Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip passed away on Friday. Prince Philip was a steadfast presence by the Queen for more than 7 decades of their marriage. Reactions poured in from world leaders after the news of Prince Philip's death.

UK

UK PM Boris Johnson said that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, "earned the affection of generations" at home, in the Commonwealth and across the world.

"We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the prime minister said outside 10 Downing Street.

India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for peace for Prince Philip.

"My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace," he tweeted.

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My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace.
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US

US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Philip as a selfless servant of Britain and its people.

"From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye -- Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family," Biden said in a statement.

Also See | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prince-philip-duke-of-edinburgh-life-in-pictures-376334">Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Life in pictures</a>

Former US President George Bush said Prince Philip represented the UK with "dignity".

"Throughout his long and remarkable life, he devoted himself to worthy causes and to others," Bush said in a statement. "He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign."

Australia and New Zealand

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in Australia to honour the passing of Prince Philip, who he said "embodied a generation that we will never see again".

"The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia," he said in a statement.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern also mourned Philip. She noted his close ties to New Zealand including as patron of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, a youth achievement programme named in honour of New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary.

"In over fifty years of The Award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme," she said.

Israel

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Prince Philip as he said that he will be 'much missed'.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Philip and sent his condolences to the Queen. 
Philip "lived an exemplary life defined by bravery, a sense of duty and commitment to youth and the environment", he said on Twitter.

Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said his death filled her with "great sadness", sending her thoughts to the Queen.&nbsp;

See | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prince-philip-1921-2021-lesser-known-facts-about-queen-elizabeth-iis-husband-376445">Prince Philip (1921-2021): Lesser-known facts about the Duke of Edinburgh</a>

"His friendship with Germany, his straightforward nature and his sense of duty will remain unforgotten," Merkel said. &nbsp;

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Philip a "a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others", in a tribute on behalf of his Commonwealth nation.

He will be "fondly remembered as a constant in the life of our Queen", he said.&nbsp;

European Union

EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter she was "saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip".&nbsp;

"I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on this very sad day."

(With AFP inputs)

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip passed away on Friday. Prince Philip was a steadfast presence by the Queen for more than 7 decades of their marriage. Reactions poured in from world leaders after the news of Prince Philip's death.

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip passed away on Friday. Prince Philip was a steadfast presence by the Queen for more than 7 decades of their marriage. Reactions poured in from world leaders after the news of Prince Philip's death. UK UK PM Boris Johnson said that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, "earned the affection of generations" at home, in the Commonwealth and across the world. "We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the prime minister said outside 10 Downing Street. India Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for peace for Prince Philip. "My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace," he tweeted. My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2021 × US US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Philip as a selfless servant of Britain and its people. "From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye -- Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family," Biden said in a statement. Also See | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Life in pictures Former US President George Bush said Prince Philip represented the UK with "dignity". "Throughout his long and remarkable life, he devoted himself to worthy causes and to others," Bush said in a statement. "He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign." Australia and New Zealand Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in Australia to honour the passing of Prince Philip, who he said "embodied a generation that we will never see again". "The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia," he said in a statement. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern also mourned Philip. She noted his close ties to New Zealand including as patron of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, a youth achievement programme named in honour of New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. "In over fifty years of The Award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme," she said. Israel Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Prince Philip as he said that he will be 'much missed'. France French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Philip and sent his condolences to the Queen. Philip "lived an exemplary life defined by bravery, a sense of duty and commitment to youth and the environment", he said on Twitter. Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel said his death filled her with "great sadness", sending her thoughts to the Queen. See | Prince Philip (1921-2021): Lesser-known facts about the Duke of Edinburgh "His friendship with Germany, his straightforward nature and his sense of duty will remain unforgotten," Merkel said. Canada Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Philip a "a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others", in a tribute on behalf of his Commonwealth nation. He will be "fondly remembered as a constant in the life of our Queen", he said. European Union EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter she was "saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip". "I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on this very sad day." (With AFP inputs)

World leaders mourn Prince Philip's death

DR Congo's Catholic Church on Thursday hit out at what it called "Islamisation" in the troubled east of the country, where a notorious militia group has carried out a string of massacres.

At a news conference, Congolese prelates released a message saying civilians who had escaped after being abducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militia, historically a Ugandan Islamist group, had spoken of being "forced to convert to Islam".

The message denounced the "Islamisation of the region to the detriment of religious freedom."

Asked to elaborate, Church spokesman Donatien Nshole said: "The problem here is a faction of Islam that forces people to become Muslim."

Nshole, an abbot, stressed that the Church had "very good relations" with Islam, but described this development as "scary".

The Church's peace and justice commission "is deepening its investigation into the matter," he added. 
The ADF is the bloodiest among dozens of militias that roam eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, many of them a legacy of two regional wars in the 1990s.

On March 11, the United States said the ADF was linked to the Islamic State (IS) group. 
The prelates' message also said thousands of people have been killed or kidnapped in the region since 2013, and at least three million people have been displaced.

In the Beni region of North Kivu province alone, more than 6,000 people have been killed since 2013, while another 2,000 lives were claimed in neighbouring Ituri province just last year, Nshole said. 
Around 7,500 have been kidnapped in the two regions last year, he added.

The prelates' message also denounced "the occupation of land (and) illegal exploitation of natural resources" as well as widespread torching of villages, destruction and closure of schools and health clinics, sacking of administrative buildings and the looting of livestock and farmland in the region.

After a joint mission by the Central African Catholic Church (ACEAC) and the DRC's Church (CENCO) in the region, they concluded that the Congolese army's operations had had "mixed" results.

Violent protest

They said the soldiers were underpaid and alleged that their pay and rations were embezzled, decreasing their motivation.

Local sources said the major cities of Beni and Butembo were "paralysed" on Monday on the first day of protest strikes over the continuing massacres of civilians which the army and UN peacekeepers have failed to stop.

Beni saw strike action for a fourth day running on Thursday, with schools and shops closed and the streets deserted.

Police violently broke up a demonstration using bats and rifle butts, according to local NGO Lucha, or Movement for Change, which shot video of the unrest.

A police spokesman in Beni told AFP that protesters threw stones at police and 57 people had been arrested.

DR Congo's Catholic Church on Thursday hit out at what it called "Islamisation" in the troubled east of the country, where a notorious militia group has carried out a string of massacres.

DR Congo's Catholic Church on Thursday hit out at what it called "Islamisation" in the troubled east of the country, where a notorious militia group has carried out a string of massacres. At a news conference, Congolese prelates released a message saying civilians who had escaped after being abducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militia, historically a Ugandan Islamist group, had spoken of being "forced to convert to Islam". The message denounced the "Islamisation of the region to the detriment of religious freedom." Asked to elaborate, Church spokesman Donatien Nshole said: "The problem here is a faction of Islam that forces people to become Muslim." Nshole, an abbot, stressed that the Church had "very good relations" with Islam, but described this development as "scary". The Church's peace and justice commission "is deepening its investigation into the matter," he added. The ADF is the bloodiest among dozens of militias that roam eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, many of them a legacy of two regional wars in the 1990s. On March 11, the United States said the ADF was linked to the Islamic State (IS) group. The prelates' message also said thousands of people have been killed or kidnapped in the region since 2013, and at least three million people have been displaced. In the Beni region of North Kivu province alone, more than 6,000 people have been killed since 2013, while another 2,000 lives were claimed in neighbouring Ituri province just last year, Nshole said. Around 7,500 have been kidnapped in the two regions last year, he added. The prelates' message also denounced "the occupation of land (and) illegal exploitation of natural resources" as well as widespread torching of villages, destruction and closure of schools and health clinics, sacking of administrative buildings and the looting of livestock and farmland in the region. After a joint mission by the Central African Catholic Church (ACEAC) and the DRC's Church (CENCO) in the region, they concluded that the Congolese army's operations had had "mixed" results. Violent protest They said the soldiers were underpaid and alleged that their pay and rations were embezzled, decreasing their motivation. Local sources said the major cities of Beni and Butembo were "paralysed" on Monday on the first day of protest strikes over the continuing massacres of civilians which the army and UN peacekeepers have failed to stop. Beni saw strike action for a fourth day running on Thursday, with schools and shops closed and the streets deserted. Police violently broke up a demonstration using bats and rifle butts, according to local NGO Lucha, or Movement for Change, which shot video of the unrest. A police spokesman in Beni told AFP that protesters threw stones at police and 57 people had been arrested.

DR Congo's Catholic Church warns of 'Islamisation' in east

La Soufriere volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent "explosively" erupted on Friday morning, spreading ash across surrounding villages, the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre said.

Late on Thursday, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said people living in so-called red zones in the northwest and northeast of the island needed to evacuate immediately as the volcano pumped out more smoke and steam.

La Soufriere volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent "explosively" erupted on Friday morning, spreading ash across surrounding villages, the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre said.

La Soufriere volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent "explosively" erupted on Friday morning, spreading ash across surrounding villages, the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre said. Late on Thursday, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said people living in so-called red zones in the northwest and northeast of the island needed to evacuate immediately as the volcano pumped out more smoke and steam.

'Explosive' volcanic eruption rocks Caribbean island St Vincent

The S&amp;P 500 and the Dow hit record highs on Friday as economy-linked stocks including banks and industrials gained on optimism around strong U.S. economic growth.

Financial stocks rose 0.6%, more than any other S&amp;P sector, with Bank of America Corp, Citigroup Inc and JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co rising between 0.5% and 0.9%.

The banks will kick off the first-quarter earnings season next week, and analysts expect profits for S&amp;P 500 firms to have jumped about 25% year on year, the strongest performance for the quarter since 2018, according to Refinitiv IBES data.

"We have had a tremendous run recently and there's some excitement about how strong corporate America's earnings will be," said Ryan Detrick, senior market strategist at LPL Financial in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"It is a chance to justify the rallies that we have seen recently to new highs."

Data on Friday showed U.S. producer prices increased more than expected in March, resulting in the largest annual gain in nine-and-a-half years, likely marking the start of higher inflation.

However, the Federal Reserve's officials have maintained that rising prices would be transitory because of the labor market's slack and the U.S. central bank plans to keep interest rates lower for a substantial period.

"Historically, the reaction to PPI (producer prices index) number like that would have had markets selling off but clearly we are being made to understand that the Fed's inflation target is truly asymmetric," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at National Securities in New York.

"If the Fed is willing to ignore high inflation in the near term, investors should likely do the same."

U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress to sharply increase spending to combat climate change and gun violence in a budget that marks a sharp departure from his predecessor, Donald Trump.

At 11:27 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 76.22 points, or 0.23%, to 33,579.79, the S&amp;P 500 gained 4.60 points, or 0.11%, to 4,101.77 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 20.53 points, or 0.15%, to 13,808.78.

The communication services index, which houses high-flying names, inched lower.

Still, the Russell 1000 growth index, which comprises mainly technology-related stocks, is set to outperform its value counterpart, made up of mostly financials and energy names, for a second consecutive week following the recent pullback in longer-dated Treasury yields.

Bank of America's weekly fund flow figures showed investors have pumped more money into equities over the past five months than in the last 12 years.

Honeywell gained about 2% as Jefferies and J.P. Morgan raised their price targets on the U.S. aero parts maker's shares.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 1.5-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.

The S&amp;P 500 posted 37 new 52-week highs and no new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 124 new highs and 31 new lows.

The S&P 500 and the Dow hit record highs on Friday as economy-linked stocks including banks and industrials gained on optimism around strong U.S. economic growth.

The S&P 500 and the Dow hit record highs on Friday as economy-linked stocks including banks and industrials gained on optimism around strong U.S. economic growth. Financial stocks rose 0.6%, more than any other S&P sector, with Bank of America Corp, Citigroup Inc and JPMorgan Chase & Co rising between 0.5% and 0.9%. The banks will kick off the first-quarter earnings season next week, and analysts expect profits for S&P 500 firms to have jumped about 25% year on year, the strongest performance for the quarter since 2018, according to Refinitiv IBES data. "We have had a tremendous run recently and there's some excitement about how strong corporate America's earnings will be," said Ryan Detrick, senior market strategist at LPL Financial in Charlotte, North Carolina. "It is a chance to justify the rallies that we have seen recently to new highs." Data on Friday showed U.S. producer prices increased more than expected in March, resulting in the largest annual gain in nine-and-a-half years, likely marking the start of higher inflation. However, the Federal Reserve's officials have maintained that rising prices would be transitory because of the labor market's slack and the U.S. central bank plans to keep interest rates lower for a substantial period. "Historically, the reaction to PPI (producer prices index) number like that would have had markets selling off but clearly we are being made to understand that the Fed's inflation target is truly asymmetric," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at National Securities in New York. "If the Fed is willing to ignore high inflation in the near term, investors should likely do the same." U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress to sharply increase spending to combat climate change and gun violence in a budget that marks a sharp departure from his predecessor, Donald Trump. At 11:27 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 76.22 points, or 0.23%, to 33,579.79, the S&P 500 gained 4.60 points, or 0.11%, to 4,101.77 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 20.53 points, or 0.15%, to 13,808.78. The communication services index, which houses high-flying names, inched lower. Still, the Russell 1000 growth index, which comprises mainly technology-related stocks, is set to outperform its value counterpart, made up of mostly financials and energy names, for a second consecutive week following the recent pullback in longer-dated Treasury yields. Bank of America's weekly fund flow figures showed investors have pumped more money into equities over the past five months than in the last 12 years. Honeywell gained about 2% as Jefferies and J.P. Morgan raised their price targets on the U.S. aero parts maker's shares. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 1.5-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted 37 new 52-week highs and no new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 124 new highs and 31 new lows.

S&P 500, Dow at all-time high as banks, industrial rise

In the age of the Dinosaurs, they ruled supreme. Almost every food chain or food web on land, water and even in air had at least one dinosaur or its 'distant cousin' as the apex prdator. There were mammals yes, but they were not as dominant as they are now.

Now, a group of researchers from Chile have found a new mammal from the era of dinosaurs. This mammal could date back as far back as 74 million years.

This fox-like mammal is called the Orretherium tzen. It inhabited southetrn Chile's Magellan's region during the Mesozoic era of the dinosaurs.

Palaeontologist Sergio Soto told Reuters on Thursday (April 8) that the discovery of this fox-like species helps to fill in evolutionary gaps over different eras.

Melting ice in southern Chile as a result of global warming is giving researchers new insights into this part of the world. What sets this finding apart from others is the discovery of a well preserved jaw belonging to the Orretherium tzen.

It has allowed researchers to conclude that this mammal was likely an omnivore, living alongside dinosaurs.

In the age of the Dinosaurs, they ruled supreme. Almost every food chain or food web on land, water and even in air had at least one dinosaur or its 'distant cousin' as the apex prdator.

In the age of the Dinosaurs, they ruled supreme. Almost every food chain or food web on land, water and even in air had at least one dinosaur or its 'distant cousin' as the apex prdator. There were mammals yes, but they were not as dominant as they are now. Now, a group of researchers from Chile have found a new mammal from the era of dinosaurs. This mammal could date back as far back as 74 million years. This fox-like mammal is called the Orretherium tzen. It inhabited southetrn Chile's Magellan's region during the Mesozoic era of the dinosaurs. Palaeontologist Sergio Soto told Reuters on Thursday (April 8) that the discovery of this fox-like species helps to fill in evolutionary gaps over different eras. Melting ice in southern Chile as a result of global warming is giving researchers new insights into this part of the world. What sets this finding apart from others is the discovery of a well preserved jaw belonging to the Orretherium tzen. It has allowed researchers to conclude that this mammal was likely an omnivore, living alongside dinosaurs.

Researchers find 74-million-year-old mammal which lived alongside dinosaurs

Nepal is witnessing worst forest fires in years. Five people have died so far trying to put out the fires that have been raging since January as per an official quoted by Reuters. The fire has given rise to a lot of smoke that has wafted across that mountain and creating air quality issues as it settles around capital Kathmandu.

A senior official of Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that wildfires were burning in at least 60 places across 22 of Nepal's 77 administrative districts.&nbsp;

Details on losses from the fires are still being collected, Sharma said. This has been the worst fire season by number since 2012, when the government started keeping records.

"Forest fires are the main reason for the rising air pollution in Kathmandu and many other places," Sharma told Reuters.

"Wildfires could hit the peak later this month if the ongoing dry spell continued," he said.

Nepal ordered closure of schools for four days at the end of March after air pollution climbed to hazardous levels

Forest fires often erupt in Nepal during the January-May dry season, when villagers burn dry leaves in the woodlands to prompt fresh grass growth for their cattle.

Sharma said the number of fires this year were 15 times more than those occurring in 2020. He didn't immediately have a reason for the increase.

The air quality index (AQI) in Kathmandu was at an unhealthy level of 174 on Friday, according to data published on iqair.com, a site that monitors air quality. An AQI level below 50 is considered good.

(With Reuters inputs)

Nepal is witnessing worst forest fires in years. Five people have died so far trying to put out the fires that have been raging since January as per an official quoted by Reuters.

Nepal is witnessing worst forest fires in years. Five people have died so far trying to put out the fires that have been raging since January as per an official quoted by Reuters. The fire has given rise to a lot of smoke that has wafted across that mountain and creating air quality issues as it settles around capital Kathmandu. A senior official of Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that wildfires were burning in at least 60 places across 22 of Nepal's 77 administrative districts. Details on losses from the fires are still being collected, Sharma said. This has been the worst fire season by number since 2012, when the government started keeping records. "Forest fires are the main reason for the rising air pollution in Kathmandu and many other places," Sharma told Reuters. "Wildfires could hit the peak later this month if the ongoing dry spell continued," he said. Nepal ordered closure of schools for four days at the end of March after air pollution climbed to hazardous levels Forest fires often erupt in Nepal during the January-May dry season, when villagers burn dry leaves in the woodlands to prompt fresh grass growth for their cattle. Sharma said the number of fires this year were 15 times more than those occurring in 2020. He didn't immediately have a reason for the increase. The air quality index (AQI) in Kathmandu was at an unhealthy level of 174 on Friday, according to data published on iqair.com, a site that monitors air quality. An AQI level below 50 is considered good. (With Reuters inputs)

Nepal fights worst forest fires in years

South Korea on Friday unveiled a prototype of its first domestically developed fighter jet. South Korean President Moon Jae-in hailed the KF-X to be the future backbone of the South Korean air force. He also said that this was a step towards South Korea's greater military independence. With unveiling of KF-21 fighter jet, South Korea has joined elite group of countries that have domestically developed supersonic fighter jet.

The next-generation aircraft has been developed by Korea Aerospace Industries Limited (KAI). It is designed to be a cheaper, less stealthy alternative to USA's F-35. South Korea heavily relies on US-built F-35 fighter jets.

The display at the KAI headquarters in the southern city of Sacheon was attended by Moon and representatives from Indonesia, which partnered with South Korea on the project.

"A new era of independent defence has begun," Moon said, according to a transcript of his comments released by his office.

<img alt="South Korean President Moon Jae-In" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32b5bb9a-bf55-45b0-a349-0c9f564cd5be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/mOON%20JAE%20IN.JPG" />

The advantages of having a domestically produced fighter could not be overstated, he added.

"Whenever we need it, we can make it."

Moon has sought to boost the defence industry, both as a way to spur economic growth through exports, as well as to chart a more independent path in a country that has relied heavily on its major ally, the United States.

South Korea continues to buy large amounts of military hardware from the United States but under Moon the military announced its "acquisition policy will change to centre around domestic R&amp;D rather than overseas purchases".

KAI plans to carry out ground testing this year, with first flights expected in 2022. The plan is to eventually replace most of South Korea’s older, U.S.-made F-4 and F-5 fighter jets, and produce more for export.

Moon said South Korea would have at least 40 of the new jets combat-ready by 2028, and 120 by 2032.

When deployed by the South Korean military, the aircraft will be known as the KF-21 Boramae.

South Korea and Indonesia agreed in 2014 to jointly develop the fighter in a project worth 7.5 trillion won ($6.3 billion), with Indonesia paying 20% of the cost. But in 2018, Jakarta sought to renegotiate to take pressure off its foreign reserves, later seeking to barter for its share of the cost.

(With AFP inputs)

South Korea on Friday unveiled a prototype of its first domestically developed fighter jet. South Korean President Moon Jae-in hailed the KF-X to be the future backbone of the South Korean air force.

South Korea on Friday unveiled a prototype of its first domestically developed fighter jet. South Korean President Moon Jae-in hailed the KF-X to be the future backbone of the South Korean air force. He also said that this was a step towards South Korea's greater military independence. With unveiling of KF-21 fighter jet, South Korea has joined elite group of countries that have domestically developed supersonic fighter jet. The next-generation aircraft has been developed by Korea Aerospace Industries Limited (KAI). It is designed to be a cheaper, less stealthy alternative to USA's F-35. South Korea heavily relies on US-built F-35 fighter jets. The display at the KAI headquarters in the southern city of Sacheon was attended by Moon and representatives from Indonesia, which partnered with South Korea on the project. "A new era of independent defence has begun," Moon said, according to a transcript of his comments released by his office. The advantages of having a domestically produced fighter could not be overstated, he added. "Whenever we need it, we can make it." Moon has sought to boost the defence industry, both as a way to spur economic growth through exports, as well as to chart a more independent path in a country that has relied heavily on its major ally, the United States. South Korea continues to buy large amounts of military hardware from the United States but under Moon the military announced its "acquisition policy will change to centre around domestic R&D rather than overseas purchases". KAI plans to carry out ground testing this year, with first flights expected in 2022. The plan is to eventually replace most of South Korea’s older, U.S.-made F-4 and F-5 fighter jets, and produce more for export. Moon said South Korea would have at least 40 of the new jets combat-ready by 2028, and 120 by 2032. When deployed by the South Korean military, the aircraft will be known as the KF-21 Boramae. South Korea and Indonesia agreed in 2014 to jointly develop the fighter in a project worth 7.5 trillion won ($6.3 billion), with Indonesia paying 20% of the cost. But in 2018, Jakarta sought to renegotiate to take pressure off its foreign reserves, later seeking to barter for its share of the cost. (With AFP inputs)

South Korea unveils KF-21 fighter jet, joins global elite group of countries

UK's Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip passed&nbsp;away on Friday. He was 99. A statement from Buckingham Palace made public the sad news.&nbsp;Prince Philip was recently hospitalised and had undergone&nbsp;a successful heart procedure.&nbsp;

Prince Philip assumed somewhat a secondary position when it came limelight as compared to the Queen but was a strong presence and support to her. They both got married on November 20, 1947 and were at each other's side for more than 7 decades.

Here is the full statement released by Buckingham Palace.

"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

"Further announcements will be made in due course.

"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

The Union Jack on Buckingham Palace was at half mast as a tribute to Prince Philip. UK PM Boris Johnson hailed Prince Philip's 'extraordinary life'.

Also See | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/prince-philip-duke-of-edinburgh-life-in-pictures-376334">Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Life in pictures</a>

Johnson said the Duke of Edinburgh "earned the affection of generations" at home, in the Commonwealth and across the world after serving in the Royal Navy and then over decades as Britain's longest serving royal consort.

"We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the prime minister said outside 10 Downing Street.

(With AFP inputs)

UK's Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip passed away on Friday. He was 99. A statement from Buckingham Palace made public the sad news. Prince Philip was recently hospitalised and had undergone a successful heart procedure.

UK's Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip passed away on Friday. He was 99. A statement from Buckingham Palace made public the sad news. Prince Philip was recently hospitalised and had undergone a successful heart procedure. Prince Philip assumed somewhat a secondary position when it came limelight as compared to the Queen but was a strong presence and support to her. They both got married on November 20, 1947 and were at each other's side for more than 7 decades. Here is the full statement released by Buckingham Palace. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. "Further announcements will be made in due course. "The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss." The Union Jack on Buckingham Palace was at half mast as a tribute to Prince Philip. UK PM Boris Johnson hailed Prince Philip's 'extraordinary life'. Also See | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Life in pictures Johnson said the Duke of Edinburgh "earned the affection of generations" at home, in the Commonwealth and across the world after serving in the Royal Navy and then over decades as Britain's longest serving royal consort. "We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the prime minister said outside 10 Downing Street. (With AFP inputs)

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip passes away

Djibouti's veteran ruler Ismail Omar Guelleh said Friday he was "very confident" of securing a fifth term as president as voters went to the polls in the tiny but strategically important African nation.

Some 215,000 citizens are registered to vote in the ballot pitting Guelleh, 73, against a little-known businessman widely seen as posing scant threat to the strongman, in power since 1999.

Polling stations opened at 6:00 am (0300 GMT) across the arid Horn of Africa nation, which overlooks one of the world's busiest trade routes at the crossroads between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

After voting in the capital city, where most of Djibouti's one million people reside, Guelleh said he was "very, very confident" of victory and praised the trouble-free conduct of the electoral exercise.

"Now, we wait for the results," said the president, dressed in immaculate white traditional robes, after placing his vote in a transparent ballot box.

Voting closes at 7:00 pm and the results are expected by the evening.

Independent election observers said the process was rolling out smoothly, with no reports of misconduct, although polling stations noted that voters were in no particular rush to cast their ballots.

"So far, everything is going well and is calm," Ahmed Tidiane Souare, the head of an African Union (AU) observer mission, told reporters.

'My vote is useless'

Guelleh was the handpicked successor to his relative Hassan Gouled Aptidon, the country's first president after independence from France in 1977.

He faces just one challenger -- political newcomer Zakaria Ismail Farah -- after Djibouti's main opposition parties boycotted the election.

Farah, a 56-year-old cleaning products importer, cast doubt on the transparency of the voting process, saying his delegates were not present at polling stations.

"My vote is of no use, nor are the votes of 80 percent of the Djiboutian people," the opposition candidate told AFP in a text message. 
 
Souare, from the observer mission, said all candidates were free to send their officials to any polling station.&nbsp;

Farah, who had styled himself as the "flag bearer of poor Djiboutians", had alleged unfair treatment during the election campaign, including that he was not provided security at his rallies.

Guelleh, and his extended family, have controlled Djibouti with an iron fist since he was handed power. A rare wave of opposition protests in 2020 were brutally suppressed.

His predicted fifth term will be his last, under a 2010 constitutional reform that scrapped term limits while introducing an age limit of 75, which would lock him out of future elections.

Guelleh has clinched at least 75 percent of the vote in every presidential election he has contested, and urged voters to turn out in large numbers.

"I am always the first to vote. I am a Djiboutian, I have to vote," said 64-year-old Ahmed Abdillah Hadi after casting his ballot.

"I am with President Ismail. I voted for him, I love him."

The vote proceeded despite a surge in Covid-19 cases and infection rates, and few wore face masks as they

cheered Guelleh at a crowded final rally this week.

Stable and strategic

Under Guelleh, the country has exploited its geographical advantage, investing heavily in ports and logistics infrastructure.&nbsp;

In 2018, seeking to become a trade and logistics hub, the country launched the first phase of what will be Africa's biggest free-trade zone, financed by China.

Flanked by Somalia and opposite Yemen, Djibouti has remained stable in a volatile neighbourhood, drawing foreign military powers such as former colonial ruler France, the United States and China to establish bases there.

But the country has also seen an erosion of press freedom and a crackdown on dissent as it has courted foreign interest.

The country's economy shrank by one percent in 2020, but is expected to grow seven percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Djibouti's GDP per capita income is about $3,500, higher than much of sub-Saharan Africa, but some 20 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty and 26 percent are unemployed, according to the World Bank.

Djibouti's veteran ruler Ismail Omar Guelleh said Friday he was "very confident" of securing a fifth term as president as voters went to the polls in the tiny but strategically important African nation.

Djibouti's veteran ruler Ismail Omar Guelleh said Friday he was "very confident" of securing a fifth term as president as voters went to the polls in the tiny but strategically important African nation. Some 215,000 citizens are registered to vote in the ballot pitting Guelleh, 73, against a little-known businessman widely seen as posing scant threat to the strongman, in power since 1999. Polling stations opened at 6:00 am (0300 GMT) across the arid Horn of Africa nation, which overlooks one of the world's busiest trade routes at the crossroads between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. After voting in the capital city, where most of Djibouti's one million people reside, Guelleh said he was "very, very confident" of victory and praised the trouble-free conduct of the electoral exercise. "Now, we wait for the results," said the president, dressed in immaculate white traditional robes, after placing his vote in a transparent ballot box. Voting closes at 7:00 pm and the results are expected by the evening. Independent election observers said the process was rolling out smoothly, with no reports of misconduct, although polling stations noted that voters were in no particular rush to cast their ballots. "So far, everything is going well and is calm," Ahmed Tidiane Souare, the head of an African Union (AU) observer mission, told reporters. 'My vote is useless' Guelleh was the handpicked successor to his relative Hassan Gouled Aptidon, the country's first president after independence from France in 1977. He faces just one challenger -- political newcomer Zakaria Ismail Farah -- after Djibouti's main opposition parties boycotted the election. Farah, a 56-year-old cleaning products importer, cast doubt on the transparency of the voting process, saying his delegates were not present at polling stations. "My vote is of no use, nor are the votes of 80 percent of the Djiboutian people," the opposition candidate told AFP in a text message. Souare, from the observer mission, said all candidates were free to send their officials to any polling station. Farah, who had styled himself as the "flag bearer of poor Djiboutians", had alleged unfair treatment during the election campaign, including that he was not provided security at his rallies. Guelleh, and his extended family, have controlled Djibouti with an iron fist since he was handed power. A rare wave of opposition protests in 2020 were brutally suppressed. His predicted fifth term will be his last, under a 2010 constitutional reform that scrapped term limits while introducing an age limit of 75, which would lock him out of future elections. Guelleh has clinched at least 75 percent of the vote in every presidential election he has contested, and urged voters to turn out in large numbers. "I am always the first to vote. I am a Djiboutian, I have to vote," said 64-year-old Ahmed Abdillah Hadi after casting his ballot. "I am with President Ismail. I voted for him, I love him." The vote proceeded despite a surge in Covid-19 cases and infection rates, and few wore face masks as they cheered Guelleh at a crowded final rally this week. Stable and strategic Under Guelleh, the country has exploited its geographical advantage, investing heavily in ports and logistics infrastructure. In 2018, seeking to become a trade and logistics hub, the country launched the first phase of what will be Africa's biggest free-trade zone, financed by China. Flanked by Somalia and opposite Yemen, Djibouti has remained stable in a volatile neighbourhood, drawing foreign military powers such as former colonial ruler France, the United States and China to establish bases there. But the country has also seen an erosion of press freedom and a crackdown on dissent as it has courted foreign interest. The country's economy shrank by one percent in 2020, but is expected to grow seven percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Djibouti's GDP per capita income is about $3,500, higher than much of sub-Saharan Africa, but some 20 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty and 26 percent are unemployed, according to the World Bank.

Veteran ruler Guelleh confident of victory as Djibouti votes

One army officer was among the 11 armed forces personnel killed in an attack in Nigeria that was termed as unprovoked by a spokesperson on Thursday. The attack took place in Nigeria's Benue state.

The army said in a statement that it would "fish out and deal decisively with these bad elements."

Army spokesman Mohammed Yerima said the troops were initially declared missing while on a routine operational task, but a search-and-rescue team later found the bodies.

"Efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime with a view to bringing them to justice," Yerima said in a statement.

Yerima did not immediately reply to further queries about the attack.

Reuters said that civilians were fleeing the Konshiba local government in fear soldiers looking to root out the perpetrators. A local leader's house had been burnt to ground.

The violence in the restive Middle Belt region marked the latest bout of instability in Nigeria, Africa's most-populous nation.

On Monday, heavily armed gunman freed more than 1,800 prisoners in the southeast, while armed gangs have kidnapped hundreds of school children in the northwest in recent months and Islamist militants in the northeast have waged a decade-long insurgency.

Troops patrol in the Middle Belt due in part to clashes between farmers and nomadic cattle herders that have killed thousands and displaced half a million over the past decade, according to estimates from French medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres.

(With Reuters inputs)

One army officer was among the 11 armed forces personnel killed in an attack in Nigeria that was termed as unprovoked by a spokesperson on Thursday. The attack took place in Nigeria's Benue state.

One army officer was among the 11 armed forces personnel killed in an attack in Nigeria that was termed as unprovoked by a spokesperson on Thursday. The attack took place in Nigeria's Benue state. The army said in a statement that it would "fish out and deal decisively with these bad elements." Army spokesman Mohammed Yerima said the troops were initially declared missing while on a routine operational task, but a search-and-rescue team later found the bodies. "Efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime with a view to bringing them to justice," Yerima said in a statement. Yerima did not immediately reply to further queries about the attack. Reuters said that civilians were fleeing the Konshiba local government in fear soldiers looking to root out the perpetrators. A local leader's house had been burnt to ground. The violence in the restive Middle Belt region marked the latest bout of instability in Nigeria, Africa's most-populous nation. On Monday, heavily armed gunman freed more than 1,800 prisoners in the southeast, while armed gangs have kidnapped hundreds of school children in the northwest in recent months and Islamist militants in the northeast have waged a decade-long insurgency. Troops patrol in the Middle Belt due in part to clashes between farmers and nomadic cattle herders that have killed thousands and displaced half a million over the past decade, according to estimates from French medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres. (With Reuters inputs)

Eleven soldiers killed in attack in Nigeria

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel, Germany, Britain and the NATO headquarters in Belgium in the coming week for talks with government and military leaders, the Pentagon announced Thursday.

The highest ranked official of the administration of President Joe Biden to visit Israel, Austin will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, where discussions will cover "shared priorities" and reaffirm Washington's commitment to Israel maintaining military superiority over its neighbors, according to a Pentagon statement.

In Europe, he will hold talks with German defense minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Chancellery Foreign and Security Policy Advisor Dr. Jan Hecker, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British defense minister Ben Wallace.

Austin will leave Washington on Saturday, but the dates for his stops in each country were not given.

The trip coincides with rising tensions between Israel and Iran just as the Biden administration tries to engage Tehran over returning to the nuclear pact effectively torn up by former president Donald Trump.

In Europe it comes as Russia has sent shivers across the continent with the massing of a troops and war equipment along its border with Ukraine.

"Russia now has more troops on the border of Ukraine than at any time since 2014," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday, saying Biden was "increasingly concerned."

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel, Germany, Britain and the NATO headquarters in Belgium in the coming week for talks with government and military leaders, the Pentagon announced Thursday.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel, Germany, Britain and the NATO headquarters in Belgium in the coming week for talks with government and military leaders, the Pentagon announced Thursday. The highest ranked official of the administration of President Joe Biden to visit Israel, Austin will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, where discussions will cover "shared priorities" and reaffirm Washington's commitment to Israel maintaining military superiority over its neighbors, according to a Pentagon statement. In Europe, he will hold talks with German defense minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Chancellery Foreign and Security Policy Advisor Dr. Jan Hecker, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British defense minister Ben Wallace. Austin will leave Washington on Saturday, but the dates for his stops in each country were not given. The trip coincides with rising tensions between Israel and Iran just as the Biden administration tries to engage Tehran over returning to the nuclear pact effectively torn up by former president Donald Trump. In Europe it comes as Russia has sent shivers across the continent with the massing of a troops and war equipment along its border with Ukraine. "Russia now has more troops on the border of Ukraine than at any time since 2014," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday, saying Biden was "increasingly concerned."

Pentagon chief Austin to visit Israel, Germany, Britain

Pakistan approved the emergency use of the third Chinese vaccine, despite its low efficacy rate, on Thursday.Citing officials, Geo News reported that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to another Chinese vaccine, CoronaVac.

Earlier, Pakistan had granted the EUA to China`s two-dose Sinopharm and single-dose Convidecia vaccine developed by the Cansino Biologicals Inc.This would be the fifth coronavirus vaccine and the third Chinese vaccine to be used in Pakistan.&nbsp;

UK`s AstraZeneca and Russian Sputnik V vaccines have also been approved by the DRAP. According to the report, the CoronaVac vaccine, despite its low efficacy rate was allowed by the health authorities to counter the third wave of the pandemic in Pakistan, reported Geo News. Meanwhile, two Chinese and one Russian vaccine are being used in the public and private sectors.

Pakistan is also expecting the AstraZeneca vaccine under the COVAX programme. Meanwhile, the third wave of coronavirus has killed 105 more people in Pakistan in the last 24 hours, taking the national death tally to 15,229.Citing National Command and Operations Centre`s (NCOC) official data, Geo News reported that about 5,312 new cases emerged in the country with the total tally now recorded at 710,829 as of today.

Pakistan approved the emergency use of the third Chinese vaccine, despite its low efficacy rate, on Thursday.Citing officials, Geo News reported that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to another Chinese vaccine, CoronaVac.

Pakistan approved the emergency use of the third Chinese vaccine, despite its low efficacy rate, on Thursday.Citing officials, Geo News reported that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to another Chinese vaccine, CoronaVac. Earlier, Pakistan had granted the EUA to China`s two-dose Sinopharm and single-dose Convidecia vaccine developed by the Cansino Biologicals Inc.This would be the fifth coronavirus vaccine and the third Chinese vaccine to be used in Pakistan. UK`s AstraZeneca and Russian Sputnik V vaccines have also been approved by the DRAP. According to the report, the CoronaVac vaccine, despite its low efficacy rate was allowed by the health authorities to counter the third wave of the pandemic in Pakistan, reported Geo News. Meanwhile, two Chinese and one Russian vaccine are being used in the public and private sectors. Pakistan is also expecting the AstraZeneca vaccine under the COVAX programme. Meanwhile, the third wave of coronavirus has killed 105 more people in Pakistan in the last 24 hours, taking the national death tally to 15,229.Citing National Command and Operations Centre`s (NCOC) official data, Geo News reported that about 5,312 new cases emerged in the country with the total tally now recorded at 710,829 as of today.

Pakistan approves emergency use of third Chinese COVID vaccine, despite its low efficacy rate

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