Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line. Though claims of UFOs are aplenty, in recent times, all such people are probably seeing are Starlink satellites.

SpaceX is not planning to lose its momentum anytime soon and preparing to launch yet another batch of satellites. This time, 49 satellites will be launched into space on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is slated to take place on January 19 at 0004 hours GMT (5:34 am on January 19 as per Indian Standard Time). The launch will take place from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Launch of any spacecraft/ satellite is an exciting thing to watch live. So if you want to catch this launch LIVE, ther are many options.

If you want to watch it on SpaceX website, <a href="https://www.spacex.com/launches/index.html">you can do that here</a>.

If you want to watch it on Youtube, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yov854ZT1lg">this is the link</a>

Starlink is an ambitious venture of Elon Musk's SpaceX that aims to create a constellation of satellites so that internet can be made available to almost anyonwe in the world.

Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line.

Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line. Though claims of UFOs are aplenty, in recent times, all such people are probably seeing are Starlink satellites. SpaceX is not planning to lose its momentum anytime soon and preparing to launch yet another batch of satellites. This time, 49 satellites will be launched into space on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is slated to take place on January 19 at 0004 hours GMT (5:34 am on January 19 as per Indian Standard Time). The launch will take place from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch of any spacecraft/ satellite is an exciting thing to watch live. So if you want to catch this launch LIVE, ther are many options. If you want to watch it on SpaceX website, you can do that here. If you want to watch it on Youtube, this is the link Starlink is an ambitious venture of Elon Musk's SpaceX that aims to create a constellation of satellites so that internet can be made available to almost anyonwe in the world.

Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch 49 Starlink satellites soon: How to watch Live

UK government on Monday announced freeze on British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) license fee. The government claimed that freeze on the license fee was aimed at providing relief to families from cost of living pressures. However, the Opposition alleged that the real motive behind the move was part of vendetta of right-wingers against the mediahouse.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries told parliament the £159 ($217, 190 euros) annual fee, paid by every television set owner in the country, would be fixed for the next two years.

After that it will rise in line with inflation for four years, she said, saying the rising annual cost of the compulsory charge was hurting cash-strapped families.

The long-term future of the corporation should not depend on a system which criminalises non-payers, she added.

But opposition parties linked the move to efforts to keep Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a job, by offering "red meat" to BBC critics, due to anger at lockdown-breaking parties at Downing Street.

Labour media spokeswoman Lucy Powell said monthly payments for the license fee were small change compared to proposed Tory annual tax increases and soaring energy bills totalling thousands of pounds.

"Is the license fee really at the heart of the cost of living crisis or is this really about their long-term vendetta against the BBC?" she asked

"It's at the heart of Operation Red Meat to stop the prime minister becoming dead meat," she added, referring to a proposed government fight-back plan of populist measures to boost Johnson's standing.

The BBC has come under increasing criticism from right-wingers since Britain's divisive Brexit referendum in 2016 for alleged political bias, and pushing a "woke", London-centric liberal agenda.

But the public service broadcaster, which this year marks its 100th anniversary and has editorial independence from government, has faced similar accusations from the political left.

Critics accused Johnson loyalist Dorries, who leaked details of the plan on Twitter on Sunday night after a torrid week for the prime minister, of "cultural vandalism", wrecking a world-renowned British institution.

The licence fee funds television, radio and online services, including its popular iPlayer on-demand platform, as well as programming, many of which are exported commercially worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK government on Monday announced freeze on British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) license fee. The government claimed that freeze on the license fee was aimed at providing relief to families from cost of living pressures.

UK government on Monday announced freeze on British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) license fee. The government claimed that freeze on the license fee was aimed at providing relief to families from cost of living pressures. However, the Opposition alleged that the real motive behind the move was part of vendetta of right-wingers against the mediahouse. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries told parliament the £159 ($217, 190 euros) annual fee, paid by every television set owner in the country, would be fixed for the next two years. After that it will rise in line with inflation for four years, she said, saying the rising annual cost of the compulsory charge was hurting cash-strapped families. The long-term future of the corporation should not depend on a system which criminalises non-payers, she added. But opposition parties linked the move to efforts to keep Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a job, by offering "red meat" to BBC critics, due to anger at lockdown-breaking parties at Downing Street. Labour media spokeswoman Lucy Powell said monthly payments for the license fee were small change compared to proposed Tory annual tax increases and soaring energy bills totalling thousands of pounds. "Is the license fee really at the heart of the cost of living crisis or is this really about their long-term vendetta against the BBC?" she asked "It's at the heart of Operation Red Meat to stop the prime minister becoming dead meat," she added, referring to a proposed government fight-back plan of populist measures to boost Johnson's standing. The BBC has come under increasing criticism from right-wingers since Britain's divisive Brexit referendum in 2016 for alleged political bias, and pushing a "woke", London-centric liberal agenda. But the public service broadcaster, which this year marks its 100th anniversary and has editorial independence from government, has faced similar accusations from the political left. Critics accused Johnson loyalist Dorries, who leaked details of the plan on Twitter on Sunday night after a torrid week for the prime minister, of "cultural vandalism", wrecking a world-renowned British institution. The licence fee funds television, radio and online services, including its popular iPlayer on-demand platform, as well as programming, many of which are exported commercially worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

UK government announces freeze on BBC's license fee

Las Luminarias, the Spanish festival made a comeback on Sunday (January 16). About 100 horses jumped through bonfires in a purification ceremony. This was the first time that the festival was organised since the start of the Covid pandemic.

The traditional nighttime celebration takes place in San Bartolome de Pinares every Jan. 16, the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, Spain's patron saint of animals.

It was cancelled last year because of pandemic restrictions.

Revellers rode their horses through the narrow cobble-stoned streets, which according to tradition, purifies the animals with the smoke and flames of the bonfires for the coming year.

<img alt="Las Luminarias" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f51be9e6-5592-4ff1-bd45-804d3fdf2b4c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9WB8NT.jpg" />

After an hour of horses jumping over flames, revellers then took to dancing and drinking.

"This comes from thousands of years ago. So that animals did not get unwell, the old priests would bless them with fires so that they would jump and be purified," said Fermin Abad, 64, a local resident.

About 100 horses and their owners took part in the festivities, Reuters witnesses said.

Despite coming under criticism from animal rights groups over the years, organisers told Reuters that the horses were not harmed due to precautions taken by riders to cut horse hair to avoid burns.

(With inputs from agencies)

Las Luminarias, the Spanish festival made a comeback on Sunday (January 16). About 100 horses jumped through bonfires in a purification ceremony. This was the first time that the festival was organised since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Las Luminarias, the Spanish festival made a comeback on Sunday (January 16). About 100 horses jumped through bonfires in a purification ceremony. This was the first time that the festival was organised since the start of the Covid pandemic. The traditional nighttime celebration takes place in San Bartolome de Pinares every Jan. 16, the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, Spain's patron saint of animals. It was cancelled last year because of pandemic restrictions. Revellers rode their horses through the narrow cobble-stoned streets, which according to tradition, purifies the animals with the smoke and flames of the bonfires for the coming year. After an hour of horses jumping over flames, revellers then took to dancing and drinking. "This comes from thousands of years ago. So that animals did not get unwell, the old priests would bless them with fires so that they would jump and be purified," said Fermin Abad, 64, a local resident. About 100 horses and their owners took part in the festivities, Reuters witnesses said. Despite coming under criticism from animal rights groups over the years, organisers told Reuters that the horses were not harmed due to precautions taken by riders to cut horse hair to avoid burns. (With inputs from agencies)

Horses jump through fire as Spanish festival makes a comeback

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities.

With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post.

Coronavirus first emerged in China in 2019. The country has stuck to a strict policy of targeting zero Covid cases even as the rest of the world has reopened.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-grows-but-birth-rate-drops-to-record-low-in-2021-445326">China's population grows but birth rate drops to record low in 2021</a>

But its approach has come under sustained pressure in recent weeks with multiple clusters in key cities just as the Games are about to get underway in Beijing.

On Monday there were 223 more cases reported, including another 80 in the virus-hit port city of Tianjin, and nine more -- including cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant -- in the southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong.

Athletes and officials have already started to land in the capital ahead of the Games, immediately entering a tightly controlled bubble separating them from the rest of the population.

But after a local Omicron case was detected in Beijing over the weekend, authorities also tightened regulations for arrivals from elsewhere in China.

The city is now demanding a negative test before travel and a follow-up test after entering, with residents urged not to leave the capital for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

Some tourist sites have also been closed.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities.

China on Monday recorded Covid cases that reached highest levels since March 2020. That this is happening mere three weeks before Winter Olympics has added to worry of the authorities. With growing fears about the highly-transmissible Omicron strain challenging China's stringent approach to virus control, a senior health official told residents of the capital to "avoid buying goods from overseas" after saying a local case could have been infected by international post. Coronavirus first emerged in China in 2019. The country has stuck to a strict policy of targeting zero Covid cases even as the rest of the world has reopened. Also Read | China's population grows but birth rate drops to record low in 2021 But its approach has come under sustained pressure in recent weeks with multiple clusters in key cities just as the Games are about to get underway in Beijing. On Monday there were 223 more cases reported, including another 80 in the virus-hit port city of Tianjin, and nine more -- including cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant -- in the southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong. Athletes and officials have already started to land in the capital ahead of the Games, immediately entering a tightly controlled bubble separating them from the rest of the population. But after a local Omicron case was detected in Beijing over the weekend, authorities also tightened regulations for arrivals from elsewhere in China. The city is now demanding a negative test before travel and a follow-up test after entering, with residents urged not to leave the capital for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Some tourist sites have also been closed. (With inputs from agencies)

China records two-year high in Covid cases weeks before Winter Olympics

India is entering a major electoral fray in the year 2022 with elections taking place in five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur. The Election Commission of India has announced dates of the polling few days ago.

Zee News has conducted an opinion poll to predict voters' mood in all these states. ‘Janta Ka Mood’ (Mood of the electorate) has been billed as the biggest opinion poll as it has received responses from over 10 lakh people from these states.

As per the opinion poll, the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand appears to be headed for a close fight between Indian PM Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposing Indian National Congress. The state is currently ruled by the BJP. Polling in Uttarakhand has been scheduled to take place on February 14.

The opinion poll revealed that these were the issues people of Uttarakhand were more concerned about

Uttarakhand Opinion Poll: Most important issue

Unemployment: 23%

Land Law: 14%

Migration: 13%

Electricity/Water/Roads: 21 %

Health Care: &nbsp;10%

Other issues: 9%

The unicameral Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly has 70 seats. This is how the seats are expected to be won by parties in upcoming elections

Uttarakhand Overall opinion poll

BJP: 33 seats

Congress: 35 seats

Aam Aadmi Party: 1 seat

Others: 1seat

 
Here is regionwise tally of seats expected as per the opinion poll.

 
(Expected seats)&nbsp;

Garhwal

BJP 22-24 ( 23)

CONG 15-17 ( 16)

AAP 0-1 ( 1)

OTH 0-1 (1)

Kumaun

BJP 9-11 (10)

CONG 18-20 (19)

AAP 0-1 (0)

OTH 0 (0)

&nbsp;

Regionwise vote-share expected as per the opinion poll

Garhwal

BJP: 43 %

Congress:&nbsp; 38 %

AAP: 14 %

OTH: 5 %

Kumaun

BJP: 38 %

Congress:&nbsp;42 %

AAP: 10 %

Others: 10 %

&nbsp;

Whom do people of Uttarakhand prefer as the next chief minister?

Gharwal

Pushkar Singh Dhami (BJP): 23 %

Harish Rawat (Congress): 43 %

Anil Balooni (BJP): 17 %

Col Ajay Kothiyal ( AAP) &nbsp;8%

Others:&nbsp; 9 %

Kumaun

Pushkar Singh Dham (BJP): 26 %

Harish Rawat (Congress): 41 %

Anil Balooni (BJP): 14 %

Col Ajay Kothiyal (AAP): 10 %

Others:&nbsp;9 % 
&nbsp;

India is entering a major electoral fray in the year 2022 with elections taking place in five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur. The Election Commission of India has announced dates of the polling few days ago.

India is entering a major electoral fray in the year 2022 with elections taking place in five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur. The Election Commission of India has announced dates of the polling few days ago. Zee News has conducted an opinion poll to predict voters' mood in all these states. ‘Janta Ka Mood’ (Mood of the electorate) has been billed as the biggest opinion poll as it has received responses from over 10 lakh people from these states. As per the opinion poll, the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand appears to be headed for a close fight between Indian PM Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposing Indian National Congress. The state is currently ruled by the BJP. Polling in Uttarakhand has been scheduled to take place on February 14. The opinion poll revealed that these were the issues people of Uttarakhand were more concerned about Uttarakhand Opinion Poll: Most important issue Unemployment: 23% Land Law: 14% Migration: 13% Electricity/Water/Roads: 21 % Health Care: 10% Other issues: 9% The unicameral Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly has 70 seats. This is how the seats are expected to be won by parties in upcoming elections Uttarakhand Overall opinion poll BJP: 33 seats Congress: 35 seats Aam Aadmi Party: 1 seat Others: 1seat Here is regionwise tally of seats expected as per the opinion poll. (Expected seats) Garhwal BJP 22-24 ( 23) CONG 15-17 ( 16) AAP 0-1 ( 1) OTH 0-1 (1) Kumaun BJP 9-11 (10) CONG 18-20 (19) AAP 0-1 (0) OTH 0 (0) Regionwise vote-share expected as per the opinion poll Garhwal BJP: 43 % Congress: 38 % AAP: 14 % OTH: 5 % Kumaun BJP: 38 % Congress: 42 % AAP: 10 % Others: 10 % Whom do people of Uttarakhand prefer as the next chief minister? Gharwal Pushkar Singh Dhami (BJP): 23 % Harish Rawat (Congress): 43 % Anil Balooni (BJP): 17 % Col Ajay Kothiyal ( AAP) 8% Others: 9 % Kumaun Pushkar Singh Dham (BJP): 26 % Harish Rawat (Congress): 41 % Anil Balooni (BJP): 14 % Col Ajay Kothiyal (AAP): 10 % Others: 9 %

Uttarakhand elections 2022: Zee News opinion poll predicts close contest between BJP and Congress

Alexei Navalny, the fiercest critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that he did not regret returning to Russia. Navalny was detained in a Moscow airport on his return to Russia from Germany on January 17 last year, ushering in a months-long crackdown that has seen his most prominent allies imprisoned or exiled.

"I don't regret it for a second," Navalny wrote in a post on Instagram from a penal colony outside Moscow.

"Having served my first year in prison, I want to tell everyone exactly what I shouted to those gathered outside the court when a convoy led me to a police van: don't be afraid of anything," Navalny added.&nbsp;

"This is our country and we have no other."

Navalny's August 2020 poisoning with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok and his subsequent arrest sparked widespread condemnation abroad as well as sanctions from Western capitals.

Moscow has refused to open an investigation into the attempt on his life, claiming there is insufficient evidence to open a probe and blaming Berlin for not cooperating.&nbsp;

On his return to Russia Navalny was jailed for more than two years on old fraud charges he says are politically motivated.

Ahead of the anniversary of his arrest, Russia last week added two of the opposition leader's closest aides to a list of "terrorists and extremists".

Ivan Zhdanov, 33, led Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which produced hugely popular video probes accusing the authorities of systemic graft, while 41-year-old Leonid Volkov headed Navalny's network of regional offices.

Both of those organisations were banned by Russian courts and shuttered by staff fearing prosecution.&nbsp; 
Last month, investigators questioned several former regional Navalny coordinators, including Ksenia Fadeyeva, who is also a local lawmaker in the Siberian city of Tomsk.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny, the fiercest critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that he did not regret returning to Russia. Navalny was detained in a Moscow airport on his return to Russia from Germany on January 17 last year, ushering in a months-long crackdown that has seen his most prominent allies imprisoned or exiled.

Alexei Navalny, the fiercest critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that he did not regret returning to Russia. Navalny was detained in a Moscow airport on his return to Russia from Germany on January 17 last year, ushering in a months-long crackdown that has seen his most prominent allies imprisoned or exiled. "I don't regret it for a second," Navalny wrote in a post on Instagram from a penal colony outside Moscow. "Having served my first year in prison, I want to tell everyone exactly what I shouted to those gathered outside the court when a convoy led me to a police van: don't be afraid of anything," Navalny added. "This is our country and we have no other." Navalny's August 2020 poisoning with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok and his subsequent arrest sparked widespread condemnation abroad as well as sanctions from Western capitals. Moscow has refused to open an investigation into the attempt on his life, claiming there is insufficient evidence to open a probe and blaming Berlin for not cooperating. On his return to Russia Navalny was jailed for more than two years on old fraud charges he says are politically motivated. Ahead of the anniversary of his arrest, Russia last week added two of the opposition leader's closest aides to a list of "terrorists and extremists". Ivan Zhdanov, 33, led Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which produced hugely popular video probes accusing the authorities of systemic graft, while 41-year-old Leonid Volkov headed Navalny's network of regional offices. Both of those organisations were banned by Russian courts and shuttered by staff fearing prosecution. Last month, investigators questioned several former regional Navalny coordinators, including Ksenia Fadeyeva, who is also a local lawmaker in the Siberian city of Tomsk. (With inputs from agencies)

I don't regret Russia return, says Navalny a year after his arrest

Two Indians were among three dead in a suspected drone attack in AbuDhabi on Monday. The drone attack set off a blast and fire. Third person who was killed was a Pakistani.

Three petrol tanks exploded near the storage facility of oil giant ADNOC, while a fire ignited in a construction area at Abu Dhabi airport.

Police said "small flying objects" were found at both places, suggesting the sort of deliberate attack that is unheard of in the wealthy UAE, a renowned safe haven in the volatile Middle East.

"Preliminary investigations indicate the detection of small flying objects, possibly belonging to drones, that fell in the two areas and may have caused the explosion and fire," police said in a statement, adding that the incidents were under investigation.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels did not claim the attacks. But the Huthis' military spokesman announced a "military operation" in the UAE, a partner in Yemen's pro-government coalition, in what would be a major escalation in the seven-year war.

Yahya Saree tweeted that the rebels' armed forces had said they would "announce an important military operation in the UAE in the coming hours".

Drone attacks are a hallmark of the Huthis' assaults on Saudi Arabia, the UAE ally which is leading the coalition fighting for Yemen's government in a grinding civil war.

The rebels have previously threatened to target Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the gleaming crown jewels of the UAE which last year opened its first nuclear power plant.

The Huthis' latest statement comes two weeks after they seized a UAE-flagged ship, the Rwabee, off the Yemen coast, and released footage purporting to show military equipment on board.

The UAE said the Rwabee, whose 11 crew are now hostages, was a "civilian cargo vessel" and called the hijacking a "dangerous escalation" in the busy Red Sea shipping route.

The rebels later rejected a UN Security Council demand for the ship's immediate release, saying it was "not carrying... toys for children but weapons for extremists".

Yemen's conflict has been a catastrophe for millions of its citizens who have fled their homes, with many on the brink of famine, in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The UAE joined the coalition against the Huthis before announcing a change of tack in 2019.&nbsp;

The pro-government Giants Brigade, backed by the Saudis and UAE, recently delivered a significant blow to the rebels by retaking three districts in Shabwa governorate.

The clashes were part of a surge in violence in the shattered country, where the war is being fought on several fronts.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Two Indians were among three dead in a suspected drone attack in AbuDhabi on Monday. The drone attack set off a blast and fire. Third person who was killed was a Pakistani.

Two Indians were among three dead in a suspected drone attack in AbuDhabi on Monday. The drone attack set off a blast and fire. Third person who was killed was a Pakistani. Three petrol tanks exploded near the storage facility of oil giant ADNOC, while a fire ignited in a construction area at Abu Dhabi airport. Police said "small flying objects" were found at both places, suggesting the sort of deliberate attack that is unheard of in the wealthy UAE, a renowned safe haven in the volatile Middle East. "Preliminary investigations indicate the detection of small flying objects, possibly belonging to drones, that fell in the two areas and may have caused the explosion and fire," police said in a statement, adding that the incidents were under investigation. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels did not claim the attacks. But the Huthis' military spokesman announced a "military operation" in the UAE, a partner in Yemen's pro-government coalition, in what would be a major escalation in the seven-year war. Yahya Saree tweeted that the rebels' armed forces had said they would "announce an important military operation in the UAE in the coming hours". Drone attacks are a hallmark of the Huthis' assaults on Saudi Arabia, the UAE ally which is leading the coalition fighting for Yemen's government in a grinding civil war. The rebels have previously threatened to target Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the gleaming crown jewels of the UAE which last year opened its first nuclear power plant. The Huthis' latest statement comes two weeks after they seized a UAE-flagged ship, the Rwabee, off the Yemen coast, and released footage purporting to show military equipment on board. The UAE said the Rwabee, whose 11 crew are now hostages, was a "civilian cargo vessel" and called the hijacking a "dangerous escalation" in the busy Red Sea shipping route. The rebels later rejected a UN Security Council demand for the ship's immediate release, saying it was "not carrying... toys for children but weapons for extremists". Yemen's conflict has been a catastrophe for millions of its citizens who have fled their homes, with many on the brink of famine, in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The UAE joined the coalition against the Huthis before announcing a change of tack in 2019. The pro-government Giants Brigade, backed by the Saudis and UAE, recently delivered a significant blow to the rebels by retaking three districts in Shabwa governorate. The clashes were part of a surge in violence in the shattered country, where the war is being fought on several fronts. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE: Two Indians among three killed in suspected drone attack

The Philippine foreign minister said on Sunday that Myanmar's deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi was 'indispensable' for restoring democracy in the country.

Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted in a military coup on February 1 last year. She was sentenced to four years in prison after having been convicted on January 10.

The junta court has since hit Suu Kyi, 76, with five new corruption charges -- adding to a slew of cases against her.&nbsp;

While several Western countries, including the United States and Norway, have slammed the latest sentencing, Southeast Asian leaders have been largely silent.&nbsp;

Philippines Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin broke ranks Sunday, tweeting he had adopted "as my own" a statement by his Norwegian counterpart Anniken Huitfeldt that condemned the sentencing.&nbsp;

"Suu Kyi is indispensable in a democratic restoration that will pose no threat of anarchy, dissolution, and civil conflict," Locsin said, adding Myanmar's armed forces "have nothing to fear".

Locsin also backed the recent visit to Myanmar by Cambodia's strongman ruler Hun Sen -- the first by a foreign leader since the coup -- highlighting regional tensions over how to deal with the crisis-hit nation.

Critics said the visit by Hun Sen, whose country holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), risked legitimising the junta and undermining efforts to isolate the generals.&nbsp;

But Locsin said Hun Sen achieved "headways" and "deserves wholehearted support".

ASEAN has sought to help Myanmar, agreeing to a "five-point consensus" last year aimed at defusing the crisis, but the generals have shown little sign of changing course.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippine foreign minister said on Sunday that Myanmar's deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi was 'indispensable' for restoring democracy in the country.

The Philippine foreign minister said on Sunday that Myanmar's deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi was 'indispensable' for restoring democracy in the country. Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government was ousted in a military coup on February 1 last year. She was sentenced to four years in prison after having been convicted on January 10. The junta court has since hit Suu Kyi, 76, with five new corruption charges -- adding to a slew of cases against her. While several Western countries, including the United States and Norway, have slammed the latest sentencing, Southeast Asian leaders have been largely silent. Philippines Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin broke ranks Sunday, tweeting he had adopted "as my own" a statement by his Norwegian counterpart Anniken Huitfeldt that condemned the sentencing. "Suu Kyi is indispensable in a democratic restoration that will pose no threat of anarchy, dissolution, and civil conflict," Locsin said, adding Myanmar's armed forces "have nothing to fear". Locsin also backed the recent visit to Myanmar by Cambodia's strongman ruler Hun Sen -- the first by a foreign leader since the coup -- highlighting regional tensions over how to deal with the crisis-hit nation. Critics said the visit by Hun Sen, whose country holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), risked legitimising the junta and undermining efforts to isolate the generals. But Locsin said Hun Sen achieved "headways" and "deserves wholehearted support". ASEAN has sought to help Myanmar, agreeing to a "five-point consensus" last year aimed at defusing the crisis, but the generals have shown little sign of changing course. (With inputs from agencies)

Suu Kyi 'indispensable' for democracy in Myanmar, says the Philippines

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'.&nbsp;

Nehammer, a conservative who took office in December, said those who didn't comply would face a hefty fine.

"We will decide on compulsory vaccination as planned. It will come into force at the beginning of February" for adults, he told a news conference.

Austria has seen debate on the issue ever since plans for compulsory vaccinations were first announced last year.

To date 71.5 percent of eligible Austrian residents have had their jabs -- several percentage points below many of the country's EU neighbours.

Nehammer acknowledged the decision covered "a totally sensitive topic" but said it followed careful consideration.

He warned that after an "entry phase" for the policy, restrictions would be "tightened accordingly" in mid-March on those holding out against the jab, including fines of between 600-3,600 euros ($684-$4,100).

On Saturday, about 27,000 people held demonstrations against compulsory vaccination measure. Opponents dub the compulsion as an attack on personal freedoms.

On Thursday Parliament is due to pass into law a bill which initially was set to cover all people from 14 upwards but now will cover adults only.

Exceptions will be made for pregnant women and those who can show they have a medical exemption.

The government has widespread support for a policy which only the far-right is opposing.

Austria has to date seen almost 14,000 Covid-related deaths and 1.4 million cases in a population of some nine million.

Compulsory vaccinations against Covid remain rare worldwide, though Ecuador, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Micronesia have introduced such schemes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'. Nehammer, a conservative who took office in December, said those who didn't comply would face a hefty fine. "We will decide on compulsory vaccination as planned. It will come into force at the beginning of February" for adults, he told a news conference. Austria has seen debate on the issue ever since plans for compulsory vaccinations were first announced last year. To date 71.5 percent of eligible Austrian residents have had their jabs -- several percentage points below many of the country's EU neighbours. Nehammer acknowledged the decision covered "a totally sensitive topic" but said it followed careful consideration. He warned that after an "entry phase" for the policy, restrictions would be "tightened accordingly" in mid-March on those holding out against the jab, including fines of between 600-3,600 euros ($684-$4,100). On Saturday, about 27,000 people held demonstrations against compulsory vaccination measure. Opponents dub the compulsion as an attack on personal freedoms. On Thursday Parliament is due to pass into law a bill which initially was set to cover all people from 14 upwards but now will cover adults only. Exceptions will be made for pregnant women and those who can show they have a medical exemption. The government has widespread support for a policy which only the far-right is opposing. Austria has to date seen almost 14,000 Covid-related deaths and 1.4 million cases in a population of some nine million. Compulsory vaccinations against Covid remain rare worldwide, though Ecuador, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Micronesia have introduced such schemes. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccination to be compulsory from February, says Austrian chancellor

Al Jazeera said on Sunday that Sudan revoked the license of Al Jazeera Mubasher, part of the Qatar-based network. The authorities accused the network of 'unprofessional' TV coverage of protests against the military coup.

"The Sudanese authorities announce they revoked the accreditation of Al Jazeera Mubasher and barred its team from working in Sudan," tweeted the news channel.

Political unrest has gripped Sudan since the October 25 military coup led by Sudan's top military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The military coup has triggered mass protests demanding civilian rule. Military has responded with brutal crackdown.

At least 64 protesters have been killed, according to pro-democracy medics, and a police officer has also lost his life.

Al Jazeera has given prominent coverage to the demonstrations and late last year also aired an interview with Burhan.

In November, days after the interview, it said that its Khartoum bureau chief Al-Musalami al-Kabbashi had been arrested at his home.

Kabbashi was released three days later with no official charges announced against him.

The editor-in-chief of the armed forces newspaper Ibrahim al-Hory later accused Kabbashi of publishing "false" information and of airing "old video footage... that instigated strife" in the country.

Burhan declared a state of emergency on October 25, ousted the government and detained the civilian leadership.

Prime Minister Abdulla Hamdok was placed under house arrest but later reinstated in a deal with the military.

Hamdok then resigned on January 2 warning that Sudan was at a dangerous crossroads threatening its very "survival".

Burhan has insisted the military's move "was not a coup" but a push to "rectify the course of the transition".

(With inputs from agencies)

Al Jazeera said on Sunday that Sudan revoked the license of Al Jazeera Mubasher, part of the Qatar-based network. The authorities accused the network of 'unprofessional' TV coverage of protests against the military coup.

Al Jazeera said on Sunday that Sudan revoked the license of Al Jazeera Mubasher, part of the Qatar-based network. The authorities accused the network of 'unprofessional' TV coverage of protests against the military coup. "The Sudanese authorities announce they revoked the accreditation of Al Jazeera Mubasher and barred its team from working in Sudan," tweeted the news channel. Political unrest has gripped Sudan since the October 25 military coup led by Sudan's top military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The military coup has triggered mass protests demanding civilian rule. Military has responded with brutal crackdown. At least 64 protesters have been killed, according to pro-democracy medics, and a police officer has also lost his life. Al Jazeera has given prominent coverage to the demonstrations and late last year also aired an interview with Burhan. In November, days after the interview, it said that its Khartoum bureau chief Al-Musalami al-Kabbashi had been arrested at his home. Kabbashi was released three days later with no official charges announced against him. The editor-in-chief of the armed forces newspaper Ibrahim al-Hory later accused Kabbashi of publishing "false" information and of airing "old video footage... that instigated strife" in the country. Burhan declared a state of emergency on October 25, ousted the government and detained the civilian leadership. Prime Minister Abdulla Hamdok was placed under house arrest but later reinstated in a deal with the military. Hamdok then resigned on January 2 warning that Sudan was at a dangerous crossroads threatening its very "survival". Burhan has insisted the military's move "was not a coup" but a push to "rectify the course of the transition". (With inputs from agencies)

Sudan: License of Al Jazeera live TV unit revoked

Buckingham Palace said on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth the Second's son Prince Andrew's honorary military titles and charitable roles had been returned to the Queen. Prince Andrew is currently facing a US civil case for sexual assault.

"With The Queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen," a statement published on British Royal Family's verified Instagram handle said.

The statement added that Prince Andrew would fight allegations against him as a private citizen

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The announcement came after a judge in New York on Wednesday ruled against the 61-year-old prince, who had tried to have the case against him thrown out.

Andrew, a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot who flew in the 1982 Falklands War, is accused of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre when she was 17.

Giuffre alleges the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein lent her out for sex with his wealthy and powerful associates.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-next-for-britains-prince-andrew-as-us-court-denies-plea-to-dismiss-sex-assault-case-444285">What's next for Britain's Prince Andrew as US court denies plea to dismiss sex assault case?</a> 
 
Andrew, who is ninth in line to the throne, was forced to step back from royal duties in late 2019, after a disastrous television interview in which he tried to defend his links to Epstein.

Public outrage at the time saw several charities and associations distance themselves from him, and he has since repeatedly denied Giuffre's allegations.

He has rarely been seen in public since the television interview.

On Thursday, he was seen being driven from his house near Windsor Castle, west of London, an AFP photographer said.

The announcement came after more than 150 Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and British Army veterans wrote to the Queen, calling on her to strip Andrew of his ranks and titles in the armed forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

Buckingham Palace said on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth the Second's son Prince Andrew's honorary military titles and charitable roles had been returned to the Queen.

Buckingham Palace said on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth the Second's son Prince Andrew's honorary military titles and charitable roles had been returned to the Queen. Prince Andrew is currently facing a US civil case for sexual assault. "With The Queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen," a statement published on British Royal Family's verified Instagram handle said. The statement added that Prince Andrew would fight allegations against him as a private citizen View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) × The announcement came after a judge in New York on Wednesday ruled against the 61-year-old prince, who had tried to have the case against him thrown out. Andrew, a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot who flew in the 1982 Falklands War, is accused of sexually assaulting Virginia Giuffre when she was 17. Giuffre alleges the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein lent her out for sex with his wealthy and powerful associates. Also Read | What's next for Britain's Prince Andrew as US court denies plea to dismiss sex assault case? Andrew, who is ninth in line to the throne, was forced to step back from royal duties in late 2019, after a disastrous television interview in which he tried to defend his links to Epstein. Public outrage at the time saw several charities and associations distance themselves from him, and he has since repeatedly denied Giuffre's allegations. He has rarely been seen in public since the television interview. On Thursday, he was seen being driven from his house near Windsor Castle, west of London, an AFP photographer said. The announcement came after more than 150 Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and British Army veterans wrote to the Queen, calling on her to strip Andrew of his ranks and titles in the armed forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Sex assault case fallout: Prince Andrew's military titles, patronages returned to Queen Elizabeth

Hong Kong will create a host of new national security crimes, the city's leader said Wednesday, as she presided over the first session of a new "patriots only" legislature scrubbed of political opposition.

The legislation will add to a sweeping national security law imposed directly on Hong Kong by Beijing that has transformed the international finance hub and empowered authorities to carry out a widespread crackdown on dissent.

The current national security law defines four crimes -- secession, subversion, terrorism and colluding with foreign forces -- and offenders can face up to life in prison.

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But on Wednesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam confirmed that her government would create new "local legislation" that meets Article 23 of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, which calls for the city to pass its own national security laws.

"Article 23 legislative work is part of Hong Kong's constitutional duty and cannot be further delayed," Lam told lawmakers, adding that the government aimed to publish a draft by June.

Lam did not outline what the new crimes would be.

But the specific offences Article 23 lists are treason, secession, sedition, subversion and theft of state secrets.&nbsp;

It also includes prohibiting any foreign political organisations from conducting activities in Hong Kong or local political organisations establishing ties with similar overseas bodies.

No opposition

China imposed its own security law after huge and sometimes violent democracy protests swept Hong Kong in 2019, saying it was needed to restore order and would only affect a "tiny minority".

It has begun transforming Hong Kong into a mirror of the authoritarian mainland, criminalising much dissent, setting new legal precedents and sparking sanctions by Western governments who argue it has trashed the city's freedoms and autonomy.

It also empowered China's mainland security apparatus to operate openly in the city, and allows the government to freeze the assets of any company or individual deemed to be a national security threat.

Most of Hong Kong's best-known democracy activists are in jail, have quit politics or have fled overseas.

The vast majority of national security charges revolve around people holding or vocalising political views now deemed illegal.

In 2003, an attempt by Hong Kong's government to pass its own national security law sparked large protests and was eventually aborted -- which is why Beijing imposed a law directly on the city in 2020.

It is unlikely the city government will face much opposition in passing the new law.

Under new "patriots only" political rules also imposed by Beijing, the city's legislature has been cleared of any opposition.

All lawmakers are now vetted for political loyalty before standing, and only 20 seats are directly elected. Just one of the 90 vetted legislators who were selected in polls last month describes himself as "non-establishment".

Prevent and punish

A small committee of Beijing loyalists will choose Hong Kong's next leader in March, and Lam has not yet said whether she will stand for a second term.

Her first term ends in June.

On Wednesday, Lam said it would be difficult for the new national security bill to be completed by the end of her first term, meaning the legislation will probably fall to her successor.

Addressing a chamber whose walls now bear China's red-and-gold national emblem -- placed above the city's official seal -- Lam praised Beijing's security law.

"Its function now is to act as an anchor to guarantee stability, to let people know there are consequences," she told lawmakers, adding the new legislation would be similarly "well written".

"The law requires us to prevent, curb and punish crimes. If prevention is done well, we can punish less."&nbsp;

Hong Kong will create a host of new national security crimes, the city's leader said Wednesday, as she presided over the first session of a new "patriots only" legislature scrubbed of political opposition.

Hong Kong will create a host of new national security crimes, the city's leader said Wednesday, as she presided over the first session of a new "patriots only" legislature scrubbed of political opposition. The legislation will add to a sweeping national security law imposed directly on Hong Kong by Beijing that has transformed the international finance hub and empowered authorities to carry out a widespread crackdown on dissent. The current national security law defines four crimes -- secession, subversion, terrorism and colluding with foreign forces -- and offenders can face up to life in prison. × But on Wednesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam confirmed that her government would create new "local legislation" that meets Article 23 of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, which calls for the city to pass its own national security laws. "Article 23 legislative work is part of Hong Kong's constitutional duty and cannot be further delayed," Lam told lawmakers, adding that the government aimed to publish a draft by June. Lam did not outline what the new crimes would be. But the specific offences Article 23 lists are treason, secession, sedition, subversion and theft of state secrets. It also includes prohibiting any foreign political organisations from conducting activities in Hong Kong or local political organisations establishing ties with similar overseas bodies. No opposition China imposed its own security law after huge and sometimes violent democracy protests swept Hong Kong in 2019, saying it was needed to restore order and would only affect a "tiny minority". It has begun transforming Hong Kong into a mirror of the authoritarian mainland, criminalising much dissent, setting new legal precedents and sparking sanctions by Western governments who argue it has trashed the city's freedoms and autonomy. It also empowered China's mainland security apparatus to operate openly in the city, and allows the government to freeze the assets of any company or individual deemed to be a national security threat. Most of Hong Kong's best-known democracy activists are in jail, have quit politics or have fled overseas. The vast majority of national security charges revolve around people holding or vocalising political views now deemed illegal. In 2003, an attempt by Hong Kong's government to pass its own national security law sparked large protests and was eventually aborted -- which is why Beijing imposed a law directly on the city in 2020. It is unlikely the city government will face much opposition in passing the new law. Under new "patriots only" political rules also imposed by Beijing, the city's legislature has been cleared of any opposition. All lawmakers are now vetted for political loyalty before standing, and only 20 seats are directly elected. Just one of the 90 vetted legislators who were selected in polls last month describes himself as "non-establishment". Prevent and punish A small committee of Beijing loyalists will choose Hong Kong's next leader in March, and Lam has not yet said whether she will stand for a second term. Her first term ends in June. On Wednesday, Lam said it would be difficult for the new national security bill to be completed by the end of her first term, meaning the legislation will probably fall to her successor. Addressing a chamber whose walls now bear China's red-and-gold national emblem -- placed above the city's official seal -- Lam praised Beijing's security law. "Its function now is to act as an anchor to guarantee stability, to let people know there are consequences," she told lawmakers, adding the new legislation would be similarly "well written". "The law requires us to prevent, curb and punish crimes. If prevention is done well, we can punish less."

Hong Kong to create more national security crimes

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Zee News Rajasthan

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