<p>Sergei Sokolov, the editor-in-chief of renowned Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was detained in Moscow on Thursday (Feb 29) for discrediting the military. Citing Novaya Gazeta, a report by the news agency Associated Press said Sokolov was detained by officers from Russia’s Center for Combating Extremism (Center E), and fined 30,000 rubles ($329) in a hearing at a Moscow court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The newspaper said that the charges were related to material posted on its Telegram channel. It was found in an examination by the authorities to contain “linguistic and psychological signs of verbally discrediting the actions of power structures,” the paper added.</p>

<p>Sokolov became Novaya Gazeta's editor-in-chief in September 2023 after his predecessor, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov was named a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-frozen-russian-profits-for-ukrainian-military-says-eus-von-der-leyen-694754">Use frozen Russian profits for Ukrainian military, says EU's von der Leyen</a></strong></p>

<p>In a post on X, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Thursday that it protested Sokolov's detention which was further evidence of the draconian censorship in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The chief editor of Novaya Gazeta has been fined 30,000 roubles (300 euros) for an article about orphans urged by the Defence Ministry to enlist as soldiers in the war. RSF condemns this latest attack on the media," the RSF added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a>: the chief editor of <a href="https://twitter.com/novaya_gazeta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@novaya_gazeta</a> has been fined 30,000 roubles (300 euros) for an article about orphans urged by the Defence Ministry to enlist as soldiers in the war. RSF condemns this latest attack on the media. <a href="https://t.co/njpJEHKTNP">https://t.co/njpJEHKTNP</a></p>
— RSF (@RSF_inter) <a href="https://twitter.com/RSF_inter/status/1763261574460952724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The newspaper has been critical of the Kremlin for several years. In September 2022, a court in Moscow revoked the license of the outlet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin warns West of 'real' risk of nuclear war</strong></p>

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<p>Days after the Ukraine war began on Feb 24, 2022, the Russian parliament approved legislation that outlawed disparagement of the Russian military or the spread of “false information” about the country’s invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>As a result, dozens of independent media outlets in Russia were banned. In March 2022, Novaya Gazeta announced that it was suspending its operations for the duration of the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, its staff moved overseas and launched a new project called Novaya Gazeta Europe, which has strongly criticised the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sergei Sokolov, the editor-in-chief of renowned Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was detained in Moscow on Thursday (Feb 29) for discrediting the military.

Sergei Sokolov, the editor-in-chief of renowned Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was detained in Moscow on Thursday (Feb 29) for discrediting the military. Citing Novaya Gazeta, a report by the news agency Associated Press said Sokolov was detained by officers from Russia’s Center for Combating Extremism (Center E), and fined 30,000 rubles ($329) in a hearing at a Moscow court. The newspaper said that the charges were related to material posted on its Telegram channel. It was found in an examination by the authorities to contain “linguistic and psychological signs of verbally discrediting the actions of power structures,” the paper added. Sokolov became Novaya Gazeta's editor-in-chief in September 2023 after his predecessor, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov was named a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities. Also read | Use frozen Russian profits for Ukrainian military, says EU's von der Leyen In a post on X, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Thursday that it protested Sokolov's detention which was further evidence of the draconian censorship in Russia. "The chief editor of Novaya Gazeta has been fined 30,000 roubles (300 euros) for an article about orphans urged by the Defence Ministry to enlist as soldiers in the war. RSF condemns this latest attack on the media," the RSF added. #Russia: the chief editor of @novaya_gazeta has been fined 30,000 roubles (300 euros) for an article about orphans urged by the Defence Ministry to enlist as soldiers in the war. RSF condemns this latest attack on the media. https://t.co/njpJEHKTNP — RSF (@RSF_inter) February 29, 2024 × The newspaper has been critical of the Kremlin for several years. In September 2022, a court in Moscow revoked the license of the outlet. Also watch | Vladimir Putin warns West of 'real' risk of nuclear war × Days after the Ukraine war began on Feb 24, 2022, the Russian parliament approved legislation that outlawed disparagement of the Russian military or the spread of “false information” about the country’s invasion of Ukraine. As a result, dozens of independent media outlets in Russia were banned. In March 2022, Novaya Gazeta announced that it was suspending its operations for the duration of the conflict. However, its staff moved overseas and launched a new project called Novaya Gazeta Europe, which has strongly criticised the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Editor of Russia's Novaya Gazeta newspaper detained, fined for 'discrediting military'

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<p>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday (Feb 29) that the killing of <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-70-people-killed-after-israel-fired-on-gazans-collecting-food-aid-hamas-run-health-ministry-695169">more than 100 people seeking humanitarian aid in the war-torn Gaza Strip </a></strong>would require an effective independent investigation. Addressing an event in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Secretary-General Guterres said he was shocked by this latest episode in the Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p>Responding to questions on the failure of a recent UN resolution seeking a ceasefire, Guterres said worsening geopolitical divides have "transformed the veto power into an effective instrument of paralysis of the action of the Security Council."</p>

<p>"I am totally convinced that we need a humanitarian ceasefire and we need the unconditional and immediate release of hostages and that we should have a Security Council able to achieve these objectives," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in Gaza?</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, health authorities in Gaza said that Israeli forces killed more than 100 Palestinians as they waited for an aid delivery. Citing Palestinian health officials, a report by the news agency Reuters said that at least 112 people were killed and over 280 were injured in the incident. The loss of civilian lives was the biggest in weeks since the conflict started on October 7 last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Disputing the account provided by the Palestinian officials, the Israeli military blamed the deaths on crowds that surrounded aid trucks, saying victims had been trampled or run over.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-firing-on-gazans-seeking-food-aid-to-complicate-ceasefire-talks-attack-garners-intl-criticism-695305">Biden says firing on Gazans seeking food aid to ‘complicate’ ceasefire talks</a></strong></p>

<p>The military said that a stampede occurred when thousands of desperate Gazans surrounded a convoy of 38 aid trucks, leading to dozens of deaths and injuries, including some who were run over by the lorries.</p>

<p>Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the military had fired "a few warning shots" to try to disperse a crowd that had "ambushed" the aid trucks. Hagari added that when the crowd got too big the convoy tried to retreat and "the unfortunate incident resulted in dozens of Gazans killed and injured."</p>

<h2><strong>The condemnations</strong></h2>

<p>International leaders condemned Thursday's deaths in Gaza City. United States President Joe Biden said the incident would complicate ceasefire negotiations. On being asked about the carnage, President Biden said, "We're checking that right now. There are two competing versions of what happened, I don't have an answer yet."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The situation in Gaza is terrible.<br />
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All civilian populations must be protected. A ceasefire must be implemented immediately to allow humanitarian aid to be distributed.</p>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1763354899952128482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "strongest condemnation"&nbsp;of the incident. "Deep indignation at the images coming from Gaza where civilians have been targeted by Israeli soldiers. I express my strongest condemnation of these shootings and call for truth, justice, and respect for international law," President Macron said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The unacceptable nature of what happened in Gaza, with dozens of Palestinian civilians dead as they were waiting for food, underlines the urgency of a ceasefire," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said.&nbsp;</p>


United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday (Feb 29) that the killing of more than 100 people seeking humanitarian aid in the war-torn Gaza Strip would require an effective independent investigation.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday (Feb 29) that the killing of more than 100 people seeking humanitarian aid in the war-torn Gaza Strip would require an effective independent investigation. Addressing an event in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Secretary-General Guterres said he was shocked by this latest episode in the Israel-Hamas war. Responding to questions on the failure of a recent UN resolution seeking a ceasefire, Guterres said worsening geopolitical divides have "transformed the veto power into an effective instrument of paralysis of the action of the Security Council." "I am totally convinced that we need a humanitarian ceasefire and we need the unconditional and immediate release of hostages and that we should have a Security Council able to achieve these objectives," he added. What happened in Gaza? On Thursday, health authorities in Gaza said that Israeli forces killed more than 100 Palestinians as they waited for an aid delivery. Citing Palestinian health officials, a report by the news agency Reuters said that at least 112 people were killed and over 280 were injured in the incident. The loss of civilian lives was the biggest in weeks since the conflict started on October 7 last year. Disputing the account provided by the Palestinian officials, the Israeli military blamed the deaths on crowds that surrounded aid trucks, saying victims had been trampled or run over. Also read | Biden says firing on Gazans seeking food aid to ‘complicate’ ceasefire talks The military said that a stampede occurred when thousands of desperate Gazans surrounded a convoy of 38 aid trucks, leading to dozens of deaths and injuries, including some who were run over by the lorries. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the military had fired "a few warning shots" to try to disperse a crowd that had "ambushed" the aid trucks. Hagari added that when the crowd got too big the convoy tried to retreat and "the unfortunate incident resulted in dozens of Gazans killed and injured." The condemnations International leaders condemned Thursday's deaths in Gaza City. United States President Joe Biden said the incident would complicate ceasefire negotiations. On being asked about the carnage, President Biden said, "We're checking that right now. There are two competing versions of what happened, I don't have an answer yet." The situation in Gaza is terrible. All civilian populations must be protected. A ceasefire must be implemented immediately to allow humanitarian aid to be distributed. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 1, 2024 × French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "strongest condemnation" of the incident. "Deep indignation at the images coming from Gaza where civilians have been targeted by Israeli soldiers. I express my strongest condemnation of these shootings and call for truth, justice, and respect for international law," President Macron said in a post on X. "The unacceptable nature of what happened in Gaza, with dozens of Palestinian civilians dead as they were waiting for food, underlines the urgency of a ceasefire," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said.

Gaza aid deaths: UN chief says incident will require independent probe

<p>Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney died at the age of 84, his daughter Caroline Mulroney said on Thursday (Feb 29). In a post on X, Caroline said, "On behalf of my mother and our family, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of my father, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada’s 18th Prime Minister. He died peacefully, surrounded by family."</p>

<p>Caroline earlier said that her father underwent a procedure in August last year and was also treated for prostate cancer. Paying tributes to Mulroney, current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "He never stopped working for Canadians, and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home. I’ll never forget the insights he shared with me over the years – he was generous, tireless, and incredibly passionate."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brian Mulroney loved Canada. I’m devastated to learn of his passing.<br />
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He never stopped working for Canadians, and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home. I’ll never forget the insights he shared with me over the years – he was generous, tireless,…</p>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1763349102975222210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>A 9-yr-long prime ministership</strong></h2>

<p>A corporate lawyer turned businessman, Mulroney led the centre-right Progressive Conservatives to a historic win in 1984 over the Liberals of Pierre Trudeau. He served as the prime minister from 1984 to 1993.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He won large majorities in 1984 and 1988, in part by bringing together social conservatives in the west of Canada and nationalist voters in Quebec.</p>

<p>However, strains started to emerge and the union fell apart in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the creation of the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform Party. Mulroney stepped down in 1993 amid record-low popularity numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His nine-year tenure as PM was marked by negotiations for the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement in 1988, which helped boost Canadian exports, and the introduction of a goods and services tax in 1991, a report by the news agency Reuters said.</p>

<p>The tax was unpopular politically but helped fix the government's finances.</p>

<p>Mulroney took an active interest in foreign affairs pushing through a treaty with the United States to curb acid rain, spearheading efforts to tackle the 1984 Ethiopian famine, and speaking out against apartheid in South Africa.</p>

<p>He was a close friend of former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mulroney accused of taking kickbacks from arms dealer</strong></h2>

<p>After quitting politics,&nbsp;Mulroney returned to law and became a partner with the Montréal firm Norton Rose Fulbright. In 1995, a leaked letter revealed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had accused Mulroney of having taken kickbacks from German-Canadian arms dealer Karlheinz Schreiber on the sale of Airbus airliners to Air Canada in 1988.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He sued the Liberal government and won an apology and damages two years later. But an inquiry in 2010 revealed Mulroney indeed had inappropriate business dealings with Schreiber.</p>

<p>Mulroney told the inquiry there was nothing illegal about the payments, but apologised publicly for taking the money.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney died at the age of 84, his daughter Caroline Mulroney said on Thursday (Feb 29). In a post on X, Caroline said, "On behalf of my mother and our family, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of my father, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada’s 18th Prime Minister.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney died at the age of 84, his daughter Caroline Mulroney said on Thursday (Feb 29). In a post on X, Caroline said, "On behalf of my mother and our family, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of my father, The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada’s 18th Prime Minister. He died peacefully, surrounded by family." Caroline earlier said that her father underwent a procedure in August last year and was also treated for prostate cancer. Paying tributes to Mulroney, current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "He never stopped working for Canadians, and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home. I’ll never forget the insights he shared with me over the years – he was generous, tireless, and incredibly passionate." Brian Mulroney loved Canada. I’m devastated to learn of his passing. He never stopped working for Canadians, and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home. I’ll never forget the insights he shared with me over the years – he was generous, tireless,… — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 29, 2024 × A 9-yr-long prime ministership A corporate lawyer turned businessman, Mulroney led the centre-right Progressive Conservatives to a historic win in 1984 over the Liberals of Pierre Trudeau. He served as the prime minister from 1984 to 1993. He won large majorities in 1984 and 1988, in part by bringing together social conservatives in the west of Canada and nationalist voters in Quebec. However, strains started to emerge and the union fell apart in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the creation of the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform Party. Mulroney stepped down in 1993 amid record-low popularity numbers. His nine-year tenure as PM was marked by negotiations for the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement in 1988, which helped boost Canadian exports, and the introduction of a goods and services tax in 1991, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The tax was unpopular politically but helped fix the government's finances. Mulroney took an active interest in foreign affairs pushing through a treaty with the United States to curb acid rain, spearheading efforts to tackle the 1984 Ethiopian famine, and speaking out against apartheid in South Africa. He was a close friend of former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Mulroney accused of taking kickbacks from arms dealer After quitting politics, Mulroney returned to law and became a partner with the Montréal firm Norton Rose Fulbright. In 1995, a leaked letter revealed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had accused Mulroney of having taken kickbacks from German-Canadian arms dealer Karlheinz Schreiber on the sale of Airbus airliners to Air Canada in 1988. He sued the Liberal government and won an apology and damages two years later. But an inquiry in 2010 revealed Mulroney indeed had inappropriate business dealings with Schreiber. Mulroney told the inquiry there was nothing illegal about the payments, but apologised publicly for taking the money. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Canadian PM Brian Mulroney, who struck a free trade deal with US, dies aged 84

More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and some 700 others wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza city. The ministry said the attack was part of Israel’s ongoing “genocidal war”. It called on the international community to “urgently intervene” to forge a ceasefire as “the only way to protect civilians”.

Israel-Hamas war: Over 100 Gazans waiting for food aid killed by Israeli fire

<p>The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Thursday (Feb 29) demanded that the election commission should hold&nbsp;early elections for the 11 Senate seats that are currently vacant. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC),&nbsp;PPP Central Election Cell in-charge Senator Taj Haider said that the&nbsp;upper house of the bicameral parliament is incomplete because its 11 seats were lying vacant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Section 127 of the Election Act deals with by-elections on vacant seats of the Senate while Section 107 of the same Act laying down the procedure of all elections to the Senate does not allow more than one day for completing each step of the election schedule," Senator Haider said.</p>

<p>The letter was shared by the PPP in a post on X. The party also named the senators who vacated the seats.</p>

<h2><strong>Newly elected assembly meets amid protests by PTI</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, Pakistan's&nbsp;newly elected lower house of parliament saw lawmakers take oath&nbsp;amid protests by former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-party-asks-imf-to-consider-nations-instability-in-further-bailout-talks-694896">Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks</a></strong></p>

<p>In the February 8 general elections, candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP&nbsp;have agreed to an alliance to form a coalition government.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">سینیٹر تاج حیدر انچارج سنٹرل الیکشن سیل پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے<br />
سینیٹ کی گیارہ خالی نشستوں پر جلد از جلد انتخابات کرانے کیلئےچیف الیکشن کمشنر کو خط لکھ دیا<br />
اسلام آباد ۔۔۔سینیٹر تاج حیدر انچارج سنٹرل الیکشن سیل پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے سینیٹ کی گیارہ خالی نشستوں پر جلد از جلد… <a href="https://t.co/3BW88r9r0c">pic.twitter.com/3BW88r9r0c</a></p>
— Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPP_Org/status/1763144697172631581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Who will save&nbsp;Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan!" his supporters chanted as legislators, including the prime minister in waiting Shehbaz Sharif, signed the membership register of the National Assembly.</p>

<p>Not all members of the 336-member house took oath, with the apportioning of 70 reserved seats for women and minorities still pending adjudication by the election commission.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Schedule issued for presidential polls</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the election commission issued the notice and schedule for the presidential elections that will happen on March 9.&nbsp;"In pursuance of the provisions contained in paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 read with clauses (3) and (4) of Article 41 of the Constitution, Public Notification for election to the office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is hereby issued and in relation thereto the following programme for receipt of nomination papers, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidature, publication of a list of validly nominated candidates, retirement and polling day," a notice from the poll body said.</p>

<p>Candidates for the country's&nbsp;top constitutional office can submit nomination papers with the presiding officers in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta by March 2 before 12 pm local time, Geo News reported citing the commission.</p>

<p>The notification also said that&nbsp;the returning officers will scrutinise the nomination papers filed by presidential candidates on March 4, adding that the candidature can be withdrawn the next day.</p>

<p>After this, the poll body will release&nbsp;the list of validly nominated candidates on the same day.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Thursday (Feb 29) demanded that the election commission should hold early elections for the 11 Senate seats that are currently vacant.

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Thursday (Feb 29) demanded that the election commission should hold early elections for the 11 Senate seats that are currently vacant. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), PPP Central Election Cell in-charge Senator Taj Haider said that the upper house of the bicameral parliament is incomplete because its 11 seats were lying vacant. "Section 127 of the Election Act deals with by-elections on vacant seats of the Senate while Section 107 of the same Act laying down the procedure of all elections to the Senate does not allow more than one day for completing each step of the election schedule," Senator Haider said. The letter was shared by the PPP in a post on X. The party also named the senators who vacated the seats. Newly elected assembly meets amid protests by PTI On Thursday, Pakistan's newly elected lower house of parliament saw lawmakers take oath amid protests by former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Also read | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks In the February 8 general elections, candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP have agreed to an alliance to form a coalition government. سینیٹر تاج حیدر انچارج سنٹرل الیکشن سیل پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے سینیٹ کی گیارہ خالی نشستوں پر جلد از جلد انتخابات کرانے کیلئےچیف الیکشن کمشنر کو خط لکھ دیا اسلام آباد ۔۔۔سینیٹر تاج حیدر انچارج سنٹرل الیکشن سیل پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے سینیٹ کی گیارہ خالی نشستوں پر جلد از جلد… pic.twitter.com/3BW88r9r0c — Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) February 29, 2024 × "Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan, Imran Khan!" his supporters chanted as legislators, including the prime minister in waiting Shehbaz Sharif, signed the membership register of the National Assembly. Not all members of the 336-member house took oath, with the apportioning of 70 reserved seats for women and minorities still pending adjudication by the election commission. Schedule issued for presidential polls Meanwhile, the election commission issued the notice and schedule for the presidential elections that will happen on March 9. "In pursuance of the provisions contained in paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 read with clauses (3) and (4) of Article 41 of the Constitution, Public Notification for election to the office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is hereby issued and in relation thereto the following programme for receipt of nomination papers, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidature, publication of a list of validly nominated candidates, retirement and polling day," a notice from the poll body said. Candidates for the country's top constitutional office can submit nomination papers with the presiding officers in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta by March 2 before 12 pm local time, Geo News reported citing the commission. The notification also said that the returning officers will scrutinise the nomination papers filed by presidential candidates on March 4, adding that the candidature can be withdrawn the next day. After this, the poll body will release the list of validly nominated candidates on the same day.

Pakistan politics: PPP asks election commission to hold early polls for 11 Senate seats

<p>At least one person was killed and several others were injured following a shooting in Orlando on Wednesday (Feb 28), the news agency Associated Press reported on Thursday.&nbsp;Citing local media, the report said that the shooting happened at approximately 11 pm local time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police officers responded to the area of Iron Wedge Drive and South Lake Orlando in reference to several shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims of which one person was dead.</p>

<p>Police officers said that they were working to identify all victims and their conditions. "This is an ongoing investigation, once we have more information we will make that available."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least one person was killed and several others were injured following a shooting in Orlando on Wednesday (Feb 28), the news agency Associated Press reported on Thursday.

At least one person was killed and several others were injured following a shooting in Orlando on Wednesday (Feb 28), the news agency Associated Press reported on Thursday. Citing local media, the report said that the shooting happened at approximately 11 pm local time. Police officers responded to the area of Iron Wedge Drive and South Lake Orlando in reference to several shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims of which one person was dead. Police officers said that they were working to identify all victims and their conditions. "This is an ongoing investigation, once we have more information we will make that available." (With inputs from agencies)

Shooting in US' Orlando kills one person, injures several others

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<p>Indian financial technology company Paytm and its payments bank unit mutually agreed to discontinue various inter-company agreements in the process to reduce dependencies.</p>

<p>In a statement issued on Friday (Mar 1), Paytm said, "One 97 Communications Ltd (Paytm) would like to inform that the company and its associate entity, Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL), have introduced additional measures to strengthen their approach towards independent operations PPBL."</p>

<p>"As part of this process to reduce dependencies, Paytm and PPBL have mutually agreed to discontinue various inter-company agreements with Paytm and its group entities," the statement added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One 97 Communications Ltd (Paytm) and PPBL have mutually agreed to discontinue various inter-company agreements: Paytm issues statement <a href="https://t.co/GG9FA4mwMy">pic.twitter.com/GG9FA4mwMy</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1763414207679066155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The shareholders of PPBL agreed to simplify the Shareholders Agreement (SHA) to support the payments bank's governance independent of its shareholders, the company further said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vijay Shekhar Sharma quits PPBL board</strong></h2>

<p>This development comes days after Paytm's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vijay Shekhar Sharma stepped down as non-executive chairman and board member of PPBL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharma owns a 51 per cent stake in the payments bank unit. The bank will now appoint a new chairperson and has also seen two independent directors step down since December last year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-rbi-orders-paytms-banking-arm-to-stop-fresh-business-what-happens-next-685969">RBI orders Paytm’s banking arm to stop fresh business. What happens next?</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asked PPBL to wind down operations by March 15 due to persistent compliance issues and supervisory concerns, triggering a meltdown in Paytm's stock.</p>

<h2><strong>Paytm likely to partner with 4 Indian banks to enable UPI transactions</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, a report by the news agency Reuters said that Paytm would likely partner with Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India and Yes Bank for processing transactions via the popular unified payments interface (UPI).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Paytm overhauls banking board, CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma resigns from Payments Bank Board</strong></p>

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<p>This comes after the RBI asked UPI's operator National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to examine a request from Paytm to become a third-party application provider and to facilitate four to five banks to act as service providers for it.</p>

<p>"Talks to onboard banking partners are on, and Paytm wants to start this process with large banks that have the technological bandwidth to handle large volumes seamlessly," a source told the news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian financial technology company Paytm and its payments bank unit mutually agreed to discontinue various inter-company agreements in the process to reduce dependencies.

Indian financial technology company Paytm and its payments bank unit mutually agreed to discontinue various inter-company agreements in the process to reduce dependencies. In a statement issued on Friday (Mar 1), Paytm said, "One 97 Communications Ltd (Paytm) would like to inform that the company and its associate entity, Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL), have introduced additional measures to strengthen their approach towards independent operations PPBL." "As part of this process to reduce dependencies, Paytm and PPBL have mutually agreed to discontinue various inter-company agreements with Paytm and its group entities," the statement added. One 97 Communications Ltd (Paytm) and PPBL have mutually agreed to discontinue various inter-company agreements: Paytm issues statement pic.twitter.com/GG9FA4mwMy — ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024 × The shareholders of PPBL agreed to simplify the Shareholders Agreement (SHA) to support the payments bank's governance independent of its shareholders, the company further said. Vijay Shekhar Sharma quits PPBL board This development comes days after Paytm's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vijay Shekhar Sharma stepped down as non-executive chairman and board member of PPBL. Sharma owns a 51 per cent stake in the payments bank unit. The bank will now appoint a new chairperson and has also seen two independent directors step down since December last year. Also read | Explained: RBI orders Paytm’s banking arm to stop fresh business. What happens next? Earlier, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asked PPBL to wind down operations by March 15 due to persistent compliance issues and supervisory concerns, triggering a meltdown in Paytm's stock. Paytm likely to partner with 4 Indian banks to enable UPI transactions On Monday, a report by the news agency Reuters said that Paytm would likely partner with Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India and Yes Bank for processing transactions via the popular unified payments interface (UPI). Also watch | Paytm overhauls banking board, CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma resigns from Payments Bank Board × This comes after the RBI asked UPI's operator National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to examine a request from Paytm to become a third-party application provider and to facilitate four to five banks to act as service providers for it. "Talks to onboard banking partners are on, and Paytm wants to start this process with large banks that have the technological bandwidth to handle large volumes seamlessly," a source told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Paytm and its payments bank agree to discontinue inter-company deals

Sun to Reach Solar Maximum by Next Year: What Happens Then?

The solar minimum between Solar Cycle 24 and 25 happened in December 2019. The solar cycle is expected to continue till 2030. According to the US National Weather Service, solar maximum is expected in July 2025, with a peak of 115 sunspots.

According to NASA, every 11 years or so, the Sun's magnetic field completely flips. This means that the Sun's north and south poles switch places. Then it takes another 11 years for the poles to switch places again.

The solar cycle affects activity on the Sun's surface, such as sunspots that are caused by the Sun's magnetic fields. NASA states the beginning of a solar cycle is solar minimum (when the Sun has the least sunspots). Solar maximum happens when the Sun has the most sunspots.

What will Happen in the Upcoming Solar Maximum?

The actual impact of the solar maximum of 2025 is not known. However, several reports have suggested that the heightened activity in the Sun could lead to radio and satellite blackouts. The solar maximum can also cause worldwide internet and power outages.

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<p>South Korea's Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said on Thursday (Feb 29) that the government was seeking to hold its first talks with striking doctors as a deadline loomed for them to return to work or risk prosecution. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Park said, "I sent a text message asking (doctor representatives) to meet up... I have to actually go to the location today to see how many people will attend."</p>

<p>Nearly 10,000 doctors handed in notice and walked off the job last week to protest the government's plan to sharply increase medical school admissions to cope with shortages and an ageing society.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-south-koreas-hospitals-on-red-alert-as-thousands-of-doctors-stage-walkout-over-proposed-reforms-692913">Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out</a></strong></p>

<p>Striking doctors have said that the plan would affect the quality of service.</p>

<h2><strong>An ultimatum to doctors</strong></h2>

<p>As per South Korean law, doctors are not allowed to strike. AFP reported that the government threatened to arrest and suspend the medical licences of those who did not return to work by Thursday. In an interview with a radio station, Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said that if doctors returned by the end of Thursday, "we will not hold them accountable."</p>

<p>Cho said that some of the doctors who joined the strikes subsequently returned to their hospitals. However, a full-scale return had not yet materialised, he said, adding, "As today is the last day of the return, I implore them to do so for the patients."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;South Korea empowers nurses as doctors' strike continues</strong></p>

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<p>The health minister further said the government was committed to its reform plan, which would increase medical school admissions by 65 per cent, citing shortages of health professionals and a looming demographic crisis.</p>

<h2><strong>Govt accused of intimidation</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, the Korean Medical Association (KMA)- a prominent doctors' group, accused the government of <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doctors-association-in-south-korea-accuses-government-of-intimidation-694782">attempting to resolve the issue with threats </a></strong>rather than dialogue.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference, KMA spokesperson Joo Soo-ho said, "It is disheartening to witness the government's excessive accusations and intimidation tactics."</p>

<p>"If the government intensifies its punishment after March 1st, there will be no more resident doctors and specialists produced in the future," Joo added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the health ministry requested the police to launch an investigation into people connected to the walkout, including five linked to the KMA.</p>

<p>The ongoing strikes have resulted in cancellations and postponements of surgeries, chemotherapy and C-sections, with the government raising its public health alert to the highest level, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


South Korea's Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said on Thursday (Feb 29) that the government was seeking to hold its first talks with striking doctors as a deadline loomed for them to return to work or risk prosecution.

South Korea's Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said on Thursday (Feb 29) that the government was seeking to hold its first talks with striking doctors as a deadline loomed for them to return to work or risk prosecution. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Park said, "I sent a text message asking (doctor representatives) to meet up... I have to actually go to the location today to see how many people will attend." Nearly 10,000 doctors handed in notice and walked off the job last week to protest the government's plan to sharply increase medical school admissions to cope with shortages and an ageing society. Also read | Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out Striking doctors have said that the plan would affect the quality of service. An ultimatum to doctors As per South Korean law, doctors are not allowed to strike. AFP reported that the government threatened to arrest and suspend the medical licences of those who did not return to work by Thursday. In an interview with a radio station, Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said that if doctors returned by the end of Thursday, "we will not hold them accountable." Cho said that some of the doctors who joined the strikes subsequently returned to their hospitals. However, a full-scale return had not yet materialised, he said, adding, "As today is the last day of the return, I implore them to do so for the patients." Also watch | South Korea empowers nurses as doctors' strike continues × The health minister further said the government was committed to its reform plan, which would increase medical school admissions by 65 per cent, citing shortages of health professionals and a looming demographic crisis. Govt accused of intimidation On Wednesday, the Korean Medical Association (KMA)- a prominent doctors' group, accused the government of attempting to resolve the issue with threats rather than dialogue. Addressing a press conference, KMA spokesperson Joo Soo-ho said, "It is disheartening to witness the government's excessive accusations and intimidation tactics." "If the government intensifies its punishment after March 1st, there will be no more resident doctors and specialists produced in the future," Joo added. Earlier, the health ministry requested the police to launch an investigation into people connected to the walkout, including five linked to the KMA. The ongoing strikes have resulted in cancellations and postponements of surgeries, chemotherapy and C-sections, with the government raising its public health alert to the highest level, AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Striking South Korean doctors face threat of licence cancellation amid prospects of talks

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<p>Russia's space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday (Feb 29) that it launched a Soyuz rocket into space carrying an Iranian research satellite. The satellite would scan Iran's topography from an orbit of 500 kilometres. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the launch of Pars-I&nbsp;with the Russian Soyuz-2.1b launcher was broadcast live by the state television in Iran.</p>

<p>The satellite was launched from Russia's Vostochny launch base. The satellite weighs 134 kilogrammes and is equipped with three cameras. According to Iran's Telecommunications Minister Issa Zareppur, the satellite was fully domestically developed (in Iran).</p>

<h2><strong>A dozen satellite launches</strong></h2>

<p>Telecommunications Minister Zareppur said that Iran has carried out a dozen satellite launches over the past two years. In January, Tehran said that it simultaneously launched three satellites into orbit, nearly a week after the launch of a research satellite by its Revolutionary Guards.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-spacecraft-russian-satellite-pass-dangerously-near-each-other-evade-collision-694911">Close call: US spacecraft and Russian satellite avoid major collision</a></strong></p>

<p>The West has warned against such launches, saying that the technology (used in satellites) can be used for ballistic missiles, AFP reported. Iran, meanwhile, has said that it is not seeking nuclear weapons and that the satellite and rocket launches are for civil or defence purposes only.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thursday's launch comes after Russia launched Iran's remote-sensing Khayyam satellite into orbit from Kazakhstan in August 2022, stirring controversy that Moscow might use the satellite to boost its surveillance of military targets in its war in Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>'Air leak from ISS' Russian segment poses no danger'</strong></h2>

<p>In other space news, Roscosmos officials on Wednesday acknowledged a continuing air leak from the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) but pointed out that it posed no danger to its crew.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia's nuclear anti-satellite weapon sparks a scare in US amid&nbsp;Ukraine war</strong></p>

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<p>The officials said that specialists were monitoring the leak, and the crew "regularly conducts work to locate and fix possible spots of the leak."</p>

<p>Earlier, NASA's station project manager Joel Montalbano said that the leak in the Russian segment increased but emphasised it remained small and posed no threat to the crew's safety or vehicle operations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia's space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday (Feb 29) that it launched a Soyuz rocket into space carrying an Iranian research satellite. The satellite would scan Iran's topography from an orbit of 500 kilometres.

Russia's space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday (Feb 29) that it launched a Soyuz rocket into space carrying an Iranian research satellite. The satellite would scan Iran's topography from an orbit of 500 kilometres. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the launch of Pars-I with the Russian Soyuz-2.1b launcher was broadcast live by the state television in Iran. The satellite was launched from Russia's Vostochny launch base. The satellite weighs 134 kilogrammes and is equipped with three cameras. According to Iran's Telecommunications Minister Issa Zareppur, the satellite was fully domestically developed (in Iran). A dozen satellite launches Telecommunications Minister Zareppur said that Iran has carried out a dozen satellite launches over the past two years. In January, Tehran said that it simultaneously launched three satellites into orbit, nearly a week after the launch of a research satellite by its Revolutionary Guards. Also read | Close call: US spacecraft and Russian satellite avoid major collision The West has warned against such launches, saying that the technology (used in satellites) can be used for ballistic missiles, AFP reported. Iran, meanwhile, has said that it is not seeking nuclear weapons and that the satellite and rocket launches are for civil or defence purposes only. Thursday's launch comes after Russia launched Iran's remote-sensing Khayyam satellite into orbit from Kazakhstan in August 2022, stirring controversy that Moscow might use the satellite to boost its surveillance of military targets in its war in Ukraine. 'Air leak from ISS' Russian segment poses no danger' In other space news, Roscosmos officials on Wednesday acknowledged a continuing air leak from the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) but pointed out that it posed no danger to its crew. Also watch | Russia's nuclear anti-satellite weapon sparks a scare in US amid Ukraine war × The officials said that specialists were monitoring the leak, and the crew "regularly conducts work to locate and fix possible spots of the leak." Earlier, NASA's station project manager Joel Montalbano said that the leak in the Russian segment increased but emphasised it remained small and posed no threat to the crew's safety or vehicle operations. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia launches Soyuz rocket into space carrying Iranian satellite Pars-I

<p>Canada fired two scientists working at a high-security infectious disease laboratory in 2021 because they provided confidential information to China, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Officials concluded that the husband and wife team were "a realistic and credible threat to Canada's economic security," the paper said, citing a mass of documents that the government released after a long fight with opposition legislators who had demanded information behind the sackings.</p>

<p>Health Minister Mark Holland, decrying what he called unacceptable security lapses at the lab at the time, said there had been no risk to national security.</p>

<p>Xiangguo Qiu and her husband, Keding Cheng, were escorted out of the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg in 2019 and their security permits revoked. They were fired in 2021.</p>

<p>Canadian police said in 2019 they were launching a probe into the matter but Wednesday's revelation was the first time that details of the sackings were revealed.</p>

<p>The documents show the Canadian Security Intelligence Service concluded Qiu "had intentionally transferred scientific knowledge and materials to China", the Globe said.</p>

<p>It is not clear whether the couple is still in Canada.</p>

<p>The news is likely to worsen already chilly ties with Beijing, especially since Ottawa has set up an investigation into alleged Chinese interference in domestic Canadian affairs.</p>

<p>The Winnipeg laboratory's work includes research on the most dangerous human and animal pathogens, such as Ebola.</p>

<p>"At no time did national secrets, or information that threatened the security of Canada, leave or enter the lab," Holland told reporters, saying the couple had not been transparent about their dealings with China.</p>


Canada fired two scientists working at a high-security infectious disease laboratory in 2021 because they provided confidential information to China, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Canada fired two scientists working at a high-security infectious disease laboratory in 2021 because they provided confidential information to China, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported on Wednesday. Officials concluded that the husband and wife team were "a realistic and credible threat to Canada's economic security," the paper said, citing a mass of documents that the government released after a long fight with opposition legislators who had demanded information behind the sackings. Health Minister Mark Holland, decrying what he called unacceptable security lapses at the lab at the time, said there had been no risk to national security. Xiangguo Qiu and her husband, Keding Cheng, were escorted out of the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg in 2019 and their security permits revoked. They were fired in 2021. Canadian police said in 2019 they were launching a probe into the matter but Wednesday's revelation was the first time that details of the sackings were revealed. The documents show the Canadian Security Intelligence Service concluded Qiu "had intentionally transferred scientific knowledge and materials to China", the Globe said. It is not clear whether the couple is still in Canada. The news is likely to worsen already chilly ties with Beijing, especially since Ottawa has set up an investigation into alleged Chinese interference in domestic Canadian affairs. The Winnipeg laboratory's work includes research on the most dangerous human and animal pathogens, such as Ebola. "At no time did national secrets, or information that threatened the security of Canada, leave or enter the lab," Holland told reporters, saying the couple had not been transparent about their dealings with China.

Canada fired two scientists for sharing information with Beijing, says paper

<p>At least 24 people seeking to reach Europe drowned off northern&nbsp;Senegal&nbsp;when their loaded vessel sank, the governor of the Saint Louis region told AFP on Thursday.</p>

<p>Governor Alioune Badara Samb said 24 bodies had been found since Wednesday after the boat got into difficulty in a particularly dangerous part of the northern coast.</p>

<p>The Saint Louis estuary, where the&nbsp;Senegal&nbsp;River meets the Atlantic Ocean, is notorious for its strong currents and areas of thick mud.</p>

<p>Samb did not say how many people were missing from the vessel, which witnesses said could have been carrying more than 300 people.</p>

<p>A number of survivors managed to reach shore and dispersed among locals on the banks, making it difficult to say exactly how many people were involved, he said.</p>

<p>Mamady Dianfo, a survivor from Casamance in the south, told AFP there were more than 300 people on board when the boat left&nbsp;Senegal&nbsp;a week ago.</p>

<p>Another survivor, Alpha Balde, estimated there were more than 200 passengers.</p>

<p>Dianfo said the vessel reached Morocco, further north up the coast but the captain then said he was lost and could no longer continue the journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We asked him to take us back to&nbsp;Senegal," he said.</p>

<p>Senegal's coast is an increasingly common departure point for Africans fleeing poverty and unemployment and heading to the Canary Islands, their port of entry into Europe.</p>

<p>European Union border agency Frontex says&nbsp;Senegal&nbsp;and Morocco are the most common countries of origin for migrants arriving on the Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic.</p>

<p>Of the more than 6,600 migrants who died or went missing trying to reach Spain last year, the vast majority were lost on the treacherous Atlantic route, according to Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras.</p>


At least 24 people seeking to reach Europe drowned off northern Senegal when their loaded vessel sank, the governor of the Saint Louis region told AFP on Thursday.

At least 24 people seeking to reach Europe drowned off northern Senegal when their loaded vessel sank, the governor of the Saint Louis region told AFP on Thursday. Governor Alioune Badara Samb said 24 bodies had been found since Wednesday after the boat got into difficulty in a particularly dangerous part of the northern coast. The Saint Louis estuary, where the Senegal River meets the Atlantic Ocean, is notorious for its strong currents and areas of thick mud. Samb did not say how many people were missing from the vessel, which witnesses said could have been carrying more than 300 people. A number of survivors managed to reach shore and dispersed among locals on the banks, making it difficult to say exactly how many people were involved, he said. Mamady Dianfo, a survivor from Casamance in the south, told AFP there were more than 300 people on board when the boat left Senegal a week ago. Another survivor, Alpha Balde, estimated there were more than 200 passengers. Dianfo said the vessel reached Morocco, further north up the coast but the captain then said he was lost and could no longer continue the journey. "We asked him to take us back to Senegal," he said. Senegal's coast is an increasingly common departure point for Africans fleeing poverty and unemployment and heading to the Canary Islands, their port of entry into Europe. European Union border agency Frontex says Senegal and Morocco are the most common countries of origin for migrants arriving on the Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic. Of the more than 6,600 migrants who died or went missing trying to reach Spain last year, the vast majority were lost on the treacherous Atlantic route, according to Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras.

At least 24 dead in migrant shipwreck off Senegal

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