United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (local time) slammed the 'wildly uneven and unfair' distribution of coronavirus vaccines and said that only 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccinations and demanding a global effort to get all people in every nation inoculated as soon as possible.&nbsp;

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Guterres, while addressing a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, said 130 countries have not received a single dose of vaccine.&nbsp;

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"At this critical moment, vaccine equity is the biggest moral test before the global community," he said. The UN chief called for an urgent 'Global Vaccination Plan' to bring together those with the power to ensure fair vaccine distribution - scientists, vaccine producers and those who can fund the effort - to ensure all people in every nation get inoculated as soon as possible, Al Jazeera reported.&nbsp;He urged the leading economic members of G20 to establish an emergency task force to bring together "the pharmaceutical companies and key industry and logistics actors". &nbsp;

Earlier on Wednesday, US State Department Secretary Antony Blinken at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emphasised the need to expand access to safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-in-two-south-africans-infected-with-coronavirus-study-says-364570">One in two South Africans infected with coronavirus, study says</a>

He also urged the countries to not allow 'usage of the vaccine as an excuse to violate human rights or fundamental freedoms'. &nbsp;

"To better understand this pandemic and prepare for the next one, all countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak. And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies, so the world learns as much as possible and as soon as possible. Transparency, information sharing, access for international experts - these must be the hallmarks of our common approach to what is truly a global challenge," he added. &nbsp;

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (local time) slammed the 'wildly uneven and unfair' distribution of coronavirus vaccines and said that only 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccinations and demanding a global effort to get all people in every nation inoculated as soon as possible.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (local time) slammed the 'wildly uneven and unfair' distribution of coronavirus vaccines and said that only 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccinations and demanding a global effort to get all people in every nation inoculated as soon as possible. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Guterres, while addressing a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, said 130 countries have not received a single dose of vaccine. × "At this critical moment, vaccine equity is the biggest moral test before the global community," he said. The UN chief called for an urgent 'Global Vaccination Plan' to bring together those with the power to ensure fair vaccine distribution - scientists, vaccine producers and those who can fund the effort - to ensure all people in every nation get inoculated as soon as possible, Al Jazeera reported. He urged the leading economic members of G20 to establish an emergency task force to bring together "the pharmaceutical companies and key industry and logistics actors". Earlier on Wednesday, US State Department Secretary Antony Blinken at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emphasised the need to expand access to safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines. Also Read: One in two South Africans infected with coronavirus, study says He also urged the countries to not allow 'usage of the vaccine as an excuse to violate human rights or fundamental freedoms'. "To better understand this pandemic and prepare for the next one, all countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak. And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies, so the world learns as much as possible and as soon as possible. Transparency, information sharing, access for international experts - these must be the hallmarks of our common approach to what is truly a global challenge," he added.

UN: 10 countries administered 75% jab, 130 haven't received single dose

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

This is being seen as a move by the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with India. It was being speculated that Khan would raise the Kashmir issue during his speech, which could have upset Delhi. &nbsp;

Sri Lankan ‘Express’ newspaper stated that giving an opportunity to the Pakistani prime minister could have been implied as giving Khan parity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so the planned speech was cancelled.&nbsp;

It is significant to mention that Imran khan’s speech at the Sri Lankan parliament had been included in PM's itinerary on the Pakistan government's request. &nbsp;

Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Colombo on a two-day trip from February 22. He was to address the Sri Lankan parliament on February 24. He will also meet Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and attend an investors' conference, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

Imran's speech was added at the request of the Pakistan government. However, it was later cancelled, according to Sri Lankan media. Sri Lankan media have cited different reasons for the cancellation of Khan's address. &nbsp;

Sri Lanka's daily ‘Express’ quoted Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage as having said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had requested for cancellation on the pretext of Covid-19. However, the same newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying that there were elements within the Sri Lankan government, who did not want the speech to take place as they feared that doing so could further harm ties with India.

But another speculation doing the rounds is that the Sri Lankan government was concerned about Khan speaking about the rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka, who have faced abuses at the hands of the Buddhist majority, rising anti-Muslim sentiments, and biased government actions, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government had, moreover, made its compulsory cremation rule for those dying from Covid-19 applicable to Muslims in the country. The government, however, earlier this month exempted the Muslims from cremation and allowed them to bury their dead after a global outcry over the issue.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn.

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn. This is being seen as a move by the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with India. It was being speculated that Khan would raise the Kashmir issue during his speech, which could have upset Delhi. Sri Lankan ‘Express’ newspaper stated that giving an opportunity to the Pakistani prime minister could have been implied as giving Khan parity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so the planned speech was cancelled. It is significant to mention that Imran khan’s speech at the Sri Lankan parliament had been included in PM's itinerary on the Pakistan government's request. Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Colombo on a two-day trip from February 22. He was to address the Sri Lankan parliament on February 24. He will also meet Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and attend an investors' conference, reported Dawn. Imran's speech was added at the request of the Pakistan government. However, it was later cancelled, according to Sri Lankan media. Sri Lankan media have cited different reasons for the cancellation of Khan's address. Sri Lanka's daily ‘Express’ quoted Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage as having said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had requested for cancellation on the pretext of Covid-19. However, the same newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying that there were elements within the Sri Lankan government, who did not want the speech to take place as they feared that doing so could further harm ties with India. But another speculation doing the rounds is that the Sri Lankan government was concerned about Khan speaking about the rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka, who have faced abuses at the hands of the Buddhist majority, rising anti-Muslim sentiments, and biased government actions, reported Dawn. The Sri Lankan government had, moreover, made its compulsory cremation rule for those dying from Covid-19 applicable to Muslims in the country. The government, however, earlier this month exempted the Muslims from cremation and allowed them to bury their dead after a global outcry over the issue.

Sri Lankan government cancels Pak PM Imran Khan's address to Parliament

Indian-Canadian MP Ramesh Singh Sangha has hit out at few Sikhs MPs in the Canadian Parliament for protecting pro-Khalistanis, who are spewing venom against India and interfering in the country's internal affairs.&nbsp;

In his virtual speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Sangha said, "I am a proud Sikh by birth. Like Sikhs in Canada, I am not a Khalistani extremist or a sympathiser. However, there are few Sikhs in Canada as well as in this House (Parliament)."&nbsp;

While slamming the extremist elements, Sangha mentioned Canada's Intelligence Report 2018 in which 'Sikh (Khalistani) Extremism' was used initially. The Canadian MP also said, he and other members of the Sikh community were grateful as the government took away the word 'Sikh' from the report but it was shameful on part of some Sikh MPs and ministers that pressurised the government to remove the word 'Khalistan' from the report."&nbsp;

Furthermore, Sangha said that some Sikhs including MPs pressurised to remove the phrase 'Khalistani Extremism', thus compromising the security of Canada.&nbsp;

The 2018 Public Report on the 'Terrorist Threat to Canada' raised serious concerns over the grooming of pro-Khalistani outfits in Canada, who are also indulged in anti-India activities.&nbsp;

The report said, "Some individuals in Canada continue to support violent means to establish an independent state within India. These violent activities have fallen since their height during the 1982-1993 period when individuals and groups conducted numerous terrorist attacks. The 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 331 people, remains the deadliest terrorist plot ever launched in Canada".&nbsp;

"While attacks around the world in support of this movement have declined, support for the extreme ideologies of such groups remains. For example, in Canada, two organisations, Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation have been identified as being associated with terrorism and remain listed terrorist entities under the Criminal Code".&nbsp;

Sangha said that Sikh MPs in Canada are working to protect these extremists. "Their hidden agenda was to camouflage all the names from long-time links to the movement, even their own near and dear ones", he said in his virtual speech.&nbsp;

"Shame on them for pandering to extremists in Canada! History will not forgive them," said the Indian-Canadian MP. Ramesh Singh Sangha was serving his second term as a Liberal MP in Canadian Parliament but recently removed from the party due to the blunt criticism of his own government in terms of accommodating 'Khalistani Elements' in the government.&nbsp;

Indian-Canadian MP Ramesh Singh Sangha has hit out at few Sikhs MPs in the Canadian Parliament for protecting pro-Khalistanis, who are spewing venom against India and interfering in the country's internal affairs.

Indian-Canadian MP Ramesh Singh Sangha has hit out at few Sikhs MPs in the Canadian Parliament for protecting pro-Khalistanis, who are spewing venom against India and interfering in the country's internal affairs. In his virtual speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Sangha said, "I am a proud Sikh by birth. Like Sikhs in Canada, I am not a Khalistani extremist or a sympathiser. However, there are few Sikhs in Canada as well as in this House (Parliament)." While slamming the extremist elements, Sangha mentioned Canada's Intelligence Report 2018 in which 'Sikh (Khalistani) Extremism' was used initially. The Canadian MP also said, he and other members of the Sikh community were grateful as the government took away the word 'Sikh' from the report but it was shameful on part of some Sikh MPs and ministers that pressurised the government to remove the word 'Khalistan' from the report." Furthermore, Sangha said that some Sikhs including MPs pressurised to remove the phrase 'Khalistani Extremism', thus compromising the security of Canada. The 2018 Public Report on the 'Terrorist Threat to Canada' raised serious concerns over the grooming of pro-Khalistani outfits in Canada, who are also indulged in anti-India activities. The report said, "Some individuals in Canada continue to support violent means to establish an independent state within India. These violent activities have fallen since their height during the 1982-1993 period when individuals and groups conducted numerous terrorist attacks. The 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 331 people, remains the deadliest terrorist plot ever launched in Canada". "While attacks around the world in support of this movement have declined, support for the extreme ideologies of such groups remains. For example, in Canada, two organisations, Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation have been identified as being associated with terrorism and remain listed terrorist entities under the Criminal Code". Sangha said that Sikh MPs in Canada are working to protect these extremists. "Their hidden agenda was to camouflage all the names from long-time links to the movement, even their own near and dear ones", he said in his virtual speech. "Shame on them for pandering to extremists in Canada! History will not forgive them," said the Indian-Canadian MP. Ramesh Singh Sangha was serving his second term as a Liberal MP in Canadian Parliament but recently removed from the party due to the blunt criticism of his own government in terms of accommodating 'Khalistani Elements' in the government.

Sikh MP accuses Canadian Parliament of accommodating Khalistanis

Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos have freed 23 security personnel and a civilian from a Taliban-run prison in northern Kunduz province, reported Pajhwok Afghan News.&nbsp;

The rescue operation by ANA was carried on Wednesday night, reported Xinhua. &nbsp;

"The special operation was launched in Kabuli Qishlaq village of Haqtash district on Wednesday night. No armed clash took place following the raid as the militants manning the Taliban hideout fled before troops' arrival," said Mohammad Omar Haqtash, a local official.&nbsp;

The freed people received medical treatment after they were shifted to an army camp, according to the official.&nbsp;

The Taliban is yet to comment on the ANA rescue operations. More details are awaited. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-sends-investigators-to-look-into-the-massive-fire-at-afghan-iran-border-363816">Afghanistan sends investigators to look into the massive fire at Afghan-Iran border</a>

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) killed 11 Taliban terrorists and wounded another four in the Babur area of Arghandab district, Kandahar province.&nbsp;

The operation conducted by the ANDSF with the help of the air force aimed to clear the Babur area from the Taliban insurgents. The local Babur school, closed for a long period of time due to security reasons, has now reopened to students.&nbsp;

The Taliban controls around two-thirds of Afghan territory, including all districts around the capital. Despite the claims of general support in the controlled lands, the Taliban continue to oppose all attempts at holding democratic elections in the country. &nbsp;

The peace efforts also appeared to be undermined by the Joe Biden administration's ongoing revision of the Taliban-US deal, signed by Donald Trump administration in February 2020.&nbsp;

Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos have freed 23 security personnel and a civilian from a Taliban-run prison in northern Kunduz province, reported Pajhwok Afghan News.

Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos have freed 23 security personnel and a civilian from a Taliban-run prison in northern Kunduz province, reported Pajhwok Afghan News. The rescue operation by ANA was carried on Wednesday night, reported Xinhua. "The special operation was launched in Kabuli Qishlaq village of Haqtash district on Wednesday night. No armed clash took place following the raid as the militants manning the Taliban hideout fled before troops' arrival," said Mohammad Omar Haqtash, a local official. The freed people received medical treatment after they were shifted to an army camp, according to the official. The Taliban is yet to comment on the ANA rescue operations. More details are awaited. Also Read: Afghanistan sends investigators to look into the massive fire at Afghan-Iran border Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) killed 11 Taliban terrorists and wounded another four in the Babur area of Arghandab district, Kandahar province. The operation conducted by the ANDSF with the help of the air force aimed to clear the Babur area from the Taliban insurgents. The local Babur school, closed for a long period of time due to security reasons, has now reopened to students. The Taliban controls around two-thirds of Afghan territory, including all districts around the capital. Despite the claims of general support in the controlled lands, the Taliban continue to oppose all attempts at holding democratic elections in the country. The peace efforts also appeared to be undermined by the Joe Biden administration's ongoing revision of the Taliban-US deal, signed by Donald Trump administration in February 2020.

Afghan Army frees 23 security personnel from Taliban jail in Kunduz

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad partners are strong supporters of ASEAN centrality within a region in which all countries are sovereign, independent and resilient, said the Australian government on Thursday in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade press release.&nbsp;

Adding further on the importance of the Quad, the statement said that Quad is a key pillar of Australia's international agenda and complements our other bilateral, regional and multilateral engagement, including with ASEAN.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-quad-meet-pentagon-says-relationship-with-india-a-priority-364484">Ahead of Quad meet, Pentagon says relationship with India a 'priority'</a>

As per the statement, later on Thursday, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Senator Marise Payne will join her counterparts, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the third Quad foreign ministers' meeting.&nbsp;

This dialogue will allow our nations to advance our shared interests in a secure and prosperous region. The Quad's positive agenda will enable us to progress cooperation among four Indo-Pacific democracies across a range of areas, including to support the region recover from the economic and health impacts of Covid-19, read the release.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-ladakh-india-revamps-defence-strategy-364381">After Ladakh, India revamps defence strategy</a>

The third Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad meeting will be held on February 18 to exchange views on regional and global issues, especially practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The meeting will be in continuation of the views exchanged in the last quad meeting held in Tokyo on October 6 last year. The Quad initiative is expected to put an end to the economic coercion tactics of China and cooperation with Japan and other allies will checkmate Chinese development assistance and its hegemony in the region.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad partners are strong supporters of ASEAN centrality within a region in which all countries are sovereign, independent and resilient, said the Australian government on Thursday in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade press release.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad partners are strong supporters of ASEAN centrality within a region in which all countries are sovereign, independent and resilient, said the Australian government on Thursday in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade press release. Adding further on the importance of the Quad, the statement said that Quad is a key pillar of Australia's international agenda and complements our other bilateral, regional and multilateral engagement, including with ASEAN. Also Read: Ahead of Quad meet, Pentagon says relationship with India a 'priority' As per the statement, later on Thursday, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Senator Marise Payne will join her counterparts, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for the third Quad foreign ministers' meeting. This dialogue will allow our nations to advance our shared interests in a secure and prosperous region. The Quad's positive agenda will enable us to progress cooperation among four Indo-Pacific democracies across a range of areas, including to support the region recover from the economic and health impacts of Covid-19, read the release. Also Read: After Ladakh, India revamps defence strategy The third Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad meeting will be held on February 18 to exchange views on regional and global issues, especially practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The meeting will be in continuation of the views exchanged in the last quad meeting held in Tokyo on October 6 last year. The Quad initiative is expected to put an end to the economic coercion tactics of China and cooperation with Japan and other allies will checkmate Chinese development assistance and its hegemony in the region.

Quad partners are strong supporters of ASEAN centrality, says Australia

Amid the growing atrocities against the minority communities of Pakistan, PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz has asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to speak to the relatives of the Baloch missing persons, who are protesting in Islamabad against the various human rights violations, including the issue of enforced disappearances.&nbsp;

"You are placed in the corridors of power," Maryam said on Wednesday, in a message to the Pakistan’s prime minister as she visited the protest site in the D-Chowk area, Geo News reported. &nbsp;

"It is your duty to listen to these people," Maryam added. This comes as protests are being held in Islamabad against forced abduction, torture, and harassment by the Pakistani agencies. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-let-imran-khan-come-to-power-again-says-maryam-nawaz-at-a-rally-364054">Don't let Imran Khan come to power again, says Maryam Nawaz at a rally</a>

The protest is being held in a bid to highlight the plight of minority communities in the different regions of Pakistan. There is a long history of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. While thousands of Balochs have been abducted and disappeared since its illegal occupation, hundreds of others have been eliminated in the line with Pakistan's 'kill and dump' policy. Thousands still remain unaccounted for. Enforced disappearance has been used as a tool by the Pakistani state to silence the oppressed people of Balochistan since the very first day of its occupation. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-live-in-pakistan-wont-go-abroad-says-maryam-nawaz-363839">Will live in Pakistan, won't go abroad, says Maryam Nawaz</a>

While countless abductees have been killed, many of them are still facing inhumane torture in army secrets cells. Enforced disappearances have been an old stain on Pakistan's human rights record. &nbsp;

Despite the pledges of successive governments to criminalise the practice, there has been a very slow movement on legislation, which is equal to nothing, while people continue to be forcibly disappeared with impunity. &nbsp;

Amid the growing atrocities against the minority communities of Pakistan, PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz has asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to speak to the relatives of the Baloch missing persons, who are protesting in Islamabad against the various human rights violations, including the issue of enforced disappearances.

Amid the growing atrocities against the minority communities of Pakistan, PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz has asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to speak to the relatives of the Baloch missing persons, who are protesting in Islamabad against the various human rights violations, including the issue of enforced disappearances. "You are placed in the corridors of power," Maryam said on Wednesday, in a message to the Pakistan’s prime minister as she visited the protest site in the D-Chowk area, Geo News reported. "It is your duty to listen to these people," Maryam added. This comes as protests are being held in Islamabad against forced abduction, torture, and harassment by the Pakistani agencies. Also Read: Don't let Imran Khan come to power again, says Maryam Nawaz at a rally The protest is being held in a bid to highlight the plight of minority communities in the different regions of Pakistan. There is a long history of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. While thousands of Balochs have been abducted and disappeared since its illegal occupation, hundreds of others have been eliminated in the line with Pakistan's 'kill and dump' policy. Thousands still remain unaccounted for. Enforced disappearance has been used as a tool by the Pakistani state to silence the oppressed people of Balochistan since the very first day of its occupation. Also Read: Will live in Pakistan, won't go abroad, says Maryam Nawaz While countless abductees have been killed, many of them are still facing inhumane torture in army secrets cells. Enforced disappearances have been an old stain on Pakistan's human rights record. Despite the pledges of successive governments to criminalise the practice, there has been a very slow movement on legislation, which is equal to nothing, while people continue to be forcibly disappeared with impunity.

Maryam Nawaz asks Pak PM to speak to Baloch missing persons’ kin

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, Nepal caretaker Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday reached the country's Supreme Court to furnish written reply over the cases filed against him.&nbsp;

This comes as Nepal Supreme Court last month had summoned PM Oli in person within seven days with a written response on why he should not be punished for contempt of court.&nbsp;

“Single bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma ordered PM Oli to appear before the court in the contempt of court cases over his comments over a senior advocate and subsequent comments about the sub-judicial case of house dissolution,” said Devendra Dhakal, assistant spokesperson, Supreme Court last month.&nbsp;

Earlier, two advocates had filed separate cases of 'Contempt of Court' against Oli last month over his remarks on the Parliament dissolution case, which is undergoing discussion at the court along with subsequent comment over a senior advocate.&nbsp;

Advocates Kumar Sharma Acharya and Kanchan Krishna Neupane filed the cases against Oli, who is functioning as a 'caretaker prime minister' after dissolving lower house and calling fresh elections, before schedule.&nbsp;

Advocates have claimed that Oli tried to influence the court and made disparaging remarks against legal practitioners. In an event on January 22, Oli during his address at a local gathering claimed that parliament dissolution has been made over time in Nepali history and there is no provision to restore the house.&nbsp;

While defending himself over the issue, which now is undergoing discussion at court, Oli took a jibe at a senior advocate and former chairman of Nepal Bar Association, Krishna Prasad Bhandari, calling him a 'grandfather' lawyer and asked petitioners not to trouble him.&nbsp;

Oli further attacked Bhandari calling his presence at the Supreme Court a 'farce'. The former chair and senior advocate, Krishna Prasad Bhandari, earlier in the week while taking part in the discussion had termed the latest move of Oli as unconstitutional.&nbsp;

The petitioners, who lodged a case against Oli in the Supreme Court, have claimed the statement by Oli has evoked Article 128 (4) of the constitution.&nbsp;

Over a dozen writ petitions have been lodged against Oli after he recommended the President to dissolve the lower house for failing to get an absolute majority in the parliament.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, Nepal caretaker Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday reached the country's Supreme Court to furnish written reply over the cases filed against him.

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, Nepal caretaker Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday reached the country's Supreme Court to furnish written reply over the cases filed against him. This comes as Nepal Supreme Court last month had summoned PM Oli in person within seven days with a written response on why he should not be punished for contempt of court. “Single bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma ordered PM Oli to appear before the court in the contempt of court cases over his comments over a senior advocate and subsequent comments about the sub-judicial case of house dissolution,” said Devendra Dhakal, assistant spokesperson, Supreme Court last month. Earlier, two advocates had filed separate cases of 'Contempt of Court' against Oli last month over his remarks on the Parliament dissolution case, which is undergoing discussion at the court along with subsequent comment over a senior advocate. Advocates Kumar Sharma Acharya and Kanchan Krishna Neupane filed the cases against Oli, who is functioning as a 'caretaker prime minister' after dissolving lower house and calling fresh elections, before schedule. Advocates have claimed that Oli tried to influence the court and made disparaging remarks against legal practitioners. In an event on January 22, Oli during his address at a local gathering claimed that parliament dissolution has been made over time in Nepali history and there is no provision to restore the house. While defending himself over the issue, which now is undergoing discussion at court, Oli took a jibe at a senior advocate and former chairman of Nepal Bar Association, Krishna Prasad Bhandari, calling him a 'grandfather' lawyer and asked petitioners not to trouble him. Oli further attacked Bhandari calling his presence at the Supreme Court a 'farce'. The former chair and senior advocate, Krishna Prasad Bhandari, earlier in the week while taking part in the discussion had termed the latest move of Oli as unconstitutional. The petitioners, who lodged a case against Oli in the Supreme Court, have claimed the statement by Oli has evoked Article 128 (4) of the constitution. Over a dozen writ petitions have been lodged against Oli after he recommended the President to dissolve the lower house for failing to get an absolute majority in the parliament.

Nepal caretaker PM furnishes written reply in SC over contempt of court cases

After a nine-month-long standoff, the satellite images from the banks of Pangong Tso show India and China are pulling back troops. The area has been one of the flashpoints for a long time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In late January, the Chinese military had built multiple camps, along with the deployment of soldiers and placement of military equipment. All of these have been removed. &nbsp;

China has already withdrawn 150 tanks and nearly 5,000 soldiers. And more will follow but this will not end the standoff as some flashpoints still remain. And China has not really had a change of heart. It is just the change of tactics. &nbsp;

So, what should India do? What should be Delhi's post-Ladakh strategy? &nbsp;

India is revamping its defence strategy in three broad ways - processes, procurement and partnerships. It is integrating its armed forces, upgrading weapons and strengthening its military alliances. &nbsp;

First, the reorganisation of the armed forces. It began with the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff. A position that was created by Modi Government. Besides being the single point military adviser to the defence minister, the CDS was given another critical job, which is the integration of the operations of the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. &nbsp;

General Bipin Rawat was appointed as India's first CDS last year. A year into the job, he is now ready with a plan. According to a report, the first joint commands are ready for a roll out. &nbsp;&nbsp;

What are joint commands? &nbsp;

They are units and resources from different branches of the armed forces. They are combined under a single branch with a dedicated commander. This commander takes care of what is called a geographical theatre. The air defence command and the maritime theatre command could be launched by May. &nbsp;

Both of these commands will pay a critical role in boosting India's defences against Pakistan And China. The air defence command will be set up in Prayagraj. This command will control all the air defence resources of all three services. &nbsp;

The maritime theatre command will be headquartered in Karwar on the west coast. Its job will be to protect the Indian ocean, India's island territories and to keep the sea lanes free and open. It is essential, not just for India but the country’s allies too. &nbsp;

The maritime command will have assets from the Indian Army and Air Force. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-indian-foreign-minister-s-jaishankar-to-visit-bangladesh-on-march-4-364229">Ahead Of PM Modi's visit, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh on March 4</a>&nbsp;

India plans to reorganise its forces into five theatre commands by 2022. So, we expect three more to come in by next year. The reports say there will be one command each for China and Pakistan. India's defence resources will be integrated into these commands. &nbsp;

Secondly, the country will also be procuring the much-needed weapons upgrades. The work on this front already began last year. In the last six months, India has signed at least 10 defence deals. It includes 83 new light combat aircraft Tejas, 118 Arjun Mark-1a tanks, and tactical drones worth $20 million. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A $200 Million deal was also struck for Israeli spice bombs. These were used by the Indian Air Force during the Balakot air strike. &nbsp;

Even in the budget this year, the focus was on procurement. &nbsp;

While the overall defence budget was hiked by just over one per cent, the budget for military modernisation has been hiked by almost 19 per cent. &nbsp;

The Indian defence minister said this is the highest-ever increase in capital outlay for defence in 15 years. New and better weapons will improve India's defences. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-envoys-reach-union-territory-of-jammu-and-kashmir-364193">Foreign envoys reach Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir</a>

Thirdly, closer ties with like-minded countries could be a booster shot for India's defence strategy. One of the possibilities could be The Quad and India is already on the track. &nbsp;

In a recent interview, Japanese ambassador to India Sato Shi Suzuki said both allies, India and Japan, had collaborated within India's neighbourhood countries, such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Maldives. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is to strengthen the Quad under the Indo-Pacific framework and this would be welcome news in the US. The new Biden administration is serious about the Quad. It wants this informal grouping to evolve into a formal alliance. Biden's biggest challenge is China and he will need India's help to deal with Beijing.&nbsp;

After a nine-month-long standoff, the satellite images from the banks of Pangong Tso show India and China are pulling back troops. The area has been one of the flashpoints for a long time.

After a nine-month-long standoff, the satellite images from the banks of Pangong Tso show India and China are pulling back troops. The area has been one of the flashpoints for a long time. In late January, the Chinese military had built multiple camps, along with the deployment of soldiers and placement of military equipment. All of these have been removed. China has already withdrawn 150 tanks and nearly 5,000 soldiers. And more will follow but this will not end the standoff as some flashpoints still remain. And China has not really had a change of heart. It is just the change of tactics. So, what should India do? What should be Delhi's post-Ladakh strategy? India is revamping its defence strategy in three broad ways - processes, procurement and partnerships. It is integrating its armed forces, upgrading weapons and strengthening its military alliances. First, the reorganisation of the armed forces. It began with the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff. A position that was created by Modi Government. Besides being the single point military adviser to the defence minister, the CDS was given another critical job, which is the integration of the operations of the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. General Bipin Rawat was appointed as India's first CDS last year. A year into the job, he is now ready with a plan. According to a report, the first joint commands are ready for a roll out. What are joint commands? They are units and resources from different branches of the armed forces. They are combined under a single branch with a dedicated commander. This commander takes care of what is called a geographical theatre. The air defence command and the maritime theatre command could be launched by May. Both of these commands will pay a critical role in boosting India's defences against Pakistan And China. The air defence command will be set up in Prayagraj. This command will control all the air defence resources of all three services. The maritime theatre command will be headquartered in Karwar on the west coast. Its job will be to protect the Indian ocean, India's island territories and to keep the sea lanes free and open. It is essential, not just for India but the country’s allies too. The maritime command will have assets from the Indian Army and Air Force. Also Read: Ahead Of PM Modi's visit, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to visit Bangladesh on March 4 India plans to reorganise its forces into five theatre commands by 2022. So, we expect three more to come in by next year. The reports say there will be one command each for China and Pakistan. India's defence resources will be integrated into these commands. Secondly, the country will also be procuring the much-needed weapons upgrades. The work on this front already began last year. In the last six months, India has signed at least 10 defence deals. It includes 83 new light combat aircraft Tejas, 118 Arjun Mark-1a tanks, and tactical drones worth $20 million. A $200 Million deal was also struck for Israeli spice bombs. These were used by the Indian Air Force during the Balakot air strike. Even in the budget this year, the focus was on procurement. While the overall defence budget was hiked by just over one per cent, the budget for military modernisation has been hiked by almost 19 per cent. The Indian defence minister said this is the highest-ever increase in capital outlay for defence in 15 years. New and better weapons will improve India's defences. Also Read: Foreign envoys reach Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Thirdly, closer ties with like-minded countries could be a booster shot for India's defence strategy. One of the possibilities could be The Quad and India is already on the track. In a recent interview, Japanese ambassador to India Sato Shi Suzuki said both allies, India and Japan, had collaborated within India's neighbourhood countries, such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Maldives. It is to strengthen the Quad under the Indo-Pacific framework and this would be welcome news in the US. The new Biden administration is serious about the Quad. It wants this informal grouping to evolve into a formal alliance. Biden's biggest challenge is China and he will need India's help to deal with Beijing.

After Ladakh, India revamps defence strategy

A 1943 landscape painted by Winston Churchill and which the wartime British prime minister gifted to US President Franklin D Roosevelt is expected to fetch up to $3.5 million when it is sold at auction next month. &nbsp;

Churchill painted 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque' in Marrakech, following the January 1943 Casablanca Conference, which both leaders attended. Churchill then took Roosevelt to Marrakech to see the sun set over the Atlas mountains. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The work is to be sold from Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie's Jolie Family Collection, with an estimated price tag of 1.5 million pounds - 2.5 million pounds ($2.08 million - $3.47 million). &nbsp;

"Churchill painted nothing in the Second World War except this one painting," Nicholas Orchard, head of the Modern British Art department at Christie's said. &nbsp;

"Churchill painted it for Roosevelt ... And so it signifies not just their friendship but also the special relationship between Britain and America. The other factor is that Churchill considered his North African views to be a cut above all his other paintings." &nbsp;

Churchill, who took up painting in his forties, first visited Morocco in 1935 and painted around 45 pictures of the country, according to Christie's. &nbsp;

"The record for a (Churchill) painting at auction is 1.8 million pounds, and likely interested buyers will probably come from the U.K. and the United States," Orchard said. &nbsp;

"But there's a much greater global interest, particularly in Churchill. And so we could see Middle Eastern interest, obviously, because of the subject matter as well as interest from the Far East." &nbsp;

The painting is leading Christie’s Modern British Art Evening Sale on March 1, where other works on offer include a portrait of socialite Doris Delevingne by John Lavery. &nbsp;

A 1943 landscape painted by Winston Churchill and which the wartime British prime minister gifted to US President Franklin D Roosevelt is expected to fetch up to $3.

A 1943 landscape painted by Winston Churchill and which the wartime British prime minister gifted to US President Franklin D Roosevelt is expected to fetch up to $3.5 million when it is sold at auction next month. Churchill painted 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque' in Marrakech, following the January 1943 Casablanca Conference, which both leaders attended. Churchill then took Roosevelt to Marrakech to see the sun set over the Atlas mountains. The work is to be sold from Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie's Jolie Family Collection, with an estimated price tag of 1.5 million pounds - 2.5 million pounds ($2.08 million - $3.47 million). "Churchill painted nothing in the Second World War except this one painting," Nicholas Orchard, head of the Modern British Art department at Christie's said. "Churchill painted it for Roosevelt ... And so it signifies not just their friendship but also the special relationship between Britain and America. The other factor is that Churchill considered his North African views to be a cut above all his other paintings." Churchill, who took up painting in his forties, first visited Morocco in 1935 and painted around 45 pictures of the country, according to Christie's. "The record for a (Churchill) painting at auction is 1.8 million pounds, and likely interested buyers will probably come from the U.K. and the United States," Orchard said. "But there's a much greater global interest, particularly in Churchill. And so we could see Middle Eastern interest, obviously, because of the subject matter as well as interest from the Far East." The painting is leading Christie’s Modern British Art Evening Sale on March 1, where other works on offer include a portrait of socialite Doris Delevingne by John Lavery.

Churchill wartime painting gift to Roosevelt up for auction

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The sum amounts to the commitments the United States had made to the global health body, to which it has been the largest donor.&nbsp;

"This is a key step forward in fulfilling our financial obligations as a WHO member and it reflects our renewed commitment to ensuring the WHO has the support it needs to lead the global response to the pandemic," Blinken told a virtual UN Security Council session on Covid-19.&nbsp;

"The United States will work as a partner to address global challenges. This pandemic is one of those challenges and gives us an opportunity not only to get through the current crisis, but also to become more prepared and more resilient for the future."&nbsp;

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Blinken said the United States would also 'provide significant financial support' to Covax, a global plan to distribute vaccines to the poorest nations.&nbsp;

Trump, who faced criticism for his handling of Covid in the United States, which has suffered the highest death toll of any nation, announced a pullout from the World Health Organization, saying it was beholden to China and did not do enough to stop the pandemic.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden immediately reversed the decision although his administration has also pressed China to be more forthcoming to a WHO team investigating the origins of the devastating virus.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-accused-of-joining-devils-army-for-voting-to-impeach-donald-trump-364108">Republican accused of joining 'devil's army' for voting to impeach Donald Trump</a>

"All countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak," Blinken said.&nbsp;

"And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies so the world learns as much as possible, as soon as possible."&nbsp;

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. The sum amounts to the commitments the United States had made to the global health body, to which it has been the largest donor. "This is a key step forward in fulfilling our financial obligations as a WHO member and it reflects our renewed commitment to ensuring the WHO has the support it needs to lead the global response to the pandemic," Blinken told a virtual UN Security Council session on Covid-19. "The United States will work as a partner to address global challenges. This pandemic is one of those challenges and gives us an opportunity not only to get through the current crisis, but also to become more prepared and more resilient for the future." × Blinken said the United States would also 'provide significant financial support' to Covax, a global plan to distribute vaccines to the poorest nations. Trump, who faced criticism for his handling of Covid in the United States, which has suffered the highest death toll of any nation, announced a pullout from the World Health Organization, saying it was beholden to China and did not do enough to stop the pandemic. President Joe Biden immediately reversed the decision although his administration has also pressed China to be more forthcoming to a WHO team investigating the origins of the devastating virus. Also Read: Republican accused of joining 'devil's army' for voting to impeach Donald Trump "All countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak," Blinken said. "And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies so the world learns as much as possible, as soon as possible."

US to pay $200 million in WHO obligations: Blinken

Spanish police on Wednesday said they seized around four million counterfeit medical-grade face masks at a hotel during a raid on a gathering that violated virus restrictions.&nbsp;

Officers found the masks inside cardboard boxes on the ground floor and in the warehouse of the hotel in Leganes on Madrid's southern outskirts, police said in a statement.&nbsp;

The boxes were 'ready to be transported' and marked as containing high-protection KN95 and FFP2 face masks, it said. &nbsp;

In addition, police found a printer that was capable of printing masks with the so-called CE mark, reflecting conformity to European standards.&nbsp;

"The material, which was seized leads investigators to believe that non-approved masks were being put through a (CE-mark) printing process so they could be put on the market as certified masks," the statement said.&nbsp;

Police searched the hotel after being notified of a gathering of 48 youths that violated restrictions regarding the number of people allowed to meet up.&nbsp;

Officers detained the hotel manager on suspicion of falsification of documents.&nbsp;

Spain has been hard-hit by the pandemic, recording nearly 66,000 deaths from just over three million cases so far.&nbsp;

Spanish police on Wednesday said they seized around four million counterfeit medical-grade face masks at a hotel during a raid on a gathering that violated virus restrictions.

Spanish police on Wednesday said they seized around four million counterfeit medical-grade face masks at a hotel during a raid on a gathering that violated virus restrictions. Officers found the masks inside cardboard boxes on the ground floor and in the warehouse of the hotel in Leganes on Madrid's southern outskirts, police said in a statement. The boxes were 'ready to be transported' and marked as containing high-protection KN95 and FFP2 face masks, it said. In addition, police found a printer that was capable of printing masks with the so-called CE mark, reflecting conformity to European standards. "The material, which was seized leads investigators to believe that non-approved masks were being put through a (CE-mark) printing process so they could be put on the market as certified masks," the statement said. Police searched the hotel after being notified of a gathering of 48 youths that violated restrictions regarding the number of people allowed to meet up. Officers detained the hotel manager on suspicion of falsification of documents. Spain has been hard-hit by the pandemic, recording nearly 66,000 deaths from just over three million cases so far.

Cops seize 4 million fake medical-grade masks in Spain

Snow blanketed parts of Syria, Lebanon and Israel on Wednesday, blocking roads, disrupting traffic and postponing exams at some universities.&nbsp;

Large parts of Syria were covered, including the capital Damascus, which is witnessing this winter's first snowfall. Snow was as high as 15 cm (6 inches) in the mountains of Sweida province, according to the official state news agency SANA.&nbsp;

Roads in some provinces were blocked. In the central province of Hama, bulldozers shoveled snow to open roads while vehicles skidded on ice, further causing traffic disruption.&nbsp;

The University of Damascus called off mid-term exams scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in all its branches around Syria because of the extreme weather conditions. The country's ports remained open.&nbsp;

In the opposition-held northwestern Syria, civil defence teams have been building dirt mounds since Tuesday around displaced persons' camps to prevent the rain from flooding the crowded areas. Nearly three million displaced people live in northwestern Syria, mostly in tents and temporary shelters. Heavy rainfall last month damaged over 190 displacement sites, destroying and damaging over 10,000 tents.&nbsp;

In neighboring Lebanon, Storm Joyce hit late on Tuesday with gale force winds registering between 85 km/h (52 miles/h) and 100 km/h (62 miles/h). The storm is expected to get stronger Thursday.&nbsp;

Breaking a warm spell, the storm brought heavy rainfall, a sharp drop in temperatures and the heaviest snow fall in Lebanon this year. Snow is expected to cover areas of altitudes as low as 400 meters high, according to the Meteorological department. Nearly a dozen roads in eastern and northern Lebanon were closed to traffic because of the snow.&nbsp;

The Israeli Meteorological Service forecast heavy thunderstorms and cold temperatures across much of the country, with snowfall at higher altitudes expected later on Wednesday, including in Jerusalem. Heavy snowfall covered the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the border with Syria. &nbsp;

Snow blanketed parts of Syria, Lebanon and Israel on Wednesday, blocking roads, disrupting traffic and postponing exams at some universities. Large parts of Syria were covered, including the capital Damascus, which is witnessing this winter's first snowfall.

Snow blanketed parts of Syria, Lebanon and Israel on Wednesday, blocking roads, disrupting traffic and postponing exams at some universities. Large parts of Syria were covered, including the capital Damascus, which is witnessing this winter's first snowfall. Snow was as high as 15 cm (6 inches) in the mountains of Sweida province, according to the official state news agency SANA. Roads in some provinces were blocked. In the central province of Hama, bulldozers shoveled snow to open roads while vehicles skidded on ice, further causing traffic disruption. The University of Damascus called off mid-term exams scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in all its branches around Syria because of the extreme weather conditions. The country's ports remained open. In the opposition-held northwestern Syria, civil defence teams have been building dirt mounds since Tuesday around displaced persons' camps to prevent the rain from flooding the crowded areas. Nearly three million displaced people live in northwestern Syria, mostly in tents and temporary shelters. Heavy rainfall last month damaged over 190 displacement sites, destroying and damaging over 10,000 tents. In neighboring Lebanon, Storm Joyce hit late on Tuesday with gale force winds registering between 85 km/h (52 miles/h) and 100 km/h (62 miles/h). The storm is expected to get stronger Thursday. Breaking a warm spell, the storm brought heavy rainfall, a sharp drop in temperatures and the heaviest snow fall in Lebanon this year. Snow is expected to cover areas of altitudes as low as 400 meters high, according to the Meteorological department. Nearly a dozen roads in eastern and northern Lebanon were closed to traffic because of the snow. The Israeli Meteorological Service forecast heavy thunderstorms and cold temperatures across much of the country, with snowfall at higher altitudes expected later on Wednesday, including in Jerusalem. Heavy snowfall covered the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the border with Syria.

Heavy snowfall hits Syria, Lebanon, Israel in winter storm

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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