UK's royal family marked its first Christmas since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles the Third and queen consort Camilla along with the family arrived at Sandringham.

UK: Royal family's first Christmas church service since Queen's death

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 from which he has walked off, breaking the coalition, in recent news.

Nepal: Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN-UML to form government

<p>The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies.&nbsp;Releasing the latest 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;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;The Twitter files: How Twitter handled Hunter Biden story?</strong></p>

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<p>Posting part of a screenshot of an email, Taibbi alleges that "Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">6.Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track. Is today the DOD, and tomorrow the FBI? Is it the weekly call, or the monthly meeting? It was dizzying. <a href="https://t.co/C8d8jntnC0">pic.twitter.com/C8d8jntnC0</a></p>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701408967090177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the long series of tweets, he further claims that one of Twitter's executives is ex-CIA.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-files-70-shows-fbi-pressured-to-discredit-hunter-biden-laptop-story-all-you-need-to-know-544882">Twitter files 7.0 show FBI pressured social media platforms to ‘discredit’ Hunter Biden laptop story</a></strong></p>

<p>"It was an open secret at Twitter that one of its executives was ex-CIA, which is why Chan referred to that executive’s 'former employer'". He also shared another screenshot as evidence in which, there is a clear mention of this.</p>

<p>"The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">12.The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question.” <a href="https://t.co/5kL8xNRZcO">pic.twitter.com/5kL8xNRZcO</a></p>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701420543381504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-acted-as-a-subsidiary-shared-master-canine-quality-relationship-with-fbi-543922">Twitter Files 6.0: Twitter acted as a 'subsidiary', shared “master-canine quality” relationship with FBI</a></strong></p>

<p>The US government was in contact "not just with Twitter but with virtually every major tech firm". This includes Facebook, Microsoft, Verison, Reddit, Pinterest and "many others".</p>

<p>As per the revelations, around the 2020 elections, the government had "overwhelmed" Twitter with lists of hundreds of "problem accounts" that were to be taken down for misleading information.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">23. Email after email came from the San Francisco office heading into the election, often adorned with an Excel attachment: <a href="https://t.co/2xCKHPcBRE">pic.twitter.com/2xCKHPcBRE</a></p>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701446325735429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Apparently, most of these accounts were domestic, Taibbi remarks that "It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material".&nbsp;<br />
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One of the most common forums was a regular meeting of the multi-agency Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF), attended by spates of executives, FBI personnel, and – nearly always – one or two attendees marked “OGA”, mentions Matt on his twitter handle.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">30. It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material: <a href="https://t.co/YlOQQeUbkw">pic.twitter.com/YlOQQeUbkw</a></p>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701461718863873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The previous instalments of the so-called Twitter files too have made similar surprising revelations including that tweets by former US President Donald Trump in the run-up to January 6 Capital riots did not violate the company's policies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


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 latest 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.

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 latest 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." Watch | The Twitter files: How Twitter handled Hunter Biden story? Posting part of a screenshot of an email, Taibbi alleges that "Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track." 6.Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track. Is today the DOD, and tomorrow the FBI? Is it the weekly call, or the monthly meeting? It was dizzying. pic.twitter.com/C8d8jntnC0 — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × In the long series of tweets, he further claims that one of Twitter's executives is ex-CIA. Also read | Twitter files 7.0 show FBI pressured social media platforms to ‘discredit’ Hunter Biden laptop story "It was an open secret at Twitter that one of its executives was ex-CIA, which is why Chan referred to that executive’s 'former employer'". He also shared another screenshot as evidence in which, there is a clear mention of this. "The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question”. 12.The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question.” pic.twitter.com/5kL8xNRZcO — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × Also read | Twitter Files 6.0: Twitter acted as a 'subsidiary', shared “master-canine quality” relationship with FBI The US government was in contact "not just with Twitter but with virtually every major tech firm". This includes Facebook, Microsoft, Verison, Reddit, Pinterest and "many others". As per the revelations, around the 2020 elections, the government had "overwhelmed" Twitter with lists of hundreds of "problem accounts" that were to be taken down for misleading information. 23. Email after email came from the San Francisco office heading into the election, often adorned with an Excel attachment: pic.twitter.com/2xCKHPcBRE — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × Apparently, most of these accounts were domestic, Taibbi remarks that "It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material". One of the most common forums was a regular meeting of the multi-agency Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF), attended by spates of executives, FBI personnel, and – nearly always – one or two attendees marked “OGA”, mentions Matt on his twitter handle. 30. It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material: pic.twitter.com/YlOQQeUbkw — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × The previous instalments of the so-called Twitter files too have made similar surprising revelations including that tweets by former US President Donald Trump in the run-up to January 6 Capital riots did not violate the company's policies. (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.

Twitter Files 9.0 reveals a web of ‘social media surveillance, censorship’ by not just FBI, other agencies too

Lionel Messi led Argentina to a third World Cup title last week in Qatar and ended the nation's 36-year wait for the biggest trophy in Football. Messi joined the pantheon of greats by finally achieving his childhood dream of winning the FIFA World Cup. Is he now the greatest to have played the game? Priyanka Sharma weighs in on the debate on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus | Argentina's New Messiah: The World is swept away by Messi-Mania

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<p>As many as 18 people were trapped in an underground gold mine in China's Xinjiang region on Sunday after a cave-in was reported by local news agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>40 people were working in the mine, situated 100 kilometres from the border with Kazakhstan when the accident occured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Xinhua news agency, the rescue operation is currently underway to retrieve the remaining stranded miners after 22 were brought to the surface safely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time that miners have been trapped or killed in China's mines. In July, earlier this year, 10 died while several were injured after a coal mine collapsed in northwestern China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The coal mine belonged to the Shanxi Coking Coal Minbao group and the people present at the scene of the disaster said that the damage was caused "when a mountainside collapse occurred".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ten-dead-and-seven-injured-after-collapse-at-china-mining-site-state-media-says-500099" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Ten dead and seven injured after collapse at China mining site, state media says</strong></a></p>

<p>Similarly, in April, last year, 21 miners were trapped in a coal mine in Xinjiang due to an underground flood. The staff at the mine was carrying out upgrading work when the disaster struck and quickly submerged the mine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, mines in China, whether gold or coal, are considered among the world's most dangerous, with explosions and gas leaks a regular occurrence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-mine-rescue-race-against-time-to-rescue-21-miners-376851"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China Mine Rescue: Race against time to rescue 21 Miners</strong></a></p>

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<p>The safety measures are often extremely lax when operating the mines while authorities are bribed to grant the necessary permits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the regular occurrences and media coverage, the situation has not improved starkly on the ground. China is the world's largest mining industry, meaning it has to keep up with the rising demand for raw materials from across the globe.</p>

<p>The country accounts for 40 per cent of the coal output of the world but simultaneously registers 80 per cent of mining deaths each year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


As many as 18 people were trapped in an underground gold mine in China's Xinjiang region on Sunday after a cave-in was reported by local news agencies. 40 people were working in the mine, situated 100 kilometres from the border with Kazakhstan when the accident occured.

As many as 18 people were trapped in an underground gold mine in China's Xinjiang region on Sunday after a cave-in was reported by local news agencies. 40 people were working in the mine, situated 100 kilometres from the border with Kazakhstan when the accident occured. According to Xinhua news agency, the rescue operation is currently underway to retrieve the remaining stranded miners after 22 were brought to the surface safely. This is not the first time that miners have been trapped or killed in China's mines. In July, earlier this year, 10 died while several were injured after a coal mine collapsed in northwestern China. The coal mine belonged to the Shanxi Coking Coal Minbao group and the people present at the scene of the disaster said that the damage was caused "when a mountainside collapse occurred". Read more: Ten dead and seven injured after collapse at China mining site, state media says Similarly, in April, last year, 21 miners were trapped in a coal mine in Xinjiang due to an underground flood. The staff at the mine was carrying out upgrading work when the disaster struck and quickly submerged the mine. Notably, mines in China, whether gold or coal, are considered among the world's most dangerous, with explosions and gas leaks a regular occurrence. WATCH | China Mine Rescue: Race against time to rescue 21 Miners × The safety measures are often extremely lax when operating the mines while authorities are bribed to grant the necessary permits. Despite the regular occurrences and media coverage, the situation has not improved starkly on the ground. China is the world's largest mining industry, meaning it has to keep up with the rising demand for raw materials from across the globe. The country accounts for 40 per cent of the coal output of the world but simultaneously registers 80 per cent of mining deaths each year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

18 miners trapped in a gold mine in Xinjiang, rescue operation underway

<p>Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday said that China is ready to work with India towards a steady and sound growth of relations between the two countries.&nbsp;Talking to reporters, Yi as per ANI said that the two nations "have maintained communication through diplomatic and military-to-military channels", adding that the two countries are "committed to upholding stability in border areas".</p>

<p>He said that China stands "ready to work with India in the direction toward steady and sound growth of China-India relations."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China's new infrastructure along LAC near Arunachal Pradesh raises alarming security concerns</strong></p>

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<p>The statement comes just a week after the December 9 Tawang faceoff between the forces of the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per PTI, the Chinese foreign minister in his address also talked about his country's continued opposition to "bloc confrontation". &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-my-permanent-residence-says-dalai-lama-reveals-no-point-to-return-to-china-544698">India is my 'permanent residence, no point to return to China', says Dalai Lama</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the QUAD alliance, which comprises India, Australia, Japan and the US, and the AUKUS alliance between the US, Australia, and the UK, the Chinese minister said, "We have continued to reject bloc confrontation and zero-sum competition, and maintained strategic stability in relations with other major countries."</p>

<p>China has for long been opposed to such blocs, which it claims are aimed at containing its rise.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-set-to-rock-indian-parliament-542512">Tawang skirmish: Chinese army alleges Indian troops 'illegally' crossed LAC</a></strong></p>

<p>He also talked about relations between China and Pakistan which he claimed were good and that the two countries have "continued to firmly support each other, uphold the invaluable all-weather strategic partnership, and consolidate the iron-clad friendship".</p>

<p>Addressing the growing ties between his country and Russia, he added, "Over the past year, China and Russia have firmly supported each other in upholding respective core interests, and our political and strategic mutual trust has been further consolidated."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday said that China is ready to work with India towards a steady and sound growth of relations between the two countries. Talking to reporters, Yi as per ANI said that the two nations "have maintained communication through diplomatic and military-to-military channels", adding that the two countries are "committed to upholding stability in border areas".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday said that China is ready to work with India towards a steady and sound growth of relations between the two countries. Talking to reporters, Yi as per ANI said that the two nations "have maintained communication through diplomatic and military-to-military channels", adding that the two countries are "committed to upholding stability in border areas". He said that China stands "ready to work with India in the direction toward steady and sound growth of China-India relations." Watch | China's new infrastructure along LAC near Arunachal Pradesh raises alarming security concerns The statement comes just a week after the December 9 Tawang faceoff between the forces of the two nations. As per PTI, the Chinese foreign minister in his address also talked about his country's continued opposition to "bloc confrontation". Also read | India is my 'permanent residence, no point to return to China', says Dalai Lama Talking about the QUAD alliance, which comprises India, Australia, Japan and the US, and the AUKUS alliance between the US, Australia, and the UK, the Chinese minister said, "We have continued to reject bloc confrontation and zero-sum competition, and maintained strategic stability in relations with other major countries." China has for long been opposed to such blocs, which it claims are aimed at containing its rise. Also read | Tawang skirmish: Chinese army alleges Indian troops 'illegally' crossed LAC He also talked about relations between China and Pakistan which he claimed were good and that the two countries have "continued to firmly support each other, uphold the invaluable all-weather strategic partnership, and consolidate the iron-clad friendship". Addressing the growing ties between his country and Russia, he added, "Over the past year, China and Russia have firmly supported each other in upholding respective core interests, and our political and strategic mutual trust has been further consolidated." (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 ‘ready to work with India’ for steady growth of relations: Foreign Minister Wang Yi

<p>Almost half a million people in the Chinese city of Qingdao are being infected by Covid-19 every day, said a senior health official.&nbsp;Bo Tao, the municipal health chief reportedly said that the Chinese coastal city with a population of around 10 million people was seeing "between 490,000 and 530,000" new Covid cases a day and that it was "in a period of rapid transmission ahead of an approaching peak". He also said that the infection rate would accelerate by another 10 per cent over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This rare acknowledgement of the nation's wave of infections was quickly censored.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency</strong><br />
<br />
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<p>As per AFP, Tao's statement was published by a ruling Communist party-backed news outlet and shared by many others, however, by Saturday morning, the reports seemed to have been edited to remove the case figures.</p>

<p><strong>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 will no longer publish daily Covid numbers</a></strong></p>

<p>In contrast, figures by China's National Health Commission show a much smaller figure of 4,103 daily cases reported for all of China.</p>

<p>Official figures for Shandong, the province where Qingdao is located, logged just 31 new domestic cases.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-covid-19-cases-spike-caccine-hesistancy-plagues-china-544348">Even as Covid cases spike, vaccine hesitancy plagues China; experts predict 3 waves of infections in winter</a></strong></p>

<p>Censorship isn't a new phenomenon in China. The Chinese government maintains strict control over the nation's media, with hordes of online censors on hand to remove anything deemed to be politically sensitive.</p>

<p>In recent days Chinese government-run publications have downplayed the severity of the nation's Covid outbreak, while foreign publications have raised alarm.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Almost half a million people in the Chinese city of Qingdao are being infected by Covid-19 every day, said a senior health official. Bo Tao, the municipal health chief reportedly said that the Chinese coastal city with a population of around 10 million people was seeing "between 490,000 and 530,000" new Covid cases a day and that it was "in a period of rapid transmission ahead of an approaching peak".

Almost half a million people in the Chinese city of Qingdao are being infected by Covid-19 every day, said a senior health official. Bo Tao, the municipal health chief reportedly said that the Chinese coastal city with a population of around 10 million people was seeing "between 490,000 and 530,000" new Covid cases a day and that it was "in a period of rapid transmission ahead of an approaching peak". He also said that the infection rate would accelerate by another 10 per cent over the weekend. This rare acknowledgement of the nation's wave of infections was quickly censored. Watch | China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency As per AFP, Tao's statement was published by a ruling Communist party-backed news outlet and shared by many others, however, by Saturday morning, the reports seemed to have been edited to remove the case figures. Also read | China's top health body says will no longer publish daily Covid numbers In contrast, figures by China's National Health Commission show a much smaller figure of 4,103 daily cases reported for all of China. Official figures for Shandong, the province where Qingdao is located, logged just 31 new domestic cases. Also read | Even as Covid cases spike, vaccine hesitancy plagues China; experts predict 3 waves of infections in winter Censorship isn't a new phenomenon in China. The Chinese government maintains strict control over the nation's media, with hordes of online censors on hand to remove anything deemed to be politically sensitive. In recent days Chinese government-run publications have downplayed the severity of the nation's Covid outbreak, while foreign publications have raised alarm. (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.

Chinese health official says half a million people in Qingdao infected with Covid daily; censored

<p>Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and 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;PwC estimates show that once inflation is taken into account, the average pay in 2023 will fall down to 2006 levels. As per a CNN report, PwC further predicts that real wages which factor in inflation are expected to fall by almost three per cent in 2022. It will see another two per cent fall in 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;TUC: 2022 the worst year for real wage growth in almost 50 years | UK</strong></p>

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<p>Recent weeks saw widespread protests and walkouts across many verticals of the UK economy like railways, schools, hospitals, nurses, and postal services. However, the report confirms that even as inflation hits double digits and the nation witnesses its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades the future of wages isn't that bright.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uks-economy-shrinks-more-than-previously-thought-in-third-quarter-data-545630"><strong>UK's economy shrinks more than previously thought in third quarter: Data</strong></a></p>

<p>Barret Kupelian, a senior economist at PwC said, "2022 has obviously been a highly challenging year for the UK economy, and it is not surprising that these chilly headwinds will continue throughout 2023."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-high-inflation-casts-shadow-on-fastest-rise-in-wages-in-20-years-534384">UK: High inflation casts shadow on fastest rise in wages in 20 years</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the report did offer some hope. It forecasts that in 2023, in spite of the low wages, more than 30,000 workers could join the UK workforce. This as per the PwC will help alleviate staff shortages and reduce economic instability. An increase in immigration too could potentially boost the economy by one per cent, contributing &nbsp;£19 billion ($23 billion)&nbsp;"even as the whole economy contracts," said PwC.<br />
<br />
Kupelian further added that inflation in UK is most likely to have peaked in October 2022 and will gradually begin to return to target over the next two years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and 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.

Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and 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. PwC estimates show that once inflation is taken into account, the average pay in 2023 will fall down to 2006 levels. As per a CNN report, PwC further predicts that real wages which factor in inflation are expected to fall by almost three per cent in 2022. It will see another two per cent fall in 2023. Watch | TUC: 2022 the worst year for real wage growth in almost 50 years | UK Recent weeks saw widespread protests and walkouts across many verticals of the UK economy like railways, schools, hospitals, nurses, and postal services. However, the report confirms that even as inflation hits double digits and the nation witnesses its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades the future of wages isn't that bright. Also read | UK's economy shrinks more than previously thought in third quarter: Data Barret Kupelian, a senior economist at PwC said, "2022 has obviously been a highly challenging year for the UK economy, and it is not surprising that these chilly headwinds will continue throughout 2023." Also read | UK: High inflation casts shadow on fastest rise in wages in 20 years However, the report did offer some hope. It forecasts that in 2023, in spite of the low wages, more than 30,000 workers could join the UK workforce. This as per the PwC will help alleviate staff shortages and reduce economic instability. An increase in immigration too could potentially boost the economy by one per cent, contributing £19 billion ($23 billion) "even as the whole economy contracts," said PwC. Kupelian further added that inflation in UK is most likely to have peaked in October 2022 and will gradually begin to return to target over the next two years. (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.

UK average ‘real’ wages in 2023 likely to fall to their lowest level in more than a decade: PwC

<p>China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country.&nbsp;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. It is also not known how frequently China will now update Covid information.<br />
<br />
"Relevant COVID information will be published by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for reference and research," said the NHC in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency</strong><br />
<br />
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<p>This comes as China faces a sudden surge in Covid numbers following the easing of its stringent zero-Covid restrictions, and dropping of mandatory testing requirements and travel restrictions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/covid-horror-six-pictures-show-reality-of-coronavirus-outbreak-haunting-china-546043">COVID Horror: Six pictures show reality of coronavirus outbreak haunting China</a></strong></p>

<p>Bloomberg reported on Friday that up to 37 million individuals may have contracted the deadly illness on a single day this past week, citing statistics from China's top health regulator.</p>

<p>As per a Reuters report, on Saturday, the country's national health authority reported 4,128 symptomatic cases. Additionally, for the fourth consecutive day, no new deaths were reported.</p>

<p>However, this is after authorities narrowed the criteria for Covid deaths, a decision that has invited criticism from many disease experts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-covid-19-cases-spike-caccine-hesistancy-plagues-china-544348">Even as Covid cases spike, vaccine hesitancy plagues China; experts predict 3 waves of infections in winter</a></strong></p>

<p>On Thursday, Zhang Wenhong, director of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases as per a report in state-backed news outlet The Paper said that China "is expected to reach the peak of infections within a week."</p>

<p>He cautioned that this will also "increase the rate of severe disease, which will have a certain impact on our entire medical resources."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wenhong added that the wave will last another one or two months after that and that "We must be mentally prepared that infection is inevitable."</p>

<p>Other experts too have warned that China will be hit with "waves" of infection. As per the estimates of one Chinese expert, this winter will see three consecutive waves of infections.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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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.

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. It is also not known how frequently China will now update Covid information. "Relevant COVID information will be published by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for reference and research," said the NHC in a statement. Watch | China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency This comes as China faces a sudden surge in Covid numbers following the easing of its stringent zero-Covid restrictions, and dropping of mandatory testing requirements and travel restrictions. Also read | COVID Horror: Six pictures show reality of coronavirus outbreak haunting China Bloomberg reported on Friday that up to 37 million individuals may have contracted the deadly illness on a single day this past week, citing statistics from China's top health regulator. As per a Reuters report, on Saturday, the country's national health authority reported 4,128 symptomatic cases. Additionally, for the fourth consecutive day, no new deaths were reported. However, this is after authorities narrowed the criteria for Covid deaths, a decision that has invited criticism from many disease experts. Also read | Even as Covid cases spike, vaccine hesitancy plagues China; experts predict 3 waves of infections in winter On Thursday, Zhang Wenhong, director of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases as per a report in state-backed news outlet The Paper said that China "is expected to reach the peak of infections within a week." He cautioned that this will also "increase the rate of severe disease, which will have a certain impact on our entire medical resources." Wenhong added that the wave will last another one or two months after that and that "We must be mentally prepared that infection is inevitable." Other experts too have warned that China will be hit with "waves" of infection. As per the estimates of one Chinese expert, this winter will see three consecutive waves of infections. (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’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers

<p>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&nbsp; Christmas&nbsp;magic.</p>

<p>On the day that marked 10 months of Moscow's launching of the war that has killed tens and thousands and displaced millions, Zelensky said, "We endured at the beginning of the war - we withstood attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. We will endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;World at War | United States sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks</strong></p>

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<p>He added that while freedom comes at a high price, slavery would cost more.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/up-your-game-putin-tells-russian-defence-industry-546291">Up your game, Putin tells Russian defence industry</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing Ukrainians amid war&nbsp;and&nbsp;looking forward to celebrating Christmas, he said, "Even in complete darkness, we will find each other to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heat, we will embrace each other for a long time to warm one another."</p>

<p>Recent months saw devastating Russian missile and drone attacks that targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and effectively left major cities and thousand living in them without heat and water.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-approve-ukraine-aid-of-45bn-including-arms-after-volodymyr-zelensky-visit-546158">US to approve Ukraine aid of $45bn including arms after Volodymyr Zelensky visit</a></strong></p>

<p>"We will smile and be happy, as always. There is one difference - we will not wait for a miracle, since we are creating it ourselves," said Zelensky.</p>

<p>Referring to the 2014 Russian occupation of Crimea, the Ukrainian President also noted that the country's troops have been fighting the war for "300 days and eight years".</p>

<p>"We have been fighting them for more than 300 days and eight years. Will we allow them to achieve what they want?" he asked.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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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.

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. On the day that marked 10 months of Moscow's launching of the war that has killed tens and thousands and displaced millions, Zelensky said, "We endured at the beginning of the war - we withstood attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. We will endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for." Watch | World at War | United States sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks He added that while freedom comes at a high price, slavery would cost more. Also read | Up your game, Putin tells Russian defence industry Addressing Ukrainians amid war and looking forward to celebrating Christmas, he said, "Even in complete darkness, we will find each other to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heat, we will embrace each other for a long time to warm one another." Recent months saw devastating Russian missile and drone attacks that targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and effectively left major cities and thousand living in them without heat and water. Also read | US to approve Ukraine aid of $45bn including arms after Volodymyr Zelensky visit "We will smile and be happy, as always. There is one difference - we will not wait for a miracle, since we are creating it ourselves," said Zelensky. Referring to the 2014 Russian occupation of Crimea, the Ukrainian President also noted that the country's troops have been fighting the war for "300 days and eight years". "We have been fighting them for more than 300 days and eight years. Will we allow them to achieve what they want?" he asked. (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.

Defiant Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will not bow down, but create its own ‘Christmas miracle’

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<p>A German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) agent has been arrested on the suspicion that he was spying for Russia. The arrest took place on Thursday and the suspect&nbsp;has been charged with treason, according to the national prosecutors.&nbsp;The officer named Carsten L. was arrested in Berlin under German privacy laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The accused is suspected of state treason. In 2022, he shared information that he came by in the course of his work with a Russian intelligence agency. The content is considered a state secret," read the statement shared by federal prosecutors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time that Germany has managed to unearth hidden spies. In April, earlier this year, the German government expelled 40 Russian' 'spies' who were surreptitiously providing crucial intel to Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investigators-claim-russian-illegal-spy-mixed-with-nato-officials-in-naples-510575" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Russian 'deep cover-spy' mixed freely with NATO officials in Naples, claim investigators</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the last time an intelligence officer was arrested for treason was in 2014. Markus R, an intelligence employee was sentenced to eight years in prison for revealing top-secret information to the USA's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, BND, in its work and scope is akin to CIA with the mission statement clearly mentioning the job of the agency is to compile “political, economic and military foreign intelligence.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-spies-hacked-former-uk-prime-minister-liz-truss-mobile-phone-529597"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian spies hacked former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss' mobile phone</strong></a></p>

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<p><strong>Why has the 'spy' activity increased?</strong></p>

<p>Germany and Russia have been at loggerheads ever since the latter invaded Ukraine. While Berlin has sided with Kyiv, Moscow has used its position of being the supplier of natural gas and oil to the European country as leverage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the major part of the year, Germany and Russia squabbled over the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The pipeline runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea and is considered the lifeline of European countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was in July that Russia closed Nord Stream 1 for the first time citing maintenance. It added that the 12-metre turbine used to operate the pipeline was stuck in Canada for repairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gazproms-halt-of-nord-stream-1-pipeline-plunges-europe-into-a-gas-crisis-509359"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis</strong></a></p>

<p>Afterwards, the multiple blasts surrounding both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines caused a significant slowdown in supplies, taking the bilateral relations between the two powerhouses to an all-time low.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) agent has been arrested on the suspicion that he was spying for Russia. The arrest took place on Thursday and the suspect has been charged with treason, according to the national prosecutors.

A German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) agent has been arrested on the suspicion that he was spying for Russia. The arrest took place on Thursday and the suspect has been charged with treason, according to the national prosecutors. The officer named Carsten L. was arrested in Berlin under German privacy laws. “The accused is suspected of state treason. In 2022, he shared information that he came by in the course of his work with a Russian intelligence agency. The content is considered a state secret," read the statement shared by federal prosecutors. This is not the first time that Germany has managed to unearth hidden spies. In April, earlier this year, the German government expelled 40 Russian' 'spies' who were surreptitiously providing crucial intel to Moscow. Read more: Russian 'deep cover-spy' mixed freely with NATO officials in Naples, claim investigators However, the last time an intelligence officer was arrested for treason was in 2014. Markus R, an intelligence employee was sentenced to eight years in prison for revealing top-secret information to the USA's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Notably, BND, in its work and scope is akin to CIA with the mission statement clearly mentioning the job of the agency is to compile “political, economic and military foreign intelligence.” WATCH | Russian spies hacked former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss' mobile phone × Why has the 'spy' activity increased? Germany and Russia have been at loggerheads ever since the latter invaded Ukraine. While Berlin has sided with Kyiv, Moscow has used its position of being the supplier of natural gas and oil to the European country as leverage. For the major part of the year, Germany and Russia squabbled over the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The pipeline runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea and is considered the lifeline of European countries. It was in July that Russia closed Nord Stream 1 for the first time citing maintenance. It added that the 12-metre turbine used to operate the pipeline was stuck in Canada for repairs. Read more: Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis Afterwards, the multiple blasts surrounding both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines caused a significant slowdown in supplies, taking the bilateral relations between the two powerhouses to an all-time low. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany arrests one of its intelligence officers for being a Russian spy

This week in World at War with Mohammed Saleh: Pakistan fights a two-frontal civil war against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan & the Baloch Liberation Army 3 Kurds killed in a racist terror attack in Paris & a 73-year-old man kills 5 people in a shooting rampage in Canada Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the World's biggest warzones of the week in World At War.

World at War | United States sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks

'Its wonderful to be back': Bethlehem celebrates Christmas after two years of Covid hiatus, people express joy

On Wednesday, the Nepalese Supreme Court issued an order for Sobhraj's release, citing his senior age and poor health. Sobhraj, a 78-year-old French national born to an Indian father and a Vietnamese mother, arrived on a commercial flight shortly after 7 a.m. at Paris's main international airport.

WION Fineprint: Serial killer Charles Sobhraj arrives in Paris on commercial flight from Nepal

The ongoing strikes in the United Kingdom in the middle of the holiday season do not appear to be ending anytime soon as the National Health Services have now announced a fresh round of strikes in the month of January.

UK: PM Rishi Sunak says government open to talks but unions disagree

Now with a snowstorm taking over the United States, many are warned to avoid traveling and have been advised to stay indoors but a reporter did not expect this of all times to be reporting about the weather.

US: IOWA sports reporter goes viral after being made weather reporter

Authorities said that a Russian attack on the recently reclaimed Ukrainian city of Kherson resulted in at least 10 deaths, 58 injuries, and the discovery of bloodied corpses on the road. Kyiv denounced the attack as wanton murder for pleasure.

War in Ukraine: Russian strike on Ukraine's recently recaptured city of Kherson

IOWA sports reporter goes viral after being made weather reporter

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<p>A US federal appeals court on Friday, protecting the rights of Sikhs ruled that US Marine Corps must allow the Sikh recruits to maintain religious beards and wear turbans while serving the country, citing the current rule as a&nbsp;violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court's three-judge bench observed that the Marine Corps could never really explain why it can't provide similar religious accommodations that other military branches such as the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard already provide.</p>

<p>"If the need to develop unit cohesion during recruit training can accommodate some external indicia of individuality, then whatever line is drawn cannot turn on whether those indicia are prevalent in society or instead reflect the faith practice of a minority," read the decision written by the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the US Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard accommodate the religious requirements of the Sikh recruits.</p>

<p>The court was hearing the case pertaining to three Sikh men named&nbsp;Aekash Singh, Jaskirat Singh&nbsp;and Milaap Singh Chahal who passed tests to enlist in the US Marine&nbsp;last year.</p>

<p>However, since then, the three have been forced to fight the lawsuits as the Marines argue that recruits need to be stripped of their 'individuality'. The Marines also argue that the rules are necessary to maintain uniformity for national interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikh-american-airman-allowed-by-us-air-force-to-keep-turban-beard-on-active-duty-225290" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Sikh-American airman allowed by US Air Force to keep turban, beard on active duty</strong></a></p>

<p>The court, in response, said US Marines is part of Navy and that officers train at the Naval Academy. The Academy accommodates beards and wearing of the religious articles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that even the US Marines allowed men with specific skin conditions to not shave and that women recruits maintained hairstyles.</p>

<p>After the ruling, Eric Baxter, representing the plaintiffs took to Twitter and said,&nbsp;"Today’s ruling is a major victory for these Sikh recruits, who can now begin basic training without having to forfeit their religious beliefs."</p>

<p>“It is also a victory for our nation, as three brave and dedicated men will soon serve our nation with valor in the Marine Corps.”&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A federal court has just ruled that Sikhs can maintain their religious beards while serving their country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Now, three Sikh recruits, who had previously been denied religious accommodations, can enter basic training. <a href="https://t.co/BzmkpcsAOm">https://t.co/BzmkpcsAOm</a></p>
— Eric Baxter (@esbax) <a href="https://twitter.com/esbax/status/1606349223263232000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Those following Sikhism, especially the men are forbidden from cutting their locks or trimming their beards, all the while wearing a turban.&nbsp;They are also instructed to carry a kanga (wooden comb), kirpan (small sword), kara (steel bracelet), and a white cotton undergarment (kachera).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sikhs throughout the world have served in militaries in different capacities. Their valour and courage are well-documented and they have performed admirably as their peers, even whilst carrying their religious articles.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A US federal appeals court on Friday, protecting the rights of Sikhs ruled that US Marine Corps must allow the Sikh recruits to maintain religious beards and wear turbans while serving the country, citing the current rule as a violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

A US federal appeals court on Friday, protecting the rights of Sikhs ruled that US Marine Corps must allow the Sikh recruits to maintain religious beards and wear turbans while serving the country, citing the current rule as a violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The court's three-judge bench observed that the Marine Corps could never really explain why it can't provide similar religious accommodations that other military branches such as the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard already provide. "If the need to develop unit cohesion during recruit training can accommodate some external indicia of individuality, then whatever line is drawn cannot turn on whether those indicia are prevalent in society or instead reflect the faith practice of a minority," read the decision written by the court. Notably, the US Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard accommodate the religious requirements of the Sikh recruits. The court was hearing the case pertaining to three Sikh men named Aekash Singh, Jaskirat Singh and Milaap Singh Chahal who passed tests to enlist in the US Marine last year. However, since then, the three have been forced to fight the lawsuits as the Marines argue that recruits need to be stripped of their 'individuality'. The Marines also argue that the rules are necessary to maintain uniformity for national interest. Read more: Sikh-American airman allowed by US Air Force to keep turban, beard on active duty The court, in response, said US Marines is part of Navy and that officers train at the Naval Academy. The Academy accommodates beards and wearing of the religious articles. It added that even the US Marines allowed men with specific skin conditions to not shave and that women recruits maintained hairstyles. After the ruling, Eric Baxter, representing the plaintiffs took to Twitter and said, "Today’s ruling is a major victory for these Sikh recruits, who can now begin basic training without having to forfeit their religious beliefs." “It is also a victory for our nation, as three brave and dedicated men will soon serve our nation with valor in the Marine Corps.” A federal court has just ruled that Sikhs can maintain their religious beards while serving their country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Now, three Sikh recruits, who had previously been denied religious accommodations, can enter basic training. https://t.co/BzmkpcsAOm — Eric Baxter (@esbax) December 23, 2022 × Those following Sikhism, especially the men are forbidden from cutting their locks or trimming their beards, all the while wearing a turban. They are also instructed to carry a kanga (wooden comb), kirpan (small sword), kara (steel bracelet), and a white cotton undergarment (kachera). Sikhs throughout the world have served in militaries in different capacities. Their valour and courage are well-documented and they have performed admirably as their peers, even whilst carrying their religious articles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US court directs Marines to allow Sikh recruits with beards and turbans

The Wuhan Virus has returned to China. Millions are reportedly getting infected everyday. Thousands could die in the days ahead. Can this wave be contained to the mainland? Or will it spill over to the rest of the world? Priyanka Sharma explains on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus | Explained: China's deadliest Wuhan Virus wave

India's Federal Investigating Agency has arrested former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar as a part of its investigation into a loan fraud case. Chanda kochar is accused of misusing her position in the ICICI Bank in granting loans to Videocon group when she was heading the private sector.

India: Chanda Kochhar, husband arrested by CBI; accused of criminal conspiracy and cheating

Gaza, the coastal home to rich history has discovered over 60 tombs that date back to the second century. A team of French archaeologists have also confirmed the site's high historical value.

Gaza: Over 60 second century tombs discovered, workers sift through soil to excavate

In South Africa, eight people have been killed and multiple are feared injured after a gas tanker caught fire in Boksburg city. Emergency Services say that six firefighters have also been injured in the explosion and are being treated at a nearby hospital.

South Africa Tanker Explosion: 8 dead, several killed in explosion; rescue operations underway

At least about 22 people were killed after a fire erupted in Siberia's old age home. According to Russian Emergency Services, the fire broke out at the time of dawn in the two-storied building.

Siberia: Fire rips through an old people's home; kills 22, injures 6 while 2 suffer burns

Former American President Donald Trump has lashed back at the final report by the 6th January Committee. It has said that it simply hasn't produced even a single shred of evidence. This after the Congress blamed Donald Trump for inciting the violence that was witnessed at the Capitol Hill.

US: Donald Trump lashes back at January 6 report, calls lawmakers 'sick people'

<p>Political parties, including the ruling&nbsp;Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned&nbsp; the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital&nbsp;Malé. The reaction came after a member of the opposition&nbsp;Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)&nbsp;Abbas Adil Riza&nbsp;called for an arson attack on the mission in a tweet. In&nbsp;Dhivehi, he tweeted, "The 8th February arson attacks in Addu were carried out on India's order. We haven't retaliated to that yet. I propose we start from the Indian High Commission."</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="dv">ފެބުރުއަރީ 8 ގައި އިންޑިޔާގެ އޯޑަރަށް އައްޑޫގައި ހުޅުޖެހީ. އެކަމުގެ ބަދަލު އަދި އޮތީ ނުހިފި. އެމްބަސީން ފަށަން އަޅުގަނޑަށް ފެންނަނީ. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaOut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaOut</a> <a href="https://t.co/0RFjLTxNJT">pic.twitter.com/0RFjLTxNJT</a></p>
— Abbas Adil Riza (@AbbasRiza) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza/status/1606152792019636224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Abbas was the Commissioner General of Customs during former President Yameen’s administration. Yameen's government was seen as close to China and under him, ties with India deteriorated drastically. So far, three&nbsp;political parties of the Indian Ocean country have reacted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling MDP, which has over 60 seats in the Parliament or People's Majlis condemned the call for arson attack and called for "authorities to investigate the matter" and criticised the "opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence &amp; hatred towards friendly nations".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The MDP condemns in the strongest terms the call for an arson attack on the Indian High Commission, and calls on the authorities to investigate the matter. The MDP also condemns the opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence &amp; hatred towards friendly nations.</p>
— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDPSecretariat/status/1606320205692432384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Maldives Third-Way Democrats, which was the first political party to condemn the call for the attack, highlighted that "India is our closest neighbour &amp; they are always there for the Maldives in every time we needed."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MTD condemns the call for arson attack &amp; inciting terror against the Indian High Commission in Maldives <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a> by PPM member and former government official <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbbasRiza</a> !<br />
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India 🇮🇳 is our closest neighbor &amp; they are always there for Maldives 🇲🇻 in every time we needed. <a href="https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH">https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH</a></p>
— Maldives Third-Way Democrats (@MTDSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTDSecretariat/status/1606298048207810561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Maldives Reform Movement asked, "authorities to investigate and take strong action against" the remarks, terming it as "hate speech".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MRM strongly condemns this cowardly incitement of arson and terrorism, targeted at <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a>. We call on authorities to investigate and take strong action against this, and such other acts of hate speech instigating violence.<a href="https://twitter.com/AmbMunu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmbMunu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PoliceMv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PoliceMv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MNDF_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MNDF_Official</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg">https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg</a></p>
— Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) 🇲🇻 (@MRM_Office) <a href="https://twitter.com/MRM_Office/status/1606309626307571712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Overnight, more political parties in the country reacted.&nbsp;Jumhooree Party which is part of the ruling coalition in the country "denounced" the comments made by Abbas Riza and "ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The JP strongly condemns the threat to set the <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a> on fire and requests that the authorities look into the matter. Additionally, the JP denounces <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbbasRiza</a>’s ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations.</p>
— JP Secretariat (@JPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPSecretariat/status/1606351887627784192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Maldives National Party also called on "authorities to do a thorough investigation into this" and commented that it&nbsp;should&nbsp;not "damage the excellent relations between&nbsp;India and Maldives."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We, MNP, strongly condemn the incitement of an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. We call on the authorities to do a thorough investigation into this, and the incitement of terror and violence will in no way damage the excellent relations between 🇮🇳 🇲🇻</p>
— Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNP_Secretariat/status/1606352624353255425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>No official comments have come so far&nbsp;from opposition Progressive Party of Maldives, the party of Abbas Adil Riza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development comes even as the opposition in the country has been spearheading an anti-India campaign "India Out". Earlier this year saw major disruption at the Yoga Day celebration organised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, along with the country's Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and UN Maldives.&nbsp;The Maldives police had said that flags which were used to disrupt the event were provided by the opposition PPM.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Political parties, including the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital Malé.

Political parties, including the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital Malé. The reaction came after a member of the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Abbas Adil Riza called for an arson attack on the mission in a tweet. In Dhivehi, he tweeted, "The 8th February arson attacks in Addu were carried out on India's order. We haven't retaliated to that yet. I propose we start from the Indian High Commission." ފެބުރުއަރީ 8 ގައި އިންޑިޔާގެ އޯޑަރަށް އައްޑޫގައި ހުޅުޖެހީ. އެކަމުގެ ބަދަލު އަދި އޮތީ ނުހިފި. އެމްބަސީން ފަށަން އަޅުގަނޑަށް ފެންނަނީ. #IndiaOut pic.twitter.com/0RFjLTxNJT — Abbas Adil Riza (@AbbasRiza) December 23, 2022 × Abbas was the Commissioner General of Customs during former President Yameen’s administration. Yameen's government was seen as close to China and under him, ties with India deteriorated drastically. So far, three political parties of the Indian Ocean country have reacted. The ruling MDP, which has over 60 seats in the Parliament or People's Majlis condemned the call for arson attack and called for "authorities to investigate the matter" and criticised the "opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence & hatred towards friendly nations". The MDP condemns in the strongest terms the call for an arson attack on the Indian High Commission, and calls on the authorities to investigate the matter. The MDP also condemns the opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence & hatred towards friendly nations. — MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × The Maldives Third-Way Democrats, which was the first political party to condemn the call for the attack, highlighted that "India is our closest neighbour & they are always there for the Maldives in every time we needed." MTD condemns the call for arson attack & inciting terror against the Indian High Commission in Maldives @HCIMaldives by PPM member and former government official @AbbasRiza ! India 🇮🇳 is our closest neighbor & they are always there for Maldives 🇲🇻 in every time we needed. https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH — Maldives Third-Way Democrats (@MTDSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × Maldives Reform Movement asked, "authorities to investigate and take strong action against" the remarks, terming it as "hate speech". MRM strongly condemns this cowardly incitement of arson and terrorism, targeted at @HCIMaldives. We call on authorities to investigate and take strong action against this, and such other acts of hate speech instigating violence.@AmbMunu @PoliceMv @MNDF_Official https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg — Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) 🇲🇻 (@MRM_Office) December 23, 2022 × Overnight, more political parties in the country reacted. Jumhooree Party which is part of the ruling coalition in the country "denounced" the comments made by Abbas Riza and "ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations". The JP strongly condemns the threat to set the @HCIMaldives on fire and requests that the authorities look into the matter. Additionally, the JP denounces @AbbasRiza’s ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations. — JP Secretariat (@JPSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × The Maldives National Party also called on "authorities to do a thorough investigation into this" and commented that it should not "damage the excellent relations between India and Maldives." We, MNP, strongly condemn the incitement of an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. We call on the authorities to do a thorough investigation into this, and the incitement of terror and violence will in no way damage the excellent relations between 🇮🇳 🇲🇻 — Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) December 23, 2022 × No official comments have come so far from opposition Progressive Party of Maldives, the party of Abbas Adil Riza. The development comes even as the opposition in the country has been spearheading an anti-India campaign "India Out". Earlier this year saw major disruption at the Yoga Day celebration organised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, along with the country's Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and UN Maldives. The Maldives police had said that flags which were used to disrupt the event were provided by the opposition PPM. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Political parties in Maldives condemn calls for attack on Indian mission

<p>China is struggling with one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks the world has ever seen and it is expected to get worse. In spite of that, the Asian giant is scrapping most of its Covid policies amid the emergence of Omicron subvariant BF.7 which led the daily number of cases in the country to rise.</p>

<p>Now, a new projection is claiming that the country may be registering nearly a million cases and almost 5,000 deaths every day, reported Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faced-with-a-spike-in-cases-china-accepts-germanys-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-distributes-free-fever-medicine-545497"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Faced with a spike in cases China accepts Germany's mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, distributes free fever medicine</strong></a></p>

<p>The research was conducted by a London-based firm- Airfinity, which anticipated that the situation is expected to get worse and that the current wave might increase the cases to almost 3.4 million in January to its peak at 4.2 million in March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per official data released on Wednesday, China since the beginning of December has nearly reported almost 3,000 cases and less than 10 deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, hospitals are currently overwhelmed by the number of patients being admitted daily.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-bf7-the-new-variant-behind-chinas-covid-wave-are-available-vaccines-effective-545424"><strong>Also read | EXPLAINED: What is BF.7, the new variant behind China's COVID wave, are available vaccines effective?</strong></a></p>

<p>According to analysis, residents are relying on their test reports as China has shut down most of its testing booths and has stopped including every single infection in their test reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Airfintiy's head of vaccines and epidemiology, Lousie Blair said, "the official data is unlikely to be a true reflection of the outbreak being experienced across the country." He added, "This change could downplay the extent of deaths seen in China."</p>

<p>The authorities are further planning to cut quarantine requirements for oversea travellers from January as the country scraps off most of its 'Zero Covid' policies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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China is struggling with one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks the world has ever seen and it is expected to get worse. In spite of that, the Asian giant is scrapping most of its Covid policies amid the emergence of Omicron subvariant BF.

China is struggling with one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks the world has ever seen and it is expected to get worse. In spite of that, the Asian giant is scrapping most of its Covid policies amid the emergence of Omicron subvariant BF.7 which led the daily number of cases in the country to rise. Now, a new projection is claiming that the country may be registering nearly a million cases and almost 5,000 deaths every day, reported Bloomberg. Also read | Faced with a spike in cases China accepts Germany's mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, distributes free fever medicine The research was conducted by a London-based firm- Airfinity, which anticipated that the situation is expected to get worse and that the current wave might increase the cases to almost 3.4 million in January to its peak at 4.2 million in March. As per official data released on Wednesday, China since the beginning of December has nearly reported almost 3,000 cases and less than 10 deaths. However, hospitals are currently overwhelmed by the number of patients being admitted daily. Also read | EXPLAINED: What is BF.7, the new variant behind China's COVID wave, are available vaccines effective? According to analysis, residents are relying on their test reports as China has shut down most of its testing booths and has stopped including every single infection in their test reports. Airfintiy's head of vaccines and epidemiology, Lousie Blair said, "the official data is unlikely to be a true reflection of the outbreak being experienced across the country." He added, "This change could downplay the extent of deaths seen in China." The authorities are further planning to cut quarantine requirements for oversea travellers from January as the country scraps off most of its 'Zero Covid' policies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China has 1mn Covid cases, 5k deaths a day, claims report as it plans to cut travellers' quarantine

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media</strong></em></p>

<p>A video of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir apparently wetting himself during a public event last week went viral, and sparked debate&nbsp;on social media questioning his abilities to run the African country.&nbsp;The 71-year-old leader, standing for the national anthem during the opening of a new road, initially even seemed unaware of what had happened. During the event, a pool was formed at his feet and he looked down and everyone noticed. The incident was broadcast&nbsp;live.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Politicians and lawyers from Uganda and Kenya took to social media to raise their concerns for the country.</p>

<p>South Sudan, where elections have not been held since its independence in 2011, Kirr has been the acting president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Below is the video posted by Mawunya, which till now has received over a thousand likes, some 908 retweets and over 300 quote tweets.</p>

<p>Netizens&nbsp;furiously questioned the South Sudan President's leadership, health and power. They said that the country needs a better leader.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">South Sudan leader, President Salva Kiir urinating on himself in public. Why can’t African leaders rest when they’re truly sick and tired? Oh Mama Africa💔 <a href="https://t.co/eV8dOCEIbc">pic.twitter.com/eV8dOCEIbc</a></p>
— Mawunya (@Mawunya_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mawunya_/status/1602974163655860224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>One user said, "Africa is finished."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Africa is finished 💔</p>
— Mawunya (@Mawunya_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mawunya_/status/1602981223919386628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So disappointing. Africa deserves better</p>
— Bull K♉️ (@Les18181) <a href="https://twitter.com/Les18181/status/1603054636864311299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is so sad</p>
— Ms Island🏝 (@Oley_Mnqai) <a href="https://twitter.com/Oley_Mnqai/status/1603091280707420160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another user on Twitter said that he needs to resign and stay at old age home.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Then he should be at home</p>
— Mawunya (@Mawunya_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mawunya_/status/1603003594046902273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They want to enjoy the state funds for as long as they're still alive</p>
— Mahlatse💕 (@Matema_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matema_/status/1603278897067573249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another one said, "They are power hungry, doesn't he know he is sick. No one is overworking him. It's his greed. He could have resigned, same way as Putin, I hear he also soiled himself after falling."</p>

<p>Similarly, a user said, "This is more than greed". &nbsp;Another user said, "Money sir."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Africa youth is so relaxed, we are the ones who allow this nonsense</p>
— Grandson of Rocks 🇿🇦 (@Kamohelo_Moloii) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kamohelo_Moloii/status/1603263631168344065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media A video of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir apparently wetting himself during a public event last week went viral, and sparked debate on social media questioning his abilities to run the African country.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media A video of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir apparently wetting himself during a public event last week went viral, and sparked debate on social media questioning his abilities to run the African country. The 71-year-old leader, standing for the national anthem during the opening of a new road, initially even seemed unaware of what had happened. During the event, a pool was formed at his feet and he looked down and everyone noticed. The incident was broadcast live. Politicians and lawyers from Uganda and Kenya took to social media to raise their concerns for the country. South Sudan, where elections have not been held since its independence in 2011, Kirr has been the acting president. Below is the video posted by Mawunya, which till now has received over a thousand likes, some 908 retweets and over 300 quote tweets. Netizens furiously questioned the South Sudan President's leadership, health and power. They said that the country needs a better leader. South Sudan leader, President Salva Kiir urinating on himself in public. Why can’t African leaders rest when they’re truly sick and tired? Oh Mama Africa💔 pic.twitter.com/eV8dOCEIbc — Mawunya (@Mawunya_) December 14, 2022 × One user said, "Africa is finished." Africa is finished 💔 — Mawunya (@Mawunya_) December 14, 2022 × So disappointing. Africa deserves better — Bull K♉️ (@Les18181) December 14, 2022 × This is so sad — Ms Island🏝 (@Oley_Mnqai) December 14, 2022 × Another user on Twitter said that he needs to resign and stay at old age home. Then he should be at home — Mawunya (@Mawunya_) December 14, 2022 × They want to enjoy the state funds for as long as they're still alive — Mahlatse💕 (@Matema_) December 15, 2022 × Another one said, "They are power hungry, doesn't he know he is sick. No one is overworking him. It's his greed. He could have resigned, same way as Putin, I hear he also soiled himself after falling." Similarly, a user said, "This is more than greed". Another user said, "Money sir." Africa youth is so relaxed, we are the ones who allow this nonsense — Grandson of Rocks 🇿🇦 (@Kamohelo_Moloii) December 15, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself

<p>To resolve all issues with India, Pakistan has shown its readiness for dialogue and has demanded that New Delhi should also create a positive atmosphere for talks, PTI reported.&nbsp;On Thursday, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, "However, in order to pave the way for a meaningful and result oriented dialogue, India must take steps to create a positive environment in the region."</p>

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<p>Baloch further said that Pakistan had shared relevant evidence with the world about India's alleged involvement in attacks in the country.</p>

<p>Refuting all allegations, India, on the other hand, said that it has been repeatedly expressing its desire for having normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and wants to create an environment&nbsp;free of terror and hostility.</p>

<p>India said that it's on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility. It added that "talks and terror" can't go together and urged Islamabad to take steps against terror groups launching attacks in India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Baloch, when questioned on Pakistan's policy regarding terrorism, said that the country's policy is very clear. She said, "Our security forces are already taking measures to fight this threat."</p>

<p>She added that the country has been engaging with several other countries like Afghanistan to ensure that terrorist groups don't harm national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baloch said, "We have conveyed to them our concerns about terrorist groups and we are in close communication with Afghanistan to ensure that activities of these groups do not threaten Pakistan."<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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To resolve all issues with India, Pakistan has shown its readiness for dialogue and has demanded that New Delhi should also create a positive atmosphere for talks, PTI reported.

To resolve all issues with India, Pakistan has shown its readiness for dialogue and has demanded that New Delhi should also create a positive atmosphere for talks, PTI reported. On Thursday, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, "However, in order to pave the way for a meaningful and result oriented dialogue, India must take steps to create a positive environment in the region." Also read | India's new Covid guidelines: PM Modi's review meeting concludes; fresh set of Covid measures expected soon Baloch further said that Pakistan had shared relevant evidence with the world about India's alleged involvement in attacks in the country. Refuting all allegations, India, on the other hand, said that it has been repeatedly expressing its desire for having normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and wants to create an environment free of terror and hostility. India said that it's on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility. It added that "talks and terror" can't go together and urged Islamabad to take steps against terror groups launching attacks in India. Also read | Go away: Pakistani political outfit issues ultimatum to Chinese citizens in Gwadar Baloch, when questioned on Pakistan's policy regarding terrorism, said that the country's policy is very clear. She said, "Our security forces are already taking measures to fight this threat." She added that the country has been engaging with several other countries like Afghanistan to ensure that terrorist groups don't harm national security. Baloch said, "We have conveyed to them our concerns about terrorist groups and we are in close communication with Afghanistan to ensure that activities of these groups do not threaten Pakistan." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Disputes with India should be resolved through talks, says Pak Foreign Office

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