Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday said Russia wanted "mutually respectful" relations with the US. Tensions between the two countries have been at the highest level over Ukraine crisis.

"We want good, equal, mutually respectful relations with the United States, like with every country in the world," Lavrov told Russia's Channel One.&nbsp;

"Learning from bitter experience, we do not want to remain in a position where our security is infringed daily," Lavrov added.

Russia currently has about 100,000 troops stationed at its border with Ukraine. Though Russia maintains that it has no intention of invading, such an eventually is considered to be within the realm of possibility. Russia had annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in a war in 2014.&nbsp;

Russia faces immense international pressure, especially from the West to withdraw forces.

Washington has warned that Russia could invade at any moment, while Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky called on his Western allies to avoid stirring "panic".&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-uk-to-offer-nato-military-deployment-in-europe-kyiv-urges-west-to-be-firm-in-talks-448866">Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks</a>

Citing the encroachment of NATO near its eastern border, Russia has put forward security demands to Washington and the US-led military alliance.&nbsp;

These include a guarantee that NATO will not admit new members, in particular Ukraine, and the United States will not establish new miliary bases in ex-Soviet countries.&nbsp;

Lavrov said Sunday that NATO's line of defense "continues moving eastwards" and has come "very close" to Ukraine.

Lavrov added that ex-Soviet Ukraine "is not ready" to join the alliance and "would make no contribution to strengthening NATO security".&nbsp;

Following a flurry of diplomatic efforts, Washington and NATO presented Moscow with a written response to the proposals.&nbsp;

Russia said the replies, which were not made public, did not address its main concerns but did not rule out further talks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday said Russia wanted "mutually respectful" relations with the US. Tensions between the two countries have been at the highest level over Ukraine crisis.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday said Russia wanted "mutually respectful" relations with the US. Tensions between the two countries have been at the highest level over Ukraine crisis. "We want good, equal, mutually respectful relations with the United States, like with every country in the world," Lavrov told Russia's Channel One. "Learning from bitter experience, we do not want to remain in a position where our security is infringed daily," Lavrov added. Russia currently has about 100,000 troops stationed at its border with Ukraine. Though Russia maintains that it has no intention of invading, such an eventually is considered to be within the realm of possibility. Russia had annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in a war in 2014. Russia faces immense international pressure, especially from the West to withdraw forces. Washington has warned that Russia could invade at any moment, while Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky called on his Western allies to avoid stirring "panic". Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK to offer NATO military deployment in Europe; Kyiv urges West to be 'firm' in talks Citing the encroachment of NATO near its eastern border, Russia has put forward security demands to Washington and the US-led military alliance. These include a guarantee that NATO will not admit new members, in particular Ukraine, and the United States will not establish new miliary bases in ex-Soviet countries. Lavrov said Sunday that NATO's line of defense "continues moving eastwards" and has come "very close" to Ukraine. Lavrov added that ex-Soviet Ukraine "is not ready" to join the alliance and "would make no contribution to strengthening NATO security". Following a flurry of diplomatic efforts, Washington and NATO presented Moscow with a written response to the proposals. Russia said the replies, which were not made public, did not address its main concerns but did not rule out further talks. (With inputs from agencies)

We want 'mutually respectful' ties with US, says Russian foreign minister 

About two thousand people took to streets of Paris to express anger against the vaccine pass. The protesters lashed out at the vaccine passes which they said were discriminatory and excessive.

Demonstrators rallied behind far-right figure, Florian Philippot, who has called for the demonstration and has been a vocal opponent to health restrictions in France. Other smaller protests took place simultaneously in the French capital.

"The vaccine pass is segregation in plain sight and the worst part is that a lot of people support this segregation," protester Alain, who declined to give a last name, told Reuters.

The French vaccine pass took effect on Jan. 24, replacing a health pass that showed proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or past infection.

Protesters held up placards reading "Freedom" and waved flags of various countries, notably Canada, where a movement of truck drivers opposing health measures is under way.

The vaccine pass briefly brought new momentum to weekly street protests against COVID-related restrictions on public life, but turnout consistently decreased in recent weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

About two thousand people took to streets of Paris to express anger against the vaccine pass. The protesters lashed out at the vaccine passes which they said were discriminatory and excessive.

About two thousand people took to streets of Paris to express anger against the vaccine pass. The protesters lashed out at the vaccine passes which they said were discriminatory and excessive. Demonstrators rallied behind far-right figure, Florian Philippot, who has called for the demonstration and has been a vocal opponent to health restrictions in France. Other smaller protests took place simultaneously in the French capital. "The vaccine pass is segregation in plain sight and the worst part is that a lot of people support this segregation," protester Alain, who declined to give a last name, told Reuters. The French vaccine pass took effect on Jan. 24, replacing a health pass that showed proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or past infection. Protesters held up placards reading "Freedom" and waved flags of various countries, notably Canada, where a movement of truck drivers opposing health measures is under way. The vaccine pass briefly brought new momentum to weekly street protests against COVID-related restrictions on public life, but turnout consistently decreased in recent weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands protest France's vaccine pass, call it discriminatory

Russia's military buildup near Ukraine has expanded to include supplies of blood along with other medical materials that would allow it to treat casualties, in yet another key indicator of Moscow's military readiness, three U.S. officials tell Reuters.

Current and former U.S. officials say concrete indicators -- like blood supplies -- are critical in determining whether Moscow would be prepared to carry out an invasion, if Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to do so.

The disclosure of the blood supplies by US&nbsp;officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, adds another piece of context to growing US&nbsp;warnings that Russia could be preparing for a new invasion of Ukraine as it masses more than 100,000 troops near its borders.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-ukraine-crisis-russian-troops-arrive-in-belarus-for-military-drills-448750">Amid ongoing Ukraine crisis, Russian troops arrive in Belarus for military drills</a>

These warnings have included President Joe Biden's prediction that a Russian assault was likely and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's remarks that Russia could launch a new attack on Ukraine at "very short notice."

The Pentagon has previously acknowledged the deployment of "medical support" as part of Russia's buildup. But the disclosure of blood supplies adds a level of detail that experts say is critical to determining Russian military readiness.

"It doesn't guarantee that there's going to be another attack, but you would not execute another attack unless you have that in hand," said Ben Hodges, a retired U.S. lieutenant general now with the Center for European Policy Analysis research institute.

The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment

Ukraine's deputy defence minister Hanna Malyar denied the information.

"This information is not true. Such 'news' is an element of information and psychological war. The purpose of such information is to spread panic and fear in our society," she said on Facebook.

On Friday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised a "feeling abroad" that a war had already started. "We don't need this panic," he told reporters in Kyiv.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately comment on any Russian movement of blood supplies but noted repeated public U.S. warnings about Russian military readiness.

The Pentagon declined to discuss intelligence assessments.

SECURITY DEMANDS

The three U.S. officials who spoke about the blood supplies declined to say specifically when the United States detected their movement to formations near Ukraine. However, two of them said it was within recent weeks.

Russian officials have repeatedly denied planning to invade. But Moscow says it feels menaced by Kyiv's growing ties with the West.

Eight years ago it seized Crimea and backed separatist forces who took control of large parts of eastern Ukraine.

Russia's security demands, presented in December, include an end to further NATO enlargement, barring Ukraine from ever joining and pulling back the alliance's forces and weaponry from eastern European countries that joined after the Cold War.

Putin said on Friday the United States and NATO had not addressed Russia's main security demands in their standoff over Ukraine but that Moscow was ready to keep talking.

Biden has said he will not send U.S. or allied troops to fight Russia in Ukraine but told Ukraine's Zelenskiy in a phone call on Thursday that Washington and its allies stand ready to respond decisively if Russia invades the former Soviet state, the White House said.

The United States and its allies have said Russia will face tough economic sanctions https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/how-financial-western-sanctions-might-target-russia-2022-01-19 if it attacks Ukraine.

Western countries have already imposed repeated rounds of economic sanctions since Russian troops seized and annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014.

But such moves have had scant impact on Russian policy, with Moscow, Europe's main energy supplier, calculating that the West would stop short of steps serious enough to interfere with gas exports.

Russia's military buildup near Ukraine has expanded to include supplies of blood along with other medical materials that would allow it to treat casualties, in yet another key indicator of Moscow's military readiness, three U.

Russia's military buildup near Ukraine has expanded to include supplies of blood along with other medical materials that would allow it to treat casualties, in yet another key indicator of Moscow's military readiness, three U.S. officials tell Reuters. Current and former U.S. officials say concrete indicators -- like blood supplies -- are critical in determining whether Moscow would be prepared to carry out an invasion, if Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to do so. The disclosure of the blood supplies by US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, adds another piece of context to growing US warnings that Russia could be preparing for a new invasion of Ukraine as it masses more than 100,000 troops near its borders. Also Read | Amid ongoing Ukraine crisis, Russian troops arrive in Belarus for military drills These warnings have included President Joe Biden's prediction that a Russian assault was likely and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's remarks that Russia could launch a new attack on Ukraine at "very short notice." The Pentagon has previously acknowledged the deployment of "medical support" as part of Russia's buildup. But the disclosure of blood supplies adds a level of detail that experts say is critical to determining Russian military readiness. "It doesn't guarantee that there's going to be another attack, but you would not execute another attack unless you have that in hand," said Ben Hodges, a retired U.S. lieutenant general now with the Center for European Policy Analysis research institute. The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment Ukraine's deputy defence minister Hanna Malyar denied the information. "This information is not true. Such 'news' is an element of information and psychological war. The purpose of such information is to spread panic and fear in our society," she said on Facebook. On Friday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised a "feeling abroad" that a war had already started. "We don't need this panic," he told reporters in Kyiv. A White House spokesperson did not immediately comment on any Russian movement of blood supplies but noted repeated public U.S. warnings about Russian military readiness. The Pentagon declined to discuss intelligence assessments. SECURITY DEMANDS The three U.S. officials who spoke about the blood supplies declined to say specifically when the United States detected their movement to formations near Ukraine. However, two of them said it was within recent weeks. Russian officials have repeatedly denied planning to invade. But Moscow says it feels menaced by Kyiv's growing ties with the West. Eight years ago it seized Crimea and backed separatist forces who took control of large parts of eastern Ukraine. Russia's security demands, presented in December, include an end to further NATO enlargement, barring Ukraine from ever joining and pulling back the alliance's forces and weaponry from eastern European countries that joined after the Cold War. Putin said on Friday the United States and NATO had not addressed Russia's main security demands in their standoff over Ukraine but that Moscow was ready to keep talking. Biden has said he will not send U.S. or allied troops to fight Russia in Ukraine but told Ukraine's Zelenskiy in a phone call on Thursday that Washington and its allies stand ready to respond decisively if Russia invades the former Soviet state, the White House said. The United States and its allies have said Russia will face tough economic sanctions https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/how-financial-western-sanctions-might-target-russia-2022-01-19 if it attacks Ukraine. Western countries have already imposed repeated rounds of economic sanctions since Russian troops seized and annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014. But such moves have had scant impact on Russian policy, with Moscow, Europe's main energy supplier, calculating that the West would stop short of steps serious enough to interfere with gas exports.

Russia moves blood supplies near Ukraine, adding to US concern, officials say

Clashes erupted between Kurdish forces and Islamic State fighters near a prison in Syria, said Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. The prison where the fighting broke out has dozens of jihadists holed up.

An IS assault on the sprawling Ghwayran prison complex near the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakeh on January 20 sparked days of heavy fighting that has left some 260 people dead, and a bulldozer on Saturday shovelled corpses onto a truck to take some for burial.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced they had recaptured the prison on Wednesday, but that mop-up operations continued.

On Saturday, there were "clashes in the vicinity of the prison between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish security forces on the one hand, and members of IS who are hiding in the area," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The war monitor, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria, said that four IS fighters took a local official and three civilians hostage for hours, holding them in a residential building near the prison. 
Kurdish forces later freed the hostages and killed three IS fighters.

An AFP correspondent earlier reported that US troops and Kurdish-led forces surrounded the building and deployed snipers on nearby rooftops, reporting there was intermittent shooting.

The SDF said Wednesday some 3,500 IS members had surrendered, but that holdout IS fighters had barricaded themselves inside the prison facility.

(With inputs from agencies)

Clashes erupted between Kurdish forces and Islamic State fighters near a prison in Syria, said Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. The prison where the fighting broke out has dozens of jihadists holed up.

Clashes erupted between Kurdish forces and Islamic State fighters near a prison in Syria, said Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. The prison where the fighting broke out has dozens of jihadists holed up. An IS assault on the sprawling Ghwayran prison complex near the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakeh on January 20 sparked days of heavy fighting that has left some 260 people dead, and a bulldozer on Saturday shovelled corpses onto a truck to take some for burial. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced they had recaptured the prison on Wednesday, but that mop-up operations continued. On Saturday, there were "clashes in the vicinity of the prison between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish security forces on the one hand, and members of IS who are hiding in the area," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The war monitor, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria, said that four IS fighters took a local official and three civilians hostage for hours, holding them in a residential building near the prison. Kurdish forces later freed the hostages and killed three IS fighters. An AFP correspondent earlier reported that US troops and Kurdish-led forces surrounded the building and deployed snipers on nearby rooftops, reporting there was intermittent shooting. The SDF said Wednesday some 3,500 IS members had surrendered, but that holdout IS fighters had barricaded themselves inside the prison facility. (With inputs from agencies)

Kurdish forces fight IS near Syria prison, says monitor

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree.

But calling them aliens would be the last thing on our minds!

But a study has said that octopuses may have fallen to Earth from space in icy bolides hundreds of millions of years ago.

We know the accepted scientific view of origin of life on Earth. But Panspermia, the argument that life was 'brought' to Earth by celestial bodies like comets also has solid interest in the scientific community.

In our search for life in space, we often look for presence of water. A comet contains ice. It is therefore, at least in theory, held to be acceptable to propose that life forms like microbes were carried through space in comets and brought to Earth.&nbsp;

The study on the octupuses suggests that cryopreserved eggs of either squids or octopuses could have arrived on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago preserved in ice.

The study was published in journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in the year 2018.

It is important to note that scientific community has not found solid evidence about octopuses.

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree.

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree. But calling them aliens would be the last thing on our minds! But a study has said that octopuses may have fallen to Earth from space in icy bolides hundreds of millions of years ago. We know the accepted scientific view of origin of life on Earth. But Panspermia, the argument that life was 'brought' to Earth by celestial bodies like comets also has solid interest in the scientific community. In our search for life in space, we often look for presence of water. A comet contains ice. It is therefore, at least in theory, held to be acceptable to propose that life forms like microbes were carried through space in comets and brought to Earth. The study on the octupuses suggests that cryopreserved eggs of either squids or octopuses could have arrived on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago preserved in ice. The study was published in journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in the year 2018. It is important to note that scientific community has not found solid evidence about octopuses.

Octopuses came from space? This study says so

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday that the country had sent fourth batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan. The supply contains three tonnes of medicines.

"As part of our ongoing humanitarian assistance, India supplied the fourth batch of medical assistance consisting of 3 tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul," the MEA said in a statement on Saturday.

The ministry said that India was committed to continuing the special relationship it has with people of Afghanistan and for providing humanitarian assistance.

"We had already supplied three shipments of medical assistance, consisting of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine and essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the WHO and India Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul," the statement added.

The 500,000 doses of Covid vaccines were part of 1.6 tonnes of medical supply

The Ministry also informed that in the coming weeks India would be supplying more batches of humanitarian assistance consisting of medicines and foodgrains for the people of Afghanistan

India had supplied the third batch of medical assistance consisting of two tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan on January 7.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday that the country had sent fourth batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan. The supply contains three tonnes of medicines.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday that the country had sent fourth batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan. The supply contains three tonnes of medicines. "As part of our ongoing humanitarian assistance, India supplied the fourth batch of medical assistance consisting of 3 tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul," the MEA said in a statement on Saturday. The ministry said that India was committed to continuing the special relationship it has with people of Afghanistan and for providing humanitarian assistance. "We had already supplied three shipments of medical assistance, consisting of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine and essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the WHO and India Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul," the statement added. The 500,000 doses of Covid vaccines were part of 1.6 tonnes of medical supply The Ministry also informed that in the coming weeks India would be supplying more batches of humanitarian assistance consisting of medicines and foodgrains for the people of Afghanistan India had supplied the third batch of medical assistance consisting of two tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to Afghanistan on January 7. (With inputs from agencies)

India helps Afghanistan by sending 4th batch of medical assistance

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sacked country's chief statistician after records and calculations revealed that tyhe country experienced record inflation rate last year. The inflation hit a 19-year high of 36.1 per cent.

The decree sacking head of state statistics agency was published on Saturday.

Sait Erdal Dincer was just the latest in a series of economic dismissals by Erdogan, who has sacked three central bank governors since July 2019.

Erdogan has railed against high interest rates, which he believes cause inflation -- the exact opposition of conventional economic thinking.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-warns-media-of-action-over-harmful-content-448731">Erdogan warns media of action over 'harmful' content</a>

The 2021 inflation figure released by Dincer angered both the pro-government and opposition camps. 
The opposition said it was underreported, claiming that the real cost of living increases were at least twice as high.

Erdogan meanwhile reportedly criticised the statistics agency in private for publishing data that he felt overstated the scale of Turkey's economic malaise.

Dincer seemed to sense his impending fate.

"I sit in this office now, tomorrow it will be someone else," he said in an interview with the business newspaper Dunya earlier this month.&nbsp;

"Never mind who is the chairman. Can you imagine that hundreds of my colleagues could stomach or remain quiet about publishing an inflation rate very different from what they had established?"&nbsp;

"I have a responsibility to 84 million people," he added.&nbsp;

Erdogan did not explain his decision to appoint Erhan Cetinkaya, who had served as vice-chair of Turkey's banking regulator, as the new state statistics chief.

"This will just increase concern about the reliability of the data, in addition to major concerns about economic policy settings," Timothy Ash of BlueBay Asset Management said in a note to clients.&nbsp;

The agency is due to publish January's inflation data on February 3.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sacked country's chief statistician after records and calculations revealed that tyhe country experienced record inflation rate last year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sacked country's chief statistician after records and calculations revealed that tyhe country experienced record inflation rate last year. The inflation hit a 19-year high of 36.1 per cent. The decree sacking head of state statistics agency was published on Saturday. Sait Erdal Dincer was just the latest in a series of economic dismissals by Erdogan, who has sacked three central bank governors since July 2019. Erdogan has railed against high interest rates, which he believes cause inflation -- the exact opposition of conventional economic thinking. Also Read | Erdogan warns media of action over 'harmful' content The 2021 inflation figure released by Dincer angered both the pro-government and opposition camps. The opposition said it was underreported, claiming that the real cost of living increases were at least twice as high. Erdogan meanwhile reportedly criticised the statistics agency in private for publishing data that he felt overstated the scale of Turkey's economic malaise. Dincer seemed to sense his impending fate. "I sit in this office now, tomorrow it will be someone else," he said in an interview with the business newspaper Dunya earlier this month. "Never mind who is the chairman. Can you imagine that hundreds of my colleagues could stomach or remain quiet about publishing an inflation rate very different from what they had established?" "I have a responsibility to 84 million people," he added. Erdogan did not explain his decision to appoint Erhan Cetinkaya, who had served as vice-chair of Turkey's banking regulator, as the new state statistics chief. "This will just increase concern about the reliability of the data, in addition to major concerns about economic policy settings," Timothy Ash of BlueBay Asset Management said in a note to clients. The agency is due to publish January's inflation data on February 3. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey: Calculations reveal record inflation, Erdogan sacks statistician

Russian defence ministry released on Saturday (January 23) footage of Russian soldiers arriving in Belarus for upcoming military drills.

The drills will take place from February 10 to February 20 and aimed at "practicing coordinating allied forces," the ministry said in a statement accompanying the video.

Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border as it presses demands for a redrawing of post-Cold War security arrangements in Europe.

The United States and its allies have warned President Vladimir Putin that Russia will face swift and tough economic sanctions if he attacks Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the Western military alliance was watching closely as Russia moves troops and arms into Belarus for drills.

US President Joe Biden has already said that the US would be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-to-move-troops-to-eastern-europe-amid-russia-tensions-448630">moving small number of troops</a> to eastern Europe.

Russia has been maintaining that it had no plans to invade Ukraine but comments from Russian side about Ukraine having been responsible to create security threats for Russia is being seen as a pretext for eventual invasion.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-to-move-troops-to-eastern-europe-amid-russia-tensions-448630">US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions</a>

Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's inclusion in North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Ukraine was part of erstwhile Soviet Union. NATO has been maintaining that its 'open door policy' would continue, meaning that any country could freely join the alliance if it chooses to.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian defence ministry released on Saturday (January 23) footage of Russian soldiers arriving in Belarus for upcoming military drills. The drills will take place from February 10 to February 20 and aimed at "practicing coordinating allied forces," the ministry said in a statement accompanying the video.

Russian defence ministry released on Saturday (January 23) footage of Russian soldiers arriving in Belarus for upcoming military drills. The drills will take place from February 10 to February 20 and aimed at "practicing coordinating allied forces," the ministry said in a statement accompanying the video. Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border as it presses demands for a redrawing of post-Cold War security arrangements in Europe. The United States and its allies have warned President Vladimir Putin that Russia will face swift and tough economic sanctions if he attacks Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the Western military alliance was watching closely as Russia moves troops and arms into Belarus for drills. US President Joe Biden has already said that the US would be moving small number of troops to eastern Europe. Russia has been maintaining that it had no plans to invade Ukraine but comments from Russian side about Ukraine having been responsible to create security threats for Russia is being seen as a pretext for eventual invasion. Also Read | US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions Russia is fiercely against Ukraine's inclusion in North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Ukraine was part of erstwhile Soviet Union. NATO has been maintaining that its 'open door policy' would continue, meaning that any country could freely join the alliance if it chooses to. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid ongoing Ukraine crisis, Russian troops arrive in Belarus for military drills

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Turkish media of action if content damaging Turkey's core values was disseminated. This is being viewed as a prelude to media censorship.

In a notice published in the Official Gazette, he said measures were needed to protect Turkey's "national culture" and prevent its children's development "from being adversely affected as a result of exposure to harmful content on all written, verbal and visual media."

Erdogan did not specify what such content was, but said legal action would be taken against "overt or covert activities through the media aimed at undermining our national and moral values ​​and disrupting our family and social structure."

Erdogan, in power for 20 years, has often lashed out at media content that is deemed to be out of step with conservative Islamic values espoused by his AK Party.

Turkey has in recent years also moved to increase media oversight, with around 90% of major media now owned by the state or close to the government.

Its western allies and critics have said Erdogan has been using a 2016 failed coup attempt to muzzle dissent and erode social rights and tolerance.

The government has denied this, saying the measures are necessary due to the gravity of the threats Turkey faces and that freedom of religious expression has been restored in a once strongly secular republic.

The RTUK radio and television watchdog has sweeping oversight over all online content, which it also has the power to remove.

It has fined TV stations over footage it says violates Turkish values, such as music videos it has labelled "erotic", LGBTQ references or content it deems to have insulted the president.

Tens of thousands have been prosecuted under the latter law including Sedef Kabas, a well-known journalist jailed last week pending trial after posting a proverb about Erdogan's palace on her Twitter account and repeating it on opposition television channel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Turkish media of action if content damaging Turkey's core values was disseminated. This is being viewed as a prelude to media censorship.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Turkish media of action if content damaging Turkey's core values was disseminated. This is being viewed as a prelude to media censorship. In a notice published in the Official Gazette, he said measures were needed to protect Turkey's "national culture" and prevent its children's development "from being adversely affected as a result of exposure to harmful content on all written, verbal and visual media." Erdogan did not specify what such content was, but said legal action would be taken against "overt or covert activities through the media aimed at undermining our national and moral values and disrupting our family and social structure." Erdogan, in power for 20 years, has often lashed out at media content that is deemed to be out of step with conservative Islamic values espoused by his AK Party. Turkey has in recent years also moved to increase media oversight, with around 90% of major media now owned by the state or close to the government. Its western allies and critics have said Erdogan has been using a 2016 failed coup attempt to muzzle dissent and erode social rights and tolerance. The government has denied this, saying the measures are necessary due to the gravity of the threats Turkey faces and that freedom of religious expression has been restored in a once strongly secular republic. The RTUK radio and television watchdog has sweeping oversight over all online content, which it also has the power to remove. It has fined TV stations over footage it says violates Turkish values, such as music videos it has labelled "erotic", LGBTQ references or content it deems to have insulted the president. Tens of thousands have been prosecuted under the latter law including Sedef Kabas, a well-known journalist jailed last week pending trial after posting a proverb about Erdogan's palace on her Twitter account and repeating it on opposition television channel. (With inputs from agencies)

Erdogan warns media of action over 'harmful' content

Mysterious radio waves from space object. Are aliens calling?

Apple has obtained a temporary restraining order against a 45-year-old woman claiming to be wife of company CEO Tim Cook. Apple says that the woman has been stalking and harassing Cook since 2020. The company&nbsp;applied for the restraining order on Thursday last week and got it on Friday.

It was made public on Monday, said The Mercury News.

As per Apple's application, the woman has been claiming to be Cook's wife and even claiming that he had twin children with him. The company further said that between October 2020 and November 2020, she mailed Cook 200 times. The tone gradually became 'threatening'. In some of these mails, the woman reportedly sent pics of a handgun and ammunition she claimed she purchased.

The stalking behaviour continued in the next year. In 2021, the woman drove to Cook's home in Paulo Alto in California and asked to speak with him. Local police responded to this. They did not find any weapon with the woman.

Apple says that the woman opened fraudulent corporations listing Tim Cook as director and even entered Cook's home address as contact address for the company.

A hearing in this entire matter has been scheduled on March 29. The restraining order expires on this day.

This is not the first time Apple has applied for a restraining order. The company was granted it in early 2020 against another person who the company said stalked Tim Cook.

Apple has obtained a temporary restraining order against a 45-year-old woman claiming to be wife of company CEO Tim Cook. Apple says that the woman has been stalking and harassing Cook since 2020.

Apple has obtained a temporary restraining order against a 45-year-old woman claiming to be wife of company CEO Tim Cook. Apple says that the woman has been stalking and harassing Cook since 2020. The company applied for the restraining order on Thursday last week and got it on Friday. It was made public on Monday, said The Mercury News. As per Apple's application, the woman has been claiming to be Cook's wife and even claiming that he had twin children with him. The company further said that between October 2020 and November 2020, she mailed Cook 200 times. The tone gradually became 'threatening'. In some of these mails, the woman reportedly sent pics of a handgun and ammunition she claimed she purchased. The stalking behaviour continued in the next year. In 2021, the woman drove to Cook's home in Paulo Alto in California and asked to speak with him. Local police responded to this. They did not find any weapon with the woman. Apple says that the woman opened fraudulent corporations listing Tim Cook as director and even entered Cook's home address as contact address for the company. A hearing in this entire matter has been scheduled on March 29. The restraining order expires on this day. This is not the first time Apple has applied for a restraining order. The company was granted it in early 2020 against another person who the company said stalked Tim Cook.

Apple gets restraining order against woman claiming to be Tim Cook's wife

US President Joe Biden and his Democratic Party may be on thin ice as his approval ratings among US voters continue to crash. To add to Biden's woes,&nbsp;It has now been observed that Biden's support among African-American voters is dwindling. In a survey carried out by Pew Research Center, it has been revealed that Biden's approval rating among African-American voters has gone down by 7 per cent since September last year.

In September last year, 67 per cent of African-Africans approved Biden's performance. But now only 60 per cent feel so. African-American voters traditionally vote for Democratic Party and a big dent in this vote bank may prove to be problematic for the party

Percentage of White voters supporting Biden has also seen a decrease. The number has gone from 37 per cent to 33 per cent. Biden's support among Hispanic (52%) and Asian (55 voters) has remained somewhat unchanged.

When Biden took&nbsp;office after 2020 US Presidential Elections, there was a palpable feeling of relief in and outside USA as Biden's predecessor Donald Trump was seen as an isolationist leader with a slant towards the right-wing. After he took office, Biden did a course correction of US foreign policy and reentered agreements and understandings with allies.

However, Biden's stature took a massive hit after America's disastrous exit from Afghanistan. The regime America propped up for two decades collapsed in matter of weeks and US had to rely on the Taliban's help to get own citizens out of the country.

Biden's handling of the Covid pandemic in US, especially his vaccine mandates have been divisive issues.

Midterm elections are due to be held in November this year. It is being predicted that Democratic Party may face a heavy defeat in US Congress. If this happens, it will be even harder for Biden to push his legislations through Congress.

US President Joe Biden and his Democratic Party may be on thin ice as his approval ratings among US voters continue to crash. To add to Biden's woes, It has now been observed that Biden's support among African-American voters is dwindling.

US President Joe Biden and his Democratic Party may be on thin ice as his approval ratings among US voters continue to crash. To add to Biden's woes, It has now been observed that Biden's support among African-American voters is dwindling. In a survey carried out by Pew Research Center, it has been revealed that Biden's approval rating among African-American voters has gone down by 7 per cent since September last year. In September last year, 67 per cent of African-Africans approved Biden's performance. But now only 60 per cent feel so. African-American voters traditionally vote for Democratic Party and a big dent in this vote bank may prove to be problematic for the party Percentage of White voters supporting Biden has also seen a decrease. The number has gone from 37 per cent to 33 per cent. Biden's support among Hispanic (52%) and Asian (55 voters) has remained somewhat unchanged. When Biden took office after 2020 US Presidential Elections, there was a palpable feeling of relief in and outside USA as Biden's predecessor Donald Trump was seen as an isolationist leader with a slant towards the right-wing. After he took office, Biden did a course correction of US foreign policy and reentered agreements and understandings with allies. However, Biden's stature took a massive hit after America's disastrous exit from Afghanistan. The regime America propped up for two decades collapsed in matter of weeks and US had to rely on the Taliban's help to get own citizens out of the country. Biden's handling of the Covid pandemic in US, especially his vaccine mandates have been divisive issues. Midterm elections are due to be held in November this year. It is being predicted that Democratic Party may face a heavy defeat in US Congress. If this happens, it will be even harder for Biden to push his legislations through Congress.

Biden's support among African-American voters dwindles

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.