German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement.&nbsp;

Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

The head of Berlin state's intelligence service, Michael Fischer, described these protesters as having clear extremist tendencies and willing to use violence.&nbsp;

They are set to march from the Brandenburg Gate to the nearby Reichstag, the building that houses the German parliament.&nbsp;

Left-wing counter-protesters have said they will gather to oppose the march.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a demonstration by critics of the government's coronavirus restrictions are planning their own rally at Alexanderplatz, a major transport hub and shopping area in central Berlin.&nbsp;

Demonstrations last year in Berlin saw tens of thousands of Germans taking to the streets to protest lockdown measures, leading to violent confrontations with police and hundreds of people taken into custody.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement.

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement. Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency. The head of Berlin state's intelligence service, Michael Fischer, described these protesters as having clear extremist tendencies and willing to use violence. They are set to march from the Brandenburg Gate to the nearby Reichstag, the building that houses the German parliament. Left-wing counter-protesters have said they will gather to oppose the march. Meanwhile, a demonstration by critics of the government's coronavirus restrictions are planning their own rally at Alexanderplatz, a major transport hub and shopping area in central Berlin. Demonstrations last year in Berlin saw tens of thousands of Germans taking to the streets to protest lockdown measures, leading to violent confrontations with police and hundreds of people taken into custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Berlin braces for far-right protests, counter-demonstrations 

At least 14 people were killed and 30 others injured after a passenger bus veered off a road and plunged down a precipice on Saturday in the hilly district of Badulla in central Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The private bus was travelling from Lunugala in Badulla to capital Colombo when the accident took place this morning, police said.&nbsp;

The CCTV footage showed the bus was forced on to the edge of the road by a tipper truck heading towards it. The bus tumbled down a hill around 7 am local time this morning, police said. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Sri Lanka Air Force officer was killed in an accident during a parachute training exercise on Saturday, according to authorities.&nbsp;

An Air Force official said that the accident took place during the exercise in Ampara, Eastern Province, when the parachutes of the two airmen collided over 8,000 feet in the sky.&nbsp;

The other Air Force man sustained injuries and was rushed to the Ampara Hospital.&nbsp;

The deceased officer was identified as a 34-year-old Squadron Leader of the Sri Lanka Air Force.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At least 14 people were killed and 30 others injured after a passenger bus veered off a road and plunged down a precipice on Saturday in the hilly district of Badulla in central Sri Lanka.

At least 14 people were killed and 30 others injured after a passenger bus veered off a road and plunged down a precipice on Saturday in the hilly district of Badulla in central Sri Lanka. The private bus was travelling from Lunugala in Badulla to capital Colombo when the accident took place this morning, police said. The CCTV footage showed the bus was forced on to the edge of the road by a tipper truck heading towards it. The bus tumbled down a hill around 7 am local time this morning, police said. Meanwhile, a Sri Lanka Air Force officer was killed in an accident during a parachute training exercise on Saturday, according to authorities. An Air Force official said that the accident took place during the exercise in Ampara, Eastern Province, when the parachutes of the two airmen collided over 8,000 feet in the sky. The other Air Force man sustained injuries and was rushed to the Ampara Hospital. The deceased officer was identified as a 34-year-old Squadron Leader of the Sri Lanka Air Force. (With inputs from agencies)

14 killed in bus accident in central Sri Lanka 

The Afghan Defence Ministry on Saturday said their findings show that an air force helicopter that crashed three days ago was shot down by a local militia leader, vowing 'revenge' for the four crew members and five soldiers, who died.&nbsp;

Ministry spokesperson Fawad Aman said that investigators determined the Mi-17 helicopter that went down in central Wardak province was targeted by the militias tied to Abdul Ghani Alipoor, reports dpa&nbsp;news agency.&nbsp;

Alipoor is an ethnic Hazara militia commander, who is believed to lead hundreds of armed men in Wardak, his home province.&nbsp;

He has taken up arms to defend his community after repeated attacks by the Taliban and Kuchis, a nomadic people in the province.&nbsp;

Recently, the local strongman clashed with government forces in the province over the appointment of a new police commander in the area.&nbsp;

President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday said that the culprits involved in taking down the helicopter will be punished.&nbsp;

Alipoor has reportedly admitted that it was his men.&nbsp;

He was arrested in an operation in Kabul in late 2018 but was later released in return for concessions to the government following a wave of protests by his followers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Afghan Defence Ministry on Saturday said their findings show that an air force helicopter that crashed three days ago was shot down by a local militia leader, vowing 'revenge' for the four crew members and five soldiers, who died.

The Afghan Defence Ministry on Saturday said their findings show that an air force helicopter that crashed three days ago was shot down by a local militia leader, vowing 'revenge' for the four crew members and five soldiers, who died. Ministry spokesperson Fawad Aman said that investigators determined the Mi-17 helicopter that went down in central Wardak province was targeted by the militias tied to Abdul Ghani Alipoor, reports dpa news agency. Alipoor is an ethnic Hazara militia commander, who is believed to lead hundreds of armed men in Wardak, his home province. He has taken up arms to defend his community after repeated attacks by the Taliban and Kuchis, a nomadic people in the province. Recently, the local strongman clashed with government forces in the province over the appointment of a new police commander in the area. President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday said that the culprits involved in taking down the helicopter will be punished. Alipoor has reportedly admitted that it was his men. He was arrested in an operation in Kabul in late 2018 but was later released in return for concessions to the government following a wave of protests by his followers. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan army vows revenge for chopper crash 

Half of all adults in Britain have now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, becoming the world's first major economy to hit that milestone.&nbsp;

Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter, the figure had been reached after a record 660,276 shots were administered on Friday.&nbsp;

Israel is the leader in vaccinating its population, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Chile and then the United Kingdom - and investors are watching closely to see which economies could recover first.&nbsp;

"The vaccine is a national success story and our way out of this pandemic," said Hancock, adding that he was 'delighted'.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson got his first vaccine dose on Friday, receiving AstraZeneca's shot - which several European countries had temporarily stopped using earlier this week over safety fears.&nbsp;

Distributed by the state-run health service, Britain's vaccine roll-out has got off to a blistering start but the government has warned this week of a marked slowdown in April due to a delay of a shipment from India's Serum Institute and because a batch in the UK needed to be retested.&nbsp;

Britain has so far relied on vaccines from AstraZeneca and Oxford University, and Pfizer and BioNTech.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Half of all adults in Britain have now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, becoming the world's first major economy to hit that milestone. Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter, the figure had been reached after a record 660,276 shots were administered on Friday.

Half of all adults in Britain have now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, becoming the world's first major economy to hit that milestone. Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter, the figure had been reached after a record 660,276 shots were administered on Friday. Israel is the leader in vaccinating its population, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Chile and then the United Kingdom - and investors are watching closely to see which economies could recover first. "The vaccine is a national success story and our way out of this pandemic," said Hancock, adding that he was 'delighted'. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson got his first vaccine dose on Friday, receiving AstraZeneca's shot - which several European countries had temporarily stopped using earlier this week over safety fears. Distributed by the state-run health service, Britain's vaccine roll-out has got off to a blistering start but the government has warned this week of a marked slowdown in April due to a delay of a shipment from India's Serum Institute and because a batch in the UK needed to be retested. Britain has so far relied on vaccines from AstraZeneca and Oxford University, and Pfizer and BioNTech. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain hits milestone as half of all adults get first vaccine dose

More than 60 British lawmakers have written to interior minister Priti Patel calling for protests to be allowed in England during lockdown.&nbsp;

Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations, including by anti-lockdown campaigners.&nbsp;

Police were criticised for using heavy-handed tactics on March 13 to break up an outdoor vigil for 33-year-old Sarah Everard. A police officer has been charged with her kidnap and murder.&nbsp;

Further protests followed, fuelled by anger over government plans to tighten the law on demonstrations.&nbsp;

The group of lawmakers, including Conservative Member of Parliament Steve Baker, and Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said that protest should not be a criminal offence.&nbsp;

"We call on you to expressly exempt protests from restrictions on gatherings," they said in the letter, which was organised by campaign groups, Liberty and Big Brother Watch.&nbsp;

The interior ministry, known as the Home Office, said in response that the Covid-19 stay at home order remains in place until March 29, and once it ends, protests can resume subject to agreed social-distancing measures.&nbsp;

"While we are still in a pandemic, we continue to urge people to avoid mass gatherings, in line with wider coronavirus restrictions," a spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

Police said that a significant operation will be in place in London to engage with people breaching Covid-19 regulations, adding that any protesters will be encouraged to return home or could face fines or arrest.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

More than 60 British lawmakers have written to interior minister Priti Patel calling for protests to be allowed in England during lockdown. Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations, including by anti-lockdown campaigners.

More than 60 British lawmakers have written to interior minister Priti Patel calling for protests to be allowed in England during lockdown. Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations, including by anti-lockdown campaigners. Police were criticised for using heavy-handed tactics on March 13 to break up an outdoor vigil for 33-year-old Sarah Everard. A police officer has been charged with her kidnap and murder. Further protests followed, fuelled by anger over government plans to tighten the law on demonstrations. The group of lawmakers, including Conservative Member of Parliament Steve Baker, and Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said that protest should not be a criminal offence. "We call on you to expressly exempt protests from restrictions on gatherings," they said in the letter, which was organised by campaign groups, Liberty and Big Brother Watch. The interior ministry, known as the Home Office, said in response that the Covid-19 stay at home order remains in place until March 29, and once it ends, protests can resume subject to agreed social-distancing measures. "While we are still in a pandemic, we continue to urge people to avoid mass gatherings, in line with wider coronavirus restrictions," a spokeswoman said. Police said that a significant operation will be in place in London to engage with people breaching Covid-19 regulations, adding that any protesters will be encouraged to return home or could face fines or arrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 60 lawmakers call for protests to be allowed in England during lockdown 

Denmark on Saturday reported two cases of hospital staff with blood clots and cerebral haemorrhage after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination.&nbsp;

The Capital Region of Denmark, the authority that runs public hospitals in Copenhagen, said one of the hospital staff had died and both had received the AstraZeneca vaccine less than 14 days before getting ill.&nbsp;

The Danish medicines agency confirmed it had received two 'serious reports', without giving further details.&nbsp;

There were no details of when the hospital staff got ill.&nbsp;

Some countries including Germany and France this week reversed their decision to temporarily pause use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports of cases of rare brain blood clots sent scientists and governments scrambling to determine any link.&nbsp;

Denmark, which put use of the vaccine on hold on March 11, has not yet resumed use.&nbsp;

The European Union's drug watchdog said on Thursday, it is still convinced the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks following an investigation into reports of blood clots that prompted more than a dozen nations to suspend its use.&nbsp;

European Medicines Agency (EMA) director Emer Cooke said on Thursday, the watchdog could not definitively rule out a link between blood clot incidents and the vaccine in its investigation into 30 cases of a rare blood clotting condition.&nbsp;

But she said the 'clear' conclusion of the review was that the benefits in protecting people from the risk of death or hospitalisation outweighs the possible risks. The issue deserves further analysis, the EMA said.&nbsp;

AstraZeneca, which developed the shot with Oxford University, has said a review covering more than 17 million people, who had received its shots in the EU and Britain had found no evidence of an increased risk of blood clots.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Denmark on Saturday reported two cases of hospital staff with blood clots and cerebral haemorrhage after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination. The Capital Region of Denmark, the authority that runs public hospitals in Copenhagen, said one of the hospital staff had died and both had received the AstraZeneca vaccine less than 14 days before getting ill.

Denmark on Saturday reported two cases of hospital staff with blood clots and cerebral haemorrhage after receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination. The Capital Region of Denmark, the authority that runs public hospitals in Copenhagen, said one of the hospital staff had died and both had received the AstraZeneca vaccine less than 14 days before getting ill. The Danish medicines agency confirmed it had received two 'serious reports', without giving further details. There were no details of when the hospital staff got ill. Some countries including Germany and France this week reversed their decision to temporarily pause use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports of cases of rare brain blood clots sent scientists and governments scrambling to determine any link. Denmark, which put use of the vaccine on hold on March 11, has not yet resumed use. The European Union's drug watchdog said on Thursday, it is still convinced the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks following an investigation into reports of blood clots that prompted more than a dozen nations to suspend its use. European Medicines Agency (EMA) director Emer Cooke said on Thursday, the watchdog could not definitively rule out a link between blood clot incidents and the vaccine in its investigation into 30 cases of a rare blood clotting condition. But she said the 'clear' conclusion of the review was that the benefits in protecting people from the risk of death or hospitalisation outweighs the possible risks. The issue deserves further analysis, the EMA said. AstraZeneca, which developed the shot with Oxford University, has said a review covering more than 17 million people, who had received its shots in the EU and Britain had found no evidence of an increased risk of blood clots. (With inputs from agencies)

Two cases of blood clots reported after AstraZeneca shot in Denmark 

Egypt is racing to prepare a grandiose new capital city in the desert east of Cairo before the first civil servants move in this summer and ahead of the delayed official opening of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's flagship project.&nbsp;

At the heart of the city, workers are putting finishing touches to an avenue of ministries that echo the architecture of pharaonic temples and adjoin a raised Islamic complex, two domed parliament buildings and a sprawling presidential compound.&nbsp;

There will be a monorail passing through a business district where a 385-metre central tower is close to completion. Beyond, the contours of a 10km park stretching to a giant mosque are taking shape.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-egypt-is-relocating-its-capital-city-371514">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-egypt-is-relocating-its-capital-city-371514/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The city, known simply as the New Administrative Capital, is designed to operate with smart technology on virgin land away from the clutter and chaos of Cairo. It will boast universities, leisure facilities and a diplomatic quarter.&nbsp;

But it has made halting progress, and after Emirati funding fell through shortly after it was announced in 2015, the military and government took on the estimated $25 billion cost of the first phase, injecting off-budget investment.&nbsp;

Some foreign loans and financing have been secured.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic also slowed progress, and the first of three planned phases, covering 168 square kilometres, will not be completed when the government begins to move in.&nbsp;

"The rate of completion of the first phase has passed 60% across all projects," said Khaled el-Husseiny, spokesman for the new capital.&nbsp;

He added that the delayed transfer of civil servants would begin in July, ahead of an official opening planned for the end of 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Egypt is racing to prepare a grandiose new capital city in the desert east of Cairo before the first civil servants move in this summer and ahead of the delayed official opening of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's flagship project.

Egypt is racing to prepare a grandiose new capital city in the desert east of Cairo before the first civil servants move in this summer and ahead of the delayed official opening of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's flagship project. At the heart of the city, workers are putting finishing touches to an avenue of ministries that echo the architecture of pharaonic temples and adjoin a raised Islamic complex, two domed parliament buildings and a sprawling presidential compound. There will be a monorail passing through a business district where a 385-metre central tower is close to completion. Beyond, the contours of a 10km park stretching to a giant mosque are taking shape. Watch | The city, known simply as the New Administrative Capital, is designed to operate with smart technology on virgin land away from the clutter and chaos of Cairo. It will boast universities, leisure facilities and a diplomatic quarter. But it has made halting progress, and after Emirati funding fell through shortly after it was announced in 2015, the military and government took on the estimated $25 billion cost of the first phase, injecting off-budget investment. Some foreign loans and financing have been secured. The coronavirus pandemic also slowed progress, and the first of three planned phases, covering 168 square kilometres, will not be completed when the government begins to move in. "The rate of completion of the first phase has passed 60% across all projects," said Khaled el-Husseiny, spokesman for the new capital. He added that the delayed transfer of civil servants would begin in July, ahead of an official opening planned for the end of 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt looks to move to new capital, away from chaos of Cairo 

If you own a dog, you probably already know just how awesome they are. They fill your life with love, loyalty and a lot of fur. &nbsp;

They are always happy when you get home. Their loyalty knows no bounds, they love you unconditionally. They are simply the best. &nbsp;

The news is that the American Kennel Club has released a list of the most popular dog breeds of 2020 and if you are wondering whether your cuddle buddy has made it to the list, we have got you covered in this story.&nbsp;

In 2020, a lot of us coped with the pandemic by welcoming a dog into our homes. The surge in adoptions had some shelter homes run out of canines to take home but Americans were very particular about what kind of dogs they chose.&nbsp;

Based on their registration statistics, the American Kennel Club has released its 2020 list of the most popular dog breeds. Who has clinched the top spot? The Labrador Retriever is the topper for the 30th straight year. America's love affair with the Labrador continues. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-americas-top-dogs-of-2020-371526">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-americas-top-dogs-of-2020-371526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This energetic, eager-to-please breed saw 98,300 adoptions last year. Giving tough competition to the Labrador was the French Bulldog, who is at number two. These cute canines with their squat bodies wrinkly faces and bat ears witnessed a surge in popularity in 2020.&nbsp;

The buyers were willing to pay a fortune. In fact, just last month, Lady Gaga's two Frenchies were stolen at gunpoint and the pop star did not hesitate in offering 500,000 dollars for their safe return.&nbsp;

By the way, these Frenchies interestingly replaced a proud protector from the second spot. The German Shepherd, the all-weather breed, is now on the third spot.&nbsp;

They may look intimidating but they make a great family pet and two of them now have the honour of being America's first pets, Champ and Major. They are living a plush life at the White House with their owner US President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

On the fourth spot is the Golden Retriever. From their soulful piercing eyes to their wise-looking friendly face or their flowing and strikingly golden fur, Americans just couldn't help but bring these beautiful furry companions home.&nbsp;

On the fifth spot is the smooshy Bulldog, followed by the playful Poodle on the sixth, the gentle Beagle on the seventh, the mighty Rottweiler on the eighth and the agile Pointer on the ninth and the goofy Daschund on the 10th spot.&nbsp;

Their popularity may vary but there's no denying that for most people, the only one, who understands them best are their dogs irrespective of their breed.&nbsp;

If you own a dog, you probably already know just how awesome they are. They fill your life with love, loyalty and a lot of fur. They are always happy when you get home.

If you own a dog, you probably already know just how awesome they are. They fill your life with love, loyalty and a lot of fur. They are always happy when you get home. Their loyalty knows no bounds, they love you unconditionally. They are simply the best. The news is that the American Kennel Club has released a list of the most popular dog breeds of 2020 and if you are wondering whether your cuddle buddy has made it to the list, we have got you covered in this story. In 2020, a lot of us coped with the pandemic by welcoming a dog into our homes. The surge in adoptions had some shelter homes run out of canines to take home but Americans were very particular about what kind of dogs they chose. Based on their registration statistics, the American Kennel Club has released its 2020 list of the most popular dog breeds. Who has clinched the top spot? The Labrador Retriever is the topper for the 30th straight year. America's love affair with the Labrador continues. Watch | This energetic, eager-to-please breed saw 98,300 adoptions last year. Giving tough competition to the Labrador was the French Bulldog, who is at number two. These cute canines with their squat bodies wrinkly faces and bat ears witnessed a surge in popularity in 2020. The buyers were willing to pay a fortune. In fact, just last month, Lady Gaga's two Frenchies were stolen at gunpoint and the pop star did not hesitate in offering 500,000 dollars for their safe return. By the way, these Frenchies interestingly replaced a proud protector from the second spot. The German Shepherd, the all-weather breed, is now on the third spot. They may look intimidating but they make a great family pet and two of them now have the honour of being America's first pets, Champ and Major. They are living a plush life at the White House with their owner US President Joe Biden. On the fourth spot is the Golden Retriever. From their soulful piercing eyes to their wise-looking friendly face or their flowing and strikingly golden fur, Americans just couldn't help but bring these beautiful furry companions home. On the fifth spot is the smooshy Bulldog, followed by the playful Poodle on the sixth, the gentle Beagle on the seventh, the mighty Rottweiler on the eighth and the agile Pointer on the ninth and the goofy Daschund on the 10th spot. Their popularity may vary but there's no denying that for most people, the only one, who understands them best are their dogs irrespective of their breed.

American Kennel Club releases list of most popular dog breeds of 2020 

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan.&nbsp;

The golden jubilee celebrations to be held from March 17-27 to mark the country's independence from Pakistan after the 1971 Liberation War also coincides with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi and four heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives will be among the distinguished foreign guests to join the celebrations under separate schedules, Bangladesh government's principal information officer Surath Kumar Sarkar said.&nbsp;

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be the first top foreign dignitary to arrive on a three-day tour on March 17, followed by Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 19 on a two-day tour.&nbsp;

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari will be in Dhaka on a two-day tour from March 22 while Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering will visit the country on March 24 and 25.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will arrive on March 26 on a two-day visit and will join the main Independence Day celebrations that also marks 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations.&nbsp;

The foreign heads of state and government will join separately as part of the celebrations while Modi's visit would be an extended one which would take him to three places outside Dhaka, Sarkar said.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, in a media briefing, said Prime Minister Hasina would hold talks with all the visiting heads of state and government, "but the main thrust of their tours was to join our celebrations".&nbsp;

The talks between Hasina and the visiting South Asian leaders are expected to yield several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan.

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan. The golden jubilee celebrations to be held from March 17-27 to mark the country's independence from Pakistan after the 1971 Liberation War also coincides with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prime Minister Modi and four heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives will be among the distinguished foreign guests to join the celebrations under separate schedules, Bangladesh government's principal information officer Surath Kumar Sarkar said. Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be the first top foreign dignitary to arrive on a three-day tour on March 17, followed by Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 19 on a two-day tour. Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari will be in Dhaka on a two-day tour from March 22 while Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering will visit the country on March 24 and 25. Prime Minister Modi will arrive on March 26 on a two-day visit and will join the main Independence Day celebrations that also marks 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations. The foreign heads of state and government will join separately as part of the celebrations while Modi's visit would be an extended one which would take him to three places outside Dhaka, Sarkar said. Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, in a media briefing, said Prime Minister Hasina would hold talks with all the visiting heads of state and government, "but the main thrust of their tours was to join our celebrations". The talks between Hasina and the visiting South Asian leaders are expected to yield several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi, Solih, Rajapaksa to attend Bangladesh independence's 50th anniv

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. &nbsp;

It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. &nbsp;

This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion?&nbsp;

It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests.&nbsp;

The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year.&nbsp;

Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states.&nbsp;

Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed?&nbsp;

Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown.&nbsp;

From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen. &nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening. Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion? It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests. The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific. This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year. Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states. Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed? Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown. From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen.

British Prime Minister unveils integrated defence, security review 

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off. It's back on his schedule now. Johnson will visit New Delhi on the April 26. He also plans to travel to Pune.&nbsp;

This will be his first major international trip after Brexit. It will also mark a new beginning as London is reshaping its relationship with the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently, the British government conducted a major review of its security, defence, development and foreign policy. It's a 100-page document. It basically spells out Boris Johnson's vision for the UK.&nbsp;

It says Johnson wants a major foreign policy shift, a 'tilt to the Indo-Pacific' and the road to that, goes through India. The British government says the purpose of Johnson's trip is to 'unlock opportunities in the region'. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is planning multiple engagements. First, Johnson is coming to India. Then, he has invited India for the G7 summit. India is not part of the G7, or the group of seven, but the summit will be held in the UK and as the host country, Britain has extended an invite to India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

So, the UK is out of the European Union and after Brexit, it is trying to rebuild its relationship with the world. Going by reports, Johnson wants to project that the UK is a force of good. He wants to champion global action and democratic values, which is why it wants more influence in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson's review calls the Indo-Pacific 'increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world'. It's a good assessment. It also explains why the UK is moving a warship to the region. &nbsp;

Earlier this year, London announced plans to deploy a new carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. This is a 65,000-tonne and 280-metre-long Royal Navy fleet flagship. Reports say it has a flight deck that can carry up to 40 aircraft.

Now, why does the UK need a warship in the Indo-Pacific?&nbsp;

As the UK has left the European Union, it needs new trading partners. It has applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is a trade agreement between 11 countries including Australia and Japan. Britain wants to join the group. These countries face one common challenge, China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Now, here's the thing any trade relationship requires free and open trading routes. Countries in the Indo-Pacific see China, a threat and if the UK wants to join them, it will have to prepare for the China threat, which is why it is sending a warship to these waters.&nbsp;

It is now in the UK's interests to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. According to a report, the United Kingdom has moved to strengthen security cooperation with several Indo-Pacific countries. It is working on stronger defence ties with Japan and members of the FPDA that is the five power defence arrangements. This list also includes Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. The FPDA is a series of defence relationships. They were established through a series of multilateral agreements between these countries. In simpler words, the UK is coming closer to the major players in this region. The UK also maintains military outposts in Brunei as well as a naval support facility in Singapore. So, the signs are clear.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson wants a bigger role for the UK in the world and he is betting Britain's future on the Indo-Pacific. In December last year, the UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said, “If you look at India and the Indo-Pacific region and take a long-term view, that is where the growth opportunities will be". So, London plans to woo New Delhi to become a key stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off.

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off. It's back on his schedule now. Johnson will visit New Delhi on the April 26. He also plans to travel to Pune. This will be his first major international trip after Brexit. It will also mark a new beginning as London is reshaping its relationship with the world. Recently, the British government conducted a major review of its security, defence, development and foreign policy. It's a 100-page document. It basically spells out Boris Johnson's vision for the UK. It says Johnson wants a major foreign policy shift, a 'tilt to the Indo-Pacific' and the road to that, goes through India. The British government says the purpose of Johnson's trip is to 'unlock opportunities in the region'. It is planning multiple engagements. First, Johnson is coming to India. Then, he has invited India for the G7 summit. India is not part of the G7, or the group of seven, but the summit will be held in the UK and as the host country, Britain has extended an invite to India. So, the UK is out of the European Union and after Brexit, it is trying to rebuild its relationship with the world. Going by reports, Johnson wants to project that the UK is a force of good. He wants to champion global action and democratic values, which is why it wants more influence in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson's review calls the Indo-Pacific 'increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world'. It's a good assessment. It also explains why the UK is moving a warship to the region. Earlier this year, London announced plans to deploy a new carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. This is a 65,000-tonne and 280-metre-long Royal Navy fleet flagship. Reports say it has a flight deck that can carry up to 40 aircraft. Now, why does the UK need a warship in the Indo-Pacific? As the UK has left the European Union, it needs new trading partners. It has applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is a trade agreement between 11 countries including Australia and Japan. Britain wants to join the group. These countries face one common challenge, China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Now, here's the thing any trade relationship requires free and open trading routes. Countries in the Indo-Pacific see China, a threat and if the UK wants to join them, it will have to prepare for the China threat, which is why it is sending a warship to these waters. It is now in the UK's interests to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. According to a report, the United Kingdom has moved to strengthen security cooperation with several Indo-Pacific countries. It is working on stronger defence ties with Japan and members of the FPDA that is the five power defence arrangements. This list also includes Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. The FPDA is a series of defence relationships. They were established through a series of multilateral agreements between these countries. In simpler words, the UK is coming closer to the major players in this region. The UK also maintains military outposts in Brunei as well as a naval support facility in Singapore. So, the signs are clear. Boris Johnson wants a bigger role for the UK in the world and he is betting Britain's future on the Indo-Pacific. In December last year, the UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said, “If you look at India and the Indo-Pacific region and take a long-term view, that is where the growth opportunities will be". So, London plans to woo New Delhi to become a key stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.

UK looks to become a key stakeholder in Indo-Pacific 

Russia said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday it had summoned its Washington envoy back to the country for consultations on its ties with the United States but stressed it wanted to prevent an&nbsp;'irreversible deterioration'&nbsp;in relations.&nbsp;

"The Russian ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov, has been invited to come to Moscow for consultations conducted with the aim of&nbsp;analysing&nbsp;what should be done and where to go in the context of ties with the United States," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The announcement came after President Joe Biden said Russia will&nbsp;'pay a price'&nbsp;for meddling in US elections and he agrees with the assessment that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is a&nbsp;'killer'.&nbsp;

The Biden's statement has come after a 15-page report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, claimed that the Russian President likely directed efforts to try and sabotage Biden's chances of winning the US election 2020 against Donald Trump.&nbsp;

"Putin had purview over the activities of Andriy Derkach," the report said. "Other senior officials also participated in Russia's election influence efforts - including senior national security and intelligence officials who we assess would not act without receiving at least Putin's tacit approval."&nbsp;

However, these claims were dismissed by Russia. "The document prepared by the US intelligence community is another set of groundless accusations against our country of interfering in American internal political processes. The conclusions of the report on Russia conducting influence operations in America are confirmed solely by the confidence of the intelligence services of their self-righteousness. No facts or specific evidence of such claims were provided,"&nbsp;the Russian Embassy in Washington said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Immediately after Biden's statement, Russia's lower house of parliament denounced the US President for agreeing that Putin is a 'killer'. Claiming that attacks on Putin are attacks on Russia, State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on his Telegram channel that "Biden insulted the citizens of our country with his statement".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia said on Wednesday it had summoned its Washington envoy back to the country for consultations on its ties with the United States but stressed it wanted to prevent an 'irreversible deterioration' in relations.

Russia said on Wednesday it had summoned its Washington envoy back to the country for consultations on its ties with the United States but stressed it wanted to prevent an 'irreversible deterioration' in relations. "The Russian ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov, has been invited to come to Moscow for consultations conducted with the aim of analysing what should be done and where to go in the context of ties with the United States," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. The announcement came after President Joe Biden said Russia will 'pay a price' for meddling in US elections and he agrees with the assessment that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is a 'killer'. The Biden's statement has come after a 15-page report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, claimed that the Russian President likely directed efforts to try and sabotage Biden's chances of winning the US election 2020 against Donald Trump. "Putin had purview over the activities of Andriy Derkach," the report said. "Other senior officials also participated in Russia's election influence efforts - including senior national security and intelligence officials who we assess would not act without receiving at least Putin's tacit approval." However, these claims were dismissed by Russia. "The document prepared by the US intelligence community is another set of groundless accusations against our country of interfering in American internal political processes. The conclusions of the report on Russia conducting influence operations in America are confirmed solely by the confidence of the intelligence services of their self-righteousness. No facts or specific evidence of such claims were provided," the Russian Embassy in Washington said on Wednesday. Immediately after Biden's statement, Russia's lower house of parliament denounced the US President for agreeing that Putin is a 'killer'. Claiming that attacks on Putin are attacks on Russia, State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on his Telegram channel that "Biden insulted the citizens of our country with his statement". (With inputs from agencies)

Russia recalls Washington envoy for consultations 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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