Zambia on Saturday finally abolished two British colonial-era laws: the death penalty and any criticism of the country's leader being a punishable offence.&nbsp;The southern African country gained independence in 1964. Since then, rules made during colonisation were followed.&nbsp; The decision comes during the presidency of Hakainde Hichilema, whose party promised to abolish these rules if they are elected, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-fuel-tanker-blast-leaves-eight-dead-and-several-injured-in-boksburg-546309">Also read |&nbsp;South Africa: Fuel tanker blast leaves eight dead and several injured in Boksburg</a>

The party had been trying to abolish these rules for so long but was in opposition for two decades, and now the decision has been made.&nbsp;

A presidential spokesperson said, "President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the penal code of 2022 abolishing the imposition of the death penalty and the offence of criminal defamation of the president, which has been on the Zambian statute books since (the) pre-independence era."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epic-winter-storm-hits-200-million-americans-as-millions-face-power-outage-ahead-of-holiday-season-546327">Also read |&nbsp;'Epic' winter storm hits Americans, as millions face power outage ahead of holiday season</a>

Zambian rights activists claimed that the decision is a "huge milestone", urging to remove those colonial laws that don't fit in with democracy.&nbsp;

Caroline Katotobwe, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said that finally now Zambians will be able to speak freely.&nbsp;

She said, "As stakeholders we are elated that this repressive law is finally done away with. Thus, allowing citizens to freely express their views without fear of prosecution as was the case in the past."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Zambia on Saturday finally abolished two British colonial-era laws: the death penalty and any criticism of the country's leader being a punishable offence. The southern African country gained independence in 1964.

Zambia on Saturday finally abolished two British colonial-era laws: the death penalty and any criticism of the country's leader being a punishable offence. The southern African country gained independence in 1964. Since then, rules made during colonisation were followed. The decision comes during the presidency of Hakainde Hichilema, whose party promised to abolish these rules if they are elected, AFP reported. Also read | South Africa: Fuel tanker blast leaves eight dead and several injured in Boksburg The party had been trying to abolish these rules for so long but was in opposition for two decades, and now the decision has been made. A presidential spokesperson said, "President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the penal code of 2022 abolishing the imposition of the death penalty and the offence of criminal defamation of the president, which has been on the Zambian statute books since (the) pre-independence era." Also read | 'Epic' winter storm hits Americans, as millions face power outage ahead of holiday season Zambian rights activists claimed that the decision is a "huge milestone", urging to remove those colonial laws that don't fit in with democracy. Caroline Katotobwe, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said that finally now Zambians will be able to speak freely. She said, "As stakeholders we are elated that this repressive law is finally done away with. Thus, allowing citizens to freely express their views without fear of prosecution as was the case in the past." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Speak free': Zambia prez abolishes death penalty, no prosecution for criticising him

US automaker Tesla suspended production at its Shanghai plant on Saturday, as per an internal notice, Reuters reported citing people familiar with the matter.&nbsp;According to the sources, the company cancelled the morning shift of the employees and told its workers they could start their break. The company has&nbsp;not given any reason.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-to-implement-hiring-freeze-and-layoff-people-in-2023-report-545417/amp">Also read |&nbsp;Tesla plans to implement hiring freeze, lay off more employees in 2023: Report</a>

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Reuters had earlier this month reported that the company planned to suspend production at the plant from December 25 to January 1.&nbsp;The news of suspension comes amid rising Covid cases after the Asian country eased its 'zero-Covid policy'.

One of the people said that workers at the plant have been falling sick due to the current wave, delaying operations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-reassures-investors-tells-them-he-will-pause-on-tesla-stock-sales-for-18-to-24-months-546174">Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk reassures investors, tells them he will pause on Tesla stock sales for 18 to 24 months</a>

The abrupt move has been welcomed by businesses and the public but can&nbsp;heavily disrupt&nbsp;business operations.&nbsp;

Tesla CEO Elon Musk a few days back announced that for the coming 18 to 24 months, he won't be selling any shares to pacify shareholders of the company which saw its stocks falling.&nbsp;

Speaking on Twitter Spaces, Musk said, "I’m not selling any stock for 18 to 24 months."

Ever since Musk acquired Twitter, the billionaire has sold nearly $23 billion worth of Tesla shares since April this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US automaker Tesla suspended production at its Shanghai plant on Saturday, as per an internal notice, Reuters reported citing people familiar with the matter. According to the sources, the company cancelled the morning shift of the employees and told its workers they could start their break.

US automaker Tesla suspended production at its Shanghai plant on Saturday, as per an internal notice, Reuters reported citing people familiar with the matter. According to the sources, the company cancelled the morning shift of the employees and told its workers they could start their break. The company has not given any reason. Also read | Tesla plans to implement hiring freeze, lay off more employees in 2023: Report Reuters had earlier this month reported that the company planned to suspend production at the plant from December 25 to January 1. The news of suspension comes amid rising Covid cases after the Asian country eased its 'zero-Covid policy'. One of the people said that workers at the plant have been falling sick due to the current wave, delaying operations. Also read | Elon Musk reassures investors, tells them he will pause on Tesla stock sales for 18 to 24 months The abrupt move has been welcomed by businesses and the public but can heavily disrupt business operations. Tesla CEO Elon Musk a few days back announced that for the coming 18 to 24 months, he won't be selling any shares to pacify shareholders of the company which saw its stocks falling. Speaking on Twitter Spaces, Musk said, "I’m not selling any stock for 18 to 24 months." Ever since Musk acquired Twitter, the billionaire has sold nearly $23 billion worth of Tesla shares since April this year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US automaker Tesla suspends production in Shanghai after an internal notice: Report

At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in Kherson. In other news,&nbsp;the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Finally, at least 22 were killed when a fire ripped through a private care home for older people in the Siberian city of Kemerovo.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-killed-35-injured-in-russian-shelling-in-kherson-killing-for-pleasure-says-zelensky-546316">Five killed, 35 injured in Russian shelling in Kherson; Zelensky terms it ‘killing for pleasure’</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320685-kherson-attack.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and shared pictures of the shelling. "Social networks will most likely mark these photos as 'sensitive content'. But this is not sensitive content – it is the real life of Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-war-on-women-female-employees-banned-from-working-in-ngos-546354">Taliban's war on women: Female employees banned from working in NGOs</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320711-untitled-design-70.png?imwidth=1920" />

Economy ministry's spokesperson Abdulrahman Habib confirmed the letter in which it was stated that female employees are not permitted to work in NGOs until further notice because few employees have failed to adhere to the Islamic dress code for women, as interpreted by the Afghan administration.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-asks-a-homeless-man-if-he-works-in-business-labour-calls-it-excruciating-546365">UK PM Rishi Sunak asks a homeless man if he works in 'business', Labour calls it 'excruciating'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320719-united-kingdom-prime-minister-rishi-sunak.png?imwidth=1920" />

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing criticism for an awkward conversation with a man during his volunteer work at a soup kitchen in London on Friday.&nbsp;

While serving breakfast to people at a shelter, run by the Passage, a man asked Sunak, "Are you sorting the economy out?" Sunak then said that is "exactly what I'm trying to do".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-deadly-blaze-kills-22-at-private-nursing-home-for-elderly-546299">Russia: Fire kills at least 22 at an unregistered private nursing home for elderly</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320666-kemerovo.png?imwidth=1920" />

The investigative committee said on Telegram: "A fire broke out overnight in a private property used as an illegal nursing home." It added that "the death toll has risen to 22" as previous reports mentioned that 20 were killed.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-restores-feature-promoting-hotlines-for-suicide-prevention-546361">Twitter restores feature promoting hotlines for suicide prevention</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320716-untitled-design-71.png?imwidth=1920" />

A feature which promoted safety resources, including suicide prevention hotlines, to users searching for certain content was restored by Twitter Inc after it faced heat over its removal from consumer safety groups and a few users, Reuters reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-supreme-court-upholds-death-sentence-appeal-of-one-protester-546339">Iran's Supreme Court upholds death sentence appeal of one protester</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320698-untitled-design-69.png?imwidth=1920" />

The death sentence appeal made by one of the protesters was accepted by the Supreme Court in Iran while declining the appeal of another, the judiciary stated on Saturday.

Initially, the Court had stated that appeals made by both the protesters have been accepted. However, later the judiciary's Mizan news agency, in a statement, said, "The public relations of the Supreme Court of Iran has corrected its news: 'The appeal of Mohammad Qabadloo has not been accepted and the ruling has been confirmed. On the other hand, Iranian Kurdish rapper Saman Seydi Yasin's&nbsp;appeal has been accepted by the Supreme Court."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-killed-20-injured-as-clashes-erupt-between-arab-and-non-arab-group-in-sudans-darfur-546353">11 killed, 20 injured as clashes erupt between Arab and non-Arab group in Sudan's Darfur</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320712-00032mg42u.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur.&nbsp;

The clashes began on&nbsp;Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-re-open-border-with-mainland-china-from-mid-january-546310">Hong Kong prepares to re-open border with mainland China from mid-January</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320681-untitled-design-67.png?imwidth=1920" />

In the backdrop of the Chinese government's accelerated unwinding of tough Covid-19 rules which had stunted economic growth, Hong Kong is planning to re-open its borders with Beijing from mid-January, said city Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday.&nbsp;While addressing a press meet&nbsp;at the Hong Kong airport after returning from a trip to China, Lee said that the city will "gradually, orderly, and fully" be re-opened so that the border can attain normalcy like it was before the outbreak of coronavirus.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus | Explained: China's deadliest Wuhan Virus wave

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Watch |&nbsp;US: IOWA sports reporter goes viral after being made weather reporter

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At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in Kherson. In other news, the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in Kherson. In other news, the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Finally, at least 22 were killed when a fire ripped through a private care home for older people in the Siberian city of Kemerovo. Click on the headlines to read more: Five killed, 35 injured in Russian shelling in Kherson; Zelensky terms it ‘killing for pleasure’ Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and shared pictures of the shelling. "Social networks will most likely mark these photos as 'sensitive content'. But this is not sensitive content – it is the real life of Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelensky said. Taliban's war on women: Female employees banned from working in NGOs Economy ministry's spokesperson Abdulrahman Habib confirmed the letter in which it was stated that female employees are not permitted to work in NGOs until further notice because few employees have failed to adhere to the Islamic dress code for women, as interpreted by the Afghan administration. UK PM Rishi Sunak asks a homeless man if he works in 'business', Labour calls it 'excruciating' United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing criticism for an awkward conversation with a man during his volunteer work at a soup kitchen in London on Friday. While serving breakfast to people at a shelter, run by the Passage, a man asked Sunak, "Are you sorting the economy out?" Sunak then said that is "exactly what I'm trying to do". Russia: Fire kills at least 22 at an unregistered private nursing home for elderly The investigative committee said on Telegram: "A fire broke out overnight in a private property used as an illegal nursing home." It added that "the death toll has risen to 22" as previous reports mentioned that 20 were killed. Twitter restores feature promoting hotlines for suicide prevention A feature which promoted safety resources, including suicide prevention hotlines, to users searching for certain content was restored by Twitter Inc after it faced heat over its removal from consumer safety groups and a few users, Reuters reported. Iran's Supreme Court upholds death sentence appeal of one protester The death sentence appeal made by one of the protesters was accepted by the Supreme Court in Iran while declining the appeal of another, the judiciary stated on Saturday. Initially, the Court had stated that appeals made by both the protesters have been accepted. However, later the judiciary's Mizan news agency, in a statement, said, "The public relations of the Supreme Court of Iran has corrected its news: 'The appeal of Mohammad Qabadloo has not been accepted and the ruling has been confirmed. On the other hand, Iranian Kurdish rapper Saman Seydi Yasin's appeal has been accepted by the Supreme Court." 11 killed, 20 injured as clashes erupt between Arab and non-Arab group in Sudan's Darfur At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur. The clashes began on Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported. Hong Kong prepares to re-open border with mainland China from mid-January In the backdrop of the Chinese government's accelerated unwinding of tough Covid-19 rules which had stunted economic growth, Hong Kong is planning to re-open its borders with Beijing from mid-January, said city Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday. While addressing a press meet at the Hong Kong airport after returning from a trip to China, Lee said that the city will "gradually, orderly, and fully" be re-opened so that the border can attain normalcy like it was before the outbreak of coronavirus. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Explained: China's deadliest Wuhan Virus wave Watch | US: IOWA sports reporter goes viral after being made weather reporter

Top 10 world news: Taliban ban women from working in NGOs, fire at Russia nursing home kills 22, and more 

Reham&nbsp;Khan, ex-wife of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, tied&nbsp;knot with&nbsp;Mirza Bilal, a US-based Pakistani actor, on December 23. The couple got married in a simple and private ceremony in Seattle, US, PTI reported.

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<a href="https://t.co/LqB0jMZDZe">pic.twitter.com/LqB0jMZDZe</a>
— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RehamKhan1/status/1606155475149811712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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We Hope from <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaBilal__?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaBilal__</a> to keep our sister very very Happy and Congratulations to Both for new Life and again Congratulations to Both Families <a href="https://twitter.com/RehamKhan1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RehamKhan1</a> 
💫💫💫 <a href="https://t.co/lfzAEpoCvC">pic.twitter.com/lfzAEpoCvC</a>
— SabirWazir🏴🏳 (@S_Wazir1) <a href="https://twitter.com/S_Wazir1/status/1606221176866344960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Expressing her happiness, the 49-year-old British-Pakistani journalist&nbsp;tweeted pics with the caption reading, "We had a lovely Nikkah ceremony performed in Seattle with the blessings of @MirzaBilal_ parents &amp; my son as my Vakeel."

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We had a lovely Nikkah ceremony performed in Seattle with the blessings of ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaBilal__?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaBilal__</a>⁩ parents &amp; my son as my Vakeel. <a href="https://t.co/960WQjgNqU">pic.twitter.com/960WQjgNqU</a>
— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RehamKhan1/status/1606184712460206081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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PK online portal reported that Bilal,36,&nbsp; is a corporate professional, former model and satirist&nbsp;who has also been part of 'The 4 Men Show' and 'National Alien Broadcast.'

As per reports, this is the third marriage for both Reham&nbsp;and Mirza.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-lands-in-hot-soup-once-again-leaked-audio-of-a-vulgar-call-invites-hate-pti-claims-its-fake-545335">Also read |&nbsp;Imran Khan lands in hot soup once again, leaked audio of a vulgar call invites hate; PTI claims it's fake</a>

Reham&nbsp;and Imran Khan were married in 2014-2015. This was the second marriage of Reham&nbsp;that lasted for nearly 10 months. They got divorced in 2015.&nbsp;

After her divorce, she released her autobiography in 2018 titled "Rehman Khan" which talked about her married life with the PTI chief Imran Khan, drugs and the abuse she faced.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Reham Khan, ex-wife of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, tied knot with Mirza Bilal, a US-based Pakistani actor, on December 23. The couple got married in a simple and private ceremony in Seattle, US, PTI reported.

Reham Khan, ex-wife of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, tied knot with Mirza Bilal, a US-based Pakistani actor, on December 23. The couple got married in a simple and private ceremony in Seattle, US, PTI reported. pic.twitter.com/LqB0jMZDZe — Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) December 23, 2022 × We Hope from @MirzaBilal__ to keep our sister very very Happy and Congratulations to Both for new Life and again Congratulations to Both Families @RehamKhan1 💫💫💫 pic.twitter.com/lfzAEpoCvC — SabirWazir🏴🏳 (@S_Wazir1) December 23, 2022 × Expressing her happiness, the 49-year-old British-Pakistani journalist tweeted pics with the caption reading, "We had a lovely Nikkah ceremony performed in Seattle with the blessings of @MirzaBilal_ parents & my son as my Vakeel." We had a lovely Nikkah ceremony performed in Seattle with the blessings of ⁦@MirzaBilal__⁩ parents & my son as my Vakeel. pic.twitter.com/960WQjgNqU — Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) December 23, 2022 × PK online portal reported that Bilal,36, is a corporate professional, former model and satirist who has also been part of 'The 4 Men Show' and 'National Alien Broadcast.' As per reports, this is the third marriage for both Reham and Mirza. Also read | Imran Khan lands in hot soup once again, leaked audio of a vulgar call invites hate; PTI claims it's fake Reham and Imran Khan were married in 2014-2015. This was the second marriage of Reham that lasted for nearly 10 months. They got divorced in 2015. After her divorce, she released her autobiography in 2018 titled "Rehman Khan" which talked about her married life with the PTI chief Imran Khan, drugs and the abuse she faced. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Imran Khan's ex-wife Reham Khan ties knot with US-based Pak actor Mirza Bilal

At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur.&nbsp;The clashes began on&nbsp;Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported.&nbsp;A doctor said, "The number of bodies that have arrived at the hospital has reached 11." He added that some 20 people have been injured.&nbsp; 
 
Adam Regal from General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced said the death toll might be much higher as the fighting is going on.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-71-year-old-south-sudanese-prez-kiir-fit-to-rule-the-country-after-he-wets-himself-netizens-raise-concerns-545645">Also read |&nbsp;Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself</a>

According to news agency SUNA, the fight erupted after a group of herders riding camels attacked Amuri village on Friday. It added that the fight claimed the lives of four people.&nbsp;

The news agency also claimed that three people died, two prior to the attack and one after the fight spread to nearby villages.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-killed-in-sudans-blue-nile-ethnic-clashes-medics-527035">Also read |&nbsp;15 killed in ethnic clashes in Sudan's troubled southern&nbsp;Blue&nbsp;Nile&nbsp;state: Medics</a>

Witnesses have said that hundreds of people are protesting against the violence outside a government building in Nyala.&nbsp;

As per reports, clashes often erupt in Sudan's Darfur.&nbsp;This year some 900 people have been killed and 300,000 have fled their homes because of the clashes in the country, according to the UN's Humanitarian Affairs report.

UN figures claim that some 300,000 people have been killed in the clashes and 2.5 million people displaced.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur. The clashes began on Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported.

At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur. The clashes began on Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported. A doctor said, "The number of bodies that have arrived at the hospital has reached 11." He added that some 20 people have been injured. Adam Regal from General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced said the death toll might be much higher as the fighting is going on. Also read | Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself According to news agency SUNA, the fight erupted after a group of herders riding camels attacked Amuri village on Friday. It added that the fight claimed the lives of four people. The news agency also claimed that three people died, two prior to the attack and one after the fight spread to nearby villages. Also read | 15 killed in ethnic clashes in Sudan's troubled southern Blue Nile state: Medics Witnesses have said that hundreds of people are protesting against the violence outside a government building in Nyala. As per reports, clashes often erupt in Sudan's Darfur. This year some 900 people have been killed and 300,000 have fled their homes because of the clashes in the country, according to the UN's Humanitarian Affairs report. UN figures claim that some 300,000 people have been killed in the clashes and 2.5 million people displaced. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

11 killed, 20 injured as clashes erupt between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur

Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values. He pledged that his coalition government will not pass any bills that allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

Promising to preserve the principles of tolerance he said, "We will not allow discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community or harm to the rights of any other citizens of Israel."

Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government

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This as per IANS comes as two of his extreme-right partners recently in a statement vowed to pass laws which allow physicians and business owners to discriminate against people from the community.

Orit Struck, a lawmaker with the pro-settler Religious Zionist Party in an interview with Israel's state-owned Kan radio said that her party is determined to change the anti-discrimination law, and permit doctors to refuse acts that go against their religious beliefs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/love-is-love-countries-where-same-sex-marriage-and-surrogacy-is-legal-520301">'Love is love': Countries where same-sex marriage and surrogacy is legal</a>

Simcha Rotman, another lawmaker of the same party told the public radio, that owners of hotels, restaurants, private businesses etc would be allowed to refuse service to LGBTQ people "if it harms their religious sentiments".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-final-tv-polls-indicate-that-the-netanyahu-bloc-is-one-seat-short-of-a-majority-529786">Israel elections: Final TV polls indicate that the Netanyahu bloc is one seat short of a majority</a>

Netanyahu who as per Reuters has been accused of being vulnerable to his far-right allies' policy demands, in a rare rebuke, called the remarks "unacceptable" and said that "the coalition agreements do not permit discrimination against LGBTs or to harm their rights to receive services as any other citizen in Israel".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values.

Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values. He pledged that his coalition government will not pass any bills that allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Promising to preserve the principles of tolerance he said, "We will not allow discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community or harm to the rights of any other citizens of Israel." Watch | WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government This as per IANS comes as two of his extreme-right partners recently in a statement vowed to pass laws which allow physicians and business owners to discriminate against people from the community. Orit Struck, a lawmaker with the pro-settler Religious Zionist Party in an interview with Israel's state-owned Kan radio said that her party is determined to change the anti-discrimination law, and permit doctors to refuse acts that go against their religious beliefs. Also read | 'Love is love': Countries where same-sex marriage and surrogacy is legal Simcha Rotman, another lawmaker of the same party told the public radio, that owners of hotels, restaurants, private businesses etc would be allowed to refuse service to LGBTQ people "if it harms their religious sentiments". Also read | Israel elections: Final TV polls indicate that the Netanyahu bloc is one seat short of a majority Netanyahu who as per Reuters has been accused of being vulnerable to his far-right allies' policy demands, in a rare rebuke, called the remarks "unacceptable" and said that "the coalition agreements do not permit discrimination against LGBTs or to harm their rights to receive services as any other citizen in Israel". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel: Netanyahu vows to preserve principles of tolerance, says won't tolerate discrimination against LGBTQ

For the first time since 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran has just witnessed its longest running anti-government protest. It has been a hundred days that the Iranian women are leading the voice of dissent. It all started with the death of a 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police.

Iran: Mahsa Amini protests rage on, government cornered in range of issues

A day after the Taliban banned women from working in NGOs, three foreign aid groups including 'Save the Children' have said that they are suspending their humanitarian programs in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Global backlash grows against Taliban, NGOs suspend their work in the country

Now Christmas Day Celebrations turned brutal in the Philippines as 46,000 people were evacuated from their residences due to extensive flooding triggered by heavy rainfall over the weekend. Officials reported that at least 11 people were killed and 19 others were reported missing dampening celebrations on the nation's most important holiday.

WION Climate Tracker | Christmas Tragedy: Heavy floods take over Phillipines

18 years ago on boxing day, the world witnessed one of the deadliest Tsunamis of all time. On the unfortunate morning of December the 26th in 2004, a massive earthquake of magnitude 9.1 triggered an undersea Tsunami in the Indian Ocean claiming the lives of millions of people and leaving thousands displaced.

WION Climate Tracker: December 26, 2004 World witnessed deadliest Tsunami

The Arctic is getting wetter for a long time now. Scientists could not identify any trends in the amount of snow rain and freezing rain across the region but that has changed now. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, many regions are likely to transform from snowfall to rainfall.

WION Climate Tracker | NOAA: Arctic to transform from snowfall to rainfall

Israel's President Isaac Herzog has spoken with prime minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed concerns about the anti-lgbtq comments made by some members of his incoming coalition.

WION Dispatch: Israel Prez Herzog against anti-LGBTQ remarks

It's not just North America and Japan where there is a massive cold wave that has thrown life out of gear, there is in fact no relief from the cold even for people in North India.

WION Dispatch | India: Northern parts of the country to experience cold wave

Let's take a look at the stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION: Ukrainians break tradition to sever Russian ties, celebrate Xmas on December 25

Shots were fired in Kosovo near a NATO patrol, said the organisation on Sunday. No injuries have been reported.

As per a Reuters report, no injuries were reported, and the NATO patrol car too escaped unharmed. NATO's KFOR mission did not disclose the location from which the shots were fired. Reportedly the incident happened early Sunday evening after Kosovar forces attempted to dismantle a barricade.

Watch |&nbsp;Serbia demands return of its security forces; tensions flare between Serbs and Kosovo

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The incident happened in Zubin Potok, in the northern part of Kosovo where local Serbs have set up roadblocks to bar Pristina police from patrolling the area that in recent months has witnessed ethnic tensions. Around 3,760 NATO troops are stationed in the area to maintain peace.

Local Serbs in the area of around 50,000 people have reportedly set up barricades after the police on December 10 arrested a former Serb police officer for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a previous protest. The barricades as per AFP have paralysed traffic through the two border crossings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-and-serbia-agree-to-end-car-number-plate-policy-537057">Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates</a>

Backed by Serbia, the local Serb population does not recognise the state of Kosovo. In lieu of taking down the barricades, they are demanding the release of the police officer and a few other things.

However, the Kosovo government has asked KFOR to take down those barricades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-pm-kurti-submits-a-formal-application-to-join-european-union-543424">Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union</a>

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. However, years later Belgrade refuses to accept this and constantly encourages the remaining 12,000 Serbs to defy Pristina's authority.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Shots were fired in Kosovo near a NATO patrol, said the organisation on Sunday. No injuries have been reported. As per a Reuters report, no injuries were reported, and the NATO patrol car too escaped unharmed.

Shots were fired in Kosovo near a NATO patrol, said the organisation on Sunday. No injuries have been reported. As per a Reuters report, no injuries were reported, and the NATO patrol car too escaped unharmed. NATO's KFOR mission did not disclose the location from which the shots were fired. Reportedly the incident happened early Sunday evening after Kosovar forces attempted to dismantle a barricade. Watch | Serbia demands return of its security forces; tensions flare between Serbs and Kosovo The incident happened in Zubin Potok, in the northern part of Kosovo where local Serbs have set up roadblocks to bar Pristina police from patrolling the area that in recent months has witnessed ethnic tensions. Around 3,760 NATO troops are stationed in the area to maintain peace. Local Serbs in the area of around 50,000 people have reportedly set up barricades after the police on December 10 arrested a former Serb police officer for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a previous protest. The barricades as per AFP have paralysed traffic through the two border crossings. Also read | Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates Backed by Serbia, the local Serb population does not recognise the state of Kosovo. In lieu of taking down the barricades, they are demanding the release of the police officer and a few other things. However, the Kosovo government has asked KFOR to take down those barricades. Also read | Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. However, years later Belgrade refuses to accept this and constantly encourages the remaining 12,000 Serbs to defy Pristina's authority. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid fresh tensions, shots fired near NATO patrol in Kosovo

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Sunday expressed his confidence in the Russian forces, saying they will definitely destroy the United States' Patriot missiles, which the latter has promised to send to war-ravaged Ukraine. In other news, 17 people were reported dead due to the arctic blizzard sweeping the United States and leaving its citizens freezing&nbsp;during the Christmas weekend.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-will-destroy-us-patriot-missiles-says-putin-546482">Russian forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin</a>

<img alt="Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ffd3341-230c-49db-9762-f3d727c22ad5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2879%29_0.png" /> 
&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday (December 25) that Russian forces will destroy United States' patriot missiles which the US has promised to send to Ukraine. Putin said he was "100 per cent" confident. "Of course we will destroy it, 100 per cent!" Putin said referring to the missile system.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/17-killed-as-deadly-arctic-blast-sweeps-us-leaving-christmas-celebrations-in-deep-freeze-546477">17 killed as deadly arctic blast sweeps US leaving Christmas celebrations in deep freeze</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/17-killed-as-deadly-arctic-blast-sweeps-us-leaving-christmas-celebrations-in-deep-freeze-546477"><img alt="US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16835ae8-bbd2-4908-bf64-862959673b73" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2874%29.png" /></a>

The United States faced a fierce winter storm as parts of the country reported blizzard conditions on Saturday evening after millions of people were left in the dark without power due to the powerful Arctic blast earlier in the day making travel for home goers in Christmas a nightmare. The country has confirmed around 17 deaths related to the winter storm across eight states, as the nation continues to remain in deep freeze for the third day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prachanda-seeks-olis-support-to-become-nepals-next-pm-as-ruling-alliance-breaks-546490">Prachanda appointed as Nepal's PM with Oli-led CPN-UML's support</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prachanda-seeks-olis-support-to-become-nepals-next-pm-as-ruling-alliance-breaks-546490"><img alt="Pra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea4f84bc-9896-4229-9a24-7e952cec8d60" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2877%29.png" /></a>

Ending the dramatic political chaos in Nepal, CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" was on Sunday appointed as the prime minister for the third time after receiving support from opposition CPN-UML and other smaller parties.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-defiant-volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-will-create-its-own-christmas-magic-546390">Defiant Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will not bow down, but create its own ‘Christmas miracle’</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-defiant-volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-will-create-its-own-christmas-magic-546390"><img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afb3ef97-787d-4026-823f-18fe336d9331" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2882%29_1.png" /></a> 
&nbsp;

Ten months into the ongoing armed conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message on Saturday, the war-torn nation's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainians will show the Russian aggressors that they remain unbowed despite the relentless attacks that have plunged millions into darkness, and that they will create their own Christmas magic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-health-body-says-will-no-longer-publish-daily-covid-numbers-546408">China’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-health-body-says-will-no-longer-publish-daily-covid-numbers-546408"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9d96b97-1b8a-4051-8fd6-ac09a4a85d45" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2883%29_1.png" /></a> 
&nbsp;

China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country. The health agency, which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years, has said that starting Sunday, it won't release such data. However, the agency did not disclose the reasons behind this decision.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-ngos-suspend-operations-in-afghanistan-after-taliban-ban-female-employees-546512">Three NGOs suspend operations in Afghanistan after Taliban ban female employees</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-ngos-suspend-operations-in-afghanistan-after-taliban-ban-female-employees-546512"><img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7627f58d-ac4f-4dbd-a9dc-2faf9f0af422" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2884%29_0.png" /></a>

Three non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which includes Save the Children, on Sunday said that they will stop working in Afghanistan after the NGOs were ordered by the Taliban to stop female employees from working.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-maldives-president-yameen-found-guilty-of-corruption-546497">Former Maldives president Yameen found guilty of corruption</a>

 
<img alt="Maldives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f56e0c4-2dbf-4928-9b79-d8c2b7395e14" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2885%29_0.png" />

The criminal court in the Maldives on Sunday (December 25) found former president Abdulla Yameen guilty of corruption and money laundering. The charges were related to receiving kickbacks from a private company. The court said that the sentence will be announced soon. Yameen has denied the charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twiiter-files-90-reveals-a-web-of-social-media-surveillance-and-censorship-involving-fbi-and-other-agencies-546419">Twitter Files 9.0 reveals a web of ‘social media surveillance, censorship’ by not just FBI, other agencies too</a>

<img alt="Twitter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ef8db93-efcc-433c-853a-64fb802a34f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2886%29_0.png" />

The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies. Releasing the newest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-christmas-message-pope-francis-appeals-to-end-russia-ukraines-senseless-war-546496">In Christmas message, Pope Francis appeals to end ‘senseless’ Russia-Ukraine war</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-christmas-message-pope-francis-appeals-to-end-russia-ukraines-senseless-war-546496"><img alt="Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="535a1e32-716c-41d3-88af-70665efcc954" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2876%29.png" /></a>

Delivering his Christmas message on Sunday from St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Pope Francis called for ending the "senseless" war between Russia and Ukraine. The 86-year-old pope further warned that the ongoing war has aggravated food shortage in the world, and appealed to the leaders not to use "food as a weapon” for war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-wages-next-year-will-be-at-their-lowest-level-since-2006-546444">UK average ‘real’ wages in 2023 likely to fall to their lowest level in more than a decade: PwC</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-wages-next-year-will-be-at-their-lowest-level-since-2006-546444"><img alt="UK" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c66f555f-cf12-4542-b4b3-b8ed995afc7a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2888%29.png" /></a>

Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and the cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago.&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Sunday expressed his confidence in the Russian forces, saying they will definitely destroy the United States' Patriot missiles, which the latter has promised to send to war-ravaged Ukraine.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Sunday expressed his confidence in the Russian forces, saying they will definitely destroy the United States' Patriot missiles, which the latter has promised to send to war-ravaged Ukraine. In other news, 17 people were reported dead due to the arctic blizzard sweeping the United States and leaving its citizens freezing during the Christmas weekend. Click on the headlines to read more: Russian forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin Russia's President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday (December 25) that Russian forces will destroy United States' patriot missiles which the US has promised to send to Ukraine. Putin said he was "100 per cent" confident. "Of course we will destroy it, 100 per cent!" Putin said referring to the missile system. 17 killed as deadly arctic blast sweeps US leaving Christmas celebrations in deep freeze The United States faced a fierce winter storm as parts of the country reported blizzard conditions on Saturday evening after millions of people were left in the dark without power due to the powerful Arctic blast earlier in the day making travel for home goers in Christmas a nightmare. The country has confirmed around 17 deaths related to the winter storm across eight states, as the nation continues to remain in deep freeze for the third day. Prachanda appointed as Nepal's PM with Oli-led CPN-UML's support Ending the dramatic political chaos in Nepal, CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" was on Sunday appointed as the prime minister for the third time after receiving support from opposition CPN-UML and other smaller parties. Defiant Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will not bow down, but create its own ‘Christmas miracle’ Ten months into the ongoing armed conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message on Saturday, the war-torn nation's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainians will show the Russian aggressors that they remain unbowed despite the relentless attacks that have plunged millions into darkness, and that they will create their own Christmas magic. China’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country. The health agency, which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years, has said that starting Sunday, it won't release such data. However, the agency did not disclose the reasons behind this decision. Three NGOs suspend operations in Afghanistan after Taliban ban female employees Three non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which includes Save the Children, on Sunday said that they will stop working in Afghanistan after the NGOs were ordered by the Taliban to stop female employees from working. Former Maldives president Yameen found guilty of corruption The criminal court in the Maldives on Sunday (December 25) found former president Abdulla Yameen guilty of corruption and money laundering. The charges were related to receiving kickbacks from a private company. The court said that the sentence will be announced soon. Yameen has denied the charges. Twitter Files 9.0 reveals a web of ‘social media surveillance, censorship’ by not just FBI, other agencies too The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies. Releasing the newest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA." In Christmas message, Pope Francis appeals to end ‘senseless’ Russia-Ukraine war Delivering his Christmas message on Sunday from St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Pope Francis called for ending the "senseless" war between Russia and Ukraine. The 86-year-old pope further warned that the ongoing war has aggravated food shortage in the world, and appealed to the leaders not to use "food as a weapon” for war. UK average ‘real’ wages in 2023 likely to fall to their lowest level in more than a decade: PwC Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and the cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago.

Top 10 world news: Putin says will destroy US Patriot missiles, US battles arctic blast and more

When you say Middle East, you probably are thinking of nations like Saudi Arabia , U.A.E, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar. But these same countries are known as West Asian nations as well. So then why do we call them Middle East? Is it Middle East or West Asia?

Is it West Asia or Middle East?

India’s Defence Ministry will procure 120 Pralay ballistic missiles to be deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan. All about India's Pralay missile.

India deploys PRALAY missile at China border

China's rising number of COVID-19 cases has sparked the worry that the surge might unleash a new mutant variant of the deadly virus into the world.

As per Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University, China's large population has limited immunity, which "seems to be the setting in which we may see an explosion of a new variant."

Experts warn that every new Covid infection offers the virus a chance to mutate, and given the way it is circulating in China, variables like the recently discontinued zero-Covid rules, high population, high overall vaccination but low booster rates and the unavailability of the more effective foreign mRNA vaccines could contribute to a highly fertile breeding ground for a coronavirus mutation.

Watch |&nbsp;China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-no-covid-data-to-be-available-from-december-25th-546484/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"When we've seen big waves of infection, it's often followed by new variants being generated," said&nbsp;Ray comparing&nbsp;the coronavirus to a boxer that "learns to evade the skills that you have and adapt to get around those."

The current surge in China is believed to be driven by the BF.7 subvariant, with many other Omicron variants believed to be circulating among the population.&nbsp;

Dr Shan-Lu Liu, who studies viruses at Ohio State University as per an AP report said&nbsp;that BF.7 is very adept at evading immunity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-health-body-says-will-no-longer-publish-daily-covid-numbers-546408">China’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers</a>

Experts warn that partially vaccinated populations like the one in China "put pressure" on the virus to mutate and it is impossible to predict if the new mutation will cause more severe disease. Apparently, there is no inherent reason for the coronavirus to become milder over time.

"Much of the mildness we've experienced over the past six to 12 months in many parts of the world has been due to accumulated immunity either through vaccination or infection, not because the virus has changed" in severity, says Ray.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-authorities-face-criticism-over-distributing-traditional-medicine-not-ibuprofen-and-paracetamol-546493">Chinese authorities face criticism over distributing traditional medicine, not ibuprofen and paracetamol</a>

The World Health Organization&nbsp;has also expressed concern as cities run out of intensive care beds and a staff shortage is witnessed amid reports of severe disease in China.

"We don't know all of what's going on", currently little is known about the genetic viral sequencing coming out of China says Jeremy Luban, a virologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical School warning, "the pandemic is not over."

(With inputs from agencies)

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China's rising number of COVID-19 cases has sparked the worry that the surge might unleash a new mutant variant of the deadly virus into the world. As per Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University, China's large population has limited immunity, which "seems to be the setting in which we may see an explosion of a new variant.

China's rising number of COVID-19 cases has sparked the worry that the surge might unleash a new mutant variant of the deadly virus into the world. As per Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University, China's large population has limited immunity, which "seems to be the setting in which we may see an explosion of a new variant." Experts warn that every new Covid infection offers the virus a chance to mutate, and given the way it is circulating in China, variables like the recently discontinued zero-Covid rules, high population, high overall vaccination but low booster rates and the unavailability of the more effective foreign mRNA vaccines could contribute to a highly fertile breeding ground for a coronavirus mutation. Watch | China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th "When we've seen big waves of infection, it's often followed by new variants being generated," said Ray comparing the coronavirus to a boxer that "learns to evade the skills that you have and adapt to get around those." The current surge in China is believed to be driven by the BF.7 subvariant, with many other Omicron variants believed to be circulating among the population. Dr Shan-Lu Liu, who studies viruses at Ohio State University as per an AP report said that BF.7 is very adept at evading immunity. Also read | China’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers Experts warn that partially vaccinated populations like the one in China "put pressure" on the virus to mutate and it is impossible to predict if the new mutation will cause more severe disease. Apparently, there is no inherent reason for the coronavirus to become milder over time. "Much of the mildness we've experienced over the past six to 12 months in many parts of the world has been due to accumulated immunity either through vaccination or infection, not because the virus has changed" in severity, says Ray. Also read | Chinese authorities face criticism over distributing traditional medicine, not ibuprofen and paracetamol The World Health Organization has also expressed concern as cities run out of intensive care beds and a staff shortage is witnessed amid reports of severe disease in China. "We don't know all of what's going on", currently little is known about the genetic viral sequencing coming out of China says Jeremy Luban, a virologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical School warning, "the pandemic is not over." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts

As Iran's anti-hijab protests cross the 100 days mark, let's take a look at some of the key moments

Despite rising pressures across the globe, China will now stop publishing daily Covid-19 figures. The National Health Commission says that the decision will come into effect immediately which is from December 25. The NHC has been releasing daily Covid data on this website for the last three years.

China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th

Iran suppresses the ongoing nationwide protests with a heavy hand. Hundreds of protesters continue to languish in jails. Some of the protesters had been charged with offenses which could carry death sentences often handed down in a single sitting by the judiciary.

Iran Crackdown: 90 protesters detained, face risk to life; hundreds languish in jails

Two days after the Taliban banned female students from university, dozens of women are now raising their voices against the administration and are demanding their right to education. A group of women marched near Kabul University chanting 'either everyone or no one' and 'one for all'.

Afghanistan: Taliban threatens to suspend NGO licences, bans women from working

It's Christmas amid the strike season in the UK. Britons are facing Christmas misery as their travel plans are halted by the ongoing rail and border force strikes.

UK: Passport control staff strike at six airports for better pay

Pictures of K-pop Star Jin in military fatigues are making a splash online. Jin recently became the first BTS member to enroll for mandatory military service in South Korea.

South Korea: BTS member Jin’s first military picture goes viral

Drug abuse continues to be a major Public Health Challenge throughout the world and it's an even bigger problem if it involves adolescent children. Sri Lanka has been witnessing an alarming rise in drug abuse. Authorities are worried about the discovery of highly increased consumption of ice also known as crystal methamphetamine at some schools.

Sri Lanka: Alarming increase in drug abuse among students

Pakistan needs to answer many questions. The country's economy is in the doldrums and its impact has left no one untouched. Its resources are bleeding with no funds coming Islamabad's way.

IMF to Pakistan: Time to take ‘required actions’; rupee devalued at Rs 220 against a dollar

The Kashmir Valley in India has a small Christian population. However there is plenty of Christmas cheer in the air, not only churches and schools but all the tourist areas close to the popular Dal Lake have been decked up in colorful Christmas decorations and lights.

India: Papier-mache sales roar amid rising local demand, tourists make beeline to Kashmir

US: Women sent to a dark future without opportunity | Afghanistan

Following last month's election, which resulted in a hung parliament, former Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, often known as "Prachanda," who spearheaded a decade-long uprising against Nepal's monarchy, was named prime minister for a third time in an alliance with the main opposition.

Nepal: Dahal walks out of alliance with Deuba, joins hand with Oli

WION Fineprint | Afghanistan: Taliban directive on women draws international condemnation

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