International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital.&nbsp;

According to the Tamil Nadu government, samples for genome sequencing and identifying the COVID-19 variant are also being tested. This comes a day after two cases of the new variant of concern Omicron were detected in the neighbouring state Karnataka.&nbsp;

Elaborating on this, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Subramanian said that the Singapore returnee had tested positive at the Trichy airport and the 10-year old boy, returning from the UK had&nbsp;tested positive at Chennai. He also added that the passengers who sat in adjoining rows, air attendants, other close contacts, and families of the two travellers were being tested and monitored.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

Currently, passengers from 21 high-risk countries including the UK, South Africa, Hong Kong, Botswana, Israel, Singapore etc, are undergoing mass fever screening, after landing in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Following the fever screening, the passengers undergo RTPCR tests. Those who test positive are admitted and isolated in government hospitals, while those testing negative would have to undergo 7-day home quarantine and monitoring.&nbsp;

Requesting the public to not panic, the Minister assured that the Tamil Nadu government would immediately announce if an Omicron case is detected.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-free-covid-treatment-if-not-vaccinated-in-this-southern-indian-state-433657">Also read |&nbsp;No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this southern Indian state</a>

He also urged the public to follow standard COVID-19 protocols and ensure that all eligible people had taken both jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

In terms of daily RTPCR testing, he said that Tamil Nadu was performing over one lakh tests, of which only around 700 persons were testing positive.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital.

International flights arriving in Tamil Nadu from Singapore and the UK have been put under close watch after two passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The two passengers have been isolated and admitted to the hospital. According to the Tamil Nadu government, samples for genome sequencing and identifying the COVID-19 variant are also being tested. This comes a day after two cases of the new variant of concern Omicron were detected in the neighbouring state Karnataka. Elaborating on this, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Subramanian said that the Singapore returnee had tested positive at the Trichy airport and the 10-year old boy, returning from the UK had tested positive at Chennai. He also added that the passengers who sat in adjoining rows, air attendants, other close contacts, and families of the two travellers were being tested and monitored. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated Currently, passengers from 21 high-risk countries including the UK, South Africa, Hong Kong, Botswana, Israel, Singapore etc, are undergoing mass fever screening, after landing in Tamil Nadu. Following the fever screening, the passengers undergo RTPCR tests. Those who test positive are admitted and isolated in government hospitals, while those testing negative would have to undergo 7-day home quarantine and monitoring. Requesting the public to not panic, the Minister assured that the Tamil Nadu government would immediately announce if an Omicron case is detected. Also read | No free Covid treatment if not vaccinated in this southern Indian state He also urged the public to follow standard COVID-19 protocols and ensure that all eligible people had taken both jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines. In terms of daily RTPCR testing, he said that Tamil Nadu was performing over one lakh tests, of which only around 700 persons were testing positive.

Two people from UK and Singapore test positive for Covid in South India; further tests underway

Reports say Downing street was busy throwing parties amid strict lockdowns in London. Dozens of people were treated to food, booze and games despite a ban on indoor social gatherings. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Was Boris partying when Britain locked down?

The United States will delay its deal to remove tariffs on UK steel and aluminium because of concerns about post-Brexit trade rules that affect Northern Ireland.

US to delay UK trade deal over post-Brexit concern

World leaders are mulling or introducing strict measures and partial lockdowns as the World Health Organisation (WHO) produces a stern warning over the new Omicron variant. But, the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is insisting that full lockdowns should not be necessary.

Boris Johnson rules out lockdown as UK citizens are confused over Christmas celebrations

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. Military persons who become infected after they get enlisted can already remain in the armed forces. However, they are categorised as being not fully fit. The ministry said that this categorisation has been planned to be changed.

"Drug treatment has revolutionised the lives and outcomes of people diagnosed with HIV. As a modern and inclusive employer, it is only right that we recognise and act on the latest scientific evidence," junior defence minister Leo Docherty said.

The United States also currently bans people with HIV from joining its armed forces, and has faced legal challenge over its policy not to allow enlisted personnel who are HIV positive to commission as officers.

With the right treatment, the amount of virus in the blood of people infected with HIV can be reduced to undetectable levels, which in turn effectively eliminates the chances of them passing the virus which causes AIDS on to others.

From early next year, serving British military personnel who have tested positive for HIV, but no longer carry a detectable viral load, will be classed as fully fit, meaning they can be deployed on military operations.

People taking drugs that reduce the risk of contracting HIV will also be able to join the armed forces. Historically anyone taking regular medication has been unable to join Britain's armed forces, with limited exceptions such as contraceptives.

The planned changes were welcomed by Britain's National AIDS Trust. "A career in the armed forces was the only career not open to people living with HIV in the UK, and with this much-needed change the military will be more able to meet its obligation to promote inclusivity within its ranks," said Deborah Gold, the trust's chief executive.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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. Military persons who become infected after they get enlisted can already remain in the armed forces. However, they are categorised as being not fully fit. The ministry said that this categorisation has been planned to be changed. "Drug treatment has revolutionised the lives and outcomes of people diagnosed with HIV. As a modern and inclusive employer, it is only right that we recognise and act on the latest scientific evidence," junior defence minister Leo Docherty said. The United States also currently bans people with HIV from joining its armed forces, and has faced legal challenge over its policy not to allow enlisted personnel who are HIV positive to commission as officers. With the right treatment, the amount of virus in the blood of people infected with HIV can be reduced to undetectable levels, which in turn effectively eliminates the chances of them passing the virus which causes AIDS on to others. From early next year, serving British military personnel who have tested positive for HIV, but no longer carry a detectable viral load, will be classed as fully fit, meaning they can be deployed on military operations. People taking drugs that reduce the risk of contracting HIV will also be able to join the armed forces. Historically anyone taking regular medication has been unable to join Britain's armed forces, with limited exceptions such as contraceptives. The planned changes were welcomed by Britain's National AIDS Trust. "A career in the armed forces was the only career not open to people living with HIV in the UK, and with this much-needed change the military will be more able to meet its obligation to promote inclusivity within its ranks," said Deborah Gold, the trust's chief executive. (With inputs from agencies)

British armed forces plan to allow people with HIV to join

United Kingdom: Costs are rising at the fastest rate in over two decades for firms and the services sector. According to a business survey, the Bank of England may soon raise interest rates available.

UK inflation surges to a 10-year high of 4.2% in October: Report

Parts of the United Kingdom experienced one of the ‘coldest night of the season’ with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius as storm Arwen has wreaked havoc across much of the UK, bringing strong winds, sleet and snow.

Storm Arwen: ‘Coldest night of the season’ hits parts of United Kingdom

Up on a hill in Yorkshire, England, a crowd filled a pub on Friday to listen to an Oasis tribute band. Inside the pub, the Tan Hill Inn, the beers were cold, the fires were warming and the musicians were electric.

But outside, the winds were howling and the snow was swirling. The pubgoers knew the forecast was dire, but not so much that piles of snow as high as 3 feet would block the pub’s exits, said Nicola Townsend, the inn’s general manager.

After the tribute band, Noasis, finished its set, local authorities said it was not safe to drive home, Townsend said Sunday night.

So the patrons, the band members and seven inn employees stayed the night.

And then another.

And Sunday night, they were preparing to stay another.

Though the roads were not safe to travel, a group of off-roaders took a couple of parents home to their young children, Townsend said. A local mountain rescue group also helped evacuate a man who needed medical treatment for an “ongoing condition.”

That has left 61 people, mostly strangers, stranded at the pub. To pass the time, they took pub quizzes, watched movies like “Grease” and “Mamma Mia!” and sang karaoke, Townsend said.

“Lots of Oasis at the moment,” she said, adding that the pubgoers have started calling the tribute band “Snowasis.”

Band members had to cancel a performance Saturday night because they were snowed in. “We have no way of making it to our gig,” the band said on Facebook.

Those at the pub have enjoyed a few beers but no one is “getting loud and drunk,” Townsend said, because they want to be “respectful of each other.”

Some of those who were stranded already had rooms at the inn, while others had parked their motor homes outside. The rest crammed into the lounge, where they slept on sofas or on the floor. Employees supplied them with mattresses, blankets and pillows and kept the fireplaces roaring.

They hope they can leave on Monday afternoon, but the problem, Townsend said, is that a downed power line has blocked the road leading out of the remote pub. The pub is in Richmond, a town in North Yorkshire, which is more than 200 miles northwest of London.

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Outside the pub, the United Kingdom has been reeling from the storm, which has been blamed for the deaths of at least three people who died in separate episodes Friday.

A man died in Cumbria, England, after a tree hit him, police there said, while the other two — a man in Northern Ireland and a man in Aberdeenshire, Scotland — were struck by falling trees in their cars, authorities said.

The storm has paralyzed swaths of Britain’s power grid and left thousands without power. The Met Office, Britain’s national weather service, has issued several warnings since Friday about high winds and snow from the storm, which it has named Storm Arwen.

The weather has shown no signs of letting up for the pub patrons. A video on social media showed snow blanketing the doorway and the cars parked outside, though emergency workers looked to be clearing a path out of the pub.

The episode has drawn attention from around the world, and the inn has kept people updated on Facebook. In a post on Sunday night, it jokingly called the pubgoers “inmates” and said that “some are at breaking point.”

But Townsend said that, for the most part, “everybody seems to be really quite happy.”

“The best way I can describe it is it’s like being at a party with all your friends,” she said, adding that the inn would not run out of food because it stocks up for the winter.

Those gathered have shared roast dinners, a couple of beers and even a buffet (on the house) with “lots of different picky bits,” she said. Patrons have helped wash dishes and taken up a collection for the staff.

“We will ALWAYS remember this group of amazing people who came together, and hopefully, in challenging circumstances, enjoyed what we all think was a life-changing experience,” another Facebook post said.

This is not the first time people have been snowed in at the inn. Townsend said this also happened on New Year’s Day in 2010. Waitrose &amp;amp; Partners, a U.K. grocery chain, filmed a commercial at the inn in 2017 featuring snowbound pubgoers enjoying a meal together.

The group stuck in the pub may have started Friday as strangers, but they will leave as friends, Townsend said, adding, “We’ve even talked about having a reunion next year.”

Up on a hill in Yorkshire, England, a crowd filled a pub on Friday to listen to an Oasis tribute band. Inside the pub, the Tan Hill Inn, the beers were cold, the fires were warming and the musicians were electric.

Up on a hill in Yorkshire, England, a crowd filled a pub on Friday to listen to an Oasis tribute band. Inside the pub, the Tan Hill Inn, the beers were cold, the fires were warming and the musicians were electric. But outside, the winds were howling and the snow was swirling. The pubgoers knew the forecast was dire, but not so much that piles of snow as high as 3 feet would block the pub’s exits, said Nicola Townsend, the inn’s general manager. After the tribute band, Noasis, finished its set, local authorities said it was not safe to drive home, Townsend said Sunday night. So the patrons, the band members and seven inn employees stayed the night. And then another. And Sunday night, they were preparing to stay another. Though the roads were not safe to travel, a group of off-roaders took a couple of parents home to their young children, Townsend said. A local mountain rescue group also helped evacuate a man who needed medical treatment for an “ongoing condition.” That has left 61 people, mostly strangers, stranded at the pub. To pass the time, they took pub quizzes, watched movies like “Grease” and “Mamma Mia!” and sang karaoke, Townsend said. “Lots of Oasis at the moment,” she said, adding that the pubgoers have started calling the tribute band “Snowasis.” Band members had to cancel a performance Saturday night because they were snowed in. “We have no way of making it to our gig,” the band said on Facebook. Those at the pub have enjoyed a few beers but no one is “getting loud and drunk,” Townsend said, because they want to be “respectful of each other.” Some of those who were stranded already had rooms at the inn, while others had parked their motor homes outside. The rest crammed into the lounge, where they slept on sofas or on the floor. Employees supplied them with mattresses, blankets and pillows and kept the fireplaces roaring. They hope they can leave on Monday afternoon, but the problem, Townsend said, is that a downed power line has blocked the road leading out of the remote pub. The pub is in Richmond, a town in North Yorkshire, which is more than 200 miles northwest of London. Outside the pub, the United Kingdom has been reeling from the storm, which has been blamed for the deaths of at least three people who died in separate episodes Friday. A man died in Cumbria, England, after a tree hit him, police there said, while the other two — a man in Northern Ireland and a man in Aberdeenshire, Scotland — were struck by falling trees in their cars, authorities said. The storm has paralyzed swaths of Britain’s power grid and left thousands without power. The Met Office, Britain’s national weather service, has issued several warnings since Friday about high winds and snow from the storm, which it has named Storm Arwen. The weather has shown no signs of letting up for the pub patrons. A video on social media showed snow blanketing the doorway and the cars parked outside, though emergency workers looked to be clearing a path out of the pub. The episode has drawn attention from around the world, and the inn has kept people updated on Facebook. In a post on Sunday night, it jokingly called the pubgoers “inmates” and said that “some are at breaking point.” But Townsend said that, for the most part, “everybody seems to be really quite happy.” “The best way I can describe it is it’s like being at a party with all your friends,” she said, adding that the inn would not run out of food because it stocks up for the winter. Those gathered have shared roast dinners, a couple of beers and even a buffet (on the house) with “lots of different picky bits,” she said. Patrons have helped wash dishes and taken up a collection for the staff. “We will ALWAYS remember this group of amazing people who came together, and hopefully, in challenging circumstances, enjoyed what we all think was a life-changing experience,” another Facebook post said. This is not the first time people have been snowed in at the inn. Townsend said this also happened on New Year’s Day in 2010. Waitrose &amp; Partners, a U.K. grocery chain, filmed a commercial at the inn in 2017 featuring snowbound pubgoers enjoying a meal together. The group stuck in the pub may have started Friday as strangers, but they will leave as friends, Townsend said, adding, “We’ve even talked about having a reunion next year.”

Snowstorm leaves 61 stranded in remote UK pub

Asian stocks suffered their sharpest drop in two months on Friday after the detection of a new and possibly vaccine-resistant coronavirus variant sent investors scurrying toward the safety of bonds, the yen and the dollar.

Stocks markets under pressure after news of new COVID variant emerges

In an effort to step up its military presence in the world, the United Kingdom unveiled its ‘Future Soldier’ modernisation plan, detailing about its plans to improve manpower serving the military and future investments in weapons.

“More of the Army will be deployed across the globe, more of the time. Greater forward deployment will improve our ability to anticipate crises and be ready to compete beneath the threshold of open conflict. It will prevent conflict by reassuring allies and partners and deterring adversaries,” the Future Soldier modernisation plan, which was released on Thursday, read.

The defence ministry also announced an additional investment in the military equipment&nbsp;worth 8.6 billion pounds ($11.46 billion), during the next decade. This will raise the total investment to 41.3 billion pounds for the same period.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-spy-agencies-sign-deal-with-amazon-to-host-top-secret-data-for-espionage-report-424123">British spy agencies sign deal with Amazon to host ‘top secret data’ for espionage: Report</a>

The total of over 100,000 soldiers will serve in the British Army by 2025, according to estimates of the ministry, as the UK regular army is expected to include 73,000 soldiers, and the number of reservists will stand at 30,000.

&nbsp;“Future Soldier is reinforced by the ambition outlined in the Defence Command Paper to transform the Army into a more agile, integrated, lethal, expeditionary force,” UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-uk-new-bill-empowers-british-govt-to-remove-citizenship-without-notice-430698">&nbsp;In UK, new bill empowers British govt to remove citizenship without notice</a>

“We have underpinned this generational work with an extra £8.6bn for Army equipment, bringing the total investment to £41.3bn,” he added.

A new Ranger Regiment, which will go into operation on December 1, 2021, is one of the most significant improvements. The regiment will regularly deploy alongside partner troops throughout the world to counter extremist organisations and hostile state threats&nbsp;as part of the Army Special Operations Brigade.

&nbsp;Wallace also said that their&nbsp;Army will operate around the world and will be&nbsp;able to tackle a variety of threats ranging from cyber warfare to battlefield conflict.

In an effort to step up its military presence in the world, the United Kingdom unveiled its ‘Future Soldier’ modernisation plan, detailing about its plans to improve manpower serving the military and future investments in weapons.

In an effort to step up its military presence in the world, the United Kingdom unveiled its ‘Future Soldier’ modernisation plan, detailing about its plans to improve manpower serving the military and future investments in weapons. “More of the Army will be deployed across the globe, more of the time. Greater forward deployment will improve our ability to anticipate crises and be ready to compete beneath the threshold of open conflict. It will prevent conflict by reassuring allies and partners and deterring adversaries,” the Future Soldier modernisation plan, which was released on Thursday, read. The defence ministry also announced an additional investment in the military equipment worth 8.6 billion pounds ($11.46 billion), during the next decade. This will raise the total investment to 41.3 billion pounds for the same period. Also read | British spy agencies sign deal with Amazon to host ‘top secret data’ for espionage: Report The total of over 100,000 soldiers will serve in the British Army by 2025, according to estimates of the ministry, as the UK regular army is expected to include 73,000 soldiers, and the number of reservists will stand at 30,000. “Future Soldier is reinforced by the ambition outlined in the Defence Command Paper to transform the Army into a more agile, integrated, lethal, expeditionary force,” UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said. Also read | In UK, new bill empowers British govt to remove citizenship without notice “We have underpinned this generational work with an extra £8.6bn for Army equipment, bringing the total investment to £41.3bn,” he added. A new Ranger Regiment, which will go into operation on December 1, 2021, is one of the most significant improvements. The regiment will regularly deploy alongside partner troops throughout the world to counter extremist organisations and hostile state threats as part of the Army Special Operations Brigade. Wallace also said that their Army will operate around the world and will be able to tackle a variety of threats ranging from cyber warfare to battlefield conflict.

UK unveils ‘Future Soldier’ modernisation plan to expand military footprint across globe

31 people have died in the deadliest English Channel disaster. Emmanuel Macron & Boris Johnson are sparring over who should bear the blame. Will a blame game solve the migrant crisis? Here's what Palki Sharma has to say.

Gravitas: 31 people drown in English Channel | Macron & Boris Johnson trade blame.

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel.

France has cancelled invitation to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to attend meeting on the issue in Calais. This has underlined how fraught ties between France and Britain have become. The two countries are already sparring over post-Brexit trading rules and fishing rights.

Boris Johnson's spokesman said the British prime minister was taking the issue "extremely seriously" and said he hoped France would reconsider its decision to cancel Patel's invite.

The row has erupted after the death of 27 migrants trying to cross the narrow seaway between the two countries, the worst tragedy on record in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-britain-agree-to-step-up-efforts-to-limit-channel-crossings-431979">France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings</a>

"I'm surprised when things are not done seriously. We don't communicate between leaders via tweets or published letters, we are not whistle-blowers. Come on. Come on," Macron told a news conference in Rome.

Macron was responding to a letter from Johnson in which the British leader told "Dear Emmanuel" what he reckoned should be done to stop migrants from making the perilous journey.

Johnson urged France in his letter to agree on joint patrols on its shores and consent to taking back the migrants who make it to Britain.

Infuriated by the letter, and not least by the fact that Johnson published it on Twitter, the French government cancelled an invitation to Patel to attend a meeting on Sunday to discuss with EU ministers how to tackle immigration.

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel.

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel. France has cancelled invitation to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to attend meeting on the issue in Calais. This has underlined how fraught ties between France and Britain have become. The two countries are already sparring over post-Brexit trading rules and fishing rights. Boris Johnson's spokesman said the British prime minister was taking the issue "extremely seriously" and said he hoped France would reconsider its decision to cancel Patel's invite. The row has erupted after the death of 27 migrants trying to cross the narrow seaway between the two countries, the worst tragedy on record in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Also Read | France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings "I'm surprised when things are not done seriously. We don't communicate between leaders via tweets or published letters, we are not whistle-blowers. Come on. Come on," Macron told a news conference in Rome. Macron was responding to a letter from Johnson in which the British leader told "Dear Emmanuel" what he reckoned should be done to stop migrants from making the perilous journey. Johnson urged France in his letter to agree on joint patrols on its shores and consent to taking back the migrants who make it to Britain. Infuriated by the letter, and not least by the fact that Johnson published it on Twitter, the French government cancelled an invitation to Patel to attend a meeting on Sunday to discuss with EU ministers how to tackle immigration.

Macron tells UK to 'get serious' over English Channel migrant issue

The UK has banned cosmetic surgery ads that target teens. The ban also includes social media ads and comes at a time when online filters have added to teenagers' body image issues. Should India too follow suit? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: UK bans cosmetic surgery ads targeting teenagers

France has withdrawn an invitation to UK home secretary Priti Patel to join talks on the migrant crisis following a public letter from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to President Emmanuel Macron.

France cancels UK invitation to migrant crisis talks after Boris Johnson's letter

A man has become the first person in the world to get a 3D-printed prosthetic eye, according to a British hospital. &nbsp;

Steve Verze, who is from Hackney, east London, received the prosthetic eye at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London on Thursday. &nbsp;

The eye is reported to be 'more realistic' than the traditional acrylic prosthetic eye. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/general-practitioner-gets-sued-by-her-clients-daughter-for-millions-for-allowing-her-birth-431889" hreflang="en">General practitioner gets sued by her client's daughter for millions for allowing her birth</a>

Verze, who is in his 40s, said, "I've needed a prosthetic since I was 20, and I've always felt self-conscious about it. When I leave my home, I often take a second glance in the mirror, and I've not liked what I've seen. This new eye looks fantastic and being based on 3D digital printing technology, it's only going to be better and better." &nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We're proud to support a world-first in ocular prosthetics: the trial of a digitally created 3D printed eye that will make it quicker &amp; easier for up to 60,000 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHS</a> patients to receive a new eye, reducing waiting times👉<a href="https://t.co/alP8nETMl9">https://t.co/alP8nETMl9</a><a href="https://twitter.com/NIHRresearch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NIHRresearch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Moorfields?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Moorfields</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLeye?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UCLeye</a> <a href="https://t.co/n5dVU8pM9i">pic.twitter.com/n5dVU8pM9i</a>
— NIHR Moorfields BRC (@MoorfieldsBRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoorfieldsBRC/status/1463822647167438861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to the hospital, the 3D-printed prosthetic should reduce the process of manufacturing to two to three weeks. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unesco-member-states-adopt-the-first-global-agreement-on-artificial-intelligence-ethics-431996" hreflang="en">UNESCO member states adopt the first global agreement on artificial intelligence ethics</a>

Professor Mandeep Sagoo, consultant ophthalmologist, Moorfields Eye Hospital, said the staff is "excited" with the potential of this eye. &nbsp;

"We hope the forthcoming clinical trial will provide us with robust evidence about the value of this new technology, showing what difference it makes for patients. It clearly has the potential to reduce waiting lists," added Sagoo. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A man has become the first person in the world to get a 3D-printed prosthetic eye, according to a British hospital. Steve Verze, who is from Hackney, east London, received the prosthetic eye at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London on Thursday.

A man has become the first person in the world to get a 3D-printed prosthetic eye, according to a British hospital. Steve Verze, who is from Hackney, east London, received the prosthetic eye at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London on Thursday. The eye is reported to be 'more realistic' than the traditional acrylic prosthetic eye. Also Read: General practitioner gets sued by her client's daughter for millions for allowing her birth Verze, who is in his 40s, said, "I've needed a prosthetic since I was 20, and I've always felt self-conscious about it. When I leave my home, I often take a second glance in the mirror, and I've not liked what I've seen. This new eye looks fantastic and being based on 3D digital printing technology, it's only going to be better and better." We're proud to support a world-first in ocular prosthetics: the trial of a digitally created 3D printed eye that will make it quicker & easier for up to 60,000 #NHS patients to receive a new eye, reducing waiting times👉https://t.co/alP8nETMl9@NIHRresearch @Moorfields @UCLeye pic.twitter.com/n5dVU8pM9i — NIHR Moorfields BRC (@MoorfieldsBRC) November 25, 2021 × According to the hospital, the 3D-printed prosthetic should reduce the process of manufacturing to two to three weeks. Also Read: UNESCO member states adopt the first global agreement on artificial intelligence ethics Professor Mandeep Sagoo, consultant ophthalmologist, Moorfields Eye Hospital, said the staff is "excited" with the potential of this eye. "We hope the forthcoming clinical trial will provide us with robust evidence about the value of this new technology, showing what difference it makes for patients. It clearly has the potential to reduce waiting lists," added Sagoo. (With inputs from agencies)

UK man becomes first to get 3D-printed prosthetic eye

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has canceled a meeting with his UK counterpart Priti Patel in light of the latest criticism of France on the illegal migrants issue addressed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin cancels meet with UK counterpart

In what is being termed as the deadliest migrant boat tragedy, at least 27 migrants lost their lives after their boat sank in the English Channel near Calais. The migrants were trying to reach England from France.

In what is being termed as the deadliest migrant boat tragedy, at least 27 migrants lost their lives after their boat sank in the English Channel near Calais. The migrants were trying to reach England from France. "It is Europe's deepest values - humanism, respect for the dignity of each person - that are in mourning," said French President Emmanuel Macron. As an aftermath of the accident, Macron also made an effort to speak to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about magnifying efforts to stop the traffickers, who have been blamed for an increase in such crossings. Johnson said he was "appalled" and would leave "no stone unturned" to stop people responsible for human trafficking. He further said that Britain had faced "difficulties persuading some of our partners, particularly the French, to do things in a way that the situation deserves," urging tougher action from France. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter probe. Also read | Havana Syndrome: FBI makes it a top priority, will continue to 'identify the cause' Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 4 suspected traffickers who have been accused of having a direct link are arrested. He further stated that five women and a girl were among those who have lost their lives. Initially, the toll said that 31 migrants had died but the interior ministry later revised this to 27. Prime Minister Jean Castex will hold a crisis meeting early on Thursday. The UK House of Commons will be holding a debate on “the numbers of migrants arriving in the UK illegally by boat.” The British Red Cross has described the incident as “truly heartbreaking” as the society called on the UK government to “rethink its plans” regarding the asylum system. (With inputs from agencies)

'Truly heartbreaking': At least 27 people die after migrant boat sank in English Channel

At least 27 migrants were killed after their dinghy capsized while they were attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain, it is one of the worst disaster.

English channel migrant crisis: 27 killed after boat sinks, UK and France starts blame game

Several British politicians are demanding a change in parliamentary rules after a lawmaker was told she couldn't bring her 3-month-old baby to parliament.

United Kingdom: British lawmakers reject ban on babies in parliament

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders.

According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series.

Apart from that, the Tory Party members are also reportedly unhappy over his key policy decisions such as social care proposals, decision to scale back rail improvements for the north and frustration over the government’s failure to keep its promises on small boats crossing the Channel.

A source from the prime ministers’ office at the Downing Street told the BBC that there was “a lot of concern inside the building about the PM … it’s just not working”, adding that the “cabinet needs to wake up and demand serious changes otherwise it’ll keep getting worse”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/real-lesson-for-me-going-to-peppa-pig-world-twitter-in-splits-over-johnsons-bizarre-speech-431359">'Real lesson for me going to Peppa Pig World': Twitter in splits over Johnson's bizarre speech</a>

Similarly, a former cabinet minister told the Guardian that there was “an accumulation of things building up, really relating to his competence and that is beginning to look very shaky” after a “pretty bad bloody fortnight”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/priti-patel-furious-as-boris-johnson-blocks-public-sexual-harassment-law-419621">Priti Patel furious as Boris Johnson blocks public sexual harassment law</a>

The backlash against Johnson comes after his address to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where was accused of lacking seriousness and professionalism.

During that speech, it was said that Johnson imitated the sound of an accelerating car with sounds like “arum arum aaaaaaaaag”.

He also compared himself to Moses while discussing his plans to help businesses invest in tackling climate change.

&nbsp;“I said to my officials the new 10 commandments were that ‘Thou shalt develop industries like offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear power and carbon capture,” the prime minister said.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders. According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders. According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series. Apart from that, the Tory Party members are also reportedly unhappy over his key policy decisions such as social care proposals, decision to scale back rail improvements for the north and frustration over the government’s failure to keep its promises on small boats crossing the Channel. A source from the prime ministers’ office at the Downing Street told the BBC that there was “a lot of concern inside the building about the PM … it’s just not working”, adding that the “cabinet needs to wake up and demand serious changes otherwise it’ll keep getting worse”. Also read | 'Real lesson for me going to Peppa Pig World': Twitter in splits over Johnson's bizarre speech Similarly, a former cabinet minister told the Guardian that there was “an accumulation of things building up, really relating to his competence and that is beginning to look very shaky” after a “pretty bad bloody fortnight”. Also read | Priti Patel furious as Boris Johnson blocks public sexual harassment law The backlash against Johnson comes after his address to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where was accused of lacking seriousness and professionalism. During that speech, it was said that Johnson imitated the sound of an accelerating car with sounds like “arum arum aaaaaaaaag”. He also compared himself to Moses while discussing his plans to help businesses invest in tackling climate change. “I said to my officials the new 10 commandments were that ‘Thou shalt develop industries like offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear power and carbon capture,” the prime minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

Conservative MPs question UK PM Johnson’s ‘competence’ after ‘rambling’ speech

A UK report has concluded that crabs, octopuses and lobsters are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. This has led to addition of these animals in the list of sentient beings which will be protected under new animal protection law.

The report was commissioned by the UK government. Experts at the London School of Economics looked at 300 scientific studies to evaluate of sentience.

Sentience is defined as the quality of being able to experience feelings. Humans are sentient beings. In new animal welfare legislation being debated in UK, vertebrates, or animals with backbone have already been classified as sentient.

The study by LSE experts has concluded that cephalopods ( like squids, octopuses and cuttlefish) and decapods (crabs and other animals) are sentient. The report recommends that lobsters and crabs shouldn't be boiled alive as they are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. The report has also suggested best practices.

"The Animal Welfare Sentience Bill provides a crucial assurance that animal wellbeing is rightly considered when developing new laws. The science is now clear that decapods and cephalopods can feel pain and therefore it is only right they are covered by this vital piece of legislation," said Animal Welfare Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith in a statement published on UK government website.

The legislation is not yet a law. When the law comes to effect, it will establish an Animal Sentience Committee

This committee will observe and make reports on to what extent government would have taken into account sentient animal welfare.

A UK report has concluded that crabs, octopuses and lobsters are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. This has led to addition of these animals in the list of sentient beings which will be protected under new animal protection law.

A UK report has concluded that crabs, octopuses and lobsters are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. This has led to addition of these animals in the list of sentient beings which will be protected under new animal protection law. The report was commissioned by the UK government. Experts at the London School of Economics looked at 300 scientific studies to evaluate of sentience. Sentience is defined as the quality of being able to experience feelings. Humans are sentient beings. In new animal welfare legislation being debated in UK, vertebrates, or animals with backbone have already been classified as sentient. The study by LSE experts has concluded that cephalopods ( like squids, octopuses and cuttlefish) and decapods (crabs and other animals) are sentient. The report recommends that lobsters and crabs shouldn't be boiled alive as they are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. The report has also suggested best practices. "The Animal Welfare Sentience Bill provides a crucial assurance that animal wellbeing is rightly considered when developing new laws. The science is now clear that decapods and cephalopods can feel pain and therefore it is only right they are covered by this vital piece of legislation," said Animal Welfare Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith in a statement published on UK government website. The legislation is not yet a law. When the law comes to effect, it will establish an Animal Sentience Committee This committee will observe and make reports on to what extent government would have taken into account sentient animal welfare.

Crabs and lobsters are sentient beings, don't boil them alive: UK report

If a study in the UK is to be believed, meaty diets of men are responsible for 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than those of women. &nbsp;

A quarter of diet-related carbon emissions were due to the “optional” food and drink like alcohol, coffee, cakes and sweets, found the research. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/third-of-human-population-to-be-displaced-if-climate-change-not-curbed-427759" hreflang="en">Third of human population to be displaced if climate change not curbed</a>

The policies looking to encourage sustainable diets should focus on plant-based foods. The switching of drinks and cutting down on sweet snacks also help, the scientists said. &nbsp;

In western countries, another study found that vegan and vegetarian diets were around one third cheaper to buy than the regular diets. &nbsp;

Published in the journal ‘Plos One’, the new study analysed the emissions linked to over 3,200 specific food items and examined the diets of around 212 British people. The food and drink intake of these people were recorded for three 24-hour periods. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-tea-coffee-lowers-risk-of-stroke-and-dementia-study-430110" hreflang="en">Drinking tea, coffee lowers risk of stroke and dementia: Study</a>

The study found that animal products were responsible for almost half of the average diet’s greenhouse gas emissions. Around 31% was from meat and 14% from dairy. &nbsp;

The non-vegetarian diets lead to 59% more greenhouse gas emissions than vegetarian diets. The diets of men had 41% more emissions as they eat more meat and drinks, the research showed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a study in the UK is to be believed, meaty diets of men are responsible for 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than those of women. A quarter of diet-related carbon emissions were due to the “optional” food and drink like alcohol, coffee, cakes and sweets, found the research.

If a study in the UK is to be believed, meaty diets of men are responsible for 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than those of women. A quarter of diet-related carbon emissions were due to the “optional” food and drink like alcohol, coffee, cakes and sweets, found the research. Also Read: Third of human population to be displaced if climate change not curbed The policies looking to encourage sustainable diets should focus on plant-based foods. The switching of drinks and cutting down on sweet snacks also help, the scientists said. In western countries, another study found that vegan and vegetarian diets were around one third cheaper to buy than the regular diets. Published in the journal ‘Plos One’, the new study analysed the emissions linked to over 3,200 specific food items and examined the diets of around 212 British people. The food and drink intake of these people were recorded for three 24-hour periods. Also Read | Drinking tea, coffee lowers risk of stroke and dementia: Study The study found that animal products were responsible for almost half of the average diet’s greenhouse gas emissions. Around 31% was from meat and 14% from dairy. The non-vegetarian diets lead to 59% more greenhouse gas emissions than vegetarian diets. The diets of men had 41% more emissions as they eat more meat and drinks, the research showed. (With inputs from agencies)

UK study says meaty diets of men lead to 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than women

Charging points for electric vehicles will be required to be installed in new buildings in Britain from next year under the new legislation.

UK to require charge points for electric vehicles in new buildings in Britain

The UK has invited south-east Asian nations to attend the G7 foreign ministers meeting next month. Representatives from South Korea, India, South Africa will also attend the summit that is being held in Liverpool.

UK invites ASEAN to G7 summit amid AUKUS row

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, said that he had commissioned a review to ascertain whether Oximeters, used to check blood oxygen levels had an 'inherent bias' as per a research. The research, he said, had indicated that oximeters were less effective on people with darker skin.

He made the announcement in his writeup in Sunday Times.

"One of the founding principles of our NHS is equality, and the possibility that a bias -- even an inadvertent one -- could lead to a poorer health outcome is totally unacceptable," he wrote, referring to Britain's National Health Service.

"We urgently need to know more about the bias in these devices, and what impact it is having on the front line.

"So I have commissioned an independent review, looking at whether systematic bias exists within current devices, and if so, how we can address it."

Javid, the son of Pakistani immigrants and the first person from an ethnic minority to hold the role of UK health secretary, said it would assess all medical devices, and other common biases aside from racial bias, such as gender.

He noted his interest in focusing on this issue came in part from seeing health disparities during the height of the coronavirus crisis last winter.

Then, black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups made up 28 percent of critical-care admissions in England -- about double their representation in the population as a whole.

On international collaboration to tackle the issue, Javid said he had already discussed it with Becerra.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, said that he had commissioned a review to ascertain whether Oximeters, used to check blood oxygen levels had an 'inherent bias' as per a research.

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, said that he had commissioned a review to ascertain whether Oximeters, used to check blood oxygen levels had an 'inherent bias' as per a research. The research, he said, had indicated that oximeters were less effective on people with darker skin. He made the announcement in his writeup in Sunday Times. "One of the founding principles of our NHS is equality, and the possibility that a bias -- even an inadvertent one -- could lead to a poorer health outcome is totally unacceptable," he wrote, referring to Britain's National Health Service. "We urgently need to know more about the bias in these devices, and what impact it is having on the front line. "So I have commissioned an independent review, looking at whether systematic bias exists within current devices, and if so, how we can address it." Javid, the son of Pakistani immigrants and the first person from an ethnic minority to hold the role of UK health secretary, said it would assess all medical devices, and other common biases aside from racial bias, such as gender. He noted his interest in focusing on this issue came in part from seeing health disparities during the height of the coronavirus crisis last winter. Then, black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups made up 28 percent of critical-care admissions in England -- about double their representation in the population as a whole. On international collaboration to tackle the issue, Javid said he had already discussed it with Becerra. (With inputs from agencies)

Oximeters reportedly less accurate on dark skin, UK launches review

Geordie Greig was always an odd fit as the editor of The Daily Mail, Britain’s biggest tabloid. Greig — educated at Eton and Oxford, a former editor of the society magazine Tatler, and a friend of writer V.S. Naipaul's and painter Lucian Freud's — is a suave, aristocratic fellow once described by The Observer as “Britain’s best-connected man.” He also opposed Brexit.

When Greig was abruptly ousted this past week in an internal power struggle, it caught both him and London’s media class off guard, setting off a round of lip-smacking gossip worthy of a tabloid headline. But in some ways, it merely signified a return to form for a right-leaning, middlebrow paper that staunchly supports the Conservative Party and led the charge for Brexit over the past two decades.

What makes the upheaval at The Mail reverberate beyond the insular world of Fleet Street is the central role it plays in British politics and society. More so than any other British newspaper, The Mail is the voice of what sociologists call Middle England, a broad section of middle-class readers, predominantly white and socially conservative, most of whom live outside London and generally favor Brexit.

Keeping the affections of these voters is critical for Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his party. So Greig’s dismissal — and his replacement by Ted Verity, an editor viewed as less likely to run critical coverage of the government — is sure to be welcome at No. 10 Downing St., even if, by most accounts, that is not why The Mail’s owner, Jonathan Harmsworth, made the change.

“Geordie Greig was, personally, a Remainer and didn’t see politics through that one lens,” said Alan Rusbridger, a former editor of the left-leaning Guardian. “His Mail had recently been sharply critical of Boris Johnson and his government, causing some alarm in the current government and its ranks of MPs.”

For Johnson, a former journalist who once worked for the pro-Tory Daily Telegraph and edited The Spectator, a less confrontational Mail would be one less headache at a time when his poll ratings have eroded in the glare of a lingering corruption scandal involving Conservative members of Parliament.

It could also give Johnson a muscular ally if he decides in coming weeks to rip up the trade arrangements for Northern Ireland. That decision could prompt a trade war with the European Union, one that would rekindle the anti-Brussels passions that long fueled The Mail and helped set the stage for Britain’s 2016 vote to break away.

“It’s an unknowable question whether Brexit could have been won without The Mail,” said Rusbridger, whose latest book, “News and How to Use It,” explores journalism in the age of Brexit and Donald Trump.

With a handful of exceptions, Britain’s newspapers still firmly tilt to the right. But after nearly two years in which the coronavirus pandemic replaced Brexit as the country’s abiding preoccupation — a crisis that at times seemed to overwhelm the government — Johnson has not been able to count on an easy ride from the news media. The Mail under Greig was especially unforgiving about the perceived “sleaze” factor in government.

The paper aggressively covered the lucrative side jobs taken by Conservative lawmakers. It broke the story of a Conservative Party donor who picked up a bill for 58,000 pounds ($77,000) for the redecorating of Johnson’s Downing Street apartment by his wife, Carrie. (Johnson later reimbursed the cost of what The Mail, perhaps inevitably, nicknamed “Wallpapergate.”)

“There are certain things that really get to a Daily Mail reader, and one is fat cats and people feathering their own nests,” said Julian Petley, a journalism professor at Brunel University in London. “The Mail is right wing but very populist.”

It can also be crusading: In the 1990s, the paper went after a flawed police investigation of the racially motivated killing of a Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, at a London bus stop. It also campaigned, with some success, to curb the use of plastic bags in Britain.

When Johnson’s aides excluded some journalists from a briefing about the EU in 2020, The Mail’s reporter joined competitors from other papers in walking out in protest. In an editorial comment that aptly summarized its tough-love approach, The Mail said, “This paper is an avid supporter of all he is trying to achieve. But we cannot be an uncritical friend.”

For all of its strengths, The Mail still gleefully traffics in tabloid fodder. Meghan, Prince Harry’s wife, won a privacy ruling against the Sunday paper for publishing a personal letter she sent her father, Thomas Markle. Its lawyers are appealing.

The Mail’s internal politics are at least as rough-and-tumble as its coverage of national politics — and Greig, 60, is a battle-scarred veteran of both. Before taking the top job at The Daily Mail in 2018, he was editor of The Mail on Sunday, which often seemed at war with its sister paper. Although Greig inveighed against Brexit, The Daily Mail was a full-throated champion, under Paul Dacre, its longtime editor and an ardent Brexiteer.

“I was surprised at Geordie Greig being made editor, for his Remain views but also his aristocratic educational background,” said Meera Selva, deputy director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford.

Greig’s views, however, did not disqualify him with Harmsworth, 53, who is better known as the Fourth Viscount Rothermere. Executives at the company said Lord Rothermere, whose great-grandfather co-founded The Daily Mail in 1896, wanted Greig to “detoxify the brand” after years in which banging the drum for Brexit had hurt its reputation with readers and advertisers.

In June 2020, less than two years after Greig took over, The Mail surpassed Rupert Murdoch’s Sun as Britain’s largest daily, with a circulation of just under 1 million. But politics poisoned his relationship with Dacre, who stayed on as editor-in-chief of the parent company. He publicly criticized his successor for what he described as diluting The Mail’s pro-Brexit DNA.

Greig declined to discuss his departure, beyond saying in a statement that he looked forward to using the skills learned from “my years at The Mail, which I first joined in 1983 as its most junior reporter on the graveyard shift.” In his statement, Lord Rothermere gave no reason for the shake-up. He praised Greig as a “hugely successful editor” and said Verity was a “Mail journalist to his core.”

People inside the company said Greig was less a victim of politics than of a power struggle in a changing media empire. Verity, whose Mail on Sunday was notably softer on Johnson than The Daily Mail, is an ally of Martin Clarke, who runs Mail Online, the company’s popular, fast-growing website.

Both are close to Dacre, who suffered a setback of his own this past week when he withdrew his name from contention to lead Britain’s communications regulator, Ofcom, despite support from the Johnson government. In a letter to The Times of London, Dacre said the Civil Service had targeted him because of his right-of-center views, calling it his “infelicitous dalliance with the Blob.”

Lord Rothermere is preparing to take the family empire, Daily Mail and General Trust, private. As part of that transition, analysts said, he plans to integrate the daily and Sunday papers, which struggled during the pandemic, and bring Mail Online, which is managed separately, closer to the fold.

“There’s a ‘Game of Thrones’ drama taking place,” said Douglas McCabe, CEO of Enders Analysis, a media research firm in London. “But the key story behind it is this profound strategic rethinking of the company.”

Geordie Greig was always an odd fit as the editor of The Daily Mail, Britain’s biggest tabloid. Greig — educated at Eton and Oxford, a former editor of the society magazine Tatler, and a friend of writer V.

Geordie Greig was always an odd fit as the editor of The Daily Mail, Britain’s biggest tabloid. Greig — educated at Eton and Oxford, a former editor of the society magazine Tatler, and a friend of writer V.S. Naipaul's and painter Lucian Freud's — is a suave, aristocratic fellow once described by The Observer as “Britain’s best-connected man.” He also opposed Brexit. When Greig was abruptly ousted this past week in an internal power struggle, it caught both him and London’s media class off guard, setting off a round of lip-smacking gossip worthy of a tabloid headline. But in some ways, it merely signified a return to form for a right-leaning, middlebrow paper that staunchly supports the Conservative Party and led the charge for Brexit over the past two decades. What makes the upheaval at The Mail reverberate beyond the insular world of Fleet Street is the central role it plays in British politics and society. More so than any other British newspaper, The Mail is the voice of what sociologists call Middle England, a broad section of middle-class readers, predominantly white and socially conservative, most of whom live outside London and generally favor Brexit. Keeping the affections of these voters is critical for Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his party. So Greig’s dismissal — and his replacement by Ted Verity, an editor viewed as less likely to run critical coverage of the government — is sure to be welcome at No. 10 Downing St., even if, by most accounts, that is not why The Mail’s owner, Jonathan Harmsworth, made the change. “Geordie Greig was, personally, a Remainer and didn’t see politics through that one lens,” said Alan Rusbridger, a former editor of the left-leaning Guardian. “His Mail had recently been sharply critical of Boris Johnson and his government, causing some alarm in the current government and its ranks of MPs.” For Johnson, a former journalist who once worked for the pro-Tory Daily Telegraph and edited The Spectator, a less confrontational Mail would be one less headache at a time when his poll ratings have eroded in the glare of a lingering corruption scandal involving Conservative members of Parliament. It could also give Johnson a muscular ally if he decides in coming weeks to rip up the trade arrangements for Northern Ireland. That decision could prompt a trade war with the European Union, one that would rekindle the anti-Brussels passions that long fueled The Mail and helped set the stage for Britain’s 2016 vote to break away. “It’s an unknowable question whether Brexit could have been won without The Mail,” said Rusbridger, whose latest book, “News and How to Use It,” explores journalism in the age of Brexit and Donald Trump. With a handful of exceptions, Britain’s newspapers still firmly tilt to the right. But after nearly two years in which the coronavirus pandemic replaced Brexit as the country’s abiding preoccupation — a crisis that at times seemed to overwhelm the government — Johnson has not been able to count on an easy ride from the news media. The Mail under Greig was especially unforgiving about the perceived “sleaze” factor in government. The paper aggressively covered the lucrative side jobs taken by Conservative lawmakers. It broke the story of a Conservative Party donor who picked up a bill for 58,000 pounds ($77,000) for the redecorating of Johnson’s Downing Street apartment by his wife, Carrie. (Johnson later reimbursed the cost of what The Mail, perhaps inevitably, nicknamed “Wallpapergate.”) “There are certain things that really get to a Daily Mail reader, and one is fat cats and people feathering their own nests,” said Julian Petley, a journalism professor at Brunel University in London. “The Mail is right wing but very populist.” It can also be crusading: In the 1990s, the paper went after a flawed police investigation of the racially motivated killing of a Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, at a London bus stop. It also campaigned, with some success, to curb the use of plastic bags in Britain. When Johnson’s aides excluded some journalists from a briefing about the EU in 2020, The Mail’s reporter joined competitors from other papers in walking out in protest. In an editorial comment that aptly summarized its tough-love approach, The Mail said, “This paper is an avid supporter of all he is trying to achieve. But we cannot be an uncritical friend.” For all of its strengths, The Mail still gleefully traffics in tabloid fodder. Meghan, Prince Harry’s wife, won a privacy ruling against the Sunday paper for publishing a personal letter she sent her father, Thomas Markle. Its lawyers are appealing. The Mail’s internal politics are at least as rough-and-tumble as its coverage of national politics — and Greig, 60, is a battle-scarred veteran of both. Before taking the top job at The Daily Mail in 2018, he was editor of The Mail on Sunday, which often seemed at war with its sister paper. Although Greig inveighed against Brexit, The Daily Mail was a full-throated champion, under Paul Dacre, its longtime editor and an ardent Brexiteer. “I was surprised at Geordie Greig being made editor, for his Remain views but also his aristocratic educational background,” said Meera Selva, deputy director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford. Greig’s views, however, did not disqualify him with Harmsworth, 53, who is better known as the Fourth Viscount Rothermere. Executives at the company said Lord Rothermere, whose great-grandfather co-founded The Daily Mail in 1896, wanted Greig to “detoxify the brand” after years in which banging the drum for Brexit had hurt its reputation with readers and advertisers. In June 2020, less than two years after Greig took over, The Mail surpassed Rupert Murdoch’s Sun as Britain’s largest daily, with a circulation of just under 1 million. But politics poisoned his relationship with Dacre, who stayed on as editor-in-chief of the parent company. He publicly criticized his successor for what he described as diluting The Mail’s pro-Brexit DNA. Greig declined to discuss his departure, beyond saying in a statement that he looked forward to using the skills learned from “my years at The Mail, which I first joined in 1983 as its most junior reporter on the graveyard shift.” In his statement, Lord Rothermere gave no reason for the shake-up. He praised Greig as a “hugely successful editor” and said Verity was a “Mail journalist to his core.” People inside the company said Greig was less a victim of politics than of a power struggle in a changing media empire. Verity, whose Mail on Sunday was notably softer on Johnson than The Daily Mail, is an ally of Martin Clarke, who runs Mail Online, the company’s popular, fast-growing website. Both are close to Dacre, who suffered a setback of his own this past week when he withdrew his name from contention to lead Britain’s communications regulator, Ofcom, despite support from the Johnson government. In a letter to The Times of London, Dacre said the Civil Service had targeted him because of his right-of-center views, calling it his “infelicitous dalliance with the Blob.” Lord Rothermere is preparing to take the family empire, Daily Mail and General Trust, private. As part of that transition, analysts said, he plans to integrate the daily and Sunday papers, which struggled during the pandemic, and bring Mail Online, which is managed separately, closer to the fold. “There’s a ‘Game of Thrones’ drama taking place,” said Douglas McCabe, CEO of Enders Analysis, a media research firm in London. “But the key story behind it is this profound strategic rethinking of the company.”

A tabloid ‘Game of Thrones’ in London could tilt UK politics

In an effort to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups.&nbsp;

UK Environment Secretary George Eustice said, "Plastic damages our environment and destroys wildlife. This government has waged war on unnecessary, wasteful plastics - banning the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds, while our carrier bag charge has cut consumption by 95 per cent in the main supermarkets."&nbsp;

He further added that its time to leave throwaway culture behind as he said, "Through our world-leading Environment Act, we will reduce waste and make better use of our resources, helping us to build back greener and leave the environment in a better state than we found it. These new plans represent the next major step in eradicating the use of problematic plastics that pollute our natural world."

The department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is launching another way to address other sources of plastic pollution.

As per this new method, stakeholders will be asked to express their views on tackling commonly littered plastics including, wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets and other single-use cups.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrageous-amount-france-bans-plastic-packaging-for-30-fruits-and-vegetables-420047">Also read |&nbsp;‘Outrageous amount’: France BANS plastic packaging for 30 fruits and vegetables</a>

The UK government will also be examining a way to put the responsibility on manufacturers and ensure that they are doing their best to tackle single-use plastics. This also includes litter from cigarette butts.

"Many companies are already taking action to cut this avoidable waste, with many shops already stocking alternatives to conventional plastic wipes, and today's move will urge more to do the same," DEFRA said. 
Official data reveals that the UK uses 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups per year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-set-to-ban-sale-of-plastic-wrapped-fruits-and-vegetables-from-2023-reports-415346">Also read |&nbsp;Spain set to ban sale of plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables from 2023: Reports</a>

Meanwhile, France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023.

Implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of about 30 fruits and vegetables that will have to be sold without plastic packaging from January 1.

In an effort to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. UK Environment Secretary George Eustice said, "Plastic damages our environment and destroys wildlife.

In an effort to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. UK Environment Secretary George Eustice said, "Plastic damages our environment and destroys wildlife. This government has waged war on unnecessary, wasteful plastics - banning the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds, while our carrier bag charge has cut consumption by 95 per cent in the main supermarkets." He further added that its time to leave throwaway culture behind as he said, "Through our world-leading Environment Act, we will reduce waste and make better use of our resources, helping us to build back greener and leave the environment in a better state than we found it. These new plans represent the next major step in eradicating the use of problematic plastics that pollute our natural world." The department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is launching another way to address other sources of plastic pollution. As per this new method, stakeholders will be asked to express their views on tackling commonly littered plastics including, wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets and other single-use cups. Also read | ‘Outrageous amount’: France BANS plastic packaging for 30 fruits and vegetables The UK government will also be examining a way to put the responsibility on manufacturers and ensure that they are doing their best to tackle single-use plastics. This also includes litter from cigarette butts. "Many companies are already taking action to cut this avoidable waste, with many shops already stocking alternatives to conventional plastic wipes, and today's move will urge more to do the same," DEFRA said. Official data reveals that the UK uses 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups per year. Also read | Spain set to ban sale of plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables from 2023: Reports Meanwhile, France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023. Implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of about 30 fruits and vegetables that will have to be sold without plastic packaging from January 1.

In a bid to eliminate plastic waste, UK to ban single use cutlery and plates

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he is 'considering' boycott of Beijing winter Olympics. This comes as a move against China's violation of human rights, especially its treatment of Uighur muslims.&nbsp;

UK’s leading newspaper The Times reported that Johnson's administration would not attend the games, however, some of the UK diplomats to China will.

UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has been actively discussing the possibility of not sending officials to the game.&nbsp;This comes after US President Joe Biden has confirmed that the US is considering a 'diplomatic boycott' of the upcoming games.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-biden-to-attend-beijing-winter-olympics-report-says-he-might-get-a-personal-invitation-from-xi-jinping-428790">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden to attend Beijing Winter Olympics? Report says he might get a personal invitation from Xi Jinping</a>

Earlier, there have been reports of Biden getting an invite by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the winter games. CNBC on November 11, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported that the Chinese President is likely to extend his invitation to Biden when the two leaders will meet during a virtual summit.&nbsp;

The preparation for the upcoming games have seen several obstacles. There have been calls by the human rights groups for a partial or full boycott over reported abuses. Also, the preparation wereovershadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

China on November 12 confirmed the first COVID-19 cases among foreign athletes at preparatory events. Two lugers of the same nationality tested positive, said Huang Chun, an official of the Games organising committee.&nbsp;

The Games will run from February 4 until February 20.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he is 'considering' boycott of Beijing winter Olympics. This comes as a move against China's violation of human rights, especially its treatment of Uighur muslims.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he is 'considering' boycott of Beijing winter Olympics. This comes as a move against China's violation of human rights, especially its treatment of Uighur muslims. UK’s leading newspaper The Times reported that Johnson's administration would not attend the games, however, some of the UK diplomats to China will. UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has been actively discussing the possibility of not sending officials to the game. This comes after US President Joe Biden has confirmed that the US is considering a 'diplomatic boycott' of the upcoming games. Also read | Joe Biden to attend Beijing Winter Olympics? Report says he might get a personal invitation from Xi Jinping Earlier, there have been reports of Biden getting an invite by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the winter games. CNBC on November 11, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported that the Chinese President is likely to extend his invitation to Biden when the two leaders will meet during a virtual summit. The preparation for the upcoming games have seen several obstacles. There have been calls by the human rights groups for a partial or full boycott over reported abuses. Also, the preparation wereovershadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. China on November 12 confirmed the first COVID-19 cases among foreign athletes at preparatory events. Two lugers of the same nationality tested positive, said Huang Chun, an official of the Games organising committee. The Games will run from February 4 until February 20. (With inputs from agencies)

After US, UK 'considering' boycott of Beijing winter Olympics

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. &nbsp;

Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill. If this bill gets passed, it may open a can of worms. &nbsp;

As per Clause 9, “Notice of decision to deprive a person of citizenship” of the bill, the government is exempted from having to give notice if it is not “reasonably practicable” to do so, or in the interests of diplomatic relations, national security or public interest. It was updated earlier this month.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/princess-elizabeth-doll-which-angered-royal-family-to-be-auctioned-430611" hreflang="en">Princess Elizabeth doll which angered Royal family to be auctioned</a>&nbsp;

According to the critics, removing citizenship, as in Shamima Begum case, who had fled the country as a schoolgirl to join Islamic State, is already a contentious power. The scrapping of the requirement for notice would make the powers of home secretary more draconian. &nbsp;

Frances Webber, vice-chair, Institute of Race Relations, said, “This amendment sends the message that certain citizens, despite being born and brought up in the UK and having no other home, remain migrants in this country. Their citizenship, and therefore all their rights, are precarious and contingent.” &nbsp;

“It builds on previous measures to strip British-born dual nationals (who are mostly from ethnic minorities) of citizenship and to do it while they are abroad, measures used mainly against British Muslims. It unapologetically flouts international human rights obligations and basic norms of fairness,” added Webber. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-drivers-to-be-banned-from-using-handheld-devices-from-next-year-430603" hreflang="en">UK drivers to be banned from using handheld devices from next year</a>

The Home Office said, “British citizenship is a privilege, not a right. Deprivation of citizenship on conducive grounds is rightly reserved for those, who pose a threat to the UK or whose conduct involves very high harm. The nationality and borders bill will amend the law so citizenship can be deprived where it is not practicable to give notice, for example, if there is no way of communicating with the person.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill.

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill. If this bill gets passed, it may open a can of worms. As per Clause 9, “Notice of decision to deprive a person of citizenship” of the bill, the government is exempted from having to give notice if it is not “reasonably practicable” to do so, or in the interests of diplomatic relations, national security or public interest. It was updated earlier this month. Also Read: Princess Elizabeth doll which angered Royal family to be auctioned According to the critics, removing citizenship, as in Shamima Begum case, who had fled the country as a schoolgirl to join Islamic State, is already a contentious power. The scrapping of the requirement for notice would make the powers of home secretary more draconian. Frances Webber, vice-chair, Institute of Race Relations, said, “This amendment sends the message that certain citizens, despite being born and brought up in the UK and having no other home, remain migrants in this country. Their citizenship, and therefore all their rights, are precarious and contingent.” “It builds on previous measures to strip British-born dual nationals (who are mostly from ethnic minorities) of citizenship and to do it while they are abroad, measures used mainly against British Muslims. It unapologetically flouts international human rights obligations and basic norms of fairness,” added Webber. Also Read: UK drivers to be banned from using handheld devices from next year The Home Office said, “British citizenship is a privilege, not a right. Deprivation of citizenship on conducive grounds is rightly reserved for those, who pose a threat to the UK or whose conduct involves very high harm. The nationality and borders bill will amend the law so citizenship can be deprived where it is not practicable to give notice, for example, if there is no way of communicating with the person.” (With inputs from agencies)

In UK, new bill empowers British govt to remove citizenship without notice

British Govt has decided to now designate Palestine's Hamas as a terrorist organization, saying it will no longer differentiate between the groups' political and military wings.

United Kingdom to label entirety of Palestinian Hamas as a 'terror outfit'

A rare doll&nbsp;which was based on Queen Elizabeth II when she was three years old&nbsp;will be auctioned soon.

The ‘Princess Elizabeth’ doll, as it is called, will be sold as part of a collection of about 500 dolls—all made by German makers Schoenau &amp; Hoffmeister.

According to reports, the doll never went into mass production as the Queen’s mother thought that the toy made her daughter look “too chubby.” &nbsp;

The blonde-haired and blue-eyed toy was made in 1929. Only very few of the prototypes reportedly exist today.

All the collection of dolls belonged to Betty Fox from Nottinghamshire, who died in 2019 aged 95.

Daniel Agnew, from Special Auction Services, told the BBC that the whole doll collection is worth between £40,000 ( US $45,000 approx) and £60,000 (US $67,000 approx) , while the Princess Elizabeth toy has been valued at £500 to £800.

Agnew said that the doll did not receive royal approval&nbsp;and it was not a big seller at that time.&nbsp;

Speaking about Betty Fox, Agnew said, “She bought all sorts of oddities and made them&nbsp;lovely clothes. She was a farmer's wife with four sons. She had a full life and this was her time - she would take herself off and make clothes and buy dolls."

He said the dolls were “all over” the farmhouse.

&nbsp;Agnew added that Fox’s sons told him that in the 1960s she would put advertisements in the local paper asking people for dolls, which she would pay £5 for.

The collection will be sold as part of a three-day online auction from Monday to Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

A rare doll which was based on Queen Elizabeth II when she was three years old will be auctioned soon. The ‘Princess Elizabeth’ doll, as it is called, will be sold as part of a collection of about 500 dolls—all made by German makers Schoenau & Hoffmeister.

A rare doll which was based on Queen Elizabeth II when she was three years old will be auctioned soon. The ‘Princess Elizabeth’ doll, as it is called, will be sold as part of a collection of about 500 dolls—all made by German makers Schoenau & Hoffmeister. According to reports, the doll never went into mass production as the Queen’s mother thought that the toy made her daughter look “too chubby.” The blonde-haired and blue-eyed toy was made in 1929. Only very few of the prototypes reportedly exist today. All the collection of dolls belonged to Betty Fox from Nottinghamshire, who died in 2019 aged 95. Daniel Agnew, from Special Auction Services, told the BBC that the whole doll collection is worth between £40,000 ( US $45,000 approx) and £60,000 (US $67,000 approx) , while the Princess Elizabeth toy has been valued at £500 to £800. Agnew said that the doll did not receive royal approval and it was not a big seller at that time. Speaking about Betty Fox, Agnew said, “She bought all sorts of oddities and made them lovely clothes. She was a farmer's wife with four sons. She had a full life and this was her time - she would take herself off and make clothes and buy dolls." He said the dolls were “all over” the farmhouse. Agnew added that Fox’s sons told him that in the 1960s she would put advertisements in the local paper asking people for dolls, which she would pay £5 for. The collection will be sold as part of a three-day online auction from Monday to Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Princess Elizabeth doll which angered Royal family to be auctioned

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