Both countries confirmed their first known case of the Omicron variant in early December

France joined US, India, Brazil, Britain and Russia in having had more than 10 million cases

Toll includes nine in Afghanistan, eight in Mexico, four in India and three in Pakistan

Russian President Putin lauds weapon as part of a new generation of unrivalled arms systems

The chief medical officers for England were given knighthoods

The daily update also showed 154 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test

Fully vaccinated citizens would also require a booster shot to be eligible to travel from Jan 10

Govt to speed up the phasing out of nuclear power as it turns its focus to renewables

Says he told the Russian president forthcoming talks will only work after a 'de-escalation' on Ukraine

Since Covid-19 pandemic began, Francis has several times spoken out against domestic violence