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Morning Digest: Cyclone Nivar makes landfall, weakens from 'very severe' to 'severe' cyclonic storm; Football legend Diego Maradona dies and more

A select list of stories to read before you start your day.

Biden urges Americans to be safe during holiday, fight coronavirus pandemic

Public health officials have urged Americans to stay at home for Thursday's holiday and avoid large gatherings that could spread the pathogen.

Curbs hit China supplies for iPhone

BIS started delaying approvals in August for China-made imports of devices like smartphones, smartwatches and laptops, part of the fallout from deteriorating ties with China after a border clash in June that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

Pakistan’s lonely jumbo packs trunk for Cambodia

Kaavan’s plight drew condemnation

Thailand protesters rally against secrecy over royal finances

At least a thousand demonstrators — many brandishing the yellow toy ducks that have become a symbol of the movement — took to the streets near the headquarters of the Siam Commercial Bank to protest at the secrecy surrounding King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s wealth.

Bhutan establishes formal ties with Germany

This is the kingdom’s first diplomatic foray in seven years; India says Germany is important partner

Maradona, one of football's immortals, leaves Earth

Maradona had recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma several weeks ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulates Joe Biden on U.S. election victory

China became one of the last major governments to congratulate U.S. President-elect Joe Biden

Hackers can turn vacuum cleaners into spying devices, NUS researchers say

The team recorded over 19 hours of audio and were able to collect both spoken digits and music played by a computer speaker and TV soundbar, with over 90% accuracy, it said.

EU says first virus vaccinations possible by Christmas

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU lawmakers that the first European citizens might already be vaccinated before the end of December

Watch | Member of Parliament in New Zealand, Dr. Gaurav Sharma taking oath in Sanskrit

Pakistan Cabinet approves in-principle chemical castration, hanging of rapists

The anti-rape ordinances change the basic definition of rape and suggest severe punishment for gang rape and hanging of rapists, says Information Minister Shibli Faraz

Watch | Indian-origin New Zealand MP takes the oath in Sanskrit

Dr. Gaurav Sharma, who was elected as a member of Parliament in New Zealand, took oath in New Zealand's indigenous Maori language and Sanskrit, a

Investigations reveal sexual abuse, grim labour conditions in palm oil fields linked to top beauty brands

In a global industry expected to reach $800 billion within the next five years, cosmetic legacy brands together with fast-growing celebrity and niche startups have largely remained silent about the abuse of women on palm oil plantations, in stark contrast to the brands’ female empowerment messages.

Carrie Lam says restoring 'political system from chaos' is priority

Ms. Lam spent a large part of her address on the need to restore order and protect China's national security

Britain warns tech firms over risks of China expansion

Under a new law put forward separately on Tuesday, telecoms companies could be fined up to 10% of turnover or 100,000 pounds a day if they contravene a ban on using equipment made by Huawei.

New Zealand soldier faces spying charges

It is the first time somebody from the military has faced such a charge in New Zealand

Pakistan gives U.N. a dossier on India after India submits one on Pakistan

The tit-for-tat moves come ahead of India joining the 15-member council for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021.

Obama memoir sells record 1.7 million copies in first week

A Promised Land, the first of two planned volumes, was published November 17 and sold nearly 8,90,000 copies just in its first day.

Watch | The hanging village of Bangladesh: a testimony to climate crisis

A video on the hanging village of Kalabagi in Khulna district of Bangladesh

Cyclone live updates | Nivar now a ‘severe cyclonic storm’ after making landfall

Puducherry and many districts of Tamil Nadu have declared holiday on November 26.

Overcoming domestic challenges key to restoring U.S.’ global leadership: Kamala Harris

‘Mr. Biden as the President will be focused on one thing: doing what’s best for the people of the USA’, she says

Azerbaijan says army has entered Kalbajar district handed over by Armenia

Aghdam was ceded on November 20 and Lachin is to be handed over by December 1.

Coronavirus | Others to get vaccine first as Canada lacks production capacity, says Justin Trudeau

The number of COVID-19 cases in Canada topped 340,000 on November 24, including 11,500 deaths.

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden says security team ‘ready to lead the world’

“It’s a team that reflects the fact that America is back. Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it,” Mr. Biden said.

Coronavirus | Russian virus vaccine to cost less than $10 per dose abroad

The two-shot jab, the fund promised in a statement, will be two or more times cheaper than those by Pfizer or Moderna.

Joe Biden certified as winner of Pennsylvania presidential vote

Pennsylvania’s 20 electors, a mix of elected Democrats, party activists and other staunch Biden backers, will meet in the state Capitol on December 14.

Coronavirus | UNICEF gearing up for ‘mammoth operation’ to deliver COVID-19 vaccines globally

UNICEF is leading efforts to procure and deliver vaccines from manufacturers that have agreements with the COVAX Facility.

Sri Lanka, China to focus on ‘poverty alleviation’

Sri Lanka and China will expedite ongoing development cooperation projects, and increase trade and investment, with “a special focus” on poverty

Ready to die to defend rights, says Tigray leader

Abiy gave rebels 3 days to surrender

Top news of the day: Cyclonic storm Nivar triggers heavy rains in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry; Allahabad High Court upholds right to live with person of choice, and more

The major news headlines of the day, and more.

Analysis | With U.S. drawing down troops, what’s next for Afghanistan?

The Taliban have not shown much inclination to reduce violence despite the February accord

China criticises Pope over comment on Uighur Muslim minority

In his new book, Pope Francis described the Uighurs as examples of groups persecuted for their faith.

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