Millions of minds and unexploded grenades are scattered across Afghanistan. Decades of war have led the country to deal with military explosives by itself. Even though Afghanistan has a team dedicated to clearing the remnants of conflict, the lack of resources and people moving back home to areas earlier turned inaccessible.

Afghanistan: Threat of mines, explosives scattered across the country

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday (Dec 2) announced that ABB has agreed to pay $315 million to settle US criminal charges for bribing state-owned Eskom of South Africa to get government contracts.

The Justice Department said, "ABB bribed a high-ranking official at South Africa's state-owned energy company in order to corruptly obtain confidential information and win lucrative contracts."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-paying-85-million-to-arizona-google-to-pay-3915-million-to-settle-location-tracking-probe-534169">Also read |&nbsp;Google will pay 40 US states $391.5 million to settle 'location tracking' probe</a>

The bribes were discovered to be given between 2014-2017 when ABB, the Swedish-swiss industrial company&nbsp;used a few of its subsidiaries.&nbsp;

ABB subsidiaries pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for violating the anti-bribery provisions of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Swedish firm was under a wide-scale state investigation and was found guilty of its improper payments and a few other compliance issues at the Kusile power station.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hitachi-to-buy-majority-stake-in-abbs-power-grid-arm-for-64-billion-184787">Also read |&nbsp;Hitachi to buy majority stake in ABB's power grid arm for $6.4 billion</a>

ABB and South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also reached an agreement where the company will be paying reparation for its involvement in state corruption.

In September, ABB announced that it will put aside a provision of nearly $325 million to cover the expenses associated with the investigations into the Kusile power project in South Africa.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday (Dec 2) announced that ABB has agreed to pay $315 million to settle US criminal charges for bribing state-owned Eskom of South Africa to get government contracts.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday (Dec 2) announced that ABB has agreed to pay $315 million to settle US criminal charges for bribing state-owned Eskom of South Africa to get government contracts. The Justice Department said, "ABB bribed a high-ranking official at South Africa's state-owned energy company in order to corruptly obtain confidential information and win lucrative contracts." Also read | Google will pay 40 US states $391.5 million to settle 'location tracking' probe The bribes were discovered to be given between 2014-2017 when ABB, the Swedish-swiss industrial company used a few of its subsidiaries. ABB subsidiaries pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for violating the anti-bribery provisions of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Reuters reported. The Swedish firm was under a wide-scale state investigation and was found guilty of its improper payments and a few other compliance issues at the Kusile power station. Also read | Hitachi to buy majority stake in ABB's power grid arm for $6.4 billion ABB and South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also reached an agreement where the company will be paying reparation for its involvement in state corruption. In September, ABB announced that it will put aside a provision of nearly $325 million to cover the expenses associated with the investigations into the Kusile power project in South Africa. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

ABB agrees to pay $315 million to settle US criminal charges over South African bribes to gain contracts

The US State Department official Ned Price in a statement has said that the US remains ready to meet Russia for 'New Start,' the nuclear treaty between the two countries, despite being accused of anti-Russia behaviour.&nbsp;Price said, "We do remain ready to meet with Russia in the New Start Treaty. We are committed to New Start."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conditions-for-talks-with-putin-not-right-yet-white-house-says-539591">Also read |&nbsp;Biden has no intentions to talk to Putin right now, White House says</a>

This new arms pact limits the use of nuclear weapons that can be used by both countries, Reuters reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As per media reports, Russia withdrew from the treaty talks earlier this week.&nbsp;

Officials from both countries were supposed to meet on Nov 29 in Egypt to discuss the issues around the treaty, including possible inspection of each other's nuclear weapons which got delayed due to Covid.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-rejects-joe-bidens-terms-for-ukraine-talks-says-offensive-will-continue-539410">Also read |&nbsp;Russia rejects Joe Biden's terms for Ukraine talks, says offensive will continue</a>

Russia remarked that 'New Start' is an important tool to avoid an arms race, but its foreign ministry accused the US of trying to alter the balance of weapons by either renaming or converting them to take them out of the treaty.&nbsp;

Price told reporters that all of Russia's topics were on the agenda for the meeting. However, he stated that the US was disappointed by Russia's unilateral decision over the last few months.

Relations between the US and Russia have deteriorated, especially after Russia's invasion&nbsp; of Ukraine earlier this year, triggering several US sanctions against Russia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The US State Department official Ned Price in a statement has said that the US remains ready to meet Russia for 'New Start,' the nuclear treaty between the two countries, despite being accused of anti-Russia behaviour.

The US State Department official Ned Price in a statement has said that the US remains ready to meet Russia for 'New Start,' the nuclear treaty between the two countries, despite being accused of anti-Russia behaviour. Price said, "We do remain ready to meet with Russia in the New Start Treaty. We are committed to New Start." Also read | Biden has no intentions to talk to Putin right now, White House says This new arms pact limits the use of nuclear weapons that can be used by both countries, Reuters reported. As per media reports, Russia withdrew from the treaty talks earlier this week. Officials from both countries were supposed to meet on Nov 29 in Egypt to discuss the issues around the treaty, including possible inspection of each other's nuclear weapons which got delayed due to Covid. Also read | Russia rejects Joe Biden's terms for Ukraine talks, says offensive will continue Russia remarked that 'New Start' is an important tool to avoid an arms race, but its foreign ministry accused the US of trying to alter the balance of weapons by either renaming or converting them to take them out of the treaty. Price told reporters that all of Russia's topics were on the agenda for the meeting. However, he stated that the US was disappointed by Russia's unilateral decision over the last few months. Relations between the US and Russia have deteriorated, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, triggering several US sanctions against Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US remains ready to meet Russia over 'New Start' nuclear treaty talks, says official 

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani was an enraged man after his side crashed out of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Friday. Cavani while trudging back to the tunnel after the full-time whistle smashed the pitch-side VAR (Virtual Assistant Referees) monitor.

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani was an enraged man after his side crashed out of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Friday. Cavani while trudging back to the tunnel after the full-time whistle smashed the pitch-side VAR (Virtual Assistant Referees) monitor. Cavani may have been miffed after Uruguay were denied a penalty in the 57th minute when Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez was tripped in the Ghanian box. German referee Daniel Siebert did not award the penalty and even after being asked to go to the VAR monitor, he stayed firm on his original decision. Usually, decisions are overturned as soon as a referee heads to the VAR monitor. Similarly, deep into the stoppage time, Cavani was brought down in the penalty box by a Ghanian defender. While Cavani and his teammates appealed vociferously for the penalty, the referee asked the Uruguayan to get up on his feet and continue. Siebert's decision rattled the Uruguyan bench which could have done with the extra goal as their 2-0 win over Ghana was not sufficient to earn them a spot in the knockouts. Edinson Cavani punched the VAR screen down after #URU crashed out of the World Cup. https://t.co/hl0E91ysn0 — EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 2, 2022 × Uruguay needed a victory against Ghana and a superior goal difference to go ahead. However, in the other match, South Korea managed to score the decisive goal at the death after trailing within five minutes of the start of the game. Uruguay till the 84th minute were coasting and had one foot in the round of 16. However, after Hwang's goal, the tide turned and desperate Uruguay tried to go for the third goal. Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 Schedule: Check fixtures and matches list of your favourite teams in 2nd round The third goal never arrived and Uruguay were forced out of the WC. After the end of the game, Uruguayan players surrounded the referee and linesmen and gave them a piece of their minds. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Edinson Cavani punches pitch-side VAR monitor after Uruguay crash out of World Cup

After over nine months into the Ukraine war, the West has finally reached an agreement that intends to deny Russia of war resources. The G7 and EU agreed to a 60 US dollar per barrel price cap on Russian crude oil.

War in Ukraine: $60 per barrel price cap agreed on Russian crude oil

The US Airforce publicly unveiled its next generation stealth bomber. The B-21 Raider is being called the most advanced military aircraft ever built. Pentagon officials including defense secretary Lloyd Austin along with representatives of contractor Northrop Grumman revealed the B-21 radar at a ceremony in Palmdale California.

US: 'Most advanced military aircraft ever built', big boost to airforce

In Australia, a man has been sentenced to 24 years in jail for murdering his wife 40 years ago. The case was reopened after a podcast unearthed new evidence.

Australia: Man gets 24-years of imprisonment for murdering wife 40-years ago

After an attack on Pakistani mission in Kabul critically injured one of the second security guards. Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan dialed Pakistan's Foreign Minister. As per the official statement released by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, acting Afghan Foreign Minister strongly condemned the attack.

Afghanistan: Acting Foreign Minister dials Pakistan's Foreign Minister

US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has filed for bankruptcy. This comes less than two months after Jones faced court orders to pay nearly 1.5 billion dollars in damages to relatives of victims of 2012 Sandy Hook mass shooting.

Alex Jones claimed 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre as staged, was ordered to pay $1.5 BN to victims

President Emmanuel Macron concluded his State visit to the United States on Friday. The French President said he had an interesting visit. He was hosted at the White House.

US: President Emmanuel Macron holds an unannounced meeting with Elon Musk

Who knew that a piece of wood and few strings could be used to produce music for hundreds of years. Humans have been producing music with plucked string instruments made of fine wood from the spruce trees.

Spruce trees for making guitars under threat, can some other wood replace Spruce wood?

The ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar has become controversial for many reasons. In the latest, they have come under criticism for discriminating between demonstrations by Palestinians and Iranians.

FIFA World Cup: Pro-Palestinian banner welcomed during matches

As the war in Ukraine carries on, one of the sectors which is majorly affected is education. Be it missile strikes or power cuts, students in Kyiv have to attend classes through it all.

War in Ukraine: Kyiv schools adapt to survive under Russian bombardment

In Bangladesh, a chemist by profession and a football fan by passion got a miles-long banner hanging in his village just to show his love and support for the South Korean team.

Bangladesh: Abu Kowsir, Sabrina go the extra mile to cheer for the South Korean team

FBI director Chris Wray is raising National Security concerns about Tik Tok stating that it doesn't share our values. The control of the popular video sharing app was in the hands of the Chinese government.

US: FBI's Wray raises concerns over National Security issues on Tik Tok

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing a possible impeachment threat over the "Farmgate" scandal. In the latest update, Ramaphosa delayed a scheduled appearance in parliament to answer questions from lawmakers. Watch this video to know more.

‘Farmgate’ Corruption Scandal: A.N.C officials fail to reach a conclusion

On the bloody package series, Ukraine's Embassy in Madrid has received a puzzle containing animal eyes. Police have now shut down the Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid and are searching the area with sniffer dogs.

Spain: Anonymous package sent to Ukraine Embassy, includes animal eyes and paper bombs

The Taliban 2.0 is not very different from its predecessor. Back in the 90s, the terror group in power was condemned globally for its inhumane and gory punishments and now after repeated promises of being more modern, the Taliban is back on its old tracks.

Afghanistan Shocker: Woman flogged for shopping alone, Taliban returns to archaic rules

Ever since Elon Musk took over Twitter, there have been claims that hate speech has been increasing on the platform. Claims that Musk regularly rebuffed posted charts and graphs showing the numbers going down just last week, he congratulated his Twitter team for the decrease in hate speech impressions but now researchers have come up with their own status.

Study reports surge in hate speech on Twitter; Musk rejects study's claim, calls it 'false'

#twitterfiles is trending currently on Twitter. The files are an Elon Musk endorsed expose, revealing internal documents about how the company handled a news article.

The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation

India hosted a Coastal Security conclave involving Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius. The participating nations observed a wide range of issues. Issues are being discussed from economic refugees and narcoterrorism to illegal fishing.

Coastal Security Conference 2022: India's Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane speaks to WION

Former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden has sworn an oath of allegiance to Russia and has received a Russian passport. This comes after President Vladimir Putin granted him Russian citizenship in September this year.

US whistleblower Edward Snowden swear allegiance to Russia

If you think about Black Friday sales, what comes to mind? Probably shoes, electronic gadgets or maybe even toys but for America it also means guns. As the citizens rushed to the markets to take advantage of one of the most awaited sales of the year, the FBI was busy doing background checks only to find that last Friday was likely the third highest day for gun sales ever.

Black Friday Sale: Surge in gun sales come as Biden threatens to ban popular arms

War in Ukraine: Russian oil cap regulates shipping, insurance firms of participating countries

Sundar Pichai, one of the most renowned CEOs in the world, has been awarded Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards.&nbsp;India's ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu awarded the civilian award to Google and Alphabet CEO in San Francisco.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-equate-fun-with-money-millionaire-google-ceo-sundar-pichais-advice-to-employees-519181">Also read |&nbsp;'Don't equate fun with money', millionaire Google CEO Sundar Pichai's advice to employees</a>

Sandhu on Twitter said, "Delighted to hand over Padma Bhushan to CEO @Google&amp; Alphabet @sundarpichai in San Francisco. Sundar's inspirational journey from #Madurai to Mountain View, strengthening India-US economic and technology ties, reaffirms Indian talent`s contribution to global innovation."

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Delighted to hand over Padma Bhushan to CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a> &amp; Alphabet <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarpichai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sundarpichai</a> in San Francisco. 
 
Sundar’s inspirational journey from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Madurai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Madurai</a> to Mountain View, strengthening 🇮🇳🇺🇸economic &amp; tech. ties, reaffirms Indian talent’s contribution to global innovation <a href="https://t.co/cDRL1aXiW6">pic.twitter.com/cDRL1aXiW6</a>
— Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandhuTaranjitS/status/1598810242858778625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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After receiving the honorary award, the Google CEO in a blog post expressed his gratitude and thanked Sandhu. In the blog post, Pichai said he is fortunate to grow up in a family that cherished knowledge. He said that he is blessed to have parents who sacrificed a lot to make sure that he gets opportunities to explore his interests, ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Thank you Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/SandhuTaranjitS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SandhuTaranjitS</a>. It was an immense honor to receive the Padma Bhushan, and to have my family there with me today. Grateful to the Indian government and the people of India.
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarpichai/status/1598840666905530369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Pichai added, "India is a part of me. I carry it wherever I go. (Unlike this beautiful award which I will keep somewhere safe)."

The Google CEO also appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India vision, saying that he has certainly been an accelerator in the process. Pichai said that he felt proud of the investment that he had made in the digital vision project. They recently announced an investment of&nbsp;$10 billion in India to make internet access easy and build products for India's unique needs using AI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-shuts-down-pakistan-troll-with-witty-response-after-indias-thrilling-win-in-t20-wc-527932">Also read |&nbsp;Google CEO Sundar Pichai shuts down Pakistan troll with witty response after India's thrilling win in T20 WC</a>

Talking about India, he said that out of 24 languages on Google Translator, eight&nbsp;of them are native to India.&nbsp;

He added, "We're also investing deeply in digital skilling, and have trained over 1 million women through our Women Will Entrepreneurship Programme and over 55,000 teachers in partnership with the government and local organisations. We've also sponsored over 100,000 Google Career Certificate sponsorships in collaboration with the NASSCOM Foundation and Tata Strive."

Pichai said that he is looking forward to continuing a great partnership between Google and India.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Sundar Pichai, one of the most renowned CEOs in the world, has been awarded Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards. India's ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu awarded the civilian award to Google and Alphabet CEO in San Francisco.

Sundar Pichai, one of the most renowned CEOs in the world, has been awarded Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards. India's ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu awarded the civilian award to Google and Alphabet CEO in San Francisco. Also read | 'Don't equate fun with money', millionaire Google CEO Sundar Pichai's advice to employees Sandhu on Twitter said, "Delighted to hand over Padma Bhushan to CEO @Google& Alphabet @sundarpichai in San Francisco. Sundar's inspirational journey from #Madurai to Mountain View, strengthening India-US economic and technology ties, reaffirms Indian talent`s contribution to global innovation." Delighted to hand over Padma Bhushan to CEO @Google & Alphabet @sundarpichai in San Francisco. Sundar’s inspirational journey from #Madurai to Mountain View, strengthening 🇮🇳🇺🇸economic & tech. ties, reaffirms Indian talent’s contribution to global innovation pic.twitter.com/cDRL1aXiW6 — Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) December 2, 2022 × After receiving the honorary award, the Google CEO in a blog post expressed his gratitude and thanked Sandhu. In the blog post, Pichai said he is fortunate to grow up in a family that cherished knowledge. He said that he is blessed to have parents who sacrificed a lot to make sure that he gets opportunities to explore his interests, ANI reported. Thank you Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS. It was an immense honor to receive the Padma Bhushan, and to have my family there with me today. Grateful to the Indian government and the people of India. — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 3, 2022 × Pichai added, "India is a part of me. I carry it wherever I go. (Unlike this beautiful award which I will keep somewhere safe)." The Google CEO also appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India vision, saying that he has certainly been an accelerator in the process. Pichai said that he felt proud of the investment that he had made in the digital vision project. They recently announced an investment of $10 billion in India to make internet access easy and build products for India's unique needs using AI. Also read | Google CEO Sundar Pichai shuts down Pakistan troll with witty response after India's thrilling win in T20 WC Talking about India, he said that out of 24 languages on Google Translator, eight of them are native to India. He added, "We're also investing deeply in digital skilling, and have trained over 1 million women through our Women Will Entrepreneurship Programme and over 55,000 teachers in partnership with the government and local organisations. We've also sponsored over 100,000 Google Career Certificate sponsorships in collaboration with the NASSCOM Foundation and Tata Strive." Pichai said that he is looking forward to continuing a great partnership between Google and India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘India is a part of me’, says Google CEO Sundar Pichai on receiving Padma Bhushan, expresses gratitude

A&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;judge&nbsp;on Friday dismissed an&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;against&nbsp;Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that&nbsp;strained&nbsp;US-China&nbsp;relations.

Meng, whose father Ren Zhengfei founded&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;and is the telecommunications company's chief executive, entered an agreement with&nbsp;US&nbsp;prosecutors last year for the case to be dismissed four years after her December 2018 arrest.

Prosecutors accused Meng of bank fraud and other crimes for misleading HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks about Huawei's relationship with a company that operated in Iran.

They said Meng's actions put banks at risk of penalties for processing transactions that violated&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions.

Huawei&nbsp;has pleaded not guilty to related&nbsp;US&nbsp;criminal charges.

US&nbsp;District&nbsp;Judge&nbsp;Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn dismissed Meng's&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again.

A lawyer for Meng and a spokeswoman for&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meng spent nearly three years under house arrest in Canada following her arrest at a Vancouver airport.

She entered a deferred prosecution agreement with&nbsp;US&nbsp;prosecutors in Sept. 2021 in which she acknowledged having made false statements about&nbsp;Huawei's Iran business.

On the day Donnelly approved that agreement, Meng flew home to Shenzhen.

Shortly afterwards,&nbsp;China&nbsp;released two Canadians it had been holding, and two American siblings who had been prevented from leaving the country were allowed to fly home.

Meng, 50, now serves as&nbsp;Huawei's rotating chairwoman and deputy chairwoman, as well as&nbsp;CFO.

The United States still views&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;as a national security threat.

On Nov. 25, the Biden administration banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;and&nbsp;China's ZTE Corp because they posed an "unacceptable risk" to national security.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A U.S. judge on Friday dismissed an indictment against Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that strained US-China relations.

A U.S. judge on Friday dismissed an indictment against Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that strained US-China relations. Meng, whose father Ren Zhengfei founded Huawei and is the telecommunications company's chief executive, entered an agreement with US prosecutors last year for the case to be dismissed four years after her December 2018 arrest. Prosecutors accused Meng of bank fraud and other crimes for misleading HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks about Huawei's relationship with a company that operated in Iran. They said Meng's actions put banks at risk of penalties for processing transactions that violated US sanctions. Huawei has pleaded not guilty to related US criminal charges. US District Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn dismissed Meng's indictment with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again. A lawyer for Meng and a spokeswoman for Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Meng spent nearly three years under house arrest in Canada following her arrest at a Vancouver airport. She entered a deferred prosecution agreement with US prosecutors in Sept. 2021 in which she acknowledged having made false statements about Huawei's Iran business. On the day Donnelly approved that agreement, Meng flew home to Shenzhen. Shortly afterwards, China released two Canadians it had been holding, and two American siblings who had been prevented from leaving the country were allowed to fly home. Meng, 50, now serves as Huawei's rotating chairwoman and deputy chairwoman, as well as CFO. The United States still views Huawei as a national security threat. On Nov. 25, the Biden administration banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from Huawei and China's ZTE Corp because they posed an "unacceptable risk" to national security. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US judge dismisses indictment against Huawei CFO that strained US-China relations

Lapses in strategies to tackle&nbsp;COVID-19 this year continue to&nbsp;create&nbsp;"the perfect conditions" for a&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;new&nbsp;variant&nbsp;to emerge, the World Health Organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday (December 2).

With the peak of the pandemic behind, countries worldwide are starting to loosen the reins on surveillance, testing and vaccination for the disease which has claimed more than 6 million lives so far.

About 90 per cent&nbsp;of the world's population now has some level of immunity to SARS-COV-2 either due to prior infection or vaccination, according to the global health agency's estimates.

"We are much closer to being able to say that the emergency phase of the pandemic is over, but we're not there yet," Tedros told reporters during a press conference.

His comments come as China experiences a rebound in infections.

The further easing of&nbsp;COVID-19 testing requirements and quarantine rules in some Chinese cities was met with a mix of relief and worry on Friday, as hundreds of millions await an expected shift in national virus policies after widespread social unrest.

It was encouraging that China was adjusting its current&nbsp;COVID-19 control strategies,&nbsp;WHO's emergencies director Mike Ryan said.

Ryan said he hopes that a coherent and clear strategy emerges in China "that balances the control of the virus with ... the livelihoods, wellbeing and human rights of the people."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Lapses in strategies to tackle COVID-19 this year continue to create "the perfect conditions" for a deadly new variant to emerge, the World Health Organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday (December 2).

Lapses in strategies to tackle COVID-19 this year continue to create "the perfect conditions" for a deadly new variant to emerge, the World Health Organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday (December 2). With the peak of the pandemic behind, countries worldwide are starting to loosen the reins on surveillance, testing and vaccination for the disease which has claimed more than 6 million lives so far. About 90 per cent of the world's population now has some level of immunity to SARS-COV-2 either due to prior infection or vaccination, according to the global health agency's estimates. "We are much closer to being able to say that the emergency phase of the pandemic is over, but we're not there yet," Tedros told reporters during a press conference. His comments come as China experiences a rebound in infections. The further easing of COVID-19 testing requirements and quarantine rules in some Chinese cities was met with a mix of relief and worry on Friday, as hundreds of millions await an expected shift in national virus policies after widespread social unrest. It was encouraging that China was adjusting its current COVID-19 control strategies, WHO's emergencies director Mike Ryan said. Ryan said he hopes that a coherent and clear strategy emerges in China "that balances the control of the virus with ... the livelihoods, wellbeing and human rights of the people." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Drop in Covid alertness could create deadly new variant, says WHO

Edward Snowden is in news once again.&nbsp;

Former US intelligence whistleblower has&nbsp;received a Russian passport on Friday (Nov 02) after swearing an oath of allegiance to Russia.&nbsp;

Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told the news agency TASS, "Yes, he got [a passport], he took the oath."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/edward-snowden-a-hero-or-a-traitor-520101">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Edward Snowden, the US whistleblower who just got Russian citizenship?</a>

Snowden&nbsp;was granted Russian citizenship by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September this year.&nbsp;

The whistleblower has been wanted back in the US by the authorities for years to stand for investigations for espionage. He left the country after disclosing top-secret reports exposing surveillance practices of the US's National Security Agency (NSA).

White House's official John Kirby told reporters on Friday over the report, "This is still a criminal investigative matter."

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I'm in Russia because the White House intentionally canceled my passport to trap me here. They *downed the President of Bolivia's diplomatic aircraft* to prevent me from leaving, and continue to interfere with my freedom of movement to this day. 
 
In case that was unclear. <a href="https://t.co/hOb2Azc41G">https://t.co/hOb2Azc41G</a>
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/1598753507519369216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-grants-snowden-russian-citizenship-people-ask-will-the-whisteblower-be-drafted-into-army-519919">Also read |&nbsp;Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'?</a>

As per media reports, Snowden's family has been living in Russia since then. They are living in an undisclosed location. His wife, Lindsay Mills is also said to be applying for Russian citizenship.&nbsp;

Defenders of Snowden him as a modern-day renegade for revealing the US's espionage and alleged privacy violations. However, opposers remark him as a traitor who put lives in peril by divulging the US's reports.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Edward Snowden is in news once again. Former US intelligence whistleblower has received a Russian passport on Friday (Nov 02) after swearing an oath of allegiance to Russia.

Edward Snowden is in news once again. Former US intelligence whistleblower has received a Russian passport on Friday (Nov 02) after swearing an oath of allegiance to Russia. Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told the news agency TASS, "Yes, he got [a passport], he took the oath." Also read | Who is Edward Snowden, the US whistleblower who just got Russian citizenship? Snowden was granted Russian citizenship by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September this year. The whistleblower has been wanted back in the US by the authorities for years to stand for investigations for espionage. He left the country after disclosing top-secret reports exposing surveillance practices of the US's National Security Agency (NSA). White House's official John Kirby told reporters on Friday over the report, "This is still a criminal investigative matter." I'm in Russia because the White House intentionally canceled my passport to trap me here. They *downed the President of Bolivia's diplomatic aircraft* to prevent me from leaving, and continue to interfere with my freedom of movement to this day. In case that was unclear. https://t.co/hOb2Azc41G — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) December 2, 2022 × Also read | Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'? As per media reports, Snowden's family has been living in Russia since then. They are living in an undisclosed location. His wife, Lindsay Mills is also said to be applying for Russian citizenship. Defenders of Snowden him as a modern-day renegade for revealing the US's espionage and alleged privacy violations. However, opposers remark him as a traitor who put lives in peril by divulging the US's reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US whistleblower Edward Snowden gets Russian passport after swearing an oath to Russia

In a noteworthy development, black-clad women from&nbsp;Iran's conservative region, Sistan-Baluchistan province, have also joined nationwide protests sparked by the custodial death of the 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini in September.&nbsp;

The women-led protest began in mid-September after Mahsa Amini, 22, died after her arrest by morality police in Tehran over her inappropriate dress.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-sunni-cleric-says-not-right-to-give-death-penalty-to-iranian-protesters-539587">Also read |&nbsp;Top Sunni cleric says not right to give death penalty to Iranian protesters</a>

Videos were posted online showing several women in the Zahedan holding banners saying, "Woman, life, freedom."

Director of the NGO, Iran Human Rights,&nbsp;Mahmood Ammiry-Moghaddam on Friday said that protests in Zahedan province are 'rare' and mark a big shift. He added that the ongoing protests in the country are a beginning of a revolution for dignity in Iran.

Women and minorities, who are regarded as a second class, were empowered by these rallies to demand human rights, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-protester-celebrating-irans-world-cup-exit-was-shot-dead-say-reports-538918">Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;A protester celebrating Iran's World Cup exit was shot dead, say reports</a>

Baluchi women also took part in the protest as they are considered to be the 'most oppressed.'

Since the crackdown, at least 128 people have been killed in Sistan-Baluchistan. They dubbed September 30 as 'Black Friday,' as over 90 individuals were killed.&nbsp;

Iran's officials said that thousands of Iranians and some 40 foreigners have been detained during the protests.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a noteworthy development, black-clad women from Iran's conservative region, Sistan-Baluchistan province, have also joined nationwide protests sparked by the custodial death of the 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini in September.

In a noteworthy development, black-clad women from Iran's conservative region, Sistan-Baluchistan province, have also joined nationwide protests sparked by the custodial death of the 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini in September. The women-led protest began in mid-September after Mahsa Amini, 22, died after her arrest by morality police in Tehran over her inappropriate dress. Also read | Top Sunni cleric says not right to give death penalty to Iranian protesters Videos were posted online showing several women in the Zahedan holding banners saying, "Woman, life, freedom." Director of the NGO, Iran Human Rights, Mahmood Ammiry-Moghaddam on Friday said that protests in Zahedan province are 'rare' and mark a big shift. He added that the ongoing protests in the country are a beginning of a revolution for dignity in Iran. Women and minorities, who are regarded as a second class, were empowered by these rallies to demand human rights, he added. Also read | A protester celebrating Iran's World Cup exit was shot dead, say reports Baluchi women also took part in the protest as they are considered to be the 'most oppressed.' Since the crackdown, at least 128 people have been killed in Sistan-Baluchistan. They dubbed September 30 as 'Black Friday,' as over 90 individuals were killed. Iran's officials said that thousands of Iranians and some 40 foreigners have been detained during the protests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Woman, life, freedom': Women from Iran's conservative province join anti-hijab protests 

A group of individuals in Ukraine on Friday (Nov 02) attempted to steal a mural by one of the renowned graffiti artists, Banksy by cutting a portion of it from a battle-scarred wall, the capital's governor said.&nbsp;

The group was able to take a part of the painting that had an image of a woman in a gas mask and dressed in a gown holding a fire extinguisher on the side of the scorched building, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-using-dummy-nuclear-capable-missiles-to-distract-air-defences-says-kyiv-539264">Also read |&nbsp;Russia is using dummy nuclear-capable missiles to distract air defences, claims Kyiv</a>

The governor in a statement said that the group were spotted in Hostomel at the scene and the mural was also retrieved.&nbsp;

The police posted&nbsp;images of the yellow scarred wall with a large path of cut out in the Hostomel. The group has been detained, the&nbsp;officials stated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-upto-13000-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-since-invasion-claims-zelenskys-adviser-539308">Also read |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Up to 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed since invasion, claims Zelensky's adviser&nbsp;</a>

Banksy is a renowned artist known for his work on walls which can sell for millions of dollars in the art market. He confirmed that he had painted the mural and six others like it in places which were badly affected by the ongoing Russia conflict in the area.&nbsp;

Another famous mural by Banksy is of a gymnast girl performing a handstand on a small pile of concrete rubble. Another is of an old man having a bath.

Ongoing Russia's invasion of Ukraine has entered its tenth month. Infrastructure worth millions of dollars has been damaged.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A group of individuals in Ukraine on Friday (Nov 02) attempted to steal a mural by one of the renowned graffiti artists, Banksy by cutting a portion of it from a battle-scarred wall, the capital's governor said.

A group of individuals in Ukraine on Friday (Nov 02) attempted to steal a mural by one of the renowned graffiti artists, Banksy by cutting a portion of it from a battle-scarred wall, the capital's governor said. The group was able to take a part of the painting that had an image of a woman in a gas mask and dressed in a gown holding a fire extinguisher on the side of the scorched building, Reuters reported. Also read | Russia is using dummy nuclear-capable missiles to distract air defences, claims Kyiv The governor in a statement said that the group were spotted in Hostomel at the scene and the mural was also retrieved. The police posted images of the yellow scarred wall with a large path of cut out in the Hostomel. The group has been detained, the officials stated. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Up to 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed since invasion, claims Zelensky's adviser Banksy is a renowned artist known for his work on walls which can sell for millions of dollars in the art market. He confirmed that he had painted the mural and six others like it in places which were badly affected by the ongoing Russia conflict in the area. Another famous mural by Banksy is of a gymnast girl performing a handstand on a small pile of concrete rubble. Another is of an old man having a bath. Ongoing Russia's invasion of Ukraine has entered its tenth month. Infrastructure worth millions of dollars has been damaged. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine: Group steals Banksy's mural off a battle-scarred wall, detained in Hostomel

China: protests erupt over Zero Covid policy. Mass Layoffs grip the tech world. With Ukraine-Russia War causing food shortages, and Britain seeing a slumping economy, are we entering a Global Recession? Find out with WION Wideangle.

WION Wideangle | Global Recession: Imminent?

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