Israel and Greece have signed their biggest ever defence procurement deal, which Israel said on Sunday would strengthen political and economic ties between the countries and the two countries` air forces launched a joint exercise.

The agreement includes a $1.65 billion contract for the establishment and operation of a training centre for the Hellenic Air Force by Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems over a 22-year period, Israel`s defence ministry said.

The training centre will be modeled on Israel`s own flight academy and will be equipped with 10 M-346 training aircraft produced by Italian company Leonardo, the ministry said.

Elbit will supply kits to upgrade and operate Greece`s T-6 aircraft and also provide training, simulators and logistical support.

"I am certain that (this programme) will upgrade the capabilities and strengthen the economies of Israel and Greece and thus the partnership between our two countries will deepen on the defence, economic and political levels," said Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz.

The announcement follows a meeting in Cyprus on Friday between the UAE, Greek, Cypriot and Israeli foreign ministers, who agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries.

The Israeli and Greek air forces launched a joint exercise in Greece, the Israeli military said.

In at least one past exercise over Greece, Israeli fighter planes practiced against an S-300 posted on Crete.&nbsp; 
The Russian-made air defence system is also deployed in Syria and Iran, Israel’s foes. An Israeli military spokesman did not immediately respond to a Reuters query on whether the air force had again trained against the Greek S-300 in the latest exercise.

Israel and Greece have signed their biggest ever defence procurement deal, which Israel said on Sunday would strengthen political and economic ties between the countries and the two countries` air forces launched a joint exercise.

Israel and Greece have signed their biggest ever defence procurement deal, which Israel said on Sunday would strengthen political and economic ties between the countries and the two countries` air forces launched a joint exercise. The agreement includes a $1.65 billion contract for the establishment and operation of a training centre for the Hellenic Air Force by Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems over a 22-year period, Israel`s defence ministry said. The training centre will be modeled on Israel`s own flight academy and will be equipped with 10 M-346 training aircraft produced by Italian company Leonardo, the ministry said. Elbit will supply kits to upgrade and operate Greece`s T-6 aircraft and also provide training, simulators and logistical support. "I am certain that (this programme) will upgrade the capabilities and strengthen the economies of Israel and Greece and thus the partnership between our two countries will deepen on the defence, economic and political levels," said Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz. The announcement follows a meeting in Cyprus on Friday between the UAE, Greek, Cypriot and Israeli foreign ministers, who agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries. The Israeli and Greek air forces launched a joint exercise in Greece, the Israeli military said. In at least one past exercise over Greece, Israeli fighter planes practiced against an S-300 posted on Crete. The Russian-made air defence system is also deployed in Syria and Iran, Israel’s foes. An Israeli military spokesman did not immediately respond to a Reuters query on whether the air force had again trained against the Greek S-300 in the latest exercise.

Israel and Greece sign record defence deal

The United States said on Sunday it stood with the Czech Republic after it expelled Russia diplomats and accused Moscow of being behind an explosion at a Czech ammunition dump.

"The U.S. stands with the Czech Republic in its firm response against Russia’s subversive actions on Czech soil," said State Department spokesman Ned Price in a statement on Twitter.

"We must act firmly in response to Russian actions that compromise the territorial integrity, energy security, or critical infrastructure of our allies and partners."

The United States said on Sunday it stood with the Czech Republic after it expelled Russia diplomats and accused Moscow of being behind an explosion at a Czech ammunition dump.

The United States said on Sunday it stood with the Czech Republic after it expelled Russia diplomats and accused Moscow of being behind an explosion at a Czech ammunition dump. "The U.S. stands with the Czech Republic in its firm response against Russia’s subversive actions on Czech soil," said State Department spokesman Ned Price in a statement on Twitter. "We must act firmly in response to Russian actions that compromise the territorial integrity, energy security, or critical infrastructure of our allies and partners."

US stands with Czech Republic's response to 'Russia's subversive actions'

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. He mety his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral economic co-opeartion and other issues of mutual and regional interest.

"Delighted to meet FM @ABZayed. Look forward to our discussions," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Delighted to meet FM <a href="https://twitter.com/ABZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABZayed</a>. Look forward to our discussions. <a href="https://t.co/VdHlKryhzO">pic.twitter.com/VdHlKryhzO</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1383831359500611588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Jaishankar's visit coincides with the ongoing trip of his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi to UAE. There have been media reports that UAE was holding back channel talks to restart dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Jaishankar had earlier visited UAE on November 25 and 26 amid coronavirus pandemic. He had met Al Nahyan at that time as well.

Jaishankar's current visit to Abu Dhabi comes days after the Emirati ambassador to the US Yousef al-Otaiba said that the UAE played a role in bringing down the tension between India and Pakistan and getting their bilateral ties back to a "healthy functional relationship".

"They might not sort of become best friends but at least we want to get it to a level where it's functional, where it's operational, where they are speaking to each other," al-Otaiba said during a virtual discussion with Stanford University's Hoover Institution on Wednesday.

Qureshi is in the UAE on a three-day visit during which he will hold discussions with the country's leadership on all areas of bilateral cooperation including collaboration in trade and investment.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. He mety his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral economic co-opeartion and other issues of mutual and regional interest.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. He mety his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral economic co-opeartion and other issues of mutual and regional interest. "Delighted to meet FM @ABZayed. Look forward to our discussions," Jaishankar tweeted. Delighted to meet FM @ABZayed. Look forward to our discussions. pic.twitter.com/VdHlKryhzO — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2021 × Jaishankar's visit coincides with the ongoing trip of his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi to UAE. There have been media reports that UAE was holding back channel talks to restart dialogue between India and Pakistan. Jaishankar had earlier visited UAE on November 25 and 26 amid coronavirus pandemic. He had met Al Nahyan at that time as well. Jaishankar's current visit to Abu Dhabi comes days after the Emirati ambassador to the US Yousef al-Otaiba said that the UAE played a role in bringing down the tension between India and Pakistan and getting their bilateral ties back to a "healthy functional relationship". "They might not sort of become best friends but at least we want to get it to a level where it's functional, where it's operational, where they are speaking to each other," al-Otaiba said during a virtual discussion with Stanford University's Hoover Institution on Wednesday. Qureshi is in the UAE on a three-day visit during which he will hold discussions with the country's leadership on all areas of bilateral cooperation including collaboration in trade and investment. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar arrives in Abu Dhabi

The Philippines has lifted a suspension on the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine for people under 60, an official said Monday, arguing "the benefits outweigh the risk" as the country battles record infections.&nbsp;

Several countries suspended use of the drug after it was linked to rare but serious blood clotting.

Most have subsequently resumed after the European Medicines Agency, emphasised the benefits of the jab, judging it "safe and effective".

Philippine Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said the drug regulator had recommended "extra precautions" for administering the shot to people with certain existing health conditions.&nbsp;

"We need to recall that only a very small percentage of the population is affected by adverse effects from AstraZeneca," Vergeire told reporters.

"We will come up with guidelines on the use of AstraZeneca to include these different precautions that was stated by the Food and Drug Administration."

The Philippines has received around three million doses of Covid-19 vaccines so far -- the vast majority from China's Sinovac.

It also got 525,600 AstraZeneca doses through the Covax programme, according to official data.

The country expects another three million AstraZeneca doses in the coming months.&nbsp;

More than 1.2 million people have received their first dose of a vaccine, most of them health workers, official data shows.&nbsp;

Fewer than 200,000 people are fully vaccinated seven weeks after inoculations started.&nbsp;

President Rodrigo Duterte's government has been skewered by critics over its handling of the pandemic and efforts to secure vaccines.

A lockdown in the capital and four surrounding provinces has been in place for the past three weeks in a bid to curb the spread of the virus and decongest hospitals.&nbsp;

The roughly three million vaccine doses received so far represent a fraction of the shots Manila has been negotiating with seven manufacturers to secure.&nbsp;

The bulk of the supply is not expected until later this year.

But Duterte said last week he did not know when the country would have enough doses to vaccinate everyone, warning "many more will die".

The Philippines recorded more than 9,600 new infections on Monday, taking its caseload to 945,745, including just over 16,000 deaths. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Philippines has lifted a suspension on the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine for people under 60, an official said Monday, arguing "the benefits outweigh the risk" as the country battles record infections.

The Philippines has lifted a suspension on the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine for people under 60, an official said Monday, arguing "the benefits outweigh the risk" as the country battles record infections. Several countries suspended use of the drug after it was linked to rare but serious blood clotting. Most have subsequently resumed after the European Medicines Agency, emphasised the benefits of the jab, judging it "safe and effective". Philippine Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said the drug regulator had recommended "extra precautions" for administering the shot to people with certain existing health conditions. "We need to recall that only a very small percentage of the population is affected by adverse effects from AstraZeneca," Vergeire told reporters. "We will come up with guidelines on the use of AstraZeneca to include these different precautions that was stated by the Food and Drug Administration." The Philippines has received around three million doses of Covid-19 vaccines so far -- the vast majority from China's Sinovac. It also got 525,600 AstraZeneca doses through the Covax programme, according to official data. The country expects another three million AstraZeneca doses in the coming months. More than 1.2 million people have received their first dose of a vaccine, most of them health workers, official data shows. Fewer than 200,000 people are fully vaccinated seven weeks after inoculations started. President Rodrigo Duterte's government has been skewered by critics over its handling of the pandemic and efforts to secure vaccines. A lockdown in the capital and four surrounding provinces has been in place for the past three weeks in a bid to curb the spread of the virus and decongest hospitals. The roughly three million vaccine doses received so far represent a fraction of the shots Manila has been negotiating with seven manufacturers to secure. The bulk of the supply is not expected until later this year. But Duterte said last week he did not know when the country would have enough doses to vaccinate everyone, warning "many more will die". The Philippines recorded more than 9,600 new infections on Monday, taking its caseload to 945,745, including just over 16,000 deaths.

Philippines lifts suspension on AstraZeneca vaccine for under 60s

In a major development, all Indians above the age 18 will be eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines. The vaccination drive was initially focused on the middle aged and the elderly. In other news, former Indian PM Manmohan Singh was found COVID positive. NASA made history on Monday as its ingenuity helicopter flew over Mars. This is the first-ever powered flight on the red planet. Read this and more in out Top 10 World News.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-give-covid-19-vaccines-to-all-above-18-from-may-1-in-major-boost-to-fight-against-pandemic-378655">COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to everyone above 18 in India</a>

<img alt="COVID" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6df7d948-9b91-4cb9-8b4a-d515c7f03906" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/vaccine_4.JPG" />

It was decided in a meeting chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi that everyone above 18 years of age will be administered COVID vaccine

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-ingenuity-helicopter-successfully-takes-flight-over-mars-378615">Giant flight for mankind: NASA's Ingenuity helicopter flies successfully over Mars</a>

<img alt="nasa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6060ec69-22b3-4acd-bc66-a88373ba9e57" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ingenuity.JPG" />

A short clip sent back by Perseverance rover showed the helicopter hovering over the surface of Mars

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-indian-pm-manmohan-singh-tests-positive-for-covid-19-378650">Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19</a>

<img alt="Manmohan Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3452ac7b-6ebc-429d-ad58-6453bc649c68" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Manmohan%20Singh.JPG" />

He has been admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-pm-boris-johnson-cancels-visit-to-india-over-covid-surge-for-the-second-time-378586">British PM Boris Johnson cancels visit to India over COVID surge, for the second time</a>

<img alt="Boris Johnson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4704a60a-97ab-4bb7-becc-21cb22b00a92" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Boris%20Johnson_4.JPG" />

Johnson had already postponed the trip once from January, when COVID-19 infections were high in Britain

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-tv-shows-bruised-protesters-leading-to-outcry-378645">Myanmar military TV shows bruised protesters, leading to outcry</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-tv-shows-bruised-protesters-leading-to-outcry-378645"><img alt="Myanmar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d12f45-d52f-4007-8877-02d5816ea6ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Myanmar%20bruised.JPG" /></a> 
 
Images carried on Sunday by &nbsp;junta-owned MRTV showed six detainees, including two women. Their faces appeared swollen, bloodied or bruised.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-20-czech-diplomats-in-retaliation-for-prague-expulsions-378589">Russia expels 20 Czech diplomats in retaliation for Prague expulsions</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-20-czech-diplomats-in-retaliation-for-prague-expulsions-378589"><img alt="Czech" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c11d948a-f4c6-470f-b573-f15452f441cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Czech.JPG" /></a> 
 
In Moscow, Russia’s foreign ministry summoned the Czech ambassador over Prague’s expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-declares-state-of-emergency-in-amhara-deploys-troops-to-quell-ethnic-violence-378661">Ethiopia declares state of emergency in Amhara, deploys troops to quell ethnic violence&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Ethiopia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d30facd-ec0c-4e9e-9bb8-1cee0cc6726f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ethiopia_1.JPG" />

Ethiopia's military said on Sunday it was deploying troops to quell violence between the country's two largest ethnic groups that have left hundreds dead in recent weeks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/japan-seeks-release-of-journalist-arrested-in-myanmar-for-second-time-378647">Japan seeks release of journalist arrested in Myanmar for second time</a>

<img alt="Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eda7db36-6530-4eb0-aff1-5063fed93800" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Japan_1.JPG" />

Media reports identified the journalist as Yuki Kitazumi, who runs a media production company, Yangon Media Professionals

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-cracks-down-on-islamist-hardliners-after-india-pm-protests-378659">Bangladesh cracks down on Islamist hardliners after India PM protests&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Bangladesh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="041a5b73-2583-42aa-a41d-ff04bd4a6955" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bangladesh_1.JPG" />

The leaders were expected to be charged with the outbreak of violence during the anti-Modi protests and demonstrations in 2013 that left nearly 50 people dead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-who-said-covid-was-a-hoax-dies-from-virus-after-hosting-illegal-parties-378585">Man who said Covid was a hoax dies from virus after hosting illegal parties</a>

<img alt="Hoax" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="364ca742-6e59-4bc5-9669-6db16f7cbe4c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coronavirus_1.JPG" />

Gaarder had used various social media channels to peddle false information relating to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the US election in 2020

In a major development, all Indians above the age 18 will be eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines. The vaccination drive was initially focused on the middle aged and the elderly.

In a major development, all Indians above the age 18 will be eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines. The vaccination drive was initially focused on the middle aged and the elderly. In other news, former Indian PM Manmohan Singh was found COVID positive. NASA made history on Monday as its ingenuity helicopter flew over Mars. This is the first-ever powered flight on the red planet. Read this and more in out Top 10 World News. COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to everyone above 18 in India It was decided in a meeting chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi that everyone above 18 years of age will be administered COVID vaccine Giant flight for mankind: NASA's Ingenuity helicopter flies successfully over Mars A short clip sent back by Perseverance rover showed the helicopter hovering over the surface of Mars Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19 He has been admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi British PM Boris Johnson cancels visit to India over COVID surge, for the second time Johnson had already postponed the trip once from January, when COVID-19 infections were high in Britain Myanmar military TV shows bruised protesters, leading to outcry Images carried on Sunday by junta-owned MRTV showed six detainees, including two women. Their faces appeared swollen, bloodied or bruised. Russia expels 20 Czech diplomats in retaliation for Prague expulsions In Moscow, Russia’s foreign ministry summoned the Czech ambassador over Prague’s expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats. Ethiopia declares state of emergency in Amhara, deploys troops to quell ethnic violence Ethiopia's military said on Sunday it was deploying troops to quell violence between the country's two largest ethnic groups that have left hundreds dead in recent weeks Japan seeks release of journalist arrested in Myanmar for second time Media reports identified the journalist as Yuki Kitazumi, who runs a media production company, Yangon Media Professionals Bangladesh cracks down on Islamist hardliners after India PM protests The leaders were expected to be charged with the outbreak of violence during the anti-Modi protests and demonstrations in 2013 that left nearly 50 people dead Man who said Covid was a hoax dies from virus after hosting illegal parties Gaarder had used various social media channels to peddle false information relating to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the US election in 2020

Top 10 World News: India vaccination, NASA flies copter on Mars, and more

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19.

"Former PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID19, admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi," said an AIIMS official.

The news of Manmohan Singh's illness came just a day after he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the pandemic situation in the country.

He had urged Prime Minister Modi to "resist the temptation to look at the absolute number of vaccinations and focus on the percentage of the population vaccinated."

In the letter, Manmohan Singh had also listed out suggestions for consideration "in a spirit of constructive cooperation", that included publicising firm orders for doses placed on different vaccine producers and allowing states more flexibility to plan vaccination rollouts.

Coronavirus situation in India continues to deteriorate. The country has again reported highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. In last 24 hours, over 273,000 fresh infections and 1619 death have been recorded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19. "Former PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID19, admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi," said an AIIMS official. The news of Manmohan Singh's illness came just a day after he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the pandemic situation in the country. He had urged Prime Minister Modi to "resist the temptation to look at the absolute number of vaccinations and focus on the percentage of the population vaccinated." In the letter, Manmohan Singh had also listed out suggestions for consideration "in a spirit of constructive cooperation", that included publicising firm orders for doses placed on different vaccine producers and allowing states more flexibility to plan vaccination rollouts. Coronavirus situation in India continues to deteriorate. The country has again reported highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. In last 24 hours, over 273,000 fresh infections and 1619 death have been recorded. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19

German Chancellor Angela Merkel received her first dose of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine on Friday (April 16). Her spokesman made the announcement on Twitter.

"I am happy that I received the first vaccination with AstraZeneca," the Twitter post quoted Merkel, 66, as saying.

"Vaccinations are the key to overcoming the pandemic," she added in the quote.

AstraZeneca vaccine has been in news all over due to many cases of blood clot formation after administering vaccine dose

Questions over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine as well as another viral vector one made by Johnson &amp; Johnson threaten to undermine public confidence in the low-cost shots, which authorities had been counting on in the fight against a pandemic that has claimed more than 3 million lives worldwide.

Finance Minister Olaf Scholz also received a first shot of AstraZeneca's vaccine earlier on Friday.

Earlier on Friday, Merkel urged lawmakers at the German Parliament to approve new powers that would allow her to force coronavirus lockdowns and curfews on areas with high infection rates, saying a majority of Germans were in favour of stricter measures.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel received her first dose of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine on Friday (April 16). Her spokesman made the announcement on Twitter. "I am happy that I received the first vaccination with AstraZeneca," the Twitter post quoted Merkel, 66, as saying.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel received her first dose of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine on Friday (April 16). Her spokesman made the announcement on Twitter. "I am happy that I received the first vaccination with AstraZeneca," the Twitter post quoted Merkel, 66, as saying. "Vaccinations are the key to overcoming the pandemic," she added in the quote. AstraZeneca vaccine has been in news all over due to many cases of blood clot formation after administering vaccine dose Questions over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine as well as another viral vector one made by Johnson & Johnson threaten to undermine public confidence in the low-cost shots, which authorities had been counting on in the fight against a pandemic that has claimed more than 3 million lives worldwide. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz also received a first shot of AstraZeneca's vaccine earlier on Friday. Earlier on Friday, Merkel urged lawmakers at the German Parliament to approve new powers that would allow her to force coronavirus lockdowns and curfews on areas with high infection rates, saying a majority of Germans were in favour of stricter measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Angela Merkel receives first dose of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine

Ukrainian soldiers gearing up to repel Russian attack, if any, along the border. Although international pressure is increasing on Russia, Ukrainian soldiers say that they ready to counter any situation.

"We should only count on ourselves," Taras Mykytsey, a 52-year-old soldier, told AFP in the frontline village of Zaytseve north of the separatist stronghold Donetsk.

The separatists, who have carved out two "People's Republics" in eastern Ukraine, are backed by Russia.

"While we are waiting for something to be sent to us, Putin will not wait," added Mykytsey, sporting a helmet and a bulletproof vest.

Yuriy, a 29-year-old senior sergeant based near the town of Shchastya in the neighbouring Lugansk region, struck a similar note, saying he did not expect Western boots on the ground any time soon.

"What foreign country would want to send its people to their death?" he said.

Yuriy, who declined to give his last name, added that the Russian president would not buckle.

Faced with the largest deployment of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders since 2014, President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested more tangible help from the West, but many Ukrainian troops say they know they are on their own. The soldiers are sceptical that US sanctions and NATO warnings would have any effect on Russia.

US President Joe Biden has pledged his "unwavering support" to Zelensky, and Washington this week hit Moscow with new sanctions over US election interference and other hostile activity.

After talks in Paris on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Ukranian leader called for a four-way summit with Putin and the resumption of a ceasefire upended by a recent spate of clashes between Kiev troops and the separatists.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian soldiers gearing up to repel Russian attack, if any, along the border. Although international pressure is increasing on Russia, Ukrainian soldiers say that they ready to counter any situation.

Ukrainian soldiers gearing up to repel Russian attack, if any, along the border. Although international pressure is increasing on Russia, Ukrainian soldiers say that they ready to counter any situation. "We should only count on ourselves," Taras Mykytsey, a 52-year-old soldier, told AFP in the frontline village of Zaytseve north of the separatist stronghold Donetsk. The separatists, who have carved out two "People's Republics" in eastern Ukraine, are backed by Russia. "While we are waiting for something to be sent to us, Putin will not wait," added Mykytsey, sporting a helmet and a bulletproof vest. Yuriy, a 29-year-old senior sergeant based near the town of Shchastya in the neighbouring Lugansk region, struck a similar note, saying he did not expect Western boots on the ground any time soon. "What foreign country would want to send its people to their death?" he said. Yuriy, who declined to give his last name, added that the Russian president would not buckle. Faced with the largest deployment of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders since 2014, President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested more tangible help from the West, but many Ukrainian troops say they know they are on their own. The soldiers are sceptical that US sanctions and NATO warnings would have any effect on Russia. US President Joe Biden has pledged his "unwavering support" to Zelensky, and Washington this week hit Moscow with new sanctions over US election interference and other hostile activity. After talks in Paris on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Ukranian leader called for a four-way summit with Putin and the resumption of a ceasefire upended by a recent spate of clashes between Kiev troops and the separatists. (With inputs from agencies)

Ready to repel Russia, say Ukrainian troops

Alexei Navalny, the jailed Kremlin critic can 'die any minute' as a result of his rapidly deteriorating health, doctors warned on Saturday. They have urged immediate access to Navalny. He is on a hunger strike since March 31 to demand proper medical treatment for back pain and numbness in his legs and hands. He was jailed in February.

Navalny's personal doctor Anastasia Vasilyeva and three more doctors including cardiologist Yaroslav Ashikhmin have asked prison officials to grant them immediate access.

"Our patient can die any minute," Ashikhmin said on Facebook on Saturday, pointing to the opposition politician's high potassium levels and saying Navalny should be moved to intensive care.&nbsp;

"Fatal arrhythmia can develop any minute."&nbsp;

In August last year, Navalny survived poisoning with Novichok nerve agent. He has blamed the poisoning attempt on Kremlin.

'Alexei is dying'

Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh, who accompanied him when he collapsed on a plane after the poisoning in August, said the situation was critical again.

"Alexei is dying," she said on Facebook. "With his condition it's a matter of days."

She said she felt like she was "on that plane again, only this time it's landing in slow motion", pointing out that access to Navalny was restricted and few Russians were aware of what was actually going on with him in prison.

Alexei Navalny, the jailed Kremlin critic can 'die any minute' as a result of his rapidly deteriorating health, doctors warned on Saturday. They have urged immediate access to Navalny.

Alexei Navalny, the jailed Kremlin critic can 'die any minute' as a result of his rapidly deteriorating health, doctors warned on Saturday. They have urged immediate access to Navalny. He is on a hunger strike since March 31 to demand proper medical treatment for back pain and numbness in his legs and hands. He was jailed in February. Navalny's personal doctor Anastasia Vasilyeva and three more doctors including cardiologist Yaroslav Ashikhmin have asked prison officials to grant them immediate access. "Our patient can die any minute," Ashikhmin said on Facebook on Saturday, pointing to the opposition politician's high potassium levels and saying Navalny should be moved to intensive care. "Fatal arrhythmia can develop any minute." In August last year, Navalny survived poisoning with Novichok nerve agent. He has blamed the poisoning attempt on Kremlin. 'Alexei is dying' Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh, who accompanied him when he collapsed on a plane after the poisoning in August, said the situation was critical again. "Alexei is dying," she said on Facebook. "With his condition it's a matter of days." She said she felt like she was "on that plane again, only this time it's landing in slow motion", pointing out that access to Navalny was restricted and few Russians were aware of what was actually going on with him in prison.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny can 'die any minute', say doctors

Envoys participating in the negotiations to revive 2015 nuclear deal with Iran hailed progress of the talks on Saturday. The negotiations are going on in Vienna.

European Union envoy Enrique Mora said Saturday that "progress has been made in a far from easy task. We need now more detailed work".

Russian ambassador to Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov added that "participants took note with satisfaction of the progress made so far and expressed determination to continue negotiations with a view to complete the process&nbsp; 
successfully as soon as possible."

The discussions involved EU officials and representatives from Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and Iran.

The talks are aimed at determining which sanctions the United States should lift and the measures Iran has to take in order to rein in Tehran's nuclear programme.

Iran delegation head Abbas Araghchi remarked on Telegram that "a good discussion took place within the joint commission.

"It appears that a new agreement is taking shape and there is now a common final goal among all," he added.

Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, confirmed Iran was now producing uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, taking the country closer to the 90-percent level required for use in a nuclear weapon.

"The enrichment of uranium to 60 percent is underway" in Natanz, he was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying. 
Iran has repeatedly insisted it is not seeking atomic weapons, but it has gradually rolled back its nuclear commitments since 2019, the year after Washington withdrew from the accord and began imposing sanctions.

The nuclear deal was struck with Iran in 2015. Doubts were cast on its longevity after former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the deal.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Envoys participating in the negotiations to revive 2015 nuclear deal with Iran hailed progress of the talks on Saturday. The negotiations are going on in Vienna.

Envoys participating in the negotiations to revive 2015 nuclear deal with Iran hailed progress of the talks on Saturday. The negotiations are going on in Vienna. European Union envoy Enrique Mora said Saturday that "progress has been made in a far from easy task. We need now more detailed work". Russian ambassador to Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov added that "participants took note with satisfaction of the progress made so far and expressed determination to continue negotiations with a view to complete the process successfully as soon as possible." The discussions involved EU officials and representatives from Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and Iran. The talks are aimed at determining which sanctions the United States should lift and the measures Iran has to take in order to rein in Tehran's nuclear programme. Iran delegation head Abbas Araghchi remarked on Telegram that "a good discussion took place within the joint commission. "It appears that a new agreement is taking shape and there is now a common final goal among all," he added. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, confirmed Iran was now producing uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, taking the country closer to the 90-percent level required for use in a nuclear weapon. "The enrichment of uranium to 60 percent is underway" in Natanz, he was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying. Iran has repeatedly insisted it is not seeking atomic weapons, but it has gradually rolled back its nuclear commitments since 2019, the year after Washington withdrew from the accord and began imposing sanctions. The nuclear deal was struck with Iran in 2015. Doubts were cast on its longevity after former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the deal. (With inputs from agencies)

Envoys hail 'progress' over Iran nuclear deal talk

No one can offer guarantees about Afghanistan`s future after U.S. troops leave, a top White House official said on Sunday, even as he stressed the United States would stay focused on terrorist threats emanating from the country.

President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw its remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the al Qaeda attacks that triggered America`s longest war.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked on the Fox News Sunday program about the risk of a repeat of what happened in Iraq, where Islamic State militants seized territory after U.S. troops withdrew in 2011.

That led then-President Barack Obama to send troops back into Iraq.

Sullivan said Biden had no intention of sending American forces back to Afghanistan, but he added: "I can`t make any guarantees about what will happen inside the country. No one can."

"All the United States could do is provide the Afghan security forces, the Afghan government and the Afghan people resources and capabilities, training and equipping their forces, providing assistance to their government. We have done that and now it is time for American troops to come home and the Afghan people to step up to defend their own country."

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rejected what he said were "false analogies" with the war in Vietnam as well as any suggestion his government was at risk of folding under Taliban pressure after U.S. troops leave. Afghan security forces were capable of defending the country, he said.

"The Afghan defense and security forces have been carrying over 90% of the operations in the last two years," Ghani said in an interview with CNN.

Former President Donald Trump said in a statement that leaving Afghanistan was "a wonderful and positive thing to do," but called for a more rapid departure. Trump had set a May 1 deadline to withdraw.

CIA Director William Burns told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday that America`s ability to collect intelligence and act against extremist threats in Afghanistan will diminish after the departure of U.S. troops.

A United Nations report in January said there were as many as 500 al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan and that the Taliban maintained a close relationship with the Islamist extremist group. The Taliban denies al Qaeda has a presence in Afghanistan.

Announcing his decision to withdraw troops, Biden said the United States would monitor the threat, reorganize counterterrorism capabilities and keep substantial assets in the region to respond to threats to the United States emerging from Afghanistan.

"He has no intention of taking our eye off the ball," Sullivan said of the president.

"We have the capacity, from repositioning our capabilities over the horizon, to continue to suppress the terrorist threat in Afghanistan."

No one can offer guarantees about Afghanistan`s future after U.S. troops leave, a top White House official said on Sunday, even as he stressed the United States would stay focused on terrorist threats emanating from the country.

No one can offer guarantees about Afghanistan`s future after U.S. troops leave, a top White House official said on Sunday, even as he stressed the United States would stay focused on terrorist threats emanating from the country. President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw its remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the al Qaeda attacks that triggered America`s longest war. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked on the Fox News Sunday program about the risk of a repeat of what happened in Iraq, where Islamic State militants seized territory after U.S. troops withdrew in 2011. That led then-President Barack Obama to send troops back into Iraq. Sullivan said Biden had no intention of sending American forces back to Afghanistan, but he added: "I can`t make any guarantees about what will happen inside the country. No one can." "All the United States could do is provide the Afghan security forces, the Afghan government and the Afghan people resources and capabilities, training and equipping their forces, providing assistance to their government. We have done that and now it is time for American troops to come home and the Afghan people to step up to defend their own country." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rejected what he said were "false analogies" with the war in Vietnam as well as any suggestion his government was at risk of folding under Taliban pressure after U.S. troops leave. Afghan security forces were capable of defending the country, he said. "The Afghan defense and security forces have been carrying over 90% of the operations in the last two years," Ghani said in an interview with CNN. Former President Donald Trump said in a statement that leaving Afghanistan was "a wonderful and positive thing to do," but called for a more rapid departure. Trump had set a May 1 deadline to withdraw. CIA Director William Burns told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday that America`s ability to collect intelligence and act against extremist threats in Afghanistan will diminish after the departure of U.S. troops. A United Nations report in January said there were as many as 500 al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan and that the Taliban maintained a close relationship with the Islamist extremist group. The Taliban denies al Qaeda has a presence in Afghanistan. Announcing his decision to withdraw troops, Biden said the United States would monitor the threat, reorganize counterterrorism capabilities and keep substantial assets in the region to respond to threats to the United States emerging from Afghanistan. "He has no intention of taking our eye off the ball," Sullivan said of the president. "We have the capacity, from repositioning our capabilities over the horizon, to continue to suppress the terrorist threat in Afghanistan."

White House: No guarantees about Afghanistan's future post-pullout

Gunshots rang out late on Friday in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, witnesses said, when government troops approached the home of the city's former police commander who was sacked for opposing a move by the president to extend his term.

The stand-off reveals splits within Somalia's security services that threaten to see forces turn on each other, creating an opportunity for the al Qaeda linked al Shabaab insurgency to exploit.

"Somalia's long-running political crisis has entered a new, dangerous phase," said the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think-tank, in a briefing note on Saturday.

"The opposition is said to be considering forming a parallel government; cracks have deepened in a security apparatus long divided along clan lines; and the president's opponents have vowed to resist extension of his rule."

Somalia, riven by civil war since 1991, is trying to rebuild with international help, but the path to stability has been obstructed by a political crisis caused by a failure to hold elections that were due in February.

On Monday, lawmakers extended President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's four year term by up to two years.

The resolution passed after then Mogadishu police chief Saadaq Omar Hassan announced parliament was suspended, triggering his sacking moments later.

Hassan retreated to his house in the Shirkole area of the city, which is guarded by 100 armed men who have been reinforced by clan fighters, his family and area residents said.

Calm returned after the burst of gunfire, but some Shirkole residents held street demonstrations in support of Hassan, burning tyres and shouting slogans against the president.

"If you are attacked, you have to defend yourself," said Mahad Mohamed Salad, a pro-Hassan lawmaker.

The government denied claims it wanted to attack Hassan.

"We have no interest attacking a civilian area where most inhabitants are children and women," interior security minister Hassan Hunbdubey said in an online address late Friday.

Donors, who have opposed the president's move to extend his term, fear the crisis could abet further attacks by Islamist al Shabaab militants, who have been trying for years to topple the government.

The militants on Friday killed Mohamed Abdi Hayle, the district commissioner for Hamarjajab on the edge of Mogadishu, the state news agency reported.

They also captured the Becaadweyn area of the central state of Galmudug without resistance on Thursday, after the Somali army left the area, residents said.

Gunshots rang out late on Friday in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, witnesses said, when government troops approached the home of the city's former police commander who was sacked for opposing a move by the president to extend his term.

Gunshots rang out late on Friday in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, witnesses said, when government troops approached the home of the city's former police commander who was sacked for opposing a move by the president to extend his term. The stand-off reveals splits within Somalia's security services that threaten to see forces turn on each other, creating an opportunity for the al Qaeda linked al Shabaab insurgency to exploit. "Somalia's long-running political crisis has entered a new, dangerous phase," said the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think-tank, in a briefing note on Saturday. "The opposition is said to be considering forming a parallel government; cracks have deepened in a security apparatus long divided along clan lines; and the president's opponents have vowed to resist extension of his rule." Somalia, riven by civil war since 1991, is trying to rebuild with international help, but the path to stability has been obstructed by a political crisis caused by a failure to hold elections that were due in February. On Monday, lawmakers extended President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's four year term by up to two years. The resolution passed after then Mogadishu police chief Saadaq Omar Hassan announced parliament was suspended, triggering his sacking moments later. Hassan retreated to his house in the Shirkole area of the city, which is guarded by 100 armed men who have been reinforced by clan fighters, his family and area residents said. Calm returned after the burst of gunfire, but some Shirkole residents held street demonstrations in support of Hassan, burning tyres and shouting slogans against the president. "If you are attacked, you have to defend yourself," said Mahad Mohamed Salad, a pro-Hassan lawmaker. The government denied claims it wanted to attack Hassan. "We have no interest attacking a civilian area where most inhabitants are children and women," interior security minister Hassan Hunbdubey said in an online address late Friday. Donors, who have opposed the president's move to extend his term, fear the crisis could abet further attacks by Islamist al Shabaab militants, who have been trying for years to topple the government. The militants on Friday killed Mohamed Abdi Hayle, the district commissioner for Hamarjajab on the edge of Mogadishu, the state news agency reported. They also captured the Becaadweyn area of the central state of Galmudug without resistance on Thursday, after the Somali army left the area, residents said.

Somali government troops face off with forces loyal to sacked police boss

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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