For the first time ever the American Red Cross is going through a blood shortage crisis causing risks for patient care. Also,&nbsp;Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-trials-show-its-vaxzevria-vaccine-causes-high-immune-response-against-omicron-444458">AstraZeneca trials show its Vaxzevria vaccine causes high immune response against Omicron</a>

<img alt="Pharma giant AstraZeneca said on Thursday that preliminary data from a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria showed high antibody response against Omicron variant when given a third booster dose. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b05406bd-d41d-4e86-9ef0-8bf8af248e7c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_107.jpg" />

Pharma giant AstraZeneca said on Thursday that preliminary data from a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria showed high antibody response against Omicron variant when given a third booster dose.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-high-court-rejects-pakistan-armys-illegal-claim-on-8068-acres-of-land-444468">Islamabad High Court rejects Pakistan Army's illegal claim on 8,068 acres of land</a>

<img alt="The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled on Tuesday that the issuance of 8068 acres of land to the Pakistan Army in Islamabad's National Park region was illegal. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e744f98c-9875-4fec-a532-419bb1eb41cd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_99.jpg" />

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled on Tuesday that the issuance of 8068 acres of land to the Pakistan Army in Islamabad's National Park region was illegal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watchs-annual-report-sheds-light-on-surging-hate-crime-and-humanitarian-crisis-444388">Human Rights Watch's annual report sheds light on surging hate crime and humanitarian crisis</a>

<img alt="Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="179ebcf2-2738-46d4-9117-6db2abc2cdc0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_75.jpg" />

Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-cancels-trip-a-day-after-lockdown-party-apology-444379">A day after lockdown party apology, UK PM cancels trip as family member tests positive for Covid</a>

<img alt="UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb910fb3-9d21-446f-9747-cf59cca2df17" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_35.jpg" />

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-man-finds-cockroach-inside-his-ear-extracts-it-after-3-days-444446">New Zealand man finds cockroach inside his ear; extracts it after 3 days</a>

<img alt="In a strange incident, a cockroach was found inside a man's ear three days after he experienced a squirming sensation." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5c1caee-7488-4570-a042-9d27c5341b8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/6_13.jpg" />

In a strange incident, a cockroach was found inside a man's ear three days after he experienced a squirming sensation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/murder-in-the-alps-man-suspected-of-killing-a-family-takes-part-in-crime-scene-reconstruction-444427">Murder in the Alps: Man suspected of killing a family takes part in crime-scene reconstruction</a>

<img alt="French police on Thursday questioned such a man who was arrested in an unsolved murder of British family in the Alps in 2012. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27261274-2dd4-4944-8f91-a8a263ecab17" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5_23.jpg" />

French police on Thursday questioned such a man who was arrested in an unsolved murder of British family in the Alps in 2012.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-ever-red-cross-declares-nationwide-blood-shortage-in-us-444414">For the first time ever, Red Cross declares nationwide blood shortage in US</a>

<img alt="For the first time ever the American Red Cross is going through a blood shortage crisis causing risks for patient care. The organisation has said that blood and platelet donations are critically needed to prevent further delays in medical treatments. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06e5b24c-f6c5-4a63-a4df-71858c8c280e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/8_8.jpg" />

For the first time ever the American Red Cross is going through a blood shortage crisis causing risks for patient care. The organisation has said that blood and platelet donations are critically needed to prevent further delays in medical treatments.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/french-man-sues-employer-for-boring-job-gets-45000-severance-package-444376">French man sues employer for 'boring' job, gets $45,000 severance package</a>

<img alt="After being granted $45,000 because his previous job reportedly bored him out of his mind, Frédéric Desnard became the envy of irritated workers around the world." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ddea858-0ad7-4e29-9afe-23a2e8dc795a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/7_11.jpg" />

After being granted $45,000 because his previous job reportedly bored him out of his mind, Frédéric Desnard became the envy of irritated workers around the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pms-announcement-to-build-road-in-lipulekh-provokes-outrage-in-nepal-444400#:~:text=Indian%20Prime%20Minister%20Narendra%20Modi's,the%20ongoing%20construction%20'illegal'.">Indian PM's announcement to build road in Lipulekh provokes outrage in Nepal</a>

<img alt="Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement to extend the road in the Lipulekh region has provoked outrage in Nepal with many top leaders calling the ongoing construction ‘illegal’. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="843a5e04-4350-479f-a93d-d7ea0c9ff956" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/9_10.jpg" />

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement to extend the road in the Lipulekh region has provoked outrage in Nepal with many top leaders calling the ongoing construction ‘illegal’.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-of-sorrows-painting-reveals-hidden-details-of-botticellis-early-work-444361">‘Man of Sorrows’ painting reveals hidden details of Botticelli’s early work</a>

<img alt="One of the last masterpieces of Italian painter Sandro Botticelli ‘The Man of Sorrows’ is due to be auctioned. It is estimated to fetch in excess of US $40 million. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b477580-d04e-4271-b2b9-18bd7b817d1e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/10_10.jpg" />

One of the last masterpieces of Italian painter Sandro Botticelli ‘The Man of Sorrows’ is due to be auctioned. It is estimated to fetch in excess of US $40 million.&nbsp;

For the first time ever the American Red Cross is going through a blood shortage crisis causing risks for patient care. Also, Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries.

For the first time ever the American Red Cross is going through a blood shortage crisis causing risks for patient care. Also, Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries. Click on headlines to read more AstraZeneca trials show its Vaxzevria vaccine causes high immune response against Omicron Pharma giant AstraZeneca said on Thursday that preliminary data from a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria showed high antibody response against Omicron variant when given a third booster dose. Islamabad High Court rejects Pakistan Army's illegal claim on 8,068 acres of land The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled on Tuesday that the issuance of 8068 acres of land to the Pakistan Army in Islamabad's National Park region was illegal. Human Rights Watch's annual report sheds light on surging hate crime and humanitarian crisis Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries. A day after lockdown party apology, UK PM cancels trip as family member tests positive for Covid UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid. New Zealand man finds cockroach inside his ear; extracts it after 3 days In a strange incident, a cockroach was found inside a man's ear three days after he experienced a squirming sensation. Murder in the Alps: Man suspected of killing a family takes part in crime-scene reconstruction French police on Thursday questioned such a man who was arrested in an unsolved murder of British family in the Alps in 2012. For the first time ever, Red Cross declares nationwide blood shortage in US For the first time ever the American Red Cross is going through a blood shortage crisis causing risks for patient care. The organisation has said that blood and platelet donations are critically needed to prevent further delays in medical treatments. French man sues employer for 'boring' job, gets $45,000 severance package After being granted $45,000 because his previous job reportedly bored him out of his mind, Frédéric Desnard became the envy of irritated workers around the world. Indian PM's announcement to build road in Lipulekh provokes outrage in Nepal Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement to extend the road in the Lipulekh region has provoked outrage in Nepal with many top leaders calling the ongoing construction ‘illegal’. ‘Man of Sorrows’ painting reveals hidden details of Botticelli’s early work One of the last masterpieces of Italian painter Sandro Botticelli ‘The Man of Sorrows’ is due to be auctioned. It is estimated to fetch in excess of US $40 million.

Top 10 world news: Red cross declares blood shortage in US, AstraZeneca trials, and more

According to the head of the city's emergency services, a car bomb exploded on a road leading to the airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing at least eight people.&nbsp;The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia has demanded ''concrete answers'' on security from NATO to end stand-off with&nbsp;Ukraine.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-blast-goes-off-in-somalias-capital-at-least-eight-killed-444114">Massive blast goes off in Somalia's capital; at least eight killed</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="418f6047-99ce-4f7c-85ba-e50570a67679" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VZ86M.jpg" />

Mohamed Osman, a Mogadishu local, said the blast shattered the walls and ceiling of a mosque where he was worshipping nearby.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-demands-concrete-answers-on-security-from-nato-to-end-ukraine-stand-off-444148">Russia demands 'concrete answers' on security from NATO to end Ukraine row</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9fcaeb8f-6ad6-4a1b-84f2-a4e8f39eec65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_84.jpg" />

''We are not negotiating from a position of strength, there is not and nor can there be any place for ultimatums here," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bring-your-own-booze-party-row-johnson-says-sorry-as-oppn-tears-into-his-worthless-apology-444158" hreflang="en">‘Bring your own booze party’ row: UK PM says sorry as oppn demands resignation</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34ce38b3-c1b3-4c0a-bdab-7c078a4059f3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VZ8FP.jpg" />

Admitting to having attended the ‘bring your own booze party’ during the first of phase of Covid lockdown, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered an apology while speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/naftali-bennett-says-israel-can-see-up-to-4-million-covid-infections-in-current-wave-444161" hreflang="en">Naftali Bennett says Israel can see up to 4 million Covid infections in current wave</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57b1cc6a-fc07-442c-9c24-ccab874bd0d5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_79.jpg" />

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that Israel country can witness up to 4 million Covid infections in the current wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-airlines-trims-its-operations-as-3000-employees-down-with-covid-444141" hreflang="en">United Airlines trims its operations as 3,000 employees down with Covid</a>

<img alt="vf" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e6e2a37-b02d-4ffa-bb04-e988af04b7c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/United%20Airlines%20Max%209_0.jpg" />

As many as 3,000 employees or 4.5 per cent of the workforce at United Airlines is down with COVID-19, forcing the airlines to cut back its operations in the near term to “make sure the staffing and resources take care of customers.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mosque-in-cannes-shut-because-of-anti-semitic-remarks-444132" hreflang="en">Mosque in Cannes shut because of 'anti-Semitic' remarks</a>

<img alt="vf" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e1b03bb-2c9f-4a9f-932f-e5ecdc40db06" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VY4NY.jpg" />

French interior minister said on Wednesday that closure of a mosque in Cannes had been ordered because of 'anti-Semitic'&nbsp;remarks made there.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-looks-at-more-covid-tests-in-schools-to-keep-them-open-444164" hreflang="en">US looks at more Covid tests in schools to keep them open</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2736f6a0-b712-413e-8939-9d1cd33540ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VY937.jpg" />

The US has announced increase in Covid-19 tests for schools with an aim to keep students in classrooms. Surge in Omicron infections in US threatens closure of schools.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rise-in-omicron-cases-china-imposes-travel-restrictions-in-tianjin-444025" hreflang="en">Amid rise in Omicron cases, China imposes travel restrictions in Tianjin</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48757c38-da33-48ab-9955-fb3b4bc7e92b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VZ6CU.jpg" />

Tianjin officials suspended bus and&nbsp;charter services&nbsp;heading to Beijing as the city reported 97 new coronavirus cases amid a new wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-former-aide-2-republican-strategists-receive-subpoenas-from-capitol-attack-probe-committee-444098" hreflang="en">Trump’s former aide, 2 Republican strategists receive subpoenas from Capitol attack probe committee</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="926581e4-f1db-44e3-9265-35d80f325536" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VW8EE.jpg" />

The House Select Committee investigating the last year’s insurrection on the US Capitol has issued subpoenas to three White House officials who worked closely with former President Donald Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zimbabwe-reports-steep-increase-in-pregnancies-among-girls-and-teenagers-amid-pandemic-444167" hreflang="en">Zimbabwe reports steep increase in pregnancies among girls and teenagers</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fdde2b2-bf71-4186-af7a-14c42dc747b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_78.jpg" />

Nearly a third of girls in Zimbabwe marry before they are 18 and 4 percent before they turn 15, depriving them of an education, increasing the likelihood of sexual violence, and putting them at risk of death or serious injury in childbirth.

According to the head of the city's emergency services, a car bomb exploded on a road leading to the airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing at least eight people.

According to the head of the city's emergency services, a car bomb exploded on a road leading to the airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing at least eight people. The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia has demanded ''concrete answers'' on security from NATO to end stand-off with Ukraine. Click on headlines to read more Massive blast goes off in Somalia's capital; at least eight killed Mohamed Osman, a Mogadishu local, said the blast shattered the walls and ceiling of a mosque where he was worshipping nearby. Russia demands 'concrete answers' on security from NATO to end Ukraine row ''We are not negotiating from a position of strength, there is not and nor can there be any place for ultimatums here," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. ‘Bring your own booze party’ row: UK PM says sorry as oppn demands resignation Admitting to having attended the ‘bring your own booze party’ during the first of phase of Covid lockdown, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered an apology while speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Naftali Bennett says Israel can see up to 4 million Covid infections in current wave Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that Israel country can witness up to 4 million Covid infections in the current wave. United Airlines trims its operations as 3,000 employees down with Covid As many as 3,000 employees or 4.5 per cent of the workforce at United Airlines is down with COVID-19, forcing the airlines to cut back its operations in the near term to “make sure the staffing and resources take care of customers.” Mosque in Cannes shut because of 'anti-Semitic' remarks French interior minister said on Wednesday that closure of a mosque in Cannes had been ordered because of 'anti-Semitic' remarks made there. US looks at more Covid tests in schools to keep them open The US has announced increase in Covid-19 tests for schools with an aim to keep students in classrooms. Surge in Omicron infections in US threatens closure of schools. Amid rise in Omicron cases, China imposes travel restrictions in Tianjin Tianjin officials suspended bus and charter services heading to Beijing as the city reported 97 new coronavirus cases amid a new wave. Trump’s former aide, 2 Republican strategists receive subpoenas from Capitol attack probe committee The House Select Committee investigating the last year’s insurrection on the US Capitol has issued subpoenas to three White House officials who worked closely with former President Donald Trump. Zimbabwe reports steep increase in pregnancies among girls and teenagers Nearly a third of girls in Zimbabwe marry before they are 18 and 4 percent before they turn 15, depriving them of an education, increasing the likelihood of sexual violence, and putting them at risk of death or serious injury in childbirth.

Top 10 world news: Massive blast in Somalia's capital, NATO-Russia hold talks and more

Foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) will hold an emergency videoconference to discuss Ukraine crisis.&nbsp;A new coronavirus variant called 'IHU' has emerged in France amid the rapid surge of Omicron cases across the world.

Click on headlines to read more&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-foreign-ministers-of-nato-countries-to-hold-emergency-talks-442209">Ukraine Crisis: Foreign ministers of NATO countries to hold emergency talks</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01c9b33f-789f-4d1a-990e-f54450617a46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9UR2L8.jpg" />

Russia's military build-up along its border with Ukraine has become a major flashpoint in relations between Russia and the West.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-variant-called-ihu-discovered-in-france-442158">New coronavirus variant called 'IHU' discovered in France</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8cff7970-084c-4f7f-9e64-830fa24a36d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_132.jpg" />

The B.1.640.2 variant was discovered at the institute IHU Mediterranee Infection. Researchers believe that it contains 46 mutations. This has more mutations than the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-modernise-its-nukes-but-asks-us-and-russia-to-reduce-stockpile-442190" hreflang="en">China to 'modernise' its nukes, but asks US and Russia to reduce stockpile</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd4788bf-68d9-45df-8845-6b18c9c446c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9PD9MD.jpg" />

China on Tuesday said that it will continue to 'modernise' its nuclear arsenal but has asked United States and Russia to reduce their stockpiles.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-global-record-of-over-1-million-daily-covid-19-cases-after-fauci-warns-of-vertical-increase-442179" hreflang="en">US sets global record of over 1 million daily Covid-19 cases after Fauci warns of 'vertical increase'</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5472fecc-5a87-4c8b-beae-70222d564ddd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_118.jpg" />

Amid the spread of the Omicron variant at a blistering pace, the United States has recorded over 1 million daily Covid-19 cases as per data from Johns Hopkins University.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-at-south-african-parliament-contained-after-two-days-442175" hreflang="en">Fire at South African parliament contained after two days</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73d8e69b-bbfc-474a-a6db-cd1d59a5a739" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_77.jpg" />

Fire at South Africa's parliament, was contained on Tuesday after intense efforts of two days. The fire devastated the complex and brought down roof of the National Assembly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-in-soup-for-not-self-isolating-after-contact-with-covid-positive-colleague-442172" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson in soup for not self-isolating after contact with Covid positive colleague</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53a5d0ab-0d9e-4b30-a93e-30c46e15b4b5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9UR8YU.jpg" />

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing mounting criticism amid reports that he failed to self-isolate last year after coming into contact with a member of his team who tested positive for Covid.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-slam-elon-musk-for-opening-showroom-in-focal-point-of-genocide-xinjiang-442192" hreflang="en">Activists slam Elon Musk for opening showroom in 'focal point of genocide,' Xinjiang</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1a4c4a63-72be-4ed9-a842-e545a2407915" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_83.jpg" />

Activists have criticised Tesla CEO Elon Musk for opening a new showroom in Xinjiang despite concerns about human rights abuse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-row-with-china-taiwan-buys-lithuanian-liquor-in-show-of-support-442212" hreflang="en">Amid row with China, Taiwan buys Lithuanian liquor in show of support</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34a19050-8fdb-4609-a409-3eb818415c50" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_78.jpg" />

A Taiwanese government-owned liquor firm has bought rum from Lithuania to help the country in dodging a possible Chinese customs block.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-women-combat-platoon-on-cards-in-israel-says-report-442173" hreflang="en">All-women combat platoon on cards in Israel, says report</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee38f192-67fa-44ed-9c00-635bd226860a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_G439E.jpg" />

In a first, a women-only unit seems to be in the making in Israel. The unit seems to have been carved out for religious female soldiers, who want to serve on the frontlines, but have “modesty” concerns about being in close quarters with male troops, said a report. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-slipping-apple-touches-coveted-3-trillion-market-cap-442145" hreflang="en">Before slipping, Apple touches coveted $3 trillion market cap</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0a19a1c-931f-44d9-9d7e-ef9ff5c8a241" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_66.jpg" />

Apple seems to be on cloud nine as the company briefly crossed the $3-trillion milestone in terms of the market cap on Monday. &nbsp;

Foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) will hold an emergency videoconference to discuss Ukraine crisis. A new coronavirus variant called 'IHU' has emerged in France amid the rapid surge of Omicron cases across the world.

Foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) will hold an emergency videoconference to discuss Ukraine crisis. A new coronavirus variant called 'IHU' has emerged in France amid the rapid surge of Omicron cases across the world. Click on headlines to read more Ukraine Crisis: Foreign ministers of NATO countries to hold emergency talks Russia's military build-up along its border with Ukraine has become a major flashpoint in relations between Russia and the West. New coronavirus variant called 'IHU' discovered in France The B.1.640.2 variant was discovered at the institute IHU Mediterranee Infection. Researchers believe that it contains 46 mutations. This has more mutations than the Omicron variant of COVID-19. China to 'modernise' its nukes, but asks US and Russia to reduce stockpile China on Tuesday said that it will continue to 'modernise' its nuclear arsenal but has asked United States and Russia to reduce their stockpiles. US sets global record of over 1 million daily Covid-19 cases after Fauci warns of 'vertical increase' Amid the spread of the Omicron variant at a blistering pace, the United States has recorded over 1 million daily Covid-19 cases as per data from Johns Hopkins University. Fire at South African parliament contained after two days Fire at South Africa's parliament, was contained on Tuesday after intense efforts of two days. The fire devastated the complex and brought down roof of the National Assembly. UK PM Johnson in soup for not self-isolating after contact with Covid positive colleague UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing mounting criticism amid reports that he failed to self-isolate last year after coming into contact with a member of his team who tested positive for Covid. Activists slam Elon Musk for opening showroom in 'focal point of genocide,' Xinjiang Activists have criticised Tesla CEO Elon Musk for opening a new showroom in Xinjiang despite concerns about human rights abuse. Amid row with China, Taiwan buys Lithuanian liquor in show of support A Taiwanese government-owned liquor firm has bought rum from Lithuania to help the country in dodging a possible Chinese customs block. All-women combat platoon on cards in Israel, says report In a first, a women-only unit seems to be in the making in Israel. The unit seems to have been carved out for religious female soldiers, who want to serve on the frontlines, but have “modesty” concerns about being in close quarters with male troops, said a report. Before slipping, Apple touches coveted $3 trillion market cap Apple seems to be on cloud nine as the company briefly crossed the $3-trillion milestone in terms of the market cap on Monday.

Top 10 world news: NATO to hold emergency talk on Ukraine and more

Iran&nbsp;has written a letter to the United Nations General Assembly to seek a resolution on Soleimani's assassination.&nbsp;Right-wing contender in the 2022 French presidential election, Marine Le Pen, has accused the French government of breaking the law by hanging European Union's flag off the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/immunity-to-perpetrators-behind-killing-of-soleimani-threatens-international-peace-says-iran-441803">Immunity to perpetrators behind Soleimani killing threatens peace: Iran</a>

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Iran's Deputy Vice President for Legal Affairs has said that granting immunity to perpetrators behind the killing of Qasem Soleimani threatens international peace.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marine-le-pen-accuses-french-government-of-breaking-law-by-hanging-eu-flag-off-arc-de-triomphe-441768">Marine Le Pen accuses French govt of breaking law by hanging EU flag</a>

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To mark the start of the six-month presidency, France illuminated historic buildings across the country including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in the blue of the EU flag on New Year's Eve.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-security-forces-use-tear-gas-against-protesters-media-images-show-441799">Sudan: Media images show security forces using tear gas against protesters</a>

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Security forces fired tear gas at anti-military protesters in&nbsp;Sudan's capital Khartoum, televised images showed, as demonstrators marched towards the presidential palace.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-parliament-building-in-cape-town-catches-fire-441734">South African Parliament building in Cape Town catches fire</a>

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A&nbsp;fire at the&nbsp;South&nbsp;African parliament caused extensive damage on Sunday, collapsing the roof and gutting an entire floor in one building, with firefighters partially containing the blaze after several hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-2700-flights-cancelled-in-united-states-due-to-omicron-related-disruptions-441784" hreflang="en">Over 2,700 flights cancelled in US due to Omicron-related disruptions</a>

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The worst affected US airline was SkyWest, which had to cancel 23 percent of its flight schedule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/increase-in-omicron-cases-may-help-israel-gain-herd-immunity-health-official-441766" hreflang="en">Increase in Omicron cases may help Israel gain herd immunity: Health official</a>

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Israel's top health official said on Sunday that a surge of Omicron infections in the country may help the country develop herd immunity. His comment came as daily cases in Israel are climbing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-directions-a-setback-for-prince-andrew-in-sexual-assault-case-441788" hreflang="en">US judge directions a setback for Prince Andrew in sexual assault case</a>

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A US judge has asked UK Prince Andrew's lawyer to hand over documents related to the sexual assault case against him. This is being considered as a development that is likely to put pressure on the Prince to settle.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coloured-inks-use-for-tattoo-prohibited-in-eu-from-january-4-441750" hreflang="en">Coloured ink’s use for tattoo prohibited in EU from January 4&nbsp;</a>

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In January 2020, EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) had banned around 4,000 chemicals typically used in colourful ink for tattoos. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-defection-south-korean-crosses-fortified-border-to-enter-kim-jong-un-ruled-north-441740" hreflang="en">In rare defection, South Korean crosses fortified border to enter Kim Jong Un-ruled North</a>

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In what can be called a rare defection, a South Korean crossed the heavily armed border to enter Kim Jong Un-ruled North Korea, military of South Korea said on Sunday. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-meatless-meat-to-web-30-here-are-the-tech-trends-that-can-dominate-in-2022-441762" hreflang="en">From meatless meat to Web 3.0: Here are the tech trends that can dominate in 2022</a>

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After a year that made the terms WFH (work from home) and metaverse instantly recognisable for many people, there are a new set of technological trends headed this way for 2022.

Iran has written a letter to the United Nations General Assembly to seek a resolution on Soleimani's assassination. Right-wing contender in the 2022 French presidential election, Marine Le Pen, has accused the French government of breaking the law by hanging European Union's flag off the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Iran has written a letter to the United Nations General Assembly to seek a resolution on Soleimani's assassination. Right-wing contender in the 2022 French presidential election, Marine Le Pen, has accused the French government of breaking the law by hanging European Union's flag off the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Click on headlines to read more Immunity to perpetrators behind Soleimani killing threatens peace: Iran Iran's Deputy Vice President for Legal Affairs has said that granting immunity to perpetrators behind the killing of Qasem Soleimani threatens international peace. Marine Le Pen accuses French govt of breaking law by hanging EU flag To mark the start of the six-month presidency, France illuminated historic buildings across the country including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in the blue of the EU flag on New Year's Eve. Sudan: Media images show security forces using tear gas against protesters Security forces fired tear gas at anti-military protesters in Sudan's capital Khartoum, televised images showed, as demonstrators marched towards the presidential palace. South African Parliament building in Cape Town catches fire A fire at the South African parliament caused extensive damage on Sunday, collapsing the roof and gutting an entire floor in one building, with firefighters partially containing the blaze after several hours. Over 2,700 flights cancelled in US due to Omicron-related disruptions The worst affected US airline was SkyWest, which had to cancel 23 percent of its flight schedule. Increase in Omicron cases may help Israel gain herd immunity: Health official Israel's top health official said on Sunday that a surge of Omicron infections in the country may help the country develop herd immunity. His comment came as daily cases in Israel are climbing. US judge directions a setback for Prince Andrew in sexual assault case A US judge has asked UK Prince Andrew's lawyer to hand over documents related to the sexual assault case against him. This is being considered as a development that is likely to put pressure on the Prince to settle. Coloured ink’s use for tattoo prohibited in EU from January 4 In January 2020, EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) had banned around 4,000 chemicals typically used in colourful ink for tattoos. In rare defection, South Korean crosses fortified border to enter Kim Jong Un-ruled North In what can be called a rare defection, a South Korean crossed the heavily armed border to enter Kim Jong Un-ruled North Korea, military of South Korea said on Sunday. From meatless meat to Web 3.0: Here are the tech trends that can dominate in 2022 After a year that made the terms WFH (work from home) and metaverse instantly recognisable for many people, there are a new set of technological trends headed this way for 2022.

Top 10 world news: Iran seeking UNGA resolution on Soleimani killing and more

Europe is battling a surge in the cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.&nbsp;US President Joe Biden has signed a defence spending budget that states that Taiwan should be invited to the world's largest naval exercise next year.

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-reports-record-covid-19-cases-as-europe-battles-omicron-440977" hreflang="en">France reports record COVID-19 cases as Europe battles Omicron</a>

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France, Britain, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta all registered a record number of new cases on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-act-says-taiwan-should-be-invited-to-worlds-largest-exercise-next-year-440897">US defence act says Taiwan should be invited to world's largest exercise</a>

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Taiwan has emerged as a key factor in strained relations between China and the United States, the island's most important international backer and arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexander-lukashenko-recep-tayyip-erdogan-among-those-named-most-corrupt-leaders-of-the-year-440967">Lukashenko, Erdogan among those named most corrupt leaders of the year</a>

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Turkish leader Recep&nbsp;Tayyip Erdogan are among the most corrupt people of the year 2021, according to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-inducts-s-550-air-defence-system-report-440960">Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system: Report</a>

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Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, reports say Russia's new&nbsp;S-550&nbsp;air defence system has entered combat service.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-antibodies-that-block-omicron-covid-variant-440943">Scientists identify antibodies that block Omicron Covid variant</a>

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These antibodies target areas on the structure of the virus that remain unchanged even when the virus mutates.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-president-abbas-makes-a-rare-visit-to-israel-440973" hreflang="en">Palestinian president Abbas makes a rare visit to Israel</a>

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Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas held talks with Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz in his first official visit to Israel since 2010. The talks took place at Gantz's home in the town of Rosh Haayin, said Israeli media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-much-to-bear-second-fugitive-surrenders-to-police-after-being-unable-to-tolerate-covid-19-curbs-440946" hreflang="en">'Too much to bear': Second fugitive surrenders to police after being unable to tolerate COVID-19 curbs</a>

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A fugitive has surrendered to the Chinese police after being unable to tolerate the restrictions imposed on the country due to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-fears-human-transmission-amid-bird-flu-outbreak-set-to-curtail-hunting-season-440941" hreflang="en">Israel fears human transmission amid bird flu outbreak, set to curtail hunting season</a>

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After over 2,000 wild cranes were killed due to&nbsp;bird flu&nbsp;in Israel, reports claim authorities&nbsp;have&nbsp;are&nbsp;planning to cancel the hunting season to ensure the outbreak does not spread to humans.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/culture-war-against-english-canadian-provice-introduces-strict-french-language-law-440870" hreflang="en">'Culture war' against English: Canadian provice introduces strict French language law</a>

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Quebec, Canada's largest province, is due to enact a new severe French language law prohibiting the use of English in public services, in what some have dubbed a "culture war" against English-speakers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-global-calls-for-cuts-china-starts-a-massive-coal-fired-power-plant-440853" hreflang="en">Despite global calls for cuts, China starts a massive coal-fired power plant</a>

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China, under fire for approving new coal power stations as other countries try to curb greenhouse gases, has completed the first 1,000-megawatt unit of the Shanghaimiao plant, the biggest of its kind under construction in the country.

Europe is battling a surge in the cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. US President Joe Biden has signed a defence spending budget that states that Taiwan should be invited to the world's largest naval exercise next year.

Europe is battling a surge in the cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. US President Joe Biden has signed a defence spending budget that states that Taiwan should be invited to the world's largest naval exercise next year. Click on the headlines to read more France reports record COVID-19 cases as Europe battles Omicron France, Britain, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta all registered a record number of new cases on Tuesday. US defence act says Taiwan should be invited to world's largest exercise Taiwan has emerged as a key factor in strained relations between China and the United States, the island's most important international backer and arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. Lukashenko, Erdogan among those named most corrupt leaders of the year Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan are among the most corrupt people of the year 2021, according to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system: Report Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, reports say Russia's new S-550 air defence system has entered combat service. Scientists identify antibodies that block Omicron Covid variant These antibodies target areas on the structure of the virus that remain unchanged even when the virus mutates. Palestinian president Abbas makes a rare visit to Israel Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas held talks with Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz in his first official visit to Israel since 2010. The talks took place at Gantz's home in the town of Rosh Haayin, said Israeli media. 'Too much to bear': Second fugitive surrenders to police after being unable to tolerate COVID-19 curbs A fugitive has surrendered to the Chinese police after being unable to tolerate the restrictions imposed on the country due to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Israel fears human transmission amid bird flu outbreak, set to curtail hunting season After over 2,000 wild cranes were killed due to bird flu in Israel, reports claim authorities have are planning to cancel the hunting season to ensure the outbreak does not spread to humans. 'Culture war' against English: Canadian provice introduces strict French language law Quebec, Canada's largest province, is due to enact a new severe French language law prohibiting the use of English in public services, in what some have dubbed a "culture war" against English-speakers. Despite global calls for cuts, China starts a massive coal-fired power plant China, under fire for approving new coal power stations as other countries try to curb greenhouse gases, has completed the first 1,000-megawatt unit of the Shanghaimiao plant, the biggest of its kind under construction in the country.

Top 10 world news: Europe battles surge in Omicron cases and more

Russia will hold talks with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Brussels on security guarantees after US-Russia talks in Geneva.&nbsp;China and Japan have reached an agreement to establish a hotline for their disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-nato-talks-to-take-place-after-moscow-washington-huddle-in-geneva-report-440677" hreflang="en">Russia-NATO talks to take place after Moscow-Washington huddle in Geneva</a>

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"Following the meeting in Geneva, the event is likely to be organized in Brussels with NATO, the arrangements and other details are being worked out," said&nbsp;Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-to-establish-hotline-for-disputes-over-taiwan-and-south-china-sea-440630">China, Japan to establish hotline for disputes over Taiwan and South China Sea</a>

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Japan's Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi held a two-hour video conference with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe and expressed his grave concerns over Chinese coast guard ships activities in waters surrounding the Japanese administered Senkaku Islands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-crashes-in-california-no-survivors-440733">Plane crashes in California, no survivors</a>

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Authorities and local media said that the plane downed power lines and that there were no survivors.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/afghan-women-protest-against-killing-of-former-troops-demand-equal-rights-440708">Afghan women protest against killing of former troops, demand equal rights</a>

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Dozens of women marched in Kabul, accusing the country's new Taliban authorities of killing members of the former regime and calling for women's rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-disrupts-holiday-season-global-cases-hit-record-high-with-over-1-million-infections-440689" hreflang="en">Omicron disrupts holiday season: Global cases hit record high with over 1 million infections</a>

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The Omicron variant of coronavirus is disrupting the holiday season worldwide as global cases hit a record high with 1.44 million&nbsp;cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nsw-health-minister-slams-queensland-premier-for-being-passive-aggressive-on-covid-19-testing-440657" hreflang="en">NSW health minister slams Queensland premier for being ‘passive aggressive’ on COVID-19 testing</a>

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New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has blasted Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for being ‘passive aggressive’ on COVID-19 testing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11500-flights-grounded-worldwide-since-friday-as-omicron-fuels-another-wave-of-infections-440622" hreflang="en">11,500 flights grounded worldwide since Friday as Omicron fuels another wave of infections</a>

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Around 11,500 flights have been cancelled worldwide since Friday as Omicron variant forced several countries to impose travel restrictions amid concerns over virus spread.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-group-slams-inhumane-chinese-secret-detention-system-440623" hreflang="en">Human rights group slams inhumane Chinese secret detention system</a>

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The inhumane system, which is called 'Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location' (RSDL), has been criticised by a human rights group. It has claimed immense torture in this secret detention system. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-it-has-received-visa-applications-from-us-officials-to-attend-winter-olympics-440557" hreflang="en">China says it has received visa applications from US officials to attend Winter Olympics</a>

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China has said that it has received visa applications from US officials to attend the Winter Olympics, days after President Joe Biden declared boycott saying that they won’t be sending its officials to Beijing.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sikh-youth-threatens-to-assassinate-queen-to-avenge-jallianwala-bagh-massacre-arrested-440586">UK: Sikh youth threatens to ‘assassinate’ Queen to avenge Jallianwala Bagh massacre, arrested</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e36aee5-5641-4794-af63-c361e4bcc5e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V22DR.jpg" />

A 19-year-old man has been arrested for threatening to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II in revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Russia will hold talks with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Brussels on security guarantees after US-Russia talks in Geneva. China and Japan have reached an agreement to establish a hotline for their disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Russia will hold talks with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Brussels on security guarantees after US-Russia talks in Geneva. China and Japan have reached an agreement to establish a hotline for their disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Click on headlines to read more Russia-NATO talks to take place after Moscow-Washington huddle in Geneva "Following the meeting in Geneva, the event is likely to be organized in Brussels with NATO, the arrangements and other details are being worked out," said Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. China, Japan to establish hotline for disputes over Taiwan and South China Sea Japan's Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi held a two-hour video conference with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe and expressed his grave concerns over Chinese coast guard ships activities in waters surrounding the Japanese administered Senkaku Islands. Plane crashes in California, no survivors Authorities and local media said that the plane downed power lines and that there were no survivors. Afghan women protest against killing of former troops, demand equal rights Dozens of women marched in Kabul, accusing the country's new Taliban authorities of killing members of the former regime and calling for women's rights. Omicron disrupts holiday season: Global cases hit record high with over 1 million infections The Omicron variant of coronavirus is disrupting the holiday season worldwide as global cases hit a record high with 1.44 million cases. NSW health minister slams Queensland premier for being ‘passive aggressive’ on COVID-19 testing New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has blasted Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for being ‘passive aggressive’ on COVID-19 testing. 11,500 flights grounded worldwide since Friday as Omicron fuels another wave of infections Around 11,500 flights have been cancelled worldwide since Friday as Omicron variant forced several countries to impose travel restrictions amid concerns over virus spread. Human rights group slams inhumane Chinese secret detention system The inhumane system, which is called 'Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location' (RSDL), has been criticised by a human rights group. It has claimed immense torture in this secret detention system. China says it has received visa applications from US officials to attend Winter Olympics China has said that it has received visa applications from US officials to attend the Winter Olympics, days after President Joe Biden declared boycott saying that they won’t be sending its officials to Beijing. UK: Sikh youth threatens to ‘assassinate’ Queen to avenge Jallianwala Bagh massacre, arrested A 19-year-old man has been arrested for threatening to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II in revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Top 10 world news: Russia, NATO to hold talks, plane crashes in California and more

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said today that it's "almost impossible" to have good relations with the current Ukrainian authorities referring to President Zelenskiy.&nbsp;As China battles the&nbsp;pandemic, authorities in&nbsp;Shaanxi province have ordered workers not to leave for home during New Year and Spring holidays.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-zelenskiy-under-influence-of-radical-nationalistic-forces-says-putin-440422" hreflang="en">Ukraine president under influence of radical nationalistic forces, says Putin</a>

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"President&nbsp;Zelenskiy&nbsp;came to power and instead of meeting got under the influence of radical nationalistic forces," Putin said as tensions continue on the border with Ukraine with thousands of Russian troops massed at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-mass-testing-and-lockdown-china-orders-migrants-in-xian-not-to-leave-city-440372">Amid mass testing and lockdown, China orders migrants in Xi'an not to leave</a>

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China's&nbsp;Xi'an&nbsp;city has emerged as the new epicentre of the virus as authorities have imposed wide-ranging lockdown of the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mauritius-oil-spill-captain-who-crashed-ship-into-a-coral-reef-sentenced-to-20-months-in-jail-440394">Mauritius oil spill: Ship captain sentenced to 20 months in jail</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b6d9209-15f6-4170-9cb0-4852fe2da83f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VA38E.jpg" />

The captain of the ship that had crashed into a coral reef and caused a massive oil spill in Mauritius has been sentenced to 20 months of jail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-typhoon-rai-death-toll-increases-to-389-440392" hreflang="en">Philippines: Typhoon Rai death toll increases to 389</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="910831e1-9180-4d9a-a325-679842cf7062" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V844H.jpg" />

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the typhoon, which made landfall in the Philippines on December 16, also injured 1,146 people, reports Xinhua news agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-study-israel-vaccinates-people-with-fourth-vaccine-dose-for-the-first-time-440352" hreflang="en">In a study, Israel vaccinates people with fourth vaccine dose for the first time</a>

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Israel has been experiencing a sudden spike in cases due to the Omicron variant. There are a little over 1,000 cases of the Omicron variant in Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-alpha-variant-has-learnt-how-to-evade-innate-immune-system-research-440242" hreflang="en">Coronavirus' Alpha variant has learnt how to evade innate immune system: Research</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e6962f35-8f34-450f-bb55-7e7ef81303a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2818%29_28.jpg" />

While mutating, Alpha variant may have gained ‘skills’ to successfully block the 'innate immune system response', new research has revealed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pile-of-space-junk-chinese-citizens-lambast-spacex-after-space-station-near-misses-440415" hreflang="en">'Pile of space junk': Chinese citizens lambast SpaceX after space station near-misses</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf7da98a-985b-4ce2-b19e-5020c0d9959d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_33.jpg" />

Chinese citizens slammed Elon Musk's company SpaceX for its ''close encounter'' with the country's space station.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-laments-italys-declining-birth-rate-says-it-is-a-tragedy-440363" hreflang="en">Pope Francis laments Italy's declining birth rate, says it is a 'tragedy'</a>

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In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nsw-reports-first-omicron-death-as-australia-sees-10000-covid-cases-for-first-time-440268" hreflang="en">NSW reports first Omicron death as Australia sees 10,000 Covid cases for first time</a>

<img alt="vf" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b168665e-7c9c-4501-86c0-c97a6de99590" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V4248.jpg" />

&nbsp;

<p class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px !important; margin: 0px 0px 20px; font-size: 18px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 28px; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Australia, on Monday morning, reported more than 10,000 Covid cases for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. Out of these, 6,324 cases were from New South Wales, with 55 in intensive care among 520 people in hospital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/weather-disasters-cost-20-bn-more-than-last-year-ngo-440319" hreflang="en">Weather disasters cost $20 bn more than last year: NGO</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b95a6d1f-d711-42e2-ad5e-2b6a2abb0989" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V998D.jpg" />

The ten most expensive weather disasters this year caused more than $170 billion (150 billion euros) in damage, $20 billion more than in 2020, a British aid group said Monday.

&nbsp;

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that it's "almost impossible" to have good relations with the current Ukrainian authorities referring to President Zelenskiy.

Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that it's "almost impossible" to have good relations with the current Ukrainian authorities referring to President Zelenskiy. As China battles the pandemic, authorities in Shaanxi province have ordered workers not to leave for home during New Year and Spring holidays. Click on headlines to read more Ukraine president under influence of radical nationalistic forces, says Putin "President Zelenskiy came to power and instead of meeting got under the influence of radical nationalistic forces," Putin said as tensions continue on the border with Ukraine with thousands of Russian troops massed at the border. Amid mass testing and lockdown, China orders migrants in Xi'an not to leave China's Xi'an city has emerged as the new epicentre of the virus as authorities have imposed wide-ranging lockdown of the city. Mauritius oil spill: Ship captain sentenced to 20 months in jail The captain of the ship that had crashed into a coral reef and caused a massive oil spill in Mauritius has been sentenced to 20 months of jail. Philippines: Typhoon Rai death toll increases to 389 The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the typhoon, which made landfall in the Philippines on December 16, also injured 1,146 people, reports Xinhua news agency. In a study, Israel vaccinates people with fourth vaccine dose for the first time Israel has been experiencing a sudden spike in cases due to the Omicron variant. There are a little over 1,000 cases of the Omicron variant in Israel. Coronavirus' Alpha variant has learnt how to evade innate immune system: Research While mutating, Alpha variant may have gained ‘skills’ to successfully block the 'innate immune system response', new research has revealed. 'Pile of space junk': Chinese citizens lambast SpaceX after space station near-misses Chinese citizens slammed Elon Musk's company SpaceX for its ''close encounter'' with the country's space station. Pope Francis laments Italy's declining birth rate, says it is a 'tragedy' In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. NSW reports first Omicron death as Australia sees 10,000 Covid cases for first time Australia, on Monday morning, reported more than 10,000 Covid cases for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. Out of these, 6,324 cases were from New South Wales, with 55 in intensive care among 520 people in hospital. Weather disasters cost $20 bn more than last year: NGO The ten most expensive weather disasters this year caused more than $170 billion (150 billion euros) in damage, $20 billion more than in 2020, a British aid group said Monday.

Top 10 world news: Putin says Zelenskiy under influence of radical forces and more

Russia's foreign ministry has warned against the inclusion of Finland and Sweden in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).&nbsp;Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that China is ''playing'' Western countries against one another.

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-nato-against-inclusion-of-finland-sweden-440093" hreflang="en">Russia warns NATO against inclusion of Finland, Sweden</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3df910c0-8bdb-42c3-9ee9-dcb43e79f935" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1313717.jpg" />

According to Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokeswoman, ''The persistent attempts by NATO to draw those countries into the orbit of its interests and opportunistic policies haven’t gone unnoticed by Russia.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-playing-western-countries-against-one-another-says-trudeau-440112">China is 'playing' Western countries against one another, says Trudeau</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50e9b488-863e-4187-86ab-0dbd5d76bb74" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_131.jpg" />

During an interview with Global television, he said, "We've been competing and China has been, from time to time, very cleverly playing us off each other in an open market, competitive way."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-anti-apartheid-icon-desmond-tutu-dies-at-90-440043">South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, Desmond Tutu, dies at 90</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f230ef6-9299-4b11-829c-1cab48886e9d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V96DB.jpg" />

Desmond Tutu, South African anti-apartheid icon, also described as the country's moral compass, died on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-three-warships-one-vessel-for-pakistan-navy-another-for-thai-navy-440100">China launches three warships; one vessel for Pakistan Navy</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a1d73d5-4630-438a-9b2a-9f1064259e21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/alpha-guided-missile-frigate-pnstughril-set-to-be-commissioned-in-pakistannavy-1635842238-2886.jpg" />

China this week launched three warships with one meant for the Pakistan&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;and another for the Royal Thailand Navy as it continues on its grand shipbuilding projects.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-australias-most-populous-state-reports-record-cases-440124" hreflang="en">Omicron update: Australia’s most populous state reports record cases</a>

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New South Wales,&nbsp;home to Sydney and a third of Australia's 25 million population, reported 6,394 new infections, up from 6,288 a day earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-creates-record-in-booster-dose-campaign-amid-omicron-surge-440178" hreflang="en">UK creates record in booster dose campaign amid Omicron surge</a>

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Reports said health officials will go on a door-to-door campaign in the UK to give people jabs as new virus rules came into effect in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales post-Christmas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-double-settlers-in-golan-heights-440173" hreflang="en">Israel to double settlers in Golan Heights</a>

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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday announced a plan costing more than USD 300 million to double Jewish Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights. This territory was captured by Israel from Syria more than 40 years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-16-migrants-dead-in-greece-after-their-boat-capsizes-440147" hreflang="en">At least 16 migrants dead in Greece after their boat capsizes</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fd8c323-ab71-4dd0-bd5a-47af282e625c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_80.jpg" />

At least 16 migrants have died in an accident in Greece after their boat got overturned near the&nbsp;island of Paros in the central Aegean Sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-snow-in-japan-leads-to-cancellation-of-over-100-domestic-flights-440061" hreflang="en">Heavy snow in Japan leads to cancellation of over 100 domestic flights</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cbed4ad-ffc1-466c-a00a-14648830f3c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GettyImages-asi04870-3bca746b9b2b40c2aaed96905c4bd0d6.jpg" />

Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of Japan has led to cancellation of&nbsp;more than 100 domestic flights&nbsp;on Sunday, said two biggest airlines functioning in the nation. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-economy-to-top-100-trillion-in-2022-for-first-time-india-set-to-overtake-france-report-440004" hreflang="en">World economy to top $100 trillion in 2022 for first time: Report</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="69db7ab3-77e2-4fca-8864-9880bf6e6024" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_76.jpg" />

The world's economic output will exceed $100 trillion for the first time next year and it will take China a little longer than previously thought to overtake the United States as the No.1 economy, a report showed on Sunday.

Russia's foreign ministry has warned against the inclusion of Finland and Sweden in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that China is ''playing'' Western countries against one another.

Russia's foreign ministry has warned against the inclusion of Finland and Sweden in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that China is ''playing'' Western countries against one another. Click on the headlines to read more Russia warns NATO against inclusion of Finland, Sweden According to Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokeswoman, ''The persistent attempts by NATO to draw those countries into the orbit of its interests and opportunistic policies haven’t gone unnoticed by Russia.'' China is 'playing' Western countries against one another, says Trudeau During an interview with Global television, he said, "We've been competing and China has been, from time to time, very cleverly playing us off each other in an open market, competitive way." South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, Desmond Tutu, dies at 90 Desmond Tutu, South African anti-apartheid icon, also described as the country's moral compass, died on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said. China launches three warships; one vessel for Pakistan Navy China this week launched three warships with one meant for the Pakistan Navy and another for the Royal Thailand Navy as it continues on its grand shipbuilding projects. Omicron update: Australia’s most populous state reports record cases New South Wales, home to Sydney and a third of Australia's 25 million population, reported 6,394 new infections, up from 6,288 a day earlier. UK creates record in booster dose campaign amid Omicron surge Reports said health officials will go on a door-to-door campaign in the UK to give people jabs as new virus rules came into effect in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales post-Christmas. Israel to double settlers in Golan Heights Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday announced a plan costing more than USD 300 million to double Jewish Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights. This territory was captured by Israel from Syria more than 40 years ago. At least 16 migrants dead in Greece after their boat capsizes At least 16 migrants have died in an accident in Greece after their boat got overturned near the island of Paros in the central Aegean Sea. Heavy snow in Japan leads to cancellation of over 100 domestic flights Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of Japan has led to cancellation of more than 100 domestic flights on Sunday, said two biggest airlines functioning in the nation. World economy to top $100 trillion in 2022 for first time: Report The world's economic output will exceed $100 trillion for the first time next year and it will take China a little longer than previously thought to overtake the United States as the No.1 economy, a report showed on Sunday.

Top 10 world news: Russia warns NATO, Canada slams China and more

&nbsp;

The United Kingdoms has confirmed the first ever reported death from the Omicron variant. The variant which was first identified in South Africa is believed to be a milder strain of the original novel coronavirus. In other coronavirus-related news, China has reported hundred plus cases of 'AY.4' a&nbsp;sub-lineage of the highly contagious Delta variant.

Also in the newsletter, we bring you an explainer on the ongoing protests in Pakistan's Gwadar.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-one-patient-confirmed-dead-due-to-omicron-says-uk-pm-boris-johnson-436575">At least one patient confirmed dead due to Omicron, says UK PM Boris Johnson</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/01/10/177821-coronavirus-in-uk.jpg" />

At least one person has died from the Omicron variant in the UK, according to PM Boris Johnson. The UK government informed patients with the Omicron variant that they were being hospitalised on Sunday.

"Sadly yes, Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron," Johnson said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-cases-of-a-new-more-transmissible-delta-strain-sub-lineage-ay4-436525">China reports cases of a new, more transmissible Delta strain, 'sub-lineage AY.4'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/13/226415-stories-3.jpg" />The Zhejiang Province in China reported 138 cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 of a new Delta strain, "sub-lineage AY.4". Authorities in the province banned millions of people from travelling to other parts of the country as a result.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-prepares-for-space-launch-at-imam-khomeini-spaceport-suggest-satellite-images-expert-436529">Iran prepares for space launch at Imam Khomeini Spaceport, suggest satellite images, expert</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/13/226418-iran-2.jpg" />

Even as negotiations over a nuclear deal with world powers continue in Vienna, experts and satellite images indicate that Iran may be preparing for a launch into space.&nbsp;

Satellite images taken by Planet Labs Inc. and obtained by the Associated Press show activity at Iran's Imam Khomeini Spaceport, located in the desert plains of rural Semnan province.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-sentenced-to-13-months-in-prison-436531">Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 13 months in prison</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/31/176556-jimmy-lai.jpg" />Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy media tycoon from Hong Kong, has received a new prison sentence of 13 months for his participation in a banned vigil in Tiananmen Square.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-two-terrorists-killed-in-srinagar-encounter-436511">J&amp;K: Two terrorists killed in Srinagar encounter</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/47095-Srinagar-encounter.JPG" />

Two terrorists were killed in a brief encounter in Srinagar's Rangreth area today. The&nbsp;bodies of terrorists along with arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site. However, the&nbsp;terrorists have not been identified&nbsp;yet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-south-korea-to-test-facial-recognition-tech-to-track-covid-19-cases-436553">Now, South Korea to test facial recognition tech to track Covid-19 cases</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/13/226426-blah1.jpg" />According to reports, South Korea plans to use facial recognition in CCTV cameras to track people infected with Coronavirus.&nbsp;People who had come into contact with people infected with the virus, as well as people who wear masks, will be tracked by the technology.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-are-people-in-pakistans-gwadar-protesting-against-the-chinese-here-is-what-we-know-436605">Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/01/13/80406-2019-01-13t033010z1lynxnpef0c01grtroptp4saudi-pakistan-economy.JPG" />Pakistan's port city of Gwadar, where China is building a port, has become the site of a massive protest against Chinese presence. Locals have long complained that jobs in these vital projects are offered to outside workers and locals are left unemployed. They claim that they are being marginalized.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-biden-president-putin-to-meet-president-xi-via-video-link-436600">After Biden, President Putin to meet President Xi via video link</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/06/06/97482-xi1.jpg" />

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a virtual summit with US President Joe Biden. Now, he will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's action comes amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have drawn the attention of world powers in the past month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-and-north-korea-agree-in-principle-to-end-korean-war-says-moon-jae-in-436572">South and North Korea agree 'in principle' to end Korean war, says Moon Jae-in&nbsp;</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/13/226447-moon-jae-in.jpg" />The US, China, South Korea and North Korea have agreed to declare a formal end to the Korean War in principle, according to South Korean President Moon Jae-in. However, South Korea and North Korea are still technically at war, at least on paper.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-naftali-bennett-meets-crown-prince-on-historic-uae-visit-436526">Israel's PM Naftali Bennett meets Crown Prince on historic UAE visit</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/13/226416-naftali-bennett-2.jpg" />During his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was welcomed by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan at his private palace in Abu Dhabi. Bennett's visit marked the first Israeli premier to visit the UAE since diplomatic relations were established last year as part of an agreement backed by the US called the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;

The United Kingdoms has confirmed the first ever reported death from the Omicron variant. The variant which was first identified in South Africa is believed to be a milder strain of the original novel coronavirus.

The United Kingdoms has confirmed the first ever reported death from the Omicron variant. The variant which was first identified in South Africa is believed to be a milder strain of the original novel coronavirus. In other coronavirus-related news, China has reported hundred plus cases of 'AY.4' a sub-lineage of the highly contagious Delta variant. Also in the newsletter, we bring you an explainer on the ongoing protests in Pakistan's Gwadar. Click on headlines to read more At least one patient confirmed dead due to Omicron, says UK PM Boris Johnson At least one person has died from the Omicron variant in the UK, according to PM Boris Johnson. The UK government informed patients with the Omicron variant that they were being hospitalised on Sunday. "Sadly yes, Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron," Johnson said. China reports cases of a new, more transmissible Delta strain, 'sub-lineage AY.4' The Zhejiang Province in China reported 138 cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 of a new Delta strain, "sub-lineage AY.4". Authorities in the province banned millions of people from travelling to other parts of the country as a result. Iran prepares for space launch at Imam Khomeini Spaceport, suggest satellite images, expert Even as negotiations over a nuclear deal with world powers continue in Vienna, experts and satellite images indicate that Iran may be preparing for a launch into space. Satellite images taken by Planet Labs Inc. and obtained by the Associated Press show activity at Iran's Imam Khomeini Spaceport, located in the desert plains of rural Semnan province. Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 13 months in prison Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy media tycoon from Hong Kong, has received a new prison sentence of 13 months for his participation in a banned vigil in Tiananmen Square. J&K: Two terrorists killed in Srinagar encounter Two terrorists were killed in a brief encounter in Srinagar's Rangreth area today. The bodies of terrorists along with arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site. However, the terrorists have not been identified yet. Now, South Korea to test facial recognition tech to track Covid-19 cases According to reports, South Korea plans to use facial recognition in CCTV cameras to track people infected with Coronavirus. People who had come into contact with people infected with the virus, as well as people who wear masks, will be tracked by the technology. Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know Pakistan's port city of Gwadar, where China is building a port, has become the site of a massive protest against Chinese presence. Locals have long complained that jobs in these vital projects are offered to outside workers and locals are left unemployed. They claim that they are being marginalized. After Biden, President Putin to meet President Xi via video link Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a virtual summit with US President Joe Biden. Now, he will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin's action comes amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have drawn the attention of world powers in the past month. South and North Korea agree 'in principle' to end Korean war, says Moon Jae-in The US, China, South Korea and North Korea have agreed to declare a formal end to the Korean War in principle, according to South Korean President Moon Jae-in. However, South Korea and North Korea are still technically at war, at least on paper. Israel's PM Naftali Bennett meets Crown Prince on historic UAE visit During his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was welcomed by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan at his private palace in Abu Dhabi. Bennett's visit marked the first Israeli premier to visit the UAE since diplomatic relations were established last year as part of an agreement backed by the US called the Abraham Accords.

Top 10 world news: First reported death from Omicron, Jimmy Lai's new sentence, and more

While addressing the first-ever virtual Summit for&nbsp;democracy, US President&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;said "democracy does not happen by accident, it needs to be renewed with every generation." "Democracy&nbsp;needs champions," the US president said with over 100 countries invited for the virtual summit.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democracy-facing-alarming-challenges-worldwide-says-biden-during-summit-for-democracy-435540">Democracy facing alarming challenges worldwide, says Biden during Summit for Democracy</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/09/225730-summit11.jpg" />The US president informed that there has been a "10 per cent decline" in democracy including in the United States.&nbsp;Biden said democracy is facing "sustained and alarming challenges" worldwide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cds-general-bipin-rawats-cremation-sri-lanka-nepal-bhutan-to-send-top-army-officials-435503">CDS General Bipin Rawat's cremation: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan to send top Army officials</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/09/225707-serving1.jpg" />As a mark of respect, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan will be sending top Army officials to&nbsp;the cremation of CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife that will take place on Friday. The cremation is expected to take place at Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-suspend-year-long-agitation-after-assurances-from-indian-govt-to-look-into-demands-435441">Farmers suspend year-long agitation after assurances from Indian govt to look into demands</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/09/225667-farmers.jpg" />Having weathered rain, heat, and bone-chilling cold for over one-and-a-half years, during which around 600 lives were lost, the farmers on Thursday decided to suspend their agitation after the government repealed three controversial agriculture laws. The farmers have said that they will vacate Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders in Delhi after holding a victory parade on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/09/225668-beijing-2022-winter-olympics.jpg" />China has warned Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, saying that nations would "pay the price" for the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.&nbsp;On Monday (December 6), the US announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics citing reports of 'egregious' human rights violations, which China has denied repeatedly.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investigative-report-claims-pfizer-paid-money-to-spread-lies-about-astrazeneca-covid-jab-435463">Investigative report claims Pfizer paid money to spread lies about AstraZeneca Covid jab</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/05/220157-pfizer.jpg" />&nbsp;According to an investigation by the UK-based Channel 4, drug major Pfizer allegedly paid experts to lie about Covid vaccine made by its rival AstraZeneca along with Oxford University. Pfizer has denied the claims being made in the investigative report to be aired on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-running-out-of-patriot-missiles-amid-strikes-by-houthis-report-435513">Saudi Arabia running out of Patriot missiles amid strikes by Houthis: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/09/225713-pat22.jpg" />Amid reports of ballistic missile&nbsp;and drone strikes by the&nbsp;Houthis, reports claim Saudi Arabia has been running out of ammunition to defend itself amid repeated attacks by the rebel group and has asked the US and its European allies to supply it with weapons.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-top-executives-of-bettercom-resign-after-ceo-lays-off-900-people-over-zoom-call-435546">3 top executives of Better.com resign after CEO lays off 900 people over Zoom call</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/09/225736-garg14.jpg" />Days after the US-based mortgage come, Better.com, unceremoniously fired 900 people over Zoom call, three top executives have tendered their resignation.&nbsp;The resignations come in response to the last week’s mass layoff, when CEO Vishal Garg abruptly terminated about 9% of the employees, which comprised of staff from US and India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-still-a-leader-of-the-team-indias-newly-appointed-limited-overs-captain-rohit-sharma-opines-on-virat-kohli-435550">He's still a leader of the team: India's newly-appointed limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma opines on Virat Kohli</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/19/133607-0001ny0jt.jpg" />During a recent interaction, when he wasn't officially announced as the ODI captain, Hitman spoke highly of Virat and how the team will continue to benefit having the former captain in the limited-overs format.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-saw-a-record-number-of-journalists-imprisoned-china-leads-list-of-offenders-cpj-report-435408">2021 saw a record number of journalists imprisoned, China leads list of offenders: CPJ Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/09/225647-stories-3.jpg" />New data shows there was a global high in 2021 when it comes to journalists behind bars. There are 293 journalists imprisoned as of December 1 this year, according to this report from the nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-katrina-kaif-and-vicky-kaushal-are-finally-married-check-pics-inside-435542">Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are finally married! Check pics inside</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/09/225735-happy-30th-birthday-61.jpg" />Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are finally married. The couple got married in a grand wedding today (December 9) at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.&nbsp;As per the reports, the couple tied the knot according to Hindi rituals in the presence of close family and friends

While addressing the first-ever virtual Summit for democracy, US President Joe Biden said "democracy does not happen by accident, it needs to be renewed with every generation.

While addressing the first-ever virtual Summit for democracy, US President Joe Biden said "democracy does not happen by accident, it needs to be renewed with every generation." "Democracy needs champions," the US president said with over 100 countries invited for the virtual summit. Click on headlines to read more Democracy facing alarming challenges worldwide, says Biden during Summit for Democracy The US president informed that there has been a "10 per cent decline" in democracy including in the United States. Biden said democracy is facing "sustained and alarming challenges" worldwide. CDS General Bipin Rawat's cremation: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan to send top Army officials As a mark of respect, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan will be sending top Army officials to the cremation of CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife that will take place on Friday. The cremation is expected to take place at Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment. Farmers suspend year-long agitation after assurances from Indian govt to look into demands Having weathered rain, heat, and bone-chilling cold for over one-and-a-half years, during which around 600 lives were lost, the farmers on Thursday decided to suspend their agitation after the government repealed three controversial agriculture laws. The farmers have said that they will vacate Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders in Delhi after holding a victory parade on Saturday. Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' China has warned Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, saying that nations would "pay the price" for the diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. On Monday (December 6), the US announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics citing reports of 'egregious' human rights violations, which China has denied repeatedly. Investigative report claims Pfizer paid money to spread lies about AstraZeneca Covid jab According to an investigation by the UK-based Channel 4, drug major Pfizer allegedly paid experts to lie about Covid vaccine made by its rival AstraZeneca along with Oxford University. Pfizer has denied the claims being made in the investigative report to be aired on Friday. Saudi Arabia running out of Patriot missiles amid strikes by Houthis: Report Amid reports of ballistic missile and drone strikes by the Houthis, reports claim Saudi Arabia has been running out of ammunition to defend itself amid repeated attacks by the rebel group and has asked the US and its European allies to supply it with weapons. 3 top executives of Better.com resign after CEO lays off 900 people over Zoom call Days after the US-based mortgage come, Better.com, unceremoniously fired 900 people over Zoom call, three top executives have tendered their resignation. The resignations come in response to the last week’s mass layoff, when CEO Vishal Garg abruptly terminated about 9% of the employees, which comprised of staff from US and India. He's still a leader of the team: India's newly-appointed limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma opines on Virat Kohli During a recent interaction, when he wasn't officially announced as the ODI captain, Hitman spoke highly of Virat and how the team will continue to benefit having the former captain in the limited-overs format. 2021 saw a record number of journalists imprisoned, China leads list of offenders: CPJ Report New data shows there was a global high in 2021 when it comes to journalists behind bars. There are 293 journalists imprisoned as of December 1 this year, according to this report from the nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists. Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are finally married! Check pics inside Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are finally married. The couple got married in a grand wedding today (December 9) at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. As per the reports, the couple tied the knot according to Hindi rituals in the presence of close family and friends

Top 10 world news: Biden sounds alarm on state of global democracy and more

Social Democrat&nbsp;Olaf&nbsp;Scholz was sworn in as German chancellor on Wednesday&nbsp;ending Angela Merkel's 16 years of conservative rule.&nbsp;A new report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has revealed that China is the world's biggest captor of journalists.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ending-merkel-era-olaf-scholz-becomes-germanys-new-chancellor-435136" hreflang="en">Ending Merkel era, Olaf Scholz becomes Germany's new chancellor</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f92d4a63-e3f8-45bb-bb64-fbabb3f5fe43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_122014581_scholzoath.jpg" />

Scholz, 63, who served as vice-chancellor and finance minister in Merkel's outgoing government, got a clear majority of 395 votes from lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unprecedented-campaign-of-repression-china-is-worlds-biggest-captor-of-journalists-435127" hreflang="en">'Unprecedented campaign of repression': China is world's biggest captor of journalists</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="575e2f7a-805a-48ad-901c-60ac0d719144" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_116.jpg" />

Accusing&nbsp;the country of conducting an ''unprecedented campaign of repression,'' the 82-page document highlights how China is violating its own international commitments to freedom of opinion and expression.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bipin-rawat-his-wife-among-13-killed-in-helicopter-crash-435156" hreflang="en">Bipin Rawat, his wife among 13 killed in helicopter crash</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74726c1b-35a4-4e5f-ab1e-c0f96db50b76" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_36.jpg" />

India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat&nbsp;and 11 others&nbsp;died on Wednesday after an Indian Air Force helicopter carrying them crashed near a forest area in Coonoor in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-apologises-for-video-but-still-denies-christmas-party-435183" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson apologises for video but still denies Christmas party</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8aa2571d-346e-4fdc-8886-ae6e0b3a7e3f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/https___d1e00ek4ebabms.cloudfront.net_production_3873c0fd-c9f4-46a6-a0c6-a0ef08960473.jpg" />

Vowing ''disciplinary action,'' he has announced an internal probe of the leaked footage showing senior aides joking about a Christmas party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-demonstrates-three-doses-of-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-neutralise-omicron-variant-435221" hreflang="en">Study demonstrates three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine neutralise Omicron variant</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="451e6d8a-4b99-42c1-a74f-8558c7916aff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/OJ3NPZLAIFP3VL4AHQJV44VUIE.jpg" />

A preliminary laboratory study has revealed that three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine neutralises the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-discover-stealth-version-of-omicron-variant-that-is-harder-to-track-using-pcr-tests-435024" hreflang="en">Scientists discover ‘stealth version’ of Omicron variant that is ‘harder to track’ using PCR tests</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="973020e0-b0cb-46ef-9e28-cf6f3d3ec973" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_37.jpg" />

Scientists have discovered a ‘stealth version’ of the Omicron Covid variant that is difficult to detect using the standard lab tests, the Guardian reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-in-centuries-worlds-population-set-to-decline-study-435049" hreflang="en">For the first time in centuries, world’s population set to decline: Study</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fe2f696d-bf17-42a1-90e8-0d61788ea98a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/83851.jpg" />

The world’s population is set to decline for the first time ever in the next century, a new study published in the Lancet journal has revealed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-pm-says-sorry-for-staying-out-clubbing-after-covid-exposure-435223" hreflang="en">Finland PM says ‘sorry’ for staying out clubbing after Covid exposure</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b609b45f-ec08-4534-a9b8-f52d91647236" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/39-81369560b50a784b633.jpg" />

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wildfires-broke-emissions-records-this-year-in-these-countries-435158" hreflang="en">Wildfires broke emissions records this year in these countries</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1dab8ae8-1aaa-41d4-a8e9-7bae9edaf620" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_53.jpg" />

Wildfires&nbsp;produced a record amount of carbon emissions in parts of Siberia, the United States and Turkey this year, as climate change fanned unusually intense blazes, the European Union's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service&nbsp;said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/billionaire-yusaku-maezawa-becomes-first-japanese-tourist-to-visit-international-space-station-435079" hreflang="en">Billionaire Yusaku Maezawa becomes first Japanese tourist to visit International Space Station</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9cb09ff-0ee7-4797-be90-7ace9fe5437b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_130.jpg" />

The 46-year-old fashion magnate and art collector blasted off in a Soyuz spacecraft from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

&nbsp;

Social Democrat Olaf Scholz was sworn in as German chancellor on Wednesday ending Angela Merkel's 16 years of conservative rule. A new report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has revealed that China is the world's biggest captor of journalists.

Social Democrat Olaf Scholz was sworn in as German chancellor on Wednesday ending Angela Merkel's 16 years of conservative rule. A new report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has revealed that China is the world's biggest captor of journalists. Click on headlines to read more Ending Merkel era, Olaf Scholz becomes Germany's new chancellor Scholz, 63, who served as vice-chancellor and finance minister in Merkel's outgoing government, got a clear majority of 395 votes from lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament. 'Unprecedented campaign of repression': China is world's biggest captor of journalists Accusing the country of conducting an ''unprecedented campaign of repression,'' the 82-page document highlights how China is violating its own international commitments to freedom of opinion and expression. Bipin Rawat, his wife among 13 killed in helicopter crash India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others died on Wednesday after an Indian Air Force helicopter carrying them crashed near a forest area in Coonoor in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Boris Johnson apologises for video but still denies Christmas party Vowing ''disciplinary action,'' he has announced an internal probe of the leaked footage showing senior aides joking about a Christmas party. Study demonstrates three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine neutralise Omicron variant A preliminary laboratory study has revealed that three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine neutralises the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Scientists discover ‘stealth version’ of Omicron variant that is ‘harder to track’ using PCR tests Scientists have discovered a ‘stealth version’ of the Omicron Covid variant that is difficult to detect using the standard lab tests, the Guardian reported. For the first time in centuries, world’s population set to decline: Study The world’s population is set to decline for the first time ever in the next century, a new study published in the Lancet journal has revealed. Finland PM says ‘sorry’ for staying out clubbing after Covid exposure Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient. Wildfires broke emissions records this year in these countries Wildfires produced a record amount of carbon emissions in parts of Siberia, the United States and Turkey this year, as climate change fanned unusually intense blazes, the European Union's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service said. Billionaire Yusaku Maezawa becomes first Japanese tourist to visit International Space Station The 46-year-old fashion magnate and art collector blasted off in a Soyuz spacecraft from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Top 10 world news: Olaf Scholz becomes Germany's new chancellor and more

A new report has revealed that due to the decline in China's power&nbsp;in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a ''significant risk of war.''&nbsp;A British scientist has warned the world that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-risk-of-war-as-chinas-power-declines-in-indo-pacific-report-434359" hreflang="en">'Significant' risk of war as China's power declines in Indo-Pacific: Report</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce07bfd3-a178-469e-8dc0-b46f57e6bed2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9RK2XW.jpg" />

According to the Lowy Institute, ''Beijing is now less likely to pull ahead of its peer competitor in comprehensive power by the end of the decade.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-india-reports-16-new-cases-of-omicron-variant-tally-rises-to-21-434362" hreflang="en">Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f47d4b90-5eab-4156-a842-89a82c9b36da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2826%29_21.jpg" />

With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21 in India. Out of these 12, eight are in Maharashtra, one in Delhi and Gujarat each, and two in Bangalore.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-begin-to-pay-a-price-for-its-violations-says-israels-pm-naftali-bennett-434330">Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations: Naftali Bennett</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="711c3a9f-09f3-49be-8696-46935865a05c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9U224A.jpg" />

With Iran's nuclear talks back in the spotlight, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has asked world powers to take a hard line in negotiations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/how-twitters-new-private-media-policy-is-being-abused-by-anti-vaxxers-434303" hreflang="en">How Twitter's new private media policy is being abused by anti-vaxxers</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38875dc1-df09-4d12-be7b-fb4177cbe2d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2824%29_15.jpg" />

They are reporting images or videos of them shared by activists for putting them in danger by refusing to get vaccinated, wearing masks, and protesting in large numbers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ten-covid-cases-detected-on-cruise-ship-having-thousands-onboard-434299" hreflang="en">Ten Covid cases detected on cruise ship having thousands onboard</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7bed6f64-b1d8-459d-8a17-b299a33d642a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1K84WU.jpg" />

A US health authority said that 10 Covid cases were detected among crew and passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The ship has thousands on board and was returning to New Orleans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-visits-refugee-island-urges-against-exploitation-of-migrants-for-politics-434322" hreflang="en">Pope Francis visits refugee island, urges against exploitation of migrants for politics</a>

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Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-make-sure-finland-stays-the-happiest-nation-and-grows-pm-434336" hreflang="en">Will make sure Finland stays the happiest nation, and grows: PM</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b31a229-d01b-44aa-9e0d-a97aa3173a07" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9Q62RN.jpg" />

In a rare interview with a media channel, Sanna Marin, said she is making sure she can preserve the generous welfare state in an "environmentally sustainable way". She also wants to "do better when it comes to equality".

<p class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px !important; margin: 0px 0px 20px; font-size: 18px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 28px; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/largest-water-source-for-honolulu-gets-shut-down-after-contamination-434298" hreflang="en">Largest water source for Honolulu gets shut down after contamination</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f56ee93f-76e4-4f79-8f06-b8ded22ba806" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2823%29_24.jpg" />

People living in the area are experiencing its adverse effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and skin-related problems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-display-of-687000-christmas-lights-family-breaks-own-world-record-in-us-434318" hreflang="en">With display of 687,000 Christmas lights, family breaks own world record in US</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15b3498f-cddf-4ed0-8b83-84aef8f93d4c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9TX4TZ.jpg" />

Creating a world record for a unique thing is memorable but breaking your own world record again is passion to be way better. This holds true for the Gay family, who are from Hudson Valley, New York. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-the-hottest-month-to-biggest-airlift-here-are-the-biggest-records-of-2021-434088">From sizzling temperatures to Messi and Ronaldo and pensioners in space, here are some of the most significant&nbsp;records&nbsp;struck in&nbsp;2021</a>

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&nbsp;

A new report has revealed that due to the decline in China's power in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a ''significant risk of war.'' A British scientist has warned the world that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end.

A new report has revealed that due to the decline in China's power in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a ''significant risk of war.'' A British scientist has warned the world that the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus shows that the world is closer to the start of a pandemic than the end. Click on headlines to read more 'Significant' risk of war as China's power declines in Indo-Pacific: Report According to the Lowy Institute, ''Beijing is now less likely to pull ahead of its peer competitor in comprehensive power by the end of the decade.'' Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21 With the additional cases in Maharashtra and Jaipur, the tally of Omicron infections has increased to 21 in India. Out of these 12, eight are in Maharashtra, one in Delhi and Gujarat each, and two in Bangalore. Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations: Naftali Bennett With Iran's nuclear talks back in the spotlight, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has asked world powers to take a hard line in negotiations. How Twitter's new private media policy is being abused by anti-vaxxers They are reporting images or videos of them shared by activists for putting them in danger by refusing to get vaccinated, wearing masks, and protesting in large numbers. Ten Covid cases detected on cruise ship having thousands onboard A US health authority said that 10 Covid cases were detected among crew and passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The ship has thousands on board and was returning to New Orleans. Pope Francis visits refugee island, urges against exploitation of migrants for politics Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees. Will make sure Finland stays the happiest nation, and grows: PM In a rare interview with a media channel, Sanna Marin, said she is making sure she can preserve the generous welfare state in an "environmentally sustainable way". She also wants to "do better when it comes to equality". Largest water source for Honolulu gets shut down after contamination People living in the area are experiencing its adverse effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and skin-related problems. With display of 687,000 Christmas lights, family breaks own world record in US Creating a world record for a unique thing is memorable but breaking your own world record again is passion to be way better. This holds true for the Gay family, who are from Hudson Valley, New York. From sizzling temperatures to Messi and Ronaldo and pensioners in space, here are some of the most significant records struck in 2021

Top 10 world news: 'Significant' risk of war, Omicron variant spreads and more

The new Omicron coronavirus variant kept spreading around the world on Sunday, with 13 cases found in the Netherlands and two each in Denmark and Australia, even as more countries tried to seal themselves off by imposing travel restrictions.&nbsp;Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance needs to rethink its stance towards Belarus.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tip-of-the-iceberg-dutch-authorities-confirm-13-omicron-variant-cases-in-south-african-flights-432595" hreflang="en">'Tip of the iceberg': Dutch authorities confirm 13 Omicron variant cases in South African flights</a>

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The nation's health agency said investigations were currently underway to find out the test results of other passengers with the new variant likely to be found among other passengers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lithuania-says-nato-military-alliance-needs-to-rethink-stance-towards-belarus-432586">Lithuania says NATO military alliance needs to rethink stance towards Belarus</a>

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Warning NATO about the "total military integration" of Belarus into Russian military structures, Nauseda said Minsk will keep testing the West.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-is-causing-mild-disease-says-south-african-medical-association-432552">Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says SA Medical Association</a>

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South African Medical Association (SAMA) said that the new Omicron variant of coronavirus resulted in mild disease without prominent syndromes. Angelique Coetzee, the chairwoman of SAMA was quoted by Sputnik.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-cdc-says-there-would-630000-daily-covid-19-cases-if-it-follows-us-style-method-432550">China's CDC says there would 630,000 daily cases if it follows US model</a>

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According to China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the "flawed US-style"&nbsp;virus&nbsp;prevention measures could lead to "630,000 positive cases daily".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-slammed-for-buying-white-house-christmas-tree-worth-139k-as-world-grapples-with-inflation-432548" hreflang="en">Biden slammed for buying White House Christmas tree worth $139K as world grapples with inflation</a>

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First Lady Jill Biden had recently welcomed the official White House Christmas tree, which is an 18.5ft long Fraser fir tree.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-worried-about-relief-to-iran-without-curb-on-nuclear-projects-bennett-432564">Israel worried about relief to Iran without curb on nuclear projects: Bennett</a>

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Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday expressed fears that Iran would get&nbsp;sanctions relief without significant curbs on its nuclear program.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/spacex-founder-elon-musk-asks-nasa-to-avenge-the-dinosaurs-in-its-dart-mission-432572" hreflang="en">SpaceX founder Elon Musk asks NASA to 'avenge the dinosaurs' in its DART mission</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46fd03f0-c786-4ca2-a269-c02dea491714" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2820%29_21.jpg" />

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has asked NASA to ''avenge the dinosaurs'' in its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petr-fiala-named-new-czech-pm-by-covid-stricken-president-432562" hreflang="en">Petr Fiala named new Czech PM by Covid-stricken president</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b0648f9-4e93-4267-81ce-6efd26263964" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_32.jpg" />

Right-winger Petr Fiala was named the Czech Republic's new prime minister on Sunday in an unusual ceremony, with wheelchair-bound President Milos Zeman speaking from behind a plastic barrier because he has Covid-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-pm-manasseh-sogavare-defies-pressure-to-resign-after-unrest-432554" hreflang="en">Solomon Islands: PM Manasseh Sogavare defies pressure to resign after unrest</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed2640a-bfed-493b-a7e4-2b4f02d515eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_36.jpg" />

Sogavare blamed outside interference for stirring up the protests calling for his resignation, with a thinly veiled reference to Taiwan and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fires-floods-flying-insects-climate-fuelled-disasters-that-wreaked-havoc-across-world-432546" hreflang="en">Fires, floods, flying insects: Climate-fuelled disasters that wreaked havoc across world</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="caaf7b09-0ffe-45fe-9e54-4179d655bc8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_35.jpg" />

From a summer of fire and record floods, to freak frosts and locusts invasions, experts say man-made climate change is wreaking havoc on the world's weather.

The new Omicron coronavirus variant kept spreading around the world on Sunday, with 13 cases found in the Netherlands and two each in Denmark and Australia, even as more countries tried to seal themselves off by imposing travel restrictions.

The new Omicron coronavirus variant kept spreading around the world on Sunday, with 13 cases found in the Netherlands and two each in Denmark and Australia, even as more countries tried to seal themselves off by imposing travel restrictions. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance needs to rethink its stance towards Belarus. Click on headlines to read more 'Tip of the iceberg': Dutch authorities confirm 13 Omicron variant cases in South African flights The nation's health agency said investigations were currently underway to find out the test results of other passengers with the new variant likely to be found among other passengers. Lithuania says NATO military alliance needs to rethink stance towards Belarus Warning NATO about the "total military integration" of Belarus into Russian military structures, Nauseda said Minsk will keep testing the West. Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says SA Medical Association South African Medical Association (SAMA) said that the new Omicron variant of coronavirus resulted in mild disease without prominent syndromes. Angelique Coetzee, the chairwoman of SAMA was quoted by Sputnik. China's CDC says there would 630,000 daily cases if it follows US model According to China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the "flawed US-style" virus prevention measures could lead to "630,000 positive cases daily". Biden slammed for buying White House Christmas tree worth $139K as world grapples with inflation First Lady Jill Biden had recently welcomed the official White House Christmas tree, which is an 18.5ft long Fraser fir tree. Israel worried about relief to Iran without curb on nuclear projects: Bennett Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday expressed fears that Iran would get sanctions relief without significant curbs on its nuclear program. SpaceX founder Elon Musk asks NASA to 'avenge the dinosaurs' in its DART mission SpaceX founder Elon Musk has asked NASA to ''avenge the dinosaurs'' in its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission. Petr Fiala named new Czech PM by Covid-stricken president Right-winger Petr Fiala was named the Czech Republic's new prime minister on Sunday in an unusual ceremony, with wheelchair-bound President Milos Zeman speaking from behind a plastic barrier because he has Covid-19. Solomon Islands: PM Manasseh Sogavare defies pressure to resign after unrest Sogavare blamed outside interference for stirring up the protests calling for his resignation, with a thinly veiled reference to Taiwan and the United States. Fires, floods, flying insects: Climate-fuelled disasters that wreaked havoc across world From a summer of fire and record floods, to freak frosts and locusts invasions, experts say man-made climate change is wreaking havoc on the world's weather.

Top 10 world news: 13 Omicron variant cases detected in Netherlands and more

The&nbsp;Kremlin has slammed the United States for&nbsp;whipping up tensions&nbsp;over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko&nbsp;of launching the ''greatest bid to destabilise Europe since the Cold War.''

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-sudans-military-reinstates-pm-hamdok-after-agreement-431020" hreflang="en">Amid protests, Sudan's military reinstates PM Hamdok after agreement</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86a0dd5f-200c-47a2-b6c8-260a638d5d0e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2820%29_20.jpg" />

Reports say Sudan's Prime Minister&nbsp;Abdalla Hamdok&nbsp;has been reinstated after General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reached an agreement at the presidential palace in Khartoum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polish-pm-morawiecki-accuses-belarus-of-launching-greatest-attempt-to-destabilise-europe-430957" hreflang="en">Poland accuses Belarus of launching 'greatest attempt' to destabilise Europe</a>

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Minsk has been accused by the West of orchestrating the migrant crisis at the Polish border and trucking hundreds of refugees to the frontier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hysteria-is-being-whipped-up-artificially-says-russia-over-ukraine-conflict-431009" hreflang="en">Hysteria is being whipped up artificially, says Russia over Ukraine conflict</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13ed7a53-b367-4f9d-a3f2-eed75e72b979" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_38.jpg" />

Ukraine's army has been locked in a simmering conflict with pro-Russian separatists in two breakaway regions bordering Russia since 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-halts-work-on-military-base-in-uae-after-us-intervention-report-430975">China halts work on military base in UAE after US intervention: Report</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a836dfe1-927b-47b7-8e7e-0feae14a1c3e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_33.jpg" />

The Wall Street Journal had reported that China was constructing a military facility on a secret port near Abu Dhabi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ex-lover-arcuri-agrees-to-assist-ethics-watchdog-uk-pm-may-face-criminal-inquiry-430996" hreflang="en">After ex-lover Arcuri agrees to assist ethics watchdog, UK PM may face criminal inquiry&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="954e06a8-d625-4903-9d66-8a35ae9c43c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_30.jpg" />

Arcuri has allowed it to inspect extracts of her diary entries, which describe her affair with Johnson.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-known-as-the-most-isolated-country-in-the-world-430945" hreflang="en">Why is North Korea known as the most isolated country in the world?</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13987105-3a74-4b63-8cff-485f61bdc1a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tensed%20Regions.jpg" />

From the point of view of tourism, North Korea is an isolated country and the United States has labelled it as the least favourable nation to visit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/accidental-discharge-of-gun-creates-chaos-at-atlanta-airport-430961" hreflang="en">Accidental discharge of gun creates chaos at Atlanta airport</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e21cfadf-1fc0-4b8c-9123-1d2085f9d181" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2817%29_26.jpg" />

An accidental discharge from a gun with a passenger created chaos at Atlanta airport on Sunday (November 20) with scared passengers even running on tarmac.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-35000-people-protest-in-vienna-against-new-covid-restrictions-430953" hreflang="en">Nearly 35,000 people protest in Vienna against new Covid restrictions</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="454009d4-ed58-4291-b90c-9cd75cd84ea7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2818%29_25.jpg" />

Thousands of people took to the streets of Austria's capital city Vienna to protest against the new restrictions introduced against the deadly coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-workers-have-right-to-discuss-wages-and-working-conditions-430892">Apple workers have right to discuss wages and working conditions</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6122ad1a-f235-4645-ace3-19afa958975c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2819%29_23.jpg" />

Apple&nbsp;delivered a message to employees&nbsp;that was striking given its reputation for secrecy: a reminder that&nbsp;workers&nbsp;may&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;wages, hours and&nbsp;working&nbsp;conditions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8573-venezuelan-musicians-bag-worlds-largest-orchestra-title-431006" hreflang="en">8,573 Venezuelan musicians bag world's largest orchestra title</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdfd056d-c642-40f9-9308-689519deb1c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2821%29_10.jpg" />

Guinness World Records announced that the musicians, which were connected to the country's network of youth orchestras, earned the designation with a performance.

The Kremlin has slammed the United States for whipping up tensions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of launching the ''greatest bid to destabilise Europe since the Cold War.

The Kremlin has slammed the United States for whipping up tensions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of launching the ''greatest bid to destabilise Europe since the Cold War.'' Click on headlines to read more Amid protests, Sudan's military reinstates PM Hamdok after agreement Reports say Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has been reinstated after General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan reached an agreement at the presidential palace in Khartoum. Poland accuses Belarus of launching 'greatest attempt' to destabilise Europe Minsk has been accused by the West of orchestrating the migrant crisis at the Polish border and trucking hundreds of refugees to the frontier. Hysteria is being whipped up artificially, says Russia over Ukraine conflict Ukraine's army has been locked in a simmering conflict with pro-Russian separatists in two breakaway regions bordering Russia since 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine. China halts work on military base in UAE after US intervention: Report The Wall Street Journal had reported that China was constructing a military facility on a secret port near Abu Dhabi. After ex-lover Arcuri agrees to assist ethics watchdog, UK PM may face criminal inquiry Arcuri has allowed it to inspect extracts of her diary entries, which describe her affair with Johnson. Why is North Korea known as the most isolated country in the world? From the point of view of tourism, North Korea is an isolated country and the United States has labelled it as the least favourable nation to visit Accidental discharge of gun creates chaos at Atlanta airport An accidental discharge from a gun with a passenger created chaos at Atlanta airport on Sunday (November 20) with scared passengers even running on tarmac. Nearly 35,000 people protest in Vienna against new Covid restrictions Thousands of people took to the streets of Austria's capital city Vienna to protest against the new restrictions introduced against the deadly coronavirus. Apple workers have right to discuss wages and working conditions Apple delivered a message to employees that was striking given its reputation for secrecy: a reminder that workers may discuss wages, hours and working conditions. 8,573 Venezuelan musicians bag world's largest orchestra title Guinness World Records announced that the musicians, which were connected to the country's network of youth orchestras, earned the designation with a performance.

Top 10 world news: Sudan military reinstates PM Hamdok after deal and more

A COP26 climate summit draft text on Wednesday urged countries to boost emission cutting goals by 2022, three years ahead of schedule. The UK&nbsp;The Supreme Court said in a statement that it "unanimously dismisses" the legal action brought by campaigners against the US-based tech giant on behalf of 4.4 million people in England and Wales.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-result-in-burning-themselves-china-hits-out-as-us-lawmakers-visit-taiwan-428299">Will result in burning themselves, China hits out as US lawmakers visit Taiwan</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ac6aed8-24da-4cfc-b926-40ae6d2c408a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_32.jpg" />

As reports claimed US lawmakers visited&nbsp;Taiwan, China blasted the move saying they were "playing with fire will result in burning themselves".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-summit-draft-deal-urges-nations-to-speed-up-emission-goals-in-2022-428241" hreflang="en">COP26: Draft deal urges nations to speed up emission goals in 2022</a>

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The draft said "rapid, deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions" were needed to avert the worst impacts of heating, which has already seen countries worldwide slammed by fiercer floods, droughts and storms. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/uks-top-court-blocks-class-action-lawsuit-against-google-428249">UK's top court blocks class action lawsuit against Google</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76aead35-12cb-44d1-a673-0aab33d99574" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_59.jpg" />

The top court in Britain has blocked a class action against Google, accused of illegally tracking millions of iPhone users.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-holy-cows-says-pak-pm-imran-khan-as-sc-grills-him-on-2014-terror-case-428268">'No holy cows', says Pak PM Imran Khan as SC grills him on terror case</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3d4c4a8-77e6-4755-a748-ecc59cd4c8d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_93N6WP.jpg" />

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that there were 'no holy cows' in Pakistan as he&nbsp;was grilled by Pakistan Supreme Court in a case related to the 2014 school massacre carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-bail-denied-to-apple-dailys-publisher-over-dominic-raabs-comments-428263" hreflang="en">Hong Kong: Bail denied to Apple Daily's publisher over Dominic Raab's comments</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3923b73-ae80-4051-968d-d7453cb45e6b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_72.jpg" />

Cheung Kim-hung, the chief executive officer of Hong Kong Media group Next Digital has been denied bail over the comments made by UK justice secretary Dominic Raab.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-tensions-along-border-with-india-china-upgrades-logistics-to-brave-winter-428229">Amid tensions along LAC, China upgrades 'logistics to brave winter'</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a76c4d2b-4f3c-4a0c-aec0-460adebfd5f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/958191-india-china-disengagement.jpg" />

Amid tensions with India along the&nbsp;Line of Actual Control&nbsp;(LAC), China's state-run Global Times newspaper said frontline troops at the border are preparing "logistics for the upcoming winter".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-release-of-white-house-records-that-could-implicate-donald-trump-in-capitol-riot-428223" hreflang="en">US judge orders release of White House records that could implicate Donald Trump in Capitol riot</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d19fef2-1236-47d8-a9f8-44717d71bcc1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_122.jpg" />

Trying to halt the&nbsp;release of the documents, Trump had said he had&nbsp;executive privilege to keep the communications and visitor logs related to that day under seal as a&nbsp;a former president.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-this-seasons-first-bird-flu-outbreak-culling-143000-chickens-428219" hreflang="en">Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="725336c2-ff7e-4f0e-86f4-a135ae86676f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_51.jpg" />

Japan&nbsp;has detected its first outbreak of bird flu for the 2021 winter season, with confirmation of a case of "highly pathogenic avian influenza" at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the agriculture ministry said on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-death-from-covid-48-times-higher-for-unvaccinated-people-study-428204" hreflang="en">Risk of death from Covid 48 times higher for unvaccinated people: Study</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ece4178-f372-4f9c-95b4-063fcc3212f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_46.jpg" />

An Australian study revealed that those who are completely vaccinated are 16 times less likely to end up in intensive care units (ICU) or die from COVID-19 than those who are not.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-journalist-held-in-myanmar-charged-with-terrorism-sedition-428287" hreflang="en">US journalist held in Myanmar charged with terrorism, sedition</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65aa9684-a4fe-41a4-8b5c-e0f1a19a793f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_70.jpg" />

An American journalist detained in military-ruled&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;accused of incitement is facing new charges of sedition and terrorism, his lawyer said on Wednesday, in a setback for US&nbsp;efforts to secure his release.

A COP26 climate summit draft text on Wednesday urged countries to boost emission cutting goals by 2022, three years ahead of schedule. The UK The Supreme Court said in a statement that it "unanimously dismisses" the legal action brought by campaigners against the US-based tech giant on behalf of 4.

A COP26 climate summit draft text on Wednesday urged countries to boost emission cutting goals by 2022, three years ahead of schedule. The UK The Supreme Court said in a statement that it "unanimously dismisses" the legal action brought by campaigners against the US-based tech giant on behalf of 4.4 million people in England and Wales. Will result in burning themselves, China hits out as US lawmakers visit Taiwan As reports claimed US lawmakers visited Taiwan, China blasted the move saying they were "playing with fire will result in burning themselves". COP26: Draft deal urges nations to speed up emission goals in 2022 The draft said "rapid, deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions" were needed to avert the worst impacts of heating, which has already seen countries worldwide slammed by fiercer floods, droughts and storms. UK's top court blocks class action lawsuit against Google The top court in Britain has blocked a class action against Google, accused of illegally tracking millions of iPhone users. 'No holy cows', says Pak PM Imran Khan as SC grills him on terror case Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that there were 'no holy cows' in Pakistan as he was grilled by Pakistan Supreme Court in a case related to the 2014 school massacre carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group. Hong Kong: Bail denied to Apple Daily's publisher over Dominic Raab's comments Cheung Kim-hung, the chief executive officer of Hong Kong Media group Next Digital has been denied bail over the comments made by UK justice secretary Dominic Raab. Amid tensions along LAC, China upgrades 'logistics to brave winter' Amid tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China's state-run Global Times newspaper said frontline troops at the border are preparing "logistics for the upcoming winter". US judge orders release of White House records that could implicate Donald Trump in Capitol riot Trying to halt the release of the documents, Trump had said he had executive privilege to keep the communications and visitor logs related to that day under seal as a a former president. Japan confirms this season's first bird flu outbreak, culling 143,000 chickens Japan has detected its first outbreak of bird flu for the 2021 winter season, with confirmation of a case of "highly pathogenic avian influenza" at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the agriculture ministry said on Wednesday. Risk of death from Covid 48 times higher for unvaccinated people: Study An Australian study revealed that those who are completely vaccinated are 16 times less likely to end up in intensive care units (ICU) or die from COVID-19 than those who are not. US journalist held in Myanmar charged with terrorism, sedition An American journalist detained in military-ruled Myanmar accused of incitement is facing new charges of sedition and terrorism, his lawyer said on Wednesday, in a setback for US efforts to secure his release.

Top 10 world news: China hits out as US lawmakers visit Taiwan and more

Among the contentious points in China and the United States' highly testy relationship, the South China Sea has become one of the main flashpoints with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims made by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. The&nbsp;recent UN Security Council meeting sees&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticise China for its actions in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia would not adopt a net-zero target for climate change just hours after a landmark UN report predicted catastrophic global warming is occurring significantly faster than previously forecast. Defying demands for more aggressive emissions targets, he said that the country is already taking adequate measures to address climate change.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-consequences-us-china-clash-at-un-over-south-china-sea-row-404416">'Global consequences': US, China clash at UN over South China Sea row</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/29/142325-south-china-sea-afp.jpg" />The US Secretary of State engaged in a stinging attack against China over the South China Sea on Monday, informing the UN Security Council that conflict in the region could have global implications for security and commerce.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-be-signing-blank-cheque-australia-rejects-emissions-targets-despite-damning-un-report-404440">'Won't be signing blank cheque': Australia rejects emissions targets despite damning UN report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/18/183332-untitled-design-3.jpg" />The Australian prime minister rejected demand for more aggressive emissions targets, insisting that the country is doing enough in the fight against climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-evacuate-diplomats-and-citizens-from-mazar-e-sharif-consulate-in-afghanistan-404430">India to evacuate diplomats and citizens from Mazar-e-Sharif consulate in Afghanistan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/10/206046-untitled-design-3.jpg" />In a special flight departing Mazar later today, a group of Indian diplomats will return home from its consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-citizens-against-travel-to-france-over-covid-concerns-404436">US warns citizens against travel to France over Covid concerns</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/22021-usstatedept-20170504100524.jpg" />Even though COVID-19 hospitalizations are still far off previous highs in France, the US State Department has advised Americans to avoid all travel to France over the rising number of coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-indian-cities-including-mumbai-will-likely-be-underwater-by-2100-nasa-404449">Many Indian cities including Mumbai will likely be underwater by 2100: NASA</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/28342-000_rx7oj-20170830101948.jpg" />NASA used the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to analyse changes in sea levels around the world and forecast that a number of Indian coastal cities will be submerged up to 2.7 feet by the end of the century.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-begins-covid-19-vaccinations-for-rohingya-refugees-404435">Bangladesh begins COVID-19 vaccinations for Rohingya refugees</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/10/07/163487-rohingya-refugee-camp.JPG" />In response to a record number of Coronavirus cases recorded Bangladesh on Tuesday began vaccination of Rohingya refugees in its congested camps.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-covid-cases-hit-seven-month-high-as-delta-variant-challenges-beijing-404438">China Covid cases hit seven-month high as Delta variant challenges Beijing</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/10/206050-untitled-design-2021-08-10t163700512.jpg" />As a result of a cluster of Coronavirus cases at a test site, the number of Coronavirus cases in China hit a seven-month high - the most severe outbreak since the disease emerged in Wuhan seven months ago&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/20-pakistan-cities-lack-safe-drinking-water-reveals-govt-data-404475">20 Pakistan cities lack safe drinking water, reveals govt data</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/10/206070-drinking-water.jpg" />

According to data presented at the National Assembly by the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, the majority of prominent cities in Pakistan do not have access to safe drinking water for their citizens.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-counts-cost-of-15-billion-pandemic-olympics-gamble-404470">Tokyo counts cost of $15 billion pandemic Olympics 'gamble'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/03/204915-tokyo-olympics-6.jpg" />Japan awoke Monday to a huge bill and soaring Coronavirus cases after pulling off the mid-pandemic Olympics that had been met with mixed reactions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-expands-covid-lockdown-amid-surge-in-new-virus-cases-404379">Australia expands Covid lockdown amid surge in new virus cases</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/10/206007-ttt1.jpg" />

Victorian authorities said Melbourne's northwest was a cause for concern as COVID-19 was expanded in Australia.

Among the contentious points in China and the United States' highly testy relationship, the South China Sea has become one of the main flashpoints with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims made by Beijing in the resource-rich waters.

Among the contentious points in China and the United States' highly testy relationship, the South China Sea has become one of the main flashpoints with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims made by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. The recent UN Security Council meeting sees US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticise China for its actions in the South China Sea. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia would not adopt a net-zero target for climate change just hours after a landmark UN report predicted catastrophic global warming is occurring significantly faster than previously forecast. Defying demands for more aggressive emissions targets, he said that the country is already taking adequate measures to address climate change. Click on the headlines to read more: 'Global consequences': US, China clash at UN over South China Sea row The US Secretary of State engaged in a stinging attack against China over the South China Sea on Monday, informing the UN Security Council that conflict in the region could have global implications for security and commerce. 'Won't be signing blank cheque': Australia rejects emissions targets despite damning UN report The Australian prime minister rejected demand for more aggressive emissions targets, insisting that the country is doing enough in the fight against climate change. India to evacuate diplomats and citizens from Mazar-e-Sharif consulate in Afghanistan In a special flight departing Mazar later today, a group of Indian diplomats will return home from its consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan. US warns citizens against travel to France over Covid concerns Even though COVID-19 hospitalizations are still far off previous highs in France, the US State Department has advised Americans to avoid all travel to France over the rising number of coronavirus cases. Many Indian cities including Mumbai will likely be underwater by 2100: NASA NASA used the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to analyse changes in sea levels around the world and forecast that a number of Indian coastal cities will be submerged up to 2.7 feet by the end of the century. Bangladesh begins COVID-19 vaccinations for Rohingya refugees In response to a record number of Coronavirus cases recorded Bangladesh on Tuesday began vaccination of Rohingya refugees in its congested camps. China Covid cases hit seven-month high as Delta variant challenges Beijing As a result of a cluster of Coronavirus cases at a test site, the number of Coronavirus cases in China hit a seven-month high - the most severe outbreak since the disease emerged in Wuhan seven months ago 20 Pakistan cities lack safe drinking water, reveals govt data According to data presented at the National Assembly by the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, the majority of prominent cities in Pakistan do not have access to safe drinking water for their citizens. Tokyo counts cost of $15 billion pandemic Olympics 'gamble' Japan awoke Monday to a huge bill and soaring Coronavirus cases after pulling off the mid-pandemic Olympics that had been met with mixed reactions. Australia expands Covid lockdown amid surge in new virus cases Victorian authorities said Melbourne's northwest was a cause for concern as COVID-19 was expanded in Australia.

Top 10 world news: Australia won't adopt net-zero emission target, US warns China over South China sea, and more

French authorities began enforcing the COVID-19 pass Monday, a reform of vaccination rules that was championed by President Emmanuel Macron and aimed at improving vaccination rates. However, the new regulations have prompted weeks of angry protests from citizens.

In other news, Frank Timmermans, the EU's vice president for climate action, says that despite an alarming report released today by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change can still be stopped if the world adopts carbon net-zero policies.

Finally, to chase away the Monday blues, we bring for you an update on the&nbsp;herd of wild Chinese elephants that has been capturing the hearts of many with their hike across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-extends-macrons-covid-19-pass-despite-protests-404274">France extends Macron's COVID-19 pass despite protests</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/10/197968-fr1.jpg" />

The French authorities have begun enforcing the COVID-19 pass, a reform of vaccination rules championed by President Macron that aims to improve vaccination rates.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-too-late-to-prevent-runaway-climate-change-eu-404216">'Not too late' to prevent 'runaway climate change': EU</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/13/173788-european-unions.jpg" />

According to the EU's vice president for climate action, there is still time to prevent "runaway climate change" but only if the world adopts carbon net-zero policies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-exports-rise-past-pre-pandemic-levels-in-june-404221">German exports rise past pre-pandemic levels in June</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/23/161352-2.jpg" />The German trade sector shrugged off supply chain shortages to record its highest export volume since before the Coronavirus crisis, which had devastated trade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-report-warns-more-vicious-floods-heatwaves-worsening-droughts-and-rise-in-sea-levels-404186">UN report warns more vicious floods, heatwaves, worsening droughts and rise in sea levels</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/02/204843-p1.jpg" />The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold would be exceeded by 2050 even if fossil fuels are aggressively phased out and warns that global warming will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius around 2030.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-holds-mass-cremations-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-404193">Sri Lanka holds mass cremations amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/28/147019-sri-lanka-afp.jpg" />As COVID-19 cases surge across the island, Sri Lanka is mass cremating dead bodies to clear a backlog, officials confirmed Monday. In the past month, official figures show the country has seen more than 2,500 virus-related cases with nearly 100 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-travel-update-uk-retains-pakistan-in-red-list-amid-deteriorating-covid-19-situation-404175">International travel update: UK retains Pakistan in red list amid 'deteriorating COVID-19 situation'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/28/193034-untitled-design-8.jpg" />As a result of the 'deteriorating Covid situation' in Pakistan, Pakistan remains on the 'red list' of the British Government's travel advisory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-nagasaki-bombing-the-history-and-significance-of-fat-man-404237">Explainer: Nagasaki bombing, the history, and significance of "Fat Man"</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/09/205908-untitled-design-2021-08-09t163945386.jpg" />The heart-breaking event of August 9, 1945, found the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade, under unimaginable devastation by the US. Learn about the events of that fateful day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/local-politician-swiss-national-among-latest-kidnap-victims-in-nigeria-404270">Local politician, Swiss national among latest kidnap victims in Nigeria</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/02/197090-untitled-design-2021-06-02t221329058.jpg" />Several areas of Nigeria have experienced an increase in ransom abductions in recent months, partly due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In separate incidents over the weekend, a Swiss national was kidnapped in the southwest and a political leader was abducted on Monday in northern Nigeria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-year-old-chinese-olympic-athlete-mobbed-by-tourists-404273">14-year-old Chinese Olympic athlete mobbed by tourists</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/09/205938-untitled-design-2021-08-09t184904810.jpg" />The Chinese media report that tourists are harassing the family and neighbours of the teen diving sensation Quan Hongchan who has gained fame after her win in the Tokyo Olympics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-herd-of-wandering-elephants-finally-on-their-way-back-home-404259">China’s herd of wandering elephants finally on their way back home</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/02/197041-untitled-design-99.jpg" />Herd of elephants in China is finally returning home after 17 months of wandering.

French authorities began enforcing the COVID-19 pass Monday, a reform of vaccination rules that was championed by President Emmanuel Macron and aimed at improving vaccination rates.

French authorities began enforcing the COVID-19 pass Monday, a reform of vaccination rules that was championed by President Emmanuel Macron and aimed at improving vaccination rates. However, the new regulations have prompted weeks of angry protests from citizens. In other news, Frank Timmermans, the EU's vice president for climate action, says that despite an alarming report released today by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change can still be stopped if the world adopts carbon net-zero policies. Finally, to chase away the Monday blues, we bring for you an update on the herd of wild Chinese elephants that has been capturing the hearts of many with their hike across the country. Click on the headlines to read more: France extends Macron's COVID-19 pass despite protests The French authorities have begun enforcing the COVID-19 pass, a reform of vaccination rules championed by President Macron that aims to improve vaccination rates. 'Not too late' to prevent 'runaway climate change': EU According to the EU's vice president for climate action, there is still time to prevent "runaway climate change" but only if the world adopts carbon net-zero policies. German exports rise past pre-pandemic levels in June The German trade sector shrugged off supply chain shortages to record its highest export volume since before the Coronavirus crisis, which had devastated trade. UN report warns more vicious floods, heatwaves, worsening droughts and rise in sea levels The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold would be exceeded by 2050 even if fossil fuels are aggressively phased out and warns that global warming will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius around 2030. Sri Lanka holds mass cremations amid surge in coronavirus cases As COVID-19 cases surge across the island, Sri Lanka is mass cremating dead bodies to clear a backlog, officials confirmed Monday. In the past month, official figures show the country has seen more than 2,500 virus-related cases with nearly 100 deaths. International travel update: UK retains Pakistan in red list amid 'deteriorating COVID-19 situation' As a result of the 'deteriorating Covid situation' in Pakistan, Pakistan remains on the 'red list' of the British Government's travel advisory. Explainer: Nagasaki bombing, the history, and significance of "Fat Man" The heart-breaking event of August 9, 1945, found the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade, under unimaginable devastation by the US. Learn about the events of that fateful day. Local politician, Swiss national among latest kidnap victims in Nigeria Several areas of Nigeria have experienced an increase in ransom abductions in recent months, partly due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In separate incidents over the weekend, a Swiss national was kidnapped in the southwest and a political leader was abducted on Monday in northern Nigeria. 14-year-old Chinese Olympic athlete mobbed by tourists The Chinese media report that tourists are harassing the family and neighbours of the teen diving sensation Quan Hongchan who has gained fame after her win in the Tokyo Olympics. China’s herd of wandering elephants finally on their way back home Herd of elephants in China is finally returning home after 17 months of wandering.

Top 10 world news: France extends COVID-19 pass, EU climate chief says 'not too late', and more

According to World Health Organization (WHO) expert Maria Van Kerkhove, the organisation is in the process of exploring new names for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> variants. Currently, the WHO is using the Greek alphabet, of the 24 letters it offers, 11 have already been taken up. Expressing concern, she said that new variants of Covid may appear which might be able to avoid the existing&nbsp;vaccines. Reportedly, WHO is considering naming future variants after constellations.

In other news, according to former US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a> onetime press secretary Sean Spicer, in spite of losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Donald Trump will run for the US 2024 Election. He says that even though he was earlier not certain that Trump will run again, convincing him not to run for the post of President would be almost impossible.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/constellation-names-for-new-covid-variants-that-could-evade-vaccines-who-404058">Constellation names for new Covid variants that could evade vaccines: WHO</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/02/05/127467-untitled-design.jpg" />An expert at the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that new variants of Coronavirus might emerge, which could cause the vaccines to no longer work.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-run-for-us-presidential-election-2024-sean-spicer-claims-403990">Donald Trump to run for US Presidential election 2024, Sean Spicer claims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/01/200675-trump1.jpg" />Even though he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Donald Trump will run for the US elections in 2024.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-averages-100000-covid-19-cases-as-delta-variant-surges-florida-worst-hit-403955">US averages 100,000 COVID-19 cases as Delta variant surges; Florida worst-hit</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/28/204210-k1.jpg" />

The US recorded 100,000 new Coronavirus cases each day for the past 7 days with Florida reporting 20,000 cases of Delta variant during this period as hospitalizations of minors increased substantially.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-compensates-families-of-covid-19-health-worker-victims-404057">Saudi compensates families of COVID-19 health worker victims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/17/133348-untitled-design.jpg" />Since Saudi Arabia announced last year that each family would receive $133,000 after a health worker died of the Coronavirus, it has now begun compensating their families.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-about-citizenship-macron-urges-french-locals-to-get-vaccinated-soon-404028">'It’s about citizenship': Macron urges French locals to get vaccinated soon</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/08/205768-vaccine-passport.jpg" />In France, protesters took to the streets in response to President Macron's idea of a vaccination passport. Despite this, Macron has his sights set on vaccine passports and has appealed to citizens to band together to protect themselves and each other.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodia-begins-booster-shots-to-fight-covid-19-404020">Cambodia begins booster shots to fight COVID-19</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/17/198819-corbevax.JPG" />Cambodia has begun offering a third dose of COVID-19 booster shots on Sunday, switching between the AstraZeneca and Chinese versions of the vaccine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-opens-umrah-pilgrimage-to-vaccinated-worshipers-from-abroad-report-403986">Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to vaccinated worshipers from abroad: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/02/167860-untitled-design-11.jpg" />Beginning August 9, Saudi Arabia will take on vaccinated Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad following a year and a half of not receiving them due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/upcoming-un-climate-report-presents-starkest-warning-yet-403984">Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/01/184952-pjimage-8.jpg" />Alok Sharma, COP26 president from the United Kingdom, described a forthcoming UN report on climate change as offering the international community its strongest warning about accelerating climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victoria-to-make-astrazeneca-available-to-people-under-40s-404053">Victoria to make AstraZeneca available to people under 40s</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/06/197442-oof.jpg" />The Victorian government has decided to provide the AstraZeneca vaccine to under-40s at its state-run vaccine clinics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-condemns-zimbabwe-child-marriages-after-14-year-old-girl-dies-giving-birth-404019">UN condemns Zimbabwe child marriages after 14 year old girl dies giving birth</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/08/205755-untitled-design-2021-08-08t170143945.jpg" />Child marriage in Zimbabwe has been condemned by the UN after 14-year-old girl died after giving birth in a church shrine. The death of the girl has caused outrage among citizens and human rights activists alike.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) expert Maria Van Kerkhove, the organisation is in the process of exploring new names for coronavirus variants. Currently, the WHO is using the Greek alphabet, of the 24 letters it offers, 11 have already been taken up.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) expert Maria Van Kerkhove, the organisation is in the process of exploring new names for coronavirus variants. Currently, the WHO is using the Greek alphabet, of the 24 letters it offers, 11 have already been taken up. Expressing concern, she said that new variants of Covid may appear which might be able to avoid the existing vaccines. Reportedly, WHO is considering naming future variants after constellations. In other news, according to former US President Donald Trump's onetime press secretary Sean Spicer, in spite of losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Donald Trump will run for the US 2024 Election. He says that even though he was earlier not certain that Trump will run again, convincing him not to run for the post of President would be almost impossible. Click on headlines to read more Constellation names for new Covid variants that could evade vaccines: WHO An expert at the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that new variants of Coronavirus might emerge, which could cause the vaccines to no longer work. Donald Trump to run for US Presidential election 2024, Sean Spicer claims Even though he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Donald Trump will run for the US elections in 2024. US averages 100,000 COVID-19 cases as Delta variant surges; Florida worst-hit The US recorded 100,000 new Coronavirus cases each day for the past 7 days with Florida reporting 20,000 cases of Delta variant during this period as hospitalizations of minors increased substantially. Saudi compensates families of COVID-19 health worker victims Since Saudi Arabia announced last year that each family would receive $133,000 after a health worker died of the Coronavirus, it has now begun compensating their families. 'It’s about citizenship': Macron urges French locals to get vaccinated soon In France, protesters took to the streets in response to President Macron's idea of a vaccination passport. Despite this, Macron has his sights set on vaccine passports and has appealed to citizens to band together to protect themselves and each other. Cambodia begins booster shots to fight COVID-19 Cambodia has begun offering a third dose of COVID-19 booster shots on Sunday, switching between the AstraZeneca and Chinese versions of the vaccine. Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to vaccinated worshipers from abroad: Report Beginning August 9, Saudi Arabia will take on vaccinated Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad following a year and a half of not receiving them due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet' Alok Sharma, COP26 president from the United Kingdom, described a forthcoming UN report on climate change as offering the international community its strongest warning about accelerating climate change. Victoria to make AstraZeneca available to people under 40s The Victorian government has decided to provide the AstraZeneca vaccine to under-40s at its state-run vaccine clinics. UN condemns Zimbabwe child marriages after 14 year old girl dies giving birth Child marriage in Zimbabwe has been condemned by the UN after 14-year-old girl died after giving birth in a church shrine. The death of the girl has caused outrage among citizens and human rights activists alike.

Top 10 news: New Covid variant names, Trump's plans for 2024 elections & more

As the Taliban's makes huge gains in Afghanistan, gaining control of a large portion of the country, in a major move by Russian forces made in response to the developments in Afghanistan, the nation has deployed military equipment to Tajikistan, its primary base in that country which is situated close to the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.

In other news, China has rebuffed the World Health Organization's call to investigate the origins of the coronavirus, including whether it leaked from a laboratory, saying there is no proof for it and it violates common sense, calling the WHO's plan to inspect Chinese labs demonstrates "disrespect"&nbsp;and arrogance toward science,".

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-deploys-military-machinery-near-afghanistan-border-399777">Russia deploys military machinery near Afghanistan border</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/22/203395-russia-afghanistan.jpg" />Russia deployed military equipment on Thursday on its base in Tajikistan, probably the first major defence move in response to developments in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-wuhan-lab-leak-study-china-opposes-virus-origins-probe-399644">COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/23/199508-wuhan-lab.jpg" />China is blocking a new investigation by the World Health Organization into the origins of the Coronavirus, which examines whether it escaped from a lab. China contends that the theory violates common sense and that there is no proof for it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeking-guardrails-in-tense-ties-us-deputy-secretary-of-state-wendy-sherman-to-visit-china-399698">Seeking 'guardrails' in tense ties, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to visit China</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/22/203350-untitled-design-19.jpg" />Wendy Sherman, the US deputy secretary of state, will be travelling to China in order to engage in candid dialogue with Chinese officials about the "incredibly consequential bilateral relationship".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rouhani-announces-opening-of-oil-export-terminal-bypassing-hormuz-strait-399714">Iran: Rouhani announces opening of oil export terminal bypassing Hormuz Strait</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/16/174290-rouhani.jpg" />According to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Iran has begun exporting crude oil with the opening of its first oil export terminal outside of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint patrolled by warships of Iran's arch-foe the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-demands-money-from-civilians-tries-recruiting-fighters-399710">Taliban demands money from civilians, tries recruiting fighters</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/22/141490-pakistan-taliban.png" />The Taliban in Balkh province, Afghanistan, are recruiting locals and collecting funds for them forcefully, apparently forcing them to give them a part of their income.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-you-need-to-know-about-pingdemic-gripping-britain-399727">All you need to know about 'pingdemic' gripping Britain</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/22/203359-untitled-design-20.jpg" />After the government controversially relaxed all restrictions earlier this week, supermarkets and suppliers have warned of a threat of food shortages following staff self-isolation. The warning came amid rising Coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-citizen-arrested-in-spain-for-role-in-2020-twitter-hack-that-targeted-biden-obama-musk-karadashian-399669">UK citizen arrested in Spain for role in 2020 Twitter hack that targeted Biden, Obama, Musk, Karadashian</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/22/146064-untitled-design-13.jpg" />According to the US Justice Department, an American citizen aged 22 was arrested in Spain for hacking into high-profile politicians and celebrities' Twitter accounts in July 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-seem-to-have-strategic-momentum-in-afghanistan-top-us-general-399676">Taliban seem to have 'strategic momentum' in Afghanistan: top US general</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/12/202061-ta11.jpg" />General Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, says the Taliban appear to be gaining strategic momentum, but that their victory is not assured.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-audio-app-clubhouse-is-no-longer-invite-only-399656">Social audio app Clubhouse is no longer invite-only</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/11/191038-clubhouse-app.jpg" />Live audio app&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;has removed its invite system so that anyone can join the platform.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-man-dresses-up-as-wife-to-escape-coronavirus-detection-399693">Indonesian man dresses up as wife to escape coronavirus detection</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/22/203342-untitled-design-2021-07-22t155034549.jpg" />An Indonesian man infected with Coronavirus disguised himself as his wife and boarded a domestic flight using fake identification documents and a negative PCR test result.

As the Taliban's makes huge gains in Afghanistan, gaining control of a large portion of the country, in a major move by Russian forces made in response to the developments in Afghanistan, the nation has deployed military equipment to Tajikistan, its primary base in that country which is situated close to the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.

As the Taliban's makes huge gains in Afghanistan, gaining control of a large portion of the country, in a major move by Russian forces made in response to the developments in Afghanistan, the nation has deployed military equipment to Tajikistan, its primary base in that country which is situated close to the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. In other news, China has rebuffed the World Health Organization's call to investigate the origins of the coronavirus, including whether it leaked from a laboratory, saying there is no proof for it and it violates common sense, calling the WHO's plan to inspect Chinese labs demonstrates "disrespect" and arrogance toward science,". Click on headlines to read more Russia deploys military machinery near Afghanistan border Russia deployed military equipment on Thursday on its base in Tajikistan, probably the first major defence move in response to developments in Afghanistan. COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe China is blocking a new investigation by the World Health Organization into the origins of the Coronavirus, which examines whether it escaped from a lab. China contends that the theory violates common sense and that there is no proof for it. Seeking 'guardrails' in tense ties, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to visit China Wendy Sherman, the US deputy secretary of state, will be travelling to China in order to engage in candid dialogue with Chinese officials about the "incredibly consequential bilateral relationship". Iran: Rouhani announces opening of oil export terminal bypassing Hormuz Strait According to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Iran has begun exporting crude oil with the opening of its first oil export terminal outside of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint patrolled by warships of Iran's arch-foe the United States. Taliban demands money from civilians, tries recruiting fighters The Taliban in Balkh province, Afghanistan, are recruiting locals and collecting funds for them forcefully, apparently forcing them to give them a part of their income. All you need to know about 'pingdemic' gripping Britain After the government controversially relaxed all restrictions earlier this week, supermarkets and suppliers have warned of a threat of food shortages following staff self-isolation. The warning came amid rising Coronavirus cases. UK citizen arrested in Spain for role in 2020 Twitter hack that targeted Biden, Obama, Musk, Karadashian According to the US Justice Department, an American citizen aged 22 was arrested in Spain for hacking into high-profile politicians and celebrities' Twitter accounts in July 2020. Taliban seem to have 'strategic momentum' in Afghanistan: top US general General Mark Milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, says the Taliban appear to be gaining strategic momentum, but that their victory is not assured. Social audio app Clubhouse is no longer invite-only Live audio app Clubhouse has removed its invite system so that anyone can join the platform. Indonesian man dresses up as wife to escape coronavirus detection An Indonesian man infected with Coronavirus disguised himself as his wife and boarded a domestic flight using fake identification documents and a negative PCR test result.

Top 10 world news: Russia deploys military machinery to base in Tajikistan, China blocks WHO probe into coronavirus origins, and more

As Thailand faces one of the worst Covid waves, locals took to the streets protesting and demanding the resignation of&nbsp;Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's over his handling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a>&nbsp;outbreak. This has come after the government announced the extension of Covid restrictions.

After the Doha talks between representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents, over the weekend, the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada says that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement over the conflict in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-police-deploy-water-cannons-rubber-bullets-against-protestors-denouncing-pm-398892">Thai police deploy water cannons, rubber bullets against protestors denouncing PM</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/18/202822-thailand-protest.jpg" />Locals took to the streets shortly after Thai government officials announced they would extend Coronavirus restrictions protesting over premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's handling of Covid outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-favours-political-settlement-to-afghan-conflict-398821.">Taliban leader 'favours political settlement' to Afghan conflict</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/12/202061-ta11.jpg" />Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban's supreme leader, said on Sunday he "strenuously favours" a political settlement of the Afghan conflict.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/credibility-crisis-how-effective-are-chinese-covid-vaccines-398874">Credibility crisis: How effective are Chinese Covid vaccines?</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/26/189092-untitled-design-3.jpg" />Inspite of many countries depending on the Chinese vaccines, in recent weeks, there has been an increase in concern over Chinese vaccines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wearing-masks-only-sure-way-to-help-slow-spread-of-coronavirus-scientists-398897">Wearing masks only sure way to help slow spread of coronavirus: Scientists</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/18/202824-coronavirus-in-uk.jpg" />In the midst of several countries freeing up all Covid regulations, scientists urge governments and people to continue wearing masks to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-chancellor-angela-merkel-visits-flood-affected-area-398880">Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel visits flood-affected area</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/18/202816-angela-merkel.jpg" />German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with survivors and assessed the damage in the flood-affected region of Germany that has suffered severe floods in recent days, which have claimed more than 183 lives, injured hundreds, and displaced dozens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exile-headquarters-why-is-miami-the-hotbed-of-latin-american-assassinations-and-coup-398853">Exile headquarters: Why is Miami the 'hotbed' of Latin American assassinations and coup?</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/18/202799-untitled-design.jpg" />Jovenel Moise's killing may have been a shock, the assassination's connection to Miami is not that surprising as the Miami-Florida connection&nbsp;remains infamous for the past many years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-interior-minister-afghan-envoy-daughters-kidnapping-case-to-be-solved-in-72-hours-398849">Pakistan’s Interior Minister: Afghan envoy daughter's&nbsp;kidnapping case to be solved in 72 hours</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/16/183056-untitled-design-8.jpg" />According to Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, the kidnapping of the daughter of an Afghanistani ambassador is expected to be solved within 72 hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/learn-to-switch-off-says-pope-francis-after-successful-surgery-398866">Learn to switch off, says Pope Francis after successful surgery</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/18/202809-pope-francis-4.jpg" />In&nbsp;his first public appearance post his hospitalisation,&nbsp;Pope Francis made a suggestion to the faithful asking themto take a break and switch off from the stresses of modern life.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-president-cyril-ramaphosa-joins-clean-up-mission-after-week-of-violence-398863">South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, joins clean-up mission after week of violence</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/18/202806-cyril-ramaphosa.jpg" />

The country has now begun to clean up the violence and chaos that erupted after the sentencing of former president Jacob Zuma. South Africa's current President, Cyril Ramaphosa has also gotten involved in the cleanup efforts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/get-to-know-the-whos-who-of-blue-origins-first-crewed-flight-398848">Get to know the who's who of Blue Origin's first crewed flight</a>

<img alt="Jeff Bezos" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="367d0232-4e97-4150-af25-1f2a7d0e4f48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-07-18T201811.930.jpg" />Let's take a look at the four people who are part of the maiden flight of Blue&nbsp;Origin.&nbsp;For the very first time, four people will cross the Karman line, which separates Earth's atmosphere from space.

As Thailand faces one of the worst Covid waves, locals took to the streets protesting and demanding the resignation of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's over his handling of the Covid outbreak.

As Thailand faces one of the worst Covid waves, locals took to the streets protesting and demanding the resignation of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's over his handling of the Covid outbreak. This has come after the government announced the extension of Covid restrictions. After the Doha talks between representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents, over the weekend, the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada says that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement over the conflict in Afghanistan. Click on headlines to read more Thai police deploy water cannons, rubber bullets against protestors denouncing PM Locals took to the streets shortly after Thai government officials announced they would extend Coronavirus restrictions protesting over premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's handling of Covid outbreak. Taliban leader 'favours political settlement' to Afghan conflict Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban's supreme leader, said on Sunday he "strenuously favours" a political settlement of the Afghan conflict. Credibility crisis: How effective are Chinese Covid vaccines? Inspite of many countries depending on the Chinese vaccines, in recent weeks, there has been an increase in concern over Chinese vaccines. Wearing masks only sure way to help slow spread of coronavirus: Scientists In the midst of several countries freeing up all Covid regulations, scientists urge governments and people to continue wearing masks to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel visits flood-affected area German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with survivors and assessed the damage in the flood-affected region of Germany that has suffered severe floods in recent days, which have claimed more than 183 lives, injured hundreds, and displaced dozens. Exile headquarters: Why is Miami the 'hotbed' of Latin American assassinations and coup? Jovenel Moise's killing may have been a shock, the assassination's connection to Miami is not that surprising as the Miami-Florida connection remains infamous for the past many years. Pakistan’s Interior Minister: Afghan envoy daughter's kidnapping case to be solved in 72 hours According to Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, the kidnapping of the daughter of an Afghanistani ambassador is expected to be solved within 72 hours. Learn to switch off, says Pope Francis after successful surgery In his first public appearance post his hospitalisation, Pope Francis made a suggestion to the faithful asking themto take a break and switch off from the stresses of modern life. South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, joins clean-up mission after week of violence The country has now begun to clean up the violence and chaos that erupted after the sentencing of former president Jacob Zuma. South Africa's current President, Cyril Ramaphosa has also gotten involved in the cleanup efforts. Get to know the who's who of Blue Origin's first crewed flight Let's take a look at the four people who are part of the maiden flight of Blue Origin. For the very first time, four people will cross the Karman line, which separates Earth's atmosphere from space.

Top 10 world news: Protests against Thai PM, Taliban 'favours political settlement' and more

In Islamabad, Silsela Alikhail, the daughter of Afghanistan's envoy&nbsp;to Pakistan, Najibullah Alikhel, was kidnapped for several hours. According to reports the 27-year-old faced torture at the hands of her kidnappers and is currently under hospital care. The identity of her abductors is still unknown. Afghanistan's foreign ministry has called on Pakistan to take "immediate necessary action" following the incident.

In other news, with the Delta variant of coronavirus spreading around the globe, Professor John Edmunds, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has warned that the Beta variant may also prove to be equally dangerous. Warning governments around the world he says that the Covid vaccines might prove to be ineffective against the Beta variant spreading through France.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/daughter-of-afghanistan-envoy-to-pakistan-kidnapped-in-islamabad-398684">Daughter of Afghanistan envoy to Pakistan kidnapped in Islamabad</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/17/202710-afghanistan-envoy.jpg" />Silsela Alikhail, the daughter of the Afghanistan ambassador to Pakistan, Najibullah Alikhail, was abducted in Islamabad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beta-variant-can-evade-covid-vaccines-uk-scientist-claims-398709">Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/13/136613-corona-paris.jpg" />

An expert has said the Beta variant of Coronavirus could also prove equally dangerous as the Delta variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-unlocking-plan-is-threat-to-world-1200-scientists-warn-398688">Boris Johnson's unlocking plan is threat to world, 1,200 scientists warn</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/26/171298-uk3.jpg" />In the wake of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement to open the economy completely, scientists claim the plan is a danger to the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/many-leaders-slept-on-climate-crisis-will-they-act-on-what-they-feel-on-their-skins-now-398704">Many leaders slept on climate crisis. Will they act on what they feel on their skins now?</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/17/202722-untitled-design-30.jpg" />

Just days after Europe witnesses an unusually hot summer, unprecedented floods have inundated Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, leaving hundreds of people missing and more than 150 dead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-allows-thousands-to-cross-into-afghanistan-through-border-398660">Pakistan allows thousands to cross into Afghanistan through border</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/17/202693-pakistan-afghanistan.jpg" />Pakistan on Saturday allowed "up to 4,000 Afghans" into the strategic town across the border in Afghanistan which is held by Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rising-tensions-with-china-us-to-send-f-22-fighter-jets-to-the-pacific-398695">Amid rising tensions with China,&nbsp;US to send F-22 fighter jets to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/27/146943-us-f-22-fighter-jets.jpg" />In what might be a strong message to China, the US Air Forse is sending more than two dozen F-22 stealth fighters for&nbsp;an exercise in the western Pacific this month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-120-dead-in-western-europe-after-record-rainfall-wreaks-havoc-398646">Over 120 dead in western Europe after record rainfall wreaks havoc</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/16/202530-0009f44tr.jpg" />Authorities say that more than 120 people were killed in floods in western Europe, while several hundred others are still missing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-increases-pressure-on-big-tech-firms-to-act-on-vaccine-misinformation-398682">White House&nbsp;increases&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on Big Tech&nbsp;firms&nbsp;to act on vaccine&nbsp;misinformation</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/17/198819-corbevax.JPG" />As part of an effort to identify the culprits who are spreading misinformation about COVID-19, the White House has named 12 people or the 'disinformation dozen'.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-backs-international-mediation-in-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-398706">EU backs international mediation in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/13/173788-european-unions.jpg" />Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said that the European Union supported efforts to ease tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-california-serial-killer-known-as-the-hollywood-ripper-sentenced-to-death-398680">In California, serial killer known as the 'Hollywood Ripper' sentenced to death</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/17/202709-untitled-design-2021-07-17t170158627.jpg" />The so-called Hollywood Ripper, Michael Gargiulo, was recently sentenced to death for gruesomely murdering two women in the 2000s.

In Islamabad, Silsela Alikhail, the daughter of Afghanistan's envoy to Pakistan, Najibullah Alikhel, was kidnapped for several hours. According to reports the 27-year-old faced torture at the hands of her kidnappers and is currently under hospital care.

In Islamabad, Silsela Alikhail, the daughter of Afghanistan's envoy to Pakistan, Najibullah Alikhel, was kidnapped for several hours. According to reports the 27-year-old faced torture at the hands of her kidnappers and is currently under hospital care. The identity of her abductors is still unknown. Afghanistan's foreign ministry has called on Pakistan to take "immediate necessary action" following the incident. In other news, with the Delta variant of coronavirus spreading around the globe, Professor John Edmunds, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has warned that the Beta variant may also prove to be equally dangerous. Warning governments around the world he says that the Covid vaccines might prove to be ineffective against the Beta variant spreading through France. Click on headlines to read more Daughter of Afghanistan envoy to Pakistan kidnapped in Islamabad Silsela Alikhail, the daughter of the Afghanistan ambassador to Pakistan, Najibullah Alikhail, was abducted in Islamabad. Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims An expert has said the Beta variant of Coronavirus could also prove equally dangerous as the Delta variant. Boris Johnson's unlocking plan is threat to world, 1,200 scientists warn In the wake of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement to open the economy completely, scientists claim the plan is a danger to the world. Many leaders slept on climate crisis. Will they act on what they feel on their skins now? Just days after Europe witnesses an unusually hot summer, unprecedented floods have inundated Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, leaving hundreds of people missing and more than 150 dead. Pakistan allows thousands to cross into Afghanistan through border Pakistan on Saturday allowed "up to 4,000 Afghans" into the strategic town across the border in Afghanistan which is held by Taliban. Amid rising tensions with China, US to send F-22 fighter jets to the Pacific In what might be a strong message to China, the US Air Forse is sending more than two dozen F-22 stealth fighters for an exercise in the western Pacific this month. Over 120 dead in western Europe after record rainfall wreaks havoc Authorities say that more than 120 people were killed in floods in western Europe, while several hundred others are still missing. White House increases pressure on Big Tech firms to act on vaccine misinformation As part of an effort to identify the culprits who are spreading misinformation about COVID-19, the White House has named 12 people or the 'disinformation dozen'. EU backs international mediation in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said that the European Union supported efforts to ease tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In California, serial killer known as the 'Hollywood Ripper' sentenced to death The so-called Hollywood Ripper, Michael Gargiulo, was recently sentenced to death for gruesomely murdering two women in the 2000s.

Top 10 world news: Afghan envoy's daughter abducted, warning against Beta variant and more

The Philippines has launched an investigation against&nbsp;hundreds of Chinese vessels that were dumping sewage into contested areas of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.&nbsp;Rouhani has said that Iran can enrich its uranium to up to 90 per cent purity, if required. Meanwhile,Taliban have captured a key border crossing&nbsp;along the Pakistan frontier.&nbsp;&nbsp;A blast on a bus killed 13 people in north&nbsp;Pakistan, including nine Chinese nationals in what Beijing said was a bomb attack but Islamabad called a vehicle failure.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-can-enrich-uranium-up-to-90-purity-on-requirement-says-president-hassan-rouhani-398042">Iran can enrich uranium up to 90% purity on requirement, says Rouhani</a>

<img alt="gt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1cef8c9-a6bc-4f7b-a4da-873338ed9ed4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9EY4Y6.jpg" />

President Hassan&nbsp;Rouhani has said that Iran can&nbsp;enrich uranium up to 90 per cent&nbsp;purity if its nuclear reactors needed it, according to local media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-claim-control-over-key-border-crossing-with-pakistan-398062" hreflang="en">Taliban claim control over key border crossing with Pakistan</a>

<img alt="gb" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b6b148f-f64d-464e-8a4d-0a38c583a6c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_64.jpg" />

Taliban said on Wednesday claimed it had captured a key border crossing&nbsp;along the Pakistan frontier with US troops set to pull out&nbsp;completely in a few weeks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-13-killed-including-7-chinese-nationals-as-blast-targets-dasu-dam-workers-398001">Pakistan:13 killed, including 7 Chinese nationals as blast targets dam workers</a>

<img alt="gt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02afeea5-93bf-4b6c-ae02-1ee133001dc9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_189.jpg" />

-A blast on a bus killed 13 people in north&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;on Wednesday, including nine Chinese nationals in what Beijing said was a bomb attack but Islamabad called a vehicle failure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uyghur-turks-should-live-in-peace-as-equal-citizens-of-china-erdogan-to-president-xi-jinping-398075">Uyghur Turks should live in peace as equal citizens of China: Erdogan to Xi</a>

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Turkish President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday it was important to Turkey that Uyghur Muslims live in peace as "equal citizens of China" but said Turkey respects China's national sovereignty

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-launches-investigation-against-chinese-sewage-dumping-at-sea-398031" hreflang="en">Philippines launches investigation against Chinese sewage-dumping at sea</a>

<img alt="vg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c632e5fa-4113-45b2-bd69-0edb48a3cf9a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_160.jpg" />

Philippines' defence minister has&nbsp;ordered the military to investigate a report by a US-based tech firm that hundreds of Chinese vessels were dumping sewage into contested areas of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nuclear-powered-spacecrafts-are-on-the-way-blue-origin-general-electric-roped-in-by-nasa-398058" hreflang="en">Nuclear-powered spacecrafts are on the way: Blue Origin, General Electric roped in by NASA</a>

<img alt="vf" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="066d9d9f-400a-4874-ad09-c5de483765fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_80.jpg" />

Blue Origin and&nbsp;General Electric Hitachi Nuclear Energy have been roped in by NASA&nbsp;to develop&nbsp;nuclear-powered spacecraft that can travel faster and&nbsp;farther,&nbsp;to Mars and beyond

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-police-raids-offices-homes-of-activists-in-ongoing-crackdown-on-dissent-398067" hreflang="en">Belarus police raids offices, homes of activists in ongoing crackdown on dissent</a>

<img alt="gh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87062ae4-2d27-498e-8792-bbe28dbbd881" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_55.jpg" />

In&nbsp;an ongoing crackdown on dissent by President Alexander Lukashenko's regime,&nbsp;Belarusian security police searched offices and homes of lawyers and human rights activists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-use-gene-editing-technology-to-block-covid-19-transmission-in-human-cells-398047" hreflang="en">Scientists use gene-editing technology to block COVID-19 transmission in human cells</a>

<img alt="dcd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d470c378-5eea-48b6-b723-cb1cc8f8b04d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8UY462_0.jpg" />

Researchers&nbsp;have used CRISPR genome editing technology to successfully block the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in infected human cells.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ransomware-gang-revil-disappears-from-dark-web-after-biden-warning-398036" hreflang="en">Ransomware gang REvil disappears from dark web after Biden warning</a>

<img alt="dcd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4efd9621-e7b9-497d-bf74-4776466e32d2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_55.jpg" />

A Russian-based hacker group blamed for a massive ransomware attack went offline, sparking speculation about whether the move was the result of a government-led action.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-take-ambassadors-snorkelling-to-save-great-barrier-reef-status-398073" hreflang="en">Australia to take ambassadors snorkelling to save Great Barrier Reef status</a>

<img alt="vf" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="279c8d14-9f74-4f5d-b8de-d47ce6f45b62" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8UG9EP.jpg" />

Australia&nbsp;will take a group of ambassadors snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list.

The Philippines has launched an investigation against hundreds of Chinese vessels that were dumping sewage into contested areas of the South China Sea. Rouhani has said that Iran can enrich its uranium to up to 90 per cent purity, if required.

The Philippines has launched an investigation against hundreds of Chinese vessels that were dumping sewage into contested areas of the South China Sea. Rouhani has said that Iran can enrich its uranium to up to 90 per cent purity, if required. Meanwhile,Taliban have captured a key border crossing along the Pakistan frontier. A blast on a bus killed 13 people in north Pakistan, including nine Chinese nationals in what Beijing said was a bomb attack but Islamabad called a vehicle failure. Click on headlines to read more Iran can enrich uranium up to 90% purity on requirement, says Rouhani President Hassan Rouhani has said that Iran can enrich uranium up to 90 per cent purity if its nuclear reactors needed it, according to local media. Taliban claim control over key border crossing with Pakistan Taliban said on Wednesday claimed it had captured a key border crossing along the Pakistan frontier with US troops set to pull out completely in a few weeks Pakistan:13 killed, including 7 Chinese nationals as blast targets dam workers -A blast on a bus killed 13 people in north Pakistan on Wednesday, including nine Chinese nationals in what Beijing said was a bomb attack but Islamabad called a vehicle failure. Uyghur Turks should live in peace as equal citizens of China: Erdogan to Xi Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday it was important to Turkey that Uyghur Muslims live in peace as "equal citizens of China" but said Turkey respects China's national sovereignty Philippines launches investigation against Chinese sewage-dumping at sea Philippines' defence minister has ordered the military to investigate a report by a US-based tech firm that hundreds of Chinese vessels were dumping sewage into contested areas of the South China Sea Nuclear-powered spacecrafts are on the way: Blue Origin, General Electric roped in by NASA Blue Origin and General Electric Hitachi Nuclear Energy have been roped in by NASA to develop nuclear-powered spacecraft that can travel faster and farther, to Mars and beyond Belarus police raids offices, homes of activists in ongoing crackdown on dissent In an ongoing crackdown on dissent by President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, Belarusian security police searched offices and homes of lawyers and human rights activists. Scientists use gene-editing technology to block COVID-19 transmission in human cells Researchers have used CRISPR genome editing technology to successfully block the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in infected human cells. Ransomware gang REvil disappears from dark web after Biden warning A Russian-based hacker group blamed for a massive ransomware attack went offline, sparking speculation about whether the move was the result of a government-led action. Australia to take ambassadors snorkelling to save Great Barrier Reef status Australia will take a group of ambassadors snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef Thursday in a last-minute lobbying effort to keep the World Heritage site off UNESCO's endangered list.

Top 10 world news today: Philippines launches investigation into Chinese sewage-dumping at sea and more

Top 10 world news today: In this newsletter, we present the biggest news stories of July 6 from around the world. After the pullout of US forces from Afghanistan, Taliban insurgents have made rapid advances in the country. Many fear that the country would return to its former conservative days under the Taliban rule. In view of this, Russian President Putin dialled up Tajikistan President and promised aid to him in the fight against Taliban. In Iceland, a four-week working day has proven to be tremendously successful. In grim news coming in from Russia, no survivors were reported from a plane crash.&nbsp;

This and more below. Click on the headline to read the full story.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/putin-dials-tajikistan-president-amid-talibans-rapid-advance-in-afghanistan-396250" hreflang="en">Putin dials Tajikistan president amid Taliban's rapid advance in Afghanistan</a>

As<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/history-combatants-facts-and-timeline-us-led-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-396203">&nbsp;Afghan</a>&nbsp;troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/06/201254-taa1.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wreckage-of-russian-plane-located-no-survivors-found-396244">Wreckage of Russian plane located, no survivors found</a>

Russian search teams found the wreckage of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-with-28-on-board-crashes-into-sea-in-russias-far-east-report-396118">An-26</a>&nbsp;passenger plane which had disappeared in the country's Kamchatka peninsula, reports said

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/06/201252-an266.JPG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-army-general-arrested-on-sexual-harassment-charges-396226" hreflang="en">South Korean army general arrested on sexual harassment charges</a>

Adding to the growing list of sexual assaults in defence sector, a South Korean army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female colleague<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/06/201241-south-korea-female-soldiers.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-invest-over-133-billion-in-transport-sector-minister-says-396224" hreflang="en">Saudi Arabia to invest over $133 billion in transport sector, minister says</a>

Saudi Arabia will invest over 500 billion riyals ($133.34 billion) in airports, sea ports, rail and other infrastructure by the end of the decade in a bid to make the kingdom a global transportation and logistics hub, its transport minister said on Monday<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/32096-saudi1-20171107090314.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/restriction-of-civic-space-in-venezuela-is-worrying-says-un-human-rights-chief-396223" hreflang="en">Restriction of civic space in Venezuela is worrying, says UN human rights chief</a>

Restrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/28/200225-un-rights.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-google-twitter-say-could-quit-hong-kong-over-proposed-data-laws-report-396218" hreflang="en">Facebook, Google, Twitter say could quit Hong Kong over proposed data laws: Report</a>

US&nbsp;tech giants Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Twitter Inc have privately warned the Hong Kong government that they could stop offering their services in the city if authorities proceed with planned changes to data-protection laws, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing a letter

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/08/181834-hong-kong.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-prosecutors-examine-evidence-suggesting-covid-19-spread-before-official-confirmation-396216" hreflang="en">Italian prosecutors examine evidence suggesting COVID-19 spread before official confirmation</a>

Italian prosecutors are now examining evidence that suggests coronavirus was spreading in the country weeks before the first case of local transmission was officially detected

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/21/183761-codogno-italy.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-relaxes-curbs-on-travellers-from-india-and-uk-396198" hreflang="en">Germany relaxes curbs on travellers from India and UK</a>

Germany's health agency on Monday, July 5, said that it would lift a ban on most travellers from India and the UK amid increased cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/22/192276-untitled-design-16.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-ministers-to-reveal-proposals-for-offshore-centres-for-asylum-seekers-396184" hreflang="en">UK Ministers to reveal proposals for offshore centres for asylum seekers</a>

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/23/141579-untitled-design.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/four-day-workweek-trial-an-overwhelming-success-in-iceland-396160" hreflang="en">Four-day workweek trial an 'overwhelming success' in Iceland</a>

Trials of a four-day work week in Iceland have been hailed as a "overwhelming success," with studies finding that the project increased productivity and improved workers' total well-being

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/27/134553-untitled-design-19.jpg" />

Top 10 world news today: In this newsletter, we present the biggest news stories of July 6 from around the world. After the pullout of US forces from Afghanistan, Taliban insurgents have made rapid advances in the country.

Top 10 world news today: In this newsletter, we present the biggest news stories of July 6 from around the world. After the pullout of US forces from Afghanistan, Taliban insurgents have made rapid advances in the country. Many fear that the country would return to its former conservative days under the Taliban rule. In view of this, Russian President Putin dialled up Tajikistan President and promised aid to him in the fight against Taliban. In Iceland, a four-week working day has proven to be tremendously successful. In grim news coming in from Russia, no survivors were reported from a plane crash. This and more below. Click on the headline to read the full story. Putin dials Tajikistan president amid Taliban's rapid advance in Afghanistan As Afghan troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic Wreckage of Russian plane located, no survivors found Russian search teams found the wreckage of the An-26 passenger plane which had disappeared in the country's Kamchatka peninsula, reports said South Korean army general arrested on sexual harassment charges Adding to the growing list of sexual assaults in defence sector, a South Korean army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female colleague Saudi Arabia to invest over $133 billion in transport sector, minister says Saudi Arabia will invest over 500 billion riyals ($133.34 billion) in airports, sea ports, rail and other infrastructure by the end of the decade in a bid to make the kingdom a global transportation and logistics hub, its transport minister said on Monday Restriction of civic space in Venezuela is worrying, says UN human rights chief Restrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday Facebook, Google, Twitter say could quit Hong Kong over proposed data laws: Report US tech giants Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Twitter Inc have privately warned the Hong Kong government that they could stop offering their services in the city if authorities proceed with planned changes to data-protection laws, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing a letter Italian prosecutors examine evidence suggesting COVID-19 spread before official confirmation Italian prosecutors are now examining evidence that suggests coronavirus was spreading in the country weeks before the first case of local transmission was officially detected Germany relaxes curbs on travellers from India and UK Germany's health agency on Monday, July 5, said that it would lift a ban on most travellers from India and the UK amid increased cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19 UK Ministers to reveal proposals for offshore centres for asylum seekers UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission Four-day workweek trial an 'overwhelming success' in Iceland Trials of a four-day work week in Iceland have been hailed as a "overwhelming success," with studies finding that the project increased productivity and improved workers' total well-being

Top 10 world news today: Putin dials up Tajikistan president as Taliban makes gains and more

Top 10 world news today: In this newsletter, we bring to you the biggest news stories of July 5 from all over the world. In Thailand, an overnight explosion and fire left one person dead and at least 60 injured. The area around the factory was evacuated amid fears of toxic fumes spreading. After what Ethiopian government calls a "unilateral ceasefire" took effect in Tigray region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed boasted about his country's military might. In the Dominican Republic, Storm Elsa has killed two people so far. On the science front, we have two new exciting stories at the end of the list. The Sun ejected its largest solar flare in 4 years on July 3. In unrelated news, scientists discovered a cloud larger than the Milky Way galaxy floating through space. Why is it unusual? Find out below.

To read the full story, click on the headline.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-factory-blast-1-killed-60-injured-as-area-evacuated-over-toxic-fume-fears-395957" hreflang="en">Thai factory fire: 1 dead, 60 injured as area evacuated over toxic fume fears</a>

An overnight explosion and fire at a chemical factory killed one person and injured more than 60 others, sending black smoke into the sky over Samut Prakan's Bang Phli area late Monday afternoon

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/05/201091-untitled-design-2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-pm-abiy-ahmed-boasts-of-military-might-396002" hreflang="en">Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might</a>

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/26/171215-downdload.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-as-tropical-storm-elsa-lashes-dominican-republic-395954" hreflang="en">Two killed as tropical storm Elsa lashes Dominican Republic</a>

High waves hit the coast of Dominican Republic's capital Santo Domingo on Saturday (July 3) as Storm Elsa lashed the country, leaving two people dead

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/17/198867-untitled-design-83.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-diego-zoo-begins-vaccinating-animals-against-covid-using-experimental-vaccine-396013" hreflang="en">San Diego zoo begins vaccinating animals against Covid using experimental vaccine</a>

In a bid to protect the animal species, San Francisco Bay Area Zoo is vaccinating its population of big cats, bears and ferrets against the deadly coronavirus

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/05/185743-untitled-design-5.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-marks-july-4-with-eating-contest-fireworks-395953" hreflang="en">New York City marks July 4 with eating contest, fireworks</a>

After a year lost to the coronavirus, New York City's most well-known Fourth of July traditions were back

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/05/201090-new-york-july-4.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/hackers-linked-to-russia-reportedly-demand-70-million-from-companies-hit-by-cyberattack-395947" hreflang="en">Hackers linked to Russia reportedly demand $70 million from companies hit by cyberattack</a>

Hackers behind the mass attack which affected hundreds of companies on Friday have reportedly demanded $70 million to restore the data, according to a dark web posting.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/05/201089-oof-2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supermarket-chains-in-sweden-remain-closed-after-cyberattack-396018" hreflang="en">Supermarket chains in Sweden remain closed after cyberattack</a>

Major supermarkets in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/hackers-linked-to-russia-reportedly-demand-70-million-from-companies-hit-by-cyberattack-395947">Sweden</a>&nbsp;remained closed on Monday after a cyberattack targeted US tech provider Kaseya three days ago.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/05/201121-rrr.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-place-is-safe-reveal-scientists-amid-unprecedented-heatwave-in-parts-of-us-and-canada-395939" hreflang="en">No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada</a>

In a new revelation, climate scientists have said that no place is safe from the kind of extreme heat events that have hit the western US and Canada in recent days

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/29/200305-oof.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explosion-on-sun-equivalent-to-millions-of-hydrogen-bombs-causes-biggest-solar-flare-in-4-years-396003" hreflang="en">Explosion on Sun equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs causes biggest solar flare in 4 years</a>

The centre of our planetary system and the source of all energy on Earth, our gigantic Sun recently made its celestial presence felt with what is being called the biggest solar flare in four years

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/05/201113-oof-4.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/orphan-cloud-bigger-than-milky-way-found-in-no-galaxys-land-by-scientists-395982" hreflang="en">'Orphan cloud' bigger than Milky Way found in 'no-galaxy's land' by scientists</a>

Scientists have found evidence of a large cloud clustered in-between two galaxies in space

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/05/201102-oof-3.jpg" />

Top 10 world news today: In this newsletter, we bring to you the biggest news stories of July 5 from all over the world. In Thailand, an overnight explosion and fire left one person dead and at least 60 injured.

Top 10 world news today: In this newsletter, we bring to you the biggest news stories of July 5 from all over the world. In Thailand, an overnight explosion and fire left one person dead and at least 60 injured. The area around the factory was evacuated amid fears of toxic fumes spreading. After what Ethiopian government calls a "unilateral ceasefire" took effect in Tigray region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed boasted about his country's military might. In the Dominican Republic, Storm Elsa has killed two people so far. On the science front, we have two new exciting stories at the end of the list. The Sun ejected its largest solar flare in 4 years on July 3. In unrelated news, scientists discovered a cloud larger than the Milky Way galaxy floating through space. Why is it unusual? Find out below. To read the full story, click on the headline. Thai factory fire: 1 dead, 60 injured as area evacuated over toxic fume fears An overnight explosion and fire at a chemical factory killed one person and injured more than 60 others, sending black smoke into the sky over Samut Prakan's Bang Phli area late Monday afternoon Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region Two killed as tropical storm Elsa lashes Dominican Republic High waves hit the coast of Dominican Republic's capital Santo Domingo on Saturday (July 3) as Storm Elsa lashed the country, leaving two people dead San Diego zoo begins vaccinating animals against Covid using experimental vaccine In a bid to protect the animal species, San Francisco Bay Area Zoo is vaccinating its population of big cats, bears and ferrets against the deadly coronavirus New York City marks July 4 with eating contest, fireworks After a year lost to the coronavirus, New York City's most well-known Fourth of July traditions were back Hackers linked to Russia reportedly demand $70 million from companies hit by cyberattack Hackers behind the mass attack which affected hundreds of companies on Friday have reportedly demanded $70 million to restore the data, according to a dark web posting. Supermarket chains in Sweden remain closed after cyberattack Major supermarkets in Sweden remained closed on Monday after a cyberattack targeted US tech provider Kaseya three days ago. No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada In a new revelation, climate scientists have said that no place is safe from the kind of extreme heat events that have hit the western US and Canada in recent days Explosion on Sun equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs causes biggest solar flare in 4 years The centre of our planetary system and the source of all energy on Earth, our gigantic Sun recently made its celestial presence felt with what is being called the biggest solar flare in four years 'Orphan cloud' bigger than Milky Way found in 'no-galaxy's land' by scientists Scientists have found evidence of a large cloud clustered in-between two galaxies in space

Top 10 world news today: Thai factory fire kills 1, Storm Elsa hits Dominican Republic, and more