In further signs of de-escalation over Ukraine crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday (February 15) that he was 'ready to work further together' with the West on security issues. He was speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who was in Moscow on Tuesday.

"We are ready to work further together. We are ready to go down the negotiations track," Putin told a press conference following talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Moscow.

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Putin repeated his claim that Russia did not want a war over Ukraine crisis. Russia has attracted allegations from the West of wanting to start a war after it amassed more than 100,000 troops near border with Ukraine, a former Soviet republic.

"Do we want this or not? Of course, not. That is exactly why we put forward proposals for a process of negotiations," Putin said.

However, Putin maintained that Russia's demands had not had constructive response. He also described situation in east Ukraine's breakaway regions as 'genocide'. He called for&nbsp;the conflict there to be resolved through the Minsk peace progress.

Frantic diplomacy has been on for quite some time to avert a war in Europe. First signs of de-escalation were seen on Monday (February 14) when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-climbdown-lavrov-tells-putin-about-chance-of-agreement-with-west-453248">told Putin that there was a 'chance' of working</a> with Western countries to calm tensions.

On Tuesday, Russian defence ministry said that some of the Russian troops stationed near the border <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pulls-back-some-troops-from-ukraine-border-kyiv-says-we-will-see-then-believe-453452">had begun to pull back</a> to their bases.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday welcomed Russia's announcement that some troops deployed near Ukraine would be pulled back as a "good sign" toward easing tensions.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pulls-back-some-troops-from-ukraine-border-kyiv-says-we-will-see-then-believe-453452">Russia pulls back some troops from Ukraine border, Kyiv says ‘we will see, then believe’</a>

"That we are now hearing that some troops are being withdrawn is in any case a good sign," he told reporters after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We hope that more follow."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday Russia was a crucial player in maintaining security in Europe, after talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

"For Europeans it is clear that lasting security cannot be achieved against Russia but only with Russia," he told reporters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In further signs of de-escalation over Ukraine crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday (February 15) that he was 'ready to work further together' with the West on security issues.

In further signs of de-escalation over Ukraine crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday (February 15) that he was 'ready to work further together' with the West on security issues. He was speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who was in Moscow on Tuesday. "We are ready to work further together. We are ready to go down the negotiations track," Putin told a press conference following talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Moscow. Putin repeated his claim that Russia did not want a war over Ukraine crisis. Russia has attracted allegations from the West of wanting to start a war after it amassed more than 100,000 troops near border with Ukraine, a former Soviet republic. "Do we want this or not? Of course, not. That is exactly why we put forward proposals for a process of negotiations," Putin said. However, Putin maintained that Russia's demands had not had constructive response. He also described situation in east Ukraine's breakaway regions as 'genocide'. He called for the conflict there to be resolved through the Minsk peace progress. Frantic diplomacy has been on for quite some time to avert a war in Europe. First signs of de-escalation were seen on Monday (February 14) when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Putin that there was a 'chance' of working with Western countries to calm tensions. On Tuesday, Russian defence ministry said that some of the Russian troops stationed near the border had begun to pull back to their bases. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday welcomed Russia's announcement that some troops deployed near Ukraine would be pulled back as a "good sign" toward easing tensions. Also Read | Russia pulls back some troops from Ukraine border, Kyiv says ‘we will see, then believe’ "That we are now hearing that some troops are being withdrawn is in any case a good sign," he told reporters after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We hope that more follow." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday Russia was a crucial player in maintaining security in Europe, after talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. "For Europeans it is clear that lasting security cannot be achieved against Russia but only with Russia," he told reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

'Ready to work together' with the West, says Putin in joint press conference with Olaf Scholz

We all have to face power outages sometimes. Sure, it creates a lot of discomfort. The phone battery dies in the middle of a particularly exciting series and there's no way to charge. You curse your life, this world and your existence. But how about a trillion pounds as a compensation for your discomfort? Life is suddenly a rosy picture. That web series can go...play itself. &nbsp;

Such a thing (not involving a web series) actually happened in the UK when Northern PowerGrid, a power distribution company, wrote away mother of all compensation cheques worth more than 2.3 trillion pounds to 74 customers for having experienced blackouts. These blackouts had taken place when storm Arwen hit the country in November last year.

This is surely an overkill right? Trillion pounds for a power outage.

One of the recepient of these cheques thought the same and posted an image of the cheque online

“Thank you for our compensation payment @Northpowergrid for the several days we were without power following #stormarwen. Before I bank the cheque, however, are you 100% certain you can afford this? #trillionpounds.” tweeted Gareth Hughes.

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Thank you for our compensation payment <a href="https://twitter.com/Northpowergrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Northpowergrid</a> for the several days we were without power following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stormarwen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stormarwen</a> Before I bank the cheque however, are you 100% certain you can afford this? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/trillionpounds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#trillionpounds</a> <a href="https://t.co/z5MNc2Nxl1">pic.twitter.com/z5MNc2Nxl1</a>
— Gareth Hughes (@gh230277) <a href="https://twitter.com/gh230277/status/1492466576649502721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The post went viral (duh!) and 55,000 people liked it. Many of them asked Hughes to try cashing the cheque just to see what happens. Some others jokingly wanted him to be a national hero and clear national debt.

“Be a sport and take the money to clear the national debt.” wrote one user.

It was revealed later on that the benevolence of the power company was due to a clerical error.&nbsp;

“We thank those customers who were honest and contacted us and we have been making contact directly over the weekend with all 74 customers affected to make them aware, apologise for the error and reassure them that a correct payment will be issued to them on Monday," a spokesperson of the Northern Grid said as quoted by Sky News.

We all have to face power outages sometimes. Sure, it creates a lot of discomfort. The phone battery dies in the middle of a particularly exciting series and there's no way to charge.

We all have to face power outages sometimes. Sure, it creates a lot of discomfort. The phone battery dies in the middle of a particularly exciting series and there's no way to charge. You curse your life, this world and your existence. But how about a trillion pounds as a compensation for your discomfort? Life is suddenly a rosy picture. That web series can go...play itself. Such a thing (not involving a web series) actually happened in the UK when Northern PowerGrid, a power distribution company, wrote away mother of all compensation cheques worth more than 2.3 trillion pounds to 74 customers for having experienced blackouts. These blackouts had taken place when storm Arwen hit the country in November last year. This is surely an overkill right? Trillion pounds for a power outage. One of the recepient of these cheques thought the same and posted an image of the cheque online “Thank you for our compensation payment @Northpowergrid for the several days we were without power following #stormarwen. Before I bank the cheque, however, are you 100% certain you can afford this? #trillionpounds.” tweeted Gareth Hughes. Thank you for our compensation payment @Northpowergrid for the several days we were without power following #stormarwen Before I bank the cheque however, are you 100% certain you can afford this? #trillionpounds pic.twitter.com/z5MNc2Nxl1 — Gareth Hughes (@gh230277) February 12, 2022 × The post went viral (duh!) and 55,000 people liked it. Many of them asked Hughes to try cashing the cheque just to see what happens. Some others jokingly wanted him to be a national hero and clear national debt. “Be a sport and take the money to clear the national debt.” wrote one user. It was revealed later on that the benevolence of the power company was due to a clerical error. “We thank those customers who were honest and contacted us and we have been making contact directly over the weekend with all 74 customers affected to make them aware, apologise for the error and reassure them that a correct payment will be issued to them on Monday," a spokesperson of the Northern Grid said as quoted by Sky News.

Power outage? Take trillion pounds, said this UK company

The last rites of former Bajaj Group chairman, Rahul Bajaj, were performed in Pune on Sunday with full state honours in the presence of representatives of India Inc, politicians and workers of Bajaj group who bid a final adieu to the veteran industrialist.

The last rites were performed by Rahul Bajaj's sons Rajiv and Sanjiv at the electric crematorium at Vaikunth Smashanbhoomi in Pune city.

Bajaj, the Chairman Emeritus of the Bajaj Group, breathed his last in a private hospital here on Saturday due to illness. He was 83.

Earlier in the day, Bajaj's mortal remains were kept at his residence in Akurdi near Pune for the last 'darshan'.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray and others paid homage to the industrial tycoon.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/remembering-rahul-bajaj-the-real-make-in-india-king-452830">Remembering Rahul Bajaj: The real 'Make in India' king</a>

Bajaj's mortal remains were then taken in an ambulance to the crematorium, located around 20 km from Akurdi.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Maharashtra home minister Dilip Walse Patil, NCP MP Supriya Sule and other political leaders attended the last rites at the crematorium.

Bajaj was the man behind the iconic 'Bajaj' brand that grew with the aspirations of the middle class in a pre-liberalised India.

Bajaj was the recipient of many awards, including the Padma Bhushan from the government of India. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2010.

"Passing away of Rahul Bajaj, who was a strong nationalist, a leader of 'swadeshi', a fearless industrialist and lively person, has caused an irreparable loss to the nation. He will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come. May God bless his soul and give strength to his family to bear the loss," Ramdev tweeted.

The last rites of former Bajaj Group chairman, Rahul Bajaj, were performed in Pune on Sunday with full state honours in the presence of representatives of India Inc, politicians and workers of Bajaj group who bid a final adieu to the veteran industrialist.

The last rites of former Bajaj Group chairman, Rahul Bajaj, were performed in Pune on Sunday with full state honours in the presence of representatives of India Inc, politicians and workers of Bajaj group who bid a final adieu to the veteran industrialist. The last rites were performed by Rahul Bajaj's sons Rajiv and Sanjiv at the electric crematorium at Vaikunth Smashanbhoomi in Pune city. Bajaj, the Chairman Emeritus of the Bajaj Group, breathed his last in a private hospital here on Saturday due to illness. He was 83. Earlier in the day, Bajaj's mortal remains were kept at his residence in Akurdi near Pune for the last 'darshan'. NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray and others paid homage to the industrial tycoon. Also Read | Remembering Rahul Bajaj: The real 'Make in India' king Bajaj's mortal remains were then taken in an ambulance to the crematorium, located around 20 km from Akurdi. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Maharashtra home minister Dilip Walse Patil, NCP MP Supriya Sule and other political leaders attended the last rites at the crematorium. Bajaj was the man behind the iconic 'Bajaj' brand that grew with the aspirations of the middle class in a pre-liberalised India. Bajaj was the recipient of many awards, including the Padma Bhushan from the government of India. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2010. "Passing away of Rahul Bajaj, who was a strong nationalist, a leader of 'swadeshi', a fearless industrialist and lively person, has caused an irreparable loss to the nation. He will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come. May God bless his soul and give strength to his family to bear the loss," Ramdev tweeted.

Industrialist Rahul Bajaj cremated with full state honours in Pune

Several protesters were arrested by Canadian police on Sunday as they cleared protesters and vehicles that had blocked a vital trade route on the border with the US. However the brige was not opened to traffic on Sunday by the time this story was published.

There was a tense standoff between the police and the protesters since Friday. A court order and threats of arrest failed to end six-day blockade of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario.&nbsp;

Windsor Police said in a statement on Sunday they arrested several people on a charge of mischief, without saying how many. Police also seized vehicles within the demonstration area, the statement added.

Police stepped up their presence on Sunday with more than 50 vehicles, including cruisers, buses and an armoured car, as the number of protesters dropped to around 45 from roughly 100 on Saturday. Windsor Police tweeted "there will be zero tolerance for illegal activity".

Counter protests started blocking vehicles trying to join the protests on Sunday in Ottawa, with residents losing patience over the three-week-old demonstrations.

“We’re fed up, we’re tired. We want Ottawa to be boring again,” said an Ottawa resident at a counter protest in front of the city’s police headquarters.

The blockade of the bridge since Monday, North America's busiest land border crossing, has choked the supply chain for Detroit's carmakers.

The bridge carries about $360 million a day in two-way cargoes - 25% of the value of all US-Canada goods trade.

"Today, our national economic crisis at the Ambassador Bridge came to an end," Windsor City Mayor Drew Dilkens said in a tweet. He earlier told CBC News that he hopes the bridge will be open on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Several protesters were arrested by Canadian police on Sunday as they cleared protesters and vehicles that had blocked a vital trade route on the border with the US.

Several protesters were arrested by Canadian police on Sunday as they cleared protesters and vehicles that had blocked a vital trade route on the border with the US. However the brige was not opened to traffic on Sunday by the time this story was published. There was a tense standoff between the police and the protesters since Friday. A court order and threats of arrest failed to end six-day blockade of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario. Windsor Police said in a statement on Sunday they arrested several people on a charge of mischief, without saying how many. Police also seized vehicles within the demonstration area, the statement added. Police stepped up their presence on Sunday with more than 50 vehicles, including cruisers, buses and an armoured car, as the number of protesters dropped to around 45 from roughly 100 on Saturday. Windsor Police tweeted "there will be zero tolerance for illegal activity". Counter protests started blocking vehicles trying to join the protests on Sunday in Ottawa, with residents losing patience over the three-week-old demonstrations. “We’re fed up, we’re tired. We want Ottawa to be boring again,” said an Ottawa resident at a counter protest in front of the city’s police headquarters. The blockade of the bridge since Monday, North America's busiest land border crossing, has choked the supply chain for Detroit's carmakers. The bridge carries about $360 million a day in two-way cargoes - 25% of the value of all US-Canada goods trade. "Today, our national economic crisis at the Ambassador Bridge came to an end," Windsor City Mayor Drew Dilkens said in a tweet. He earlier told CBC News that he hopes the bridge will be open on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada police arrest protesters to open key trade route with US

Our idea of life and nature is so Earth-centric that it's hard for us to imagine that some of other planets have atmospheres too. Take Mars for example. It has a very thin atmosphere. But atmosphere nonetheless. Winds blow&nbsp;on Martian&nbsp;surface too. It's just that its intensity is way less than that on Earth.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a picture that shows effect of Martian wind on the surface of the planet. Just like the wind here on Earth, the Martian wind sculpts surface of the red planet.

The image is of The Hooke Crater area located in Mars' southern highlands. The image was clicked from orbit by ESA and Russian space agency Roscosmos' ExoMars Trace Gas orbitter.&nbsp;

ESA has shared the image on its Instagram handle. The ripples in the Martian soil and some hillocks can be seen in the picture.

"The devil's definitely in the detail‼️ Chaotic mounds, wind-sculpted ripples and dust devil tracks: this image shows a fascinating and otherworldly landscape near Hooke Crater in Mars’ southern highlands..." says ESA in the Instagram post.

"...This type of scenery is similar to ‘chaotic terrain’: a kind of broken, disrupted terrain seen across Mars where haphazard groups of variously sized and shaped rocks – irregular knobs, conical mounds, ridges, flat-topped hills known as mesas – clump together, often enclosed within depressions. There are around 30 regions of chaotic terrain defined on Mars..." it adds

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Space fanatics have given thumbs up to the image. It has garnered more than 10 thousand likes

Our idea of life and nature is so Earth-centric that it's hard for us to imagine that some of other planets have atmospheres too. Take Mars for example. It has a very thin atmosphere.

Our idea of life and nature is so Earth-centric that it's hard for us to imagine that some of other planets have atmospheres too. Take Mars for example. It has a very thin atmosphere. But atmosphere nonetheless. Winds blow on Martian surface too. It's just that its intensity is way less than that on Earth. The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a picture that shows effect of Martian wind on the surface of the planet. Just like the wind here on Earth, the Martian wind sculpts surface of the red planet. The image is of The Hooke Crater area located in Mars' southern highlands. The image was clicked from orbit by ESA and Russian space agency Roscosmos' ExoMars Trace Gas orbitter. ESA has shared the image on its Instagram handle. The ripples in the Martian soil and some hillocks can be seen in the picture. "The devil's definitely in the detail‼️ Chaotic mounds, wind-sculpted ripples and dust devil tracks: this image shows a fascinating and otherworldly landscape near Hooke Crater in Mars’ southern highlands..." says ESA in the Instagram post. "...This type of scenery is similar to ‘chaotic terrain’: a kind of broken, disrupted terrain seen across Mars where haphazard groups of variously sized and shaped rocks – irregular knobs, conical mounds, ridges, flat-topped hills known as mesas – clump together, often enclosed within depressions. There are around 30 regions of chaotic terrain defined on Mars..." it adds View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × Space fanatics have given thumbs up to the image. It has garnered more than 10 thousand likes

ESA posts stunning image of wind-sculpted Martian surface

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's (former Soviet country) inclusion in NATO. Zelenskiy was speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Ukraine's envoy to Britain had suggested Kyiv may reconsider its NATO bid but later backtracked while acknowledging concessions could be on offer amid Western warnings of a potentially imminent Russian invasion.

Russia, which continues to maintain a militaery presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine has sought guarantees from the West that Ukraine would never join NATO.

"Today, many journalists and many leaders are hinting a little to Ukraine that it is possible not to take risks, not to constantly raise the issue of future membership in the alliance, because these risks are associated with the reaction of the Russian Federation," said Zelenskiy at a joint news conference with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv.

"I believe that we should move along the path we have chosen."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-climbdown-lavrov-tells-putin-about-chance-of-agreement-with-west-453248">Russian climbdown? Lavrov tells Putin about 'chance' of agreement with West</a>

Olaf Scholz is in Ukraine as part of hurried diplomatic efforts to avoid war on European soil. On Tuesday (February 15) he will fly to Moscow for talks with the Russian side.

Scholz said it was strange Russia should raise this issue anyhow given it was not immediately on the agenda.

'BY YOUR SIDE'

He told reporters he saw "no reasonable justification" for Russia's border buildup, and that Moscow should accept offers to discuss European security.

Scholz's trip was part of a flurry of diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis through dialogue and the threat of sanctions. On Tuesday, Scholz will fly to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-eu-preparing-but-unsure-about-russias-next-move-453236">Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move&nbsp;</a>

The chancellor has ratcheted up engagement in the Ukraine crisis over the past week after critics accused him of lack of leadership and mixed signals in one of Europe's worst security crises in decades.

"Germany stands right by your side," he said on Monday, underscoring that the country was Ukraine's biggest financial backer and announcing a new credit of 150 million euros ($170 million).

Ukrainian officials have publicly criticized Germany for refusing to sell weapons to Kyiv - Berlin argues it cannot due to its bloody 20th century history - and over reluctance to pull the plug on a controversial Russian-German gas pipeline project.

Ukraine as well as Western allies argue the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is built but not yet operational, would enable Russia to cut Ukraine out of Europe's energy supply and make it more vulnerable to Russian invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday indicated, but in an indirect way, that Ukraine would continue to pursue its goal of seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's (former Soviet country) inclusion in NATO. Zelenskiy was speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Ukraine's envoy to Britain had suggested Kyiv may reconsider its NATO bid but later backtracked while acknowledging concessions could be on offer amid Western warnings of a potentially imminent Russian invasion. Russia, which continues to maintain a militaery presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine has sought guarantees from the West that Ukraine would never join NATO. "Today, many journalists and many leaders are hinting a little to Ukraine that it is possible not to take risks, not to constantly raise the issue of future membership in the alliance, because these risks are associated with the reaction of the Russian Federation," said Zelenskiy at a joint news conference with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv. "I believe that we should move along the path we have chosen." Also Read | Russian climbdown? Lavrov tells Putin about 'chance' of agreement with West Olaf Scholz is in Ukraine as part of hurried diplomatic efforts to avoid war on European soil. On Tuesday (February 15) he will fly to Moscow for talks with the Russian side. Scholz said it was strange Russia should raise this issue anyhow given it was not immediately on the agenda. 'BY YOUR SIDE' He told reporters he saw "no reasonable justification" for Russia's border buildup, and that Moscow should accept offers to discuss European security. Scholz's trip was part of a flurry of diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis through dialogue and the threat of sanctions. On Tuesday, Scholz will fly to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also Read | Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move The chancellor has ratcheted up engagement in the Ukraine crisis over the past week after critics accused him of lack of leadership and mixed signals in one of Europe's worst security crises in decades. "Germany stands right by your side," he said on Monday, underscoring that the country was Ukraine's biggest financial backer and announcing a new credit of 150 million euros ($170 million). Ukrainian officials have publicly criticized Germany for refusing to sell weapons to Kyiv - Berlin argues it cannot due to its bloody 20th century history - and over reluctance to pull the plug on a controversial Russian-German gas pipeline project. Ukraine as well as Western allies argue the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is built but not yet operational, would enable Russia to cut Ukraine out of Europe's energy supply and make it more vulnerable to Russian invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine will continue pursuing NATO membership goal, says Zelenskiy 

Scientists have warned that the next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron. These scientists have cautioned against letting our guard down. The warning has come even as countries around the world gradually seek to relax Covid curbs and travel restrictions.

Prof Mark Woolhouse, of Edinburgh University said that it is not known where in the family-tress of coronavirus will the next variant come from.&nbsp;

“The Omicron variant did not come from the Delta variant. It came from a completely different part of the virus’s family tree. And since we don’t know where in the virus’s family tree a new variant is going to come from, we cannot know how pathogenic it might be. It could be less pathogenic but it could, just as easily, be more pathogenic,” he said. He was quoted by The Guardian.

Woolhouse's opinion was seconded by Professor Lawrence Young of Warwick University.

“People seem to think there has been a linear evolution of the virus from Alpha to Beta to Delta to Omicron,” he told the Observer. “But that is simply not the case. The idea that virus variants will continue to get milder is wrong. A new one could turn out to be even more pathogenic than the Delta variant, for example.” he said as quoted by The Guardian.

Though citizens may have shown aversion to further undergo coronavirus restrictions, decisions towards lifting of all curbs is also drawing criticism from sections of British society. There are growing demands for Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance, the government’s most senior advisers on Covid to present evidence if any, to back decision to end pandemic restrictions.

Scientists have warned that the next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron. These scientists have cautioned against letting our guard down. The warning has come even as countries around the world gradually seek to relax Covid curbs and travel restrictions.

Scientists have warned that the next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron. These scientists have cautioned against letting our guard down. The warning has come even as countries around the world gradually seek to relax Covid curbs and travel restrictions. Prof Mark Woolhouse, of Edinburgh University said that it is not known where in the family-tress of coronavirus will the next variant come from. “The Omicron variant did not come from the Delta variant. It came from a completely different part of the virus’s family tree. And since we don’t know where in the virus’s family tree a new variant is going to come from, we cannot know how pathogenic it might be. It could be less pathogenic but it could, just as easily, be more pathogenic,” he said. He was quoted by The Guardian. Woolhouse's opinion was seconded by Professor Lawrence Young of Warwick University. “People seem to think there has been a linear evolution of the virus from Alpha to Beta to Delta to Omicron,” he told the Observer. “But that is simply not the case. The idea that virus variants will continue to get milder is wrong. A new one could turn out to be even more pathogenic than the Delta variant, for example.” he said as quoted by The Guardian. Though citizens may have shown aversion to further undergo coronavirus restrictions, decisions towards lifting of all curbs is also drawing criticism from sections of British society. There are growing demands for Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance, the government’s most senior advisers on Covid to present evidence if any, to back decision to end pandemic restrictions.

Next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron, say scientists

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told President Vladimir Putin during a carefully choreographed meeting on Monday that there was "always a chance" to find agreement with West on security concerns. The words appeared to be contributory to an apparent&nbsp;Russian climbdown. However, the situation would depend on what happens next.

"As head of the foreign ministry, I must say that there is always a chance" to find agreement, Lavrov told Putin.

The United States has warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could be imminent, and their western allies have threatened a crippling package of economic sanctions in response.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-eu-preparing-but-unsure-about-russias-next-move-453236">Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move&nbsp;</a>

But speaking to Putin, Lavrov indicated that Moscow was prepared to continue talks with the West.

"Is there a chance to reach an agreement with our partners on key issues or is it an attempt to drag us into an endless negotiation process?" Putin asked Lavrov in televised remarks.

Lavrov replied: "Our possibilities are far from being exhausted, they certainly should not continue indefinitely, but I would suggest continuing and ramping them up."

He pointed out that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was set to arrive in Moscow for talks Tuesday.

Russia continues to maintain military presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine. Although it claims that it did not have invasion in mind, various statements from the Russian camps are being taken to be an effort towards creating a pre-text.

Russian stock markets surge

Russia's main stock market reacted positively to the news of Lavrov talking of 'chance' of agreement with the West. Russian currency ruble clawed back some losses.

The RTS index was down just over two percent in late afternoon trading, as other world markets also came off their lows.

It had dipped more than four percent in earlier trading, as Western countries feared Moscow was preparing for an imminent invasion of Ukraine.

Since the start of the year, the RTS index has shed around nine percent.

The Russian currency, meanwhile, traded at more than 76 rubles to the dollar. It had passed the 80 rubles to the dollar mark in January, a first since November 2020.

The euro stood at more than 86 rubles.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told President Vladimir Putin during a carefully choreographed meeting on Monday that there was "always a chance" to find agreement with West on security concerns.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told President Vladimir Putin during a carefully choreographed meeting on Monday that there was "always a chance" to find agreement with West on security concerns. The words appeared to be contributory to an apparent Russian climbdown. However, the situation would depend on what happens next. "As head of the foreign ministry, I must say that there is always a chance" to find agreement, Lavrov told Putin. The United States has warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could be imminent, and their western allies have threatened a crippling package of economic sanctions in response. Also Read | Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move But speaking to Putin, Lavrov indicated that Moscow was prepared to continue talks with the West. "Is there a chance to reach an agreement with our partners on key issues or is it an attempt to drag us into an endless negotiation process?" Putin asked Lavrov in televised remarks. Lavrov replied: "Our possibilities are far from being exhausted, they certainly should not continue indefinitely, but I would suggest continuing and ramping them up." He pointed out that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was set to arrive in Moscow for talks Tuesday. Russia continues to maintain military presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine. Although it claims that it did not have invasion in mind, various statements from the Russian camps are being taken to be an effort towards creating a pre-text. Russian stock markets surge Russia's main stock market reacted positively to the news of Lavrov talking of 'chance' of agreement with the West. Russian currency ruble clawed back some losses. The RTS index was down just over two percent in late afternoon trading, as other world markets also came off their lows. It had dipped more than four percent in earlier trading, as Western countries feared Moscow was preparing for an imminent invasion of Ukraine. Since the start of the year, the RTS index has shed around nine percent. The Russian currency, meanwhile, traded at more than 76 rubles to the dollar. It had passed the 80 rubles to the dollar mark in January, a first since November 2020. The euro stood at more than 86 rubles. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian climbdown? Lavrov tells Putin about 'chance' of agreement with West

Carrie Lam, the head of the administration in Hong Kong said that the latest Covid wave had 'overwhelmed' Hong Kong. On Monday, the daily cases rose by about 20 times those over past two weeks. This has left hospitals short of beds. The health system is struggling to cope.

"The onslaught of the fifth wave of the epidemic has dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong and overwhelmed the city's capacity of handling," Lam said, adding patients were having to wait longer to access isolation facilities.

"The situation is highly undesirable and the government feels worried and sorry about it," she said.

As the caseload soared, Lam said her administration would coordinate with Chinese officials to tackle the "aggravating situation".

China has said it would help the city with testing, treatment and quarantine, and secure resources from rapid antigen kits and protective gear to fresh vegetables.

Despite the latest surge, deaths in the global financial hub remain far less than similar-sized cities since the pandemic erupted two years ago.

But, with the healthcare system already overstretched, medical experts warn the city could see 28,000 daily infections by the end of March, with the unvaccinated elderly a particular worry.

Hospital beds for COVID-19 patients are already at 90% occupancy, data from the city's Hospital Authority showed, while isolation facilities are near full capacity.

Hong Kong is prioritising elderly, children and those in serious conditions in hospitals, said Larry Lee, chief manager at the city's Hospital Authority.

There are around 1,000 patients waiting to be hospitalised, authorities said on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Carrie Lam, the head of the administration in Hong Kong said that the latest Covid wave had 'overwhelmed' Hong Kong. On Monday, the daily cases rose by about 20 times those over past two weeks.

Carrie Lam, the head of the administration in Hong Kong said that the latest Covid wave had 'overwhelmed' Hong Kong. On Monday, the daily cases rose by about 20 times those over past two weeks. This has left hospitals short of beds. The health system is struggling to cope. "The onslaught of the fifth wave of the epidemic has dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong and overwhelmed the city's capacity of handling," Lam said, adding patients were having to wait longer to access isolation facilities. "The situation is highly undesirable and the government feels worried and sorry about it," she said. As the caseload soared, Lam said her administration would coordinate with Chinese officials to tackle the "aggravating situation". China has said it would help the city with testing, treatment and quarantine, and secure resources from rapid antigen kits and protective gear to fresh vegetables. Despite the latest surge, deaths in the global financial hub remain far less than similar-sized cities since the pandemic erupted two years ago. But, with the healthcare system already overstretched, medical experts warn the city could see 28,000 daily infections by the end of March, with the unvaccinated elderly a particular worry. Hospital beds for COVID-19 patients are already at 90% occupancy, data from the city's Hospital Authority showed, while isolation facilities are near full capacity. Hong Kong is prioritising elderly, children and those in serious conditions in hospitals, said Larry Lee, chief manager at the city's Hospital Authority. There are around 1,000 patients waiting to be hospitalised, authorities said on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong 'overwhelmed' due to latest Covid wave: Carrie Lam

The European Union was working on various options to take depending upon how Ukraine crisis unfolds but did not know for sure what Moscow was going to do, said an official quoted by Reuters.

The official said that talks between US and Russia were "not yielding a lot &nbsp;but that dialogue with President Vladimir Putin was still open via the leaders of Germany and France.

The official, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the harsher the EU sanctions against Russia would be in case of a military invasion, the biggest hit for the bloc should Moscow retaliate.

Russia continues to maintain military presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine. Although it claims that it did not have invasion in mind, various statements from the Russian camps are being taken to be an effort towards creating a pre-text.

Frantic diplomacy is on to prevent potential military conflict on European soil.

US national security advisor Jake Sullivan said "a major military action could begin by Russia in Ukraine any day now" while adding that it could start with "a significant barrage of missiles and bomb attacks and innocent civilians could be killed" even as both Germany and the United States threatened sanctions.

Several countries including Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE have asked their citizens to leave Ukraine even as Russia has recalled some of its diplomatic staff over what it called fears of "provocations".

The European Union was working on various options to take depending upon how Ukraine crisis unfolds but did not know for sure what Moscow was going to do, said an official quoted by Reuters.

The European Union was working on various options to take depending upon how Ukraine crisis unfolds but did not know for sure what Moscow was going to do, said an official quoted by Reuters. The official said that talks between US and Russia were "not yielding a lot but that dialogue with President Vladimir Putin was still open via the leaders of Germany and France. The official, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the harsher the EU sanctions against Russia would be in case of a military invasion, the biggest hit for the bloc should Moscow retaliate. Russia continues to maintain military presence of more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine. Although it claims that it did not have invasion in mind, various statements from the Russian camps are being taken to be an effort towards creating a pre-text. Frantic diplomacy is on to prevent potential military conflict on European soil. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan said "a major military action could begin by Russia in Ukraine any day now" while adding that it could start with "a significant barrage of missiles and bomb attacks and innocent civilians could be killed" even as both Germany and the United States threatened sanctions. Several countries including Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE have asked their citizens to leave Ukraine even as Russia has recalled some of its diplomatic staff over what it called fears of "provocations".

Ukraine crisis: EU preparing but unsure about Russia's next move 

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal&nbsp;states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs. Shoppers at non-essential stores may no longer have to show proof of negative Covid tests or proof of vaccination. &nbsp;

The draft also included plans to increase the number of people allowed at indoor private gatherings to 20 if all of them are vaccinated.

In a second phase of easing, night clubs could re-open and unvaccinated Germans would be allowed into restaurants from March 4, the draft showed.

A requirement to wear masks indoors and on public transportation is to remain in place.

Germany's expert panel said on Sunday that the government needed to put plans in place for easing curbs, given the current wave of infections was expected to flatten in the coming weeks, but it warned against loosening restrictions too soon.

"Thanks to the milder course of the disease, we are entering a new phase of the pandemic, which allows prospects for gradual opening," Hendrik Wuest, the prime minister of Germany's most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia, told Welt newspaper.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner also called on federal and state governments to decide on a comprehensive easing at their meeting on Wednesday, adding that there must be a "noticeable difference in everyday life" afterwards.

Coronavirus case numbers have slightly dropped in Germany, as the government plans to loosen coronavirus restrictions in Europe's biggest economy.

Germany reported 76,465 new daily coronavirus cases on Monday, down 20% from the same day last week. The 7-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also fell to 1,460 from 1,467 on Sunday.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs. Shoppers at non-essential stores may no longer have to show proof of negative Covid tests or proof of vaccination. The draft also included plans to increase the number of people allowed at indoor private gatherings to 20 if all of them are vaccinated. In a second phase of easing, night clubs could re-open and unvaccinated Germans would be allowed into restaurants from March 4, the draft showed. A requirement to wear masks indoors and on public transportation is to remain in place. Germany's expert panel said on Sunday that the government needed to put plans in place for easing curbs, given the current wave of infections was expected to flatten in the coming weeks, but it warned against loosening restrictions too soon. "Thanks to the milder course of the disease, we are entering a new phase of the pandemic, which allows prospects for gradual opening," Hendrik Wuest, the prime minister of Germany's most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia, told Welt newspaper. Finance Minister Christian Lindner also called on federal and state governments to decide on a comprehensive easing at their meeting on Wednesday, adding that there must be a "noticeable difference in everyday life" afterwards. Coronavirus case numbers have slightly dropped in Germany, as the government plans to loosen coronavirus restrictions in Europe's biggest economy. Germany reported 76,465 new daily coronavirus cases on Monday, down 20% from the same day last week. The 7-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also fell to 1,460 from 1,467 on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany plans comprehensive easing of Covid curbs 

While he was president, Donald Trump was known to destroy, tear up, remove and even flush White House documents down the toilet. He often eschewed the White House switchboard, using his own cellphone or those of his aides to communicate.

The practices, which have drawn fresh attention as a result of the House investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, have raised the question of whether Trump’s norm-breaking behavior was also a crime.

The House Oversight Committee said this week that Trump’s handling of documents appeared to constitute “serious violations” of the Presidential Records Act and announced an investigation of it.

The National Archives consulted the Justice Department about Trump’s record preservation practices after it discovered he had taken more than a dozen boxes of presidential files, including what it believes are classified documents, with him when he left office. The Washington Post reported that some of them were clearly marked “top secret.”

And his use of cellphones to conduct official business has led to large gaps in the official White House logs of his calls on Jan. 6, 2021, hampering investigators’ efforts to construct an accurate record of what he was doing during the riot. If he failed to preserve cellphone records and turn them over to the National Archives, that, too, could run afoul of the law.

Here’s what the Presidential Records Act is and why Trump’s behavior may have violated it.

Presidents don’t own their documents.

In 1978, after Watergate, Congress enacted the Presidential Records Act, which made a president’s documents the property of the United States, not his personal property, and laid out a process for ensuring that Congress and the public could eventually gain access to them.

It was aimed at preventing future presidents from doing what Richard M. Nixon wanted to after he resigned in disgrace, when he planned to destroy recordings that documented steps he and others took in response to the Watergate investigation.

The law requires that a president’s records be turned over to the National Archives once he leaves office and that they be made available to the public 12 years later — although certain entities, such as congressional investigators, can obtain them sooner.

The act excludes a president’s personal records — identified as those “of a purely private or nonpublic character” — from preservation requirements and grants a president a “high degree of discretion over what materials are to be preserved,” according to the Congressional Research Service.

It also provides a process for destroying records that typically includes seeking permission from the archivist of the United States, who may consult with Congress. There is no indication that Trump did so in the cases in question.

Trump openly flouted the requirements.

The House Oversight Committee has asked the National Archives to provide information regarding its communications with Trump’s team about 15 boxes of White House records discovered at Mar-a-Lago, his residence in Palm Beach, Florida, after he left office.

Trump had been loath to return the materials despite repeated efforts by the National Archives to obtain them, and at one point, the agency threatened to send a letter to Congress or the Justice Department if he continued to withhold the boxes, according to a person familiar with private discussions.

“If former President Trump was intentionally destroying records or hiding records from the National Archives — where they are legally required to be kept — he must be held accountable,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., chair of the oversight panel.

Steven Aftergood, director of the Federation of American Scientists Project on Government Secrecy, said it appeared that Trump had violated the Presidential Records Act, given his penchant for ripping up documents.

“Any act of unauthorized destruction or unauthorized removal of records is contrary to law,” Aftergood said.

The question of Trump’s cellphone use is murkier. The act was written before the invention of email or cellphones, so it does not mention either. But given the purpose of the law — ensuring a complete record of presidential business — some experts believe Trump’s practices violated its spirit, if not its letter.

There are few consequences for Trump’s actions under the Presidential Records Act.

A flaw some experts see in the Presidential Records Act is its lack of a strong enforcement mechanism.

Under the law, the archivist has the “ultimate responsibility” for assuring the preservation and integrity of presidential records, Aftergood said.

“But the archives does not have its own police force and doesn’t have much investigative capability to speak of,” he said. “They can ask questions and they can write sternly worded letters. But the response depends on the White House or the president or the agency involved.”

Destroying documents could violate other laws.

Trump’s practice of ripping up documents could open him to additional criminal exposure, if the destruction of documents were part of an effort to impede an investigation.

“There could be liability under an obstruction statute, but the context and the facts would be critical there,” said David H. Laufman, a former Justice Department lawyer who oversaw the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server.

“If there’s some intent to destroy documents to preclude a government agency from carrying out its lawful function, there could be a conspiracy to defraud the United States,” Laufman said.

But he cautioned that the Justice Department is often reluctant to pursue prosecutions that have no historical precedent, and the agency has never charged a former president with the destruction or removal of records.

“In a case involving a former president, the burden should be particularly high for particular conduct that has not been the basis of prior enforcement action,” Laufman said.

Trump could face consequences for his handling of classified information.

Criminal codes, which carry jail time, prohibit conduct that “willfully injures or commits any depredation against any property of the United States” or “willfully and unlawfully conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates or destroys” government documents.

Samuel Berger, a national security adviser to President Bill Clinton, pleaded guilty in 2015 to a misdemeanor charge for removing classified material from a government archive.

Presidents have the power to decide what is classified and what is not — but only while they are in office.

“That could present a complicating factor for prosecutors in evaluating their likely success if they were to charge him or others with a crime,” Laufman said.

While he was president, Donald Trump was known to destroy, tear up, remove and even flush White House documents down the toilet. He often eschewed the White House switchboard, using his own cellphone or those of his aides to communicate.

While he was president, Donald Trump was known to destroy, tear up, remove and even flush White House documents down the toilet. He often eschewed the White House switchboard, using his own cellphone or those of his aides to communicate. The practices, which have drawn fresh attention as a result of the House investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, have raised the question of whether Trump’s norm-breaking behavior was also a crime. The House Oversight Committee said this week that Trump’s handling of documents appeared to constitute “serious violations” of the Presidential Records Act and announced an investigation of it. The National Archives consulted the Justice Department about Trump’s record preservation practices after it discovered he had taken more than a dozen boxes of presidential files, including what it believes are classified documents, with him when he left office. The Washington Post reported that some of them were clearly marked “top secret.” And his use of cellphones to conduct official business has led to large gaps in the official White House logs of his calls on Jan. 6, 2021, hampering investigators’ efforts to construct an accurate record of what he was doing during the riot. If he failed to preserve cellphone records and turn them over to the National Archives, that, too, could run afoul of the law. Here’s what the Presidential Records Act is and why Trump’s behavior may have violated it. Presidents don’t own their documents. In 1978, after Watergate, Congress enacted the Presidential Records Act, which made a president’s documents the property of the United States, not his personal property, and laid out a process for ensuring that Congress and the public could eventually gain access to them. It was aimed at preventing future presidents from doing what Richard M. Nixon wanted to after he resigned in disgrace, when he planned to destroy recordings that documented steps he and others took in response to the Watergate investigation. The law requires that a president’s records be turned over to the National Archives once he leaves office and that they be made available to the public 12 years later — although certain entities, such as congressional investigators, can obtain them sooner. The act excludes a president’s personal records — identified as those “of a purely private or nonpublic character” — from preservation requirements and grants a president a “high degree of discretion over what materials are to be preserved,” according to the Congressional Research Service. It also provides a process for destroying records that typically includes seeking permission from the archivist of the United States, who may consult with Congress. There is no indication that Trump did so in the cases in question. Trump openly flouted the requirements. The House Oversight Committee has asked the National Archives to provide information regarding its communications with Trump’s team about 15 boxes of White House records discovered at Mar-a-Lago, his residence in Palm Beach, Florida, after he left office. Trump had been loath to return the materials despite repeated efforts by the National Archives to obtain them, and at one point, the agency threatened to send a letter to Congress or the Justice Department if he continued to withhold the boxes, according to a person familiar with private discussions. “If former President Trump was intentionally destroying records or hiding records from the National Archives — where they are legally required to be kept — he must be held accountable,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., chair of the oversight panel. Steven Aftergood, director of the Federation of American Scientists Project on Government Secrecy, said it appeared that Trump had violated the Presidential Records Act, given his penchant for ripping up documents. “Any act of unauthorized destruction or unauthorized removal of records is contrary to law,” Aftergood said. The question of Trump’s cellphone use is murkier. The act was written before the invention of email or cellphones, so it does not mention either. But given the purpose of the law — ensuring a complete record of presidential business — some experts believe Trump’s practices violated its spirit, if not its letter. There are few consequences for Trump’s actions under the Presidential Records Act. A flaw some experts see in the Presidential Records Act is its lack of a strong enforcement mechanism. Under the law, the archivist has the “ultimate responsibility” for assuring the preservation and integrity of presidential records, Aftergood said. “But the archives does not have its own police force and doesn’t have much investigative capability to speak of,” he said. “They can ask questions and they can write sternly worded letters. But the response depends on the White House or the president or the agency involved.” Destroying documents could violate other laws. Trump’s practice of ripping up documents could open him to additional criminal exposure, if the destruction of documents were part of an effort to impede an investigation. “There could be liability under an obstruction statute, but the context and the facts would be critical there,” said David H. Laufman, a former Justice Department lawyer who oversaw the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. “If there’s some intent to destroy documents to preclude a government agency from carrying out its lawful function, there could be a conspiracy to defraud the United States,” Laufman said. But he cautioned that the Justice Department is often reluctant to pursue prosecutions that have no historical precedent, and the agency has never charged a former president with the destruction or removal of records. “In a case involving a former president, the burden should be particularly high for particular conduct that has not been the basis of prior enforcement action,” Laufman said. Trump could face consequences for his handling of classified information. Criminal codes, which carry jail time, prohibit conduct that “willfully injures or commits any depredation against any property of the United States” or “willfully and unlawfully conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates or destroys” government documents. Samuel Berger, a national security adviser to President Bill Clinton, pleaded guilty in 2015 to a misdemeanor charge for removing classified material from a government archive. Presidents have the power to decide what is classified and what is not — but only while they are in office. “That could present a complicating factor for prosecutors in evaluating their likely success if they were to charge him or others with a crime,” Laufman said.

Trump flouted Presidential Records Law. Will he face consequences?

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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