A South African court blocked Shell from using seismic waves to explore for oil and gas in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday. A court decision handed a landmark victory to environmentalists worried about the impact on whales and other species against oil giant Shell.

South African court blocks Shell from using seismic waves to explore for oil, gas in Indian Ocean

Chinese communist party is continuing its crackdown on free media. Senior journalists working in a pro-democracy website in Hong Kong have been arrested.

Chinese communist party continues its crackdown on free media

Ukraine is preparing itself against the Russian troop build-up near its border. Russia is said to have amassed more than 100,000 of its troops along the border with Ukraine. Ukraine is readying itself for the worst.

Russian troops amass near Ukraine border

Troubles for the Nepalese prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba over an American grant worth 500 million dollars is far from over as of now. The millennium challenge corporation Nepal compact has now failed to take off after the ruling coalition remains sharply divided over its parliamentary ratification.

Troubles for the Nepalese prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is far from over

<p><strong>Here are some of the top stories to start off your day:&nbsp;</strong>As governments across Europe fight to curb the Omicron variant, France has reported the largest daily number of Covid cases,&nbsp;&nbsp;detecting a record high of 179,807 new confirmed coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period on Tuesday. In Canada's Quebec province, the government is allowing some healthcare workers to continue work despite testing Covid positive. In other news, a&nbsp;gold mine collapsed in the West Kordofan state of southern Sudan, killing at least 38 persons, according to a government statement.</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-spread-france-reports-record-of-nearly-180000-covid-19-cases-440820">Omicron spread: France reports record of nearly 180,000 COVID-19 cases</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/17/227200-cova1.jpg" />France reported a record high of 179,807 new confirmed coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period on Tuesday, one of the highest one-day tallies worldwide since the start of the pandemic. Part of the reason for the data could be related to reporting delays over the holidays.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-canada-province-is-allowing-health-workers-to-continue-work-even-after-testing-covid-positive-440819">This Canada province is allowing health workers to continue work even after testing Covid positive</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/29/229997-covid.jpg" />On Tuesday, the French-speaking province reported 12,833 new coronavirus cases—the highest one-day count of any region in Canada during the pandemic. Health authorities have warned that the actual number of infections may be higher as the screening centres are overwhelmed.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/38-killed-in-gold-mine-collapse-in-west-kordofan-state-in-southern-sudan-440813">38 killed in gold mine collapse in West Kordofan state in southern Sudan</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/28/229945-sudan.jpg" />Near El Nuhud town in West Kordofan state, around 500 kilometres west of Sudan's capital Khartoum, a gold mine has collapsed. According to the firm, the West Kordofan state government and the state's security committee had issued a decision to close the mine, stating that it was not appropriate for mining.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Japan to roll out vehicle that can run on roads, railway tracks</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-roll-out-vehicle-that-can-run-on-roads-railway-tracks-440818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong>Watch | COVID-19 numbers rise sharply in India</strong></div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-numbers-rise-sharply-in-india-440815/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: As governments across Europe fight to curb the Omicron variant, France has reported the largest daily number of Covid cases, detecting a record high of 179,807 new confirmed coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period on Tuesday.

Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: As governments across Europe fight to curb the Omicron variant, France has reported the largest daily number of Covid cases, detecting a record high of 179,807 new confirmed coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period on Tuesday. In Canada's Quebec province, the government is allowing some healthcare workers to continue work despite testing Covid positive. In other news, a gold mine collapsed in the West Kordofan state of southern Sudan, killing at least 38 persons, according to a government statement. Click on headlines to read more Omicron spread: France reports record of nearly 180,000 COVID-19 cases France reported a record high of 179,807 new confirmed coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period on Tuesday, one of the highest one-day tallies worldwide since the start of the pandemic. Part of the reason for the data could be related to reporting delays over the holidays. This Canada province is allowing health workers to continue work even after testing Covid positive On Tuesday, the French-speaking province reported 12,833 new coronavirus cases—the highest one-day count of any region in Canada during the pandemic. Health authorities have warned that the actual number of infections may be higher as the screening centres are overwhelmed. 38 killed in gold mine collapse in West Kordofan state in southern Sudan Near El Nuhud town in West Kordofan state, around 500 kilometres west of Sudan's capital Khartoum, a gold mine has collapsed. According to the firm, the West Kordofan state government and the state's security committee had issued a decision to close the mine, stating that it was not appropriate for mining. Watch | Japan to roll out vehicle that can run on roads, railway tracks Watch | COVID-19 numbers rise sharply in India

Morning news brief: Covid cases spike in France, Quebec's health infra in dire straits and more

The immigrants in California San Jose are well versed with the horrors of having to start afresh in a foreign land which is why at a clinic meant for screening refugees, the immigrant staffers are now offering guidance and support to the thousands of apprehensive Afghan refugees.

United States: Immigrants at California clinic help Afghan refugees

After a spell of drought for almost half of the year, the western U.S has now been battered by a powerful winter storm. The storm has resulted in travel misery in California, especially the Sierra Nevada range.

United States: Snowfall in western US after months of drought spell

South African court blocked shells from using seismic waves to explore for oil and gas in the Indian Ocean. The verdict is now being seen as a victory for environmentalists who are worried about the impact on whales and other species. A petition against the project had gathered nearly 85,000 signatures, several fishermen and local groups were also part of the petition.

South African court orders Shell to halt Wild Coast seismic blasting

<p><strong>Here are some of the top stories to start off your day:&nbsp;</strong>Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has often been criticised for his anti-vaccine stance, has said that he won’t inoculate his 11-year-old daughter against Covid infection. Meanwhile,&nbsp;the number of symptomatic coronavirus cases in China surged for the fourth day in a row, with Xian city reporting additional infections in a flare-up that has put 13 million people on lockdown. In the US, too,&nbsp;looking at the Christmas celebrations all over the country, experts had urged people to stay indoors and avoid parties and other large gatherings to avoid rapid spread of coronavirus.</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-vaccinate-daughter-against-covid-19-says-brazilian-president-bolsonaro-440543" hreflang="en">'Won’t vaccinate daughter against COVID-19', says Brazil's Bolsonaro</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/28/204180-untitled-design-8.jpg" /></p>

<p>The county’s national health regulator Anvisa faced backlash and death threats from Bolsonaro supporters after approving the Pfizer vaccine for children 5 to 11-year-olds earlier this month.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-local-symptomatic-covid-cases-rises-for-a-4th-day-as-xian-outbreak-expands-440537">China local symptomatic COVID cases rises for a 4th day as Xian outbreak expands</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/28/229768-untitled-design-5.jpg" /></p>

<p>The national local symptomatic case load on Monday was also the largest daily total since the official daily bulletin began classifying asymptomatic carriers separately at the end of March last year.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-experts-halve-isolation-period-for-asymptomatic-covid-patients-amid-omicron-spread-440544" hreflang="en">US experts halve isolation period for asymptomatic Covid patients, amid Omicron spread</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/10/149017-usa-corona-afp.jpg" /></p>

<p>This would allow people to return back to work sooner, thus making sure labour shortages are not as grave as previous times.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-life-and-time-of-desmond-tutu-440529">The life and time of Desmond Tutu</a></strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-life-and-time-of-desmond-tutu-440529/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-activists-decry-worlds-first-octopus-farm-440525"><strong>Activists decry world's first Octopus farm</strong></a></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-activists-decry-worlds-first-octopus-farm-440525/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has often been criticised for his anti-vaccine stance, has said that he won’t inoculate his 11-year-old daughter against Covid infection.

Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has often been criticised for his anti-vaccine stance, has said that he won’t inoculate his 11-year-old daughter against Covid infection. Meanwhile, the number of symptomatic coronavirus cases in China surged for the fourth day in a row, with Xian city reporting additional infections in a flare-up that has put 13 million people on lockdown. In the US, too, looking at the Christmas celebrations all over the country, experts had urged people to stay indoors and avoid parties and other large gatherings to avoid rapid spread of coronavirus. Click on headlines to read more 'Won’t vaccinate daughter against COVID-19', says Brazil's Bolsonaro The county’s national health regulator Anvisa faced backlash and death threats from Bolsonaro supporters after approving the Pfizer vaccine for children 5 to 11-year-olds earlier this month. China local symptomatic COVID cases rises for a 4th day as Xian outbreak expands The national local symptomatic case load on Monday was also the largest daily total since the official daily bulletin began classifying asymptomatic carriers separately at the end of March last year. US experts halve isolation period for asymptomatic Covid patients, amid Omicron spread This would allow people to return back to work sooner, thus making sure labour shortages are not as grave as previous times. The life and time of Desmond Tutu Activists decry world's first Octopus farm

Morning news brief: US changes Covid rules, tribute to Desmond Tutu, and more

It has been more than a year since the Mauritius oil spill and in the latest now coming in a court in Mauritius has handed a 20-month jail sentence to the captain and first mate for freighter which crashed into a coral reef in July of 2020 causing the Indian Ocean archipelago's worst environmental disaster.

Ship captain sentenced to 20 months imprisonment over Mauritius oil spill

Israel carried out yet another airstrike in the Syrian port of Latakia. According to the Syrian news agency Sana, the Israeli warplanes fired missiles on the port off the coastal city of Latakia on Tuesday morning causing large explosions and fires.

Israel carried out yet another airstrike in the Syrian port of Latakia

After breaking off diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the Nicaraguan government has now seized the former embassy and diplomatic offices of Taiwan. Further asserting that it only belongs to china. President Daniel Ortega's government formally ended Nicaragua's relations with Taiwan this month

Taiwanese diplomats given 10 days to leave Nicaragua

In the fight against the covid 19 pandemic, the Indian government has cleared two more vaccines and one antiviral drug for emergency use. The two latest vaccines that have been given the green light are the serum institute of India's Covovax and biological ease jab Corbevax.

India approves 2 Covid vaccines, 1 Covid pill in single day

The year 2021 has been a defining year of space tourism. For the first time, a journey into space was no longer restricted. Our next report gets you the details.

Journey into space is no longer restricted

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday pledged to ease a shortage of COVID-19 tests as the Omicron variant spreads across U.S. states this holiday week, threatening to overwhelm hospitals and stifle travel plans.

US President Joe Biden discusses White House response to Omicron

Sri Lanka to opt for an international monetary fund bailout or not, that is a big question in Sri Lanka right now. Sri Lanka's cabinet of ministers is now trying to meet further to explore the IMF option as a country reels under a massive financial crisis.

Sri Lanka's inflation hit a record 11.1% in November

Desmond Tutu, a close ally of Nelson Mandela in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, has died at the age of 90. His role as a "moral compass" and "his remarkable warmth and humour" was recognised by world leaders. Tutu, along with the late Nelson Mandela, was one of the most powerful opponents of apartheid, the previous system of white minority rule.

South Africa: Remembering Desmond Tutu's life and legacy

<p>To get your day started, here are some stories.&nbsp;Heavy rains induced floods triggered failure of two dams in northeastern Brazil while Greece's southern islands witnessed two strong tremors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can also read about Pfizer's pill against Covid being dangerous when taken with other medications,&nbsp;Fauci speaking about improving Covid testing and&nbsp;‘Let’s go Brandon’ caller insisting he meant no disrespect to US President Joe Biden.</p>

<p>Please click on the headline to read the full story.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-rains-induced-floods-trigger-failure-of-two-dams-in-northeastern-brazil-440234"><strong>Heavy rains induced floods trigger failure of two dams in northeastern Brazil</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cff3beea-1afe-4bc9-86c5-6bc35d1c1788" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Floods%20%281%29.jpg" /></p>

<p>After weeks of heavy rains, two dams collapsed in northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia.&nbsp;It comes as the rains had already swollen local rivers.&nbsp;The incident has led to flooding in towns across the region.&nbsp;Although roads and bridges were damaged, there were no reports of deaths or injuries.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greeces-southern-islands-witness-two-strong-tremors-440228"><strong>Greece's southern islands witness two strong tremors</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b761676d-07f5-49c6-b0a8-2d29c0adb3e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Greece.jpg" /></p>

<p>Greece's southern islands witnessed two tremors of a magnitude of 5.2 and 5.4 on Sunday. There were no reports of any damage or casualties till now.&nbsp;The quake was experienced in Crete and the islands of Kassos, Karpathos, Rhodes and Santorini. Tremors of these magnitude are common in the country.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizers-pill-against-covid-can-be-dangerous-when-taken-with-other-medications-440230"><strong>Pfizer's pill against Covid can be dangerous when taken with other medications</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1fcdc80-2619-4196-9f44-d056a3eff56b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BX1.JPG" /></p>

<p>In a recent revelation, experts have said that antiviral pills against Covid, may not be safe for everyone. After doctors and pharmacists closely analysed the pills, they concluded that these pills can be life-threatening when taken with other medications, reports NBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-speaks-about-improving-covid-testing-says-weve-got-to-do-better-440237"><strong>Fauci speaks about improving Covid testing, says 'We've got to do better'</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca3eb9a8-1f81-47de-9ecc-166013fba142" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BX2.JPG" /></p>

<p>Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the US, Anthony Fauci has highlighted the need to improve Covid testing all across the US. While speaking to ABC's News Week host Jonathan Karl, Fauci said, "We've got to do better. I mean, I think things will improve greatly as we get into January, but that doesn't help us today and tomorrow."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lets-go-brandon-santa-tracker-caller-insists-he-meant-no-disrespect-to-biden-440231"><strong>‘Let’s go Brandon’ caller insists he meant no disrespect to Biden</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd868fd6-30c5-43b5-b9f0-f59fea74017f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BX3.JPG" /></p>

<p>The prank caller who used an offensive slur 'Let's go Brandon' on a Christmas call with Joe Biden has ensured that he meant no disrespect to the President. "At the end of the day I have nothing against Mr Biden," the 35-year-old Jared Schmeck said. "But I am frustrated because I think he can be doing a better job. I mean no disrespect to him."</p>


To get your day started, here are some stories. Heavy rains induced floods triggered failure of two dams in northeastern Brazil while Greece's southern islands witnessed two strong tremors.

To get your day started, here are some stories. Heavy rains induced floods triggered failure of two dams in northeastern Brazil while Greece's southern islands witnessed two strong tremors. You can also read about Pfizer's pill against Covid being dangerous when taken with other medications, Fauci speaking about improving Covid testing and ‘Let’s go Brandon’ caller insisting he meant no disrespect to US President Joe Biden. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Heavy rains induced floods trigger failure of two dams in northeastern Brazil After weeks of heavy rains, two dams collapsed in northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia. It comes as the rains had already swollen local rivers. The incident has led to flooding in towns across the region. Although roads and bridges were damaged, there were no reports of deaths or injuries. Greece's southern islands witness two strong tremors Greece's southern islands witnessed two tremors of a magnitude of 5.2 and 5.4 on Sunday. There were no reports of any damage or casualties till now. The quake was experienced in Crete and the islands of Kassos, Karpathos, Rhodes and Santorini. Tremors of these magnitude are common in the country. Pfizer's pill against Covid can be dangerous when taken with other medications In a recent revelation, experts have said that antiviral pills against Covid, may not be safe for everyone. After doctors and pharmacists closely analysed the pills, they concluded that these pills can be life-threatening when taken with other medications, reports NBC. Fauci speaks about improving Covid testing, says 'We've got to do better' Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the US, Anthony Fauci has highlighted the need to improve Covid testing all across the US. While speaking to ABC's News Week host Jonathan Karl, Fauci said, "We've got to do better. I mean, I think things will improve greatly as we get into January, but that doesn't help us today and tomorrow." ‘Let’s go Brandon’ caller insists he meant no disrespect to Biden The prank caller who used an offensive slur 'Let's go Brandon' on a Christmas call with Joe Biden has ensured that he meant no disrespect to the President. "At the end of the day I have nothing against Mr Biden," the 35-year-old Jared Schmeck said. "But I am frustrated because I think he can be doing a better job. I mean no disrespect to him."

Morning news brief: Brazil dams' failure, Greece tremors and more

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been hit by a deluge. A new covid variant, a rebellious conservative party, cascading questions about secret parties and collapsing poll ratings, has become good news for the opposition.

Boris Johnson hit by deluge of doubts, UK PM's approval ratings plummet

The world's economic output will exceed $100 trillion for the first time in the year 2022. A London based think tank CEBR has predicted China will become world's top economy in dollar terms by the year 2030.

The world's economic output will exceed $100 Trillion dollars in the year 2022

Hundreds of middle eastern migrants were found in a Belarusian warehouse in abysmal conditions. These migrants flew to Belarus and tried to cross into Poland.

Hundreds of middle eastern migrants found in a Belarusian warehouse in abysmal conditions

<p><strong>Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: </strong>For the first time since the pandemic began, France reported 104,611 Covid infections in a single day. Meanwhile, more than 6,000 flights were scrapped globally over the Christmas weekend, as Omicron surge continues to play a spoilsport in holiday plans for millions of people. In other news, the Taliban has dismissed Afghanistan's election commission,&nbsp;dealing a major blow to the country's electoral process.</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-spreads-rapidly-france-records-over-100000-cases-in-24-hours-439995">As Omicron spreads rapidly, France records over 100,000 cases in 24 hours</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/13/136613-corona-paris.jpg" />As per the authorities, cases in intensive care went up from 28 to 3,282. This comes in as the Omicron variant is spreading at a very fast speed, worrying the authorities.&nbsp;To curb the spread of the virus, the authorities are considering bringing in the concept of vaccine pass.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-6000-flights-grounded-globally-over-christmas-weekend-amid-omicron-surge-439999">Over 6,000 flights grounded globally over Christmas weekend amid Omicron surge</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/26/229271-fli.jpg" />Pilots, flight attendants and other employees have been calling in sick or having to quarantine after exposure to Covid, forcing Lufthansa, Delta, United Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and many other short-staffed carriers to cancel flights during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-what-is-being-deemed-as-a-hurried-decision-taliban-dismisses-afghan-election-commission-440002">In what is being deemed as a hurried decision, Taliban dismisses Afghan election commission</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/10/03/214268-taliban-rally-1.jpg" />Situation in Afghanistan has been worsening ever since Taliban's takeover. As per reports by the United Nations, nearly 23 million people, which is about 55 per cent of the population, face extreme levels of hunger, and nearly 9 million are at risk of famine this winter.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Scientists have sounded an alarm on limiting global warming</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-have-sounded-an-alarm-on-limiting-global-warming-440001/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong>Watch | Christmas celebrations around the world were dampened due to the COVID-19 surge driven by Omicron</strong></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/christmas-celebrations-around-the-world-were-dampened-due-to-the-covid-19-surge-driven-by-omicron-440000/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: For the first time since the pandemic began, France reported 104,611 Covid infections in a single day. Meanwhile, more than 6,000 flights were scrapped globally over the Christmas weekend, as Omicron surge continues to play a spoilsport in holiday plans for millions of people.

Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: For the first time since the pandemic began, France reported 104,611 Covid infections in a single day. Meanwhile, more than 6,000 flights were scrapped globally over the Christmas weekend, as Omicron surge continues to play a spoilsport in holiday plans for millions of people. In other news, the Taliban has dismissed Afghanistan's election commission, dealing a major blow to the country's electoral process. Click on headlines to read more As Omicron spreads rapidly, France records over 100,000 cases in 24 hours As per the authorities, cases in intensive care went up from 28 to 3,282. This comes in as the Omicron variant is spreading at a very fast speed, worrying the authorities. To curb the spread of the virus, the authorities are considering bringing in the concept of vaccine pass. Over 6,000 flights grounded globally over Christmas weekend amid Omicron surge Pilots, flight attendants and other employees have been calling in sick or having to quarantine after exposure to Covid, forcing Lufthansa, Delta, United Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and many other short-staffed carriers to cancel flights during one of the year’s busiest travel periods. In what is being deemed as a hurried decision, Taliban dismisses Afghan election commission Situation in Afghanistan has been worsening ever since Taliban's takeover. As per reports by the United Nations, nearly 23 million people, which is about 55 per cent of the population, face extreme levels of hunger, and nearly 9 million are at risk of famine this winter. Watch | Scientists have sounded an alarm on limiting global warming Watch | Christmas celebrations around the world were dampened due to the COVID-19 surge driven by Omicron

Morning news brief: France reports record Covid cases, flights cancelled globally and more

Germany remains the top source for people seeking asylum in the European union. Germany received a number of asylum applications in the first nine months of 2021.

Germany receives asylum applications in first 9 months of 2021

Extreme weather became the new normal this year. There was hardly any country left from the impact of climate change. Take a look at this report.

Extreme weather becomes new normal this year

In November 2019, torrential rains had caused flooding and landslides and killed about forty people in Kinshasa and the commune of Mont-Ngafula had been one of the most affected. Two years later, its inhabitants fear the worst with the return of the rains.

Kinshasa relives horrors of past after return of rain

After Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s support for extremist group Taliban at the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) summit in Islamabad, the new Afghanistan government were seen warning Pakistan’s forces as fresh clashes erupt at the border.

Pakistan & Taliban spar over durand line

As Gwadar continues its massive demonstration against the mega developmental plans in line with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for over a month, China is now expressing concerns over the both "non-violent and armed" forms of the escalating protest in Pakistan city, as per a European think tank.

Protests intensify in Gwadar against mega developmental plans in line with CPEC

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on Saturday approved Covaxin for emergency use for children above 12 years. The approval is for children between 12 to 18 years of age only. The vaccine is not for children below 12 years.

Drug Controller General of India approves Covaxin for emergency use for children above 12 yrs

World is celebrating yet another pandemic-tinged Christmas, this time all the more amid the rising cases of highly infectious Omicron variant of the Covid-19, with curbs on mass gatherings and cancellations of flights.

World celebrates yet another pandemic-tinged Christmas

<p><strong>Here are some of the top stories to start off your day:</strong>&nbsp;In a new record high, nearly 1.7 million people across England had had Covid last week, reveals data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Meanwhile, on Christmas Eve, Joe Biden was greeted with a prank caller who used a popular right-wing slur that is common among the Trump supporters. In other news, a dozen migrants were killed after a boat sank in Aegean Sea, the third incident in a week.</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-cases-surge-17-million-people-in-the-uk-had-covid-last-week-439765">As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/25/229057-fhmusr7veaasfah.jpeg" />The ten worst-hit by areas in England are within a three-square miles radius in south London. This region is the worst affected by the Omicron variant.&nbsp;Last week, in Wales,70,000 people tested positive for the virus. About 44,900 people in Northern Ireland had Covid and in Scotland, 79,200 people were infected.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caller-says-lets-go-brandon-to-biden-on-annual-christmas-calls-439763">Caller says 'Let's Go Brandon' to Biden on annual Christmas calls</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/25/229056-joe-and-jill-biden.jpg" />The phrase 'Let's Go Brandon' is known as a cleaner version of 'F**k you Biden' and has been very popular in Trump supporters since the US election 2020.Surprisingly, Biden smiled and responded with the same slogan saying, "Let's go Brandon, I agree".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozen-migrants-killed-in-boat-sinking-accidents-on-greek-waters-third-in-a-week-439768">Dozen migrants killed in boat sinking accidents on Greek waters, third in a week</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/25/229058-greece-migrant-deaths.jpg" />The sinkings came as smugglers increasingly favour a perilous route from Turkey to Italy, which avoids Greece’s heavily patrolled eastern Aegean islands that for years were at the forefront of the country’s migration crisis.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Holiday gifting can lower your blood pressure</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-holiday-gifting-can-lower-your-blood-pressure-439760/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Can Santa Claus be gay?</strong></div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-santa-claus-be-gay-439759/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: In a new record high, nearly 1.7 million people across England had had Covid last week, reveals data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: In a new record high, nearly 1.7 million people across England had had Covid last week, reveals data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Meanwhile, on Christmas Eve, Joe Biden was greeted with a prank caller who used a popular right-wing slur that is common among the Trump supporters. In other news, a dozen migrants were killed after a boat sank in Aegean Sea, the third incident in a week. Click on headlines to read more As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week The ten worst-hit by areas in England are within a three-square miles radius in south London. This region is the worst affected by the Omicron variant. Last week, in Wales,70,000 people tested positive for the virus. About 44,900 people in Northern Ireland had Covid and in Scotland, 79,200 people were infected. Caller says 'Let's Go Brandon' to Biden on annual Christmas calls The phrase 'Let's Go Brandon' is known as a cleaner version of 'F**k you Biden' and has been very popular in Trump supporters since the US election 2020.Surprisingly, Biden smiled and responded with the same slogan saying, "Let's go Brandon, I agree". Dozen migrants killed in boat sinking accidents on Greek waters, third in a week The sinkings came as smugglers increasingly favour a perilous route from Turkey to Italy, which avoids Greece’s heavily patrolled eastern Aegean islands that for years were at the forefront of the country’s migration crisis. Watch | Gravitas: Holiday gifting can lower your blood pressure Watch | Gravitas: Can Santa Claus be gay?

Morning news brief: Biden trolled, UK sets new record of Covid cases and more

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