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<p>Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari administered oath to a 19-member federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (Mar 11), Pakistani media reported. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the President's House in Islamabad. Prime Minister Sharif had sent a summary to President Zardari to appoint the cabinet, comprising 18 federal ministers and a minister of state, a report by Dawn said.</p>

<p>Some of the cabinet members are veteran politicians, while others would oversee a key federal ministry for the first time. The federal ministers are - Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudry, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Abdul Aleem Khan, Jam Kamal Khan, Amir Muqam, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Musadik Masood Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Mohsin Naqvi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cabinet announced ! Brief and politically experienced ! Shahbaz Shareef has launched his team to fight the most crucial battle of Pakistan’s economic survival ! <a href="https://t.co/uEfhNC52ER">pic.twitter.com/uEfhNC52ER</a></p>
— Kamran Shahid (@FrontlineKamran) <a href="https://twitter.com/FrontlineKamran/status/1767080981234643040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shaza Fatima Khawaja has been appointed as a minister of state, the Dawn report added.</p>

<h2><strong>Who's who in the cabinet?</strong></h2>

<p>Citing a list, a report by Geo News gave details about the portfolios allotted to each minister. Khawaja Muhammad Asif has been given the defence portfolio, Mohammad Ishaq Dar will take care of foreign affairs, and Rana Tanveer Hussain has been allotted the industries and production portfolio.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath of the office to the members of Federal Cabinet at Aiwan-e-Sadr. <a href="https://t.co/ioQzxwHstD">pic.twitter.com/ioQzxwHstD</a></p>
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1767176191822221546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Muhammad Aurangzeb will be the finance minister, while Attaullah Tarar will be the information and broadcasting minister. Musadik Masood Malik is the petroleum minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to keep his cabinet small; however, more ministers will be inducted in the second phase, Geo News reported. Shehbaz took the oath of office as the 24th premier of the country, while President Zardari was sworn in as the head of state a day ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari administered oath to a 19-member federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (Mar 11), Pakistani media reported.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari administered oath to a 19-member federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (Mar 11), Pakistani media reported. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the President's House in Islamabad. Prime Minister Sharif had sent a summary to President Zardari to appoint the cabinet, comprising 18 federal ministers and a minister of state, a report by Dawn said. Some of the cabinet members are veteran politicians, while others would oversee a key federal ministry for the first time. The federal ministers are - Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudry, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Abdul Aleem Khan, Jam Kamal Khan, Amir Muqam, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Musadik Masood Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Mohsin Naqvi. Cabinet announced ! Brief and politically experienced ! Shahbaz Shareef has launched his team to fight the most crucial battle of Pakistan’s economic survival ! pic.twitter.com/uEfhNC52ER — Kamran Shahid (@FrontlineKamran) March 11, 2024 × Shaza Fatima Khawaja has been appointed as a minister of state, the Dawn report added. Who's who in the cabinet? Citing a list, a report by Geo News gave details about the portfolios allotted to each minister. Khawaja Muhammad Asif has been given the defence portfolio, Mohammad Ishaq Dar will take care of foreign affairs, and Rana Tanveer Hussain has been allotted the industries and production portfolio. President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath of the office to the members of Federal Cabinet at Aiwan-e-Sadr. pic.twitter.com/ioQzxwHstD — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 11, 2024 × Muhammad Aurangzeb will be the finance minister, while Attaullah Tarar will be the information and broadcasting minister. Musadik Masood Malik is the petroleum minister. Initially, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to keep his cabinet small; however, more ministers will be inducted in the second phase, Geo News reported. Shehbaz took the oath of office as the 24th premier of the country, while President Zardari was sworn in as the head of state a day ago. (With inputs from agencies)

19-member federal cabinet of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif takes oath

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<p>The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-rules-narendra-modi-699019">announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)</a></strong> rules. The announcement came just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>The CAA rules were introduced by the Modi government and passed by parliament in 2019. They aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.</p>

<p>Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on multiple occasions that CAA rules would be notified before the general elections. In a post on X, Union Home Minister Shah said on Monday, "These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Modi government today notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.<br />
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These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation.<br />
<br />
With this notification PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji has…</p>
— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1767192979197104180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"With this notification PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has delivered on another commitment and realised the promise of the makers of our constitution to the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians living in those countries," Shah added.</p>

<h2><strong>How to apply for CAA?</strong></h2>

<p>In his post on X, Shah shared details about the <strong><a href="https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/UserGuide/E_gazette_11032024.pdf">government's notification of the Citizenship Act</a></strong>.<br />
<br />
The government has launched a&nbsp;web portal https:/indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in on which persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh can apply for Indian citizenship.</p>

<p>The notification includes forms where those seeking Indian citizenship have to fill in details including name, parents and spouse's name, date of entry into India, occupation, and which minority community they belong to.</p>

<p>Applicants also have to provide details about the family members who are staying with them in India. They have to also mention details of criminal proceedings, if any.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The form under CAA rules that have been notified by the Indian govt that needs to be filled to get citizenship. Mentions the 3 countries &amp; minority religions in these countries that need to be specified: <a href="https://t.co/2onSsUbqra">https://t.co/2onSsUbqra</a> <a href="https://t.co/laA7daRzQ3">pic.twitter.com/laA7daRzQ3</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1767196645001945426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Furthermore, applicants have to fill out an oath of allegiance to the Indian Constitution. They have to submit documents including a copy of a valid or expired foreign passport, and a copy of a valid or expired residential permit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Evidence of the date of birth of the parents viz. a copy of the passport or birth certificate. In case of non-availability of passport of mother/ father, birth certificate of the applicant clearly indicating the name, address and nationality of mother/ father,” the notification states.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP hails Centre's move, Oppn criticises it</strong></h2>

<p>The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed the Modi government's decision. "A watershed moment in the history of India. Heartfelt thanks for making CAA a reality!" the BJP said in a post on X.</p>

<p>"Promised &amp; delivered! India is committed to protecting persecuted religious minorities," the party said in a subsequent post.</p>

<p>However, the government's move was criticised by opposition leaders.</p>

<p>"You should have notified rules six months ago. If there are any good things, we always support and appreciate but if anything is done that is not good for the country, TMC (Trinamool Congress) will always raise its voice and oppose it. I know why today's date was chosen before Ramazan. I appeal to the people to be calm and avoid any rumours," West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">दस साल देश पर राज करने के बाद एन चुनाव के पहले मोदी सरकार CAA लेकर आयी है। ऐसे वक़्त जब गरीब और मध्यम वर्ग महंगाई से कराह रहा है और बेरोज़गार युवा रोज़गार के लिए दर दर की ठोकरें खा रहा है, उन असली मुद्दों का समाधान करने की बजाय ये लोग CAA लाये हैं।<br />
<br />
कह रहे हैं कि तीन पड़ोसी देशों…</p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1767205244109226230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Modi government has brought CAA before the elections. At a time when the poor and middle class are groaning due to inflation and unemployed youth are struggling from door to door for employment, instead of solving those real issues, these people have brought CAA," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Central Government's notification of the Rules to the Citizenship Amendment Act in the wake of the elections is aimed at disquieting the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the…</p>
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/pinarayivijayan/status/1767206096312393999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the Lok Sabha. This is to divide the people, incite communal sentiments and undermine the fundamental principles of the Constitution. This move to stratify Indian citizens who have equal rights must be opposed unitedly," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules. The announcement came just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules. The announcement came just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The CAA rules were introduced by the Modi government and passed by parliament in 2019. They aim to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on multiple occasions that CAA rules would be notified before the general elections. In a post on X, Union Home Minister Shah said on Monday, "These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation." The Modi government today notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation. With this notification PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has… — Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 11, 2024 × "With this notification PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has delivered on another commitment and realised the promise of the makers of our constitution to the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians living in those countries," Shah added. How to apply for CAA? In his post on X, Shah shared details about the government's notification of the Citizenship Act. The government has launched a web portal https:/indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in on which persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh can apply for Indian citizenship. The notification includes forms where those seeking Indian citizenship have to fill in details including name, parents and spouse's name, date of entry into India, occupation, and which minority community they belong to. Applicants also have to provide details about the family members who are staying with them in India. They have to also mention details of criminal proceedings, if any. The form under CAA rules that have been notified by the Indian govt that needs to be filled to get citizenship. Mentions the 3 countries & minority religions in these countries that need to be specified: https://t.co/2onSsUbqra pic.twitter.com/laA7daRzQ3 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 11, 2024 × Furthermore, applicants have to fill out an oath of allegiance to the Indian Constitution. They have to submit documents including a copy of a valid or expired foreign passport, and a copy of a valid or expired residential permit. "Evidence of the date of birth of the parents viz. a copy of the passport or birth certificate. In case of non-availability of passport of mother/ father, birth certificate of the applicant clearly indicating the name, address and nationality of mother/ father,” the notification states. BJP hails Centre's move, Oppn criticises it The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed the Modi government's decision. "A watershed moment in the history of India. Heartfelt thanks for making CAA a reality!" the BJP said in a post on X. "Promised & delivered! India is committed to protecting persecuted religious minorities," the party said in a subsequent post. However, the government's move was criticised by opposition leaders. "You should have notified rules six months ago. If there are any good things, we always support and appreciate but if anything is done that is not good for the country, TMC (Trinamool Congress) will always raise its voice and oppose it. I know why today's date was chosen before Ramazan. I appeal to the people to be calm and avoid any rumours," West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said. दस साल देश पर राज करने के बाद एन चुनाव के पहले मोदी सरकार CAA लेकर आयी है। ऐसे वक़्त जब गरीब और मध्यम वर्ग महंगाई से कराह रहा है और बेरोज़गार युवा रोज़गार के लिए दर दर की ठोकरें खा रहा है, उन असली मुद्दों का समाधान करने की बजाय ये लोग CAA लाये हैं। कह रहे हैं कि तीन पड़ोसी देशों… — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 11, 2024 × "Modi government has brought CAA before the elections. At a time when the poor and middle class are groaning due to inflation and unemployed youth are struggling from door to door for employment, instead of solving those real issues, these people have brought CAA," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X. The Central Government's notification of the Rules to the Citizenship Amendment Act in the wake of the elections is aimed at disquieting the nation. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the… — Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) March 11, 2024 × "The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification regarding the CAA, just ahead of the announcement of the elections to the Lok Sabha. This is to divide the people, incite communal sentiments and undermine the fundamental principles of the Constitution. This move to stratify Indian citizens who have equal rights must be opposed unitedly," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt announces implementation of CAA. How to apply for it?

<p>Five people died after a bus they were travelling in came in contact with a high-tension wire and caught fire in Uttar Pradesh's&nbsp;Ghazipur city on Monday (Mar 11).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Mau Superintendent of Police (SP) Ilamaran said, "Some people were travelling to Ghazipur for a wedding in a bus when it came in contact with a high-tension wire and caught fire. Two people were injured and are undergoing treatment in a hospital."</p>

<p>Illaraman said that further investigation was underway.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttar Pradesh: Mau SP Ilamaran says "Some people were traveling to Ghazipur for a wedding in a bus when it came in contact with a high-tension wire and caught fire. Two people were injured and are undergoing treatment in a hospital. Further investigation is underway..." <a href="https://t.co/YzZ1whoOrR">pic.twitter.com/YzZ1whoOrR</a></p>
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1767140320393740351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Citing sources, a report by the news agency IANS said that 50 people were onboard the bus when the accident took place. Locals gathered around the spot in large numbers.</p>

<p>The office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that families of the deceased would be provided $6,041 (Rs 5 lakh) and the seriously injured would be given $604.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Five people died after a bus they were travelling in came in contact with a high-tension wire and caught fire in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur city on Monday (Mar 11).

Five people died after a bus they were travelling in came in contact with a high-tension wire and caught fire in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur city on Monday (Mar 11). Speaking to reporters, Mau Superintendent of Police (SP) Ilamaran said, "Some people were travelling to Ghazipur for a wedding in a bus when it came in contact with a high-tension wire and caught fire. Two people were injured and are undergoing treatment in a hospital." Illaraman said that further investigation was underway. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Mau SP Ilamaran says "Some people were traveling to Ghazipur for a wedding in a bus when it came in contact with a high-tension wire and caught fire. Two people were injured and are undergoing treatment in a hospital. Further investigation is underway..." pic.twitter.com/YzZ1whoOrR — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 11, 2024 × Citing sources, a report by the news agency IANS said that 50 people were onboard the bus when the accident took place. Locals gathered around the spot in large numbers. The office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that families of the deceased would be provided $6,041 (Rs 5 lakh) and the seriously injured would be given $604. (With inputs from agencies)

Five people dead after bus catches fire in India's Ghazipur

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<p>Pope Francis is facing criticism from Ukraine and its allies over his remarks that <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-advocates-for-ukraine-to-show-courage-in-negotiations-698401">Kyiv should demonstrate what he referred to as the "courage of the white flag"</a></strong>&nbsp;and engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia. The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland on Sunday (Mar 10) used World War II analogies to condemn the pope’s remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, a leader of one of Ukraine’s Christian churches on Sunday said that only the country’s determined resistance to Moscow’s full-scale invasion prevented a mass slaughter of civilians.</p>

<h2><strong>'Will not raise other flags'</strong></h2>

<p>In a post on X, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, “The strongest is the one who, in the battle between good and evil, stands on the side of good rather than attempting to put them on the same footing and call it 'negotiations'.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The strongest is the one who, in the battle between good and evil, stands on the side of good rather than attempting to put them on the same footing and call it “negotiations”.<br />
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At the same time, when it comes to the white flag, we know this Vatican's strategy from the first half…</p>
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) <a href="https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1766819132878553269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"At the same time, when it comes to the white flag, we know this Vatican's strategy from the first half of the twentieth century. I urge to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and to support Ukraine and its people in their just struggle for their lives," Foreign Minister Kuleba said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-poland-says-presence-of-nato-troops-in-ukraine-not-unthinkable-698391">Ukraine war: Poland says presence of NATO troops in Ukraine ‘not unthinkable’</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, "Our flag is a yellow and blue one. This is the flag by which we live, die, and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said, "How about, for balance, encouraging Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine? Peace would immediately ensue without the need for negotiations."</p>

<h2><strong>What did Pope Francis say?</strong></h2>

<p>In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI last month, Francis used the phrase “the courage of the white flag” as he argued that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should be open to peace talks brokered by international powers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Francis insisted that negotiations were never a surrender, adding, "When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate."&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the Angelus prayer on Sunday from the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Francis said that he was praying “for peace in the tormented Ukraine and in the Holy Land.”</p>

<p>“Let the hostilities which cause immense suffering among the civilian population cease as soon as possible,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pope Francis is facing criticism from Ukraine and its allies over his remarks that Kyiv should demonstrate what he referred to as the "courage of the white flag" and engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia.

Pope Francis is facing criticism from Ukraine and its allies over his remarks that Kyiv should demonstrate what he referred to as the "courage of the white flag" and engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia. The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland on Sunday (Mar 10) used World War II analogies to condemn the pope’s remarks. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, a leader of one of Ukraine’s Christian churches on Sunday said that only the country’s determined resistance to Moscow’s full-scale invasion prevented a mass slaughter of civilians. 'Will not raise other flags' In a post on X, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, “The strongest is the one who, in the battle between good and evil, stands on the side of good rather than attempting to put them on the same footing and call it 'negotiations'.” The strongest is the one who, in the battle between good and evil, stands on the side of good rather than attempting to put them on the same footing and call it “negotiations”. At the same time, when it comes to the white flag, we know this Vatican's strategy from the first half… — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 10, 2024 × "At the same time, when it comes to the white flag, we know this Vatican's strategy from the first half of the twentieth century. I urge to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and to support Ukraine and its people in their just struggle for their lives," Foreign Minister Kuleba said. Also read | Ukraine war: Poland says presence of NATO troops in Ukraine ‘not unthinkable’ He added, "Our flag is a yellow and blue one. This is the flag by which we live, die, and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags." Meanwhile, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said, "How about, for balance, encouraging Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine? Peace would immediately ensue without the need for negotiations." What did Pope Francis say? In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI last month, Francis used the phrase “the courage of the white flag” as he argued that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should be open to peace talks brokered by international powers. Francis insisted that negotiations were never a surrender, adding, "When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate." During the Angelus prayer on Sunday from the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Francis said that he was praying “for peace in the tormented Ukraine and in the Holy Land.” “Let the hostilities which cause immense suffering among the civilian population cease as soon as possible,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Pope Francis' ‘white flag’ remark criticised by Kyiv, its allies

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<p>Pope Francis is continuing to face criticism over his remarks that war-torn Ukraine should have the "courage of the white flag" and negotiate an end to the war triggered by Russia’s invasion. This time, the pope's remarks have been criticised by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. On Monday (Mar 11), Secretary-General Stoltenberg told the news agency Reuters that he disagreed with Francis' remarks, adding, that Ukraine needs weapons and not white flags.</p>

<p>"If we want a negotiated peaceful lasting solution, the way to get there is to provide military support to Ukraine," he added. On&nbsp;being asked if his reaction meant now was not the time to talk about a white flag, Stoltenberg said: "It's not the time to talk about surrender by the Ukrainians. That will be a tragedy for the Ukrainians. It will also be dangerous for all of us."</p>

<h2><strong>What did Pope Francis say?</strong></h2>

<p>In February, Pope Francis used the phrase “the courage of the white flag” as he argued that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should be open to peace talks brokered by international powers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-pope-francis-white-flag-remark-criticised-by-kyiv-its-allies-698695">Ukraine war: Pope Francis' ‘white flag’ remark criticised by Kyiv, its allies</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to Swiss broadcaster RSI, Francis insisted that negotiations were never a surrender, adding, "When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the pope's remarks were criticised by the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland. A leader of one of Ukraine’s Christian churches on Sunday said that only the country’s determined resistance to Moscow’s full-scale invasion prevented a mass slaughter of civilians.</p>

<h2><strong>German bishops call on Vatican to clarify pope's remarks</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, German Catholic bishops called on the Vatican to clarify Pope Francis' remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The fact that Pope Francis did not address the points mentioned here in his interview caused irritation among many observers, which we can understand. It would be good if the Holy See communicated a substantive clarification of its position on these issues," German bishops said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p>They added that it was unfortunate that the pope repeated the words "white flag,"&nbsp;but also said it was "self-evident and widely proven to us that the Pope – like the German Bishops' Conference – is committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pope Francis is continuing to face criticism over his remarks that war-torn Ukraine should have the "courage of the white flag" and negotiate an end to the war triggered by Russia’s invasion.

Pope Francis is continuing to face criticism over his remarks that war-torn Ukraine should have the "courage of the white flag" and negotiate an end to the war triggered by Russia’s invasion. This time, the pope's remarks have been criticised by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. On Monday (Mar 11), Secretary-General Stoltenberg told the news agency Reuters that he disagreed with Francis' remarks, adding, that Ukraine needs weapons and not white flags. "If we want a negotiated peaceful lasting solution, the way to get there is to provide military support to Ukraine," he added. On being asked if his reaction meant now was not the time to talk about a white flag, Stoltenberg said: "It's not the time to talk about surrender by the Ukrainians. That will be a tragedy for the Ukrainians. It will also be dangerous for all of us." What did Pope Francis say? In February, Pope Francis used the phrase “the courage of the white flag” as he argued that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should be open to peace talks brokered by international powers. Also read | Ukraine war: Pope Francis' ‘white flag’ remark criticised by Kyiv, its allies Speaking to Swiss broadcaster RSI, Francis insisted that negotiations were never a surrender, adding, "When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate." Earlier, the pope's remarks were criticised by the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland. A leader of one of Ukraine’s Christian churches on Sunday said that only the country’s determined resistance to Moscow’s full-scale invasion prevented a mass slaughter of civilians. German bishops call on Vatican to clarify pope's remarks On Monday, German Catholic bishops called on the Vatican to clarify Pope Francis' remarks. "The fact that Pope Francis did not address the points mentioned here in his interview caused irritation among many observers, which we can understand. It would be good if the Holy See communicated a substantive clarification of its position on these issues," German bishops said. Also watch | How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine? × They added that it was unfortunate that the pope repeated the words "white flag," but also said it was "self-evident and widely proven to us that the Pope – like the German Bishops' Conference – is committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine." (With inputs from agencies)

Kyiv needs weapons, not white flags: NATO chief hits out at pope’s Ukraine war remark

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidY7wl7qhl8vYG" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Khalid al-Batarfi, the leader of Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch (known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or&nbsp;AQAP), has died, the terrorist outfit announced on Sunday (Mar 10). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday, Al-Qaeda released a video showing al-Batarfi wrapped in a white funeral shroud and the outfit's black and white flag. He was believed to be in his early 40s.</p>

<p>Al-Qaeda said that Atef al-Awlaki would take over as its branch's leader in Yemen. The report said that al-Batarfi took over as AQAP's head in February 2020. He succeeded leader Qassim al-Rimi, who was killed by a US drone strike ordered by then-president Donald Trump.</p>

<p>Born in Saudi Arabia, al-Batarfi travelled to Afghanistan in 1999 and fought alongside the Taliban during the US-led invasion. He joined the AQAP in 2010&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A $5 million bounty from US</strong></h2>

<p>The US government had designated al-Batarfi as a global terrorist in 2018 and placed a $5 million bounty on his head for leading the AQAP. Meanwhile, the new leader al-Awlaki has a $6 million bounty on him from the US with Washington saying he "has publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies."</p>

<p>The AQAP has been seen by the US as Al-Qaeda's most dangerous branch ever since it attempted to bomb a commercial airliner over the US in 2009. The branch claimed responsibility for the 2015 deadly attack in Paris on the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A recent report by the United Nations (UN) said, "Although in decline, AQAP remains the most effective terrorist group in Yemen with intent to conduct operations in the region and beyond."</p>

<p>The AQAP has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and passive members. The Yemen branch raises money by robbing banks and money exchange shops, as well as smuggling weapons, counterfeiting currencies and ransom operations, the UN has said.</p>

<p>Under al-Batarfi, AQAP fell further under the influence of Al-Qaeda fighter Saif al-Adl, now believed to have led the group after the killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri in an American drone strike in Afghanistan in 2022.</p>

<p>Last year, a report by the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies said, "Since 2020, Saif al-Adel has been able to convince al-Batarfi of his strategic approach, focused on confronting Western states and their allies in Yemen — the Saudi-led coalition, the Aden-based government, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its allies — rather than confronting the Iranian-backed Houthi movement."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Khalid al-Batarfi, the leader of Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch (known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or AQAP), has died, the terrorist outfit announced on Sunday (Mar 10).

Khalid al-Batarfi, the leader of Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch (known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or AQAP), has died, the terrorist outfit announced on Sunday (Mar 10). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday, Al-Qaeda released a video showing al-Batarfi wrapped in a white funeral shroud and the outfit's black and white flag. He was believed to be in his early 40s. Al-Qaeda said that Atef al-Awlaki would take over as its branch's leader in Yemen. The report said that al-Batarfi took over as AQAP's head in February 2020. He succeeded leader Qassim al-Rimi, who was killed by a US drone strike ordered by then-president Donald Trump. Born in Saudi Arabia, al-Batarfi travelled to Afghanistan in 1999 and fought alongside the Taliban during the US-led invasion. He joined the AQAP in 2010 A $5 million bounty from US The US government had designated al-Batarfi as a global terrorist in 2018 and placed a $5 million bounty on his head for leading the AQAP. Meanwhile, the new leader al-Awlaki has a $6 million bounty on him from the US with Washington saying he "has publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies." The AQAP has been seen by the US as Al-Qaeda's most dangerous branch ever since it attempted to bomb a commercial airliner over the US in 2009. The branch claimed responsibility for the 2015 deadly attack in Paris on the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. A recent report by the United Nations (UN) said, "Although in decline, AQAP remains the most effective terrorist group in Yemen with intent to conduct operations in the region and beyond." The AQAP has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and passive members. The Yemen branch raises money by robbing banks and money exchange shops, as well as smuggling weapons, counterfeiting currencies and ransom operations, the UN has said. Under al-Batarfi, AQAP fell further under the influence of Al-Qaeda fighter Saif al-Adl, now believed to have led the group after the killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri in an American drone strike in Afghanistan in 2022. Last year, a report by the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies said, "Since 2020, Saif al-Adel has been able to convince al-Batarfi of his strategic approach, focused on confronting Western states and their allies in Yemen — the Saudi-led coalition, the Aden-based government, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its allies — rather than confronting the Iranian-backed Houthi movement." (With inputs from agencies)

Khalid al-Batarfi, Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch leader carrying $5mn bounty, is dead

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<p>Monday (Mar 11) is the fourth anniversary of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is the worst health crisis in more than a century. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, millions died and even millions more are facing aftereffects of having&nbsp;been infected with the virus. The health infrastructure of almost all countries collapsed in combating the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lockdowns, social distancing, isolation, and hand sanitisation became the news words of caution. Schools, colleges and most workplaces were shut at the peak of the pandemic. Various business sectors were affected which led to severe economic crises in major countries. People lost their loved ones, friends and acquaintances to the virus.</p>

<p>So what went wrong - government response (in combating COVID-19), people's ignorance in adhering to safety measures, or a delay in declaring COVID-19 a health crisis?</p>

<h2><strong>A rewind</strong></h2>

<p>Let's go back in time to December 2019.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>People in China's Wuhan were getting infected with a mysterious type of pneumonia. These infections were later found to be cases of the suspected SARS Coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Li Wenliang, a Chinese ophthalmologist, warned his colleagues about early COVID-19 cases in the city. Dr Li became the whistleblower of this pandemic but unfortunately died after getting infected with the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;COVID pandemic anniversary: How a virus led to collapse of global health system | WION Decodes</strong></p>

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<p>Most of the early cases in Wuhan were linked to the Huanan seafood market. The market became the epicentre of the virus which first started spreading outside China and then to the rest of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, riding respiratory droplets in the air, killing some victims but leaving most to bounce back without much harm. At any moment, the virus can change to become more transmissible, more able to sidestep the immune system or more deadly.</p>

<h2><strong>Initial response of countries</strong></h2>

<p>When infections first started<strong>&nbsp;</strong>spreading outside China, a majority of the countries responded quickly through non-pharmaceutical interventions such as sanitising hands, maintaining social distancing and seeking medical help in case of any symptoms.</p>

<p>Despite these interventions, there was a lack of public health infrastructure to treat the infected patients - hospital beds to accommodate patients, machinery to treat them, and medicines.</p>

<p>Trust eroded in public health agencies. At the peak of the pandemic, medical workers including doctors, nurses and other staff were working round-the-clock, sometimes staying in hospitals for days.</p>

<p>Massive protests were held in several countries due to their government's handling of the health crisis. Several ministers and political advisors were forced to step down. There was also growing anger over countries underreporting the number of deaths and cases.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China faces global backlash</strong></h2>

<p>China, where the pandemic originated, faced huge global backlash for not informing the world about the virus on time. The WHO sent a team of experts to Beijing to investigate the source of the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For a long time, China resisted demands from other countries to allow independent investigators on&nbsp;its soil to study COVID-19 origins. China already had deteriorated relations with the West over trade, technology, military and human rights. And the pandemic further worsened the relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-study-reveals-2-very-rare-covid-19-vaccine-side-effects-previously-unknown-692993">Pharma company AstraZeneca sued in UK for deaths due to vaccine-induced blood clots, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>A report by the New York Times (NYT) in 2021 said that Chinese officials also provided little data from samples that the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention took in December 2019 at the Huanan Seafood Market. Perhaps the provision of complete data here could have prevented COVID-19 from becoming the health crisis it is today.</p>

<h2><strong>Vaccination and profiteering behind it</strong></h2>

<p>Vaccination has become one of the most important aspects of combating COVID-19. Pharma giants started manufacturing vaccines of single and double doses. As vaccine manufacturing ramped up, developed and developing countries started delivering jabs to the poorest of countries.</p>

<p>However, these consignments were not enough due to limited government budgets. Pharma giants including Pfizer, Moderna and BioNTech were accused of profiteering from vaccine manufacturing.</p>

<p>A report by Oxfam International in 2021 said that Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna were making combined profits of $65,000 every minute while the world's poorest countries remained unvaccinated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-finds-connection-between-long-covid-brain-fog-and-leaky-blood-vessels-692837">Research finds connection between long Covid brain fog and leaky blood vessels</a></strong></p>

<p>"These companies have sold the majority of doses to rich countries, leaving low-income countries out in the cold. Pfizer and BioNTech have delivered less than one per cent of their total vaccine supplies to low-income countries, while Moderna has delivered just 0.2 per cent. Meanwhile, 98 per cent of people in low-income countries have not been fully vaccinated," the report said.</p>

<h2><strong>Still a health crisis</strong></h2>

<p>In May last year,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that COVID-19 no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).</p>

<p>“For more than a year, the pandemic has been on a downward trend, with population immunity increasing from vaccination and infection, mortality decreasing and the pressure on health systems easing,” Ghebreyesus said on May 5, adding, "It is therefore with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency."</p>

<p>It has been more than four years since the pandemic began. COVID-19 is still a health crisis and can worsen at any point in time. So will governments, and citizens be better prepared for such a health crisis in future?</p>

<p>Or will this cycle of traumatic events start all over again?</p>


Monday (Mar 11) is the fourth anniversary of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is the worst health crisis in more than a century. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

Monday (Mar 11) is the fourth anniversary of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is the worst health crisis in more than a century. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, millions died and even millions more are facing aftereffects of having been infected with the virus. The health infrastructure of almost all countries collapsed in combating the pandemic. Lockdowns, social distancing, isolation, and hand sanitisation became the news words of caution. Schools, colleges and most workplaces were shut at the peak of the pandemic. Various business sectors were affected which led to severe economic crises in major countries. People lost their loved ones, friends and acquaintances to the virus. So what went wrong - government response (in combating COVID-19), people's ignorance in adhering to safety measures, or a delay in declaring COVID-19 a health crisis? A rewind Let's go back in time to December 2019. People in China's Wuhan were getting infected with a mysterious type of pneumonia. These infections were later found to be cases of the suspected SARS Coronavirus. Dr Li Wenliang, a Chinese ophthalmologist, warned his colleagues about early COVID-19 cases in the city. Dr Li became the whistleblower of this pandemic but unfortunately died after getting infected with the virus. Also watch | COVID pandemic anniversary: How a virus led to collapse of global health system | WION Decodes × Most of the early cases in Wuhan were linked to the Huanan seafood market. The market became the epicentre of the virus which first started spreading outside China and then to the rest of the world. COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, riding respiratory droplets in the air, killing some victims but leaving most to bounce back without much harm. At any moment, the virus can change to become more transmissible, more able to sidestep the immune system or more deadly. Initial response of countries When infections first started spreading outside China, a majority of the countries responded quickly through non-pharmaceutical interventions such as sanitising hands, maintaining social distancing and seeking medical help in case of any symptoms. Despite these interventions, there was a lack of public health infrastructure to treat the infected patients - hospital beds to accommodate patients, machinery to treat them, and medicines. Trust eroded in public health agencies. At the peak of the pandemic, medical workers including doctors, nurses and other staff were working round-the-clock, sometimes staying in hospitals for days. Massive protests were held in several countries due to their government's handling of the health crisis. Several ministers and political advisors were forced to step down. There was also growing anger over countries underreporting the number of deaths and cases. China faces global backlash China, where the pandemic originated, faced huge global backlash for not informing the world about the virus on time. The WHO sent a team of experts to Beijing to investigate the source of the virus. For a long time, China resisted demands from other countries to allow independent investigators on its soil to study COVID-19 origins. China already had deteriorated relations with the West over trade, technology, military and human rights. And the pandemic further worsened the relations. Also read | Pharma company AstraZeneca sued in UK for deaths due to vaccine-induced blood clots, says report A report by the New York Times (NYT) in 2021 said that Chinese officials also provided little data from samples that the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention took in December 2019 at the Huanan Seafood Market. Perhaps the provision of complete data here could have prevented COVID-19 from becoming the health crisis it is today. Vaccination and profiteering behind it Vaccination has become one of the most important aspects of combating COVID-19. Pharma giants started manufacturing vaccines of single and double doses. As vaccine manufacturing ramped up, developed and developing countries started delivering jabs to the poorest of countries. However, these consignments were not enough due to limited government budgets. Pharma giants including Pfizer, Moderna and BioNTech were accused of profiteering from vaccine manufacturing. A report by Oxfam International in 2021 said that Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna were making combined profits of $65,000 every minute while the world's poorest countries remained unvaccinated. Also read | Research finds connection between long Covid brain fog and leaky blood vessels "These companies have sold the majority of doses to rich countries, leaving low-income countries out in the cold. Pfizer and BioNTech have delivered less than one per cent of their total vaccine supplies to low-income countries, while Moderna has delivered just 0.2 per cent. Meanwhile, 98 per cent of people in low-income countries have not been fully vaccinated," the report said. Still a health crisis In May last year, WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that COVID-19 no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). “For more than a year, the pandemic has been on a downward trend, with population immunity increasing from vaccination and infection, mortality decreasing and the pressure on health systems easing,” Ghebreyesus said on May 5, adding, "It is therefore with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency." It has been more than four years since the pandemic began. COVID-19 is still a health crisis and can worsen at any point in time. So will governments, and citizens be better prepared for such a health crisis in future? Or will this cycle of traumatic events start all over again?

Explained | Four years of Covid crisis: What did we learn from the pandemic?

<p>The prime minister-chaired high-powered committee will meet on March 15 to finalise the names of new election commissioners, top sources said. Two vacancies of election commissioners came about following the resignation of Arun Goel and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement.</p>

<p>The panel is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has a Union minister and the Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as members. It will meet on March 15 and name the persons for appointment as election commissioners.</p>

<p>The election commissioners will be appointed by the president.</p>

<p>The sources said the appointment of two new election commissioners is likely to be made by March 15 to fill the vacancies created by Pandey's retirement and Goel's surprise resignation.</p>

<p>They said the notice for the meeting was sent on Saturday afternoon while Goel's resignation was notified in the evening.</p>

<p>The sources added that during the meeting, two appointments of election commissioners are likely to be made against one, as anticipated earlier.</p>

<p>The March 15 notice, the sources said, refers to the postponed meeting of the committee that was to be held on March 7 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Pandey, who demitted office on February 14 on attaining the age of 65 years.</p>

<p>Days before the poll panel is expected to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls, Goel resigned on Friday morning. His resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday and the Union Law Ministry issued a notification to announce it.</p>

<p>This leaves Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the poll body.</p>

<p>A search committee under Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and comprising the Home secretary and the Department of Personnel and Training secretary, will first prepare two separate panels of five names each for the two posts.</p>

<p>Later, the selection committee headed by the prime minister will name two persons for appointment as election commissioners.</p>

<p>Sources had earlier said the selection committee could meet either on March 13 or 14, depending on the convenience of the members, and the appointments were likely by March 15.</p>

<p>Before a new law on the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners came into force recently, the election commissioners were appointed by the president on the government's recommendation and, as per custom, the senior-most was appointed as the chief election commissioner.</p>

<p>Clause 2 of Article 324 of the Constitution states that the Election Commission shall consist of the chief election commissioner and such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the president may from time to time fix.</p>

<p>Responding to questions on the reasons behind Goel's resignation, the sources said he might have resigned due to personal reasons.</p>

<p>They also rejected suggestions that there were differences between Goel and Kumar, saying records of internal communication, minutes and decisions show there was no dissent recorded by Goel.</p>

<p>If seasoned bureaucrats brainstorm on an issue, there are bound to be differences in opinion and perception. These cannot be described as differences, they added.</p>

<p>Goel, who tendered his resignation on Friday morning, did not attend the crucial meeting between the Election Commission and top home ministry and railways officials to firm up the deployment and the movement of central forces across India for poll duty.</p>

<p>Goel was a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre. He had joined the Election Commission in November 2022. His tenure was until December 5, 2027, and he would have become chief election commissioner after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired next February.</p>

<p>Ashok Lavasa had resigned as election commissioner in August 2020. He had given dissent notes on various model code of conduct violation decisions taken by the Election Commission during the last Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Originally, the commission had only a chief election commissioner. It currently consists of the chief election commissioner and two election commissioners.</p>

<p>Two additional commissioners were first appointed on October 16, 1989, but their tenures lasted till January 1, 1990. Later, on October 1, 1993, two additional election commissioners were appointed.</p>

<p>The concept of a multi-member Election Commission has been in operation since then, with decisions made by a majority vote.</p>


The prime minister-chaired high-powered committee will meet on March 15 to finalise the names of new election commissioners, top sources said. Two vacancies of election commissioners came about following the resignation of Arun Goel and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement.

The prime minister-chaired high-powered committee will meet on March 15 to finalise the names of new election commissioners, top sources said. Two vacancies of election commissioners came about following the resignation of Arun Goel and Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement. The panel is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has a Union minister and the Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as members. It will meet on March 15 and name the persons for appointment as election commissioners. The election commissioners will be appointed by the president. The sources said the appointment of two new election commissioners is likely to be made by March 15 to fill the vacancies created by Pandey's retirement and Goel's surprise resignation. They said the notice for the meeting was sent on Saturday afternoon while Goel's resignation was notified in the evening. The sources added that during the meeting, two appointments of election commissioners are likely to be made against one, as anticipated earlier. The March 15 notice, the sources said, refers to the postponed meeting of the committee that was to be held on March 7 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Pandey, who demitted office on February 14 on attaining the age of 65 years. Days before the poll panel is expected to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls, Goel resigned on Friday morning. His resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday and the Union Law Ministry issued a notification to announce it. This leaves Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the poll body. A search committee under Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and comprising the Home secretary and the Department of Personnel and Training secretary, will first prepare two separate panels of five names each for the two posts. Later, the selection committee headed by the prime minister will name two persons for appointment as election commissioners. Sources had earlier said the selection committee could meet either on March 13 or 14, depending on the convenience of the members, and the appointments were likely by March 15. Before a new law on the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners came into force recently, the election commissioners were appointed by the president on the government's recommendation and, as per custom, the senior-most was appointed as the chief election commissioner. Clause 2 of Article 324 of the Constitution states that the Election Commission shall consist of the chief election commissioner and such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the president may from time to time fix. Responding to questions on the reasons behind Goel's resignation, the sources said he might have resigned due to personal reasons. They also rejected suggestions that there were differences between Goel and Kumar, saying records of internal communication, minutes and decisions show there was no dissent recorded by Goel. If seasoned bureaucrats brainstorm on an issue, there are bound to be differences in opinion and perception. These cannot be described as differences, they added. Goel, who tendered his resignation on Friday morning, did not attend the crucial meeting between the Election Commission and top home ministry and railways officials to firm up the deployment and the movement of central forces across India for poll duty. Goel was a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre. He had joined the Election Commission in November 2022. His tenure was until December 5, 2027, and he would have become chief election commissioner after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired next February. Ashok Lavasa had resigned as election commissioner in August 2020. He had given dissent notes on various model code of conduct violation decisions taken by the Election Commission during the last Lok Sabha polls. Originally, the commission had only a chief election commissioner. It currently consists of the chief election commissioner and two election commissioners. Two additional commissioners were first appointed on October 16, 1989, but their tenures lasted till January 1, 1990. Later, on October 1, 1993, two additional election commissioners were appointed. The concept of a multi-member Election Commission has been in operation since then, with decisions made by a majority vote.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: PM Modi-chaired committee to meet on March 15 to appoint 2 new election commissioners

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, millions have died, and even more millions infected. This was the biggest health crisis in a century and spared no one. So what went wrong in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic? WION Decodes the story for you.

COVID pandemic anniversary: How a virus led to collapse of global health system | WION Decodes

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<p>Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said that the agency was at risk of death and also at risk of dismantlement after the Israeli government alleged that some of the agency's staff took part in Hamas' October 7 attack last year. In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RTS that was aired on Saturday (Mar 9), Lazzarini said that he was cautiously optimistic some donors would start funding it again within weeks.</p>

<p>"I am cautiously optimistic that within the next few weeks, and also following the publication of Catherine Colonna's report, a number of donors will return," Lazzarini said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-key-residential-tower-in-southern-rafah-as-ceasefire-talks-stall-698374">Israel strikes key residential tower in southern Rafah as ceasefire talks stall</a></strong></p>

<p>Israel had accused 12 of UNRWA's 13,000 staff in the war-torn Gaza Strip of involvement in the October 7 attack. Following the accusation, several countries, including the United States, stopped funding the agency.</p>

<h2><strong>'If we got rid of UNRWA...'</strong></h2>

<p>UNRWA fired some staff members, saying it acted to protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian assistance. A report by the news agency Reuters said that an independent review of the agency had been launched under French former foreign minister Catherine Colonna. A final report on the matter is expected to be published in April.</p>

<p>In Gaza, the agency runs schools, healthcare clinics, and other social services, and also distributes humanitarian aid. "What is at stake is the fate of the Palestinians today in Gaza in the short term who are going through an absolutely unprecedented humanitarian crisis," Lazzarini told RTS, adding, that the UNRWA is the only agency that delivers public services to Palestinian refugees.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Hopes for ceasefire in Gaza fade as truce talks yield no results</strong></p>

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<p>"We are the quasi-ministry of education, of primary health. If we were to get rid of such a body, who would bring back the millions of girls and boys who are traumatised in the Gaza Strip today back to a learning environment?" he further said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UNRWA slams Israel for threats&nbsp;to&nbsp;detained staff&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, the UNRWA said in a report that some of its employees released into Gaza from Israeli detention reported having been pressured by Israeli authorities into falsely stating that the agency has Hamas links and the staff took part in the October 7 attack.</p>

<p>The report said that several UNRWA Palestinian staffers had been detained by the Israeli army, and added that the ill-treatment and abuse they said they had experienced included severe physical beatings, waterboarding, and threats of harm to family members.</p>

<p>"Agency staff members have been subject to threats and coercion by the Israeli authorities while in detention, and pressured to make false statements against the Agency, including that the Agency has affiliations with Hamas and that UNRWA staff members took part in the 7 October 2023 atrocities,” the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said that the agency was at risk of death and also at risk of dismantlement after the Israeli government alleged that some of the agency's staff took part in Hamas' October 7 attack last year.

Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said that the agency was at risk of death and also at risk of dismantlement after the Israeli government alleged that some of the agency's staff took part in Hamas' October 7 attack last year. In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RTS that was aired on Saturday (Mar 9), Lazzarini said that he was cautiously optimistic some donors would start funding it again within weeks. "I am cautiously optimistic that within the next few weeks, and also following the publication of Catherine Colonna's report, a number of donors will return," Lazzarini said. Also read | Israel strikes key residential tower in southern Rafah as ceasefire talks stall Israel had accused 12 of UNRWA's 13,000 staff in the war-torn Gaza Strip of involvement in the October 7 attack. Following the accusation, several countries, including the United States, stopped funding the agency. 'If we got rid of UNRWA...' UNRWA fired some staff members, saying it acted to protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian assistance. A report by the news agency Reuters said that an independent review of the agency had been launched under French former foreign minister Catherine Colonna. A final report on the matter is expected to be published in April. In Gaza, the agency runs schools, healthcare clinics, and other social services, and also distributes humanitarian aid. "What is at stake is the fate of the Palestinians today in Gaza in the short term who are going through an absolutely unprecedented humanitarian crisis," Lazzarini told RTS, adding, that the UNRWA is the only agency that delivers public services to Palestinian refugees. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Hopes for ceasefire in Gaza fade as truce talks yield no results × "We are the quasi-ministry of education, of primary health. If we were to get rid of such a body, who would bring back the millions of girls and boys who are traumatised in the Gaza Strip today back to a learning environment?" he further said. UNRWA slams Israel for threats to detained staff Last month, the UNRWA said in a report that some of its employees released into Gaza from Israeli detention reported having been pressured by Israeli authorities into falsely stating that the agency has Hamas links and the staff took part in the October 7 attack. The report said that several UNRWA Palestinian staffers had been detained by the Israeli army, and added that the ill-treatment and abuse they said they had experienced included severe physical beatings, waterboarding, and threats of harm to family members. "Agency staff members have been subject to threats and coercion by the Israeli authorities while in detention, and pressured to make false statements against the Agency, including that the Agency has affiliations with Hamas and that UNRWA staff members took part in the 7 October 2023 atrocities,” the report added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: UNRWA chief says agency is ‘at risk of death’

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<p>The escalating violence in Haiti has led to shortages of food and water in the country. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Mar 9), the unrest has crippled Haiti's fragile economy and made it extremely difficult for many of the country's most vulnerable to feed themselves. The report said that the main port in the capital city of Port-au-Prince closed down stranding scores of containers full of food and medical supplies.</p>

<p>The closure comes at a time when the United Nations said that half of the country's over 11 million inhabitants don’t have enough to eat, and 1.4 million are starving. The report added that grocery stores in upscale parts of the capital remain stocked, but their goods are out of reach to most people.</p>

<h2><strong>Street vendors losing livelihoods due to violence</strong></h2>

<p>Street vendors in the country are losing their livelihoods and are unsure about how will they feed their families. Speaking to the Associated Press, Michel Jean, a street vendor, said, "I don’t know how long this is going to last. I’m hoping this crisis is over, and that people can go back to their regular life."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-jimmy-barbecue-cherizier-haiti-gang-boss-tells-pm-to-quit-or-face-civil-war-697516">Explained: Who is Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, Haiti gang boss who threatened civil war</a></strong></p>

<p>Another street vendor told the news agency that he worries that elderly people are dying in their homes, with some people unable to venture out for food and water because gangs control their neighbourhoods. The report said that as more and more people are left unemployed, street vendors are selling smaller amounts of essential goods.</p>

<p>Since the gang attacks started on February 29, scores of people have been killed and more than 15,000 have been forced from their homes. Gangs are calling for the overthrow of the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Henry arrived in Puerto Rico on Tuesday after he was unable to land in the Dominican Republic, which borders Haiti. On Thursday, the government extended a state of emergency amid mass lootings and attacks on police stations.</p>

<p>Schools, banks, and most government agencies remain closed.</p>

<p>On Friday&nbsp;Heavy gunfire was seen near Haiti’s national palace in&nbsp;Port-au-Prince. According to ABC News,&nbsp;gangs had launched a large-scale assault against multiple government buildings in or near downtown Port-au-Prince.</p>

<h2><strong>UN rights chief calls global community to help Haiti</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk called the international community for action to help Haiti. "I urge the international community to act swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti's further descent into chaos. Last weekend’s mass prison breakout has been described by Haitian officials as a lethal threat to national security. More than 4,500 inmates are now known to have escaped, among them prominent gang members as well as those arrested in connection with the assassination of late President Jovenel Moise," Turk said in a video statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Haiti crisis: Gangs overrun Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, will there be a coup?</strong></p>

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<p>"This situation is beyond untenable for the people of Haiti. Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 1,193 people were killed, and 692 others were injured in the gang violence," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The escalating violence in Haiti has led to shortages of food and water in the country. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Mar 9), the unrest has crippled Haiti's fragile economy and made it extremely difficult for many of the country's most vulnerable to feed themselves.

The escalating violence in Haiti has led to shortages of food and water in the country. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Mar 9), the unrest has crippled Haiti's fragile economy and made it extremely difficult for many of the country's most vulnerable to feed themselves. The report said that the main port in the capital city of Port-au-Prince closed down stranding scores of containers full of food and medical supplies. The closure comes at a time when the United Nations said that half of the country's over 11 million inhabitants don’t have enough to eat, and 1.4 million are starving. The report added that grocery stores in upscale parts of the capital remain stocked, but their goods are out of reach to most people. Street vendors losing livelihoods due to violence Street vendors in the country are losing their livelihoods and are unsure about how will they feed their families. Speaking to the Associated Press, Michel Jean, a street vendor, said, "I don’t know how long this is going to last. I’m hoping this crisis is over, and that people can go back to their regular life." Also read | Explained: Who is Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, Haiti gang boss who threatened civil war Another street vendor told the news agency that he worries that elderly people are dying in their homes, with some people unable to venture out for food and water because gangs control their neighbourhoods. The report said that as more and more people are left unemployed, street vendors are selling smaller amounts of essential goods. Since the gang attacks started on February 29, scores of people have been killed and more than 15,000 have been forced from their homes. Gangs are calling for the overthrow of the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Prime Minister Henry arrived in Puerto Rico on Tuesday after he was unable to land in the Dominican Republic, which borders Haiti. On Thursday, the government extended a state of emergency amid mass lootings and attacks on police stations. Schools, banks, and most government agencies remain closed. On Friday Heavy gunfire was seen near Haiti’s national palace in Port-au-Prince. According to ABC News, gangs had launched a large-scale assault against multiple government buildings in or near downtown Port-au-Prince. UN rights chief calls global community to help Haiti Earlier this week, United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk called the international community for action to help Haiti. "I urge the international community to act swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti's further descent into chaos. Last weekend’s mass prison breakout has been described by Haitian officials as a lethal threat to national security. More than 4,500 inmates are now known to have escaped, among them prominent gang members as well as those arrested in connection with the assassination of late President Jovenel Moise," Turk said in a video statement. Also watch | Haiti crisis: Gangs overrun Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, will there be a coup? × "This situation is beyond untenable for the people of Haiti. Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 1,193 people were killed, and 692 others were injured in the gang violence," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti violence: Ongoing unrest cripples economy, triggers food and water shortage

<p>India on Sunday (Mar 10) signed a free trade pact with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi. India will now lift most import tariffs on industrial products from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein in return for investment of $100 billion over 15 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a 'watershed moment' for India, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.</p>

<p>The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Sunday that Monday (Mar 11) will be the first day of Ramadan. The UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former assassinated Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, took oath on Sunday as the 14th president of Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-seals-free-trade-agreement-with-four-nation-european-bloc-698498"><strong>India seals free trade agreement with four-nation European bloc</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417455-untitled-design-2024-03-10t121650143.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>India signed a free trade pact with&nbsp;the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar&nbsp;10). Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a 'watershed moment' for India, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-uae-declares-march-11-as-first-day-of-ramadan-this-year-698663"><strong>UAE declares March 11 as first day of Ramadan this year</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417538-untitled-design-5.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. According to a report by the Khaleej Times, the UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asif-ali-zardari-sworn-in-as-pakistans-president-for-record-second-time-698634"><strong>Asif Ali Zardari sworn-in as Pakistan’s president for record second time</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417519-untitled-design-2024-03-10t185841787.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former assassinated Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, took oath on Sunday (March 10) as the 14th president of the South Asian country. Zardari, backed by Pakistan Peoples' Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) secured 411 votes against 181 votes secured by Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed Mahmood Khan Achakzai.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-president-isaac-herzog-attends-opening-of-holocaust-museum-in-amsterdam-amid-pro-palestinian-protests-698653"><strong>Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends opening of Holocaust museum in Amsterdam amid pro-Palestine protests</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417531-succession-2024-03-10t203018233.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday (March 10) attended the opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam even as pro-Palestine protesters staged demonstrations in the country demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza war.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-couple-arrested-after-2-dead-babies-discovered-in-glass-bottles-in-flat-698640"><strong>Hong Kong: Couple arrested after 2 dead babies discovered in glass bottles in flat</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/18/412862-police-car.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>In Hong Kong, two babies were discovered inside glass jars by a cleaning person in the main room of a vacant flat. A report by the South China Morning Post mentioned police as saying on Sunday that both children lacked birth records, and preliminary autopsies failed to confirm the time and cause of death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/customs-find-cocaine-and-heroin-hidden-inside-passengers-guts-in-saudi-arabia-698563"><strong>Saudi Arabia customs officials find cocaine and heroin hidden in passengers’ guts</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417482-pic-10.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The customs authorities in Saudi Arabia said that they were able to stop many air passengers from smuggling cocaine and heroin they had hidden in&nbsp;their guts.&nbsp;This is not the first time that such bizarre attempts have been made by passengers to smuggle cocaine into Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctors-accused-of-harvesting-organs-of-death-row-inmates-attended-oxford-universitys-sessions-698610"><strong>Chinese doctors accused of harvesting organs of death row inmates attended Oxford University’s sessions</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417508-untitled-design-2024-03-10t173518561.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Oxford University has been accused of holding training programmes that were attended by Chinese transplant doctors facing serious allegations of illegally harvesting human organs, The Telegraph reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-man-falls-into-40-feet-borewell-multi-agency-rescue-operation-underway-amid-suspected-foul-play-698538"><strong>Delhi man dies after falling into 40-foot borewell</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417468-untitled-design-2024-03-10t140706794.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>In a tragedy that has set the ball of suspected foul play rolling in the Indian capital, a person previously thought to be a child died after falling into a 40-foot-deep borewell inside a water plant near Keshopur Mandi on the western side of Delhi on Sunday (March 10). The development was confirmed by Delhi Minister Atishi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-kolkata-knight-riders-bring-in-phil-salt-to-replace-jason-roy-698650">IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders bring in Phil Salt to replace Jason Roy</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417529-ipl-2024-kolkata-knight-riders-bring-in-phil-salt-to-replace-jason-roy.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders have brought in England opener Phil Salt to replace his compatriot Jason Roy in the squad for IPL 2024. Roy pulled out of the upcoming season for ‘personal reasons’. Salt, who played for Delhi Capitals (DC) last season, will walk in as his replacement at the top, providing former winners with a keeper’s option also.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/first-photo-of-kate-middleton-with-kids-released-post-surgery-thanks-public-for-support-698628"><strong>Kate Middleton shares first photo with kids post surgery, thanks public for support</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417512-happy-30th-birthday-2024-03-10t180001100.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>On the occasion of UK Mother's Day, the first photo of Kate Middleton&nbsp;with her kids has been&nbsp;released. This is the Princess of Wales' first picture&nbsp;since her abdominal surgery in January and speculations regarding her health.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India on Sunday (Mar 10) signed a free trade pact with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi. India will now lift most import tariffs on industrial products from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein in return for investment of $100 billion over 15 years.

India on Sunday (Mar 10) signed a free trade pact with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi. India will now lift most import tariffs on industrial products from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein in return for investment of $100 billion over 15 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a 'watershed moment' for India, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Sunday that Monday (Mar 11) will be the first day of Ramadan. The UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening. In other news from around the world, Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former assassinated Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, took oath on Sunday as the 14th president of Pakistan. Click on the headlines to read more: India seals free trade agreement with four-nation European bloc India signed a free trade pact with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar 10). Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a 'watershed moment' for India, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. UAE declares March 11 as first day of Ramadan this year The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. According to a report by the Khaleej Times, the UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening. Asif Ali Zardari sworn-in as Pakistan’s president for record second time Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former assassinated Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, took oath on Sunday (March 10) as the 14th president of the South Asian country. Zardari, backed by Pakistan Peoples' Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) secured 411 votes against 181 votes secured by Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends opening of Holocaust museum in Amsterdam amid pro-Palestine protests Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday (March 10) attended the opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam even as pro-Palestine protesters staged demonstrations in the country demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza war. Hong Kong: Couple arrested after 2 dead babies discovered in glass bottles in flat In Hong Kong, two babies were discovered inside glass jars by a cleaning person in the main room of a vacant flat. A report by the South China Morning Post mentioned police as saying on Sunday that both children lacked birth records, and preliminary autopsies failed to confirm the time and cause of death. Saudi Arabia customs officials find cocaine and heroin hidden in passengers’ guts The customs authorities in Saudi Arabia said that they were able to stop many air passengers from smuggling cocaine and heroin they had hidden in their guts. This is not the first time that such bizarre attempts have been made by passengers to smuggle cocaine into Saudi Arabia. Chinese doctors accused of harvesting organs of death row inmates attended Oxford University’s sessions Oxford University has been accused of holding training programmes that were attended by Chinese transplant doctors facing serious allegations of illegally harvesting human organs, The Telegraph reported. Delhi man dies after falling into 40-foot borewell In a tragedy that has set the ball of suspected foul play rolling in the Indian capital, a person previously thought to be a child died after falling into a 40-foot-deep borewell inside a water plant near Keshopur Mandi on the western side of Delhi on Sunday (March 10). The development was confirmed by Delhi Minister Atishi. IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders bring in Phil Salt to replace Jason Roy Kolkata Knight Riders have brought in England opener Phil Salt to replace his compatriot Jason Roy in the squad for IPL 2024. Roy pulled out of the upcoming season for ‘personal reasons’. Salt, who played for Delhi Capitals (DC) last season, will walk in as his replacement at the top, providing former winners with a keeper’s option also. Kate Middleton shares first photo with kids post surgery, thanks public for support On the occasion of UK Mother's Day, the first photo of Kate Middleton with her kids has been released. This is the Princess of Wales' first picture since her abdominal surgery in January and speculations regarding her health.

Top 10 world news: India seals FTA with four-nation European bloc, and more

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