Iran's civil aviation body, in a final report, has blamed an error by an air defence operator for the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January 2020 that killed all 176 people aboard, the agency said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Ukraine's foreign minister criticised the report, calling it a cynical attempt by the Islamic Republic authorities to cover up the true reasons for the crash.&nbsp;

The Iranian report said, "The plane was identified as a hostile target due to a mistake by the air defence operator...near Tehran and two missiles were fired at it," according to the agency's website.&nbsp;

"The flight's operation did not have a role in creating the error by the air defence battery," the report added.&nbsp;

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards shot down the Ukraine International Airlines flight on January 8, 2020 shortly after it took off from Tehran Airport.&nbsp;

The Iranian government later declared that the shooting down was a 'disastrous mistake' by forces, who were on high alert during a regional confrontation with the United States.&nbsp;

Iran was on edge about possible attacks after it fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing US forces in retaliation for the killing days before of its most powerful military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in a US missile strike at Baghdad airport.&nbsp;

As in a preliminary report issued last June, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization said the error arose from a misalignment of a battery's radar and a lack of communication between the air defence operator and his commanders.&nbsp;

"Following a tactical relocation, the relevant ADU (air defence unit) failed to adjust the system direction due to human error, causing the operator to observe the target flying west from IKA (airport) as a target approaching Tehran from the southwest at a relatively low altitude," the final report said.&nbsp;

"Without receiving a go-ahead or response from the command centre, he (operator) came to identify the target as a hostile one and fired missile(s) at the aircraft against the procedure planned," it said.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lambasted the report in a post on Facebook. "What we saw in the published report today is nothing more than a cynical attempt to hide the true reasons for the downing of our plane," he said.&nbsp;

"We will not allow Iran to hide the truth, we will not allow it to avoid responsibility for this crime."&nbsp;

The Tehran government has allocated $150,000 for damages to be paid to families of the crash victims said several people have been put on trial over the disaster.&nbsp;

Ukraine has said the compensation should be set through talks, taking into account international practice, once the causes of the tragedy are established and those responsible are brought to justice.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Iran's civil aviation body, in a final report, has blamed an error by an air defence operator for the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January 2020 that killed all 176 people aboard, the agency said on Wednesday.

Iran's civil aviation body, in a final report, has blamed an error by an air defence operator for the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January 2020 that killed all 176 people aboard, the agency said on Wednesday. Ukraine's foreign minister criticised the report, calling it a cynical attempt by the Islamic Republic authorities to cover up the true reasons for the crash. The Iranian report said, "The plane was identified as a hostile target due to a mistake by the air defence operator...near Tehran and two missiles were fired at it," according to the agency's website. "The flight's operation did not have a role in creating the error by the air defence battery," the report added. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards shot down the Ukraine International Airlines flight on January 8, 2020 shortly after it took off from Tehran Airport. The Iranian government later declared that the shooting down was a 'disastrous mistake' by forces, who were on high alert during a regional confrontation with the United States. Iran was on edge about possible attacks after it fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing US forces in retaliation for the killing days before of its most powerful military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in a US missile strike at Baghdad airport. As in a preliminary report issued last June, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization said the error arose from a misalignment of a battery's radar and a lack of communication between the air defence operator and his commanders. "Following a tactical relocation, the relevant ADU (air defence unit) failed to adjust the system direction due to human error, causing the operator to observe the target flying west from IKA (airport) as a target approaching Tehran from the southwest at a relatively low altitude," the final report said. "Without receiving a go-ahead or response from the command centre, he (operator) came to identify the target as a hostile one and fired missile(s) at the aircraft against the procedure planned," it said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lambasted the report in a post on Facebook. "What we saw in the published report today is nothing more than a cynical attempt to hide the true reasons for the downing of our plane," he said. "We will not allow Iran to hide the truth, we will not allow it to avoid responsibility for this crime." The Tehran government has allocated $150,000 for damages to be paid to families of the crash victims said several people have been put on trial over the disaster. Ukraine has said the compensation should be set through talks, taking into account international practice, once the causes of the tragedy are established and those responsible are brought to justice. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's final report blames air defence operator error for Ukraine plane crash 

New York's state Assembly hired the law firm Davis Polk&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wardwell LLP to lead its investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine announced&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;

Since Thursday, Chairman Lavine led a vigorous search for a top-flight firm to assist with the investigation. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and our Judiciary Committee will conduct a full and fair&nbsp;investigation,&nbsp;Heastie said in a statement.&nbsp;

Hiring Davis Polk will give the Committee the experience, independence and resources needed to handle this important investigation in a thorough and expeditious manner.&nbsp;

Leaders in the Democrat-controlled Assembly announced&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday that they would conduct an impeachment investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate&nbsp;behaviour&nbsp;by Cuomo, also a Democrat.&nbsp;

Attorney General Letitia James is also investigating claims that the governor sexually harassed or inappropriately touched several female aides.&nbsp;

Cuomo has denied touching any women inappropriately and has rebuffed calls for his resignation.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden said in an interview with ABC News on Tuesday that Cuomo should resign if the state attorney general's investigation confirms the claims against him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

New York's state Assembly hired the law firm Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP to lead its investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine announced on Wednesday.

New York's state Assembly hired the law firm Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP to lead its investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine announced on Wednesday. Since Thursday, Chairman Lavine led a vigorous search for a top-flight firm to assist with the investigation. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and our Judiciary Committee will conduct a full and fair investigation, Heastie said in a statement. Hiring Davis Polk will give the Committee the experience, independence and resources needed to handle this important investigation in a thorough and expeditious manner. Leaders in the Democrat-controlled Assembly announced on Thursday that they would conduct an impeachment investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by Cuomo, also a Democrat. Attorney General Letitia James is also investigating claims that the governor sexually harassed or inappropriately touched several female aides. Cuomo has denied touching any women inappropriately and has rebuffed calls for his resignation. President Joe Biden said in an interview with ABC News on Tuesday that Cuomo should resign if the state attorney general's investigation confirms the claims against him. (With inputs from agencies)

NY state Assembly hires top law firm for Cuomo investigation 

There is major breaking news: President Joe Biden's wayward pup is no longer in the doghouse.&nbsp;

Biden, in an interview that aired&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday, said that his dog Major, who had been involved in a biting incident at the White House, was a sweet dog.&nbsp;

He explained the biting by saying that the dog had turned a corner, there's two people he doesn't know at all, you know, and they move and moves to protect. Biden added that 85 per cent of the people there love him. Major, a 3-year-old rescue dog, and Champ, who is 12, were moved to the Bidens' Delaware home after the incident, but the president said they would return to the White House.&nbsp;

The president said the dog's being trained now in Delaware but disputed the idea that the pup was sent away after the incident. He said the dogs went to Wilmington because the first couple was going to be out of town.&nbsp;

"He was going home,"&nbsp;Biden said.&nbsp;"I didn't banish him to home. Jill was going to be away for four days. I was going to be away for two, so we took him home."&nbsp;

The dogs are the first pets to call the White House home since President Barack Obama departed in early 2017 with his pups Bo and Sunny. President Donald Trump did not have any pets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

There is major breaking news: President Joe Biden's wayward pup is no longer in the doghouse. Biden, in an interview that aired on Wednesday, said that his dog Major, who had been involved in a biting incident at the White House, was a sweet dog.

There is major breaking news: President Joe Biden's wayward pup is no longer in the doghouse. Biden, in an interview that aired on Wednesday, said that his dog Major, who had been involved in a biting incident at the White House, was a sweet dog. He explained the biting by saying that the dog had turned a corner, there's two people he doesn't know at all, you know, and they move and moves to protect. Biden added that 85 per cent of the people there love him. Major, a 3-year-old rescue dog, and Champ, who is 12, were moved to the Bidens' Delaware home after the incident, but the president said they would return to the White House. The president said the dog's being trained now in Delaware but disputed the idea that the pup was sent away after the incident. He said the dogs went to Wilmington because the first couple was going to be out of town. "He was going home," Biden said. "I didn't banish him to home. Jill was going to be away for four days. I was going to be away for two, so we took him home." The dogs are the first pets to call the White House home since President Barack Obama departed in early 2017 with his pups Bo and Sunny. President Donald Trump did not have any pets. (With inputs from agencies)

A good boy again: Biden's dog to return to the White House 

China has asked its state firms in Myanmar to evacuate non-essential staff following attacks on Chinese factories and businesses by anti-coup protesters, who accused Beijing of backing the military junta that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi last&nbsp;month.&nbsp;

China has told its state firms to evacuate non-essential staff from Myanmar after dozens of Chinese-run factories were attacked on Sunday, amid rising anti-China sentiment, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) in a notice ordered state-owned enterprises in Myanmar to evacuate staff involved in projects that had come to a halt.&nbsp;

Other staff to be pulled out of the&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;country include those who have reached the end of their rotations, workers who have not yet been inoculated against the coronavirus, employees living on remote sites and those facing serious local situations, according to the notice.&nbsp;

Asked about reports of evacuation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao&nbsp;Lijian&nbsp;during a media briefing here on Wednesday said that China is following the situation in Myanmar closely and attach importance to the safety of our institutes and personnel in Myanmar.&nbsp;

"We hope the Myanmar side will take concrete measures and take more vigorous actions to ensure their safety," he said.&nbsp;

A state construction firm employee working on an infrastructure project in Myanmar confirmed to the daily that he had received the instructions from SASAC, which oversees 90 national-level SOEs in China.&nbsp;

"We received it over the weekend when some Chinese-invested factories were attacked," a source was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"In fact, almost all projects have already stopped here. We are discussing who shall stay back to watch developments. I think most of us will head home as nothing much can be done," he said.&nbsp;

According to state-run Global Times, 32 Chinese factories have been&nbsp;vandalised&nbsp;in the attacks in Yangon. The property loss was estimated to be about 240 million yuan (USD 36.89 million), the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar told the Global Times on Monday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China has asked its state firms in Myanmar to evacuate non-essential staff following attacks on Chinese factories and businesses by anti-coup protesters, who accused Beijing of backing the military junta that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi last month.

China has asked its state firms in Myanmar to evacuate non-essential staff following attacks on Chinese factories and businesses by anti-coup protesters, who accused Beijing of backing the military junta that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi last month. China has told its state firms to evacuate non-essential staff from Myanmar after dozens of Chinese-run factories were attacked on Sunday, amid rising anti-China sentiment, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday. China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) in a notice ordered state-owned enterprises in Myanmar to evacuate staff involved in projects that had come to a halt. Other staff to be pulled out of the neighbouring country include those who have reached the end of their rotations, workers who have not yet been inoculated against the coronavirus, employees living on remote sites and those facing serious local situations, according to the notice. Asked about reports of evacuation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian during a media briefing here on Wednesday said that China is following the situation in Myanmar closely and attach importance to the safety of our institutes and personnel in Myanmar. "We hope the Myanmar side will take concrete measures and take more vigorous actions to ensure their safety," he said. A state construction firm employee working on an infrastructure project in Myanmar confirmed to the daily that he had received the instructions from SASAC, which oversees 90 national-level SOEs in China. "We received it over the weekend when some Chinese-invested factories were attacked," a source was quoted as saying. "In fact, almost all projects have already stopped here. We are discussing who shall stay back to watch developments. I think most of us will head home as nothing much can be done," he said. According to state-run Global Times, 32 Chinese factories have been vandalised in the attacks in Yangon. The property loss was estimated to be about 240 million yuan (USD 36.89 million), the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar told the Global Times on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

China asks its state firms in Myanmar to evacuate non-essential staff: Report 

Thailand's anti-money laundering authorities said on Wednesday, they have seized or frozen more than 330 million baht (USD 11 million) worth of assets in a sting operation against a suspected wildlife trafficking ring.&nbsp;

The March 12 operation targeted Boonchai Bach, a Vietnamese and Thai citizen, who was arrested in 2018 but later got his conviction for trafficking in rhino horns and other contraband reversed.&nbsp;

Thai law gives police wide latitude to seize property that authorities suspect comes from illegal activities. They said they confiscated a hotel, vehicles, land and other assets and have frozen Boonchai's bank accounts.&nbsp;

It was not possible to immediately reach Boonchai for comment.&nbsp;

A senior Thai police official, Lt Col Teerapong Dulayawjian, said the Anti-Money Laundering Office was working with prosecutors in investigating the suspected laundering of profits from trading in endangered species.&nbsp;

Thailand and neighbouring Laos are known to be major hubs for such trafficking, orchestrated by organised criminal syndicates.&nbsp;

Boonchai's acquittal two years ago was viewed as a setback for efforts to crack down on the illicit trade in wildlife, which is viewed as a big risk factor in the development of illnesses that jump from animals to humans, such as Covid-19.&nbsp;

After the earlier case against him was reversed, authorities followed up with the investigation into his wealth.&nbsp;

Authorities worked with the Freeland Foundation, an international group that monitors wildlife trafficking, in conducting the sting operation.&nbsp;

In raids beginning early on March 12, police said they searched several locations in northern Thailand's Nakhon Phanom and Chaiyaphum provinces seizing cash, Buddhist amulets, firearms and wild animals.&nbsp;

Steve Galster, chair of the Freeland Foundation, said the action marked a breakthrough in efforts to hinder the illegal wildlife trade.&nbsp;

It's like they cut off an arm and broke a leg, of the suspected trafficking ring, he said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Thailand's anti-money laundering authorities said on Wednesday, they have seized or frozen more than 330 million baht (USD 11 million) worth of assets in a sting operation against a suspected wildlife trafficking ring.

Thailand's anti-money laundering authorities said on Wednesday, they have seized or frozen more than 330 million baht (USD 11 million) worth of assets in a sting operation against a suspected wildlife trafficking ring. The March 12 operation targeted Boonchai Bach, a Vietnamese and Thai citizen, who was arrested in 2018 but later got his conviction for trafficking in rhino horns and other contraband reversed. Thai law gives police wide latitude to seize property that authorities suspect comes from illegal activities. They said they confiscated a hotel, vehicles, land and other assets and have frozen Boonchai's bank accounts. It was not possible to immediately reach Boonchai for comment. A senior Thai police official, Lt Col Teerapong Dulayawjian, said the Anti-Money Laundering Office was working with prosecutors in investigating the suspected laundering of profits from trading in endangered species. Thailand and neighbouring Laos are known to be major hubs for such trafficking, orchestrated by organised criminal syndicates. Boonchai's acquittal two years ago was viewed as a setback for efforts to crack down on the illicit trade in wildlife, which is viewed as a big risk factor in the development of illnesses that jump from animals to humans, such as Covid-19. After the earlier case against him was reversed, authorities followed up with the investigation into his wealth. Authorities worked with the Freeland Foundation, an international group that monitors wildlife trafficking, in conducting the sting operation. In raids beginning early on March 12, police said they searched several locations in northern Thailand's Nakhon Phanom and Chaiyaphum provinces seizing cash, Buddhist amulets, firearms and wild animals. Steve Galster, chair of the Freeland Foundation, said the action marked a breakthrough in efforts to hinder the illegal wildlife trade. It's like they cut off an arm and broke a leg, of the suspected trafficking ring, he said. (With inputs from agencies)

USD 11 million seized in wildlife trafficking sting: Thailand

A polling station sent the Dutch health minister home to get a valid passport after he presented an expired one while trying to vote in a national election on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Hugo de Jonge, who heads the Netherlands'&nbsp;response to the coronavirus pandemic, was attempting to vote at a drive-through polling station in Rotterdam.&nbsp;

"And another piece of advice: take a VALID identification with you," he said in a statement on Twitter afterwards, with the hashtag&nbsp;'alittledumb'.&nbsp;

Dutch newspaper&nbsp;Algemeen&nbsp;Dagblad&nbsp;quoted the top official at the polling station as saying they could not bend the voting rules for a politician.&nbsp;

Wednesday was the third and final day of a national election that is seen as a referendum on the conservative government's handling of the pandemic. De Jonge is from a&nbsp;centre-right party in the ruling coalition that is expected to stay in power.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A polling station sent the Dutch health minister home to get a valid passport after he presented an expired one while trying to vote in a national election on Wednesday.

A polling station sent the Dutch health minister home to get a valid passport after he presented an expired one while trying to vote in a national election on Wednesday. Hugo de Jonge, who heads the Netherlands' response to the coronavirus pandemic, was attempting to vote at a drive-through polling station in Rotterdam. "And another piece of advice: take a VALID identification with you," he said in a statement on Twitter afterwards, with the hashtag 'alittledumb'. Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad quoted the top official at the polling station as saying they could not bend the voting rules for a politician. Wednesday was the third and final day of a national election that is seen as a referendum on the conservative government's handling of the pandemic. De Jonge is from a centre-right party in the ruling coalition that is expected to stay in power. (With inputs from agencies)

Rules are rules: Dutch health minister's passport rejected at polling station 

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In its most forthright condemnation of the military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, the government-appointed organisation also said in a draft statement its members intended to halt activities, in an apparent protest.&nbsp;

The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee planned to release a final statement after consulting the religious affairs minister on Thursday, the Myanmar Now news portal said, citing a monk, who attended a meeting of the committee.&nbsp;

Monks have a long history of activism in Myanmar and were at the forefront of a 2007 'Saffron Revolution' against military rule, an uprising that, although suppressed, helped usher in democratic reforms.&nbsp;

Committee members could not immediately be reached for comment, but their reported stance would signal a significant rift between authorities and a group that usually works closely with the government.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, detaining her and members of her party, drawing wide international condemnation.&nbsp;

Ousted members of parliament, most from Suu Kyi's party, pushed for a united stand against the coup in the ethnically diverse country, saying the designation of terrorist would be lifted from all autonomy-seeking insurgents fighting for democracy.&nbsp;

More than 180 protesters have been killed as security forces try to crush a wave of demonstrations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group says.&nbsp;

Protesters confronted security forces over a sand-bag barricade on one street in Yangon. Police opened intermittent fire and one man appeared to get shot in the head, according to footage on social media. The video could not be verified.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday.

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday. In its most forthright condemnation of the military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, the government-appointed organisation also said in a draft statement its members intended to halt activities, in an apparent protest. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee planned to release a final statement after consulting the religious affairs minister on Thursday, the Myanmar Now news portal said, citing a monk, who attended a meeting of the committee. Monks have a long history of activism in Myanmar and were at the forefront of a 2007 'Saffron Revolution' against military rule, an uprising that, although suppressed, helped usher in democratic reforms. Committee members could not immediately be reached for comment, but their reported stance would signal a significant rift between authorities and a group that usually works closely with the government. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, detaining her and members of her party, drawing wide international condemnation. Ousted members of parliament, most from Suu Kyi's party, pushed for a united stand against the coup in the ethnically diverse country, saying the designation of terrorist would be lifted from all autonomy-seeking insurgents fighting for democracy. More than 180 protesters have been killed as security forces try to crush a wave of demonstrations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group says. Protesters confronted security forces over a sand-bag barricade on one street in Yangon. Police opened intermittent fire and one man appeared to get shot in the head, according to footage on social media. The video could not be verified. (With inputs from agencies)

After bloody crackdown, Myanmar Buddhist group signals break with authorities  

The European Union agreed on Wednesday to blacklist Chinese officials for human rights abuses, two diplomats said, the first sanctions against Beijing since an EU arms embargo in 1989 following the Tiananmen Square crackdown.&nbsp;

EU ambassadors approved the travel bans and asset freezes on four Chinese individuals and one entity, whose names will not be made public until formal approval by EU foreign ministers on March 22, as part of a new and wider rights sanctions list.&nbsp;

"Restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses adopted," one EU diplomat said.&nbsp;

The Chinese officials were accused of human rights abuses against China's Uighur Muslim minority, EU diplomats said. They said the move reflected deep concern about the Uighurs in Europe, the United States and Canada.&nbsp;

The EU last sanctioned China, its second-largest trade partner, in June 1989, imposing an arms embargo on Beijing that is still in place.&nbsp;

Activists and UN rights experts say at least one million Muslims are being detained in camps in the remote western region of Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labour and sterilisations.&nbsp;

The Dutch parliament followed Canada and the United States in labelling China's treatment of the Uighurs genocide, which China rejects.&nbsp;

On Twitter, the Chinese mission to the EU republished comments on the new sanctions made on Tuesday by China's ambassador to the bloc, Zhang Ming, saying that Beijing would not change its policies.&nbsp;

"Sanctions are confrontational," the Chinese mission said on Twitter. "We want dialogue, not confrontation. We ask the EU side to think twice. If some insist on confrontation, we will not back down, as we have no option other than fulfilling our responsibilities to the people."&nbsp;

China denies any human rights abuses in Xinjiang and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.&nbsp;

The EU's full list of 11 names approved by EU ambassadors also include officials from Russia, Libya, South Sudan and North Korea, diplomats said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The European Union agreed on Wednesday to blacklist Chinese officials for human rights abuses, two diplomats said, the first sanctions against Beijing since an EU arms embargo in 1989 following the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The European Union agreed on Wednesday to blacklist Chinese officials for human rights abuses, two diplomats said, the first sanctions against Beijing since an EU arms embargo in 1989 following the Tiananmen Square crackdown. EU ambassadors approved the travel bans and asset freezes on four Chinese individuals and one entity, whose names will not be made public until formal approval by EU foreign ministers on March 22, as part of a new and wider rights sanctions list. "Restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses adopted," one EU diplomat said. The Chinese officials were accused of human rights abuses against China's Uighur Muslim minority, EU diplomats said. They said the move reflected deep concern about the Uighurs in Europe, the United States and Canada. The EU last sanctioned China, its second-largest trade partner, in June 1989, imposing an arms embargo on Beijing that is still in place. Activists and UN rights experts say at least one million Muslims are being detained in camps in the remote western region of Xinjiang. The activists and some Western politicians accuse China of using torture, forced labour and sterilisations. The Dutch parliament followed Canada and the United States in labelling China's treatment of the Uighurs genocide, which China rejects. On Twitter, the Chinese mission to the EU republished comments on the new sanctions made on Tuesday by China's ambassador to the bloc, Zhang Ming, saying that Beijing would not change its policies. "Sanctions are confrontational," the Chinese mission said on Twitter. "We want dialogue, not confrontation. We ask the EU side to think twice. If some insist on confrontation, we will not back down, as we have no option other than fulfilling our responsibilities to the people." China denies any human rights abuses in Xinjiang and says its camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. The EU's full list of 11 names approved by EU ambassadors also include officials from Russia, Libya, South Sudan and North Korea, diplomats said. (With inputs from agencies)

EU envoys agree for first China sanctions in three decades: Diplomats  

The traditional French practice of trapping songbirds with glue is illegal and cannot be authorised by the state, the EU Court of Justice said on Wednesday, handing a victory to bird lovers.&nbsp;

France is the only country in the European Union to allow the catching of birds, in parts of the south, by pasting glue on sticks or tree trunks, or using snares and nets, despite a 1979 EU ban.&nbsp;

"A member state may not authorise a method of capture of birds ... which is likely to cause other than negligible harm to the species concerned," the court said in a statement.&nbsp;

Under a 1989 decree allowing glue trapping as long as it is 'selective, controlled and in limited quantity', France has allowed the practice every year despite protests by bird lovers.&nbsp;

"It's a great victory for the Bird Protection Association, which has been advocating for years" against the practice, the association said in a statement.&nbsp;

The association says glue trapping is a 'cruel and odious' practice from a bygone era and that France should join other EU nations in outlawing it completely.&nbsp;

The injuries suffered by the birds were acknowledged by the EU Court of Justice, which argued that the captured birds can sustain irreparable harm, since the glue can damage feathers.&nbsp;

The French Ecology Ministry is yet to react to the decision. In August 2020, President Emmanuel Macron suspended glue trapping pending a ruling by the court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The traditional French practice of trapping songbirds with glue is illegal and cannot be authorised by the state, the EU Court of Justice said on Wednesday, handing a victory to bird lovers.

The traditional French practice of trapping songbirds with glue is illegal and cannot be authorised by the state, the EU Court of Justice said on Wednesday, handing a victory to bird lovers. France is the only country in the European Union to allow the catching of birds, in parts of the south, by pasting glue on sticks or tree trunks, or using snares and nets, despite a 1979 EU ban. "A member state may not authorise a method of capture of birds ... which is likely to cause other than negligible harm to the species concerned," the court said in a statement. Under a 1989 decree allowing glue trapping as long as it is 'selective, controlled and in limited quantity', France has allowed the practice every year despite protests by bird lovers. "It's a great victory for the Bird Protection Association, which has been advocating for years" against the practice, the association said in a statement. The association says glue trapping is a 'cruel and odious' practice from a bygone era and that France should join other EU nations in outlawing it completely. The injuries suffered by the birds were acknowledged by the EU Court of Justice, which argued that the captured birds can sustain irreparable harm, since the glue can damage feathers. The French Ecology Ministry is yet to react to the decision. In August 2020, President Emmanuel Macron suspended glue trapping pending a ruling by the court. (With inputs from agencies)

European court outlaws French practice of trapping songbirds with glue  

Humans love competition. We love world cups, the Olympics, elections, etc. No matter how dire the situation, we find scope for competition and rivalry.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. First was the race to lockdown: who would curb the spread of the virus better? Then, it was a stimulus race: who would write the biggest cheque? And when the vaccines came that too became a race: who would achieve herd immunity first? &nbsp;

Take Russia's Sputnik-V for instance. It was registered in August 2020, months before vaccines were approved in the West and that's how Russia is marketing Sputnik as the first registered vaccine for the coronavirus. Same in the United States when Donald Trump was president. He doubled up as a cheerleader for vaccine makers, it didn't matter what Pfizer or Moderna said, the former US president was making his own deadlines. It was all about prestige. About racing ahead of rivals.

Pandemic or not, geopolitical competition was very much alive and pharma companies were more than willing to oblige. Last year, they got government endorsements. A kind of vaccine nationalism was picking up.&nbsp;

In the West, Sputnik-V was widely condemned. It was declared a quack vaccine but as of today, Sputnik has been approved in Argentina, Belarus, Slovakia, Hungary, Iran and the UAE. Even the European Union is considering emergency use authorisation. How times change!&nbsp;

A similar episode played out in India. Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech, was granted approval. It was immediately dubbed vaccine nationalism, a case of the Indian government backing an Indian vaccine. Until now, 5.5 million Covaxin doses have been administered. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself took it.

The bottom line is, a vaccine is a vaccine.&nbsp;As long as it keeps the virus at bay, it doesn't matter who manufactures it or which country supports it.&nbsp;

But try telling that to China. Beijing has unveiled a new visa policy, which applies to foreigners entering the mainland from Hong Kong. If you have taken a China-made vaccine, there will be less paperwork. You don't have to take a Covid test or fill out a travel declaration form.&nbsp;

A China-made vaccine is basically your ticket into mainland China. A couple of issues here. Backing home-grown vaccines isn't a problem, but this is vaccine discrimination. It's like saying China-made jabs are better than Pfizer, or Moderna, or Covaxin, which is not the case.&nbsp;

China is attempting to boost the acceptability of its vaccines. Citizens, especially in Southeast Asia have business interests in China. They frequently visit the mainland. For them, taking a China-made vaccine might sound appealing. Beijing is leveraging its position as a travel hub to sell its jabs.

China's pharma war extends beyond vaccines. It is driving up the price of Paracetamol in India. Since last year, New Delhi has been pursuing self-sufficiency in the pharma sector. China's response was to drive up the cost of raw material. A 100% jump since November 2020, right in the middle of a public health emergency.&nbsp;

Countries may have their own reasons to back vaccines but why are pharma giants playing along? We are talking about one of the most despised industries in the world. Managing public opinion is not their strong suit. The pandemic was a chance to redeem themselves but they failed miserably. Pharma companies supplied more than 50% of their doses to just 16% of the world population. They chased money and market domination.

And don't forget, taxpayers contributed to these vaccines. Remember Operation Warp Speed in America? Pharma companies got more than 10 billion dollars of public money but the public has no rights over these jabs. So, let's take a step back and take stock of what's happening.&nbsp;

Big pharma used our money to develop vaccines and then sold those same vaccines back to us at cost. That's the global pharma industry in a nutshell.&nbsp;

Humans love competition. We love world cups, the Olympics, elections, etc. No matter how dire the situation, we find scope for competition and rivalry. The COVID-19 pandemic has been no different.

Humans love competition. We love world cups, the Olympics, elections, etc. No matter how dire the situation, we find scope for competition and rivalry. The COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. First was the race to lockdown: who would curb the spread of the virus better? Then, it was a stimulus race: who would write the biggest cheque? And when the vaccines came that too became a race: who would achieve herd immunity first? Take Russia's Sputnik-V for instance. It was registered in August 2020, months before vaccines were approved in the West and that's how Russia is marketing Sputnik as the first registered vaccine for the coronavirus. Same in the United States when Donald Trump was president. He doubled up as a cheerleader for vaccine makers, it didn't matter what Pfizer or Moderna said, the former US president was making his own deadlines. It was all about prestige. About racing ahead of rivals. Pandemic or not, geopolitical competition was very much alive and pharma companies were more than willing to oblige. Last year, they got government endorsements. A kind of vaccine nationalism was picking up. In the West, Sputnik-V was widely condemned. It was declared a quack vaccine but as of today, Sputnik has been approved in Argentina, Belarus, Slovakia, Hungary, Iran and the UAE. Even the European Union is considering emergency use authorisation. How times change! A similar episode played out in India. Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech, was granted approval. It was immediately dubbed vaccine nationalism, a case of the Indian government backing an Indian vaccine. Until now, 5.5 million Covaxin doses have been administered. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself took it. The bottom line is, a vaccine is a vaccine. As long as it keeps the virus at bay, it doesn't matter who manufactures it or which country supports it. But try telling that to China. Beijing has unveiled a new visa policy, which applies to foreigners entering the mainland from Hong Kong. If you have taken a China-made vaccine, there will be less paperwork. You don't have to take a Covid test or fill out a travel declaration form. A China-made vaccine is basically your ticket into mainland China. A couple of issues here. Backing home-grown vaccines isn't a problem, but this is vaccine discrimination. It's like saying China-made jabs are better than Pfizer, or Moderna, or Covaxin, which is not the case. China is attempting to boost the acceptability of its vaccines. Citizens, especially in Southeast Asia have business interests in China. They frequently visit the mainland. For them, taking a China-made vaccine might sound appealing. Beijing is leveraging its position as a travel hub to sell its jabs. China's pharma war extends beyond vaccines. It is driving up the price of Paracetamol in India. Since last year, New Delhi has been pursuing self-sufficiency in the pharma sector. China's response was to drive up the cost of raw material. A 100% jump since November 2020, right in the middle of a public health emergency. Countries may have their own reasons to back vaccines but why are pharma giants playing along? We are talking about one of the most despised industries in the world. Managing public opinion is not their strong suit. The pandemic was a chance to redeem themselves but they failed miserably. Pharma companies supplied more than 50% of their doses to just 16% of the world population. They chased money and market domination. And don't forget, taxpayers contributed to these vaccines. Remember Operation Warp Speed in America? Pharma companies got more than 10 billion dollars of public money but the public has no rights over these jabs. So, let's take a step back and take stock of what's happening. Big pharma used our money to develop vaccines and then sold those same vaccines back to us at cost. That's the global pharma industry in a nutshell.

Is vaccine nationalism on the rise?     

US Vice President Kamala Harris made her debut at the United Nations on Tuesday, telling a meeting on gender equality that democracy fundamentally depends on the empowerment of women and that democracy globally is increasingly 'under great strain'.&nbsp;

The United States would work to improve both, Harris said in a video statement to the 65th Commission on the Status of Women.&nbsp;

"Democracy requires constant vigilance, constant improvement. It is a work in progress. And today, we know that democracy is increasingly under great strain," said the first female vice president of the United States.&nbsp;

"The status of democracy also depends fundamentally on the empowerment of women. Not only because the exclusion of women in decision-making is a marker of a flawed democracy, but because the participation of women strengthens democracy," she said.&nbsp;

Harris said that President Joe Biden's administration would&nbsp;revitalise&nbsp;Washington's partnership with UN Women - a UN body dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.&nbsp;

Under former US President Donald Trump's administration, the United States led a push at the United Nations against the promotion of women's sexual and reproductive rights and health because it sees that as code for abortion. It opposed such language in UN resolutions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US Vice President Kamala Harris made her debut at the United Nations on Tuesday, telling a meeting on gender equality that democracy fundamentally depends on the empowerment of women and that democracy globally is increasingly 'under great strain'.

US Vice President Kamala Harris made her debut at the United Nations on Tuesday, telling a meeting on gender equality that democracy fundamentally depends on the empowerment of women and that democracy globally is increasingly 'under great strain'. The United States would work to improve both, Harris said in a video statement to the 65th Commission on the Status of Women. "Democracy requires constant vigilance, constant improvement. It is a work in progress. And today, we know that democracy is increasingly under great strain," said the first female vice president of the United States. "The status of democracy also depends fundamentally on the empowerment of women. Not only because the exclusion of women in decision-making is a marker of a flawed democracy, but because the participation of women strengthens democracy," she said. Harris said that President Joe Biden's administration would revitalise Washington's partnership with UN Women - a UN body dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Under former US President Donald Trump's administration, the United States led a push at the United Nations against the promotion of women's sexual and reproductive rights and health because it sees that as code for abortion. It opposed such language in UN resolutions. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris makes UN debut, pledges to fight for women, democracy 

Sri Lanka is in a fix. This weekend, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just over a week before a crucial vote at United Nations Human Rights Council.

Colombo wants to avoid a defeat at the world stage and escape the global scrutiny on the issue of human rights. Especially after its recent decision to ban the burqa and close 1,000 Islamic schools. &nbsp;

A press release from New Delhi says, among other things, the two leaders discussed cooperation in multilateral fora.&nbsp;The&nbsp;statement says a lot more, but mention of 'multilateral forums' stands out. Next week, Sri Lanka faces a crucial vote at the UNHRC in Geneva and it's bad news for Colombo.&nbsp;

The resolution is backed by Canada and the UK. It says the human rights situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating. The civilian government's functions are being militarised. Institutions like the judiciary are losing their independence, minorities are being marginalised and the civil society and media are facing intimidation.&nbsp;

When this scathing resolution comes up for a vote in Geneva, Sri Lanka reportedly wants India's support. Will they get it?&nbsp;

India can choose to abstain but Colombo cannot be sure.&nbsp;

A statement made by an Indian diplomat in Geneva signals that India is unhappy with Sri Lanka. Last month, India said the UN Human Rights chief's report on Sri Lanka raises ''important concerns''. There was also a mention of "respecting the rights of the Tamil community".&nbsp;

India was referring to the report from January released by the UN Human Rights chief. The report says Sri Lanka is on an alarming path towards the recurrence of grave human rights violations. It adds that,&nbsp;since taking power, the Sri Lankan president has appointed at least 28 serving or former military and intelligence personnel. They have been given key administrative posts in the government. This includes senior military officials, who were implicated by the United Nations in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the civil war that ended nearly 12 years ago. &nbsp;

New Delhi has more reasons to be upset with Colombo. Sri Lanka recently refused to honour a port agreement with Japan and India and went ahead with an energy project with a Chinese company close to the coast of Tamil Nadu. The Rajapaksa government says it has offered an alternative terminal project with the vote at the UNHRC looming.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan foreign secretary said last month in an interview, "India cannot abandon us". The Modi government has a choice to listen to that appeal and abstain from the vote but if it chooses to send a message, Sri Lanka might struggle to defend itself at the UN.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is in a fix. This weekend, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just over a week before a crucial vote at United Nations Human Rights Council.

Sri Lanka is in a fix. This weekend, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just over a week before a crucial vote at United Nations Human Rights Council. Colombo wants to avoid a defeat at the world stage and escape the global scrutiny on the issue of human rights. Especially after its recent decision to ban the burqa and close 1,000 Islamic schools. A press release from New Delhi says, among other things, the two leaders discussed cooperation in multilateral fora. The statement says a lot more, but mention of 'multilateral forums' stands out. Next week, Sri Lanka faces a crucial vote at the UNHRC in Geneva and it's bad news for Colombo. The resolution is backed by Canada and the UK. It says the human rights situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating. The civilian government's functions are being militarised. Institutions like the judiciary are losing their independence, minorities are being marginalised and the civil society and media are facing intimidation. When this scathing resolution comes up for a vote in Geneva, Sri Lanka reportedly wants India's support. Will they get it? India can choose to abstain but Colombo cannot be sure. A statement made by an Indian diplomat in Geneva signals that India is unhappy with Sri Lanka. Last month, India said the UN Human Rights chief's report on Sri Lanka raises ''important concerns''. There was also a mention of "respecting the rights of the Tamil community". India was referring to the report from January released by the UN Human Rights chief. The report says Sri Lanka is on an alarming path towards the recurrence of grave human rights violations. It adds that, since taking power, the Sri Lankan president has appointed at least 28 serving or former military and intelligence personnel. They have been given key administrative posts in the government. This includes senior military officials, who were implicated by the United Nations in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the civil war that ended nearly 12 years ago. New Delhi has more reasons to be upset with Colombo. Sri Lanka recently refused to honour a port agreement with Japan and India and went ahead with an energy project with a Chinese company close to the coast of Tamil Nadu. The Rajapaksa government says it has offered an alternative terminal project with the vote at the UNHRC looming. The Sri Lankan foreign secretary said last month in an interview, "India cannot abandon us". The Modi government has a choice to listen to that appeal and abstain from the vote but if it chooses to send a message, Sri Lanka might struggle to defend itself at the UN.

Sri Lanka seeks India's help to save face at crucial UNHRC vote 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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