. But not all countries have a central bank. Some are tiny, some use another country’s money, and others manage their money differently. Let’s learn about seven countries without central banks.

7 countries that don’t have a central bank

India has many large cities. Some of these cities are so big that they are larger than entire countries. Today, we will look at six countries that are smaller in size than well-known Indian cities. Keep reading to find out which countries are smaller than Indian cities.

6 countries that are smaller than Indian cities

The tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru is often overlooked on the world map, but it is making waves with an unusual strategy to combat climate change—selling citizenship. Applicants can secure a Nauruan passport, gaining visa-free access to 89 countries, including the UK, Singapore, and the UAE. At just 8 square miles, Nauru is one of the world's smallest countries and one of the most vulnerable to rising sea levels, with most of its land uninhabitable due to decades of mining residents are left clinging to its fragile coastline, where the ocean is creeping ever closer. Watch in for more details!

Pacific island Nauru's citizenship plan: A lifeline for survival

China and Nauru formally restored diplomatic relations Wednesday (Jan 24) after the Pacific island nation cut ties with Taiwan, earlier this month, in a move which is being seen as Beijing’s way to further isolate the self-governed island. Meanwhile, two American lawmakers arrived in Taiwan marking the first trip by United States officials since the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won a third consecutive term.&nbsp;

<h2>China-Nauru restore ties</h2>

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Nauru’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing where the two formally signed a document to restore bilateral relations.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Is China rattled by Taiwan election results?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-rattled-by-taiwan-election-results-680617/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the document, the Pacific island nation now recognises that there is “only one China in the world” governed by the People’s Republic of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.&nbsp;

However, Taiwan has long rejected Beijing’s claims on the self-governed island and accused China of trying to pressure Taiwan with Nauru’s switch, immediately after its recent presidential election where the pro-independence party candidate Lai Ching-te won. China considers him a “separatist”.&nbsp;

During the ceremony in Beijing, China’s top diplomat said the resumption of ties “once again demonstrates to the world that adherence to the one-China principle is an irresistible historical trend.”&nbsp;

Additionally, in an apparent response to Taiwan’s accusations, Wang also said Nauru’s decision to sever ties with Taiwan was “an independent political decision made by the Nauruan government.”&nbsp;

He added, “We are willing to share with Nauru the development opportunities brought by Chinese-style modernisation.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-spy-balloons-to-psychological-warfare-how-china-is-piling-pressure-on-taiwan-ahead-of-election-679264">Taiwan election: From 'spy' balloons to psychological warfare, China is piling on pressure</a>

Meanwhile, Aingimea said Nauru recognised that Taiwan is part of China. “We look forward to the practical cooperation that’s going to happen between Nauru and China,” said the Nauruan foreign minister.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Deeply grieved’</h2>

Taiwan’s foreign ministry, in a statement, said it was “deeply grieved”. It added, “The Nauru government is ignorant to the lure of financial aid and is a retainer to China’s manipulation, ignoring the development assistance and friendship provided by our country for many years.”&nbsp;

Nauru’s government, on January 15, two days after the new Taiwanese president was elected released a statement saying that it is severing ties with Taiwan. This comes as China has been gradually poaching the few remaining diplomatic allies of the self-governed island.&nbsp;

As a part of China’s claims on Taiwan, Beijing has also maintained that since Taiwan is its territory it has no right to state-to-state ties, which the self-governed island has strongly disputed.&nbsp;

Since 2016, the initial election of DPP President Tsai Ing-wen, 10 countries have switched ties from Taipei to Beijing. Taiwan, excluding Nauru, now has 12 diplomatic allies.&nbsp;

<h2>US lawmakers visit Taiwan</h2>

While China and Nauru were restoring ties, two US lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday (Jan 24), marking the first trip by American officials since Lai won the election.&nbsp;

Two co-chairs of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Representatives Ami Bera, a Democrat from California, and Mario Díaz-Balart, a Republican from Florida, landed in Taiwan and plan to “engage with senior officials and business leaders,” Bera’s office said in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-us-officials-set-to-visit-taiwan-to-back-longstanding-interest-in-cross-strait-peace-679838">Ex-US officials set to visit Taiwan, to back 'longstanding interest' in cross-strait peace</a>

The aim of the visit is “to reaffirm US support for Taiwan following their successful democratic elections, express solidarity in their shared commitment to democratic values, and explore opportunities to further strengthen the robust economic and defense relationship between the United States and Taiwan,” said the added.&nbsp;

While the US does not maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is among its biggest supporters. Washington’s support for Taiwan has often left Beijing fuming.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China and Nauru formally restored diplomatic relations Wednesday (Jan 24) after the Pacific island nation cut ties with Taiwan, earlier this month, in a move which is being seen as Beijing’s way to further isolate the self-governed island.

China and Nauru formally restored diplomatic relations Wednesday (Jan 24) after the Pacific island nation cut ties with Taiwan, earlier this month, in a move which is being seen as Beijing’s way to further isolate the self-governed island. Meanwhile, two American lawmakers arrived in Taiwan marking the first trip by United States officials since the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won a third consecutive term. China-Nauru restore ties Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Nauru’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing where the two formally signed a document to restore bilateral relations. WATCH | Gravitas | Is China rattled by Taiwan election results? According to the document, the Pacific island nation now recognises that there is “only one China in the world” governed by the People’s Republic of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. However, Taiwan has long rejected Beijing’s claims on the self-governed island and accused China of trying to pressure Taiwan with Nauru’s switch, immediately after its recent presidential election where the pro-independence party candidate Lai Ching-te won. China considers him a “separatist”. During the ceremony in Beijing, China’s top diplomat said the resumption of ties “once again demonstrates to the world that adherence to the one-China principle is an irresistible historical trend.” Additionally, in an apparent response to Taiwan’s accusations, Wang also said Nauru’s decision to sever ties with Taiwan was “an independent political decision made by the Nauruan government.” He added, “We are willing to share with Nauru the development opportunities brought by Chinese-style modernisation.” ALSO READ | Taiwan election: From 'spy' balloons to psychological warfare, China is piling on pressure Meanwhile, Aingimea said Nauru recognised that Taiwan is part of China. “We look forward to the practical cooperation that’s going to happen between Nauru and China,” said the Nauruan foreign minister. ‘Deeply grieved’ Taiwan’s foreign ministry, in a statement, said it was “deeply grieved”. It added, “The Nauru government is ignorant to the lure of financial aid and is a retainer to China’s manipulation, ignoring the development assistance and friendship provided by our country for many years.” Nauru’s government, on January 15, two days after the new Taiwanese president was elected released a statement saying that it is severing ties with Taiwan. This comes as China has been gradually poaching the few remaining diplomatic allies of the self-governed island. As a part of China’s claims on Taiwan, Beijing has also maintained that since Taiwan is its territory it has no right to state-to-state ties, which the self-governed island has strongly disputed. Since 2016, the initial election of DPP President Tsai Ing-wen, 10 countries have switched ties from Taipei to Beijing. Taiwan, excluding Nauru, now has 12 diplomatic allies. US lawmakers visit Taiwan While China and Nauru were restoring ties, two US lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday (Jan 24), marking the first trip by American officials since Lai won the election. Two co-chairs of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Representatives Ami Bera, a Democrat from California, and Mario Díaz-Balart, a Republican from Florida, landed in Taiwan and plan to “engage with senior officials and business leaders,” Bera’s office said in a statement. ALSO READ | Ex-US officials set to visit Taiwan, to back 'longstanding interest' in cross-strait peace The aim of the visit is “to reaffirm US support for Taiwan following their successful democratic elections, express solidarity in their shared commitment to democratic values, and explore opportunities to further strengthen the robust economic and defense relationship between the United States and Taiwan,” said the added. While the US does not maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is among its biggest supporters. Washington’s support for Taiwan has often left Beijing fuming. (With inputs from agencies)

China formally restores ties with former Taiwan ally Nauru; US officials visit Taiwan in 'show of support'

Highly influenced by China, the South Pacific nation of Nauru on Monday (Jan 15)&nbsp;severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The decision by Nauru comes a couple of days after the culmination of presidential elections in Taiwan&nbsp;which suggest Beijing had managed to pull off a significant diplomatic coup.&nbsp;

The Nauru government in an official statement said it&nbsp;“will sever ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan as of this day and no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan".&nbsp;

Instead, the island nation was now seeking full resumption of diplomatic relations with China.

“The Government of the Republic of Nauru today announces that, in the best interests of the Republic and people of Nauru, we will be moving to the One-China Principle that is in line with UN Resolution 2758 which recognises the PRC as the sole legal Government representing the whole of China and seeking resumption of full diplomatic relations with the PRC,” read the statement.&nbsp;

The Pacific nation added that the change in no way intended to affect its existing "warm relationships" with other countries.&nbsp;

"Nauru remains a sovereign and independent nation and wants to maintain friendly relations with other countries."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-eyes-taiwan-reunification-china-bolsters-military-aggression-wion-635732">Watch |&nbsp;China eyes Taiwan 'reunification' | China bolsters military aggression</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-eyes-taiwan-reunification-china-bolsters-military-aggression-wion-635732/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Taiwan severs ties as well</h2>

After the switch, Taiwan also released a statement saying it was ending diplomatic relations with Nauru to safeguard its national dignity.&nbsp;

Nauru's switching of allegiance makes it the first country after the Taiwanese elections to end diplomatic ties with Taipei. The island nations is now left with&nbsp;only 12 diplomatic allies, including Guatemala, Paraguay, Eswatini, Palau and the Marshal Islands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-prepares-for-the-chinese-worst-case-scenario-by-altering-its-defence-spending-strategy-571924">Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan prepares for 'worst case scenario' with China by altering defence spending strategy</a>

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. Taipei holding the presidential elections and electing an anti-China voice in&nbsp;Lai Ching-te did not go down well with Beijing.&nbsp;

Immediately after, China went down to work and convinced the&nbsp;island microstate, having a population of 12,500 to abandon Taiwan and follow the one-China principle.&nbsp;

According to experts, veteran politician&nbsp;David Adeang's sudden ascension&nbsp;as&nbsp;Nauru's president in October last year might explain the sharp and unexpected turn in the foreign policy of the Pacific nation.&nbsp;

With Nauru in China's pocket, there are aspersions among Western allies that Beijing might seek&nbsp;to establish an increased military footprint in the strategically and geopolitically important Pacific region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Highly influenced by China, the South Pacific nation of Nauru on Monday (Jan 15) severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The decision by Nauru comes a couple of days after the culmination of presidential elections in Taiwan which suggest Beijing had managed to pull off a significant diplomatic coup.

Highly influenced by China, the South Pacific nation of Nauru on Monday (Jan 15) severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The decision by Nauru comes a couple of days after the culmination of presidential elections in Taiwan which suggest Beijing had managed to pull off a significant diplomatic coup. The Nauru government in an official statement said it “will sever ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan as of this day and no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan". Instead, the island nation was now seeking full resumption of diplomatic relations with China. “The Government of the Republic of Nauru today announces that, in the best interests of the Republic and people of Nauru, we will be moving to the One-China Principle that is in line with UN Resolution 2758 which recognises the PRC as the sole legal Government representing the whole of China and seeking resumption of full diplomatic relations with the PRC,” read the statement. The Pacific nation added that the change in no way intended to affect its existing "warm relationships" with other countries. "Nauru remains a sovereign and independent nation and wants to maintain friendly relations with other countries." Watch | China eyes Taiwan 'reunification' | China bolsters military aggression Taiwan severs ties as well After the switch, Taiwan also released a statement saying it was ending diplomatic relations with Nauru to safeguard its national dignity. Nauru's switching of allegiance makes it the first country after the Taiwanese elections to end diplomatic ties with Taipei. The island nations is now left with only 12 diplomatic allies, including Guatemala, Paraguay, Eswatini, Palau and the Marshal Islands. Also read | Taiwan prepares for 'worst case scenario' with China by altering defence spending strategy China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. Taipei holding the presidential elections and electing an anti-China voice in Lai Ching-te did not go down well with Beijing. Immediately after, China went down to work and convinced the island microstate, having a population of 12,500 to abandon Taiwan and follow the one-China principle. According to experts, veteran politician David Adeang's sudden ascension as Nauru's president in October last year might explain the sharp and unexpected turn in the foreign policy of the Pacific nation. With Nauru in China's pocket, there are aspersions among Western allies that Beijing might seek to establish an increased military footprint in the strategically and geopolitically important Pacific region. (With inputs from agencies)

Influenced by China, Nauru severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan

The Pacific island of&nbsp;Nauru&nbsp;is negotiating for the construction of an undersea communications cable that would connect to an Australian network, two sources with knowledge of the talks told Reuters, after the earlier rejection of a Chinese proposal.

The United States and its Pacific allies have concerns that cables laid by China could compromise regional security. Beijing has denied any intent to use commercial optic fibre cables, which have far greater data capacity than satellites, for spying.

Nauru, which has strong ties to US&nbsp;ally Australia, helped scupper a World Bank-led cable tender earlier this year over concerns the contract would be awarded to the former Huawei Marine, now called HMN Tech, after the Chinese firm lodged a bid priced at more than 20 per cent&nbsp;below rivals.

The tiny Pacific nation of just over 12,000 people has now approached the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help fund an alternative, the development agency told Reuters.

"ADB is involved in very early discussions with the government of&nbsp;Nauru&nbsp;to explore possible options to help fund an undersea cable to deliver low-cost, high quality internet service," the ADB said in a statement to Reuters.

"The details of the connection arrangement and funding sources will be determined in due course."

The two sources said the new plan would involve laying a cable from&nbsp;Nauru&nbsp;to the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara, located about 1,250 kilometres (776.7 miles) apart.

The new line would then tap into the Coral Sea Cable system, a 4,700km network that connects Australia to the Solomons and Papua New Guinea. That line, majority funded by Australia and built by Sydney-headquartered Vocus Group, was completed in 2019 to shut out a competing offer from Huawei Marine, then owned by Huawei Technologies.

The former Huawei Marine is now majority-owned by Shanghai-listed Hengtong Optic-Electric Co Ltd after Huawei Technologies sold the submarine cable business last year.

Nauru's plan needs Australia and the Solomons to be on board, the sources said. It is unclear if&nbsp;Nauru&nbsp;has requested financial assistance from Australia or whether it only needs Canberra's permission to join the Coral Sea Cable system.

One source, who has direct knowledge of the planned cable route, described the talks as "early stage negotiations".

The second source provided information about discussions between&nbsp;Nauru&nbsp;officials and the ADB, Australia and the Solomons. The source said&nbsp;Nauru&nbsp;was in the process of "doing a deal".

The governments of&nbsp;Nauru, Australia and the Solomons did not respond to requests for comment. The World Bank said it was not involved in discussions around cables connecting with&nbsp;Nauru.

Nauru&nbsp;was the first to raise concerns over a bid lodged by China's HMN Tech during the World Bank tender process last year to build subsea cables for&nbsp;Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia and Kiribati, sources told Reuters in December. The United States followed up by warning the Pacific island nations that the HMN Tech bid posed a regional security threat.

The project then unravelled after the island governments heeded the U.S. warnings and declined to award a contract.

"The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese enterprises to carry out investment cooperation in various fields in accordance with market principles and international rules and on the basis of abiding by local laws," said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry.

"Chinese enterprises have always maintained a good record in network security, and the so-called Chinese espionage activities are groundless," Zhao told a regular press conference on Thursday, when asked about the undersea cable plan.

Australia has ramped up its presence in the Pacific through the creation of a A$2 billion ($1.5 billion)infrastructure financing facility and via its membership of the new "Quad" group, together with the United States, India and Japan, to counter China's expanding interests in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia is also part of a trilateral partnership with the United States and Japan that was formed to finance an undersea optic fibre cable for Palau, another Pacific nation.

Washington has pressed governments around the world to squeeze Huawei and other Chinese companies out of supplying sensitive communications equipment, alleging the company could hand over data to the Chinese government for spying, a charge denied by Beijing and Chinese telcos.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters last week that Chinese companies had an excellent record in cyber security and that they needed to be able to participate in a non-discriminatory business environment.

Nauru, located in the central Pacific, has retained diplomatic ties to Taiwan, creating tension with China, which regards Taiwan as its own territory. Hosting a major Pacific forum in 2018,&nbsp;Nauru's then president, Baron Waqa, described a Chinese envoy as "very insolent" and a "bully" after an angry exchange between officials.

The Pacific island of Nauru is negotiating for the construction of an undersea communications cable that would connect to an Australian network, two sources with knowledge of the talks told Reuters, after the earlier rejection of a Chinese proposal.

The Pacific island of Nauru is negotiating for the construction of an undersea communications cable that would connect to an Australian network, two sources with knowledge of the talks told Reuters, after the earlier rejection of a Chinese proposal. The United States and its Pacific allies have concerns that cables laid by China could compromise regional security. Beijing has denied any intent to use commercial optic fibre cables, which have far greater data capacity than satellites, for spying. Nauru, which has strong ties to US ally Australia, helped scupper a World Bank-led cable tender earlier this year over concerns the contract would be awarded to the former Huawei Marine, now called HMN Tech, after the Chinese firm lodged a bid priced at more than 20 per cent below rivals. The tiny Pacific nation of just over 12,000 people has now approached the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help fund an alternative, the development agency told Reuters. "ADB is involved in very early discussions with the government of Nauru to explore possible options to help fund an undersea cable to deliver low-cost, high quality internet service," the ADB said in a statement to Reuters. "The details of the connection arrangement and funding sources will be determined in due course." The two sources said the new plan would involve laying a cable from Nauru to the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara, located about 1,250 kilometres (776.7 miles) apart. The new line would then tap into the Coral Sea Cable system, a 4,700km network that connects Australia to the Solomons and Papua New Guinea. That line, majority funded by Australia and built by Sydney-headquartered Vocus Group, was completed in 2019 to shut out a competing offer from Huawei Marine, then owned by Huawei Technologies. The former Huawei Marine is now majority-owned by Shanghai-listed Hengtong Optic-Electric Co Ltd after Huawei Technologies sold the submarine cable business last year. Nauru's plan needs Australia and the Solomons to be on board, the sources said. It is unclear if Nauru has requested financial assistance from Australia or whether it only needs Canberra's permission to join the Coral Sea Cable system. One source, who has direct knowledge of the planned cable route, described the talks as "early stage negotiations". The second source provided information about discussions between Nauru officials and the ADB, Australia and the Solomons. The source said Nauru was in the process of "doing a deal". The governments of Nauru, Australia and the Solomons did not respond to requests for comment. The World Bank said it was not involved in discussions around cables connecting with Nauru. Nauru was the first to raise concerns over a bid lodged by China's HMN Tech during the World Bank tender process last year to build subsea cables for Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia and Kiribati, sources told Reuters in December. The United States followed up by warning the Pacific island nations that the HMN Tech bid posed a regional security threat. The project then unravelled after the island governments heeded the U.S. warnings and declined to award a contract. "The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese enterprises to carry out investment cooperation in various fields in accordance with market principles and international rules and on the basis of abiding by local laws," said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry. "Chinese enterprises have always maintained a good record in network security, and the so-called Chinese espionage activities are groundless," Zhao told a regular press conference on Thursday, when asked about the undersea cable plan. Australia has ramped up its presence in the Pacific through the creation of a A$2 billion ($1.5 billion)infrastructure financing facility and via its membership of the new "Quad" group, together with the United States, India and Japan, to counter China's expanding interests in the Indo-Pacific. Australia is also part of a trilateral partnership with the United States and Japan that was formed to finance an undersea optic fibre cable for Palau, another Pacific nation. Washington has pressed governments around the world to squeeze Huawei and other Chinese companies out of supplying sensitive communications equipment, alleging the company could hand over data to the Chinese government for spying, a charge denied by Beijing and Chinese telcos. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters last week that Chinese companies had an excellent record in cyber security and that they needed to be able to participate in a non-discriminatory business environment. Nauru, located in the central Pacific, has retained diplomatic ties to Taiwan, creating tension with China, which regards Taiwan as its own territory. Hosting a major Pacific forum in 2018, Nauru's then president, Baron Waqa, described a Chinese envoy as "very insolent" and a "bully" after an angry exchange between officials.

Pacific island turns to Australia for undersea cable after spurning China

The tiny Pacific nation of Nauru has congratulated itself for a "world record" COVID-19 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> drive which resulted in all its adult population receiving their first jab.

The remote island nation, one of the few places in the world to remain virus-free, said the four-week vaccination campaign had exceeded expectations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-will-soon-see-challenges-more-severe-than-covid-19-david-attenborough-384312" hreflang="en">World will soon see challenges more severe than COVID-19: David Attenborough</a>

It said 7,392 people received the first dose, or 108 percent of the estimated adult population, with foreigners included in the figure.

"The National Coronavirus Taskforce is extremely pleased with this world record result and thanks everyone on Nauru for playing their part to keep Nauru Covid free and safe," the government said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-dose-cuts-death-risk-by-80-2-pfizer-doses-by-97-uk-agency-384286" hreflang="en">One AstraZeneca Covid vaccine dose cuts death risk by 80%, 2 Pfizer doses by 97%: UK agency</a>

Taskforce chairman Kieren Keke said Nauru was fortunate to have enough vaccine doses to cover its adult population but there was no room for complacency, with testing ongoing to ensure the island remained virus-free.

"With every arriving traveller, the risk of the coronavirus entering Nauru remains and recent events in PNG, Fiji and India have shown how quickly the situation can change," he said.

Nauru received AstraZeneca vaccine doses as part of the global Covax programme aimed at boosting immunisation in poorer nations.

The tiny Pacific nation of Nauru has congratulated itself for a "world record" COVID-19 vaccination drive which resulted in all its adult population receiving their first jab.

The tiny Pacific nation of Nauru has congratulated itself for a "world record" COVID-19 vaccination drive which resulted in all its adult population receiving their first jab. The remote island nation, one of the few places in the world to remain virus-free, said the four-week vaccination campaign had exceeded expectations. Also read | World will soon see challenges more severe than COVID-19: David Attenborough It said 7,392 people received the first dose, or 108 percent of the estimated adult population, with foreigners included in the figure. "The National Coronavirus Taskforce is extremely pleased with this world record result and thanks everyone on Nauru for playing their part to keep Nauru Covid free and safe," the government said in a statement. Also read | One AstraZeneca Covid vaccine dose cuts death risk by 80%, 2 Pfizer doses by 97%: UK agency Taskforce chairman Kieren Keke said Nauru was fortunate to have enough vaccine doses to cover its adult population but there was no room for complacency, with testing ongoing to ensure the island remained virus-free. "With every arriving traveller, the risk of the coronavirus entering Nauru remains and recent events in PNG, Fiji and India have shown how quickly the situation can change," he said. Nauru received AstraZeneca vaccine doses as part of the global Covax programme aimed at boosting immunisation in poorer nations.

Nauru says it vaccinated all adults against Covid in 'world record' effort

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/act-now-or-risk-disaster-world-told-at-un-climate-summit-181034">Act now or risk disaster, world told at UN climate summit</a>

After the starkest warnings yet of the catastrophic threat posed by climate change, nations gathered in Poland on Sunday to chart a way for mankind to avert runaway global warming.&nbsp;

The COP24 climate summit comes at a crucial juncture in the battle to rein in the effects of our heating planet.&nbsp;

UN General Assembly president Maria Espinosa said mankind was "in danger of disappearing" if climate change was allowed to progress at its current rate.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">History </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">mein</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036"> zero </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">hain</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">aap</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">: Asaduddin Owaisi responds to Yogi Adityanath</a>

AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country.&nbsp;

Owaisi's comments came as a reaction to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark wherein he stated that Owaisi will have to flee the state if BJP comes to power in Telangana.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-grant-kim-jong-uns-wishes-after-denuclearisation-south-korea-president-181032">Trump will grant Kim Jong Un's wishes after denuclearisation: South Korea president</a>

US President Donald Trump will grant North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un his wishes if he delivers on denuclearisation, the South Korean president said Sunday, following talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

As officials work to arrange a second meeting between Trump and Kim, South Korea's Moon Jae-in relayed a message to reporters given to him by the US president to pass on to the North's leader.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-link-to-rajiv-gandhis-assassination-claims-ltte-181030">'No link' to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, claims LTTE</a>

In an alleged statement, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has claimed that they had 'no link' in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991.

The alleged letter from LTTE has been signed by their Political Wing representative Kurburan Guruswami and Legal Wing representative Lathan Chandralingam.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/un-doctors-hammer-australia-over-refugee-camps-181042">UN, doctors hammer Australia over refugee camps</a>

Australia's under-pressure government received a double blow Monday from the United Nations and a leading doctors' group over harsh treatment of refugees on off-shore island camps.

In an unusual broadside, a top official for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees accused "bureaucrats and politicians" of overruling doctors and putting lives at risk at camps on Nauru and Manus.

Act now or risk disaster, world told at UN climate summit After the starkest warnings yet of the catastrophic threat posed by climate change, nations gathered in Poland on Sunday to chart a way for mankind to avert runaway global warming.

Act now or risk disaster, world told at UN climate summit After the starkest warnings yet of the catastrophic threat posed by climate change, nations gathered in Poland on Sunday to chart a way for mankind to avert runaway global warming. The COP24 climate summit comes at a crucial juncture in the battle to rein in the effects of our heating planet. UN General Assembly president Maria Espinosa said mankind was "in danger of disappearing" if climate change was allowed to progress at its current rate. History mein zero hain aap: Asaduddin Owaisi responds to Yogi Adityanath AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country. Owaisi's comments came as a reaction to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark wherein he stated that Owaisi will have to flee the state if BJP comes to power in Telangana. Trump will grant Kim Jong Un's wishes after denuclearisation: South Korea president US President Donald Trump will grant North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un his wishes if he delivers on denuclearisation, the South Korean president said Sunday, following talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit. As officials work to arrange a second meeting between Trump and Kim, South Korea's Moon Jae-in relayed a message to reporters given to him by the US president to pass on to the North's leader. 'No link' to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, claims LTTE In an alleged statement, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has claimed that they had 'no link' in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991. The alleged letter from LTTE has been signed by their Political Wing representative Kurburan Guruswami and Legal Wing representative Lathan Chandralingam. UN, doctors hammer Australia over refugee camps Australia's under-pressure government received a double blow Monday from the United Nations and a leading doctors' group over harsh treatment of refugees on off-shore island camps. In an unusual broadside, a top official for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees accused "bureaucrats and politicians" of overruling doctors and putting lives at risk at camps on Nauru and Manus.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Australia's under-pressure government received a double blow Monday from the United Nations and a leading doctors' group over harsh treatment of refugees on off-shore island camps.

In an unusual broadside, a top official for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees accused "bureaucrats and politicians" of overruling doctors and putting lives at risk at camps on Nauru and Manus.

Australia holds unauthorised migrants who try to reach the island continent by boat in "off-shore detention" -- part of a harsh policy designed to deter would-be asylum-seekers.

UNHCR's Catherine Stubberfield decried the policy as "sold too simplistically" and said changing it was now a matter of "basic human treatment and decency."

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) on Monday also threw its voice behind those calling for the government to change course.

Around 160 people remain on the island of Nauru -- including women and children -- and it is believed as many as 600 men are still in transition centres on Manus after the Australian-run camp there was closed late last year.

The minority government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison has quietly agreed to transfer children off Nauru, but is under fierce pressure to close it completely.

Doctor and independent member of parliament Kerryn Phelps on Monday put forward legislation requiring the temporary transfer from Nauru or Manus of anyone assessed as needing medical treatment as well as the temporary transfer of all children and their families from Nauru.

Eyewitnesses -- including AFP journalists -- have reported a dire situation on Nauru, with families living under constant fear of loved ones committing suicide.

On Monday, Medecins Sans Frontieres also reported that almost a third of the people they had treated on Nauru before being expelled by the government in October had reported attempted suicide.

A dozen patients, the organisation said, had been diagnosed with "resignation syndrome" -- a condition that causes people to withdraw into themselves in an almost comatose state.

David Isaacs of the RACP, a paediatrician who treated children on Nauru in 2015, said access to medical care "must be determined by a doctor – not a politician".

"There is a medical crisis in offshore detention," said Isaacs. "It is a crisis that is entirely preventable. The government can act to end it."

Polls show that a large number of Australians would like to bring the remaining children off Nauru, but are split on whether the broader population should be brought to Australia.

The tough offshore detention policy is popular with Morrison's right-wing base, which he needs to shore up dwindling support in parliament ahead of national elections due to be held by May.

Morrison has argued the policy deters people smugglers and saves lives.

"There are more medical professionals on Nauru, than there are children," he claimed last month.&nbsp;

But the latest volley from the UNHCR will only add to the pressure.

"Australia retains responsibility for those it has relocated under so-called 'offshore processing'," warned Stubberfield.

She suggested the government policy was partly responsible for the death of 24-year-old Hamid Khazaei, who died of sepsis contracted on Manus Island.

"Had he been evacuated to Australia within 24 hours of developing severe sepsis, Khazaei would have survived."

Australia's under-pressure government received a double blow Monday from the United Nations and a leading doctors' group over harsh treatment of refugees on off-shore island camps.

Australia's under-pressure government received a double blow Monday from the United Nations and a leading doctors' group over harsh treatment of refugees on off-shore island camps. In an unusual broadside, a top official for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees accused "bureaucrats and politicians" of overruling doctors and putting lives at risk at camps on Nauru and Manus. Australia holds unauthorised migrants who try to reach the island continent by boat in "off-shore detention" -- part of a harsh policy designed to deter would-be asylum-seekers. UNHCR's Catherine Stubberfield decried the policy as "sold too simplistically" and said changing it was now a matter of "basic human treatment and decency." The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) on Monday also threw its voice behind those calling for the government to change course. Around 160 people remain on the island of Nauru -- including women and children -- and it is believed as many as 600 men are still in transition centres on Manus after the Australian-run camp there was closed late last year. The minority government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison has quietly agreed to transfer children off Nauru, but is under fierce pressure to close it completely. Doctor and independent member of parliament Kerryn Phelps on Monday put forward legislation requiring the temporary transfer from Nauru or Manus of anyone assessed as needing medical treatment as well as the temporary transfer of all children and their families from Nauru. Eyewitnesses -- including AFP journalists -- have reported a dire situation on Nauru, with families living under constant fear of loved ones committing suicide. On Monday, Medecins Sans Frontieres also reported that almost a third of the people they had treated on Nauru before being expelled by the government in October had reported attempted suicide. A dozen patients, the organisation said, had been diagnosed with "resignation syndrome" -- a condition that causes people to withdraw into themselves in an almost comatose state. David Isaacs of the RACP, a paediatrician who treated children on Nauru in 2015, said access to medical care "must be determined by a doctor – not a politician". "There is a medical crisis in offshore detention," said Isaacs. "It is a crisis that is entirely preventable. The government can act to end it." Polls show that a large number of Australians would like to bring the remaining children off Nauru, but are split on whether the broader population should be brought to Australia. The tough offshore detention policy is popular with Morrison's right-wing base, which he needs to shore up dwindling support in parliament ahead of national elections due to be held by May. Morrison has argued the policy deters people smugglers and saves lives. "There are more medical professionals on Nauru, than there are children," he claimed last month. But the latest volley from the UNHCR will only add to the pressure. "Australia retains responsibility for those it has relocated under so-called 'offshore processing'," warned Stubberfield. She suggested the government policy was partly responsible for the death of 24-year-old Hamid Khazaei, who died of sepsis contracted on Manus Island. "Had he been evacuated to Australia within 24 hours of developing severe sepsis, Khazaei would have survived."

UN, doctors hammer Australia over refugee camps

Refugees in Papua New Guinea and Nauru were handed a lifeline on Sunday with Australia and the United States reaching a &quot;one-off&quot; resettlement deal.

Under Australia&#39;s tough border security laws, asylum seekers who try to reach Australia by boat are sent to the controversial remote detention facilities in the Pacific, even if found to be refugees. &nbsp;

&quot;The arrangements with the United States will offer the opportunity for refugees, both on Nauru and Manus, to be resettled,&quot; Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters in Canberra. Turnbull would not say how many refugees would be resettled in the United States, but that women, children and families would be prioritised.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is in New Zealand, confirmed the arrangement, adding that &quot;we know that these refugees are of special interest to UNHCR and we&#39;re very engaged with them on a humanitarian basis there and in other parts of the world&quot;.

Abdul Aziz, 24, who has spent more than three years on Manus Island after fleeing his home in Sudan in 2013, was very happy. &quot;All the refugees were smiling and hugging each other. This nightmare is going to end finally, but the main question is when and how and how we get out of here,&quot; he told Reuters.

The agreement, to be administered with the UN High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), is available only to those currently in the processing centres and will not be repeated.&nbsp;

Immigration minister Peter Dutton said asylum-seekers whose refugee applications are rejected would be expected to return to their home country. While those who are offered the US move but reject it themselves would be offered a 20-year Nauru visa instead.&nbsp;

Some 1,200 people are in detention in the camps have been widely criticised by refugee advocates and medical professionals, who say some asylum-seekers suffer from mental health problems due to their prolonged, indefinite detention.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Australia stressed that under the deal, refugees in remote camps will be offered the US move but immigration policy will remain unchanged

Refugees in Papua New Guinea and Nauru were handed a lifeline on Sunday with Australia and the United States reaching a "one-off" resettlement deal. Under Australia's tough border security laws, asylum seekers who try to reach Australia by boat are sent to the controversial remote detention facilities in the Pacific, even if found to be refugees. "The arrangements with the United States will offer the opportunity for refugees, both on Nauru and Manus, to be resettled," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters in Canberra. Turnbull would not say how many refugees would be resettled in the United States, but that women, children and families would be prioritised. US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is in New Zealand, confirmed the arrangement, adding that "we know that these refugees are of special interest to UNHCR and we're very engaged with them on a humanitarian basis there and in other parts of the world". Abdul Aziz, 24, who has spent more than three years on Manus Island after fleeing his home in Sudan in 2013, was very happy. "All the refugees were smiling and hugging each other. This nightmare is going to end finally, but the main question is when and how and how we get out of here," he told Reuters. The agreement, to be administered with the UN High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), is available only to those currently in the processing centres and will not be repeated. Immigration minister Peter Dutton said asylum-seekers whose refugee applications are rejected would be expected to return to their home country. While those who are offered the US move but reject it themselves would be offered a 20-year Nauru visa instead. Some 1,200 people are in detention in the camps have been widely criticised by refugee advocates and medical professionals, who say some asylum-seekers suffer from mental health problems due to their prolonged, indefinite detention. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Australia-US migrant deal: Refugees in detention camps offered US resettlement

Australia on Tuesday rejected claims by rights group Amnesty International that conditions on a tiny South Pacific island where some 400 Australian-bound asylum seekers are held &quot;amount to torture&quot;.

In a detailed report titled Island of Despair, Amnesty alleged that many of the asylum seekers on Nauru are being driven to attempt suicide to escape the prison-like conditions they face in indefinite detention.

Under Australia&#39;s tough immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach the country by boat are sent for processing at a camp in Nauru or to Manus Island in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and are not eligible for resettlement in Australia.

&quot;I reject that claim totally. It is absolutely false,&quot; Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio of the torture claim. &quot;The Australian government&#39;s commitment is compassionate and strong.&quot;

Amnesty, which said its findings were based on both desk research and field work in Nauru between July and October, said the detention was a &quot;systematic regime of neglect and cruelty.&quot;

&quot;The conditions on Nauru,refugees&#39; severe mental anguish, the intentional nature of the system, and the fact that the goal of offshore processing is to intimidate or coerce people to achieve a specific outcome,amounts to torture,&quot; the report said.

The Nauru government did not respond directly to the Amnesty report but criticised an ABC TV story that made similar allegations and quoted children on Nauru, where refugees are mainly from Iran and Afghanistan.

&quot;It was clear these children were coached,&quot; the government said in a statement, adding the ABC report was &quot;biased political propaganda and lies, and was an insult to the people of Nauru.&quot;

Almost 60 people, or about 15 percent of the 410 men, women and children on the island, reported they had either attempted suicide or had thoughts about harming themselves, Amnesty said.&nbsp;

Despite receiving refugee status, they continue to be confined to poor accommodation with little access to medical care, Amnesty said, adding that children, who make up little more than a tenth of the number of detainees, suffer disproportionately.&nbsp;

&quot;I met children as young as nine who had already tried to kill themselves and were talking openly about ending their lives,&quot; said Anna Keistat, an Amnesty official.

Amnesty joins a chorus of criticism by human rights groups of Australia&#39;s immigration policy, and comes just weeks after the United Nations said Nauru was failing to protect children.&nbsp;

Turnbull&#39;s government has been trying to organise resettlement of the asylum seekers in other countries, but has so far only struck a deal with Cambodia that has proved unpopular with refugees.

Asked if he was in negotiations with the United States to take some of the detainees, Turnbull declined to comment but stressed that they would not be allowed to enter Australia.&nbsp;

&quot;If you seek to come to Australia with a people smuggler or you&#39;ve sought to come to Australia with a people smuggler, you will not settle in Australia,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Australia is also facing pressure over a second detention centre in Papua New Guinea that holds 823 men after that country&#39;s Supreme Court in April ordered its closure.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

An Amnesty report had said many asylum seekers, who are detained and sent to Nauru, were considering suicide due to 'regime of cruelty'

Australia on Tuesday rejected claims by rights group Amnesty International that conditions on a tiny South Pacific island where some 400 Australian-bound asylum seekers are held "amount to torture". In a detailed report titled Island of Despair, Amnesty alleged that many of the asylum seekers on Nauru are being driven to attempt suicide to escape the prison-like conditions they face in indefinite detention. Under Australia's tough immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach the country by boat are sent for processing at a camp in Nauru or to Manus Island in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and are not eligible for resettlement in Australia. "I reject that claim totally. It is absolutely false," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio of the torture claim. "The Australian government's commitment is compassionate and strong." Amnesty, which said its findings were based on both desk research and field work in Nauru between July and October, said the detention was a "systematic regime of neglect and cruelty." "The conditions on Nauru,refugees' severe mental anguish, the intentional nature of the system, and the fact that the goal of offshore processing is to intimidate or coerce people to achieve a specific outcome,amounts to torture," the report said. The Nauru government did not respond directly to the Amnesty report but criticised an ABC TV story that made similar allegations and quoted children on Nauru, where refugees are mainly from Iran and Afghanistan. "It was clear these children were coached," the government said in a statement, adding the ABC report was "biased political propaganda and lies, and was an insult to the people of Nauru." Almost 60 people, or about 15 percent of the 410 men, women and children on the island, reported they had either attempted suicide or had thoughts about harming themselves, Amnesty said. Despite receiving refugee status, they continue to be confined to poor accommodation with little access to medical care, Amnesty said, adding that children, who make up little more than a tenth of the number of detainees, suffer disproportionately. "I met children as young as nine who had already tried to kill themselves and were talking openly about ending their lives," said Anna Keistat, an Amnesty official. Amnesty joins a chorus of criticism by human rights groups of Australia's immigration policy, and comes just weeks after the United Nations said Nauru was failing to protect children. Turnbull's government has been trying to organise resettlement of the asylum seekers in other countries, but has so far only struck a deal with Cambodia that has proved unpopular with refugees. Asked if he was in negotiations with the United States to take some of the detainees, Turnbull declined to comment but stressed that they would not be allowed to enter Australia. "If you seek to come to Australia with a people smuggler or you've sought to come to Australia with a people smuggler, you will not settle in Australia," he said. Australia is also facing pressure over a second detention centre in Papua New Guinea that holds 823 men after that country's Supreme Court in April ordered its closure. (Reuters)

Australia denies report on asylum seekers being driven to kill selves

Voting to elect a new government on the tiny Pacific island of Nauru began on Saturday, with international observers invited to monitor the polls for the first time in more than a decade after criticism over human rights in the world&#39;s smallest republic.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights last year urged Nauru to take action to improve its standing in a range of areas including freedom of expression, the independence of the judiciary and crackdowns on media access.

Nauru&#39;s government rejected the majority of the UN&nbsp;criticism.

There were 67 candidates vying for support from just under 8,000 registered voters for the 19 seats in parliament in Nauru, which lies about 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) northeast of Australia.

The island also hosts a controversial detention centre housing asylum seekers on behalf of Australia,&nbsp;its biggest foreign aid contributor. Under Australian law, anyone intercepted trying to reach the country by boat is sent for processing offshore.

The detention centre houses about 500 people and has been widely criticized by the United Nations and human rights agencies for harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse. 
 
Many staying there have self-harmed.&nbsp;Political instability has plagued Nauru, with reports of frequent government crackdown&#39;s on dissent.

The election is being monitored by international observers for the first time in 12 years including a team from The Commonwealth led by the former president of Kiribati Anote Tong, the government of Nauru said.

&quot;The success of these elections will depend on every individual playing their part to ensure the process is inclusive, transparent and peaceful,&quot; Tong said in a statement.

The Commonwealth observer team is expected to issue a report on the credibility of the elections before July 13.

(Reuters)

An international monitor will oversee elections in Nauru, known its widely-criticized detention centre for asylum seeke

Voting to elect a new government on the tiny Pacific island of Nauru began on Saturday, with international observers invited to monitor the polls for the first time in more than a decade after criticism over human rights in the world's smallest republic. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights last year urged Nauru to take action to improve its standing in a range of areas including freedom of expression, the independence of the judiciary and crackdowns on media access. Nauru's government rejected the majority of the UN criticism. There were 67 candidates vying for support from just under 8,000 registered voters for the 19 seats in parliament in Nauru, which lies about 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) northeast of Australia. The island also hosts a controversial detention centre housing asylum seekers on behalf of Australia, its biggest foreign aid contributor. Under Australian law, anyone intercepted trying to reach the country by boat is sent for processing offshore. The detention centre houses about 500 people and has been widely criticized by the United Nations and human rights agencies for harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse. Many staying there have self-harmed. Political instability has plagued Nauru, with reports of frequent government crackdown's on dissent. The election is being monitored by international observers for the first time in 12 years including a team from The Commonwealth led by the former president of Kiribati Anote Tong, the government of Nauru said. "The success of these elections will depend on every individual playing their part to ensure the process is inclusive, transparent and peaceful," Tong said in a statement. The Commonwealth observer team is expected to issue a report on the credibility of the elections before July 13. (Reuters)

Tiny Pacific island of Nauru goes to polls

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