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To gauge the mood in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, as Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops near the border and raised the specter of an invasion, look no further than the Dilettante coffee shop.

The City Council designated its basement as a bomb shelter, along with 4,928 other underground spaces, including parking garages and subway stations.

But at the cafe’s counter, customers have better luck asking for a double espresso than for instructions on using the shelter.

“I have no idea,” said the barista, Anfisa Bilaonova-Diachenko, 19, who was busy serving a rush of last-minute shoppers for New Year’s Eve, among the most important holidays of the year in Ukraine.

The basement is always locked, she said, and she does not have a key.

“I would advise to run to the subway” instead, she added with a shrug.

Kyiv — a jumble of medieval churches, cobblestone streets and sprawling outlying districts of high-rise apartment buildings — is a city coming to grips this holiday season with the newest additions to its urban environment: bomb shelters.

Many people ignore them. Others are worried. But the general nonchalance of residents highlights a peculiar aspect of the tensions with Russia. Western governments, analysts and military experts appear to have taken the threat far more seriously than ordinary Ukrainians.

Hardened by years of smoldering war in their country’s east, and in any case not inclined to contemplate catastrophe right before the holiday, many have put the risk out of mind.

“People don’t believe Russia will invade,” said Svitlana Zalishchuk, a former member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Ukraine’s Parliament. “It’s such an outrageous thing, you simply cannot reconcile it” with ordinary life, she added.

Indeed, a kind of gallows humor has set in among some across Kyiv. Instead of saying, “See you after the holidays” — the usual farewell among colleagues before New Year’s Eve — some say, “See you after the invasion.”

It is not frivolity or a casual disregard for potential danger so much as fatigue and a determination to press on in a modern, bustling city of 3 million people. The U.S. government has said that Russia has plans for an invasion but that there is no indication that President Vladimir Putin has decided to execute them.

“Definitely the situation is very dangerous, and it is escalating, but at the same time, we are living in this situation for seven years,” Hanna Shelest, editor-in-chief of the academic journal Ukraine Analytica, said at a panel discussion this month, referring to the continuing war in the east pitting Ukrainian troops against Russian-backed separatists.

“From the inside it looks less dangerous, probably, than from the outside,” she said. “That is the basis of crisis psychology: The person in the accident usually is less afraid than people who are watching.”

The relatively calm atmosphere can also be traced to a decision by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to put the nation on a war footing with public announcements about conflict. Doing so would admit that opposition political parties who have been sounding the alarm for months were right all along. It is also seen as an effort to prevent panic, even as the government has stepped up military training for civilians to resist a possible invasion.

So Ukrainians are being asked to carry on and draw their own conclusions from the blend of the ordinary and the alarming, like the appearance of bomb shelter signs in public places like coffee shops.

There are plenty of reminders of a potential conflict, if people care to notice. Along with the festive lights and caroling in the streets, Kyiv residents can take in a program on television about duct-taping window glass to prevent flying shards.

The City Council has advised residents to read instructions for what to do if bombs start falling or if “an emergency situation of a military nature” arises: Residents are to remain calm, not wear a military uniform in the street and stay away from windows. And it has published its map of possible shelters, including offices, restaurants, bars and apartment buildings with basements — like Raisa Pryshchepa’s home.

The basement of her building is now a designated bomb shelter, and as superintendent, Pryshchepa, 68, keeps the key.

“Oh, do not scare me!” she said when asked if she would be ready to open the makeshift shelter in case of a bombing.

She lives on the seventh floor, and the basement, a cramped space underneath a tangle of plumbing pipes, is ordinarily locked.

Pryshchepa said she would try to make it quickly down the stairs if an invasion came.

“I guess I will have to run,” she said. “If needed, I will make it.”

The city government categorizes bomb shelters by their levels of protection. The highest level is supposed to withstand a direct strike from artillery or an aerial bomb. Pryshchepa’s basement is near the lowest category, meaning it protects from shrapnel sprays from explosions, but not much else.

There are other options for bomb shelters nearby, including the basement of a fish restaurant.

Asked whether it would be possible to take shelter in the restaurant’s basement in case of bombing, a woman who answered the phone there said that, yes, it would. But it is also a storage area where, among other things, “we keep our herring,” which they had no plans to move.

Other neighborhoods have better options. Roman Tkachuk, director of the city’s Municipal Security Department, recently led journalists around a site with a high level of protection: a Cold War-era nuclear bomb shelter on the outskirts of Kyiv.

Several heavy metal doors opened with deadbolts turned by wheels. Two flights of stairs led down to a bunker, where the furniture is covered in light green upholstery. Metal water canisters are on hand. It can shelter 350 people.

But most people are expected to resort to the cobwebby basements of apartment buildings — or to the subway.

Alyona Marfina, 25, was selling Christmas decorations on a recent evening near a subway entrance. But, glancing at the holiday crowd packing in, she said she would not choose a dark, dusty basement.

“I would be scared,” she said.

Marfina said she had not thought where she might go, and, in fact, she had not been taking the preparations very seriously.

“I heard there was a war,” she said. “But I don’t think about it.”

To gauge the mood in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, as Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops near the border and raised the specter of an invasion, look no further than the Dilettante coffee shop.

To gauge the mood in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, as Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops near the border and raised the specter of an invasion, look no further than the Dilettante coffee shop. The City Council designated its basement as a bomb shelter, along with 4,928 other underground spaces, including parking garages and subway stations. But at the cafe’s counter, customers have better luck asking for a double espresso than for instructions on using the shelter. “I have no idea,” said the barista, Anfisa Bilaonova-Diachenko, 19, who was busy serving a rush of last-minute shoppers for New Year’s Eve, among the most important holidays of the year in Ukraine. The basement is always locked, she said, and she does not have a key. “I would advise to run to the subway” instead, she added with a shrug. Kyiv — a jumble of medieval churches, cobblestone streets and sprawling outlying districts of high-rise apartment buildings — is a city coming to grips this holiday season with the newest additions to its urban environment: bomb shelters. Many people ignore them. Others are worried. But the general nonchalance of residents highlights a peculiar aspect of the tensions with Russia. Western governments, analysts and military experts appear to have taken the threat far more seriously than ordinary Ukrainians. Hardened by years of smoldering war in their country’s east, and in any case not inclined to contemplate catastrophe right before the holiday, many have put the risk out of mind. “People don’t believe Russia will invade,” said Svitlana Zalishchuk, a former member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Ukraine’s Parliament. “It’s such an outrageous thing, you simply cannot reconcile it” with ordinary life, she added. Indeed, a kind of gallows humor has set in among some across Kyiv. Instead of saying, “See you after the holidays” — the usual farewell among colleagues before New Year’s Eve — some say, “See you after the invasion.” It is not frivolity or a casual disregard for potential danger so much as fatigue and a determination to press on in a modern, bustling city of 3 million people. The U.S. government has said that Russia has plans for an invasion but that there is no indication that President Vladimir Putin has decided to execute them. “Definitely the situation is very dangerous, and it is escalating, but at the same time, we are living in this situation for seven years,” Hanna Shelest, editor-in-chief of the academic journal Ukraine Analytica, said at a panel discussion this month, referring to the continuing war in the east pitting Ukrainian troops against Russian-backed separatists. “From the inside it looks less dangerous, probably, than from the outside,” she said. “That is the basis of crisis psychology: The person in the accident usually is less afraid than people who are watching.” The relatively calm atmosphere can also be traced to a decision by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to put the nation on a war footing with public announcements about conflict. Doing so would admit that opposition political parties who have been sounding the alarm for months were right all along. It is also seen as an effort to prevent panic, even as the government has stepped up military training for civilians to resist a possible invasion. So Ukrainians are being asked to carry on and draw their own conclusions from the blend of the ordinary and the alarming, like the appearance of bomb shelter signs in public places like coffee shops. There are plenty of reminders of a potential conflict, if people care to notice. Along with the festive lights and caroling in the streets, Kyiv residents can take in a program on television about duct-taping window glass to prevent flying shards. The City Council has advised residents to read instructions for what to do if bombs start falling or if “an emergency situation of a military nature” arises: Residents are to remain calm, not wear a military uniform in the street and stay away from windows. And it has published its map of possible shelters, including offices, restaurants, bars and apartment buildings with basements — like Raisa Pryshchepa’s home. The basement of her building is now a designated bomb shelter, and as superintendent, Pryshchepa, 68, keeps the key. “Oh, do not scare me!” she said when asked if she would be ready to open the makeshift shelter in case of a bombing. She lives on the seventh floor, and the basement, a cramped space underneath a tangle of plumbing pipes, is ordinarily locked. Pryshchepa said she would try to make it quickly down the stairs if an invasion came. “I guess I will have to run,” she said. “If needed, I will make it.” The city government categorizes bomb shelters by their levels of protection. The highest level is supposed to withstand a direct strike from artillery or an aerial bomb. Pryshchepa’s basement is near the lowest category, meaning it protects from shrapnel sprays from explosions, but not much else. There are other options for bomb shelters nearby, including the basement of a fish restaurant. Asked whether it would be possible to take shelter in the restaurant’s basement in case of bombing, a woman who answered the phone there said that, yes, it would. But it is also a storage area where, among other things, “we keep our herring,” which they had no plans to move. Other neighborhoods have better options. Roman Tkachuk, director of the city’s Municipal Security Department, recently led journalists around a site with a high level of protection: a Cold War-era nuclear bomb shelter on the outskirts of Kyiv. Several heavy metal doors opened with deadbolts turned by wheels. Two flights of stairs led down to a bunker, where the furniture is covered in light green upholstery. Metal water canisters are on hand. It can shelter 350 people. But most people are expected to resort to the cobwebby basements of apartment buildings — or to the subway. Alyona Marfina, 25, was selling Christmas decorations on a recent evening near a subway entrance. But, glancing at the holiday crowd packing in, she said she would not choose a dark, dusty basement. “I would be scared,” she said. Marfina said she had not thought where she might go, and, in fact, she had not been taking the preparations very seriously. “I heard there was a war,” she said. “But I don’t think about it.”

Ukrainians set sights on the New Year, not a new war

The world is preparing to ring in the new year's eve, but the ongoing spread of the new variant has dashed these hopes, at least in some parts of the world.

Omicron spread around the world dashes hope for grand New Year celebrations

World prepares to usher in New Year in style. Check out intriguing pics.

As the UK government finds it hard to persuade enough councils to look for permanent homes, around 12,000 Afghan refugees will usher in the new year in hotels, said a report by the Guardian. &nbsp;

As per the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), from the 16,500 people, who were airlifted from Afghanistan to the UK since August, “over 4,000 individuals have either moved into a settled home or are in the process of being moved or matched to a suitable home.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-signs-electricity-supply-contract-with-tajikistan-amid-power-crisis-440678" hreflang="en">Afghanistan signs electricity supply deal with Tajikistan amid power crisis</a>

The rest of the refugees are still waiting for the news when they can begin rebuilding their lives. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a spokesperson of the Home Office, over 300 local authorities in the country are making concerted efforts to offer permanent accommodation. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-education-minister-says-co-education-is-against-islamic-values-440211" hreflang="en">Afghan education minister says co-education is against Islamic values</a>

As the government has decided to not force local authorities to rehouse the refugees, they may not be evenly distributed across the UK, said the report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the sources at both the DWP and Home Office, over 12,000 Afghan evacuees still remained in hotels as of December 22. According to London Councils, around 4,000 are in London. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the UK government finds it hard to persuade enough councils to look for permanent homes, around 12,000 Afghan refugees will usher in the new year in hotels, said a report by the Guardian.

As the UK government finds it hard to persuade enough councils to look for permanent homes, around 12,000 Afghan refugees will usher in the new year in hotels, said a report by the Guardian. As per the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), from the 16,500 people, who were airlifted from Afghanistan to the UK since August, “over 4,000 individuals have either moved into a settled home or are in the process of being moved or matched to a suitable home.” Also Read: Afghanistan signs electricity supply deal with Tajikistan amid power crisis The rest of the refugees are still waiting for the news when they can begin rebuilding their lives. According to a spokesperson of the Home Office, over 300 local authorities in the country are making concerted efforts to offer permanent accommodation. Also Read: Afghan education minister says co-education is against Islamic values As the government has decided to not force local authorities to rehouse the refugees, they may not be evenly distributed across the UK, said the report. As per the sources at both the DWP and Home Office, over 12,000 Afghan evacuees still remained in hotels as of December 22. According to London Councils, around 4,000 are in London. (With inputs from agencies)

12,000 Afghan evacuees to usher in new year in hotels as UK govt fails to look for homes

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place.

It ordered the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year.

The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks.

"All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant," the DDMA said in the order.

It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases.

With over 200 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India, the health experts treating the patients infected with the virus say that so far cases are mild and the recovery rate is high but it is high time to be cautious otherwise India will be in trouble.

The country has reported 213 cases of Omicron so far, with two states-- Maharashtra and Delhi-- and topping the number of cases

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place.

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place. It ordered the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year. The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks. "All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant," the DDMA said in the order. It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases. With over 200 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India, the health experts treating the patients infected with the virus say that so far cases are mild and the recovery rate is high but it is high time to be cautious otherwise India will be in trouble. The country has reported 213 cases of Omicron so far, with two states-- Maharashtra and Delhi-- and topping the number of cases (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron: Indian capital New Delhi bans Christmas and New Year gatherings

Nepal on Wednesday celebrated New Year 2078 as per the ancient Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar amidst a spike in new Covid-19 cases.&nbsp;

The calendar associated with King Bikramaditya of India is regarded as the official calendar of Nepal and the Nepalese New Year usually starts in mid-April.&nbsp;

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in a televised address to the nation, congratulated the people and counted his government's achievements and performances.&nbsp;

He praised the government's policies in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the country suffered fewer losses in terms of lives and economy.&nbsp;

"Keeping the pandemic in mind, the government worked to control the spread of the virus and because of our good policies, we didn't fail," Oli claimed.&nbsp;

His address came amidst fear of a second wave of the virus transmission.&nbsp;

Doctors and public health experts are concerned with the rising number of children testing positive for the Covid-19.&nbsp;

Nepal has so far reported 3,061 deaths due to the contagion. After a decline in the number of new patients, the Covid-19 cases have surged lately.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population reported 580 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the country's tally to 281,564.&nbsp;

During the same period, 129 people have been discharged.&nbsp;

Currently, there are 4,056 active patients across the country. &nbsp;

Nepal on Wednesday celebrated New Year 2078 as per the ancient Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar amidst a spike in new Covid-19 cases. The calendar associated with King Bikramaditya of India is regarded as the official calendar of Nepal and the Nepalese New Year usually starts in mid-April.

Nepal on Wednesday celebrated New Year 2078 as per the ancient Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar amidst a spike in new Covid-19 cases. The calendar associated with King Bikramaditya of India is regarded as the official calendar of Nepal and the Nepalese New Year usually starts in mid-April. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in a televised address to the nation, congratulated the people and counted his government's achievements and performances. He praised the government's policies in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the country suffered fewer losses in terms of lives and economy. "Keeping the pandemic in mind, the government worked to control the spread of the virus and because of our good policies, we didn't fail," Oli claimed. His address came amidst fear of a second wave of the virus transmission. Doctors and public health experts are concerned with the rising number of children testing positive for the Covid-19. Nepal has so far reported 3,061 deaths due to the contagion. After a decline in the number of new patients, the Covid-19 cases have surged lately. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population reported 580 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the country's tally to 281,564. During the same period, 129 people have been discharged. Currently, there are 4,056 active patients across the country.

Nepal celebrates new year amidst increasing Covid-19 cases 

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday.&nbsp;

"There is good ground for a production leap," Khamenei said, adding the government needed to get rid of any legal obstacles to higher output and growth as the economy suffers under US sanctions.&nbsp;

The army fired gun salutes at Tehran’s Azadi Square to usher in Nowruz - New Day in Persian and the most important date in the Iranian calendar, marked at the spring equinox - and the beginning of the year 1,400, which is celebrated in a dozen countries stretching from the Caucasus to central Asia.&nbsp;

In Washington, US President Joe Biden issued a Nowruz message calling for peace, prosperity and understanding.&nbsp;

"That is the message and the joy of Nowruz that we are honouring ... This year, perhaps more than ever, that message is badly needed," Biden said in a White House statement.&nbsp;

Biden’s administration is exploring ways to restore the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with major world powers, but which was abandoned in 2018 by President Donald Trump who reimposed sanctions.&nbsp;

The United States and the other Western powers which originally signed up to the 2015 deal appear to be at an impasse over which side should return to the accord first, making it unlikely US sanctions that have crippled its economy can be quickly removed.&nbsp;

In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said he was hopeful the new year will see the end of the sanctions.&nbsp;

“We will defeat the sanctions ... I am more hopeful than eight years ago”, Rouhani said, referring to when he was elected for his first term.&nbsp;

Rouhani is barred from standing for a third term and the slate of presidential candidates has yet to be finalised.&nbsp;

Iran’s hardliners say the US sanctions are proof Rouhani’s policy of reaching out to the country's enemies was a failure. A delay in progress on returning to the nuclear deal could hurt the chances of a moderate succeeding Rouhani, although the final decision on any diplomatic initiative would be taken by Khamenei rather than the elected president.&nbsp;

Khamenei said on Saturday that the June election will likely bring to office 'new managers who most probably will be energetic and strongly motivated'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday. "There is good ground for a production leap," Khamenei said, adding the government needed to get rid of any legal obstacles to higher output and growth as the economy suffers under US sanctions. The army fired gun salutes at Tehran’s Azadi Square to usher in Nowruz - New Day in Persian and the most important date in the Iranian calendar, marked at the spring equinox - and the beginning of the year 1,400, which is celebrated in a dozen countries stretching from the Caucasus to central Asia. In Washington, US President Joe Biden issued a Nowruz message calling for peace, prosperity and understanding. "That is the message and the joy of Nowruz that we are honouring ... This year, perhaps more than ever, that message is badly needed," Biden said in a White House statement. Biden’s administration is exploring ways to restore the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with major world powers, but which was abandoned in 2018 by President Donald Trump who reimposed sanctions. The United States and the other Western powers which originally signed up to the 2015 deal appear to be at an impasse over which side should return to the accord first, making it unlikely US sanctions that have crippled its economy can be quickly removed. In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said he was hopeful the new year will see the end of the sanctions. “We will defeat the sanctions ... I am more hopeful than eight years ago”, Rouhani said, referring to when he was elected for his first term. Rouhani is barred from standing for a third term and the slate of presidential candidates has yet to be finalised. Iran’s hardliners say the US sanctions are proof Rouhani’s policy of reaching out to the country's enemies was a failure. A delay in progress on returning to the nuclear deal could hurt the chances of a moderate succeeding Rouhani, although the final decision on any diplomatic initiative would be taken by Khamenei rather than the elected president. Khamenei said on Saturday that the June election will likely bring to office 'new managers who most probably will be energetic and strongly motivated'. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme leader ushers in Iranian New Year with message of hope 

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has drawn criticism for broadcast of its new year gala in which performers were seen approximating African clothing. The performers had darkened their skin with make-up as well. The new year gala marked beginning Lunar New Year. CCTV's broadcast typically draws hundreds of millions of viewers.

"The New Year Gala director team is just stupid and vicious," said one of a number of users who took to Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform, to criticise the skit.

"Is there any difference between Chinese people doing blackface and white people slanting their eyes to make fun of Asians?"

China's foreign ministry said the integration of cultural elements from other countries into Chinese shows was a sign of respect and the inclusion of the African segment was not a diplomatic issue.

"If anyone wants to seize on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala programme to make a fuss, or even sow discord in relations between China and African countries, they obviously have ulterior motives," it said in a statement to Reuters.

The new year gala had led to a controversy in 2018 as well. At that time a skit featuring actress Lou Naiming drew criticism. She appeared on stage in colourful garb, her face and arms coloured brown, carrying a fruit basket on her head and accompanied by someone costumed as a monkey.

This year's gala saw organisations and advocates for Africans in China lambast the show. The show aired on Thursday evening.

"While supporters of the practice allege that blackface centres on empathy &amp; realism, it’s difficult to disassociate it from a long history of minstrelsy &amp; fixation on problematic caricatures," Black China Caucus, an activist group, said on Twitter.

"Next year, we hope organizers decide to end this practice &amp; hire some of thousands of Black people living in many parts of China." 
&nbsp;

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has drawn criticism for broadcast of its new year gala in which performers were seen approximating African clothing. The performers had darkened their skin with make-up as well.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has drawn criticism for broadcast of its new year gala in which performers were seen approximating African clothing. The performers had darkened their skin with make-up as well. The new year gala marked beginning Lunar New Year. CCTV's broadcast typically draws hundreds of millions of viewers. "The New Year Gala director team is just stupid and vicious," said one of a number of users who took to Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform, to criticise the skit. "Is there any difference between Chinese people doing blackface and white people slanting their eyes to make fun of Asians?" China's foreign ministry said the integration of cultural elements from other countries into Chinese shows was a sign of respect and the inclusion of the African segment was not a diplomatic issue. "If anyone wants to seize on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala programme to make a fuss, or even sow discord in relations between China and African countries, they obviously have ulterior motives," it said in a statement to Reuters. The new year gala had led to a controversy in 2018 as well. At that time a skit featuring actress Lou Naiming drew criticism. She appeared on stage in colourful garb, her face and arms coloured brown, carrying a fruit basket on her head and accompanied by someone costumed as a monkey. This year's gala saw organisations and advocates for Africans in China lambast the show. The show aired on Thursday evening. "While supporters of the practice allege that blackface centres on empathy & realism, it’s difficult to disassociate it from a long history of minstrelsy & fixation on problematic caricatures," Black China Caucus, an activist group, said on Twitter. "Next year, we hope organizers decide to end this practice & hire some of thousands of Black people living in many parts of China."

Chinese New Year gala show sparks racism controversy

As Asia welcomed the lunar Year of the Ox with subdued festivities amid travel curbs to contain renewed coronavirus outbreaks, Chinese state TV included dancers in blackface depicting Africans during a national broadcast on Thursday.&nbsp;

The African song and dance performance came at start of the Spring Festival Gala, one of the world's most-watched TV programmes. It included dancers in African-style costumes and dark face makeup beating drums.&nbsp;

The five-hour annual programme, which state TV has said in the past is watched by as many as 800 million people, also included tributes to nurses, doctors and others, who fought the coronavirus pandemic that began in central China in late 2019.&nbsp;

Festivities for the holiday, normally East Asia's busiest tourism season, are muted after China, Vietnam, Taiwan and other governments tightened travel curbs and urged the public to avoid big gatherings following renewed virus outbreaks.&nbsp;

China's ruling Communist Party tries to promote an image of unity with African nations as fellow developing economies. But state broadcaster China Central Television has faced criticism over using blackface to depict African people in past New Year broadcasts.&nbsp;

On Twitter, Black Livity China, a group for people of African descent, who work in or with China, called the broadcast extremely disappointing. It noted CCTV's 2018 Spring Festival Gala featured performers in blackface with a monkey.&nbsp;

We cannot stress enough the impact scenes, such as these have on African and Afro-diasporic communities living in China, the group said.&nbsp;

Elsewhere in China, Buddhist and Daoist temples that usually are packed with worshippers for the holiday were closed. Streets in major cities were largely empty.

As Asia welcomed the lunar Year of the Ox with subdued festivities amid travel curbs to contain renewed coronavirus outbreaks, Chinese state TV included dancers in blackface depicting Africans during a national broadcast on Thursday.

As Asia welcomed the lunar Year of the Ox with subdued festivities amid travel curbs to contain renewed coronavirus outbreaks, Chinese state TV included dancers in blackface depicting Africans during a national broadcast on Thursday. The African song and dance performance came at start of the Spring Festival Gala, one of the world's most-watched TV programmes. It included dancers in African-style costumes and dark face makeup beating drums. The five-hour annual programme, which state TV has said in the past is watched by as many as 800 million people, also included tributes to nurses, doctors and others, who fought the coronavirus pandemic that began in central China in late 2019. Festivities for the holiday, normally East Asia's busiest tourism season, are muted after China, Vietnam, Taiwan and other governments tightened travel curbs and urged the public to avoid big gatherings following renewed virus outbreaks. China's ruling Communist Party tries to promote an image of unity with African nations as fellow developing economies. But state broadcaster China Central Television has faced criticism over using blackface to depict African people in past New Year broadcasts. On Twitter, Black Livity China, a group for people of African descent, who work in or with China, called the broadcast extremely disappointing. It noted CCTV's 2018 Spring Festival Gala featured performers in blackface with a monkey. We cannot stress enough the impact scenes, such as these have on African and Afro-diasporic communities living in China, the group said. Elsewhere in China, Buddhist and Daoist temples that usually are packed with worshippers for the holiday were closed. Streets in major cities were largely empty.

In New Year's gala, Chinese TV features blackface performers

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks.&nbsp;

The New Year card in question was sent by a police station outside Paris. The cartoon on the card has a white policeman who is asking a black man to come closer. The policeman has a taser in his hands.

"Come closer. My taser is recharging in the cigarette lighter," says the slogan in the cartoon, below which is written, "the commissioner and the police... wish you a very happy 2021."

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the matter had been launched. The police commissioner will be questioned. He has been suspended. Identity of the police commissioner has not been revealed.

The cartoon "shocked a lot of people due to the racist connotations," said an interior ministry official, who asked not to be named. "It is incomprehensible."

French police have been under fire over repeated instances where black or Arab suspects have been roughly arrested or beaten, prompting accusations of institutionalised racism in the force.

The beating of black music producer Michel Zecler in November prompted a storm of controversy, with four police charged over the assault.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks. The New Year card in question was sent by a police station outside Paris. The cartoon on the card has a white policeman who is asking a black man to come closer. The policeman has a taser in his hands. "Come closer. My taser is recharging in the cigarette lighter," says the slogan in the cartoon, below which is written, "the commissioner and the police... wish you a very happy 2021." Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the matter had been launched. The police commissioner will be questioned. He has been suspended. Identity of the police commissioner has not been revealed. The cartoon "shocked a lot of people due to the racist connotations," said an interior ministry official, who asked not to be named. "It is incomprehensible." French police have been under fire over repeated instances where black or Arab suspects have been roughly arrested or beaten, prompting accusations of institutionalised racism in the force. The beating of black music producer Michel Zecler in November prompted a storm of controversy, with four police charged over the assault.

French police officer suspended over 'racist' new year card

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead.

However, politics and international relations don't work that way.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-fireworks-australia-new-zealand-welcome-2021-353638">With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key</a>

<h1>Let's look at what awaits India in the new year vis-a-vis the world.&nbsp;</h1>

<h2>Vaccine manufacturing</h2>

The most important thing this year for India will be vaccine manufacturing and the world will be relying on the country for large-scale production and supply.

The Serum Institute of India is producing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Hyderabad-based Biological E has struck a deal for the shot being developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson's subsidiary.&nbsp;

Reports say Biological E may also manufacture the vaccine being developed by Houston's Baylor College of Medicine.&nbsp;

Indian Immunologicals Ltd has entered into a partnership with Australia's Griffith University.&nbsp;

Dr Reddy's has a deal to produce 100 million doses of the Sputnik V.&nbsp;

India's vaccine makers are known for their safety measures and effectiveness. But, going forward, India's role will be beyond large-scale vaccine supply and in 2021, the country will also be looking for equitable distribution of vaccines.&nbsp;

To ensure that distribution is not skewed towards wealthy countries, India will be supplying 100 million doses of vaccines to middle-income countries.&nbsp;

It has promised 30 million shots to Bangladesh. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said that India's lead to develop vaccines "is a source of hope for all of us".

In 2021, India will be the world's hope for global vaccination.&nbsp;

<h2>Reviving the economy</h2>

This year, another big task for India will be getting its economy back on track.

In 2020, India entered its first recession since Independence.

The country needs to restructure its balance sheets, improve monetary policy transmission.

The IMF predicts that it will take India at least three years to recover from the pandemic blow to get its per capita GDP back to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

As the Indian economy gets back on its feet, it can try to use the opportunity to include more digital technology.&nbsp;

<h2>The China challenge</h2>

China is another big challenge for India in 2021 and this hurdle is multi-fold.

First, India will have to look at ways to restructure the supply China, weed out Chinese products.&nbsp;

Secondly, India will have to get the dragon off its back at Ladakh.

It should work towards defining the Line of Actual Control or find alternatives, maybe military options.&nbsp;

India has a headway here as it controls the heights at the LAC.&nbsp;

The third challenge from China is autocracy. It will be up to India, the world's biggest democracy to stop China from spreading its aggressive and autocratic wings.&nbsp;

<h2>A 5G alliance</h2>

In 2021, a 5G alliance also awaits India, a group that will stand opposed to reliance on Chinese technology.&nbsp;

The grouping is expected to include the world's biggest democracies, India, Australia, South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, the US and the UK.&nbsp;

Along with these countries, India will try to create an alternative pool of 5G equipment and technologies so that the world can boycott Chinese technology.&nbsp;

<h2>Regional stability and terrorism</h2>

Finally, India will also continue to work towards regional stability and anti-terrorism in 2021. New Delhi will also have to find a balance between putting its neighbourhood first and at the same time forming strategic alliances.&nbsp;

<h1>Now let's zoom out and see what awaits the world in 2021.&nbsp;</h1>

The vaccines might be here, but most of the world will not get it next year. Rich countries have secured 51 per cent of the supplies. The poor countries have fallen behind.&nbsp;

As per an estimate, the world needs 15 million doses, but COVAX, the global initiative for equitable access to immunisation has agreements in place to secure just around two billion doses.&nbsp;

Low-income countries might have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for vaccination and with the new strains and shortage of vaccine supplies, the world still needs lockdowns.&nbsp;

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead. However, politics and international relations don't work that way.

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead. However, politics and international relations don't work that way. Also read | With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key Let's look at what awaits India in the new year vis-a-vis the world. Vaccine manufacturing The most important thing this year for India will be vaccine manufacturing and the world will be relying on the country for large-scale production and supply. The Serum Institute of India is producing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Hyderabad-based Biological E has struck a deal for the shot being developed by Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary. Reports say Biological E may also manufacture the vaccine being developed by Houston's Baylor College of Medicine. Indian Immunologicals Ltd has entered into a partnership with Australia's Griffith University. Dr Reddy's has a deal to produce 100 million doses of the Sputnik V. India's vaccine makers are known for their safety measures and effectiveness. But, going forward, India's role will be beyond large-scale vaccine supply and in 2021, the country will also be looking for equitable distribution of vaccines. To ensure that distribution is not skewed towards wealthy countries, India will be supplying 100 million doses of vaccines to middle-income countries. It has promised 30 million shots to Bangladesh. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said that India's lead to develop vaccines "is a source of hope for all of us". In 2021, India will be the world's hope for global vaccination. Reviving the economy This year, another big task for India will be getting its economy back on track. In 2020, India entered its first recession since Independence. The country needs to restructure its balance sheets, improve monetary policy transmission. The IMF predicts that it will take India at least three years to recover from the pandemic blow to get its per capita GDP back to pre-pandemic levels. As the Indian economy gets back on its feet, it can try to use the opportunity to include more digital technology. The China challenge China is another big challenge for India in 2021 and this hurdle is multi-fold. First, India will have to look at ways to restructure the supply China, weed out Chinese products. Secondly, India will have to get the dragon off its back at Ladakh. It should work towards defining the Line of Actual Control or find alternatives, maybe military options. India has a headway here as it controls the heights at the LAC. The third challenge from China is autocracy. It will be up to India, the world's biggest democracy to stop China from spreading its aggressive and autocratic wings. A 5G alliance In 2021, a 5G alliance also awaits India, a group that will stand opposed to reliance on Chinese technology. The grouping is expected to include the world's biggest democracies, India, Australia, South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, the US and the UK. Along with these countries, India will try to create an alternative pool of 5G equipment and technologies so that the world can boycott Chinese technology. Regional stability and terrorism Finally, India will also continue to work towards regional stability and anti-terrorism in 2021. New Delhi will also have to find a balance between putting its neighbourhood first and at the same time forming strategic alliances. Now let's zoom out and see what awaits the world in 2021. The vaccines might be here, but most of the world will not get it next year. Rich countries have secured 51 per cent of the supplies. The poor countries have fallen behind. As per an estimate, the world needs 15 million doses, but COVAX, the global initiative for equitable access to immunisation has agreements in place to secure just around two billion doses. Low-income countries might have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for vaccination and with the new strains and shortage of vaccine supplies, the world still needs lockdowns.

What India has in store for world in 2021

Wondering what life in 2021 may look like? On Episode 36 of Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you 6 trends that will dominate the year ahead & may shape our future beyond.

Gravitas Plus: 6 Trends that will rule 2021

With a resolve to overcome personal health struggles that came their way in 2020, almost four in five people (80.5 per cent) of respondents in a new survey say they feel more inspired to make a health goal in 2021, such as weight loss (34.2 per cent), building muscle (22 per cent), emphasizing mental health (12.5 per cent). 
 
According to the Life Time survey, a majority of people have reported gaining weight, losing muscle and struggling with their mental health during the past year. Nearly 86 per cent said they missed their in-person workout communities. 
 
Six in ten people say they`re sitting more than they did pre-pandemic with 30.8 per cent saying they sit more than eight hours a day. For those who previously commuted to work, they`re "redeeming" their commute time in a variety of ways: catching up on sleep, spending more time with family, finding more time for exercise, and eating more thoughtful meals they`ve planned. 
 
Overall results point to the pandemic having a substantial negative impact on the health and fitness habits for most. Nearly 70 per cent of respondents said their personal health has been negatively impacted this year. Top reasons cited for the negative impact include overall stress from pandemic, the closure of gyms, and working from home leading to less motivation to exercise. 
 
Additionally, three-fourths believe that health clubs are essential businesses and should remain open during the pandemic. 
 
With the `new year, new me` attitude kicking in most people, it seems they are motivated to regain their health and fitness in the New Year. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

With a resolve to overcome personal health struggles that came their way in 2020, almost four in five people (80.5 per cent) of respondents in a new survey say they feel more inspired to make a health goal in 2021, such as weight loss (34.

With a resolve to overcome personal health struggles that came their way in 2020, almost four in five people (80.5 per cent) of respondents in a new survey say they feel more inspired to make a health goal in 2021, such as weight loss (34.2 per cent), building muscle (22 per cent), emphasizing mental health (12.5 per cent). According to the Life Time survey, a majority of people have reported gaining weight, losing muscle and struggling with their mental health during the past year. Nearly 86 per cent said they missed their in-person workout communities. Six in ten people say they`re sitting more than they did pre-pandemic with 30.8 per cent saying they sit more than eight hours a day. For those who previously commuted to work, they`re "redeeming" their commute time in a variety of ways: catching up on sleep, spending more time with family, finding more time for exercise, and eating more thoughtful meals they`ve planned. Overall results point to the pandemic having a substantial negative impact on the health and fitness habits for most. Nearly 70 per cent of respondents said their personal health has been negatively impacted this year. Top reasons cited for the negative impact include overall stress from pandemic, the closure of gyms, and working from home leading to less motivation to exercise. Additionally, three-fourths believe that health clubs are essential businesses and should remain open during the pandemic. With the `new year, new me` attitude kicking in most people, it seems they are motivated to regain their health and fitness in the New Year.

New Year motivates majority of people to 'make a health goal'

It is a new year, a new beginning. But the world will be dealing with the same old China. Its plans for 2021- all the more dangerous. Beijing has already set the tone for 2021. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: A new year, a more dangerous China

A massive rave party taking place since the New Year's Eve near Rennes in France was finally shut down by several hundred French police officials on Saturday. The party was attended by about 2500 revellers from across France and even from abroad. The party had caused huge concerns since social distancing and other coronavirus measures went for a toss. Local police tried stopping the party on January 1 but were forced to wait for reinforcements as revellers clashed with the officials injuring some and damaged police cars.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter that more than 1,200 party-goers had been issued with penalty notices as they left the site, adding that the event's organisers were being identified and would be prosecuted.

About 800 of the revellers were sanctioned for attending an illegal party, breaking curfew and not wearing masks, and the rest were mostly issued notices for using illegal drugs, Berthier said.

Prosecutors in Rennes have opened a probe into the illegal organisation of a musical event and violence against persons of authority, the prefecture said, while local health authorities urged party-goers to self-isolate for seven days.

France has highest number of COVID-19 cases in Western Europe. The country is stepping up coronavirus restriction imposing curfew in many states starting at 6 pm. The rave party had thus become a matter of concern as it had the potential of becoming a superspreader event.

In neighbouring Spain, police broke up a smaller warehouse rave near Barcelona that had also been going for more than 40 hours.

About 200 people attended the New Year's Eve rave in the village of Llinars del Valles, and dozens continued to party on Saturday - some refusing to leave and shouting abuse when police arrived at the scene.

The event's three organisers were arrested, Catalan's Mossos d'Esquadra police force said on Twitter, adding that the three and those who attended the party would be charged and faced fines of between 3,000 and 600,000 euros.

(With AFP inputs)

A massive rave party taking place since the New Year's Eve near Rennes in France was finally shut down by several hundred French police officials on Saturday. The party was attended by about 2500 revellers from across France and even from abroad.

A massive rave party taking place since the New Year's Eve near Rennes in France was finally shut down by several hundred French police officials on Saturday. The party was attended by about 2500 revellers from across France and even from abroad. The party had caused huge concerns since social distancing and other coronavirus measures went for a toss. Local police tried stopping the party on January 1 but were forced to wait for reinforcements as revellers clashed with the officials injuring some and damaged police cars. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter that more than 1,200 party-goers had been issued with penalty notices as they left the site, adding that the event's organisers were being identified and would be prosecuted. About 800 of the revellers were sanctioned for attending an illegal party, breaking curfew and not wearing masks, and the rest were mostly issued notices for using illegal drugs, Berthier said. Prosecutors in Rennes have opened a probe into the illegal organisation of a musical event and violence against persons of authority, the prefecture said, while local health authorities urged party-goers to self-isolate for seven days. France has highest number of COVID-19 cases in Western Europe. The country is stepping up coronavirus restriction imposing curfew in many states starting at 6 pm. The rave party had thus become a matter of concern as it had the potential of becoming a superspreader event. In neighbouring Spain, police broke up a smaller warehouse rave near Barcelona that had also been going for more than 40 hours. About 200 people attended the New Year's Eve rave in the village of Llinars del Valles, and dozens continued to party on Saturday - some refusing to leave and shouting abuse when police arrived at the scene. The event's three organisers were arrested, Catalan's Mossos d'Esquadra police force said on Twitter, adding that the three and those who attended the party would be charged and faced fines of between 3,000 and 600,000 euros. (With AFP inputs)

Massive rave party in France finally shut down by hundreds of police officials

Times Square's famous new year countdown goes socially distanced with a touch of glamour

2020 has perhaps been one of Neymar best years, which is why he is throwing a grand party as it comes to an end. A-list models and celebrities are flying to Rio. But Brazilians are furious. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Neymar's new year bash sparks outrage

Ops! Mariah Carey forgot her 'Auld Lang Syne',&nbsp;lyrics.&nbsp; 
 
Mariah took to social media accounts on New Year’s Eve 2021 to share a video of her singing and at the moment, ironically she forgot one of her most celebrated holiday songs. 
 
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jennifer-lopez-pitbull-headline-times-square-new-year-eve-celebrations-353771">Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull headline Times Square New Year Eve celebrations</a> 
 
On the Friday night, when she took her social media to wish her fans on a new year eve and sung, ''Should auld acquaintance be forgot / And never brought to mind? / Should auld acquaintance be forgot,” Mariah sang before saying, “I don’t know how it goes.”

Mariah then got out some of the other lyrics, “And days of auld lang syne?”, After struggling for some time, the Grammy singer said, ''Never could pronounce it properly,” she then said. “I love you. Happy new year! Let’s hope for better, better days, in 2021 and beyond''.

Watch the video below!

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 🎉❄️❤️ (sorry for the camera work 😂) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AuldLangSyne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AuldLangSyne</a> <a href="https://t.co/gUqEe0JvO4">pic.twitter.com/gUqEe0JvO4</a>
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) <a href="https://twitter.com/MariahCarey/status/1344901124583813121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Later Mariah shared an Instagram Stories, where she is screaming as she struggled to walk through the snow in heels.

Mariah famously released her very first-holiday album Merry Christmas in 1994, featured the infectious hit single 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'

Ops! Mariah Carey forgot her 'Auld Lang Syne', lyrics. Mariah took to social media accounts on New Year’s Eve 2021 to share a video of her singing and at the moment, ironically she forgot one of her most celebrated holiday songs.

Ops! Mariah Carey forgot her 'Auld Lang Syne', lyrics. Mariah took to social media accounts on New Year’s Eve 2021 to share a video of her singing and at the moment, ironically she forgot one of her most celebrated holiday songs. Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull headline Times Square New Year Eve celebrations On the Friday night, when she took her social media to wish her fans on a new year eve and sung, ''Should auld acquaintance be forgot / And never brought to mind? / Should auld acquaintance be forgot,” Mariah sang before saying, “I don’t know how it goes.” Mariah then got out some of the other lyrics, “And days of auld lang syne?”, After struggling for some time, the Grammy singer said, ''Never could pronounce it properly,” she then said. “I love you. Happy new year! Let’s hope for better, better days, in 2021 and beyond''. Watch the video below! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 🎉❄️❤️ (sorry for the camera work 😂) #AuldLangSyne pic.twitter.com/gUqEe0JvO4 — Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) January 1, 2021 × Later Mariah shared an Instagram Stories, where she is screaming as she struggled to walk through the snow in heels. Mariah famously released her very first-holiday album Merry Christmas in 1994, featured the infectious hit single 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'

Mariah Carey forgets the 'Auld Lang Syne' lyrics while wishing fans on New years eve

Visitors and residents gathered on Thursday night (December 31) at Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa to celebrate the beginning of 2021, as a rocky, uncertain 2020 comes to an end.

Dubai welcomes 2021 with fireworks from landmark building

People in New Zealand were amongst the first globally to welcome 2021 as fireworks light up Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower.&nbsp;

Revellers on the waterfront viewed the five-minute show which comprised fireworks and laser lighting colouring the night sky over the city's harbour.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-years-gift-india-sends-bcg-vaccines-to-maldives-353635">New Year's gift! India sends BCG vaccines to Maldives</a>

The festivities began in other countries as well amid the low-key celebrations seen in the wake of novel coronavirus that has killed millions this year. Let's take a look.

Watch |

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<h2>Australia</h2>

In the Sydney Opera House in Australia,&nbsp;fireworks sparkle the sky, but the harbour beneath was empty as a ghost town.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h2>North Korea</h2>

To mark the New Year, crowds thronged the main square in the North Korean capital Pyongyang to celebrate new year amid concert and fireworks, state media reported.&nbsp;

The performers sang and danced on a stage decorated with a big, colourful "2021" sign without wearing masks.&nbsp;

People witnessing the event wore masks but did not maintain social distancing as they displayed glowing lights and balloons in Kim II Sung Square.

<h2>Taiwan</h2>

In Taiwan's capital Taipei, people welcomed 2021 with spectacular fireworks held in the 101 tower, city's tallest skyscraper.&nbsp;

However, the crowd was not as big as it generally is during the time of the new year due to Covid-19 restrictions.&nbsp;

<h2>India</h2>

India welcomed the new year in a very precautious manner as several metro cities imposed night curfews to avoid crowding which can lead to a spike in coronavirus infections.&nbsp;

Popular attractions in Mumbai, including the Gateway of India looked deserted on new year's eve as the city is under night curfew from 11 pm to 6 am till January 5.&nbsp;

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the IT city of Bengaluru from 6 pm on Thursday to 6 am Friday which made the celebrations very limited.

In the southern city of Chennai, festivities and celebrations took a toll as the government shut down restaurants, hotels, clubs and resorts on Thursday and Friday. 
&nbsp;

People in New Zealand were amongst the first globally to welcome 2021 as fireworks light up Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower. Revellers on the waterfront viewed the five-minute show which comprised fireworks and laser lighting colouring the night sky over the city's harbour.

People in New Zealand were amongst the first globally to welcome 2021 as fireworks light up Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower. Revellers on the waterfront viewed the five-minute show which comprised fireworks and laser lighting colouring the night sky over the city's harbour. Also read | New Year's gift! India sends BCG vaccines to Maldives The festivities began in other countries as well amid the low-key celebrations seen in the wake of novel coronavirus that has killed millions this year. Let's take a look. Watch | Australia In the Sydney Opera House in Australia, fireworks sparkle the sky, but the harbour beneath was empty as a ghost town. North Korea To mark the New Year, crowds thronged the main square in the North Korean capital Pyongyang to celebrate new year amid concert and fireworks, state media reported. The performers sang and danced on a stage decorated with a big, colourful "2021" sign without wearing masks. People witnessing the event wore masks but did not maintain social distancing as they displayed glowing lights and balloons in Kim II Sung Square. Taiwan In Taiwan's capital Taipei, people welcomed 2021 with spectacular fireworks held in the 101 tower, city's tallest skyscraper. However, the crowd was not as big as it generally is during the time of the new year due to Covid-19 restrictions. India India welcomed the new year in a very precautious manner as several metro cities imposed night curfews to avoid crowding which can lead to a spike in coronavirus infections. Popular attractions in Mumbai, including the Gateway of India looked deserted on new year's eve as the city is under night curfew from 11 pm to 6 am till January 5. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the IT city of Bengaluru from 6 pm on Thursday to 6 am Friday which made the celebrations very limited. In the southern city of Chennai, festivities and celebrations took a toll as the government shut down restaurants, hotels, clubs and resorts on Thursday and Friday.

With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key

New year celebrations have begun in countries where the clock has struck 12 am. New Zealand, Australia have welcomed the new year with fireworks. UK PM Boris Johnson's father has said that he is French. He is seeking French citizenship. Read this and more in top 10 world new below.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-fireworks-australia-new-zealand-welcome-2021-353638">With fireworks, Australia, New Zealand welcome 2021</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-fireworks-australia-new-zealand-welcome-2021-353638"><img alt="New Year" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2173ae40-ec41-4204-9288-93bc587d7b8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20Year.JPG" /></a> 
 
Revellers on the waterfront viewed the five-minute show which comprised fireworks and laser lighting colouring the night sky over the city's harbour

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-french-says-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-father-as-he-seeks-france-citizenship-353629">'I am French', says UK PM Boris Johnson's father as he seeks France citizenship</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-french-says-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-father-as-he-seeks-france-citizenship-353629"><img alt="Boris Johnson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37c6fd68-2cd7-4e96-b613-b3d03935c7e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Boris%20Johnson_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
Boris Johnson's father was among the first civil servants appointed to Brussells after Britain joined the European Union in 1973

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-at-least-30-arrested-for-vandalising-hindu-temple-353664">Pakistan: At least 30 arrested for vandalising Hindu temple</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-at-least-30-arrested-for-vandalising-hindu-temple-353664"><img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65915f75-0da2-43d0-ba45-83b97b911b55" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pakistan_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The vandalisation of the temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Karak district on Wednesday caused strong criticism from human rights groups and minority Hindu community leaders 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-accuses-us-of-plotting-to-fabricate-war-pretext-353640">Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accuses US of plotting to fabricate war pretext</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-accuses-us-of-plotting-to-fabricate-war-pretext-353640"><img alt="Javad Zarif" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bad9a31f-9f7d-4342-bc0b-b93f7f62e964" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Javad%20Zarif.JPG" /></a> 
 
US President Donald Trump had recently tweeted that the US was hearing 'chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq' and warned that 'if one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-confirms-uighur-muslim-imprisoned-on-terrorism-charges-353614">China confirms Uighur doctor imprisoned on terrorism charges</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-confirms-uighur-muslim-imprisoned-on-terrorism-charges-353614"><img alt="Uighur" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c3dfdbe-5c0f-47ed-8f31-56c590642b6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Uighur.JPG" /></a> 
 
The relatives of Gulshan Abbas on Wednesday told US congressional committee that she had been sentenced to 20 years due to her involvement in the rights of Uighur Muslims

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-approval-ratings-highest-among-world-leaders-353568">PM Modi's approval ratings highest among world leaders</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-approval-ratings-highest-among-world-leaders-353568"><img alt="Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a3d2e2-812f-4f37-baf7-f2f6e975853a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PM%20MODI.JPG" /></a> 
 
Approval ratings are based on a seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country, and samples sizes vary by country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-first-case-of-uk-coronavirus-variant-353649">China reports first case of UK coronavirus variant</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-first-case-of-uk-coronavirus-variant-353649"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23755524-0efe-4da2-84f7-f488682d0db7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_6.JPG" /></a> 
 
The new strain, which experts say potentially spreads faster than the original variant, has prompted travel restrictions on the UK by more than 50 countries, including China, where the coronavirus first emerged late last year

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outcry-after-canadian-minister-flouts-coronavirus-restrictions-to-conceal-caribbean-holiday-353618">Outcry after Canadian minister flouts coronavirus restrictions to conceal Caribbean holiday</a>

<img alt="Canadian" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3117ee5-2851-49a6-99b2-b84227a5381d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Canadian.JPG" /> 
 
Posts on Rod Phillips’s social media accounts suggested that he remained home over Christmas, but it emerged on Tuesday that the minister flew to the island of St Barts in mid-December and ignored a coronavirus lockdown to on this trip

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/move-over-mammoths-a-woolly-rhino-has-been-found-well-preserved-in-russian-permafrost-353643">Move over mammoths, a woolly rhino has been found well- preserved in Russian permafrost</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/move-over-mammoths-a-woolly-rhino-has-been-found-well-preserved-in-russian-permafrost-353643"><img alt="Woolly rhino" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e03639ee-36eb-433e-abe5-1623255e8ad5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RHINO.JPG" /></a> 
 
Woolly rhinos roamed Siberian hinterlands in Russia about 12,000 years ago. And one of them has been found in diamond-producing region in Yakutia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-try-some-adventure-this-new-year-snake-massage-in-egypt-might-be-it-353631">Want to try some adventure this New Year, snake massage in Egypt might be it</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-try-some-adventure-this-new-year-snake-massage-in-egypt-might-be-it-353631"><img alt="Snake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e12f1d40-4621-4e25-b0b9-6e797f3c5168" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Snake%20massage.JPG" /></a> 
 
If you are planning any such massage, Egypt's Cairo is your go-to place as a combination of snakes will be used to give customers relief from pain

 
&nbsp;

New year celebrations have begun in countries where the clock has struck 12 am. New Zealand, Australia have welcomed the new year with fireworks. UK PM Boris Johnson's father has said that he is French.

New year celebrations have begun in countries where the clock has struck 12 am. New Zealand, Australia have welcomed the new year with fireworks. UK PM Boris Johnson's father has said that he is French. He is seeking French citizenship. Read this and more in top 10 world new below. With fireworks, Australia, New Zealand welcome 2021 Revellers on the waterfront viewed the five-minute show which comprised fireworks and laser lighting colouring the night sky over the city's harbour 'I am French', says UK PM Boris Johnson's father as he seeks France citizenship Boris Johnson's father was among the first civil servants appointed to Brussells after Britain joined the European Union in 1973 Pakistan: At least 30 arrested for vandalising Hindu temple The vandalisation of the temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Karak district on Wednesday caused strong criticism from human rights groups and minority Hindu community leaders Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accuses US of plotting to fabricate war pretext US President Donald Trump had recently tweeted that the US was hearing 'chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq' and warned that 'if one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over' China confirms Uighur doctor imprisoned on terrorism charges The relatives of Gulshan Abbas on Wednesday told US congressional committee that she had been sentenced to 20 years due to her involvement in the rights of Uighur Muslims PM Modi's approval ratings highest among world leaders Approval ratings are based on a seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country, and samples sizes vary by country. China reports first case of UK coronavirus variant The new strain, which experts say potentially spreads faster than the original variant, has prompted travel restrictions on the UK by more than 50 countries, including China, where the coronavirus first emerged late last year Outcry after Canadian minister flouts coronavirus restrictions to conceal Caribbean holiday Posts on Rod Phillips’s social media accounts suggested that he remained home over Christmas, but it emerged on Tuesday that the minister flew to the island of St Barts in mid-December and ignored a coronavirus lockdown to on this trip Move over mammoths, a woolly rhino has been found well- preserved in Russian permafrost Woolly rhinos roamed Siberian hinterlands in Russia about 12,000 years ago. And one of them has been found in diamond-producing region in Yakutia Want to try some adventure this New Year, snake massage in Egypt might be it If you are planning any such massage, Egypt's Cairo is your go-to place as a combination of snakes will be used to give customers relief from pain

Top 10 world news: New year celebrations begin, Iran targets US, and more

Serving us looks since forever, popstar Jennifer Lopez is now here to make you envious of her Disney princess avatar as she took over Times Square in New York to film ahead of her performance on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest.

Looking like Cinderella herself, the 51-year-old star strapped down in an icy blue gown by Balmain with beautiful detailing on the bodice with makeup and hair in place (like always). She was followed by photographers as she shot ahead of her New Year’s Eve performance.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/jennifer-lopez">Jennifer Lopez</a> took breaks between shots and layered up as it’s freezing right now in New York. She was seen sporting a Balmain jacket that accentuated her look with shiny boots.&nbsp;

Jennifer Lopez has been in New York since the weekend to perfect her headlining act. The Time Square event will also feature performances from Billy Porter, Cindy Lauper, Jimmie Allen, Machine Gun Kelly, Andra Day and Gloria Gaynor, among others. Brandy, Doja Cat, Ella Mai, Lewis Capaldi, Maluma, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Nelly and Saweetie will perform from the West Coast broadcast.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-jennifer-lopez-admits-the-pandemic-made-her-re-think-about-marrying-alex-rodriguez-351698" hreflang="en">Jennifer Lopez admits the pandemic made her re-think about marrying Alex Rodriguez</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jennifer-lopez-joins-elf-on-shelf-challenge-with-a-scintillating-series-of-pics-349131" hreflang="en">Jennifer Lopez joins 'Elf on Shelf' challenge with a scintillating series of pics</a>

Serving us looks since forever, popstar Jennifer Lopez is now here to make you envious of her Disney princess avatar as she took over Times Square in New York to film ahead of her performance on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest.

Serving us looks since forever, popstar Jennifer Lopez is now here to make you envious of her Disney princess avatar as she took over Times Square in New York to film ahead of her performance on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest. Looking like Cinderella herself, the 51-year-old star strapped down in an icy blue gown by Balmain with beautiful detailing on the bodice with makeup and hair in place (like always). She was followed by photographers as she shot ahead of her New Year’s Eve performance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) × Jennifer Lopez took breaks between shots and layered up as it’s freezing right now in New York. She was seen sporting a Balmain jacket that accentuated her look with shiny boots. Jennifer Lopez has been in New York since the weekend to perfect her headlining act. The Time Square event will also feature performances from Billy Porter, Cindy Lauper, Jimmie Allen, Machine Gun Kelly, Andra Day and Gloria Gaynor, among others. Brandy, Doja Cat, Ella Mai, Lewis Capaldi, Maluma, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Nelly and Saweetie will perform from the West Coast broadcast. Jennifer Lopez admits the pandemic made her re-think about marrying Alex Rodriguez Jennifer Lopez joins 'Elf on Shelf' challenge with a scintillating series of pics

Jennifer Lopez dresses up as Disney princess ahead of New Year's Eve performance

With new variant of the coronavirus already having made its way to India, the central government on Wednesday asked states to ensure that new year celebrations remain low-key and do not become superspreader events. Union Health Ministry all states to keep strict vigil on New Year celebrations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote a letter to all states and union territories. In it, he said that although coronavirus cases in the country have been on the decline lately, the rise in cases in Europe and America meant that high level of precaution was necessary in India.

"You will appreciate that in the wake of New Year and various celebratory events associated with it as well as ongoing winter season, strict vigil is required to be maintained to curb all potential 'super spreader' events and places where crowds may gather," Bhushan said in the letter.

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&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated that states and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions, such as night curfew, with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19.?

The Home Ministry has also stipulated that there shall be no restriction on interstate and intra-state movement of persons and goods.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-extends-suspension-of-flights-with-britain-to-january-7-353317">India extends suspension of flights with Britain to January 7</a>

Drawing attention to this, the Union health secretary has urged the states to "promptly assess the local situation and consider imposition of appropriate restrictions on December 30 and 31, as well as on January 1, 2021

Maharashtra

The state has been worst-hit during coronavirus pandemic in India. Maharashtra, notably Mumbai made up for a large chunk of coronavirus cases in the country.

Maharashtra government on Wednesday extended the lockdown till January 31, 2021. On New Year's Eve, hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars will remain open only till 11 pm at night.

"Hotels, restaurants,pubs and bars will remain open tomorrow (December 31) till 11 pm. There is no restriction on people stepping out to buy medicines and visiting friends and family members (after 11 PM). Gathering of five or more people at public places is prohibited," said Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. He appealed to people to follow coronavirus guidelines.

The state government had clamped a night curfew between 11 PM and 6 AM from December 22 to January 5 after a new strain of the virus was found in the UK.

Coronavirus situation Delhi

Four Covid positive patients have been found infected with the new variant first detected in the UK, while around 200 people, including returnees from the UK and their contact have been put under institutional quarantine by the Delhi government, officials told IANS.

All four patients have been admitted in the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital.

The patients found infected with the new variant have been isolated separately in different rooms of a special ward designated for the patients suspected or found infected with the new variant, the hospital officials told IANS

The tally of positive patients suspected of carrying the new strain has reached 35 in the hospital. Of them, 20 have returned from the UK and the remaining are those who came in contact with them, officials confirmed.

The AAP government has quarantined around 200 people, who either returned from the UK within a month or are in contact with those travellers found positive, at two facilities.

The Delhi government has designated 2,000-bed LNJP as the nodal centre for isolation of persons who are suspected to have the new variant of the Covid-19.

The officials informed that more than 80 of them have been quarantined at a hotel in Aerocity while the rest are kept in a banquet hall turned quarantine facility situated near Chattarpur.

(With agency inputs)

With new variant of the coronavirus already having made its way to India, the central government on Wednesday asked states to ensure that new year celebrations remain low-key and do not become superspreader events.

With new variant of the coronavirus already having made its way to India, the central government on Wednesday asked states to ensure that new year celebrations remain low-key and do not become superspreader events. Union Health Ministry all states to keep strict vigil on New Year celebrations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote a letter to all states and union territories. In it, he said that although coronavirus cases in the country have been on the decline lately, the rise in cases in Europe and America meant that high level of precaution was necessary in India. "You will appreciate that in the wake of New Year and various celebratory events associated with it as well as ongoing winter season, strict vigil is required to be maintained to curb all potential 'super spreader' events and places where crowds may gather," Bhushan said in the letter. × The Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated that states and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions, such as night curfew, with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19.? The Home Ministry has also stipulated that there shall be no restriction on interstate and intra-state movement of persons and goods. Also Read | India extends suspension of flights with Britain to January 7 Drawing attention to this, the Union health secretary has urged the states to "promptly assess the local situation and consider imposition of appropriate restrictions on December 30 and 31, as well as on January 1, 2021 Maharashtra The state has been worst-hit during coronavirus pandemic in India. Maharashtra, notably Mumbai made up for a large chunk of coronavirus cases in the country. Maharashtra government on Wednesday extended the lockdown till January 31, 2021. On New Year's Eve, hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars will remain open only till 11 pm at night. "Hotels, restaurants,pubs and bars will remain open tomorrow (December 31) till 11 pm. There is no restriction on people stepping out to buy medicines and visiting friends and family members (after 11 PM). Gathering of five or more people at public places is prohibited," said Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. He appealed to people to follow coronavirus guidelines. The state government had clamped a night curfew between 11 PM and 6 AM from December 22 to January 5 after a new strain of the virus was found in the UK. Coronavirus situation Delhi Four Covid positive patients have been found infected with the new variant first detected in the UK, while around 200 people, including returnees from the UK and their contact have been put under institutional quarantine by the Delhi government, officials told IANS. All four patients have been admitted in the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital. The patients found infected with the new variant have been isolated separately in different rooms of a special ward designated for the patients suspected or found infected with the new variant, the hospital officials told IANS The tally of positive patients suspected of carrying the new strain has reached 35 in the hospital. Of them, 20 have returned from the UK and the remaining are those who came in contact with them, officials confirmed. The AAP government has quarantined around 200 people, who either returned from the UK within a month or are in contact with those travellers found positive, at two facilities. The Delhi government has designated 2,000-bed LNJP as the nodal centre for isolation of persons who are suspected to have the new variant of the Covid-19. The officials informed that more than 80 of them have been quarantined at a hotel in Aerocity while the rest are kept in a banquet hall turned quarantine facility situated near Chattarpur. (With agency inputs)

Mutant coronavirus: Centre asks states to ensure low-key New Year celebrations

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