From a liberal icon to a leader, who doesn't fit a particular political definition, French President Emmanuel Macron has come a long way. His recent policies have gained him an equal amount of followers and haters. &nbsp;

His brand of politics has broken shackles of the classic left-right division but this brand is going to face a serious challenge in the days to come. France is going to polls and centrist Macron is up against a far-right rival, who promises to do everything the French President does, just two times better. &nbsp;

Where does this leave Macron? What can he do to stay in power?&nbsp;

He is the youngest French leader since Napoleon. He was the blue-eyed boy of liberal politicians in 2017. A former banker, who was going to reboot the French economy and society. Some also said he was France's answer to US President Barack Obama but four years later, the analogy seems wrong as Macron is no Obama. Actually, he has refused to be trapped by political definitions. He's tackling climate change, fighting Islamic extremism and more. &nbsp;

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In reality, Macron has thrown the traditional rule book of politics out of the window. So far, all has gone according to plan but 2021 poses a peculiar challenge to his brand of politics as it is an election year. &nbsp;

France will go to polls in 14 months from now and centrist Macron's main challenger is Marine Le Pen, the 52-year-old leader of the far-right National Rally. She is currently polling neck to neck with Emmanuel Macron. The most recent poll shows Macron might get 24 per cent of the votes in the first round, while Le Pen could secure more than 26 per cent.&nbsp;

The French Finance Minister says Le Pen could very well win the next presidential polls. This possibility can be explained by Le Pen's brand of politics. If Macron wants to align Islam with French values, Le Pen is not afraid to blame Muslims for all of France's ills. &nbsp;

If Macron wants to keep foreign influence on Muslims under check, Le Pen wants France to put an end to its multi-culturalism. The challenge is significant.&nbsp;

The race is unpredictable as there's a raging pandemic in France, growing resentment against Islam, the return of a political debate on immigration and a highly polarised electorate. &nbsp;

Macron's recent policies have been game-changing but they may have also cost him some of his traditional left-leaning support base. Macron is on politically tricky terrain and he will have to get the balance right and the anti-extremism bill will be his toughest political test.&nbsp;

From a liberal icon to a leader, who doesn't fit a particular political definition, French President Emmanuel Macron has come a long way. His recent policies have gained him an equal amount of followers and haters.

From a liberal icon to a leader, who doesn't fit a particular political definition, French President Emmanuel Macron has come a long way. His recent policies have gained him an equal amount of followers and haters. His brand of politics has broken shackles of the classic left-right division but this brand is going to face a serious challenge in the days to come. France is going to polls and centrist Macron is up against a far-right rival, who promises to do everything the French President does, just two times better. Where does this leave Macron? What can he do to stay in power? He is the youngest French leader since Napoleon. He was the blue-eyed boy of liberal politicians in 2017. A former banker, who was going to reboot the French economy and society. Some also said he was France's answer to US President Barack Obama but four years later, the analogy seems wrong as Macron is no Obama. Actually, he has refused to be trapped by political definitions. He's tackling climate change, fighting Islamic extremism and more. In reality, Macron has thrown the traditional rule book of politics out of the window. So far, all has gone according to plan but 2021 poses a peculiar challenge to his brand of politics as it is an election year. France will go to polls in 14 months from now and centrist Macron's main challenger is Marine Le Pen, the 52-year-old leader of the far-right National Rally. She is currently polling neck to neck with Emmanuel Macron. The most recent poll shows Macron might get 24 per cent of the votes in the first round, while Le Pen could secure more than 26 per cent. The French Finance Minister says Le Pen could very well win the next presidential polls. This possibility can be explained by Le Pen's brand of politics. If Macron wants to align Islam with French values, Le Pen is not afraid to blame Muslims for all of France's ills. If Macron wants to keep foreign influence on Muslims under check, Le Pen wants France to put an end to its multi-culturalism. The challenge is significant. The race is unpredictable as there's a raging pandemic in France, growing resentment against Islam, the return of a political debate on immigration and a highly polarised electorate. Macron's recent policies have been game-changing but they may have also cost him some of his traditional left-leaning support base. Macron is on politically tricky terrain and he will have to get the balance right and the anti-extremism bill will be his toughest political test.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has changed the DNA of French politics

Two Chinese online video producers known for poking fun at Chinese President Xi Jinping have disappeared on the eve of Lunar New Year, Asia News reported. &nbsp;

The two have reported missing by the head of the Qiang Guo Wa Ha, one of several YouTube channels specialised in Ru Bao, a Mandarin term used to describe mocking the Chinese president.&nbsp;

According to the Apple Daily newspaper and Radio Free Asia, the chairperson and a manager of the Ru Mo Xin Lian She YouTube channel disappeared on last Tuesday.&nbsp;

Online, several channels have been referring to Xi as Bao Zi, a steamed bun in Mandarin, ever since he visited a chain restaurant in Beijing and ordered buns in December 2013. Ru Bao channels also depict the Chinese leader as Winnie the Pooh, the animated bear made famous by Disney.&nbsp;

YouTube has removed several videos posted from channels mocking Xi, ostensibly for violating the copyrights of Shanghai Hode Information Technology Co Ltd.&nbsp;

The Chinese Communist Party has long been accused to suppress the idea that could undermine the sweeping authority.&nbsp;

In just the past few years, the government has attempted to muzzle critics by making them disappear without a trace, ordering people to physically barge into their houses, or locking up those close to critics as a kind of blackmail.&nbsp;

In late December, a Chinese activist, who retweeted a video of 'ink girl' Dong Yaoqiang, has been charged with 'inciting subversion of state power', an offence punishable by life imprisonment. Ou Biaofeng was detained by police on December 3 after he voiced his support on Twitter for Dong.&nbsp;

In 2018, Dong had live-streamed a video of herself splashing ink on a poster of President Xi Jinping, while accusing the Communist Party of 'thought control'.&nbsp;

Dong was forcibly admitted to a psychiatric unit twice since the 2018 incident.

Two Chinese online video producers known for poking fun at Chinese President Xi Jinping have disappeared on the eve of Lunar New Year, Asia News reported. The two have reported missing by the head of the Qiang Guo Wa Ha, one of several YouTube channels specialised in Ru Bao, a Mandarin term used to describe mocking the Chinese president.

Two Chinese online video producers known for poking fun at Chinese President Xi Jinping have disappeared on the eve of Lunar New Year, Asia News reported. The two have reported missing by the head of the Qiang Guo Wa Ha, one of several YouTube channels specialised in Ru Bao, a Mandarin term used to describe mocking the Chinese president. According to the Apple Daily newspaper and Radio Free Asia, the chairperson and a manager of the Ru Mo Xin Lian She YouTube channel disappeared on last Tuesday. Online, several channels have been referring to Xi as Bao Zi, a steamed bun in Mandarin, ever since he visited a chain restaurant in Beijing and ordered buns in December 2013. Ru Bao channels also depict the Chinese leader as Winnie the Pooh, the animated bear made famous by Disney. YouTube has removed several videos posted from channels mocking Xi, ostensibly for violating the copyrights of Shanghai Hode Information Technology Co Ltd. The Chinese Communist Party has long been accused to suppress the idea that could undermine the sweeping authority. In just the past few years, the government has attempted to muzzle critics by making them disappear without a trace, ordering people to physically barge into their houses, or locking up those close to critics as a kind of blackmail. In late December, a Chinese activist, who retweeted a video of 'ink girl' Dong Yaoqiang, has been charged with 'inciting subversion of state power', an offence punishable by life imprisonment. Ou Biaofeng was detained by police on December 3 after he voiced his support on Twitter for Dong. In 2018, Dong had live-streamed a video of herself splashing ink on a poster of President Xi Jinping, while accusing the Communist Party of 'thought control'. Dong was forcibly admitted to a psychiatric unit twice since the 2018 incident.

Two Chinese online producers disappear after mocking Xi Jinping

Bangladesh authorities have sent a fourth group of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to a newly developed island in the Bay of Bengal on Monday.&nbsp;

The roughly 2,000 Rohingya, who had been living in the sprawling refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, were sent to Bhasan Char, an island specifically developed to accommodate 100,000 of the one million Rohingya, who have fled from neighbouring Myanmar, M. Mozammel Haque, a commander of the Bangladesh navy, told reporters.&nbsp;

With Monday's group, more than 7,000 refugees have moved to the island since the process started in December.&nbsp;

The government has said the arrangement is good for the refugees and the island is designed to offer better living conditions. The government has insisted that refugees moving to the island have done so voluntarily.&nbsp;

More than one million Rohingya have fled waves of violent persecution in their native Myanmar and are currently living in overcrowded, squalid refugee camps in Cox's Bazar district.&nbsp;

Bangladesh has said that ultimately it is up to Myanmar to take the refugees back and has called on the international community to put pressure on Myanmar's government to ensure their safe return.&nbsp;

The latest relocation follows a February 1 coup in Myanmar that put the military firmly back in control. The refugees living in Bangladeshi camps say they are now even more fearful to go back to Myanmar.&nbsp;

The island surfaced only 20 years ago and was not previously inhabited. It was regularly submerged by monsoon rains but now has flood protection embankments, houses, hospitals and mosques built at a cost of more than $112 million by the Bangladesh navy.&nbsp;

The government said the new development schemes in the island have made the island safe for living.

Bangladesh authorities have sent a fourth group of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to a newly developed island in the Bay of Bengal on Monday. The roughly 2,000 Rohingya, who had been living in the sprawling refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, were sent to Bhasan Char, an island specifically developed to accommodate 100,000 of the one million Rohingya, who have fled from neighbouring Myanmar, M.

Bangladesh authorities have sent a fourth group of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to a newly developed island in the Bay of Bengal on Monday. The roughly 2,000 Rohingya, who had been living in the sprawling refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, were sent to Bhasan Char, an island specifically developed to accommodate 100,000 of the one million Rohingya, who have fled from neighbouring Myanmar, M. Mozammel Haque, a commander of the Bangladesh navy, told reporters. With Monday's group, more than 7,000 refugees have moved to the island since the process started in December. The government has said the arrangement is good for the refugees and the island is designed to offer better living conditions. The government has insisted that refugees moving to the island have done so voluntarily. More than one million Rohingya have fled waves of violent persecution in their native Myanmar and are currently living in overcrowded, squalid refugee camps in Cox's Bazar district. Bangladesh has said that ultimately it is up to Myanmar to take the refugees back and has called on the international community to put pressure on Myanmar's government to ensure their safe return. The latest relocation follows a February 1 coup in Myanmar that put the military firmly back in control. The refugees living in Bangladeshi camps say they are now even more fearful to go back to Myanmar. The island surfaced only 20 years ago and was not previously inhabited. It was regularly submerged by monsoon rains but now has flood protection embankments, houses, hospitals and mosques built at a cost of more than $112 million by the Bangladesh navy. The government said the new development schemes in the island have made the island safe for living.

Bangladesh sends fourth batch of Rohingya refugees to new island

With&nbsp;the state of heightened tensions&nbsp;continuing&nbsp;in&nbsp;several countries in West Asia, there has been an unprecedented hike in fuel prices, much&nbsp;to the dismay of the&nbsp;general public.&nbsp;

Be it the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen attacking opponents Saudi Arabia&nbsp;or&nbsp;the US hunting for Iranian oil tankers&nbsp;at sea,&nbsp;West Asia is on&nbsp;the&nbsp;edge.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Yemen, the Houthis have launched a fresh offensive against the government forces' last stronghold, Marib. The attacks are spilling over to Saudi Arabia, a key backer of the Yemeni government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last Week, the Houthi rebels launched a drone strike in the heart of Saudi Arabia's Abha airport. In the four hits, a civilian aircraft burst into flames.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And on Sunday in another attempt, an explosive-laden drone was fired towards the kingdom. This time, it was intercepted and destroyed. Such brazen attacks will surely elicit a response, which only time will tell.&nbsp;

In the Persian Gulf, the standoff between the US and Iran has been growing.&nbsp;The US is in search of Iranian oil tankers&nbsp;headed for countries like Venezuela. The US&nbsp;believes&nbsp;Iran is circumventing sanctions&nbsp;and exporting oil.&nbsp;

West Asia&nbsp;has been&nbsp;tense&nbsp;for some time&nbsp;now.&nbsp;After Qassem Soleimani's Assassination, the US and Iran were also almost at war.&nbsp;This has impacted the fuel prices too.&nbsp;

The OPEC members and Russia are also holding back on production. It is a time-tested policy to drive up prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prices of&nbsp;crude oil, which is&nbsp;a sensitive commodity&nbsp;from the most politically volatile region on earth,&nbsp;West Asia,&nbsp;are&nbsp;sky-rocketing&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;reached on a 13-month high on Monday.&nbsp;It has also spooked the investors.&nbsp;

The Brent crude was up almost two per cent. At one point, it was trading at 63.76 dollars per barrel.&nbsp;Last time, the fuel&nbsp;prices&nbsp;had witnessed this kind of a hike in January 2020.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;conflict happening thousands of miles away&nbsp;has put an adverse impact on the&nbsp;personal expenses&nbsp;of several people. To know more, visit your local gas station.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;the US,&nbsp;the Covid Stimulus Bill is&nbsp;on&nbsp;track&nbsp;for approval. It&nbsp;will help small businesses.&nbsp;The&nbsp;oil markets&nbsp;would&nbsp;love a good recovery.&nbsp;Especially&nbsp;when,&nbsp;it involves world's biggest consumer.&nbsp;

In India's Bhopal,&nbsp;premium petrol&nbsp;has&nbsp;crossed the 100-rupee mark.&nbsp;Petrol and diesel are selling at record rates.&nbsp;In New Delhi,&nbsp;Petrol is now worth&nbsp;Rs&nbsp;89&nbsp;per&nbsp;litre,&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;is at&nbsp;Rs&nbsp;79.35.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The government isn't planning to cut taxes, which means the only relief will come when global oil prices correct.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the state of heightened tensions continuing in several countries in West Asia, there has been an unprecedented hike in fuel prices, much to the dismay of the general public.

With the state of heightened tensions continuing in several countries in West Asia, there has been an unprecedented hike in fuel prices, much to the dismay of the general public. Be it the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen attacking opponents Saudi Arabia or the US hunting for Iranian oil tankers at sea, West Asia is on the edge. In Yemen, the Houthis have launched a fresh offensive against the government forces' last stronghold, Marib. The attacks are spilling over to Saudi Arabia, a key backer of the Yemeni government. Last Week, the Houthi rebels launched a drone strike in the heart of Saudi Arabia's Abha airport. In the four hits, a civilian aircraft burst into flames. And on Sunday in another attempt, an explosive-laden drone was fired towards the kingdom. This time, it was intercepted and destroyed. Such brazen attacks will surely elicit a response, which only time will tell. In the Persian Gulf, the standoff between the US and Iran has been growing. The US is in search of Iranian oil tankers headed for countries like Venezuela. The US believes Iran is circumventing sanctions and exporting oil. West Asia has been tense for some time now. After Qassem Soleimani's Assassination, the US and Iran were also almost at war. This has impacted the fuel prices too. The OPEC members and Russia are also holding back on production. It is a time-tested policy to drive up prices. Prices of crude oil, which is a sensitive commodity from the most politically volatile region on earth, West Asia, are sky-rocketing and have reached on a 13-month high on Monday. It has also spooked the investors. The Brent crude was up almost two per cent. At one point, it was trading at 63.76 dollars per barrel. Last time, the fuel prices had witnessed this kind of a hike in January 2020. A conflict happening thousands of miles away has put an adverse impact on the personal expenses of several people. To know more, visit your local gas station. In the US, the Covid Stimulus Bill is on track for approval. It will help small businesses. The oil markets would love a good recovery. Especially when, it involves world's biggest consumer. In India's Bhopal, premium petrol has crossed the 100-rupee mark. Petrol and diesel are selling at record rates. In New Delhi, Petrol is now worth Rs 89 per litre, diesel is at Rs 79.35. The government isn't planning to cut taxes, which means the only relief will come when global oil prices correct.

Turmoil in West Asia sparks hike in fuel prices

France's lower house of parliament approved on Tuesday a law to fight extremism and 'Islamist separatism' that the government bills as a riposte to religious groups attempting to undermine France's secular traditions. &nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party rallied around the legislation, with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining. &nbsp;

With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill, which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/macrons-new-anti-religious-bill-sparks-fresh-protests-in-france-363711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.&nbsp;

The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values, such as equality between the sexes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/macrons-new-anti-extremism-bill-sparks-fresh-protests-in-france-363888" hreflang="en">Macron's new anti-extremism bill sparks fresh protests in France</a>

France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead.&nbsp;

The National Assembly lower house voted on the legislation after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. &nbsp;

The upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it. If that it is the case, the bill will then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-recommends-single-vaccine-dose-for-people-who-have-had-covid-363224" hreflang="en">France recommends single vaccine dose for people who have had Covid</a>

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded."&nbsp;

Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm someone.&nbsp;

France's lower house of parliament approved on Tuesday a law to fight extremism and 'Islamist separatism' that the government bills as a riposte to religious groups attempting to undermine France's secular traditions.

France's lower house of parliament approved on Tuesday a law to fight extremism and 'Islamist separatism' that the government bills as a riposte to religious groups attempting to undermine France's secular traditions. President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party rallied around the legislation, with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining. With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill, which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy. It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values, such as equality between the sexes. Also read: Macron's new anti-extremism bill sparks fresh protests in France France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead. The National Assembly lower house voted on the legislation after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. The upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it. If that it is the case, the bill will then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading. Also read: France recommends single vaccine dose for people who have had Covid Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded." Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm someone.

French lawmakers approve bill to battle Islamist extremism

Dr Anthony Fauci has won the $1 million Dan David Prize for defending science and advocating for vaccines now being administered to protect people from the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The Israel-based Dan David Foundation on Monday named President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser as the winner of one of three prizes. It said he had earned the recognition over a lifetime of leadership on HIV research and AIDS relief, as well as his advocacy for the vaccines against Covid-19.&nbsp;

In its statement, the private foundation did not mention former President Donald Trump, who undermined Fauci's follow-the-science approach to the pandemic. But it credited Fauci with courageously defending science in the face of uninformed opposition during the challenging Covid crisis. &nbsp;

Fauci, 80, has served seven presidents and has been the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984.&nbsp;

In recent interviews, Fauci has acknowledged that it was difficult at times to work for Trump, who repeatedly played down the severity of the pandemic, dismissed the need for mask-wearing and often touted unproven scientific remedies, including injecting disinfectant.&nbsp;

Trump resented Fauci's flattering press coverage and reveled in calls to 'Fire Fauci!' at some of his rallies. But Fauci outlasted Trump, who lost the November election.

Dr Anthony Fauci has won the $1 million Dan David Prize for defending science and advocating for vaccines now being administered to protect people from the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Anthony Fauci has won the $1 million Dan David Prize for defending science and advocating for vaccines now being administered to protect people from the coronavirus pandemic. The Israel-based Dan David Foundation on Monday named President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser as the winner of one of three prizes. It said he had earned the recognition over a lifetime of leadership on HIV research and AIDS relief, as well as his advocacy for the vaccines against Covid-19. In its statement, the private foundation did not mention former President Donald Trump, who undermined Fauci's follow-the-science approach to the pandemic. But it credited Fauci with courageously defending science in the face of uninformed opposition during the challenging Covid crisis. Fauci, 80, has served seven presidents and has been the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984. In recent interviews, Fauci has acknowledged that it was difficult at times to work for Trump, who repeatedly played down the severity of the pandemic, dismissed the need for mask-wearing and often touted unproven scientific remedies, including injecting disinfectant. Trump resented Fauci's flattering press coverage and reveled in calls to 'Fire Fauci!' at some of his rallies. But Fauci outlasted Trump, who lost the November election.

Fauci wins $1 million Israeli prize for 'defending science'

In a move which the state argues is needed to bolster the secular system while critics say encroaches on religious freedoms, the French parliament votes on the bill to battle Islamist extremism on Tuesday.&nbsp;

With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill, which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy.&nbsp;

It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.&nbsp;

The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values, such as equality between the sexes.&nbsp;

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France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead.&nbsp;

The National Assembly lower house is expected to vote on the legislation in the afternoon after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. &nbsp;

Macron's ruling party has a large working majority, meaning the legislation is expected to pass, but the upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it.&nbsp;

If that it is the case, the bill will then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/macrons-new-anti-extremism-bill-sparks-fresh-protests-in-france-363888" hreflang="en">Macron's new anti-extremism bill sparks fresh protests in France</a>

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded."&nbsp;

Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm someone.

In a move which the state argues is needed to bolster the secular system while critics say encroaches on religious freedoms, the French parliament votes on the bill to battle Islamist extremism on Tuesday.

In a move which the state argues is needed to bolster the secular system while critics say encroaches on religious freedoms, the French parliament votes on the bill to battle Islamist extremism on Tuesday. With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill, which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy. It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values, such as equality between the sexes. × France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead. The National Assembly lower house is expected to vote on the legislation in the afternoon after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. Macron's ruling party has a large working majority, meaning the legislation is expected to pass, but the upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it. If that it is the case, the bill will then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading. Also Read: Macron's new anti-extremism bill sparks fresh protests in France Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded." Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm someone.

French parliament to vote on anti-extremism bill to bolster ‘secular’ system

Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency.&nbsp;

But the UN High Commissioner for Refugees voiced concern on Tuesday that there may be vulnerable women and children among the group. Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was detained as the military seized power on February 1, sparking protests in the country.&nbsp;

Malaysia's immigration chief, Khairul Dzaimee Daud, said in a statement late on Monday that the detainees will be deported February 23 on Myanmar navy ships.&nbsp;

He said the 1,200 were held for offenses including not having valid travel documents, overstaying and violating their social visit passes.&nbsp;

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“There are no UNHCR cardholders or ethnic Rohingya involved in the repatriation. It is just part of a usual programme to deport immigrants in our detention depots," Khairul Dzaimee said.&nbsp;

The department said Malaysia repatriated 37,038 migrants last year, including 3,322 from Myanmar. This was down from 59,114 in 2019, as many countries shut their borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it added.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-cops-file-new-charge-against-suu-kyi-to-extend-detention-indefinitely-364061">Myanmar cops file new charge against Suu Kyi to extend detention indefinitely</a>

The UNHCR said it has been barred from accessing Malaysia's immigration detention centers since August 2019 and was unable to verify who needs protection.&nbsp;

We are concerned that there remains in detention in Malaysia a number of people, including vulnerable women and children, who may be in need of international protection but whose claims have not been verified and thus do not have the requisite UNHCR documentation," the UNHCR said.&nbsp;

If found to be in need of international protection, these individuals should not be deported to a situation where their lives or freedoms may be at risk," it said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-monks-march-seek-end-to-military-rule-364052">Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule</a>

Malaysia is home to some 180,000 UN refugees and asylum seekers including more than 100,000 Rohingya and other Myanmar ethnic groups.&nbsp;

More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar since August 2017, when the military launched a clearance operation in response to attacks by a rebel group. The security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of homes.

Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency.

Malaysia's government will repatriate 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week despite a military coup in their home country, but has assured that they will not include minority Muslim Rohingya refugees or those registered with the UN refugee agency. But the UN High Commissioner for Refugees voiced concern on Tuesday that there may be vulnerable women and children among the group. Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was detained as the military seized power on February 1, sparking protests in the country. Malaysia's immigration chief, Khairul Dzaimee Daud, said in a statement late on Monday that the detainees will be deported February 23 on Myanmar navy ships. He said the 1,200 were held for offenses including not having valid travel documents, overstaying and violating their social visit passes. × “There are no UNHCR cardholders or ethnic Rohingya involved in the repatriation. It is just part of a usual programme to deport immigrants in our detention depots," Khairul Dzaimee said. The department said Malaysia repatriated 37,038 migrants last year, including 3,322 from Myanmar. This was down from 59,114 in 2019, as many countries shut their borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it added. Also Read: Myanmar cops file new charge against Suu Kyi to extend detention indefinitely The UNHCR said it has been barred from accessing Malaysia's immigration detention centers since August 2019 and was unable to verify who needs protection. We are concerned that there remains in detention in Malaysia a number of people, including vulnerable women and children, who may be in need of international protection but whose claims have not been verified and thus do not have the requisite UNHCR documentation," the UNHCR said. If found to be in need of international protection, these individuals should not be deported to a situation where their lives or freedoms may be at risk," it said. Also Read: Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule Malaysia is home to some 180,000 UN refugees and asylum seekers including more than 100,000 Rohingya and other Myanmar ethnic groups. More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar since August 2017, when the military launched a clearance operation in response to attacks by a rebel group. The security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of homes.

Despite coup, Malaysia to deport 1,200 Myanmar migrants next week

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported.&nbsp;

The 'Maritime Security Belt Exercise' is to cover an area of 17,000 square kilometres (6,500 square miles) and include units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards as well as Russia's navy, the broadcaster quoted drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani as saying.&nbsp;

"The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information," he added.&nbsp;

Russia's Baltic Fleet said in a statement on Monday that three ships will take part in the drill.&nbsp;

Exercises will include 'liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates', and fighting fires, it said.&nbsp;

According to Tahani, the Indian navy will also join the exercise, in a message of 'peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional countries'. &nbsp;

Iran's state news agency IRNA said the drill is to last three days.&nbsp;

The Iranian army said the exercises will also 'expand bilateral relations' with Russia.&nbsp;

Iran, China and Russia held a similar drill in the area in 2019, and the Islamic republic participated in 'Caucus 2020' drills held in Russia last September.&nbsp;

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported.

At a time when Iran and Russia are at loggerheads with the US and the European Union (EU), Tehran's armed forces on Tuesday launched a joint naval drill with Moscow in the north of the Indian Ocean designed to 'enhance security' of maritime trade, state television reported. The 'Maritime Security Belt Exercise' is to cover an area of 17,000 square kilometres (6,500 square miles) and include units from the Iranian army and the elite Revolutionary Guards as well as Russia's navy, the broadcaster quoted drill spokesman Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani as saying. "The purposes of this drill are to enhance security of international maritime trade, confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange information," he added. Russia's Baltic Fleet said in a statement on Monday that three ships will take part in the drill. Exercises will include 'liberating a commercial ship abducted by pirates', and fighting fires, it said. According to Tahani, the Indian navy will also join the exercise, in a message of 'peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional countries'. Iran's state news agency IRNA said the drill is to last three days. The Iranian army said the exercises will also 'expand bilateral relations' with Russia. Iran, China and Russia held a similar drill in the area in 2019, and the Islamic republic participated in 'Caucus 2020' drills held in Russia last September.

Iran, Russia begin joint naval drill in Indian Ocean to 'enhance security'

To put ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi under detention indefinitely without trial, police have filed a new charge against her in Myanmar, her lawyer said on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters after meeting with a judge in the capital, Naypyitaw, that Suu Kyi has been charged with violating Article 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law, which has been used to prosecute people, who have broken coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a military coup on February 1, has already been charged with possessing walkie-talkies that were imported without being registered.&nbsp;

The maximum punishment for the Covid-19 violation is three years' imprisonment. However, the new charge may allow her to be held indefinitely without trial because a change in the Penal Code instituted by the junta last week permits detention without court permission. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-monks-march-seek-end-to-military-rule-364052">Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule</a>

On February 1, military overthrew the government of veteran democracy champion Suu Kyi. The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a November 8 general election, in which Suu Kyi's party had won a landslide, were being ignored.&nbsp;

It guaranteed on Tuesday that it would hold an election and hand over power, denied its removal of the government was a coup or that its leaders were detained, and accused protesters of violence and intimidation.

To put ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi under detention indefinitely without trial, police have filed a new charge against her in Myanmar, her lawyer said on Tuesday.

To put ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi under detention indefinitely without trial, police have filed a new charge against her in Myanmar, her lawyer said on Tuesday. Lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told reporters after meeting with a judge in the capital, Naypyitaw, that Suu Kyi has been charged with violating Article 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law, which has been used to prosecute people, who have broken coronavirus restrictions. Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a military coup on February 1, has already been charged with possessing walkie-talkies that were imported without being registered. The maximum punishment for the Covid-19 violation is three years' imprisonment. However, the new charge may allow her to be held indefinitely without trial because a change in the Penal Code instituted by the junta last week permits detention without court permission. Also Read: Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule On February 1, military overthrew the government of veteran democracy champion Suu Kyi. The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a November 8 general election, in which Suu Kyi's party had won a landslide, were being ignored. It guaranteed on Tuesday that it would hold an election and hand over power, denied its removal of the government was a coup or that its leaders were detained, and accused protesters of violence and intimidation.

Myanmar cops file new charge against Suu Kyi to extend detention indefinitely

A group of Buddhist monks marched against Myanmar's military junta on Tuesday, joining a campaign for an end to the generals' rule and for the release of detained leaders of the ousted elected government, including Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

About 20 monks in dark red robes walked through the streets of the main city of Yangon to a United Nations office, urging citizens to join their protest.&nbsp;

"I would like to request that all citizens help eliminate the power of the military dictatorship until we can get rid of this system," said one of the protesting monks, Sandar Thiri.&nbsp;

Monks held an English-language banner with the message: 'Monks. who don't want a military dictatorship'.&nbsp;

Some wore red masks to ward off the coronavirus and carried signs saying 'reject military coup'.&nbsp;

Thousands of people from all walks of life have come out onto the streets of towns and cities across the country to protest against the February 1 military overthrow of the government of veteran democracy champion Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-chokes-internet-for-second-consecutive-night-amid-protests-363909">Myanmar military chokes internet for second consecutive night amid protests</a>

Historically, monks in the predominately Buddhist country have helped organise communities, and at times led opposition to authority, in particular during British colonial rule.&nbsp;

Big pro-democracy protests in 2007 were called the 'Saffron Revolution' because of the prominent involvement of monks.&nbsp;

Those protests, though suppressed, ultimately led to the military's decision to gradually withdraw from politics, a process brought to a halt by this month's coup.&nbsp;

The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a November 8 general election, in which Suu Kyi's party had won a landslide, were being ignored.&nbsp;

It guaranteed on Tuesday that it would hold an election and hand over power, denied its removal of the government was a coup or that its leaders were detained, and accused protesters of violence and intimidation.

A group of Buddhist monks marched against Myanmar's military junta on Tuesday, joining a campaign for an end to the generals' rule and for the release of detained leaders of the ousted elected government, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

A group of Buddhist monks marched against Myanmar's military junta on Tuesday, joining a campaign for an end to the generals' rule and for the release of detained leaders of the ousted elected government, including Aung San Suu Kyi. About 20 monks in dark red robes walked through the streets of the main city of Yangon to a United Nations office, urging citizens to join their protest. "I would like to request that all citizens help eliminate the power of the military dictatorship until we can get rid of this system," said one of the protesting monks, Sandar Thiri. Monks held an English-language banner with the message: 'Monks. who don't want a military dictatorship'. Some wore red masks to ward off the coronavirus and carried signs saying 'reject military coup'. Thousands of people from all walks of life have come out onto the streets of towns and cities across the country to protest against the February 1 military overthrow of the government of veteran democracy champion Suu Kyi. Also Read: Myanmar military chokes internet for second consecutive night amid protests Historically, monks in the predominately Buddhist country have helped organise communities, and at times led opposition to authority, in particular during British colonial rule. Big pro-democracy protests in 2007 were called the 'Saffron Revolution' because of the prominent involvement of monks. Those protests, though suppressed, ultimately led to the military's decision to gradually withdraw from politics, a process brought to a halt by this month's coup. The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a November 8 general election, in which Suu Kyi's party had won a landslide, were being ignored. It guaranteed on Tuesday that it would hold an election and hand over power, denied its removal of the government was a coup or that its leaders were detained, and accused protesters of violence and intimidation.

Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule

Russian state prosecutors on Tuesday asked a court to fine Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny 950,000 roubles ($13,000) for slandering a World War II veteran, a charge he calls politically motivated.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;

The judge said the verdict would be announced on Saturday - the same day that Navalny is due to appeal against his imprisonment.&nbsp;

The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran, who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to.&nbsp;

Navalny, who returned to Russia last month from Germany, where he had been recovering from a near-fatal poisoning with a military-grade nerve toxin in Siberia, described the people in the video as traitors and corrupt lackeys.&nbsp;

Veterans of what Moscow calls the Great Patriotic War are widely revered in Russia, and criticising them is regarded as socially unacceptable and insulting.&nbsp;

Navalny has said his comment was not directed specifically at the veteran, and that the authorities are using the charge to smear his reputation.&nbsp;

At the hearings, he has clashed with the judge in heated exchanges and been told he could be removed from the court.&nbsp;

He used his closing arguments to call the case a legal nonsense. He then said it was pointless to discuss legal matters with the court and asked the judge and prosecutor if they knew a good recipe for pickled gherkins.&nbsp;

As the state prosecutor addressed the court to recommend a sentence, Navalny interrupted her to joke: "Execution?"

Russian state prosecutors on Tuesday asked a court to fine Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny 950,000 roubles ($13,000) for slandering a World War II veteran, a charge he calls politically motivated.

Russian state prosecutors on Tuesday asked a court to fine Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny 950,000 roubles ($13,000) for slandering a World War II veteran, a charge he calls politically motivated. President Vladimir Putin's most prominent critic was jailed this month for almost three years for parole violations that he said were trumped up. The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia. The judge said the verdict would be announced on Saturday - the same day that Navalny is due to appeal against his imprisonment. The 44-year-old anti-corruption activist is accused of defaming a veteran, who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year. The reform, approved in a referendum, will let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to. Navalny, who returned to Russia last month from Germany, where he had been recovering from a near-fatal poisoning with a military-grade nerve toxin in Siberia, described the people in the video as traitors and corrupt lackeys. Veterans of what Moscow calls the Great Patriotic War are widely revered in Russia, and criticising them is regarded as socially unacceptable and insulting. Navalny has said his comment was not directed specifically at the veteran, and that the authorities are using the charge to smear his reputation. At the hearings, he has clashed with the judge in heated exchanges and been told he could be removed from the court. He used his closing arguments to call the case a legal nonsense. He then said it was pointless to discuss legal matters with the court and asked the judge and prosecutor if they knew a good recipe for pickled gherkins. As the state prosecutor addressed the court to recommend a sentence, Navalny interrupted her to joke: "Execution?"

Prosecutors seek $13,000 slander fine for Navalny

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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