More than 200 million Americans, over 60% of the population, have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The United States crossed that milestone as the threat of the omicron variant spurred a flurry of inoculations in recent days, although the daily rate remains far below its peak in April. And the U.S. lags significantly behind several other countries, which have inoculated over 80% of their populations.

Providers are administering about 1.78 million doses per day on average, including first, second and additional doses, about a 47% decrease from the peak of 3.38 million reported April 13, according to federal data.

The United States remains far behind not only developed countries like Singapore and Portugal, which will soon have vaccinated 90% of their populations, but developing nations like Cambodia (over 80%), according to Our World in Data.

Even before the arrival of omicron, cases and hospitalisations were on the rise in the U.S. as the weather grew colder in much of the country and the highly contagious delta variant remained a threat. Daily cases are averaging over 120,000, and more than 55,000 patients are hospitalised nationwide, far fewer than in September but an increase of more than 15% over the past two weeks. Hospitals have been overstretched from upstate New York to New Mexico.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-democracy-summit-100-nations-invited-china-russia-see-red-after-being-left-out-435351">Also read |&nbsp;Biden's Democracy Summit: 100+ nations invited, China &amp; Russia see red after being left out</a>

The US has been ahead of other countries in booster shots, which it authorised in September and October for many Americans. Then on Oct. 29, the Food and Drug Administration cleared the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

The daily rate of Americans getting their shots had been steadily climbing since the government widened eligibility and has soared since Thanksgiving, when the omicron variant was discovered. With dozens of mutations never before seen, omicron was named a variant of concern by the World Health Organization.

Scientists have feared that the fast-spreading variant could evade the protection of vaccines. But on Wednesday, Pfizer and BioNTech said laboratory tests suggested that three doses of their coronavirus vaccine offered significant protection against omicron. The lab experiments don’t indicate with any certainty how the vaccines will perform in the real world, and scientists say it could take a month or more to understand the new variant’s threat.

Many questions remain about omicron.

There are early signs that it may cause only mild illness, although that observation was based mainly on cases in South Africa among young people, who are generally less likely to become severely ill from COVID-19. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that while the data is limited, “the disease is mild” in almost all of the U.S. cases recorded so far. Reported symptoms have mainly been cough, congestion and fatigue, and some cases have grown more severe over time, she said.

Scientists are also waiting to see whether cases lead to more hospitalisations and deaths; both lag surges in infections by days or weeks.

Broad mandates by President Joe Biden that had helped boost vaccination rates have been put on hold by courts.

Americans who have resisted getting vaccinated can be grouped into two categories, as a New York Times report showed in July.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-threatens-russia-with-severe-sanctions-if-ukraine-is-attacked-435291">Also read |&nbsp;Biden threatens Russia with 'severe sanctions' if Ukraine is attacked; US troops not to be involved</a>

In one are those who are adamant in their refusal; they include a mix of people but tend to be disproportionately white, rural, evangelical Christian and politically conservative, surveys show.

In the other are those who are persuadable but say they have been putting off vaccination or want to wait and see before making a decision; they are a broad range of people but tend to be a more diverse and urban group, including many younger people, Black and Latino Americans, and Democrats.

It’s this second group that health officials have made progress in inoculating, but surveys suggest they account for less than half of all unvaccinated adults in the United States.

More than 200 million Americans, over 60% of the population, have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The United States crossed that milestone as the threat of the omicron variant spurred a flurry of inoculations in recent days, although the daily rate remains far below its peak in April.

More than 200 million Americans, over 60% of the population, have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The United States crossed that milestone as the threat of the omicron variant spurred a flurry of inoculations in recent days, although the daily rate remains far below its peak in April. And the U.S. lags significantly behind several other countries, which have inoculated over 80% of their populations. Providers are administering about 1.78 million doses per day on average, including first, second and additional doses, about a 47% decrease from the peak of 3.38 million reported April 13, according to federal data. The United States remains far behind not only developed countries like Singapore and Portugal, which will soon have vaccinated 90% of their populations, but developing nations like Cambodia (over 80%), according to Our World in Data. Even before the arrival of omicron, cases and hospitalisations were on the rise in the U.S. as the weather grew colder in much of the country and the highly contagious delta variant remained a threat. Daily cases are averaging over 120,000, and more than 55,000 patients are hospitalised nationwide, far fewer than in September but an increase of more than 15% over the past two weeks. Hospitals have been overstretched from upstate New York to New Mexico. Also read | Biden's Democracy Summit: 100+ nations invited, China & Russia see red after being left out The US has been ahead of other countries in booster shots, which it authorised in September and October for many Americans. Then on Oct. 29, the Food and Drug Administration cleared the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. The daily rate of Americans getting their shots had been steadily climbing since the government widened eligibility and has soared since Thanksgiving, when the omicron variant was discovered. With dozens of mutations never before seen, omicron was named a variant of concern by the World Health Organization. Scientists have feared that the fast-spreading variant could evade the protection of vaccines. But on Wednesday, Pfizer and BioNTech said laboratory tests suggested that three doses of their coronavirus vaccine offered significant protection against omicron. The lab experiments don’t indicate with any certainty how the vaccines will perform in the real world, and scientists say it could take a month or more to understand the new variant’s threat. Many questions remain about omicron. There are early signs that it may cause only mild illness, although that observation was based mainly on cases in South Africa among young people, who are generally less likely to become severely ill from COVID-19. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that while the data is limited, “the disease is mild” in almost all of the U.S. cases recorded so far. Reported symptoms have mainly been cough, congestion and fatigue, and some cases have grown more severe over time, she said. Scientists are also waiting to see whether cases lead to more hospitalisations and deaths; both lag surges in infections by days or weeks. Broad mandates by President Joe Biden that had helped boost vaccination rates have been put on hold by courts. Americans who have resisted getting vaccinated can be grouped into two categories, as a New York Times report showed in July. Also read | Biden threatens Russia with 'severe sanctions' if Ukraine is attacked; US troops not to be involved In one are those who are adamant in their refusal; they include a mix of people but tend to be disproportionately white, rural, evangelical Christian and politically conservative, surveys show. In the other are those who are persuadable but say they have been putting off vaccination or want to wait and see before making a decision; they are a broad range of people but tend to be a more diverse and urban group, including many younger people, Black and Latino Americans, and Democrats. It’s this second group that health officials have made progress in inoculating, but surveys suggest they account for less than half of all unvaccinated adults in the United States.

Over 200 million Americans are fully vaccinated

Beijing is making moves to challenge the dominance of the American military. Reports claim that China wants to establish its first permanent military presence on the Atlantic Ocean in Equatorial Guinea. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese military mounts a challenge in America's backyard

The US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. The UK, France and Japan are still undecided. Palki Sharma tells you why such half-measures will do little to deter Beijing.

Gravitas: US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter games

In a bizarre incident, a woman in the United States is claiming that her 13-year-old son has been vaccinated against coronavirus in exchange for a pizza without parental consent, said a report. &nbsp;

The mother, who belongs to Los Angeles, said the vaccine was given during COVID-19 vaccination incentive programme started by the school of the child. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-blood-oxygen-level-in-covid-bout-was-dangerously-low-former-aide-says-434961" hreflang="en">Trump’s blood oxygen level in Covid bout was dangerously low, former aide says</a>

The child is a student at Barack Obama Global Prep Academy. The district has neither confirmed the incident nor shared its details. &nbsp;

The information, such as which pizza or from which pizzeria it came from, has not been disclosed. &nbsp;

"The lady that gave him the shot and signed the paper, told my son, 'Please don't say anything. I don't want to get into trouble’," said Maribel Duarte, who claimed no one took her consent before son’s inoculation, as per the report. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-cancels-meetings-isolates-after-covid-19-exposure-report-434967" hreflang="en">UN chief cancels meetings, isolates after COVID-19 exposure: Report&nbsp;</a>

Claiming to be pro-vaccine, the woman claimed that her son suffers from asthma and allergies. "It hurts to get to know that he got a shot without my permission, without knowing and without signing any papers for him to get the shot," Duarte said. &nbsp;

"With the January 10, 2022, student vaccination deadline approaching, the district introduced the ‘Safe Schools to Safe Steps Incentive Programme’ throughout Los Angeles Unified Schools. This programme offers incentives to families, who upload proof of their vaccine, have an approved medical exemption or have conditional admissions," a spokesperson for Los Angeles Unified School District told the Washington Examiner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, a woman in the United States is claiming that her 13-year-old son has been vaccinated against coronavirus in exchange for a pizza without parental consent, said a report.

In a bizarre incident, a woman in the United States is claiming that her 13-year-old son has been vaccinated against coronavirus in exchange for a pizza without parental consent, said a report. The mother, who belongs to Los Angeles, said the vaccine was given during COVID-19 vaccination incentive programme started by the school of the child. Also Read: Trump’s blood oxygen level in Covid bout was dangerously low, former aide says The child is a student at Barack Obama Global Prep Academy. The district has neither confirmed the incident nor shared its details. The information, such as which pizza or from which pizzeria it came from, has not been disclosed. "The lady that gave him the shot and signed the paper, told my son, 'Please don't say anything. I don't want to get into trouble’," said Maribel Duarte, who claimed no one took her consent before son’s inoculation, as per the report. Also Read | UN chief cancels meetings, isolates after COVID-19 exposure: Report Claiming to be pro-vaccine, the woman claimed that her son suffers from asthma and allergies. "It hurts to get to know that he got a shot without my permission, without knowing and without signing any papers for him to get the shot," Duarte said. "With the January 10, 2022, student vaccination deadline approaching, the district introduced the ‘Safe Schools to Safe Steps Incentive Programme’ throughout Los Angeles Unified Schools. This programme offers incentives to families, who upload proof of their vaccine, have an approved medical exemption or have conditional admissions," a spokesperson for Los Angeles Unified School District told the Washington Examiner. (With inputs from agencies)

US mother claims son got Covid jab in exchange for pizza without parental consent, says report

Respect? Territory? What does Russian President Vladimir Putin want from the faceoff in Ukraine? Will Joe Biden be ready to accept Putin's demands? Palki Sharma decodes the Russian President's strategy.

Gravitas: What does Vladimir Putin want from Biden?

US President Joe Biden is attempting to dissuade his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine. What are Biden's options? Can he score a diplomatic victory after the failure in Afghanistan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Biden's 'carrots and sticks' for Putin

Elon Musk seems to be a man of his word as the billionaire has been fulfilling promises lately. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the latest development, the Tesla boss seems to have fulfilled a pledge, which he made last year to "own no home." &nbsp;

Musk sold his 16,000-square-foot mansion in Hillsborough, California for $30 million. It was a wealthy Silicon Valley enclave, which lies just south of San Francisco. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-would-have-won-if-us-election-were-held-today-poll-434920" hreflang="en">Donald Trump would have won if US election were held today: Poll</a>

The property was initially listed for $37.5 million in June when Musk had announced the sale on Twitter. It was later relisted for $31.99 million in October, said records on the MLS. &nbsp;

According to records, the billionaire had bought the property for $23.4 million in 2017. &nbsp;

The listing agents of the property were Brent &amp; Mary Gullixson of Compass. The buyer’s identity has not been revealed till now. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<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>

After selling off other properties in California, the 50-year-old billionaire had earlier said that the 47-acre property was his "last remaining house" in the state. &nbsp;

This estate, which is over 100-year-old has a great history. Known as Guignécourt, the property was originally built by Count Christian de Guigné in 1912. He was a member of French nobility, who moved to the area after marrying a California Gold Rush heiress. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Elon Musk seems to be a man of his word as the billionaire has been fulfilling promises lately. In the latest development, the Tesla boss seems to have fulfilled a pledge, which he made last year to "own no home.

Elon Musk seems to be a man of his word as the billionaire has been fulfilling promises lately. In the latest development, the Tesla boss seems to have fulfilled a pledge, which he made last year to "own no home." Musk sold his 16,000-square-foot mansion in Hillsborough, California for $30 million. It was a wealthy Silicon Valley enclave, which lies just south of San Francisco. Also Read | Donald Trump would have won if US election were held today: Poll The property was initially listed for $37.5 million in June when Musk had announced the sale on Twitter. It was later relisted for $31.99 million in October, said records on the MLS. According to records, the billionaire had bought the property for $23.4 million in 2017. The listing agents of the property were Brent & Mary Gullixson of Compass. The buyer’s identity has not been revealed till now. Also Read: Bitcoin 'inventor' told to pay USD 100 million by US court After selling off other properties in California, the 50-year-old billionaire had earlier said that the 47-acre property was his "last remaining house" in the state. This estate, which is over 100-year-old has a great history. Known as Guignécourt, the property was originally built by Count Christian de Guigné in 1912. He was a member of French nobility, who moved to the area after marrying a California Gold Rush heiress. (With inputs from agencies)

Man of his word? Musk again fulfils promise, ‘owns no home’ in US state now

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.

Currently, there are about 7.8 billion people in the world. The study has predicted that the peak in the global population would expectedly be around 9.7 billion in 2064 and then decline to 8.79 billion in 2100.

Up to 23 countries could see their populations shrink by more than 50 per cent, including Japan, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Portugal, South Korea, and other countries due to low birth rates and ageing populations.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-could-halve-within-the-next-45-years-study-417297">China’s population could halve within the next 45 years: Study</a>

Even the most populous country like China would see a fall in its population from 1.4 billion in 2017 to 732 million in 2100.

While noting the global trend of declining population, the study has also forecasted that some parts of the world would see a rise in population numbers.

This includes North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa, which is set to triple over the course of the century from 1.03 billion in 2017 to 3.07 billion in 2100.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warning-of-population-collapse-on-earth-elon-musk-calls-for-colonisation-of-mars-399164">Warning of 'population collapse' on Earth, Elon Musk calls for&nbsp;colonisation&nbsp;of Mars&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

The population in India, the second biggest populous country in the world, would set to hover around 1·09 billion in 2100, the research has stated.

Lead study author and Professor of Global Health at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Stein Emil Vollset, told IFLScience, “The last time that global population declined was in the mid 14th century, due to the Black Plague. If our forecast is correct, it will be the first time population decline is driven by fertility decline, as opposed to events such as a pandemic or famine.”

The study points out that education for girls and increased access to contraception will slow down fertility and population growth.

These factors drive the fertility rate – the average number of children a woman delivers over her lifetime which is the largest determinant of population. The global total fertility rate is predicted to steadily decline, from 2.37 in 2017 to 1.66 in 2100, well below the minimum rate (2.1 live births per woman) considered necessary to maintain population numbers," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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. Currently, there are about 7.

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. Currently, there are about 7.8 billion people in the world. The study has predicted that the peak in the global population would expectedly be around 9.7 billion in 2064 and then decline to 8.79 billion in 2100. Up to 23 countries could see their populations shrink by more than 50 per cent, including Japan, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Portugal, South Korea, and other countries due to low birth rates and ageing populations. Also read | China’s population could halve within the next 45 years: Study Even the most populous country like China would see a fall in its population from 1.4 billion in 2017 to 732 million in 2100. While noting the global trend of declining population, the study has also forecasted that some parts of the world would see a rise in population numbers. This includes North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa, which is set to triple over the course of the century from 1.03 billion in 2017 to 3.07 billion in 2100. Also read | Warning of 'population collapse' on Earth, Elon Musk calls for colonisation of Mars The population in India, the second biggest populous country in the world, would set to hover around 1·09 billion in 2100, the research has stated. Lead study author and Professor of Global Health at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Stein Emil Vollset, told IFLScience, “The last time that global population declined was in the mid 14th century, due to the Black Plague. If our forecast is correct, it will be the first time population decline is driven by fertility decline, as opposed to events such as a pandemic or famine.” The study points out that education for girls and increased access to contraception will slow down fertility and population growth. These factors drive the fertility rate – the average number of children a woman delivers over her lifetime which is the largest determinant of population. The global total fertility rate is predicted to steadily decline, from 2.37 in 2017 to 1.66 in 2100, well below the minimum rate (2.1 live births per woman) considered necessary to maintain population numbers," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

For the first time in centuries, world’s population set to decline: Study

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a video call on Tuesday, with the two leaders set to discuss the tense situation in Ukraine.

Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin to hold virtual summit amid tension in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to issue an ultimatum to US President Joe Biden, and seek guarantee that NATO will never expand into Ukraine. The kremlin has said that it wants written guarantees from the United States and other NATO allies that the military alliance will not expand east both in terms of membership and western forces.

Russia to seek guarantee that NATO will not expand east

Biden and Putin set to talk over Russia invading Ukraine on video call

The top financial regulators at the Wall Street are investigating into Donald Trump's new social media venture on the stock market. The blank-cheque acquisition firm Digital World Acquisition Corporation has disclosed in a regulatory filing.

US finance regulators investigate Donald Trump's new social media deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden are scheduled to hold talks by video conference on Tuesday as tensions rise over Ukraine.

Biden and Putin will hold talks amid tensions over Ukraine

The United States has betrayed Olympic principles and will have to "pay a price" for its diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in Beijing, China said on Tuesday, as key Western allies hesitated in deciding whether to follow the U.S. lead. The White House said on Monday U.S. government officials would boycott the Winter Olympics because of China`s human rights "atrocities", although U.S. athletes were free to travel there to compete. The U.S. boycott, encouraged for months by some members of Congress and rights groups, comes despite an effort to stabilise ties between the world`s two largest economies, with a video meeting last month between U.S. President Joe Biden and China`s Xi Jinping.

China opposes the boycott and would take "resolute countermeasures", foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics, on Tuesday. "The United States will pay a price for its mistaken acts," he said, without giving details. "Let`s all wait and see."

It was not immediately clear if other nations would join the United States, although U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said allies&nbsp;were consulted on a "shared approach". Canada`s foreign ministry said it "remains deeply disturbed by the troubling reports of human rights violations in China" and continues to discuss the matter with partners and allies.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-2022-china-hits-back-says-us-diplomatic-boycott-violates-olympic-spirit-434807">Beijing 2022: China hits back, says US diplomatic boycott violates Olympic spirit</a>

Australia, Britain, the Netherlands and Japan said they were also still considering their positions. New Zealand`s deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson, said the country would not send government officials but that decision was based largely on COVID-19 concerns and preceded the U.S. boycott. Last week, Stefano Sannino, chief of the European Union`s diplomatic service, said boycotts were a matter for individual member states, not common EU foreign policy. The United States is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and is preparing a bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

`KEEP POLITICS OUT OF SPORT`

Asked if China would consider a diplomatic boycott of Olympic Games in the United States, Zhao said the U.S boycott had "damaged the foundation and atmosphere" of sports exchange and co-operation on the Games, which he likened to "lifting a stone to crush one`s own foot". He called on the United States to keep politics out of sports, saying the boycott went against Olympic principles. Chinese media and scholars criticised the U.S. decision. 
"It is foolish and silly of the United States to do this," Wang Wen, a professor at Renmin University in Beijing, told Reuters, adding that other major powers could do the same to the United States in 2028. 
"For the U.S. politicians, who had not been invited (to the Games) to say they are staging a diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, that`s just `proffering unreciprocated love`," state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary.

Many Chinese internet users reacted to news of U.S. boycott with expressions of "good riddance". "Please don`t come, don`t bring the COVID virus variant here," a user who calls herself "Thales Beauty" commented online. Biden`s administration highlighted as the reason for its boycott what Washington calls genocide against minority Muslims in China`s far western region of Xinjiang. 
China denies all rights abuses.

"U.S. diplomatic or official representation would treat these games as business as usual in the face of the PRC`s egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang, and we simply can`t do that," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, referring to the People`s Republic of China. 
&nbsp;

OLYMPIC CHARTER

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has long been criticised for awarding the Games to China despite calls from human rights groups and activists to move them from Beijing. But IOC President Thomas Bach said the Games could not be expected to solve longstanding political problems that politicians themselves have failed to clear up. "What is our responsibility and what are our limits?," Bach told German news agency DPA shortly before the U.S. decision on Monday. "Our responsibility is to run the Games in accordance with the Olympic Charter." 
George W. Bush was the last U.S. president to attend a Games opening ceremony, as host at Salt Lake City in 2004.

ALSO READ |&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 virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin is the only leader of a major country who has accepted an invitation. Some political analysts said the U.S. boycott was less a threat to the Games and more of an issue of appearances that was fuelled by Beijing threatening retaliation. "It would have been a non-story if let alone," said Lisa Delpy Neirotti, professor of sport management at George Washington University School of Business. "We typically do not send a large government delegation anyway, especially in COVID times." 
The diplomatic boycott puts corporate Olympic sponsors in "an awkward spot" but caused less concern than a full measure barring athletes, said Neal Pilson, a former president of CBS Sports who has overseen Olympics broadcast rights deals.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the government would not dictate private sector practices, but said firms should be "fully cognizant" of events in Xinjiang. A spokesperson from Comcast-owned NBC Universal said it would broadcast the Games as planned.

The United States has betrayed Olympic principles and will have to "pay a price" for its diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in Beijing, China said on Tuesday, as key Western allies hesitated in deciding whether to follow the U.

The United States has betrayed Olympic principles and will have to "pay a price" for its diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in Beijing, China said on Tuesday, as key Western allies hesitated in deciding whether to follow the U.S. lead. The White House said on Monday U.S. government officials would boycott the Winter Olympics because of China`s human rights "atrocities", although U.S. athletes were free to travel there to compete. The U.S. boycott, encouraged for months by some members of Congress and rights groups, comes despite an effort to stabilise ties between the world`s two largest economies, with a video meeting last month between U.S. President Joe Biden and China`s Xi Jinping. China opposes the boycott and would take "resolute countermeasures", foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics, on Tuesday. "The United States will pay a price for its mistaken acts," he said, without giving details. "Let`s all wait and see." It was not immediately clear if other nations would join the United States, although U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said allies were consulted on a "shared approach". Canada`s foreign ministry said it "remains deeply disturbed by the troubling reports of human rights violations in China" and continues to discuss the matter with partners and allies. ALSO READ | Beijing 2022: China hits back, says US diplomatic boycott violates Olympic spirit Australia, Britain, the Netherlands and Japan said they were also still considering their positions. New Zealand`s deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson, said the country would not send government officials but that decision was based largely on COVID-19 concerns and preceded the U.S. boycott. Last week, Stefano Sannino, chief of the European Union`s diplomatic service, said boycotts were a matter for individual member states, not common EU foreign policy. The United States is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and is preparing a bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. `KEEP POLITICS OUT OF SPORT` Asked if China would consider a diplomatic boycott of Olympic Games in the United States, Zhao said the U.S boycott had "damaged the foundation and atmosphere" of sports exchange and co-operation on the Games, which he likened to "lifting a stone to crush one`s own foot". He called on the United States to keep politics out of sports, saying the boycott went against Olympic principles. Chinese media and scholars criticised the U.S. decision. "It is foolish and silly of the United States to do this," Wang Wen, a professor at Renmin University in Beijing, told Reuters, adding that other major powers could do the same to the United States in 2028. "For the U.S. politicians, who had not been invited (to the Games) to say they are staging a diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, that`s just `proffering unreciprocated love`," state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary. Many Chinese internet users reacted to news of U.S. boycott with expressions of "good riddance". "Please don`t come, don`t bring the COVID virus variant here," a user who calls herself "Thales Beauty" commented online. Biden`s administration highlighted as the reason for its boycott what Washington calls genocide against minority Muslims in China`s far western region of Xinjiang. China denies all rights abuses. "U.S. diplomatic or official representation would treat these games as business as usual in the face of the PRC`s egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang, and we simply can`t do that," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, referring to the People`s Republic of China. OLYMPIC CHARTER The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has long been criticised for awarding the Games to China despite calls from human rights groups and activists to move them from Beijing. But IOC President Thomas Bach said the Games could not be expected to solve longstanding political problems that politicians themselves have failed to clear up. "What is our responsibility and what are our limits?," Bach told German news agency DPA shortly before the U.S. decision on Monday. "Our responsibility is to run the Games in accordance with the Olympic Charter." George W. Bush was the last U.S. president to attend a Games opening ceremony, as host at Salt Lake City in 2004. ALSO READ | Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics Russian President Vladimir Putin is the only leader of a major country who has accepted an invitation. Some political analysts said the U.S. boycott was less a threat to the Games and more of an issue of appearances that was fuelled by Beijing threatening retaliation. "It would have been a non-story if let alone," said Lisa Delpy Neirotti, professor of sport management at George Washington University School of Business. "We typically do not send a large government delegation anyway, especially in COVID times." The diplomatic boycott puts corporate Olympic sponsors in "an awkward spot" but caused less concern than a full measure barring athletes, said Neal Pilson, a former president of CBS Sports who has overseen Olympics broadcast rights deals. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the government would not dictate private sector practices, but said firms should be "fully cognizant" of events in Xinjiang. A spokesperson from Comcast-owned NBC Universal said it would broadcast the Games as planned.

US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022, key Western allies remain in two minds

The US announces diplomatic boycott of 2022 Beijing winter Olympics in a protest against China's Human Rights abuses. There will be no diplomatic or official representation by the United States in the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics in a bid to raise voice against China's tainted human rights record in Xinjiang province. Beijing is also planning countermeasures against the US. However, US athletes will continue to participate in the games.

US to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics diplomatically in protest against China's Human Rights abuses

US President Joe Biden is all set to dial his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin amid invasion fears by Russia in Ukraine. Through the video call, Biden will bat for a diplomatic route to resolve tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia remains in denial about any such invasion plans.

Biden to dial Putin amid Russia's alleged plans to invade Ukraine

The Biden administration has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics. The white house said that no official delegation would be sent to the games because of concerns about China's human rights record.

No official US delegation would be sent to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, says White House

United States is marking the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on the US naval base in Pearl Harbor today. A memorial ceremony was held at Pearl Harbor on a rainy Monday evening. The Utah ceremony honored the 58 servicemen who died aboard the battleship USS Utah. Members of the U.S. Navy, veterans, friends, and family were present at the site. Several events will be organised by the National Park Service and the U.S. Navy to mark the day.

United States: 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack

In the coming months, around 900 bison in Yellowstone National Park in the United States will be allowed to get hunted, quarantined or slaughtered, revealed the authorities. &nbsp;

According to a report, the order seems to have come to check the spread of a bacterial disease brucellosis from bison to cattle during winter. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-fossils-of-a-herd-of-11-dinosaurs-found-in-italy-433711" hreflang="en">In a first, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs found in Italy</a>

If the right number of bison is not achieved later in the winter months, another 200 may be captured or shot, the tribal, state and federal officials added. &nbsp;

The Yellowstone National Park houses around 5,000 bison within its premises. &nbsp;

In the winters, Bison tend to leave Yellowstone and travel to Montana. Here, they risk spreading brucellosis to cattle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although brucellosis is rare in humans, it can be a big problem for cattle. This disease can cause cows to abort their calves. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stolen-8th-century-indian-goat-headed-deity-found-in-england-soon-to-be-returned-to-india-434240" hreflang="en">Stolen 8th-century Indian goat-headed deity found in England; soon to be returned to India</a>

The park officials are looking to cull the bison as their population is higher according to the recent counts. It could stabilise after spring calving. &nbsp;

Native American tribes and the state of Montana will conduct bison hunts beyond the perimeter of the Yellowstone National Park. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the coming months, around 900 bison in Yellowstone National Park in the United States will be allowed to get hunted, quarantined or slaughtered, revealed the authorities.

In the coming months, around 900 bison in Yellowstone National Park in the United States will be allowed to get hunted, quarantined or slaughtered, revealed the authorities. According to a report, the order seems to have come to check the spread of a bacterial disease brucellosis from bison to cattle during winter. Also Read: In a first, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs found in Italy If the right number of bison is not achieved later in the winter months, another 200 may be captured or shot, the tribal, state and federal officials added. The Yellowstone National Park houses around 5,000 bison within its premises. In the winters, Bison tend to leave Yellowstone and travel to Montana. Here, they risk spreading brucellosis to cattle. Although brucellosis is rare in humans, it can be a big problem for cattle. This disease can cause cows to abort their calves. Also Read: Stolen 8th-century Indian goat-headed deity found in England; soon to be returned to India The park officials are looking to cull the bison as their population is higher according to the recent counts. It could stabilise after spring calving. Native American tribes and the state of Montana will conduct bison hunts beyond the perimeter of the Yellowstone National Park. (With inputs from agencies)

US national park to cull around 900 bison to check spread of bacterial disease brucellosis  

If reports are to be believed, China may be looking for its first permanent military base on Africa's Atlantic coast.&nbsp;In order to thwart the idea, the US seems to have already started diplomatic effort, reports said. &nbsp;

Citing intelligence reports, US officials told ‘Wall Street Journal’ that Beijing may be looking for port city of Bata in Equatorial Guinea as the base. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-announces-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-winter-olympics-due-to-human-rights-abuses-in-china-434742" hreflang="en">US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in China</a>

Bata already has a deep-water port, which had been upgraded by China Road &amp; Bridge Co between 2009 and 2014, a report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2019, US first learnt about the possibility of the base in the city, the report said. &nbsp;

In an email, Department of Defense spokesman Todd Breasseale told Fox News, "part of US diplomacy to address maritime security issues, the administration has made clear to Equatorial Guinea that certain potential steps involving PRC activity there would raise national security concerns." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-bomber-carries-out-mine-laying-exercise-in-south-china-sea-434578" hreflang="en">China's bomber carries out mine laying exercise in South China Sea</a>

To dissuade President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his son from agreeing to the deal, principal deputy US national security adviser Jon Finer visited the country in October, as per the Journal. &nbsp;

In a statement at the time, the White House said that the two discussed "ways to enhance maritime security and end the COVID-19 pandemic." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If reports are to be believed, China may be looking for its first permanent military base on Africa's Atlantic coast. In order to thwart the idea, the US seems to have already started diplomatic effort, reports said.

If reports are to be believed, China may be looking for its first permanent military base on Africa's Atlantic coast. In order to thwart the idea, the US seems to have already started diplomatic effort, reports said. Citing intelligence reports, US officials told ‘Wall Street Journal’ that Beijing may be looking for port city of Bata in Equatorial Guinea as the base. Also Read: US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in China Bata already has a deep-water port, which had been upgraded by China Road & Bridge Co between 2009 and 2014, a report said. In 2019, US first learnt about the possibility of the base in the city, the report said. In an email, Department of Defense spokesman Todd Breasseale told Fox News, "part of US diplomacy to address maritime security issues, the administration has made clear to Equatorial Guinea that certain potential steps involving PRC activity there would raise national security concerns." Also Read: China's bomber carries out mine laying exercise in South China Sea To dissuade President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his son from agreeing to the deal, principal deputy US national security adviser Jon Finer visited the country in October, as per the Journal. In a statement at the time, the White House said that the two discussed "ways to enhance maritime security and end the COVID-19 pandemic." (With inputs from agencies)

China eyes military base on Africa's Atlantic coast, US trying to thwart it, say reports

The citizens of the United States seem to have been continuously losing confidence in the military, a new survey published recently said. &nbsp;

There is a need to conduct more research to understand the reasons for the development. &nbsp;

Since its launch in 2018, the Reagan Institute’s national defence survey, for a third year in a row, found the confidence in the military to be declining regularly. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-eyes-military-base-on-africas-atlantic-coast-us-looks-to-dump-idea-say-reports-434751">As China eyes military base on Atlantic Ocean, US looks to dump idea: Reports</a>

Around 2,500 respondents belonging to different gender, age, political and other demographics were included in the survey. &nbsp;

In it, there were questions about confidence in Supreme Court, law enforcement, media, Congress, presidency and other institutions as well. &nbsp;

From 2019, the confidence began to fell in the military. It fell from 70% to 63% in 2019 and then down to 56% earlier this year. In nine months, it dropped to 45%. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-more-troops-to-eastern-europe-if-putin-invades-ukraine-434750">US to send more troops to Eastern Europe, if Putin invades Ukraine</a>

Rachel Hoff, the Reagan Institute’s policy director, said, “... we’ve tested over the last three years a number of public institutions and institutional trust is declining overall in American society.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

“That’s perhaps not surprising, but the way that the military is falling so much more quickly than the other institutions, we think is notable, particularly in the light of the real understanding that the American people have about the national security threats we face,” added Hoff. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The citizens of the United States seem to have been continuously losing confidence in the military, a new survey published recently said. There is a need to conduct more research to understand the reasons for the development.

The citizens of the United States seem to have been continuously losing confidence in the military, a new survey published recently said. There is a need to conduct more research to understand the reasons for the development. Since its launch in 2018, the Reagan Institute’s national defence survey, for a third year in a row, found the confidence in the military to be declining regularly. Also Read | As China eyes military base on Atlantic Ocean, US looks to dump idea: Reports Around 2,500 respondents belonging to different gender, age, political and other demographics were included in the survey. In it, there were questions about confidence in Supreme Court, law enforcement, media, Congress, presidency and other institutions as well. From 2019, the confidence began to fell in the military. It fell from 70% to 63% in 2019 and then down to 56% earlier this year. In nine months, it dropped to 45%. Also Read: US to send more troops to Eastern Europe, if Putin invades Ukraine Rachel Hoff, the Reagan Institute’s policy director, said, “... we’ve tested over the last three years a number of public institutions and institutional trust is declining overall in American society.” “That’s perhaps not surprising, but the way that the military is falling so much more quickly than the other institutions, we think is notable, particularly in the light of the real understanding that the American people have about the national security threats we face,” added Hoff. (With inputs from agencies)

US citizens continuously losing confidence in military, says new survey

Talking to the media after the maiden India-Russia 2+2 dialogue of defence and foreign ministers, Sergey Lavrov expressed serious concerns over the United States activity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Russia foreign minister Lavrov accuses US of undermining security in Indo-Pacific region

US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday to deal with military tensions over Ukraine.

President of US & Russia to hold virtual summit amid Ukraine tension

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling.

The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

It asked the US citizens to carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained.

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The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. <a href="https://t.co/a8BkAU7eCR">pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR</a>
— U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACSTokyo/status/1467629914857816065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The tweet is being perceived as an unusual move from the United States, a key Japanese ally.

Reacting to the warning, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told Reuters that police are questioning suspicious individuals only based on various factors, but that those decisions are not based on a person’s ethnicity or nationality.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-scare-japan-imposes-strict-quarantine-rules-for-travellers-from-india-434255">&nbsp;Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India</a>

A US Embassy spokesperson said the embassy had nothing further to add to the tweet, and the National Police Agency could not immediately comment, reports&nbsp;Reuters.

The embassy’s message comes a week after Japan closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners in one of the strongest global measures taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/for-nearly-30-years-this-japan-hospital-used-toilet-water-for-drinking-427965">For nearly 30 years, this Japan hospital used toilet water for drinking</a>

The Japanese government has announced strict quarantine rules for people coming from India, Greece, Romania and four US states.

While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo News.

The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News.

The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police. It asked the US citizens to carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR — U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) December 5, 2021 × The tweet is being perceived as an unusual move from the United States, a key Japanese ally. Reacting to the warning, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told Reuters that police are questioning suspicious individuals only based on various factors, but that those decisions are not based on a person’s ethnicity or nationality. Also read | Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India A US Embassy spokesperson said the embassy had nothing further to add to the tweet, and the National Police Agency could not immediately comment, reports Reuters. The embassy’s message comes a week after Japan closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners in one of the strongest global measures taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19. Also read | For nearly 30 years, this Japan hospital used toilet water for drinking The Japanese government has announced strict quarantine rules for people coming from India, Greece, Romania and four US states. While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo News. The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News. The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy claims ‘racial profiling’ of foreigners by Japanese police

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