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.

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<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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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&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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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

To meet the shortages in the healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad.&nbsp;Russian leader Vladimir Putin has revealed that it was not the KGB but Father Frost, the Soviet Santa, that was the real force behind his rapid rise.

Click on&nbsp;headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-variant-torments-healthcare-uk-looks-to-hire-foreign-workers-by-relaxing-visa-rules-439895">As Omicron torments, UK looks to hire foreign workers by relaxing visa rules</a>

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The development comes as the country is witnessing a huge spike in the number of the coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant. It has put immense pressure on the healthcare sector. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-concerns-in-china-rise-as-country-reports-highest-number-of-cases-in-four-months-439887" hreflang="en">COVID-19 concerns in China rise as country reports highest number of cases in four months</a>

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China, where the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) was detected in late 2019, is currently registering a new spike in virus cases as concerns loom over the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-soviet-santa-is-real-force-behind-his-rapid-rise-439935">Vladimir Putin says Soviet Santa is 'real force' behind his rapid rise</a>

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When asked about the current state of relations between the Russian President and Father Frost, Putin said he is thankful to him and the Russians for being able to serve as the country's leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-prays-for-covid-19-pandemics-end-healthcare-for-all-on-christmas-439945">Pope Francis prays for Covid pandemic’s end, healthcare for all on Christmas</a>

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At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-accuses-germany-of-turning-eu-into-fourth-reich-439909">Poland accuses Germany of turning EU into 'Fourth Reich'</a>

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''Some countries are not enthusiastic at the prospect of a German Fourth Reich being built on the basis of the EU,'' Kaczynski said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bon-voyage-james-webb-space-telescope-launched-on-a-mission-to-unfold-the-universe-see-striking-pictures-439938" hreflang="en">Bon Voyage! James Webb space telescope launched on a mission to unfold the universe&nbsp;</a>

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NASA's James&nbsp;Webb&nbsp;Space Telescope, built to give the world a glimpse of the universe as it existed when the first galaxies formed, was launched by rocket early Saturday from South America's northeastern coast, opening a new era of astronomy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-cabinet-minister-demands-to-halt-auction-of-nelson-mandelas-prison-cell-key-439924" hreflang="en">South African cabinet minister demands to halt auction of Nelson Mandela's prison cell key</a>

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Mandela, the country’s first Black president, was long jailed for his opposition to apartheid in a prison cell of Robben Island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-conflict-torn-myanmar-more-than-30-killed-bodies-burnt-say-reports-439904">In conflict-torn Myanmar, more than 30 killed, bodies burnt, say reports</a>

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In conflict-torn Kayah state of Myanmar, over 30 people, including women and children, have been killed. Their bodies were also burnt, said reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-sets-record-by-granting-permanent-residency-to-over-400000-in-2021-439831" hreflang="en">Canada sets record by granting permanent residency to over 400,000 in 2021</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Breaking its all-time record, this is the second time that the country has been able to achieve this figure since its foundation in 1867.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-warming-can-double-crop-pests-and-diseases-in-china-threaten-food-security-warn-scientists-439784">Global warming can double crop pests and diseases in China, threaten food security, warn scientists</a>

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Global warming can double the occurrence of crop pests and diseases by the end of the century in China, threatening the Asian giant’s food security, scientists have warned.

To meet the shortages in the healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has revealed that it was not the KGB but Father Frost, the Soviet Santa, that was the real force behind his rapid rise.

To meet the shortages in the healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has revealed that it was not the KGB but Father Frost, the Soviet Santa, that was the real force behind his rapid rise. Click on headlines to read more As Omicron torments, UK looks to hire foreign workers by relaxing visa rules The development comes as the country is witnessing a huge spike in the number of the coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant. It has put immense pressure on the healthcare sector. COVID-19 concerns in China rise as country reports highest number of cases in four months China, where the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) was detected in late 2019, is currently registering a new spike in virus cases as concerns loom over the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Vladimir Putin says Soviet Santa is 'real force' behind his rapid rise When asked about the current state of relations between the Russian President and Father Frost, Putin said he is thankful to him and the Russians for being able to serve as the country's leader. Pope Francis prays for Covid pandemic’s end, healthcare for all on Christmas At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. Poland accuses Germany of turning EU into 'Fourth Reich' ''Some countries are not enthusiastic at the prospect of a German Fourth Reich being built on the basis of the EU,'' Kaczynski said. Bon Voyage! James Webb space telescope launched on a mission to unfold the universe NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, built to give the world a glimpse of the universe as it existed when the first galaxies formed, was launched by rocket early Saturday from South America's northeastern coast, opening a new era of astronomy. South African cabinet minister demands to halt auction of Nelson Mandela's prison cell key Mandela, the country’s first Black president, was long jailed for his opposition to apartheid in a prison cell of Robben Island. In conflict-torn Myanmar, more than 30 killed, bodies burnt, say reports In conflict-torn Kayah state of Myanmar, over 30 people, including women and children, have been killed. Their bodies were also burnt, said reports. Canada sets record by granting permanent residency to over 400,000 in 2021 Breaking its all-time record, this is the second time that the country has been able to achieve this figure since its foundation in 1867. Global warming can double crop pests and diseases in China, threaten food security, warn scientists Global warming can double the occurrence of crop pests and diseases by the end of the century in China, threatening the Asian giant’s food security, scientists have warned.

Top 10 world news: Omicron variant tormenting healthcare in UK and more

Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting&nbsp;Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam". Also,&nbsp;Ecuador has become the first country to make Covid vaccines mandatory for children as young as five years.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-becomes-first-country-to-mandate-covid-vaccines-for-children-from-age-of-5-439596">Ecuador becomes first country to mandate Covid vaccines for children from age of 5</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-becomes-first-country-to-mandate-covid-vaccines-for-children-from-age-of-5-439596"><img alt="Ecuador has become the first country to make Covid vaccines mandatory for children as young as five years. &quot;In Ecuador, vaccination against Covid-19 is declared compulsory,&quot; the health ministry said in a statement. This comes in amid growing fears of the Omicron variant. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="085d6561-2aa6-457a-9b62-b71a46f09d0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_27.jpg" /></a>

Ecuador has become the first country to make Covid vaccines mandatory for children as young as five years. "In Ecuador, vaccination against Covid-19 is declared compulsory," the health ministry said in a statement. This comes in amid growing fears of the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xian-lockdown-chinese-city-reports-community-transmission-hemorrhagic-fever-439629">Xi'an lockdown: Chinese city reports community transmission, hemorrhagic fever</a>

<img alt="After China lockdown millions in Xi'an city in northwest Shaanxi province, reports claim there has been &quot;multiple community transmission chains&quot; including hemorrhagic fever cases." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22e78995-d0da-44a1-893f-8fdf61795594" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_97.jpg" />

After China lockdown millions in&nbsp;Xi'an&nbsp;city in northwest Shaanxi province, reports claim there has been "multiple community transmission chains" including hemorrhagic fever cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insulting-prophet-muhammad-violation-of-religious-freedom-putin-439566">Insulting Prophet Muhammad violation of religious freedom: Putin</a>

<img alt="Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting Prophet Muhammad is a &quot;violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam.&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31b15c16-2c3d-4900-8196-1f950cf6f15e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_68.jpg" />

Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting&nbsp;Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-plans-urgent-burial-of-corpses-report-439597">Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia plans 'urgent burial of corpses': Report</a>

<img alt="Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, reports claim Russia has approved &quot;urgent burial of corpses in war and peacetime&quot;." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0cf36c8b-d1f3-41f6-ae45-e351b80e07e2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_89.jpg" />

Amid tensions with&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;at the border, reports claim Russia has approved "urgent burial of corpses in war and peacetime".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-chinese-province-is-now-offering-baby-loans-to-tackle-declining-population-439627">This Chinese province is now offering baby loans to tackle declining population</a>

<img alt="In a first, Jilin province in northeast China is asking banks to provide an amount of up to $31,400 of “marriage and birth consumer loans” to married couples. The move comes as an attempt to tackle the problem of the shrinking population in China." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a147756-7389-46e6-97fd-ea52036e092c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5_16.jpg" />

In a first, Jilin province in northeast China is asking banks to provide an amount of up to $31,400 of “marriage and birth consumer loans” to married couples. The move comes as an attempt to tackle the problem of the shrinking population in China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-starts-a-campaign-to-raise-aid-for-the-victims-of-philippines-typhoon-rai-439648">UN starts a campaign to raise aid for the victims of Philippines' typhoon Rai</a>

<img alt="To raise aid for victims of Typhoon Rai, which ravaged the Philippines, the United Nations has started a campaign. As per the organisation, the money will be given to the 530,000 people in the worst-affected areas, who are in desperate need of day to day facilities. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ac032830-17fb-4aee-82cb-16145c1b1df3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/6_6.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cutting-cakes-with-a-murderer-photos-of-top-myanmar-catholic-with-junta-chief-spark-outrage-439665">'Cutting cakes with a murderer?': Photos of top Myanmar Catholic with junta chief spark outrage</a>

<img alt="Photos of Myanmar's top Catholic prelate, Cardinal Charles Bo, with the country's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing sparked outrage after he was seen cutting a cake with coup leader amid a deadly military crackdown in the country. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bee5b095-d2fb-42b2-bdb5-2044a430b3fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/8_2.jpg" />

Photos of Myanmar's top Catholic prelate, Cardinal Charles Bo, with the country's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing sparked outrage after he was seen cutting a cake with coup leader amid a deadly military crackdown in the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-covid-19-surge-us-drops-personal-interviews-for-h-1b-l-1-visas-for-now-439550">Amid COVID-19 surge, US drops personal interviews for H-1B, L-1 Visas for now</a>

<img alt="In response to rising concerns about COVID-19 instances, the US has stated that for the entire year of 2022, it will exempt the in-person interview requirement for a variety of visa applicants, including H-1B employees and students, many of whom are from India." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f25a96a5-1ba4-41f3-bc8c-bfc4c26a59de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/7_5.jpg" />

In response to rising concerns about COVID-19 instances, the US has stated that for the entire year of 2022, it will exempt the in-person interview requirement for a variety of visa applicants, including H-1B employees and students, many of whom are from India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaurs-killing-asteroid-caused-prolonged-darkness-on-earth-study-reveals-439636">Dinosaurs-killing asteroid caused prolonged darkness on Earth, study reveals</a>

<img alt="The palaeontological studies of the fossilised remains such as bones and teeth of the extinct dinosaurs have given sufficient information about the species as the experts now analyse physiological aspects to behavioural characteristics of the extinct animals." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d0b9390-5578-4b3d-b74e-6b9f010dbe0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/10_2.jpg" />

The palaeontological studies of the fossilised remains such as bones and teeth of the extinct dinosaurs have given sufficient information about the species as the experts now analyse physiological aspects to behavioural characteristics of the extinct animals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-explorers-push-limits-in-3600-km-long-trek-across-antarctica-but-why-439632">Two explorers push limits in 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica, but why?</a>

<img alt="Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31c8cba0-9b3e-4181-8fae-5ed64cf11a45" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/9_3.jpg" />

Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica.&nbsp;These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind.

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam".

Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam". Also, Ecuador has become the first country to make Covid vaccines mandatory for children as young as five years. Click on headlines to read more Ecuador becomes first country to mandate Covid vaccines for children from age of 5 Ecuador has become the first country to make Covid vaccines mandatory for children as young as five years. "In Ecuador, vaccination against Covid-19 is declared compulsory," the health ministry said in a statement. This comes in amid growing fears of the Omicron variant. Xi'an lockdown: Chinese city reports community transmission, hemorrhagic fever After China lockdown millions in Xi'an city in northwest Shaanxi province, reports claim there has been "multiple community transmission chains" including hemorrhagic fever cases. Insulting Prophet Muhammad violation of religious freedom: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking at the annual news press conference said that insulting Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam." Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia plans 'urgent burial of corpses': Report Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, reports claim Russia has approved "urgent burial of corpses in war and peacetime". This Chinese province is now offering baby loans to tackle declining population In a first, Jilin province in northeast China is asking banks to provide an amount of up to $31,400 of “marriage and birth consumer loans” to married couples. The move comes as an attempt to tackle the problem of the shrinking population in China. UN starts a campaign to raise aid for the victims of Philippines' typhoon Rai 'Cutting cakes with a murderer?': Photos of top Myanmar Catholic with junta chief spark outrage Photos of Myanmar's top Catholic prelate, Cardinal Charles Bo, with the country's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing sparked outrage after he was seen cutting a cake with coup leader amid a deadly military crackdown in the country. Amid COVID-19 surge, US drops personal interviews for H-1B, L-1 Visas for now In response to rising concerns about COVID-19 instances, the US has stated that for the entire year of 2022, it will exempt the in-person interview requirement for a variety of visa applicants, including H-1B employees and students, many of whom are from India. Dinosaurs-killing asteroid caused prolonged darkness on Earth, study reveals The palaeontological studies of the fossilised remains such as bones and teeth of the extinct dinosaurs have given sufficient information about the species as the experts now analyse physiological aspects to behavioural characteristics of the extinct animals. Two explorers push limits in 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica, but why? Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind.

Top 10 world news: Ecuador mandates Covid vaccine for children, Russia-Ukraine tensions, and more

Russia President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia did not want conflict with Ukraine or the West.&nbsp;United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid has confirmed that the ministers are not planning to announce any new restrictions after Christmas.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-want-conflict-over-ukraine-but-nato-expansion-unacceptable-putin-439311" hreflang="en">Don't want conflict over Ukraine, but NATO expansion unacceptable: Putin</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75ad9279-4c78-4681-823f-76165f71ef56" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V727E.jpg" />

"There must not be any eastward NATO expansion," Putin told journalists at his annual end-of-year press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-post-christmas-restrictions-to-be-announced-for-uk-says-sajid-javid-439336">No post-Christmas restrictions to be announced for UK, says Sajid Javid</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc138b82-9a14-40a0-b10b-0b92075c4e8c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9UM9HN.jpg" />

"We're clear that there's no need for any further restrictions of any type before Christmas but of course, we will keep the situation under review," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-government-to-pay-over-1-million-to-aboriginal-people-for-racist-programme-439262">Australian government to pay over $1 million for 'racist' programme</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79e46173-f934-40dc-b2aa-91c4d4ee75ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/180823134351-01-scott-morrison.jpg" />

Locals had to travel over 1,000 km to the nearest centres to represent themselves at a welfare office as per Damien McLean, president of the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/since-taliban-takeover-over-6000-afghan-journalists-have-lost-jobs-women-journalists-severely-impacted-439320">Since Taliban takeover, over 6,000 Afghan journalists have lost jobs</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38a0ee12-f804-4a03-a287-9db1535e5fd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RT_Afghan_0.jpg" />

Four months ago, most Afghan provinces had at least 10 privately-owned media outlets. However, now, regions have no local media at all.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-after-surge-in-omicron-cases-japan-rules-out-changes-in-existing-curbs-439360" hreflang="en">Even after surge in Omicron cases, Japan rules out changes in existing curbs</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5bab2891-0fda-4478-a373-8681885e4ad5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/np_file_128846.jpeg" />

Even after a case of community spread infection from the Omicron variant was reported in Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has said that the government is not considering any immediate change in current restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-conducts-nuclear-fusion-experiment-for-artificial-sun-439314" hreflang="en">China conducts nuclear fusion experiment for 'artificial sun'</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3386d00-36ae-456e-b868-165b3479d580" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chinese-artificial-sun-experimental-fusion-reactor-sets-world-record-for-superheated-plasma-time-1622310359-8934_0.jpg" />

The experiment aims at making the artificial sun or the auxiliary heating system ''hotter'' and more ''durable.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-imposes-15-tax-on-multinational-firms-with-turnover-of-more-than-916-million-439347" hreflang="en">European Union imposes 15% tax on multinational firms with turnover of more than $916 million</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ce9b05b-685b-4a7c-b6ff-742b12b1c97f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V42HT.jpg" />

According to EU economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, the rule aims at "tightening the screws on shell companies&nbsp;or letterbox companies,&nbsp;used as vehicles for tax avoidance or evasion."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-pfizer-vaccine-philippines-approves-purchase-of-mercks-covid-19-pill-439333" hreflang="en">After Pfizer vaccine, Philippines approves purchase of Merck's COVID-19 pill</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df981340-0ba8-454e-b91e-9433249b9a20" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V747F.jpg" />

In its clinical trial, the experimental pill cut the risk of hospitalisation or death from COVID-19 by about 30 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-after-booster-shot-large-gatherings-and-parties-not-safe-warns-fauci-439259" hreflang="en">Even after booster shot, large gatherings and parties not safe, warns Fauci</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82fbc749-afe8-4ff1-a71b-4972372e4bea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9UY7YR.jpg" />

Deeming parties and larger gatherings a "higher risk," Fauci said that it would be safe for fully vaccinated individuals to attend smaller family gatherings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-say-italian-firm-produced-4000-flawed-parts-for-boeing-439304" hreflang="en">Prosecutors say Italian firm produced 4,000 flawed parts for Boeing</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81957575-ceb0-4bec-b0f1-3b14b19d8a58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/eff34688-b620-43fa-b8ae-79c57218ea26.jpeg" />

The investigation aims to establish whether MPS or its predecessor firm produced flawed components that could threaten air safety, a risk that has been denied by Boeing

Russia President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia did not want conflict with Ukraine or the West. United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid has confirmed that the ministers are not planning to announce any new restrictions after Christmas.

Russia President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia did not want conflict with Ukraine or the West. United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid has confirmed that the ministers are not planning to announce any new restrictions after Christmas. Click on headlines to read more Don't want conflict over Ukraine, but NATO expansion unacceptable: Putin "There must not be any eastward NATO expansion," Putin told journalists at his annual end-of-year press conference. No post-Christmas restrictions to be announced for UK, says Sajid Javid "We're clear that there's no need for any further restrictions of any type before Christmas but of course, we will keep the situation under review," he said. Australian government to pay over $1 million for 'racist' programme Locals had to travel over 1,000 km to the nearest centres to represent themselves at a welfare office as per Damien McLean, president of the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku. Since Taliban takeover, over 6,000 Afghan journalists have lost jobs Four months ago, most Afghan provinces had at least 10 privately-owned media outlets. However, now, regions have no local media at all. Even after surge in Omicron cases, Japan rules out changes in existing curbs Even after a case of community spread infection from the Omicron variant was reported in Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has said that the government is not considering any immediate change in current restrictions. China conducts nuclear fusion experiment for 'artificial sun' The experiment aims at making the artificial sun or the auxiliary heating system ''hotter'' and more ''durable.'' European Union imposes 15% tax on multinational firms with turnover of more than $916 million According to EU economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, the rule aims at "tightening the screws on shell companies or letterbox companies, used as vehicles for tax avoidance or evasion." After Pfizer vaccine, Philippines approves purchase of Merck's COVID-19 pill In its clinical trial, the experimental pill cut the risk of hospitalisation or death from COVID-19 by about 30 per cent. Even after booster shot, large gatherings and parties not safe, warns Fauci Deeming parties and larger gatherings a "higher risk," Fauci said that it would be safe for fully vaccinated individuals to attend smaller family gatherings. Prosecutors say Italian firm produced 4,000 flawed parts for Boeing The investigation aims to establish whether MPS or its predecessor firm produced flawed components that could threaten air safety, a risk that has been denied by Boeing

Top 10 world news: Putin says NATO expansion 'unacceptable' and more

After China's Xi'an city reported 52 new COVID-19 on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown as millions were asked to stay home. Xi'an located in northern China has reported 143 COVID-19 cases so far.&nbsp;In a sign of fresh border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Taliban forces uprooted barbed wires erected by the Pakistan security forces in the eastern Nangarhar province along the Durand Line, according to local media reports.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-millions-under-lockdown-after-virus-outbreak-in-xian-city-439025" hreflang="en">China puts millions under lockdown after virus outbreak in Xi'an city</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3a1b620-f380-4617-8d5a-5077577c6436" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V44MU.jpg" />

China's National Health Commission (NHC) official &nbsp;Lei Zhenglong had warned that the country cannot "let its guard down" with the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;cases being detected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-tear-down-barbed-wire-fence-put-up-by-pak-forces-as-durand-line-border-tension-brews-438954">Taliban tear down barbed wire fence put up by Pakistan forces</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="431559d4-15a8-43ad-8c3e-f83791a1684f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1535299-border-1508359658.jpg" />

According to the Afghanistan-based Khama Press (KP) news agency, the barbed wires were&nbsp;destroyed and brought to Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secret-service-reveals-billions-stolen-from-covid-19-relief-funds-439060">US Secret Service reveals billions stolen from COVID-19 relief funds</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa6559d8-7c1b-4fea-979e-84a910d41a81" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1000.jpeg" />

In a startling disclosure, the US Secret Service has reportedly said that at least $100 billion has been stolen from&nbsp;coronavirus relief programmes in the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-orders-us-military-officials-in-okinawa-base-to-follow-covid-rules-amid-omicron-fears-439077">Omicron alert: Japan orders US military in Okinawa base to follow Covid rules</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4d2fdb7-c9d4-4afc-b723-b87d3fcf6e49" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/np_file_54316.jpeg" />

The Japanese government has told the US military to comply with coronavirus rules after US Marine corps&nbsp;camp Hansen&nbsp;in central Okinawa Prefecture was hit with multiple COVID-19 cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portugal-announces-post-christmas-covid-curbs-in-light-of-omicron-threat-439051" hreflang="en">Portugal announces post-Christmas Covid curbs in light of Omicron threat</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d598797-6503-402b-be60-6dba2e43b220" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_75.jpg" />

The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-face-sexual-abuse-abortions-and-starvation-in-kim-jong-uns-army-439019" hreflang="en">Women face sexual abuse, abortions, and starvation in Kim Jong-un’s army</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c022423b-3dd9-4de1-80d0-3bb6efd8ff5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_63.jpg" />

A female North Korean soldier describes the misery she faces in Kim Jong Un's army, where she faces sexual assault, abortions without anaesthesia, and malnutrition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/vaccine-passport-in-your-hands-literally-this-rice-sized-chip-with-covid-data-can-be-implanted-into-body-439054" hreflang="en">Vaccine passport in your hands, literally: This rice-sized chip with Covid data can be implanted into body</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3f529932-8b8b-4d51-9c0f-3619ee5fcf0e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_79.jpg" />

A Swedish start-up company called Epicentre has invented a 'rice-sized' microchip that can be implanted under your skin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-china-commit-to-deepening-economic-ties-439005" hreflang="en">Germany, China commit to deepening economic ties</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fa691a18-ea1a-47b4-9d35-5277bba7d5f1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/olaf-scholz-xi-jinping-china-deutschland.jpeg" />

In a first phone call on Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to strengthen economic ties, but neither side mentioned human rights or the situation in Hong Kong in their readouts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-institute-eyes-single-vaccine-against-covid-19-including-omicron-439036" hreflang="en">US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="279d4caf-c1b4-44ea-878d-6aa48fad01bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/860x394.jpg" />

Reports say the US Army's&nbsp;Walter Reed Institute&nbsp;of Research is set to announce a vaccine which is resistant against all coronavirus variants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/food-aid-to-yemen-to-be-cut-due-to-lack-of-funds-wfp-438975" hreflang="en">Food aid to Yemen to be cut due to lack of funds: WFP</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fccf2c7-9050-471f-97e3-20943105b43a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9V42N3.jpg" />

Due to a lack of funds, the World Food Programme has cut aid to Yemen and warned of an increase in hunger in the war-torn country. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

After China's Xi'an city reported 52 new COVID-19 on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown as millions were asked to stay home. Xi'an located in northern China has reported 143 COVID-19 cases so far.

After China's Xi'an city reported 52 new COVID-19 on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown as millions were asked to stay home. Xi'an located in northern China has reported 143 COVID-19 cases so far. In a sign of fresh border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Taliban forces uprooted barbed wires erected by the Pakistan security forces in the eastern Nangarhar province along the Durand Line, according to local media reports. Click on headlines to read more China puts millions under lockdown after virus outbreak in Xi'an city China's National Health Commission (NHC) official Lei Zhenglong had warned that the country cannot "let its guard down" with the Omicron cases being detected. Taliban tear down barbed wire fence put up by Pakistan forces According to the Afghanistan-based Khama Press (KP) news agency, the barbed wires were destroyed and brought to Afghanistan. US Secret Service reveals billions stolen from COVID-19 relief funds In a startling disclosure, the US Secret Service has reportedly said that at least $100 billion has been stolen from coronavirus relief programmes in the United States. Omicron alert: Japan orders US military in Okinawa base to follow Covid rules The Japanese government has told the US military to comply with coronavirus rules after US Marine corps camp Hansen in central Okinawa Prefecture was hit with multiple COVID-19 cases. Portugal announces post-Christmas Covid curbs in light of Omicron threat The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Women face sexual abuse, abortions, and starvation in Kim Jong-un’s army A female North Korean soldier describes the misery she faces in Kim Jong Un's army, where she faces sexual assault, abortions without anaesthesia, and malnutrition. Vaccine passport in your hands, literally: This rice-sized chip with Covid data can be implanted into body A Swedish start-up company called Epicentre has invented a 'rice-sized' microchip that can be implanted under your skin. Germany, China commit to deepening economic ties In a first phone call on Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to strengthen economic ties, but neither side mentioned human rights or the situation in Hong Kong in their readouts. US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron Reports say the US Army's Walter Reed Institute of Research is set to announce a vaccine which is resistant against all coronavirus variants. Food aid to Yemen to be cut due to lack of funds: WFP Due to a lack of funds, the World Food Programme has cut aid to Yemen and warned of an increase in hunger in the war-torn country.

Top 10 world news: China puts millions under lockdown after virus outbreak and more

From the US reporting its first death due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to Pakistan's Supreme Court slamming the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities. Here are the top 10 news headlines at this hour, click on the links to read the full report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-reports-first-death-due-to-omicron-variant-an-unvaccinated-man-in-his-50s-438710">US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s</a> 
United States has reported its first death due to Omicron variant of COVID-19, health officials said. The deceased is a man in his 50s from Texas and was reportedly unvaccinated. He was previously infected with COVID-19, according to a release from Harris County Public Health.

<img alt="Omicron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9322bb9-6aad-47b5-b6e0-ffd550de6547" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron%20%283%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-variants-properties-keep-surprising-experts-claim-438696">Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim</a> 
Several nations across the world are struggling to control the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. While some countries are reimplementing Covid regulations, others are hoping it would pass away by vaccination. Amid all this chaos, scientists are still 'surprised' by properties of Omicron variant.

<img alt="Omicron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f992b5a8-769e-4cae-9d31-852716b5a664" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron%20%284%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mall-on-defence-land-how-pak-military-misused-land-for-commercial-purposes-438773">Mall on defence land: How Pak military misused land for commercial purposes</a> 
Pakistan's Supreme Court has come down heavily on the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities. The three-judge bench belonging to the country's top court was hearing a case relating to the illegal use of cantonment board lands in Karachi.

<img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6f42c33-f65e-4af4-b85a-8a5b0c695e4e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pakistan_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-500mn-free-tests-deploy-military-personnel-to-fight-covid-19-surge-438722">US to send 500mn free tests, deploy military personnel to fight COVID-19 surge</a> 
According to a White House official, the US will distribute 500 million free COVID-19 tests and mobilise military medical practitioners and push ahead with vaccination amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country. Reports say the US government is ready to provide 1,000 doctors, nurses and military medical staff including emergency equipment for hospitals across the country.

<img alt="United States" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24b022ee-116e-4243-89ea-0ed473f83e5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/United%20States%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-injectable-medication-for-prevention-from-hiv-gets-fda-nod-in-us-438778">In a first, injectable medication for prevention from HIV gets FDA nod in US</a> 
The fight against the HIV has been raging around the world for quite some time. As a huge respite, an injectable medication has been approved for prevention against HIV by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. It is the first long-acting drug for use as pre-exposure prevention or PrEP, the agency announced on Monday.&nbsp;

<img alt="HIV" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0c65ef7-733f-4c49-948f-03add16e147e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HIV.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-companies-individuals-indicted-for-illegally-selling-cruise-missiles-to-china-report-438749">Israeli companies, individuals indicted for illegally selling cruise missiles to China: Report</a> 
According to reports, Israeli companies have been found guilty of illegally exporting cruise missiles to China. The Israeli state attorney office connected to the finance department said ten Israeli suspects including three companies committed security violations to sell the missiles to China.

<img alt="Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="327861e9-d3ca-4733-8b94-41eca0ba2ae6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Israel.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-tank-platoons-conduct-combat-firing-exercises-to-strengthen-defence-abilities-438712">Taiwan tank platoons conduct combat firing exercises to strengthen defence abilities</a> 
To strengthen its defence capabilities, Taiwan's army on Tuesday (December 21) conducted specialised training for its tank platoons at the Kengzikou training ground in Hsinchu, as reported by CNA. As per the report, Taiwan's army battle tanks showed off their fighting capability at a combat firing exercise as two platoons of M-60 Patton and CM-11 Brave Tiger battle tanks open fire at invading forces in a mock attack.

<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="29667ea0-2e75-47a9-b521-83cc1ac0aa29" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Taiwan.jpg" />&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ryanair-ceo-for-allowing-only-vaccinated-passengers-to-fly-says-report-438803">Ryanair CEO for allowing only vaccinated passengers to fly, says report</a> 
Only passengers, who are vaccinated, should be allowed to board a plane, said Ryanair Holdings Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary, as per a report by Telegraph. The governments around the world should “make life difficult” for people, who are refusing to take the vaccines without any good reason, the European airline chief seems to have proposed in an interaction with the newspaper. &nbsp;

<img alt="Ryanair" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75f98892-d035-453e-b092-1d343c159fe6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ryanair.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-sales-of-electric-vehicles-beat-diesel-cars-in-europe-438795">For the first time, sales of electric vehicles beat diesel cars in Europe</a> 
Europe has been increasingly adopting vehicles, which run on cleaner fuel. This has proven true as the sales of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids have outpaced the diesel cars in the continent last month. The Tesla, Renault Zoe and Dacia Spring seems to have been becoming highly popular among motorists.

<img alt="Car" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3cbf2cb7-76dc-4937-b569-420639a969f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/car.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-clemency-for-truck-driver-sentenced-to-110-yr-jail-for-crash-gets-over-44-mn-signatories-438707">Petition seeking clemency for truck driver sentenced to 110-yr-jail for crash gets over 4.4 mn signatories</a> 
An online petition seeking clemency for a truck driver sentenced to 110 years in jail for a deadly 2019 crash has got over 4.4 million signatories in the United States. The crash, which had occurred on Colorado’s I-70, had led to death of four persons.

<img alt="truck driver" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba4c0bbf-484f-441c-a9e5-2e7cfebea272" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/truck%20driver.jpg" />

From the US reporting its first death due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to Pakistan's Supreme Court slamming the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities.

From the US reporting its first death due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to Pakistan's Supreme Court slamming the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities. Here are the top 10 news headlines at this hour, click on the links to read the full report. US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s United States has reported its first death due to Omicron variant of COVID-19, health officials said. The deceased is a man in his 50s from Texas and was reportedly unvaccinated. He was previously infected with COVID-19, according to a release from Harris County Public Health. Omicron variant's properties keep 'surprising', experts claim Several nations across the world are struggling to control the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. While some countries are reimplementing Covid regulations, others are hoping it would pass away by vaccination. Amid all this chaos, scientists are still 'surprised' by properties of Omicron variant. Mall on defence land: How Pak military misused land for commercial purposes Pakistan's Supreme Court has come down heavily on the country's military establishment, pointing out that land meant for defence purposes was being misused for commercial activities. The three-judge bench belonging to the country's top court was hearing a case relating to the illegal use of cantonment board lands in Karachi. US to send 500mn free tests, deploy military personnel to fight COVID-19 surge According to a White House official, the US will distribute 500 million free COVID-19 tests and mobilise military medical practitioners and push ahead with vaccination amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country. Reports say the US government is ready to provide 1,000 doctors, nurses and military medical staff including emergency equipment for hospitals across the country. In a first, injectable medication for prevention from HIV gets FDA nod in US The fight against the HIV has been raging around the world for quite some time. As a huge respite, an injectable medication has been approved for prevention against HIV by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. It is the first long-acting drug for use as pre-exposure prevention or PrEP, the agency announced on Monday. Israeli companies, individuals indicted for illegally selling cruise missiles to China: Report According to reports, Israeli companies have been found guilty of illegally exporting cruise missiles to China. The Israeli state attorney office connected to the finance department said ten Israeli suspects including three companies committed security violations to sell the missiles to China. Taiwan tank platoons conduct combat firing exercises to strengthen defence abilities To strengthen its defence capabilities, Taiwan's army on Tuesday (December 21) conducted specialised training for its tank platoons at the Kengzikou training ground in Hsinchu, as reported by CNA. As per the report, Taiwan's army battle tanks showed off their fighting capability at a combat firing exercise as two platoons of M-60 Patton and CM-11 Brave Tiger battle tanks open fire at invading forces in a mock attack. Ryanair CEO for allowing only vaccinated passengers to fly, says report Only passengers, who are vaccinated, should be allowed to board a plane, said Ryanair Holdings Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary, as per a report by Telegraph. The governments around the world should “make life difficult” for people, who are refusing to take the vaccines without any good reason, the European airline chief seems to have proposed in an interaction with the newspaper. For the first time, sales of electric vehicles beat diesel cars in Europe Europe has been increasingly adopting vehicles, which run on cleaner fuel. This has proven true as the sales of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids have outpaced the diesel cars in the continent last month. The Tesla, Renault Zoe and Dacia Spring seems to have been becoming highly popular among motorists. Petition seeking clemency for truck driver sentenced to 110-yr-jail for crash gets over 4.4 mn signatories An online petition seeking clemency for a truck driver sentenced to 110 years in jail for a deadly 2019 crash has got over 4.4 million signatories in the United States. The crash, which had occurred on Colorado’s I-70, had led to death of four persons.

Top 10 World News: US to deploy military personnel to fight Covid, update on Omicron variant and more

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move,&nbsp;Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. Here are top news stories from across the world. Click on the links to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/berlin-park-murder-now-russia-expels-german-diplomats-438523">Berlin park murder: Now, Russia expels German diplomats</a> 
Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago.

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a043acea-4a2d-4d77-a8ac-1f270b7764f1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%20%285%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-a-wanderer-nor-a-chess-piece-taiwan-slams-china-over-wang-yis-remark-438450">'Neither a wanderer nor a chess piece': Taiwan slams China over Wang Yi's remark</a> 
Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home". Re-emphasising on the unification of China, the country's top diplomat also said that Taiwan "should not be used as a pawn".&nbsp;

<img alt="Wang Yi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b9e2bb1-4ee4-4f7b-9b22-dc62dd463f03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Wang%20Yi.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-witnesses-rare-anti-government-protest-after-execution-of-kurdish-prisoner-438428">Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner</a> 
Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans.

<img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="049dbd73-8dde-457e-96b9-9c1826742a74" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-faces-online-flak-for-defending-talibans-mistreatment-of-women-438358">Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces online flak for defending Taliban's mistreatment of women</a> 
Imran Khan, the Pakistani Prime Minister, has done it again, as he has been doing for several years: Supporting the Taliban and their actions while rationalising all forms of discrimination, especially against women.

<img alt="Imran Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="522781f0-ae18-4563-a2b2-a82321030f8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20Khan.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-northwest-region-hit-with-hemorrhagic-fever-438362">China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever</a> 
According to China's state-run Global Times, the country's northwest Shaanxi province has witnessed several cases of hemorrhagic fever. The Chinese newspaper said it is a "natural epidemic disease with high fatality rate". However, there is no confirmation on the exact number of fatalities.

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dac0a98-402f-435a-9d80-20267a2f27d0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-also-move-away-from-fear-australian-pm-wants-sensible-approach-to-fight-virus-438508">'Need to also move away from fear': Australian PM wants 'sensible' approach to fight virus</a> 
Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear". "There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said. New South Wales has been hit hard due to the virus even as the state recorded 2,501 new coronavirus cases on Monday. On Sunday, the state had recorded 2,566 new COVID-19 cases.

<img alt="New South Wales" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a180cbb8-6d20-4bf1-97da-ed59bb829e0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20South%20Wales.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-meeting-deferred-over-omicron-uncertainty-world-economic-forum-438480">Davos meeting deferred over Omicron uncertainty: World Economic Forum</a> 
The World Economic Forum (WEF) said Monday it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. The high-powered meeting scheduled for January 17-21, which usually draws leading figures from business, politics and diplomacy, will instead be held in "early summer", the organisers said.

<img alt="World Economic Forum" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42d65ddc-94e8-4df8-9bb7-da0124f6f18a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/World%20Economic%20Forum.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-after-joe-manchin-says-he-wont-vote-for-joe-bidens-build-back-better-bill-438390">White House reacts after Joe Manchin says he won't vote for Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill</a> 
The White House has issued a statement after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said that he could not support the legislation's passage of the massive social spending bill. It is a big blow to United States President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion Build Back Better plans as Manchin's vote is deemed crucial to getting the bill through the Senate. It is understood that Democrats have spent weeks trying to secure his support.&nbsp;

<img alt="Joe Manchin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b7f7f81-bb80-4e2a-a0a6-099f59b74b54" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Manchin.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-surges-to-375-as-typhoon-rai-causes-destruction-in-philippines-438442">Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines</a> 
The death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines has reached 375 with over 50 people missing. A "complete carnage" situation has been reported by the Red Cross society as hospitals and schools have been "ripped to shreds."&nbsp;

<img alt="Typhoon Rai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f1b1a66-e2fd-40df-8760-a23ab761d77d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Typhoon%20Rai%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-its-booster-shot-is-effective-against-omicron-variant-438395">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a> 
Moderna Inc has claimed that its vaccine helps prevent the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. First discovered in South Africa, the new Covid variant has now spread into 89 countries in total. The company further said that the current version of the vaccine would &nbsp;be Moderna’s "first line of defence against Omicron."

<img alt="Moderna" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7174eca9-4bad-4b07-9e59-d692cc684995" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Moderna.jpg" />

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move, Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos.

Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats in a tit-for-tat move, Taiwan has slammed China over Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remark and the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. Here are top news stories from across the world. Click on the links to read more. Berlin park murder: Now, Russia expels German diplomats Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian diplomats to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago. 'Neither a wanderer nor a chess piece': Taiwan slams China over Wang Yi's remark Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home". Re-emphasising on the unification of China, the country's top diplomat also said that Taiwan "should not be used as a pawn". Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner Iran witnessed a rare anti-government protest and sloganeering after authorities executed a Kurdish man. The crowd gathered in the hometown of Heidar Ghorbani, the executed man and raised anti-government slogans. Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces online flak for defending Taliban's mistreatment of women Imran Khan, the Pakistani Prime Minister, has done it again, as he has been doing for several years: Supporting the Taliban and their actions while rationalising all forms of discrimination, especially against women. China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever According to China's state-run Global Times, the country's northwest Shaanxi province has witnessed several cases of hemorrhagic fever. The Chinese newspaper said it is a "natural epidemic disease with high fatality rate". However, there is no confirmation on the exact number of fatalities. 'Need to also move away from fear': Australian PM wants 'sensible' approach to fight virus Amid new coronavirus cases, New South Wales leader Dominic Perrottet asserted that people "need to also move away from fear". "There will always be new variants of this virus," Dominic Perrottet said. New South Wales has been hit hard due to the virus even as the state recorded 2,501 new coronavirus cases on Monday. On Sunday, the state had recorded 2,566 new COVID-19 cases. Davos meeting deferred over Omicron uncertainty: World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum (WEF) said Monday it "will defer its annual meeting in Davos... in the light of continued uncertainty over the Omicron" variant of coronavirus. The high-powered meeting scheduled for January 17-21, which usually draws leading figures from business, politics and diplomacy, will instead be held in "early summer", the organisers said. White House reacts after Joe Manchin says he won't vote for Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill The White House has issued a statement after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said that he could not support the legislation's passage of the massive social spending bill. It is a big blow to United States President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion Build Back Better plans as Manchin's vote is deemed crucial to getting the bill through the Senate. It is understood that Democrats have spent weeks trying to secure his support. Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines The death toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines has reached 375 with over 50 people missing. A "complete carnage" situation has been reported by the Red Cross society as hospitals and schools have been "ripped to shreds." Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant Moderna Inc has claimed that its vaccine helps prevent the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. First discovered in South Africa, the new Covid variant has now spread into 89 countries in total. The company further said that the current version of the vaccine would be Moderna’s "first line of defence against Omicron."

Top 10 World News: Russia expels German diplomats, Taiwan slams China and more

From updates on the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to Coronavirus trends across the world, read top 10 news headlines at this hour. Click on the links to read the full report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghan-president-hamid-karzai-slams-pakistani-propaganda-on-afghanistan-438204">Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai slams Pakistani 'propaganda' on Afghanistan</a> 
Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai on Sunday lashed out at Pakistan and called out what he said was "obvious propaganda against Afghanistan". Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in his speech at the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), said that Pakistan faced threat from Islamic State in Afghanistan.

<img alt="Hamid Karzai " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99531155-cbb4-4886-a180-cd1f040cec30" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Afg-Pak.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-cannot-dictate-to-nato-says-germany-438184">Russia cannot 'dictate' to NATO, says Germany</a> 
Germany came out strongly against Russia on Sunday and said that Moscow could not 'dictate' to Russia. German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht's statement came even as tensions are high between Russia and the West over conflict in Ukraine. Lambrecht spoke during a visit to Lithuania.

<img alt="Germany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4578a478-209a-46e5-9566-c860a837218d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Germany%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-health-minister-says-it-may-be-too-late-to-react-to-omicron-as-covid-19-cases-continue-to-rise-438158">UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise</a> 
United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid said that there is much "we still don't know" about the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) and also warned that "it may be too late to react" as virus cases are rising in the country.&nbsp;

<img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b88de9a3-bfd3-4373-bb91-25eb3cc37f83" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/COVID-19%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-pays-fine-in-russia-over-content-deemed-illegal-438157">Facebook pays fine in Russia over content deemed illegal</a> 
Facebook has paid USD 229,643 in fines in Russia over content Moscow deemed illegal, Interfax news agency has reported. There is looming threat of larger fines over the tech giant. Meta and Alphabet, parent companies of Facebook and Google respectively face a court case next week. &nbsp;They face allegations of violation of Russian legislation. A fine equal to their annual revenue in Russia may be imposed.

<img alt="Facebook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="108a6d7d-aa99-48db-b5e8-4459e9a1a9bf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Facebook_1.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-bouncy-castle-tragedy-11-year-boy-dies-in-hospital-death-toll-reaches-six-438205">Australia's bouncy castle tragedy: 11-year-boy dies in hospital, death toll reaches six</a> 
Police have informed that the death toll from Australia's bouncy castle tragedy increased to six after an 11-year-boy died in hospital on Sunday (December 19) over three days after the accident. Two other children remain in critical condition in hospital and one is recovering at home.&nbsp;

<img alt="Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15b91930-42e7-4023-a499-4e66d892c5cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hillcrest%20Primary%20School.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-starts-omicron-lockdown-just-as-christmas-season-approaches-438175">Netherlands starts Omicron lockdown just as Christmas season approaches</a> 
The Netherlands began lockdown to prevent spread of Omicron variant on Sunday. The restrictions have come just as Christmas season approaches. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the sudden shut-down on Saturday evening, ordering the closure of all but the most essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places from Sunday until at least Jan. 14.

<img alt="Netherlands" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b60eb3de-bd30-4fb1-9801-f314def5a0b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Netherlands.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-memo-us-air-force-gives-green-signal-to-gender-pronouns-use-for-internal-communication-438165">In memo, US Air Force gives green signal to gender pronouns’ use for internal communication</a> 
In what can open a can of worms, the United States Air Force has approved the usage of gender pronouns in electronic signature boxes for internal communication. On December 9, the US Air Force correspondence, said, "This guidance provides approval for the use of pronouns in electronic signature blocks and expands on written communication by providing official templates posted on e-publishing website available for download." &nbsp;

<img alt="United States" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="117127d4-90b2-4859-bc8f-891ecd2729c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/United%20States.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-an-example-and-role-model-for-religious-harmony-says-dalai-lama-438177">India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama</a> 
India is a role model of religious harmony in the world, said Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama during his address in a virtual event on 'Maha Satipatthana Sutta' for Theravada Sangha held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He said that when he came to exile in India as a refugee the practice of non-violence and religious harmony he found in Indian is "excellent".&nbsp;

<img alt="dalai lama" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9bc840d-fb05-409e-a938-fe24594c5594" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dalai%20Lama.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-pays-respects-on-first-wife-daughters-graves-on-crashs-49th-anniversary-438161">Biden pays respects on first wife, daughter’s graves on crash’s 49th anniversary</a> 
US President Joe Biden visited graves of first wife and infant daughter, who had died in a car crash, on Saturday. To pay respects to loved ones lost on the 49th anniversary of the mishap, Biden and family members thronged Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic church in Delaware, which is his home state. &nbsp;

<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="989c3348-ec30-43dc-a208-7f23a558f924" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden_3.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abundance-of-caution-cnn-closes-us-offices-for-non-essential-workers-amid-a-surge-in-covid-cases-438154">'Abundance of caution': CNN closes US offices for non-essential workers amid a surge in Covid cases</a> 
CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports &amp; WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs."

<img alt="CNN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b458c24a-2d65-4ab4-8a07-b4f555709702" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CNN.jpg" />

From updates on the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to Coronavirus trends across the world, read top 10 news headlines at this hour. Click on the links to read the full report.

From updates on the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to Coronavirus trends across the world, read top 10 news headlines at this hour. Click on the links to read the full report. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai slams Pakistani 'propaganda' on Afghanistan Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai on Sunday lashed out at Pakistan and called out what he said was "obvious propaganda against Afghanistan". Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in his speech at the summit of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), said that Pakistan faced threat from Islamic State in Afghanistan. Russia cannot 'dictate' to NATO, says Germany Germany came out strongly against Russia on Sunday and said that Moscow could not 'dictate' to Russia. German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht's statement came even as tensions are high between Russia and the West over conflict in Ukraine. Lambrecht spoke during a visit to Lithuania. UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid said that there is much "we still don't know" about the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) and also warned that "it may be too late to react" as virus cases are rising in the country. Facebook pays fine in Russia over content deemed illegal Facebook has paid USD 229,643 in fines in Russia over content Moscow deemed illegal, Interfax news agency has reported. There is looming threat of larger fines over the tech giant. Meta and Alphabet, parent companies of Facebook and Google respectively face a court case next week. They face allegations of violation of Russian legislation. A fine equal to their annual revenue in Russia may be imposed. Australia's bouncy castle tragedy: 11-year-boy dies in hospital, death toll reaches six Police have informed that the death toll from Australia's bouncy castle tragedy increased to six after an 11-year-boy died in hospital on Sunday (December 19) over three days after the accident. Two other children remain in critical condition in hospital and one is recovering at home. Netherlands starts Omicron lockdown just as Christmas season approaches The Netherlands began lockdown to prevent spread of Omicron variant on Sunday. The restrictions have come just as Christmas season approaches. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the sudden shut-down on Saturday evening, ordering the closure of all but the most essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places from Sunday until at least Jan. 14. In memo, US Air Force gives green signal to gender pronouns’ use for internal communication In what can open a can of worms, the United States Air Force has approved the usage of gender pronouns in electronic signature boxes for internal communication. On December 9, the US Air Force correspondence, said, "This guidance provides approval for the use of pronouns in electronic signature blocks and expands on written communication by providing official templates posted on e-publishing website available for download." India an example and role model for religious harmony, says Dalai Lama India is a role model of religious harmony in the world, said Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama during his address in a virtual event on 'Maha Satipatthana Sutta' for Theravada Sangha held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He said that when he came to exile in India as a refugee the practice of non-violence and religious harmony he found in Indian is "excellent". Biden pays respects on first wife, daughter’s graves on crash’s 49th anniversary US President Joe Biden visited graves of first wife and infant daughter, who had died in a car crash, on Saturday. To pay respects to loved ones lost on the 49th anniversary of the mishap, Biden and family members thronged Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic church in Delaware, which is his home state. 'Abundance of caution': CNN closes US offices for non-essential workers amid a surge in Covid cases CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports & WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs."

Top 10 World News: Hamid Karzai slams Pakistan, Netherlands starts Omicron lockdown and more

From updates on the Russia-Ukraine situation to the latest on COVID-19 cases worldwide. Also read why Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit. And do not miss our explainer on what is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees. Clicks on the links to read the full report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-admits-biden-admin-failed-to-see-omicron-variant-coming-437918">US Vice President Kamala Harris admits Biden admin ‘failed to see Omicron variant coming’</a> 
US Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged that the Biden administration couldn’t anticipate the emergence of variants like Omicron and Delta. Speaking to Los Angeles Times newspaper on the Covid situation in the country, Harris on Friday said, “We didn't see Delta coming…We didn't see Omicron coming. And that's the nature of what this, this awful virus has been, which as it turns out, has mutations and variants.”

<img alt="Kamala Harris" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00a4b064-2ed2-4e30-851b-170de7b8dc8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kamala%20Harris_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-crisis-kremlin-says-tensions-between-russia-and-us-not-at-lowest-point-yet-437956">Amid Ukraine crisis, Kremlin says tensions between Russia and US not at lowest point yet</a> 
Despite tensions simmering between the US-led NATO allies and Russia over Ukraine, Moscow believes that their relations with Washington are not at their lowest point yet. According to Interfax news agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Saturday said that Kremlin needed stable and predictable relations with Washington.&nbsp;

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28bc38b4-05da-4846-b153-4c0c37a047c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%20%283%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-at-least-14-people-dead-several-injured-in-powerful-gas-explosion-in-karachi-437932">Pakistan: At least 14 people dead, several injured in powerful gas explosion in Karachi</a> 
At least fourteen people were killed and several others were injured in a powerful gas explosion in Pakistan's Sindh province on Saturday (December 18) as reported by DAWN, citing a statement issued by Sindh Home Department Secretary Qazi Shahid Pervaiz. The blast took place near Karachi's Paracha Chowk in the Shershah area.&nbsp;

<img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9da4367-4f4a-41d1-ac9d-a3c61c3f0fa2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Karachi%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-putins-red-line-what-is-russias-draft-treaty-on-security-guarantees-437995">Explainer: Putin's red line-What is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees?</a> 
Russia submitted a draft document on legal security guarantees to the Biden administration to "ensure the security of the Russian Federation and member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)." The Russian foreign ministry said it "provided detailed explanations regarding the logic of the Russian approach."

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2b8bfa4-afb3-4c9a-98df-c7091f06f275" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%20%284%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/electric-car-making-company-tesla-hit-by-lawsuit-over-tweets-by-ceo-elon-musk-437910">Electric car making company Tesla hit by lawsuit over tweets by CEO Elon Musk</a> 
Electric car producer Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit because of tweets by CEO Elon Musk. Famous for making eye-popping statements on social media, Musk had asked in a poll on Twitter if people thought he should sell 10 percent of his stake in Tesla.&nbsp;

<img alt="Elon Musk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9aef695-74ef-4b69-9ea6-839a3aec44a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Elon%20Musk%20%282%29_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-aircraft-carrier-enters-pacific-amid-tensions-with-taiwan-437904">Chinese aircraft carrier enters Pacific amid tensions with Taiwan</a> 
According to reports, China sent an aircraft carrier battle group through the Pacific Ocean amid tensions with Taiwan. Japan's defence ministry had said China had sent the Liaoning aircraft carrier along with Nanchang destroyer including a supply ship.

<img alt="Pacific Ocean" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78aa0496-a19c-4201-989c-4dc9100d74f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pacific%20Ocean.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-omicron-and-delta-unite-to-create-an-even-worse-covid-19-variant-expert-has-the-answer-437905">Can Omicron and Delta unite to create an even worse COVID-19 variant? Expert has the answer</a> 
The world has already faced the lethal Delta variant and is currently facing the latest Omicron variant, which is quite new for the scientists to understand its nature and mutations. But what if the Delta and Omicron variants combine? Will it create a super strain of COVID-19?&nbsp;

<img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72cc4291-92cd-4456-afd4-0baac3b719e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron%20Variant%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-introduces-drastic-changes-in-hong-kongs-election-437988">China introduces drastic changes in Hong Kong's election</a> 
China has introduced drastic changes in elections for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. Voters in the Chinese finance hub will pick new lawmakers under rules that have cut the number of directly elected seats in the legislature to 20 from a total of 90 seats.

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7db8685-8509-4dfd-97ef-77103bf5c24c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-cabinet-secretary-simon-case-distances-himself-from-christmas-party-investigation-437958">UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case distances himself from Christmas party investigation</a> 
UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has removed himself from the role of the head of the committee that is probing the alleged claims of parties held in Downing Street during last Christmas. "To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the cabinet secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process," said a statement from the office.

<img alt="Simon Case" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba543c10-2717-4bca-81de-f3a61146d9a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Simon%20Case.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/49-year-old-italian-man-nabbed-with-1-mn-child-pornography-files-437959">49-year-old Italian man nabbed with 1 mn child pornography files</a> 
In a bizarre incident, a 49-year-old man has been arrested by Italian police on Saturday for possession of over one million files of child pornography. The man, who is a musician in the coastal city of Ancona in Italy's Marche region, had numerous photographs and videos, depicting children in objectionable acts with adults. &nbsp;

<img alt="Italy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73867dfb-7155-48d5-a225-37a033409dbe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Italy.jpg" />

From updates on the Russia-Ukraine situation to the latest on COVID-19 cases worldwide. Also read why Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit. And do not miss our explainer on what is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees.

From updates on the Russia-Ukraine situation to the latest on COVID-19 cases worldwide. Also read why Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit. And do not miss our explainer on what is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees. Clicks on the links to read the full report US Vice President Kamala Harris admits Biden admin ‘failed to see Omicron variant coming’ US Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged that the Biden administration couldn’t anticipate the emergence of variants like Omicron and Delta. Speaking to Los Angeles Times newspaper on the Covid situation in the country, Harris on Friday said, “We didn't see Delta coming…We didn't see Omicron coming. And that's the nature of what this, this awful virus has been, which as it turns out, has mutations and variants.” Amid Ukraine crisis, Kremlin says tensions between Russia and US not at lowest point yet Despite tensions simmering between the US-led NATO allies and Russia over Ukraine, Moscow believes that their relations with Washington are not at their lowest point yet. According to Interfax news agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Saturday said that Kremlin needed stable and predictable relations with Washington. Pakistan: At least 14 people dead, several injured in powerful gas explosion in Karachi At least fourteen people were killed and several others were injured in a powerful gas explosion in Pakistan's Sindh province on Saturday (December 18) as reported by DAWN, citing a statement issued by Sindh Home Department Secretary Qazi Shahid Pervaiz. The blast took place near Karachi's Paracha Chowk in the Shershah area. Explainer: Putin's red line-What is Russia's draft treaty on security guarantees? Russia submitted a draft document on legal security guarantees to the Biden administration to "ensure the security of the Russian Federation and member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)." The Russian foreign ministry said it "provided detailed explanations regarding the logic of the Russian approach." Electric car making company Tesla hit by lawsuit over tweets by CEO Elon Musk Electric car producer Tesla has been hit by a lawsuit because of tweets by CEO Elon Musk. Famous for making eye-popping statements on social media, Musk had asked in a poll on Twitter if people thought he should sell 10 percent of his stake in Tesla. Chinese aircraft carrier enters Pacific amid tensions with Taiwan According to reports, China sent an aircraft carrier battle group through the Pacific Ocean amid tensions with Taiwan. Japan's defence ministry had said China had sent the Liaoning aircraft carrier along with Nanchang destroyer including a supply ship. Can Omicron and Delta unite to create an even worse COVID-19 variant? Expert has the answer The world has already faced the lethal Delta variant and is currently facing the latest Omicron variant, which is quite new for the scientists to understand its nature and mutations. But what if the Delta and Omicron variants combine? Will it create a super strain of COVID-19? China introduces drastic changes in Hong Kong's election China has introduced drastic changes in elections for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. Voters in the Chinese finance hub will pick new lawmakers under rules that have cut the number of directly elected seats in the legislature to 20 from a total of 90 seats. UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case distances himself from Christmas party investigation UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case has removed himself from the role of the head of the committee that is probing the alleged claims of parties held in Downing Street during last Christmas. "To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the cabinet secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process," said a statement from the office. 49-year-old Italian man nabbed with 1 mn child pornography files In a bizarre incident, a 49-year-old man has been arrested by Italian police on Saturday for possession of over one million files of child pornography. The man, who is a musician in the coastal city of Ancona in Italy's Marche region, had numerous photographs and videos, depicting children in objectionable acts with adults.

Top 10 World News: Biden admin 'failed to see' Omicron variant, Kremlin on Russia-US tensions

From US State Department report on global terrorism to coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world, here are top news headlines. Click on the links to read the respective report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-didnt-take-action-against-terrorists-as-groups-targeting-india-continue-to-operate-us-report-437657">Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US Report</a> 
US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination".&nbsp;

<img alt="Masood Azhar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c8ef212-972a-46c6-aa2a-1f6fc2894532" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Masood%20Azhar.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-warns-of-massive-fifth-wave-as-omicron-cases-surge-in-europe-437731">Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe</a> 
As Europe continues to battle against the virus, Germany's health minister Karl Lauterbach said the country is facing a "massive fifth wave" due to the Omicron variant. Lauterbach added that Germany is facing a "challenge" it hadn't witnessed earlier. Germany has moved to clamp down on public gatherings in sports stadiums due to the daily death toll rising in the country.&nbsp;

<img alt="Germany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="959e2fcf-2626-480a-91e2-817c215eefd0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Germany.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/who-gives-approval-to-novavax-serum-institutes-covavax-covid-vaccine-for-emergency-use-437737">WHO gives approval to Novavax-Serum Institute's Covavax Covid vaccine for emergency use</a> 
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine. CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla shared the news on Twitter.

<img alt="World Health Organisation" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e98976fa-d892-4eeb-ab36-7be92655cef3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/World%20Health%20Organisation.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreans-presidential-nominee-sorry-after-wife-is-accused-of-fabricating-resume-for-teaching-job-437650">South Korean’s presidential nominee sorry after wife is accused of fabricating resume for teaching job</a> 
South Korean opposition party’s presidential nominee apologised on Friday following allegations that his wife lied on her resume to land a teaching job several years ago. Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate from the main conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP), is facing off against the ruling Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung.

<img alt="South Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dfd10f6-8f03-4009-a888-68a5ea215a5b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/South%20Korea.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-first-lady-melania-trump-unveils-parler-powered-nft-platform-437646">Former first lady Melania Trump unveils Parler-powered NFT platform</a> 
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) seem to be on everyone’s mind nowadays. The craze is such that former first lady Melania Trump has launched a new platform, which will release NFTs regularly. The platform, which is powered by Parler, will sell an NFT titled 'Melania's Vision' as the first offering, Melania Trump announced on Thursday. &nbsp;

<img alt="Melania Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3970ce0-416e-4505-92ae-cce5a4641b38" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Melania%20Trump.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-threat-of-omicron-wave-americans-rush-to-get-covid-19-boosters-437648">Amid threat of Omicron wave, Americans rush to get COVID-19 boosters</a> 
Reports claim there has been a rush for booster doses in Ameican amid warning of an Omicron wave. US President Joe Biden had warned about "winter of severe illness and death" due to the rise in Omicron cases. The White House had also insisted on booster doses as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

<img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4aaec1b5-0d14-4314-b7dd-6b6b36f17ec5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/COVID-19.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-the-time-they-find-an-antidote-russia-targets-new-hypersonic-missile-systems-437698">'By the time they find an antidote': Russia targets new hypersonic missile systems</a> 
Russia's commander of strategic missile forces has said the country's defence forces are developing new hypersonic strategic systems as the US moves to find an "antidote" for the sophisticated missiles. "We must understand this and do it and go further in hypersonic weapons. By the time they find an antidote, we must have found another solution to this," Colonel-General Sergei Karakaev told Russia's TASS news agency.

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a48584-d8ba-4d70-93ac-5a9ad6c5d285" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/101-cases-of-omicron-variant-detected-in-india-so-far-says-health-department-official-437703">101 cases of Omicron variant detected in India so far, says health department official</a> 
India has detected 101 cases of Omicron variant of the Covid virus, the health authorities said on Friday, while asking people to keep new year celebrations a low-key affair. While addressing reporters on the daily bulletin, join secretary of the health department, Lav Agarwal, said that the Omicron cases have been recorded in 11 states and union territories so far.&nbsp;

<img alt="Omicron variant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f9fa04a-502e-449a-bb54-24d8f8a9ac97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron%20variant.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preference-for-russia-india-china-in-person-summit-russian-envoy-nikolay-kudashev-437712">Preference for Russia, India, China in-person summit: Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev</a> 
Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet.

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e26c785d-a547-421b-8b9b-06490fe47c36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-bans-array-of-cyber-mercenary-groups-warns-50000-people-that-were-targeted-437600">Meta bans array of 'cyber mercenary' groups, warns 50,000 people that were targeted</a> 
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, banned an array of "cyber mercenary" groups on Thursday, alerting 50,000 users who may have been targeted by firms that spy on activists, dissidents, and journalists. Meta shut down 1,500 Facebook and Instagram webpages linked to groups with services ranging from snooping up public information online to building trust with targets with fake personas to performing digital snooping via hacking attacks.

<img alt="Meta" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="980d31d2-efd0-4cfb-a759-cd455d56a23b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Meta.jpg" />

From US State Department report on global terrorism to coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world, here are top news headlines. Click on the links to read the respective report.

From US State Department report on global terrorism to coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world, here are top news headlines. Click on the links to read the respective report. Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US Report US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination". Germany warns of 'massive fifth wave' as Omicron cases surge in Europe As Europe continues to battle against the virus, Germany's health minister Karl Lauterbach said the country is facing a "massive fifth wave" due to the Omicron variant. Lauterbach added that Germany is facing a "challenge" it hadn't witnessed earlier. Germany has moved to clamp down on public gatherings in sports stadiums due to the daily death toll rising in the country. WHO gives approval to Novavax-Serum Institute's Covavax Covid vaccine for emergency use The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine. CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla shared the news on Twitter. South Korean’s presidential nominee sorry after wife is accused of fabricating resume for teaching job South Korean opposition party’s presidential nominee apologised on Friday following allegations that his wife lied on her resume to land a teaching job several years ago. Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate from the main conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP), is facing off against the ruling Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung. Former first lady Melania Trump unveils Parler-powered NFT platform Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) seem to be on everyone’s mind nowadays. The craze is such that former first lady Melania Trump has launched a new platform, which will release NFTs regularly. The platform, which is powered by Parler, will sell an NFT titled 'Melania's Vision' as the first offering, Melania Trump announced on Thursday. Amid threat of Omicron wave, Americans rush to get COVID-19 boosters Reports claim there has been a rush for booster doses in Ameican amid warning of an Omicron wave. US President Joe Biden had warned about "winter of severe illness and death" due to the rise in Omicron cases. The White House had also insisted on booster doses as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. 'By the time they find an antidote': Russia targets new hypersonic missile systems Russia's commander of strategic missile forces has said the country's defence forces are developing new hypersonic strategic systems as the US moves to find an "antidote" for the sophisticated missiles. "We must understand this and do it and go further in hypersonic weapons. By the time they find an antidote, we must have found another solution to this," Colonel-General Sergei Karakaev told Russia's TASS news agency. 101 cases of Omicron variant detected in India so far, says health department official India has detected 101 cases of Omicron variant of the Covid virus, the health authorities said on Friday, while asking people to keep new year celebrations a low-key affair. While addressing reporters on the daily bulletin, join secretary of the health department, Lav Agarwal, said that the Omicron cases have been recorded in 11 states and union territories so far. Preference for Russia, India, China in-person summit: Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet. Meta bans array of 'cyber mercenary' groups, warns 50,000 people that were targeted Meta, the parent company of Facebook, banned an array of "cyber mercenary" groups on Thursday, alerting 50,000 users who may have been targeted by firms that spy on activists, dissidents, and journalists. Meta shut down 1,500 Facebook and Instagram webpages linked to groups with services ranging from snooping up public information online to building trust with targets with fake personas to performing digital snooping via hacking attacks.

Top 10 World News: Germany warns of 'massive' fifth wave, WHO approves Covavax jab for emergency use and more

From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world. Here's a compilation of top 10 world news:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-bangladesh-celebrates-50-years-of-victory-437277">India and Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of victory against Pakistan</a>&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh are celebrating Victory Day (Vijay Divas) today. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country following a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation against the Pakistani forces.&nbsp;

<img alt="India and Bangladesh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91472ace-2f68-4a24-ae4f-39a4d32c649b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India%20and%20Bangladesh.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/purported-brain-control-weaponry-us-blacklists-chinese-biotech-firms-over-uyghur-surveillance-437470">'Purported brain-control weaponry': US blacklists Chinese biotech firms over Uyghur surveillance</a>

The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority. Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry."

<img alt="US-China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50f41952-73ea-4b25-97fc-b514cc2567b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US-China.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-more-than-78000-covid-cases-highest-daily-since-pandemic-began-437395">UK reports more than 78,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began</a>

The UK has reported 78,610 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest daily since the pandemic began. The previous highest daily spike was on January 8 this year, when 68,053 cases were recorded.

<img alt="Covid cases" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62ecf37a-712c-420b-8f4d-658f0f7963c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Covid%20cases.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-tightens-travel-curbs-for-uk-travellers-amid-omicron-surge-437463">France tightens travel curbs for UK travellers amid Omicron surge</a>

France has banned non-essential travel to and from UK, which has been reporting a spike in Covid cases ever since it reported the first case of the Omicron variant. Only those with “compelling reasons” will be allowed to travel between the two countries, the French government said in a statement.

<img alt="France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="994f5527-f168-47ce-906d-4161a6bf1966" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/France_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccines-likely-to-be-less-effective-against-omicron-variant-who-437383">Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO</a>

Based on a preliminary study, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective against the Omicron variant— which has a higher chance of reinfection. The WHO said further research is required to get a clearer sense of how the omicron variant may penetrate immunity gained from the vaccines, which have generally proved effective against the coronavirus, Reuters reported.

<img alt="COVID" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4085b6e8-d9d0-4d9e-998f-ce7d639ecc47" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-strong-winds-to-raging-floodwaters-typhoon-rai-hits-philippines-437420#category-5-storm-437408">From strong winds to raging floodwaters: Typhoon Rai hits Philippines</a>&nbsp;

Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding were seen across parts of central and southern Philippines as Typhoon Rai rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm, forcing mass evacuations and flight cancellations.

<img alt="Philippines" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88fdeff6-519f-4c79-90a8-aff08bbe0c1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Philippines_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrific-tragedy-five-children-die-after-jumping-castle-blown-into-air-at-australian-school-437373">'Horrific tragedy': Five children die after jumping castle blown into air at Australian school</a>&nbsp;

At least five school children were killed and some were badly injured in an accident in Australia as their jumping castle was thrown into the air after a gust of wind picked it up. The heartbreaking incident happened on Thursday (December 16) during an end-of-year party when they were celebrating the last week of class before Christmas break in a primary school in Devonport, northern Tasmania.

<img alt="Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edc18ac9-e974-44e4-b607-c8c5ef673df9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian%20school.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-ask-people-to-avoid-international-travel-amid-concerns-of-omicron-437353">Canada to ask people to avoid international travel amid concerns of Omicron</a>

To battle the growing Covid cases, Canada will be advising its population to avoid international travel as much as possible. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is expected to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel, claims a report by Reuters. As of now, Canada has travel bans on 10 African countries due to the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

<img alt="Covid cases" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6c81367-0ed5-4099-9a19-f68463e342ad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Covid%20cases%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/photos-lost-in-kentucky-tornado-found-in-town-225-kms-away-437446">Photos lost in Kentucky tornado found in town 225 kms away</a>

A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones. It's recovery from troubles that defines human spirit and small things give a boost to the communities which are holding hands to stand up again after a calamity.

The state of Kentucky is US is gathering itself after it was hit by a tornado. The storm was deadliest in Kentucky's history. As people recover from damage to their property and things, some unbelievable stories are coming to light.

<img alt="Kentucky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1de4979-ca6d-4eec-a209-1b681813e72e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kentucky%20%283%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-highest-court-rejects-campaigner-christie-elan-canes-appeal-of-gender-neutral-passports-437449">UK's highest court rejects campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of gender-neutral passports</a>&nbsp;

The Supreme of the United Kingdom has rejected British campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of granting approval to ''genderless'' passports. Elan-Cane, who identifies as "non-gendered," has accused Britain's passport application process of being "inherently discriminatory".

<img alt="United Kingdom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35810704-f07f-4e03-8f17-31cb2daa5579" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/United%20Kingdom.jpg" />

From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world.

From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world. Here's a compilation of top 10 world news: India and Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of victory against Pakistan India and Bangladesh are celebrating Victory Day (Vijay Divas) today. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country following a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation against the Pakistani forces. 'Purported brain-control weaponry': US blacklists Chinese biotech firms over Uyghur surveillance The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority. Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry." UK reports more than 78,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began The UK has reported 78,610 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest daily since the pandemic began. The previous highest daily spike was on January 8 this year, when 68,053 cases were recorded. France tightens travel curbs for UK travellers amid Omicron surge France has banned non-essential travel to and from UK, which has been reporting a spike in Covid cases ever since it reported the first case of the Omicron variant. Only those with “compelling reasons” will be allowed to travel between the two countries, the French government said in a statement. Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO Based on a preliminary study, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective against the Omicron variant— which has a higher chance of reinfection. The WHO said further research is required to get a clearer sense of how the omicron variant may penetrate immunity gained from the vaccines, which have generally proved effective against the coronavirus, Reuters reported. From strong winds to raging floodwaters: Typhoon Rai hits Philippines Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding were seen across parts of central and southern Philippines as Typhoon Rai rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm, forcing mass evacuations and flight cancellations. 'Horrific tragedy': Five children die after jumping castle blown into air at Australian school At least five school children were killed and some were badly injured in an accident in Australia as their jumping castle was thrown into the air after a gust of wind picked it up. The heartbreaking incident happened on Thursday (December 16) during an end-of-year party when they were celebrating the last week of class before Christmas break in a primary school in Devonport, northern Tasmania. Canada to ask people to avoid international travel amid concerns of Omicron To battle the growing Covid cases, Canada will be advising its population to avoid international travel as much as possible. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is expected to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel, claims a report by Reuters. As of now, Canada has travel bans on 10 African countries due to the Omicron variant. Photos lost in Kentucky tornado found in town 225 kms away A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones. It's recovery from troubles that defines human spirit and small things give a boost to the communities which are holding hands to stand up again after a calamity. The state of Kentucky is US is gathering itself after it was hit by a tornado. The storm was deadliest in Kentucky's history. As people recover from damage to their property and things, some unbelievable stories are coming to light. UK's highest court rejects campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of gender-neutral passports The Supreme of the United Kingdom has rejected British campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of granting approval to ''genderless'' passports. Elan-Cane, who identifies as "non-gendered," has accused Britain's passport application process of being "inherently discriminatory".

Top 10 World News: US blacklists Chinese biotech firms, rise in Covid cases in UK and more

As Omicron continues to spread, some European countries are rushing to vaccinate kids. In Netherlands, primary schools will be shut. Hungary, Greece, Spain and Germany have begun vaccinating kids. In other news Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for resisting attempts to undermine China-Russia relations. Indian origin Leena Nair has been named CEO of Chanel. Read this and more in Top 10 world news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-battles-to-vaccinate-kids-as-eu-chief-warns-omicron-could-become-dominant-variant-437171">Europe battles to vaccinate kids as EU chief warns Omicron could become dominant variant</a> 
 
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the Omicron variant should not be dismissed as 'mild' as Europe battles a new COVID-19 wave.

<img alt="Europe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0488e9e3-5c12-4292-9ee1-201d49b38b46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Europe.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-thanks-putin-for-standing-against-attempts-to-undermine-china-russia-relations-437021">Xi thanks Putin for standing against attempts to undermine China-Russia relations</a> 
 
Following separate meetings with President Biden in recent weeks, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are attending a virtual summit today.

<img alt="Jinping" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2f4203c-f761-400c-aeca-13520d9ed922" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jinping.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-leena-nair-named-global-ceo-of-french-fashion-group-chanel-437061">Indian-origin Leena Nair named global CEO of French fashion group Chanel</a> 
 
Nair, who is a British nationalist, will join Chanel by the end of January next year and will be based in London, the group said.

<img alt="Nair" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d4f07551-1411-49c3-9b33-7a0b2d69c86b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nair.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-allows-vaccinated-non-citizens-to-enter-amid-omicron-threat-437153">Australia allows vaccinated non-citizens to enter amid Omicron threat</a> 
 
The reopening comes even as Sydney in New South Wales recorded 800 new COVID-19 cases.

<img alt="Melbourne" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f185c6c-2330-48fc-8ece-c034bcc37988" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Melbourne.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-10-years-in-power-a-look-back-at-his-reign-in-north-korea-437013">Kim Jong Un's 10 years in power: A look back at his reign in North Korea</a>

<img alt="Kim Jong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0cf6279d-7803-4051-b829-63b30eea695b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Korea.PNG" />

Unlike most of his contemporaries, Kim has no qualms about elections or term limits, and with his age on his side (he is just in his late 30s), he may expect to stay in government for decades if his health holds up.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-cases-may-reach-parity-with-delta-by-mid-december-uk-health-agency-437127">Omicron cases may reach parity with Delta by mid-December: UK health agency</a> 
 
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech provided much "lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection" compared to Delta.

<img alt="Omicron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d76f5a9-669d-482b-9e7d-7eac8a2b4fe3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omicron_0.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/drought-in-kenya-horrific-images-show-dead-giraffes-who-starved-to-death-437122">Drought in Kenya: Horrific images show dead giraffes who starved to death</a> 
 
Northern Kenya has gotten less than 30% of typical rainfall since September.The lack of rain has wreaked havoc on the region's biodiversity, aggravated food and water shortages, and pushed cattle to the edge of extinction.

<img alt="Kenya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f7f1f5e6-6a84-4119-a0e4-ba0d930e2c3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kenya.PNG" />&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-all-set-to-get-first-ever-female-police-commissioner-437114">New York all set to get first-ever female police commissioner</a> 
 
Keechant Sewell will also be only the third Black person to lead the New York Police Department (NYPD).

<img alt="New York" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a56a28f0-8c5e-4383-b363-97a56c58be02" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20York.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tesla-hit-by-string-of-sexual-harassment-lawsuits-6-women-file-complaints-437090">Tesla hit by string of sexual harassment lawsuits: 6 women file complaints</a> 
 
These latest complaints were filed less than a month after two other women brought similar claims against the corporation.

<img alt="Tesla" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b5cf436-d6e4-4f08-84f4-87aaac12107c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tesla.PNG" />&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dad-gives-4-year-old-son-phone-to-play-he-orders-usd-1139-worth-of-ice-cream-and-cakes-437191">Dad gives 4-year-old son phone to play, he orders USD 1139 worth of ice cream and cakes</a> 
 
A firefighter in Sydney thought handing his phone to his 4-year-old son would be a good way to keep him engaged till he watched daughter's football match. In his words, &nbsp;'steam was coming' out of his ears when he realised what his boy had done

<img alt="Ice Cream" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a63c563f-1b65-4ee3-931e-ef8c35888419" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ice%20cream.PNG" />

As Omicron continues to spread, some European countries are rushing to vaccinate kids. In Netherlands, primary schools will be shut. Hungary, Greece, Spain and Germany have begun vaccinating kids.

As Omicron continues to spread, some European countries are rushing to vaccinate kids. In Netherlands, primary schools will be shut. Hungary, Greece, Spain and Germany have begun vaccinating kids. In other news Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for resisting attempts to undermine China-Russia relations. Indian origin Leena Nair has been named CEO of Chanel. Read this and more in Top 10 world news. Europe battles to vaccinate kids as EU chief warns Omicron could become dominant variant WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the Omicron variant should not be dismissed as 'mild' as Europe battles a new COVID-19 wave. Xi thanks Putin for standing against attempts to undermine China-Russia relations Following separate meetings with President Biden in recent weeks, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are attending a virtual summit today. Indian-origin Leena Nair named global CEO of French fashion group Chanel Nair, who is a British nationalist, will join Chanel by the end of January next year and will be based in London, the group said. Australia allows vaccinated non-citizens to enter amid Omicron threat The reopening comes even as Sydney in New South Wales recorded 800 new COVID-19 cases. Kim Jong Un's 10 years in power: A look back at his reign in North Korea Unlike most of his contemporaries, Kim has no qualms about elections or term limits, and with his age on his side (he is just in his late 30s), he may expect to stay in government for decades if his health holds up. Omicron cases may reach parity with Delta by mid-December: UK health agency UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech provided much "lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection" compared to Delta. Drought in Kenya: Horrific images show dead giraffes who starved to death Northern Kenya has gotten less than 30% of typical rainfall since September.The lack of rain has wreaked havoc on the region's biodiversity, aggravated food and water shortages, and pushed cattle to the edge of extinction. New York all set to get first-ever female police commissioner Keechant Sewell will also be only the third Black person to lead the New York Police Department (NYPD). Tesla hit by string of sexual harassment lawsuits: 6 women file complaints These latest complaints were filed less than a month after two other women brought similar claims against the corporation. Dad gives 4-year-old son phone to play, he orders USD 1139 worth of ice cream and cakes A firefighter in Sydney thought handing his phone to his 4-year-old son would be a good way to keep him engaged till he watched daughter's football match. In his words, 'steam was coming' out of his ears when he realised what his boy had done

Top 10 World News: Europe vaccinates kids, Leena Nair named Chanel CEO, 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

Ahead of the G7 foreign ministers' meet, UK's foreign minister Liz Truss said Russia would be committing a "strategic mistake" if it attacked&nbsp;Ukraine.&nbsp;At least 50 people are feared dead in Kentucky after a storm battered the southeastern US state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-on-strategic-mistake-over-military-action-in-ukraine-436071" hreflang="en">UK warns Russia on 'strategic mistake' over military action in Ukraine</a>

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Truss said there would be "severe consequences if anything were to happen" referring to&nbsp;Russia's&nbsp;reported plan to attack Ukraine which has been dominated the European agenda in the past month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kentucky-storm-at-least-50-people-feared-dead-as-storms-strike-us-436093">Kentucky storm: At least 50 people feared dead as storms strike US</a>

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At least 19 tornadoes have been reported across five states, officials said, with a tornado hitting a nursing home in Monette, Arkansas, and an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville damaged.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-first-omicron-case-new-virus-variant-spreads-in-25-us-states-436110">Taiwan reports first Omicron case; new virus variant spreads in 25 US states</a>

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Taiwan detected the first case of the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant on Saturday after detecting it in three people who arrived in the country from abroad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/man-in-new-zealand-takes-10-vaccine-shots-in-a-day-436085" hreflang="en">Man in New Zealand takes 10 vaccine shots in a day</a>

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A man in New Zealand has reportedly taken ten&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;shots in a day as the country's health ministry launched an investigation into the incident.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-blasts-disloyal-and-ungrateful-netanyahu-for-congratulating-biden-after-presidential-polls-436098">Trumps blasts ‘disloyal’ Netanyahu for congratulating Biden after 2020 polls</a>

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Former US president Donal Trump went on a tirade against his ‘close ally and friend’ Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s former prime minister, accusing him of ‘disloyalty’ after he had congratulated&nbsp;Joe Biden for winning the 2020 presidential elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/predicting-new-economic-world-order-ray-dalio-says-china-is-winning-economic-race-against-us-436025" hreflang="en">Predicting new economic world order, Ray Dalio says China is winning economic race against US</a>

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“Their growth rate at a slow level is about twice the Western world’s growth rate at a fast level,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-briefly-stopped-selling-its-products-in-turkey-but-why-436115" hreflang="en">Apple briefly stopped selling its products in Turkey, but why?</a>

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Though the Turkish consumers were able to browse through Apple online store, they were unable to add products to their cart and instead were greeted with this message: “Not currently available”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-bishops-santa-claus-isnt-real-remark-angers-parents-church-issues-apology-436083" hreflang="en">Italian Bishop’s ‘Santa Claus isn’t real’ remark angers parents, church issues apology</a>

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A Roman Catholic diocese in Italy's Sicily had to publicly apologise after its bishop told a church group, including children, that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that the red suit was created by Coca-Cola for publicity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-the-strategic-significance-of-indias-military-bases-in-foreign-countries-435993" hreflang="en">What is strategic significance of India's military bases in foreign countries?</a>

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To counter China, India is increasing its presence from the Pacific Ocean to the Arctic Ocean.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/drone-captures-first-look-of-tesla-cybertruck-elon-musk-reveals-biggest-concern-about-it-436079" hreflang="en">Drone captures first look of Tesla Cybertruck; Elon Musk reveals biggest concern about it</a>

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The new design of Tesla's new Cybertruck has been captured by a drone. The electric-car maker's much-anticipated Cybertruck would come with a high-end four-motor variant.

Ahead of the G7 foreign ministers' meet, UK's foreign minister Liz Truss said Russia would be committing a "strategic mistake" if it attacked Ukraine. At least 50 people are feared dead in Kentucky after a storm battered the southeastern US state.

Ahead of the G7 foreign ministers' meet, UK's foreign minister Liz Truss said Russia would be committing a "strategic mistake" if it attacked Ukraine. At least 50 people are feared dead in Kentucky after a storm battered the southeastern US state. UK warns Russia on 'strategic mistake' over military action in Ukraine Truss said there would be "severe consequences if anything were to happen" referring to Russia's reported plan to attack Ukraine which has been dominated the European agenda in the past month. Kentucky storm: At least 50 people feared dead as storms strike US At least 19 tornadoes have been reported across five states, officials said, with a tornado hitting a nursing home in Monette, Arkansas, and an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville damaged. Taiwan reports first Omicron case; new virus variant spreads in 25 US states Taiwan detected the first case of the Omicron variant on Saturday after detecting it in three people who arrived in the country from abroad. Man in New Zealand takes 10 vaccine shots in a day A man in New Zealand has reportedly taken ten vaccine shots in a day as the country's health ministry launched an investigation into the incident. Trumps blasts ‘disloyal’ Netanyahu for congratulating Biden after 2020 polls Former US president Donal Trump went on a tirade against his ‘close ally and friend’ Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s former prime minister, accusing him of ‘disloyalty’ after he had congratulated Joe Biden for winning the 2020 presidential elections. Predicting new economic world order, Ray Dalio says China is winning economic race against US “Their growth rate at a slow level is about twice the Western world’s growth rate at a fast level,” he said. Apple briefly stopped selling its products in Turkey, but why? Though the Turkish consumers were able to browse through Apple online store, they were unable to add products to their cart and instead were greeted with this message: “Not currently available”. Italian Bishop’s ‘Santa Claus isn’t real’ remark angers parents, church issues apology A Roman Catholic diocese in Italy's Sicily had to publicly apologise after its bishop told a church group, including children, that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that the red suit was created by Coca-Cola for publicity. What is strategic significance of India's military bases in foreign countries? To counter China, India is increasing its presence from the Pacific Ocean to the Arctic Ocean. Drone captures first look of Tesla Cybertruck; Elon Musk reveals biggest concern about it The new design of Tesla's new Cybertruck has been captured by a drone. The electric-car maker's much-anticipated Cybertruck would come with a high-end four-motor variant.

Top 10 world news: UK warns Russia on 'strategic mistake,' storm in Kentucky and more

A London-based Tribunal has found China guilty of committing genocide against Uyghurs. The US&nbsp;won a bid in London's High Court to have Wikileaks founder Julian Assange extradited from the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811">Tribunal says China's Jinping 'primarily' responsible for Uyghur 'genocide'</a>

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Welcoming the final judgment of the tribunal, World Uyghur Congress (WUC) said, &nbsp;"This is a historic day for the Uyghur people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-wins-appeal-over-extradition-of-wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-435800">US wins appeal over extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a>

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The decision overturned the UK court's January ruling that stated that the 50-year-old could not be extradited because of concerns over his mental health and the Australian would be a suicide risk in the US justice system.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ditching-submarine-deal-with-paris-australia-switches-from-european-to-us-helicopters-435861" hreflang="en">After ditching submarine deal with Paris, Australia switches from European to US helicopters</a>

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Defense Minister Peter Dutton said, ''It’s had nine instances where it’s been unsuitable to fly, and I’m just not going to put our people in that position.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-party-loses-poll-lead-over-labour-after-johnsons-christmas-party-scandal-435847">Conservatives loses poll lead over Labour after Christmas party scandal</a>

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The rating of the party, also known as Tories, dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mortal-remains-of-gen-rawat-his-wife-consigned-to-flames-after-17-gun-salute-435793" hreflang="en">Mortal remains of Gen Rawat, his wife consigned to flames after 17-gun salute</a>

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Mortal remains of India’s top military officer General Bipin Rawat and his wife, who died in the helicopter crash, were consigned to flames with full military honours in Delhi on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-omicron-variant-on-mind-israel-extends-travel-restrictions-for-10-days-435820" hreflang="en">With Omicron variant on mind, Israel extends travel restrictions for 10 days</a>

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To keep a check on the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country, Israel has extended its tough travel restrictions for 10 days. It has imposed entry ban on all foreign nationals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-last-few-nations-that-recognise-taiwans-sovereignty-435752" hreflang="en">The last few nations that recognise Taiwan's sovereignty</a>

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Nicaragua is the latest nation to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan to align itself with China. In total, only 14 nations recognise Taiwan over the People's Republic of China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-tackle-declining-birth-rate-chinese-editorial-tells-communist-members-to-have-at-least-3-kids-435843" hreflang="en">To tackle declining birth rate, Chinese editorial tells Communist members to have ‘at least 3 kids’</a>

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An editorial by a state-run news outlet had asked the members of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) to shoulder the responsibility of the dwindling population and told them that they should be “obliged” to have at least three children.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-people-who-had-taken-booster-shots-test-positive-for-omicron-in-singapore-435786" hreflang="en">Two people, who had taken booster shots test positive for Omicron, in Singapore</a>

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Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany. 
&nbsp;

A London-based Tribunal has found China guilty of committing genocide against Uyghurs. The US won a bid in London's High Court to have Wikileaks founder Julian Assange extradited from the UK.

A London-based Tribunal has found China guilty of committing genocide against Uyghurs. The US won a bid in London's High Court to have Wikileaks founder Julian Assange extradited from the UK. Tribunal says China's Jinping 'primarily' responsible for Uyghur 'genocide' Welcoming the final judgment of the tribunal, World Uyghur Congress (WUC) said, "This is a historic day for the Uyghur people." US wins appeal over extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange The decision overturned the UK court's January ruling that stated that the 50-year-old could not be extradited because of concerns over his mental health and the Australian would be a suicide risk in the US justice system. After ditching submarine deal with Paris, Australia switches from European to US helicopters Defense Minister Peter Dutton said, ''It’s had nine instances where it’s been unsuitable to fly, and I’m just not going to put our people in that position.'' Conservatives loses poll lead over Labour after Christmas party scandal The rating of the party, also known as Tories, dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov. Mortal remains of Gen Rawat, his wife consigned to flames after 17-gun salute Mortal remains of India’s top military officer General Bipin Rawat and his wife, who died in the helicopter crash, were consigned to flames with full military honours in Delhi on Friday. With Omicron variant on mind, Israel extends travel restrictions for 10 days To keep a check on the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country, Israel has extended its tough travel restrictions for 10 days. It has imposed entry ban on all foreign nationals. The last few nations that recognise Taiwan's sovereignty Nicaragua is the latest nation to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan to align itself with China. In total, only 14 nations recognise Taiwan over the People's Republic of China. To tackle declining birth rate, Chinese editorial tells Communist members to have ‘at least 3 kids’ An editorial by a state-run news outlet had asked the members of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) to shoulder the responsibility of the dwindling population and told them that they should be “obliged” to have at least three children. Two people, who had taken booster shots test positive for Omicron, in Singapore Two people from Singapore have tested positive for the Omicron variant even after receiving the booster jab, reports Bloomberg. This includes a 24-year-old female airport passenger service worker a person who had returned from Germany.

Top 10 world news: Jinping responsible for Uyghur 'genocide,' CDS Gen Rawat laid to rest 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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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

As the country battles the Omicron variant, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said early indications suggest the variant "is more transmissible than Delta". Meanwhile,&nbsp;an IIT scientist has warned that the third wave of coronavirus could reach its peak by February in India. On the other hand, a little before Joe Biden and Vladimir Outin start their summit,&nbsp;Russia on Tuesday slammed the US move for a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing asserting that it should be "free of politics".&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-indications-omicron-variant-more-transmissible-than-delta-uk-pm-johnson-434892" hreflang="en">Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/27/223810-jj11.JPG" />

Boris&nbsp;Johnson made the comments while updating his cabinet on the COVID-19 situation in the country.&nbsp;Reports claim there are at least 350 Omicron cases in the UK including in Wales, England and Scotland.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-may-cause-third-wave-in-india-by-february-scientist-warns-434873" hreflang="en">Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/11/173554-untitled-design.jpg" />

"It looks like although the new variant has shown high transmissibility, its severity is not like the one seen in the Delta variant," Agarwal said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-biden-putin-virtual-summit-russia-slams-us-move-to-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-434860">Ahead of Biden-Putin summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Winter Olympics</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/10/22/217563-untitled-design-7.jpg" />

The US went ahead with the boycott even as President Biden had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping last month. Biden is now set to speak to Russian President Putin on Tuesday over a video link.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coral-reefs-in-western-indian-ocean-face-extinction-by-2070-study-claims-434846">Coral reefs in western Indian Ocean face extinction by 2070, study claims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/10/05/214603-untitled-design-16.jpg" />

As per a study published in the Nature Sustainability journal, reef systems are at risk of becoming extinct by the year 2070.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/got-to-know-about-his-death-from-news-priyantha-kumaras-wife-tells-wion-434897">'Got to know about his death from news': Priyantha Kumara's wife tells WION</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/06/225112-untitled-design-15.jpg" />

In an exclusive interview with WION, Kumara’s wife, Nilushi Dissanayaka, and his brother, Kamalasiri Shantha Kumara, revealed that family was unaware of this heinous attack till they saw it in news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bitcoin-inventor-told-to-pay-usd-100-million-by-us-court-434880">Bitcoin 'inventor' told to pay USD 100 million by US court</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/04/197253-untitled-design-2021-06-04t100227283.jpg" />

A computer scientist claiming to be inventor of Bitcoin has been told by a US court to pay USD 100 million. He was sued by his former partner, who is now dead.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-anil-menon-named-in-nasas-newest-astronaut-class-434840" hreflang="en">Indian-origin Anil Menon named in NASA's newest astronaut class</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/07/225291-nasa-anil-menon.jpg" />

Anil Menon (45), a lieutenant colonel in US Air Force was first direct responder during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 2015 earthquake in Nepal and 2011 Reno Air Show accident.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooting-in-moscow-two-dead-a-man-detained-434891" hreflang="en">Shooting in Moscow, two dead, a man detained</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/38281-murder-20180114110552.jpg" />

The shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre. As per the early report, the deceased included a woman working at the centre and an visitor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dedication-parents-keep-sending-covid-positive-child-to-school-for-a-week-434830" hreflang="en">Dedication? Parents keep sending Covid positive child to school for a week</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/09/17/211667-us-schools-1.jpg" />

A student of Neil Cummins Elementary School in Corte Madera, near San Francisco, the student’s attendance in school resulted in 75 other students having to quarantine from November 19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-omicron-surges-around-world-india-records-lowest-covid-daily-infections-434884" hreflang="en">As Omicron surges around world, India records lowest Covid daily infections</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/09/148869-coronavirus-in-india-latest-5.jpg" />

India reported the lowest Covid cases since May 2020 on December 07, 2021. The health ministry reported a total of 6,882 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday.

As the country battles the Omicron variant, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said early indications suggest the variant "is more transmissible than Delta". Meanwhile, an IIT scientist has warned that the third wave of coronavirus could reach its peak by February in India.

As the country battles the Omicron variant, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said early indications suggest the variant "is more transmissible than Delta". Meanwhile, an IIT scientist has warned that the third wave of coronavirus could reach its peak by February in India. On the other hand, a little before Joe Biden and Vladimir Outin start their summit, Russia on Tuesday slammed the US move for a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing asserting that it should be "free of politics". Click on headlines to read more Early indications Omicron variant more transmissible than Delta: UK PM Johnson Boris Johnson made the comments while updating his cabinet on the COVID-19 situation in the country. Reports claim there are at least 350 Omicron cases in the UK including in Wales, England and Scotland. Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns "It looks like although the new variant has shown high transmissibility, its severity is not like the one seen in the Delta variant," Agarwal said. Ahead of Biden-Putin summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Winter Olympics The US went ahead with the boycott even as President Biden had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping last month. Biden is now set to speak to Russian President Putin on Tuesday over a video link. Coral reefs in western Indian Ocean face extinction by 2070, study claims As per a study published in the Nature Sustainability journal, reef systems are at risk of becoming extinct by the year 2070. 'Got to know about his death from news': Priyantha Kumara's wife tells WION In an exclusive interview with WION, Kumara’s wife, Nilushi Dissanayaka, and his brother, Kamalasiri Shantha Kumara, revealed that family was unaware of this heinous attack till they saw it in news. Bitcoin 'inventor' told to pay USD 100 million by US court A computer scientist claiming to be inventor of Bitcoin has been told by a US court to pay USD 100 million. He was sued by his former partner, who is now dead. Indian-origin Anil Menon named in NASA's newest astronaut class Anil Menon (45), a lieutenant colonel in US Air Force was first direct responder during the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 2015 earthquake in Nepal and 2011 Reno Air Show accident. Shooting in Moscow, two dead, a man detained The shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre. As per the early report, the deceased included a woman working at the centre and an visitor. Dedication? Parents keep sending Covid positive child to school for a week A student of Neil Cummins Elementary School in Corte Madera, near San Francisco, the student’s attendance in school resulted in 75 other students having to quarantine from November 19. As Omicron surges around world, India records lowest Covid daily infections India reported the lowest Covid cases since May 2020 on December 07, 2021. The health ministry reported a total of 6,882 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday.

Top 10 world news: Johnson warns against Omicron, Russia slams US, and more

Russian President Putin met Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as the two leaders conducted summit talks on Monday.&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for further tightening control on religion, with special emphasis on “sinicisation of religion”, to bolster national security during a national religious work conference held in Beijing late last week. In news about CHina, it has also been revealed that&nbsp;China tried to control rain and pollution in Beijing with the help of cloud-seeding technology ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) centenary celebrations, a study by a Beijing university has revealed.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-perceive-india-as-a-great-power-and-trusted-friend-says-president-putin-to-pm-modi-434635" hreflang="en">We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says Putin to PM Modi</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/06/225166-ppp1111.jpg" />

During the meeting, PM Modi said the two countries have completed two decades of strategic partnership while affirming that Russia has been the main protagonist in these decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyis-jail-term-reduced-by-two-years-reports-434658">Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term reduced by two years: Reports</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/43956-untitled%25252520design%25252520%25252819%252529-20180319051355.jpg" />

Suu Kyi's sentencing drew global condemnation. United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called trial of Aung San Suu Kyi a 'sham'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-calls-for-sinicisation-and-tightening-control-on-religion-to-bolster-national-security-434516">Xi Jinping calls for ‘sinicisation’ of religion to bolster national security</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/06/225092-xi.jpg" />

The conference took place against the backdrop of widespread accusations of repressive control on Muslims and Christians in China, as well as the country’s increasingly tight supervision over religions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sms-crime-scorecards-passport-seizure-uk-takes-strong-stand-against-drug-use-434604">SMS, crime scorecards, passport seizure - UK takes stand against drug use</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/19/183600-drugs.jpg" />

In a bid to make sure that the problem can be eradicated, the UK government has decided to come up with a plan against drug crime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-modified-weather-to-create-clear-skies-ahead-of-ccps-centenary-celebrations-study-434654">China ‘modified’ weather to create clear skies ahead of CCP’s centenary event</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/06/225180-chn2.jpg" />

On July 1, the CCP marked its centenary with major celebrations, where tens of thousands of people attended the “tightly choreographed” ceremony in Tiananmen Square.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mob-lynching-remains-of-lankan-man-sent-to-colombo-for-last-rites-434613" hreflang="en">Pak mob lynching: Remains of Lankan man sent to Colombo for last rites</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/06/225151-sri-lankan.jpg" />

Meanwhile, 26 suspects arrested in connection with the lynching of the Sri Lankan factory manager have been remanded into police custody, according to local media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-black-box-for-earth-will-record-everything-as-our-civilisation-dies-434646" hreflang="en">This 'black box for Earth' will record everything as our civilisation dies</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/06/225175-black-box.jpg" />

This black box is being built on western coast of Tasmania, Australia. Its mission is to 'record every step' humankind takes towards eventual destruction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-bomber-carries-out-mine-laying-exercise-in-south-china-sea-434578">China's bomber carries out mine laying exercise in South China Sea</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/26/189119-untitled-design-8.jpg" />

Amid tensions with Taiwan, reports claim China's H-6J bomber touted as the "latest type of bomber" carried out live-fire exercises in the South China Sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ceo-abruptly-terminates-over-900-employees-in-us-and-india-over-zoom-call-434583" hreflang="en">Watch | CEO abruptly terminates over 900 employees in US and India over Zoom call</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/06/225133-jobs.jpg" />

“I come to you with not great news. The market has changed and we have to move with it in order to survive, so that hopefully, we can thrive and hopefully, deliver on our mission,” he said as he began the grim announcement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mountaineer-gets-jewels-he-found-from-debris-of-air-indias-crashed-plane-434649" hreflang="en">Mountaineer gets jewels he found from debris of Air India's crashed plane</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/13/149610-untitled-design-1.jpg" />

The treasure, including emeralds, rubies and sapphires, had remained hidden in a metal box that was onboard one of the two Air India planes that had crashed into Mont Blanc in 1950 and then in 1966.

Russian President Putin met Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as the two leaders conducted summit talks on Monday. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for further tightening control on religion, with special emphasis on “sinicisation of religion”, to bolster national security during a national religious work conference held in Beijing late last week.

Russian President Putin met Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as the two leaders conducted summit talks on Monday. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for further tightening control on religion, with special emphasis on “sinicisation of religion”, to bolster national security during a national religious work conference held in Beijing late last week. In news about CHina, it has also been revealed that China tried to control rain and pollution in Beijing with the help of cloud-seeding technology ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) centenary celebrations, a study by a Beijing university has revealed. Click on headlines to read more We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says Putin to PM Modi During the meeting, PM Modi said the two countries have completed two decades of strategic partnership while affirming that Russia has been the main protagonist in these decades. Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term reduced by two years: Reports Suu Kyi's sentencing drew global condemnation. United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called trial of Aung San Suu Kyi a 'sham'. Xi Jinping calls for ‘sinicisation’ of religion to bolster national security The conference took place against the backdrop of widespread accusations of repressive control on Muslims and Christians in China, as well as the country’s increasingly tight supervision over religions. SMS, crime scorecards, passport seizure - UK takes stand against drug use In a bid to make sure that the problem can be eradicated, the UK government has decided to come up with a plan against drug crime. China ‘modified’ weather to create clear skies ahead of CCP’s centenary event On July 1, the CCP marked its centenary with major celebrations, where tens of thousands of people attended the “tightly choreographed” ceremony in Tiananmen Square. Pak mob lynching: Remains of Lankan man sent to Colombo for last rites Meanwhile, 26 suspects arrested in connection with the lynching of the Sri Lankan factory manager have been remanded into police custody, according to local media. This 'black box for Earth' will record everything as our civilisation dies This black box is being built on western coast of Tasmania, Australia. Its mission is to 'record every step' humankind takes towards eventual destruction. China's bomber carries out mine laying exercise in South China Sea Amid tensions with Taiwan, reports claim China's H-6J bomber touted as the "latest type of bomber" carried out live-fire exercises in the South China Sea. Watch | CEO abruptly terminates over 900 employees in US and India over Zoom call “I come to you with not great news. The market has changed and we have to move with it in order to survive, so that hopefully, we can thrive and hopefully, deliver on our mission,” he said as he began the grim announcement. Mountaineer gets jewels he found from debris of Air India's crashed plane The treasure, including emeralds, rubies and sapphires, had remained hidden in a metal box that was onboard one of the two Air India planes that had crashed into Mont Blanc in 1950 and then in 1966.

Top 10 world news: Modi-Putin summit, Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term, 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>

<img alt="vf" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="567e3a4d-7942-4f26-805f-973a0ca46d11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9U22VM.jpg" />

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>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efb21b81-95fb-4d93-aa4c-459fd8a78426" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Copy%20of%20Story%20Image%20%20WION%20Yearender%20%20Rewind%202021.jpg" />

&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

With the fear of a new variant taking over the region grows, Europe has surpassed 75 million coronavirus cases. In a few months, the new Covid variant could be responsible for more than half of all the cases, warned the European Union's public health agency. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted on Saturday, spewing out a tower of smoke and ash that plunged local communities into darkness and forced thousands of nearby residents to flee. Continuing the US-China spat, ahead of the democratic summit to be hosted virtually by US President Biden, the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Saturday published a white paper on its "democratic model".

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-omicron-in-india-updates-two-cases-found-in-karnataka-433212" hreflang="en">LIVE: UK reports 75 more Omicron cases; confirmed cases rise to 134</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/04/224797-variant-2.jpg" />

The Omicron variant could become dominant as it is highly transmissible, said World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan. She further added that a different vaccine may not be needed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indonesias-mount-semeru-erupts-rescuers-evacuate-residents-434152">Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupts; rescuers evacuate residents</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/2021/12/04/224865-m4.jpg" />

Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted on Saturday, spewing out a tower of smoke and ash that plunged local communities into darkness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-bidens-democracy-summit-china-publishes-its-own-democratic-model-434132">Ahead of Biden's democracy summit, China publishes its own 'democratic model'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/04/224860-biden11.jpg" />

The paper said there are 503,000 administrative villages in the country were established by the village committees and 112,000 urban communities established by resident committees.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-school-shooting-police-takes-parents-of-alleged-shooter-in-custody-434062">Michigan school shooting: Police takes parents of alleged shooter in custody</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/04/224827-untitled-design-11.jpg" />

James and Jennifer Crumbley have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for buying their son the weapon as a Christmas gift and ignoring warning signs as late as the day of the shooting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-third-omicron-case-72-year-old-man-recently-returned-from-zimbabwe-434101">India reports third Omicron case, 72-year-old man recently came from Zimbabwe</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/04/224847-gt.jpg" />

According to state health authorities, the infected patient is a 72-year-old Indian-origin man from Zimbabwe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/killer-dish-chef-jailed-for-serving-deadly-shepherds-pie-434099" hreflang="en">Killer dish: Chef jailed for serving deadly shepherd's pie</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/30075-2017-10-05t050712z_1_lynxmped9405i_rtroptp_3_india-hotels-shakeout-20171005062731.JPG" />

The shepherd’s pie, which was filled with mince and been prepared in an incorrect manner, caused serious food poisoning to 32 people. Out of these 32 people, a 92-year-old healthy Elizabeth Neuman, reportedly died after eating the pie.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/solar-eclipse-2021-when-where-and-how-to-watch-last-eclipse-of-year-434033" hreflang="en">Solar Eclipse 2021: When, Where, and how to watch last eclipse of year</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/2021/12/04/224798-untitled-design-3.jpg" />

Solar eclipse refers to the phenomenon of the moon passing between the Sun and the Earth. The image of the sun gets partially obscured for viewers during the process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-800-people-arrested-for-killing-sri-lankan-man-in-pakistan-reports-434120" hreflang="en">Nearly 800 people arrested for killing Sri Lankan man in Pakistan: Reports</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/41057-pakistan%25252520flag-20180211030239.JPG" />

After the Pakistan's Prime Minister ordered probe into Sri Lankan man’s death, nearly 800 people have been booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/19-year-old-man-arrested-for-threatening-to-release-sexually-explicit-photos-of-florida-state-senator-434145" hreflang="en">19-year-old man arrested for threatening to release sexually explicit photos of Florida state senator</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/04/224867-police.jpg" />

Jeremy Kamperveen, a plantation worker, was arrested last month and charged with extortion and cyberstalking Florida state senator Lauren Book from the Democratic party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-records-far-right-terrorism-case-after-two-years-of-investigation-reports-434141" hreflang="en">Finland records far-right terrorism case after two years of investigation: Reports</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/05/158242-terrorism-reuters-l.jpeg" />

The men are being assumed to belong to a group based in the southwestern town of Kankaanpää. Local police officers detained these five men on Tuesday and were presented in front of the Satakunta District Court over the weekend.

With the fear of a new variant taking over the region grows, Europe has surpassed 75 million coronavirus cases. In a few months, the new Covid variant could be responsible for more than half of all the cases, warned the European Union's public health agency.

With the fear of a new variant taking over the region grows, Europe has surpassed 75 million coronavirus cases. In a few months, the new Covid variant could be responsible for more than half of all the cases, warned the European Union's public health agency. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted on Saturday, spewing out a tower of smoke and ash that plunged local communities into darkness and forced thousands of nearby residents to flee. Continuing the US-China spat, ahead of the democratic summit to be hosted virtually by US President Biden, the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Saturday published a white paper on its "democratic model". Click on headlines to read more LIVE: UK reports 75 more Omicron cases; confirmed cases rise to 134 The Omicron variant could become dominant as it is highly transmissible, said World Health Organization's chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan. She further added that a different vaccine may not be needed. Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupts; rescuers evacuate residents Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted on Saturday, spewing out a tower of smoke and ash that plunged local communities into darkness. Ahead of Biden's democracy summit, China publishes its own 'democratic model' The paper said there are 503,000 administrative villages in the country were established by the village committees and 112,000 urban communities established by resident committees. Michigan school shooting: Police takes parents of alleged shooter in custody James and Jennifer Crumbley have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for buying their son the weapon as a Christmas gift and ignoring warning signs as late as the day of the shooting. India reports third Omicron case, 72-year-old man recently came from Zimbabwe According to state health authorities, the infected patient is a 72-year-old Indian-origin man from Zimbabwe. Killer dish: Chef jailed for serving deadly shepherd's pie The shepherd’s pie, which was filled with mince and been prepared in an incorrect manner, caused serious food poisoning to 32 people. Out of these 32 people, a 92-year-old healthy Elizabeth Neuman, reportedly died after eating the pie. Solar Eclipse 2021: When, Where, and how to watch last eclipse of year Solar eclipse refers to the phenomenon of the moon passing between the Sun and the Earth. The image of the sun gets partially obscured for viewers during the process. Nearly 800 people arrested for killing Sri Lankan man in Pakistan: Reports After the Pakistan's Prime Minister ordered probe into Sri Lankan man’s death, nearly 800 people have been booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act on Saturday. 19-year-old man arrested for threatening to release sexually explicit photos of Florida state senator Jeremy Kamperveen, a plantation worker, was arrested last month and charged with extortion and cyberstalking Florida state senator Lauren Book from the Democratic party. Finland records far-right terrorism case after two years of investigation: Reports The men are being assumed to belong to a group based in the southwestern town of Kankaanpää. Local police officers detained these five men on Tuesday and were presented in front of the Satakunta District Court over the weekend.

Top 10 world news: China's 'democratic model', Omicron cases surge in Europe, and more

Just hours after detecting the Omicron virus case in the country, reports claimed at least 13 people were infected with the new variant in Australia.&nbsp; Meanwhile, experts have revealed that Covid-related death rates are higher in unvaccinated Black and South Asian people.&nbsp;In South Asia, a&nbsp;sarcastic song harshly criticising Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has gone viral on social media, causing him great humiliation. The Twitter handle describing itself as Pakistan embassy in Serbia' shared the song.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-omicron-in-india-updates-two-cases-found-in-karnataka-433212">LIVE: WHO warns Asia-Pacific countries to brace for Omicron</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/02/224573-untitled-design-15.jpg" />

A team of WHO officials has been dispatched to South Africa's Gauteng province, which is the epicentre of the new Omicron coronavirus variant, to increase surveillance and contact tracing efforts as the country grapples with rising infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-secret-operation-mossad-tricked-top-iranian-scientists-into-blowing-up-their-own-nuclear-plant-433767">Mossad tricked top Iranian scientists into blowing up their own nuclear plant</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/03/224651-iran.jpeg" />

This revelation comes as one of three acts of sabotages which were allegedly linked with Mossad when the Natanz facility was first hit by explosives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-mob-tortures-sri-lankan-man-to-death-burns-body-for-tearing-up-posters-of-radical-islamist-party-433821">Pak mob lynches Sri Lankan for tearing up posters of radical Islamist party</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/03/224690-pak.png" />

The incident took place on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot on Friday, where reportedly the workers of private factories attacked the export manager, a Sri Lankan national, of a factory and burnt his body after killing him, the Dawn reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-reports-omicron-cases-in-school-433807">Australia reports Omicron cases in school</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/03/224675-lockdown11.jpg" />

Reports said at least two students were infected with the Omicron variant in a Sydney school with 13 cases linked to the new variant in the school.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-this-song-mocking-imran-khans-dont-worry-refrain-is-going-viral-433731">Watch: This song mocking Imran Khan's 'don't worry' refrain is going viral</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/10/25/218093-untitled-design-4.jpg" />

It is a sarcastic play on Imran Khan's statement 'aap ne khabraana nahi' (you shouldn't worry), which is repeated in the tune.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-black-and-south-asian-population-told-to-get-vaccinated-citing-higher-death-rates-433856" hreflang="en">UK: Black and south Asian population told to get vaccinated citing higher death rates</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/10/186535-untitled-design-43.jpg" />

The data was revealed in a government report on Friday that tackled the issue of COVID-19 disparities. Expert and the author of the report, Dr Raghib Ali, claims that as per the collected data in the past year, death rate is higher in the ethnic minority groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-dressed-as-ninja-shot-by-french-cops-after-attacking-two-policewomen-with-sword-433840" hreflang="en">Man dressed as ninja shot by French cops after attacking two policewomen with sword</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/03/224699-police.jpeg" />

A man dressed in a ninja costume, wielding a sword, was shot by the French police after he attacked two female officers in Paris.&nbsp;The incident took place near a petrol station in the northwestern France of Cherbourg city on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parents-protest-introduction-of-porn-in-schools-seek-boards-resignation-in-us-county-433826" hreflang="en">Parents protest introduction of 'porn in schools' in US county</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/09/17/211639-us-schools.jpg" />

In order to raise concern over reintroduction of two books containing depictions of sexual activity, parents protested outside Luther Jackson Middle School, where board meeting of Fairfax County Public Schools was being held on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-frequent-and-destructive-historical-records-show-a-surge-in-hurricanes-over-the-last-150-years-433667" hreflang="en">Israel halts virus phone tracker amid privacy concern</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/15/182772-virusvac1.jpg" />

Israel has decided to discontinue the controversial practice of tracking the Omicron variant cases through mobiles which was developed by the country's intelligence agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-plunges-into-darkness-overshadowing-omicron-detection-and-lp-gas-suspension-433842" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka plunges into darkness, overshadowing Omicron detection and LP gas suspension</a>

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The country was experiencing mysterious cases of LP gas cylinder explosions in recent weeks, causing concern among the public with over 35 such cases reported in the past few days alone.

Just hours after detecting the Omicron virus case in the country, reports claimed at least 13 people were infected with the new variant in Australia. Meanwhile, experts have revealed that Covid-related death rates are higher in unvaccinated Black and South Asian people.

Just hours after detecting the Omicron virus case in the country, reports claimed at least 13 people were infected with the new variant in Australia. Meanwhile, experts have revealed that Covid-related death rates are higher in unvaccinated Black and South Asian people. In South Asia, a sarcastic song harshly criticising Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has gone viral on social media, causing him great humiliation. The Twitter handle describing itself as Pakistan embassy in Serbia' shared the song. Click on headlines to read more LIVE: WHO warns Asia-Pacific countries to brace for Omicron A team of WHO officials has been dispatched to South Africa's Gauteng province, which is the epicentre of the new Omicron coronavirus variant, to increase surveillance and contact tracing efforts as the country grapples with rising infections. Mossad tricked top Iranian scientists into blowing up their own nuclear plant This revelation comes as one of three acts of sabotages which were allegedly linked with Mossad when the Natanz facility was first hit by explosives. Pak mob lynches Sri Lankan for tearing up posters of radical Islamist party The incident took place on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot on Friday, where reportedly the workers of private factories attacked the export manager, a Sri Lankan national, of a factory and burnt his body after killing him, the Dawn reported. Australia reports Omicron cases in school Reports said at least two students were infected with the Omicron variant in a Sydney school with 13 cases linked to the new variant in the school. Watch: This song mocking Imran Khan's 'don't worry' refrain is going viral It is a sarcastic play on Imran Khan's statement 'aap ne khabraana nahi' (you shouldn't worry), which is repeated in the tune. UK: Black and south Asian population told to get vaccinated citing higher death rates The data was revealed in a government report on Friday that tackled the issue of COVID-19 disparities. Expert and the author of the report, Dr Raghib Ali, claims that as per the collected data in the past year, death rate is higher in the ethnic minority groups. Man dressed as ninja shot by French cops after attacking two policewomen with sword A man dressed in a ninja costume, wielding a sword, was shot by the French police after he attacked two female officers in Paris. The incident took place near a petrol station in the northwestern France of Cherbourg city on Thursday. Parents protest introduction of 'porn in schools' in US county In order to raise concern over reintroduction of two books containing depictions of sexual activity, parents protested outside Luther Jackson Middle School, where board meeting of Fairfax County Public Schools was being held on Thursday. Israel halts virus phone tracker amid privacy concern Israel has decided to discontinue the controversial practice of tracking the Omicron variant cases through mobiles which was developed by the country's intelligence agency. Sri Lanka plunges into darkness, overshadowing Omicron detection and LP gas suspension The country was experiencing mysterious cases of LP gas cylinder explosions in recent weeks, causing concern among the public with over 35 such cases reported in the past few days alone.

Top 10 world news: Mossad's secret revealed, WHO warns against Omicron, and more

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned&nbsp;his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov of consequences if Russia did not seek diplomatic resolution over the situation with Ukraine.&nbsp;GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has said that its coronavirus drug called sotrovimab is effective against the Omicron variant.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-choose-diplomacy-or-face-consequences-blinken-tells-russias-lavrov-433535" hreflang="en">Ukraine: Choose diplomacy or face consequences, Blinken tells Russia's Lavrov</a>

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He said Russia and Ukraine should each fully implement their obligations under the 2014 Minsk peace process, which was designed to end a war between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces in the east of the former Soviet republic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glaxosmithkline-says-covid-drug-effective-against-omicron-variant-433545" hreflang="en">GlaxoSmithKline says Covid drug effective against Omicron variant</a>

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The British pharmaceutical industry company had conducted a trial against key mutations of the new Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-variant-omicron-rapidly-dominating-in-south-africa-433487" hreflang="en">New Covid variant Omicron rapidly dominating in South Africa</a>

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Heavily mutated&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;is rapidly becoming the dominant variant of the coronavirus in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;less than four weeks after it was first detected there, and the United States on Wednesday&nbsp;became the latest country to identify an&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;case within its borders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-military-officials-of-us-china-to-meet-over-rising-incursions-in-taiwan-433522" hreflang="en">Top military officials of US, China to meet over rising incursions in Taiwan</a>

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The two nations are in touch to discuss the possibility of US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin and Xu Qiliang holding talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-who-names-new-covid-variant-omicron-cryptos-value-skyrockets-by-900-per-cent-then-nose-dives-433562" hreflang="en">After WHO names new Covid variant, Omicron crypto’s value skyrockets by 900 per cent, then nose-dives</a>

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A relatively lesser-known cryptocurrency had been witnessing a massive surge in the crypto market. In two days, the value of the digital token shot up by a massive 900 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-denies-flouting-coronavirus-restrictions-at-boozy-party-held-in-downing-street-433558" hreflang="en">British PM Boris Johnson denies flouting coronavirus restrictions at boozy party held in Downing Street</a>

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Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreans-are-starving-but-theyre-forced-to-pay-for-candies-for-kim-jong-uns-birthday-433475" hreflang="en">North Koreans are starving, but they're forced to pay for candies for Kim Jong-Un's birthday</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0286f1ec-6f30-4027-a2e8-fb87f36584fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9RQ4NN.jpg" />

North Korean local governments are hurrying to create candies in advance of a statewide celebration of leader Kim Jong-Un's birthday in January, but the government is forcing hungry residents to pay the bill.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-scale-deluge-report-reveals-us-is-the-worlds-biggest-plastic-polluter-433451" hreflang="en">'Global scale deluge': Report reveals US is the world's biggest plastic polluter</a>

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A new report by the federal government revealed that the US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-to-publish-sexual-harassment-data-after-bill-gates-scandal-433569" hreflang="en">Microsoft to publish sexual harassment data after Bill Gates scandal</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1f75ac6-24aa-450c-8e5a-acfee4482aa1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/https___d1e00ek4ebabms.cloudfront.net_production_95465af9-a6d7-49a0-a118-cc099a0d10ba.jpg" />

Arjuna Capital had sought a report from the software firm on the effectiveness of its policies to battle sexual harassment in the workplace.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-surgeon-fined-for-amputating-wrong-leg-says-it-was-human-error-433420" hreflang="en">Austrian surgeon fined for amputating wrong leg, says it was 'human error'</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f96bfc0f-d556-4b33-a05f-779bb55eb23c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/surgery-iStock-654617646-1.jpg" />

In a bizarre incident, an Austrian doctor was fined over $3,000 for amputating the wrong leg of a patient. The 43-year-old surgeon was found guilty after he removed the right leg of the patient, instead of the left.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov of consequences if Russia did not seek diplomatic resolution over the situation with Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov of consequences if Russia did not seek diplomatic resolution over the situation with Ukraine. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has said that its coronavirus drug called sotrovimab is effective against the Omicron variant. Click on headlines to read more Ukraine: Choose diplomacy or face consequences, Blinken tells Russia's Lavrov He said Russia and Ukraine should each fully implement their obligations under the 2014 Minsk peace process, which was designed to end a war between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces in the east of the former Soviet republic. GlaxoSmithKline says Covid drug effective against Omicron variant The British pharmaceutical industry company had conducted a trial against key mutations of the new Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. New Covid variant Omicron rapidly dominating in South Africa Heavily mutated Omicron is rapidly becoming the dominant variant of the coronavirus in South Africa less than four weeks after it was first detected there, and the United States on Wednesday became the latest country to identify an Omicron case within its borders. Top military officials of US, China to meet over rising incursions in Taiwan The two nations are in touch to discuss the possibility of US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin and Xu Qiliang holding talks. After WHO names new Covid variant, Omicron crypto’s value skyrockets by 900 per cent, then nose-dives A relatively lesser-known cryptocurrency had been witnessing a massive surge in the crypto market. In two days, the value of the digital token shot up by a massive 900 per cent. British PM Boris Johnson denies flouting coronavirus restrictions at boozy party held in Downing Street Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas. North Koreans are starving, but they're forced to pay for candies for Kim Jong-Un's birthday North Korean local governments are hurrying to create candies in advance of a statewide celebration of leader Kim Jong-Un's birthday in January, but the government is forcing hungry residents to pay the bill. 'Global scale deluge': Report reveals US is the world's biggest plastic polluter A new report by the federal government revealed that the US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016. Microsoft to publish sexual harassment data after Bill Gates scandal Arjuna Capital had sought a report from the software firm on the effectiveness of its policies to battle sexual harassment in the workplace. Austrian surgeon fined for amputating wrong leg, says it was 'human error' In a bizarre incident, an Austrian doctor was fined over $3,000 for amputating the wrong leg of a patient. The 43-year-old surgeon was found guilty after he removed the right leg of the patient, instead of the left.

Top 10 world news: Blinken tells Russia to choose diplomacy or face consequences on Ukraine and more

After Israel reported the first case of&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant case last week, reports said two doctors were infected with the new variant even as they were fully vaccinated including with a booster shot.&nbsp;The European Union has unveiled a project called ''Global Gateway'' that is&nbsp;worth 300 billion euros ($340 billion).

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-fully-vaccinated-israeli-doctors-get-infected-with-omicron-variant-433249">Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron variant</a>

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Both doctors reportedly worked in the same hospital. One of the doctors had visited&nbsp;London.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-china-eu-unveils-global-gateway-project-worth-340-billion-433281" hreflang="en">Eyeing China, EU unveils 'Global Gateway' project worth $340 billion</a>

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Experts believe the strategy is an offshoot of a plan by G7 countries to offer developing countries an alternative to Belt and Road presented in June at the industrial powers' summit in Cornwall.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-meadows-reveals-donald-trump-tested-covid-positive-few-days-before-biden-debate-433258" hreflang="en">Mark Meadows reveals Donald Trump tested Covid-positive few days before Biden debate</a>

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Meadows, who served as Trump's chief of staff, has made the shocking&nbsp;revelation&nbsp;in his new memoir called 'The Chief's Chief.'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-hypersonic-missile-can-stay-in-orbit-longer-claims-us-space-force-general-433271" hreflang="en">China's hypersonic missile can stay in orbit longer, claims US Space Force General</a>

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After reports claimed China had recently tested two&nbsp;hypersonic missiles, a top official from the US Space Force claimed China's hypersonic weapon can stay in space over an extended period.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/worldwide-cost-of-living-survey-top-10-expensive-cities-to-live-in-433222" hreflang="en">Worldwide Cost of Living Survey: Top 10 expensive cities to live in</a>

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The list has been compiled according to the&nbsp;Worldwide Cost of Living Index and was conducted in 173 cities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-sue-nasa-astronaut-over-claims-of-drilling-hole-in-spacecraft-433252" hreflang="en">Russia may sue NASA astronaut over claims of drilling hole in spacecraft</a>

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In a new development, Russian space agency Roscosmos has threatened to sue a NASA astronaut. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-armed-forces-plan-to-allow-people-with-hiv-to-join-433235" hreflang="en">British armed forces plan to allow people with HIV to join</a>

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British defence ministry said that it is planning to allow HIV positive people to join British armed forces if they no longer carry detectable amount of the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/debate-over-new-covid-variant-omicrons-pronunciation-begins-433191">Debate over new Covid variant Omicron’s pronunciation begins&nbsp;</a>

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Even as the world is tensed over the emergence of a new Covid variant Omicron, a debate seems to have begun over its pronunciation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-anti-vaxxer-broadcaster-marcus-lamb-dies-of-covid-433262" hreflang="en">Conservative anti-vaxxer broadcaster Marcus Lamb dies of Covid</a>

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Jonathan Lamb, son of Marcus Lamb described the Covid infection as "a spiritual attack from the enemy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-part-of-g20-troika-to-host-summit-in-2023-433276" hreflang="en">India becomes part of G20 Troika, to host summit in 2023</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86b6a2cd-da3b-4444-80bf-1115e299f357" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/G20-Leaders-Summit.jpg" />

&nbsp;

As a founding member of the grouping, India has used the platform to raise issues of vital importance globally

&nbsp;

After Israel reported the first case of Omicron variant case last week, reports said two doctors were infected with the new variant even as they were fully vaccinated including with a booster shot.

After Israel reported the first case of Omicron variant case last week, reports said two doctors were infected with the new variant even as they were fully vaccinated including with a booster shot. The European Union has unveiled a project called ''Global Gateway'' that is worth 300 billion euros ($340 billion). Click on headlines to read more Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron variant Both doctors reportedly worked in the same hospital. One of the doctors had visited London. Eyeing China, EU unveils 'Global Gateway' project worth $340 billion Experts believe the strategy is an offshoot of a plan by G7 countries to offer developing countries an alternative to Belt and Road presented in June at the industrial powers' summit in Cornwall. Mark Meadows reveals Donald Trump tested Covid-positive few days before Biden debate Meadows, who served as Trump's chief of staff, has made the shocking revelation in his new memoir called 'The Chief's Chief.' China's hypersonic missile can stay in orbit longer, claims US Space Force General After reports claimed China had recently tested two hypersonic missiles, a top official from the US Space Force claimed China's hypersonic weapon can stay in space over an extended period. Worldwide Cost of Living Survey: Top 10 expensive cities to live in The list has been compiled according to the Worldwide Cost of Living Index and was conducted in 173 cities. Russia may sue NASA astronaut over claims of drilling hole in spacecraft In a new development, Russian space agency Roscosmos has threatened to sue a NASA astronaut. British armed forces plan to allow people with HIV to join British defence ministry said that it is planning to allow HIV positive people to join British armed forces if they no longer carry detectable amount of the virus. Debate over new Covid variant Omicron’s pronunciation begins Even as the world is tensed over the emergence of a new Covid variant Omicron, a debate seems to have begun over its pronunciation. Conservative anti-vaxxer broadcaster Marcus Lamb dies of Covid Jonathan Lamb, son of Marcus Lamb described the Covid infection as "a spiritual attack from the enemy". India becomes part of G20 Troika, to host summit in 2023 As a founding member of the grouping, India has used the platform to raise issues of vital importance globally

Top 10 world news: Fully vaccinated doctors get infected with Omicron variant and more

The Australian government has said it has temporarily stopped plans to reopen borders for&nbsp;students&nbsp;and skilled workers as more people were detected with the Omicron&nbsp;variant.&nbsp;Russia has&nbsp;carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-halts-border-reopening-after-two-more-omicron-cases-detected-432736" hreflang="en">Australia halts border reopening after two more Omicron cases detected</a>

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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision to reopen the borders from December 1 has been pushed back by two weeks. The country has kept its&nbsp;borders&nbsp;closed for non-citizens for over 20 months ever since the pandemic hit in March last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-detects-six-omicron-variant-cases-as-uk-tightens-restrictions-432786">Scotland detects six Omicron variant cases as UK tightens restriction</a>

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Reports say at least six&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant cases have been detected in Scotland taking the total number of new virus variant cases in the UK to nine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-save-lives-but-does-not-fully-prevent-virus-transmission-who-chief-432747" hreflang="en">Vaccines save lives but does not fully prevent virus transmission: WHO chief</a>

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Amid panic over the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant, the World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros&nbsp;Adhanom Ghebreyesus asserted that although vaccines save lives however it does not fully eliminate transmission of the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/omicron-hits-portugal-as-13-members-of-lisbon-football-club-belenenses-sad-test-positive-432762">Omicron hits Portugal as 13 members of Belenenses football club test positive</a>

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Portugal detected 13 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus on Monday, all involving players and staff members of Lisbon soccer club Belenenses SAD, after one player recently returned from South Africa, health authority DGS said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zircon-hypersonic-missile-hits-target-in-latest-test-says-russia-432779">Zircon hypersonic missile hits target in latest test, says Russia</a>

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Russia on Monday, said that it had carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. These missiles are hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of new generation of arms systems that are unrivalled.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/their-intention-is-to-slowly-exhaust-taiwan-slams-chinese-air-intrusion-432804" hreflang="en">'Their intention is to slowly exhaust': Taiwan slams Chinese air intrusion</a>

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After Taiwan scrambled jets to deter Chinese aircraft from entering its&nbsp;air defence zone&nbsp;on Sunday, the country's defence minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said Beijing's intention is to "slowly exhaust" the country with air intrusions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-tayyip-erdogan-ratings-hit-all-time-low-as-lira-slumps-432788" hreflang="en">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan ratings hit all-time low as lira slumps</a>

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With pre-election polls showing dwindling support for his long-ruling AK Party (AKP), President Tayyip Erdogan's poll rating has hit an all time low.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-asks-president-biden-to-apologise-to-rittenhose-for-calling-him-white-supremacist-432770" hreflang="en">US Senator asks President Biden to apologise to Rittenhose for calling him 'white supremacist'</a>

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US Senator Thomas Bryant Cotton has asked President Joe Biden to apologise to Kyle Rittenhouse for calling him ''white supremacist.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-warns-us-might-have-to-face-a-fifth-wave-as-he-urges-people-to-get-jabbed-432706" hreflang="en">Fauci warns US might have to face a fifth wave as he urges people to get jabbed</a>

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As fears of the new variant continue to grow, Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci on Sunday warned that the US might have to go through a fifth wave. He also warned of increased transmissibility in the new variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ray-of-hope-blood-test-looks-to-identify-disorder-in-people-suffering-with-mental-health-issues-432714" hreflang="en">Ray of hope? Blood test looks to identify disorder in people suffering with mental health issues</a>

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In what can be called a ray of hope, a blood test, which uses RNA markers, seems to be offering help in identifying the issue among people, who have mood disorders, such as depression. It could be a breakthrough in the diagnosis of mental health conditions. &nbsp;

The Australian government has said it has temporarily stopped plans to reopen borders for students and skilled workers as more people were detected with the Omicron variant.

The Australian government has said it has temporarily stopped plans to reopen borders for students and skilled workers as more people were detected with the Omicron variant. Russia has carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. Click on headlines to read more Australia halts border reopening after two more Omicron cases detected Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision to reopen the borders from December 1 has been pushed back by two weeks. The country has kept its borders closed for non-citizens for over 20 months ever since the pandemic hit in March last year. Scotland detects six Omicron variant cases as UK tightens restriction Reports say at least six Omicron variant cases have been detected in Scotland taking the total number of new virus variant cases in the UK to nine. Vaccines save lives but does not fully prevent virus transmission: WHO chief Amid panic over the Omicron variant, the World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus asserted that although vaccines save lives however it does not fully eliminate transmission of the virus. Omicron hits Portugal as 13 members of Belenenses football club test positive Portugal detected 13 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus on Monday, all involving players and staff members of Lisbon soccer club Belenenses SAD, after one player recently returned from South Africa, health authority DGS said. Zircon hypersonic missile hits target in latest test, says Russia Russia on Monday, said that it had carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. These missiles are hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of new generation of arms systems that are unrivalled. 'Their intention is to slowly exhaust': Taiwan slams Chinese air intrusion After Taiwan scrambled jets to deter Chinese aircraft from entering its air defence zone on Sunday, the country's defence minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said Beijing's intention is to "slowly exhaust" the country with air intrusions. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan ratings hit all-time low as lira slumps With pre-election polls showing dwindling support for his long-ruling AK Party (AKP), President Tayyip Erdogan's poll rating has hit an all time low. US Senator asks President Biden to apologise to Rittenhose for calling him 'white supremacist' US Senator Thomas Bryant Cotton has asked President Joe Biden to apologise to Kyle Rittenhouse for calling him ''white supremacist.'' Fauci warns US might have to face a fifth wave as he urges people to get jabbed As fears of the new variant continue to grow, Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci on Sunday warned that the US might have to go through a fifth wave. He also warned of increased transmissibility in the new variant. Ray of hope? Blood test looks to identify disorder in people suffering with mental health issues In what can be called a ray of hope, a blood test, which uses RNA markers, seems to be offering help in identifying the issue among people, who have mood disorders, such as depression. It could be a breakthrough in the diagnosis of mental health conditions.

Top 10 world news: Scotland detects six Omicron variant cases 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>

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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>

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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>

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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 British government on Saturday confirmed the existence of two cases of the Omicron variant&nbsp;in the country. UK had banned flights to&nbsp;South Africa&nbsp;after authorities revealed they had discovered the&nbsp;B.1.1.529&nbsp;variant which reportedly has several mutations.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-belgium-uk-reports-two-omicron-variant-cases-432422">After Belgium, UK reports two Omicron variant cases</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/27/223803-omi1.JPG" />The UK government said the two cases were linked to&nbsp;southern Africa&nbsp;as it moved to expand the travel ban to four more African countries namely Angola, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi who were placed on the "red list".&nbsp;The World Health Organisation (WHO) had moved to designate&nbsp;B.1.1.529 as a&nbsp;"variant&nbsp;of concern"&nbsp;late on Friday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passengers-arriving-from-south-africa-at-amsterdam-airport-test-positive-for-covid-19-432380">Passengers arriving from South Africa at Amsterdam airport test positive for COVID-19</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/27/223774-kkk111.jpg" />The authorities are conducting tests to find out if the passengers have been affected by the new&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant.&nbsp;The passengers had arrived at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on two flights on Friday.The&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;health authorities confirmed 61 positive and 531 negative results on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-calls-for-review-on-easing-international-travel-plans-amid-omicron-variant-concerns-432364">Indian PM Modi calls for review on easing international travel plans amid Omicron variant concerns</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/27/223765-modi.jpg" />Prime Minister on Saturday asked officials to reconsider plans on easing international travel restrictions in the light of the new coronavirus variant, Omircron, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-nu-nor-xi-who-skips-two-greek-letters-for-naming-new-covid-variant-omicron-432328">Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron &nbsp;</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/29/204366-untitled-design-2021-07-29t222750415.jpg" />&nbsp;Naming can get tricky sometimes even when someone is following a sequence of letters. Although it shouldn’t happen usually, it can at times. &nbsp;The same holds true for the naming of new Covid variant Omicron, where two letters in the Greek alphabet, Nu and Xi, were skipped for various reasons by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-typical-mutations-were-found-in-a-traveller-says-german-minister-432392">Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveller, says German minister</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/27/223786-gt.jpg" />After Belgium, Germany on Saturday said it has discovered a new positive case resembling Omicron variant. Germany’s social affairs minister said that a traveller from South Africa was detected with similar mutations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-pm-fumio-kishida-vows-to-consider-all-options-to-counter-china-432300">Japanese PM Fumio Kishida vows to consider 'all options' to counter China</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/27/223727-untitled-design-12.jpg" />Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said he will consider ''all options'' to counter China. The country will add $6.75 billion to its already record annual military spending in a rush to bolster air and maritime defences.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-several-protesters-after-clashes-over-water-shortage-432430">Iran arrests several protesters after clashes over water shortage</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/09/22/212343-iran1.jpg" />Iranian authorities arrested 67 protesters after clashes with security forces in the city of Isfahan over&nbsp;water shortages&nbsp;on Friday, reports said. Iranian officials had used tear gas shells and batons to control the crowd as reports said nearly 3,000 people had taken part in the protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-police-find-3-bodies-make-arrests-432341">Solomon Islands police find 3 bodies, make arrests</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/27/223751-untitled-design-15.jpg" />&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;police have found three bodies in a burned-out building, Australian media said on Saturday, as police made more than a hundred arrests following rioting in the South Pacific capital in the past several days. Charred bodies were discovered in a store in the Chinatown district late on Friday, Australia's national broadcaster ABC said, citing a report from a security guard.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-nepal-pm-oli-says-will-take-back-kalapani-limpiyadhura-and-lipulekh-territories-from-india-432435">Former Nepal PM Oli says ‘will take back’ Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh territories from India</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/10/12/164597-untitled-design-25.jpg" />&nbsp;Former Nepal prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has vowed to “take back” Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh territories from India if his party comes to power. Lipulekh is a Himalayan pass located at a western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-subscribe-elon-musk-backed-starlink-services-till-it-gets-licence-indian-government-tells-public-432309">Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/11/27/223731-starlink.jpg" />In a stern advisory, Indian government has told public on Friday that don’t subscribe to the satellite-based internet services of Starlink till it gets a licence in the country. &nbsp;Starlink, which is a satellite broadband arm of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, is advertising about its services. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The British government on Saturday confirmed the existence of two cases of the Omicron variant in the country. UK had banned flights to South Africa after authorities revealed they had discovered the B.

The British government on Saturday confirmed the existence of two cases of the Omicron variant in the country. UK had banned flights to South Africa after authorities revealed they had discovered the B.1.1.529 variant which reportedly has several mutations. Click on headlines to read more After Belgium, UK reports two Omicron variant cases The UK government said the two cases were linked to southern Africa as it moved to expand the travel ban to four more African countries namely Angola, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi who were placed on the "red list". The World Health Organisation (WHO) had moved to designate B.1.1.529 as a "variant of concern" late on Friday. Passengers arriving from South Africa at Amsterdam airport test positive for COVID-19 The authorities are conducting tests to find out if the passengers have been affected by the new Omicron variant. The passengers had arrived at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on two flights on Friday.The Dutch health authorities confirmed 61 positive and 531 negative results on Saturday. Indian PM Modi calls for review on easing international travel plans amid Omicron variant concerns Prime Minister on Saturday asked officials to reconsider plans on easing international travel restrictions in the light of the new coronavirus variant, Omircron, which has been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO. Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron Naming can get tricky sometimes even when someone is following a sequence of letters. Although it shouldn’t happen usually, it can at times. The same holds true for the naming of new Covid variant Omicron, where two letters in the Greek alphabet, Nu and Xi, were skipped for various reasons by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveller, says German minister After Belgium, Germany on Saturday said it has discovered a new positive case resembling Omicron variant. Germany’s social affairs minister said that a traveller from South Africa was detected with similar mutations. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida vows to consider 'all options' to counter China Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said he will consider ''all options'' to counter China. The country will add $6.75 billion to its already record annual military spending in a rush to bolster air and maritime defences. Iran arrests several protesters after clashes over water shortage Iranian authorities arrested 67 protesters after clashes with security forces in the city of Isfahan over water shortages on Friday, reports said. Iranian officials had used tear gas shells and batons to control the crowd as reports said nearly 3,000 people had taken part in the protests. Solomon Islands police find 3 bodies, make arrests Solomon Islands police have found three bodies in a burned-out building, Australian media said on Saturday, as police made more than a hundred arrests following rioting in the South Pacific capital in the past several days. Charred bodies were discovered in a store in the Chinatown district late on Friday, Australia's national broadcaster ABC said, citing a report from a security guard. Former Nepal PM Oli says ‘will take back’ Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh territories from India Former Nepal prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has vowed to “take back” Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh territories from India if his party comes to power. Lipulekh is a Himalayan pass located at a western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public In a stern advisory, Indian government has told public on Friday that don’t subscribe to the satellite-based internet services of Starlink till it gets a licence in the country. Starlink, which is a satellite broadband arm of Elon Musk-led SpaceX, is advertising about its services.

Top 10 world news: UK reports two Omicron cases, Modi chairs meeting amid new variant concerns and more

The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Chinese companies for attempting "to acquire US origin-items in support of military applications."&nbsp;Scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant in South Africa that has a large number of mutations.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-companies-over-national-security-concerns-431911" hreflang="en">US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies over national security concerns</a>

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Highlighting national security and foreign policy concerns, the US government said they were listed to prevent US technology from being used to help China and&nbsp;develop quantum computing applications for its military.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-variant-having-large-number-of-mutations-detected-in-south-africa-431892" hreflang="en">New coronavirus variant, having large number of mutations, detected in South Africa</a>

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Blaming the new COVID-19 variant on the surge in new cases, virologist Tulio de Oliveira said ''Unfortunately we have detected a new variant which is a reason for concern in South Africa.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptian-court-sentences-death-to-22-islamist-militants-including-ex-cop-431895">Egyptian court sentences death to 22 Islamist militants, including ex-cop</a>

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An Egyptian court on Thursday sentenced to death 22 Islamist militants, including a former police officer, for terrorist attacks, including the attempted assassination of a former interior minister, according to news reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/siberia-at-least-11-people-dead-after-getting-trapped-in-coal-mine-431848">Siberia: At least 11 people dead after getting trapped in coal mine</a>

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32c84013-8b30-46ff-b4d9-ca03037d1d06" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_128.jpg" />

The Listvyazhnaya coal mine in the Kemerovo region, Russia collapsed following a fire in the ventilation shaft.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-looting-to-fires-new-unrest-rocks-french-caribbean-over-covid-measures-431878" hreflang="en">From looting to fires: New unrest rocks French Caribbean over Covid measures</a>

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Protesters in French overseas territories in the Caribbean opposing measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 clashed again with security forces as the Paris government vowed to restore order.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-looking-at-chip-cooperation-with-eastern-european-nations-431917" hreflang="en">Taiwan looking at chip cooperation with Eastern European nations</a>

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Tech powerhouse Taiwan, home to companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), has become front and centre of efforts to resolve a shortage of chips that has shut some auto production lines around the world and whose impact is now being felt in consumer electronics too.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lithuania-urges-europe-to-increase-indo-pacific-ties-in-face-of-chinese-coercion-431908" hreflang="en">Lithuania urges Europe to increase Indo-Pacific ties in face of Chinese 'coercion'</a>

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China downgraded diplomatic ties with&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;on Sunday over the Baltic country's move to allow self-ruled Taiwan to open a de facto embassy there.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dimon-says-he-regrets-comment-on-jpmorgan-outlasting-china-communist-party-431834" hreflang="en">Dimon says he regrets comment on JPMorgan outlasting China Communist Party</a>

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JPMorgan&nbsp;Chase Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said on Wednesday he regretted his remarks that the Wall Street bank would last longer than China's Communist Party (CPC), moving quickly to avoid any longer-term fallout.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-winning-1-mn-virgin-galactic-tickets-mother-daughter-duo-bound-for-space-431861" hreflang="en">After winning $1 mn Virgin Galactic tickets, mother-daughter duo bound for space</a>

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In what can be called a trip of a lifetime, a health coach from Antigua and Barbuda, who won two tickets worth almost $1 million to space, looks to take her teenage daughter along. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-cases-break-records-in-europe-ecdc-urges-to-urgently-introduce-measures-431844" hreflang="en">As Covid cases break records in Europe, ECDC urges to 'urgently' introduce measures</a>

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Coronavirus cases are hitting&nbsp;a new record high in various European countries. Amid a surge in cases, the EU health agency on Wednesday appealed to member states to "urgently" introduce measures.&nbsp;

The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Chinese companies for attempting "to acquire US origin-items in support of military applications." Scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant in South Africa that has a large number of mutations.

The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Chinese companies for attempting "to acquire US origin-items in support of military applications." Scientists have detected a new coronavirus variant in South Africa that has a large number of mutations. Click on headlines to read more US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies over national security concerns Highlighting national security and foreign policy concerns, the US government said they were listed to prevent US technology from being used to help China and develop quantum computing applications for its military. New coronavirus variant, having large number of mutations, detected in South Africa Blaming the new COVID-19 variant on the surge in new cases, virologist Tulio de Oliveira said ''Unfortunately we have detected a new variant which is a reason for concern in South Africa.'' Egyptian court sentences death to 22 Islamist militants, including ex-cop An Egyptian court on Thursday sentenced to death 22 Islamist militants, including a former police officer, for terrorist attacks, including the attempted assassination of a former interior minister, according to news reports. Siberia: At least 11 people dead after getting trapped in coal mine The Listvyazhnaya coal mine in the Kemerovo region, Russia collapsed following a fire in the ventilation shaft. From looting to fires: New unrest rocks French Caribbean over Covid measures Protesters in French overseas territories in the Caribbean opposing measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 clashed again with security forces as the Paris government vowed to restore order. Taiwan looking at chip cooperation with Eastern European nations Tech powerhouse Taiwan, home to companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), has become front and centre of efforts to resolve a shortage of chips that has shut some auto production lines around the world and whose impact is now being felt in consumer electronics too. Lithuania urges Europe to increase Indo-Pacific ties in face of Chinese 'coercion' China downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania on Sunday over the Baltic country's move to allow self-ruled Taiwan to open a de facto embassy there. Dimon says he regrets comment on JPMorgan outlasting China Communist Party JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said on Wednesday he regretted his remarks that the Wall Street bank would last longer than China's Communist Party (CPC), moving quickly to avoid any longer-term fallout. After winning $1 mn Virgin Galactic tickets, mother-daughter duo bound for space In what can be called a trip of a lifetime, a health coach from Antigua and Barbuda, who won two tickets worth almost $1 million to space, looks to take her teenage daughter along. As Covid cases break records in Europe, ECDC urges to 'urgently' introduce measures Coronavirus cases are hitting a new record high in various European countries. Amid a surge in cases, the EU health agency on Wednesday appealed to member states to "urgently" introduce measures.

Top 10 world news: US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies and more

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