French warship has dogged in Ukrainian port. The visit by the French anti-submarine frigate is significant as it comes amid escalating tensions with Russia.

French warship visits Ukrainian port amid escalating tensions with Russia

Russian President is bent on destroying the country. Speaking with AFP, Ukraine's national security chief, said that the ongoing talks of possible Moscow invasion could destabilise Ukraine and throw it into chaos.

Russian President Vladimir Putin bent on destroying the country?

Russian court has fined Meta platforms to delete content that Russia deems illegal. Take a look at this report.

Russian court fines meta platforms to delete content that is deemed illegal

Europe is facing a pretty sharp rise in the number of Covid 19 infections and it is not just due to the latest omicron variant.

PM Johnson urges people to get vaccinated

From greeting foreign leaders to heading regional summits, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is taking over the reins from his elderly father and becoming Saudi Arabia's uncrowned king.On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you what this means for the region.

The West Asia Post| Crown prince MBS holds the reins of power

Europe Concerned Over Rise In Cases

A Japanese university student tells a machine she wants to eat chocolate and moments later a transparent film with liquid droplets slides out on top of a screen showing luscious gooey chocolate.

Japan professor creates 'tele-taste' TV screen

It's deja vu in the aviation market. Omicron virus is spreading and some airlines are cancelling air travel due to this.

Airlines cancel flights due to Omicron virus spread

We have all seen Christmas decorations hanging on the Christmas trees, also on walls and ceilings, but do we know where these Christmas balls and bells are made? Kashmir's famed Paper Mache artisans start months before the festival to make these decorative pieces. Millions of paper mache decorative pieces are sold to customers across the world just before Christmas.

Kashmir's Christmas art wows customers, millions of products sold worldwide

The highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to rage across Europe. Watch this report for more.

Masks back as Omicron takes over Europe

Is Russia getting ready for war in the Ukraine. There has been a massive troop build up along Ukraine's border.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow doesn't want conflict with Ukraine

Tensions between Lithuania and China are Also escalating. Lithuania’s decision to let Taiwan open a representative office in its country some time back seems to have not gone down well with China.

China looks to send Lithuania to 'garbage bin of history', but why?

Omicron variant continues to rage across Europe. Many countries are re-introducing mask mandates to cut the spread of the virus.

Omicron variant cases spike across Europe

<p><strong>Here are some of the top stories to start off your day:</strong>&nbsp;Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China. Meanwhile, UK is preparing for a different enemy.&nbsp;On Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged the public to get vaccinated on Christmas Eve as a "wonderful" gift for the nation as cases soar. Towards Asia, China is&nbsp;all set to introduce a stringent law for protection of women. The legislation aims to eliminate discrimination against women at all levels. The NPC is expected to pass the bill soon.</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-escalating-chinese-threats-japan-passes-a-record-defence-budget-439462" hreflang="en">Amid escalating Chinese threats, Japan passes a record defence budget</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/45342-Japan%2520army.jpg" /></p>

<p>Before being officially enacted next year, the total budget must be approved by parliament.&nbsp;The United States and Japan have reached an agreement on payments for hosting American troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-thy-neighbour-uk-pm-johnson-urges-people-to-follow-jesuss-teachings-get-vaccine-this-christmas-439454">UK PM Johnson urges people to get vaccine this Christmas</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/24/228761-stories-11.jpg" /></p>

<p>Prime Minister has rejected a harsher virus restriction over Christmas in England, despite an unusual surge of cases linked to the Omicron variant.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daunte-wright-trial-white-cop-found-guilty-on-manslaughter-charges-439461">Daunte Wright trial: White cop found guilty on manslaughter charges</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/24/228774-stories-12.jpg" /></p>

<p>Kim Potter, 49, was found guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter for killing 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, earlier this year in April.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-to-pass-new-bill-for-protection-of-women-after-amid-growing-sexual-harassment-cases-439459">China to pass new bill for protection of women after amid growing sexual harassment cases</a></strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-to-pass-new-bill-for-protection-of-women-after-amid-growing-sexual-harassment-cases-439459/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-agricultural-ministry-secy-replaced-after-controversial-statement-439456">Sri Lanka: Agricultural ministry Secy replaced after controversial statement</a></strong></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-agricultural-ministry-secy-replaced-after-controversial-statement-439456/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China.

Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China. Meanwhile, UK is preparing for a different enemy. On Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged the public to get vaccinated on Christmas Eve as a "wonderful" gift for the nation as cases soar. Towards Asia, China is all set to introduce a stringent law for protection of women. The legislation aims to eliminate discrimination against women at all levels. The NPC is expected to pass the bill soon. Click on headlines to read more Amid escalating Chinese threats, Japan passes a record defence budget Before being officially enacted next year, the total budget must be approved by parliament. The United States and Japan have reached an agreement on payments for hosting American troops. UK PM Johnson urges people to get vaccine this Christmas Prime Minister has rejected a harsher virus restriction over Christmas in England, despite an unusual surge of cases linked to the Omicron variant. Daunte Wright trial: White cop found guilty on manslaughter charges Kim Potter, 49, was found guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter for killing 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, earlier this year in April. China to pass new bill for protection of women after amid growing sexual harassment cases Sri Lanka: Agricultural ministry Secy replaced after controversial statement

Morning news brief: Japan's defence budget, Boris Johnson's warning against Omicron, and more

Is Russsia getting ready for war in Ukraine?

In the aftermath of the devastating typhoon Rai, three million people are in need of dire assistance in the Philippines. At least, 177 people have lost their lives, more than 275 are injured.

Devastating impact of Typhoon Rai, three million people in need of assistance

At least 37 people died when an overcrowded night ferry caught fire in Bangladesh. The blaze was believed to have originated in the engine room and ripped through the ferry.

At least 37 people killed in Bangladesh after night ferry catches fire

Omicron variant cases increase in Europe

Relations between Russia and Ukraine are currently at an all-time low and it seems that the country might invade Ukraine and at a time like this, sources say that Russia might be preparing teenagers.

Russia promotes patriotism in schools

As Christmas is nearing the New York city has been lit up. This is despite the spike in Coronavirus infections.

New York city preps for Christmas despite surging Coronavirus cases

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla is on a two-day visit to Myanmar. This is the first high-level outreach from India since the Myanmar military coup.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla visits Myanmar

Now after conflict displaced civilians are battling extreme weather. A lack of crucial facilities is making it very difficult for them to tackle winter months.

Displaced Syrians battle extreme cold

Now the year end celebrations and celebrations all across the world have been overshadowed by rising number of Coronavirus cases. Scientists are still gathering more information on the new variant.

Omicron cases surge ahead of holiday season

A government minister in Madagascar has said he swam for 12 hours to safety after his helicopter crashed at sea during a rescue mission. Two other security officials travelling with him in the helicopter also survived the crash.

Police Minister swims for 12 hours after his chopper crashes at sea

<p><strong>Here are some of the top stories to start off your day:</strong> Two new studies from the United Kingdom have revealed that the Omicron variant may produce more infections than the Delta variant, but the risk of hospitalisation is reduced by 40 to 45 percent.As part of efforts to ease humanitarian aid flows into Afghanistan, the Treasury issued three general licenses.Russia is not preparing a military invasion of Ukraine, its ambassador to the European Union was quoted as saying on December 23.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162"><strong>Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</strong></a><br />
<br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/20/227564-omicron-2.jpg" /></p>

<p>Both studies suggested that even though Omicron spreads faster than Delta, the need for a booster dose to provide additional protection cannot be ruled out</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-keep-aid-flowing-to-afghanistan-us-authorises-certain-transactions-with-taliban-439164"><strong>To keep aid flowing to Afghanistan, US authorises certain transactions with Taliban</strong></a><br />
<br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/23/228468-stories-1.jpg" /></p>

<p>In an effort to keep aid flowing to Afghanistan as it sinks deeper into a humanitarian crisis, the US officially exempted US and UN officials doing permitted business with the Taliban from sanctions on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-panic-due-to-the-rapid-surge-of-omicron-us-stores-put-limits-on-at-home-covid-test-purchase-439154"><strong>Amid panic due to the rapid surge of Omicron, US stores put limits on at-home Covid test purchase</strong></a><br />
<br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/23/228450-stories.jpg" /></p>

<p>The number of tests per person was limited starting Wednesday by both Amazon and vendors on its platform.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-is-not-planning-an-attack-against-any-country-russian-envoy-439155"><strong>Moscow is not planning an attack against any country: Russian envoy</strong></a><br />
<br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/07/225310-m4-fi.jpg" /></p>

<p>Russia has no intention of attacking any country.Chizhov was reported to have said, "I can tell you that no Russian soldiers are ready to invade Ukraine at this time."<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch | Virus protection wall for the future</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/virus-protection-wall-for-the-future-439160/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Watch | Nigeria destroys more than 1 million AstraZeneca COVID vaccine doses</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-destroys-more-than-1-million-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-doses-439158/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: Two new studies from the United Kingdom have revealed that the Omicron variant may produce more infections than the Delta variant, but the risk of hospitalisation is reduced by 40 to 45 percent.

Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: Two new studies from the United Kingdom have revealed that the Omicron variant may produce more infections than the Delta variant, but the risk of hospitalisation is reduced by 40 to 45 percent.As part of efforts to ease humanitarian aid flows into Afghanistan, the Treasury issued three general licenses.Russia is not preparing a military invasion of Ukraine, its ambassador to the European Union was quoted as saying on December 23. Click on the headlines to read more. Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies Both studies suggested that even though Omicron spreads faster than Delta, the need for a booster dose to provide additional protection cannot be ruled out To keep aid flowing to Afghanistan, US authorises certain transactions with Taliban In an effort to keep aid flowing to Afghanistan as it sinks deeper into a humanitarian crisis, the US officially exempted US and UN officials doing permitted business with the Taliban from sanctions on Wednesday. Amid panic due to the rapid surge of Omicron, US stores put limits on at-home Covid test purchase The number of tests per person was limited starting Wednesday by both Amazon and vendors on its platform. Moscow is not planning an attack against any country: Russian envoy Russia has no intention of attacking any country.Chizhov was reported to have said, "I can tell you that no Russian soldiers are ready to invade Ukraine at this time." Watch | Virus protection wall for the future Watch | Nigeria destroys more than 1 million AstraZeneca COVID vaccine doses

Morning news brief: Russia-Ukraine conflict, Omicron spread and more

At least two people, i.e., one civilian and another police officer have been killed in twin attacks in India's J&K.

At least two people killed in twin attacks in Jammu & Kashmir

Amid Israel's opposition to revive the nuclear deal with Iran. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Israel's prime minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem. Sullivan's visit to Israel comes at a critical time as negotiations are ongoing to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran.

US NSA Jake Sullivan meets PM Naftali Bennett amid slow-moving Iran Nuclear deal talks

Russian Foreign Minister said he expected negotiations with US to begin in January next year. Watch this report for more.

Russian Foreign Minister to hold talks with United States next year

Indian Foreign Secy Harsh Shringla on a visit to Myanmar

Russia agrees to begin security talks with United States

Ghana parliament turned into a fight club on Monday because of a bill on increasing taxes. Parliamentarians hit each other.

Ghana parliament turns into a fight club

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