Union Budget 2021 was presented in the parliament on Monday, February 1. The first paperless budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to have an impact on petrol and diesel prices. Fuel prices were already up so all eyes were on Budget 2021 to know its impact on petrol and diesel rates.

Here's how the prices will be impacted

The government has imposed Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) on petrol and diesel. This cess will be Rs 2.5 per litre on petrol and Rs 4 per litre on diesel.&nbsp;

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While this may appear to suggest that prices will increase but the finance minister said that the implementation of the measure will be done in a manner that wouldn't put too much pressure on consumers' pockets.

The finance minister said that Basic Excise Duty (BED) and Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on petrol and diesel have been reduced to give relief to citizens.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2021-what-got-cheaper-what-is-now-costlier-360666">Union Budget 2021: What got cheaper, what is now costlier</a>

Rising oil prices has been a much-discussed issue lately as these prices have a direct impact on private mobility as well as food prices.

Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said earlier the output cut by Saudi Arabia was one of the main reasons why fuel prices were up.

“A few months back, we all were discussing consumption-centric revival, demand-driven revival, and we were supposed to restrict our production cut, and ramp-up (of production) gradually by January. But contrary to that, we all are controlling oil production (now),” Pradhan was earlier quoted as saying by PTI.

Union Budget 2021 was presented in the parliament on Monday, February 1. The first paperless budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to have an impact on petrol and diesel prices.

Union Budget 2021 was presented in the parliament on Monday, February 1. The first paperless budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to have an impact on petrol and diesel prices. Fuel prices were already up so all eyes were on Budget 2021 to know its impact on petrol and diesel rates. Here's how the prices will be impacted The government has imposed Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) on petrol and diesel. This cess will be Rs 2.5 per litre on petrol and Rs 4 per litre on diesel. × While this may appear to suggest that prices will increase but the finance minister said that the implementation of the measure will be done in a manner that wouldn't put too much pressure on consumers' pockets. The finance minister said that Basic Excise Duty (BED) and Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on petrol and diesel have been reduced to give relief to citizens. Also Read | Union Budget 2021: What got cheaper, what is now costlier Rising oil prices has been a much-discussed issue lately as these prices have a direct impact on private mobility as well as food prices. Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said earlier the output cut by Saudi Arabia was one of the main reasons why fuel prices were up. “A few months back, we all were discussing consumption-centric revival, demand-driven revival, and we were supposed to restrict our production cut, and ramp-up (of production) gradually by January. But contrary to that, we all are controlling oil production (now),” Pradhan was earlier quoted as saying by PTI.

Union Budget 2021: How will it affect petrol and diesel prices

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed. Hezbollah said that it has downed the drone in southern Lebanon. It said that it "downed a drone belonging to the Israeli enemy that had entered Lebanese airspace outside Blida"

Israel Defence Forces said that &nbsp;"during IDF operational activity along the Blue Line, an IDF drone fell in Lebanese territory".

"There is no risk of breach of information," it said.

The development has taken place just 10 days after Israel shot down unmanned aircraft which it said had entered its airspace from Lebanon. Israel&nbsp;and Hezbollah are technically still at war. A UN force, UNIFIL, patrols the border between the two.

In August 2020, Hezbollah also said it downed and seized an Israeli drone that flew into Lebanese airspace. Israel at the time also said the drone had "fallen".

Hezbollah had in September 2019 vowed to down Israeli drones overflying Lebanon following an incident a month earlier when two drones packed with explosives targeted Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut.

The group is the only side not to have disarmed following Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, and it is also a powerful player in Lebanese politics with seats in parliament.

(With AFP inputs)

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed.

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed. Hezbollah said that it has downed the drone in southern Lebanon. It said that it "downed a drone belonging to the Israeli enemy that had entered Lebanese airspace outside Blida" Israel Defence Forces said that "during IDF operational activity along the Blue Line, an IDF drone fell in Lebanese territory". "There is no risk of breach of information," it said. The development has taken place just 10 days after Israel shot down unmanned aircraft which it said had entered its airspace from Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah are technically still at war. A UN force, UNIFIL, patrols the border between the two. In August 2020, Hezbollah also said it downed and seized an Israeli drone that flew into Lebanese airspace. Israel at the time also said the drone had "fallen". Hezbollah had in September 2019 vowed to down Israeli drones overflying Lebanon following an incident a month earlier when two drones packed with explosives targeted Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut. The group is the only side not to have disarmed following Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, and it is also a powerful player in Lebanese politics with seats in parliament. (With AFP inputs)

Hezbollah says it downed an Israeli drone

India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride.&nbsp;

"Just as India`s war against coronavirus became an example to the world, similarly our vaccination programme is also becoming an example to the world. India is conducting the biggest vaccination drive in the world. Do you know what is an even better matter of pride? We are not only running the world`s biggest vaccination drive but we are also the fastest in vaccinating our citizens," Prime Minister Modi said in his 73rd episode of `Mann Ki Baat`.&nbsp;

"In merely 15 days, India has vaccinated more than 30 lakhs COVID-19 warrior, while a rich country like the US has completed the same target in 18 days and the UK in 36 days. The Made in India vaccines is only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride," he added.

The number of healthcare workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has crossed the 37 lakh mark on the fifteenth day of the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination program, according to Health Ministry.

Highlighting that India is helping the world during the COVID-19 crisis, he said: "These days, I receive messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world. You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India - every Indian was proud of it. You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines."

"In times of crisis, India is able to serve the world because India, today, is capable of medicines and vaccine, is self-sufficient. This is also the idea of a self-reliant India campaign. The more capable India is, the more it will serve humanity, the more the world will benefit," he added.

India has gifted the COVID-19 vaccine to several countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bahrain.This was also Prime Minister Modi`s this year`s first Mann Ki Baat at 11. Mann ki Baat is the Prime Minister`s monthly radio programme to the nation, which is broadcasted on the last Sunday of every month.

India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride.

India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride. "Just as India`s war against coronavirus became an example to the world, similarly our vaccination programme is also becoming an example to the world. India is conducting the biggest vaccination drive in the world. Do you know what is an even better matter of pride? We are not only running the world`s biggest vaccination drive but we are also the fastest in vaccinating our citizens," Prime Minister Modi said in his 73rd episode of `Mann Ki Baat`. "In merely 15 days, India has vaccinated more than 30 lakhs COVID-19 warrior, while a rich country like the US has completed the same target in 18 days and the UK in 36 days. The Made in India vaccines is only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride," he added. The number of healthcare workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has crossed the 37 lakh mark on the fifteenth day of the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination program, according to Health Ministry. Highlighting that India is helping the world during the COVID-19 crisis, he said: "These days, I receive messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world. You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India - every Indian was proud of it. You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines." "In times of crisis, India is able to serve the world because India, today, is capable of medicines and vaccine, is self-sufficient. This is also the idea of a self-reliant India campaign. The more capable India is, the more it will serve humanity, the more the world will benefit," he added. India has gifted the COVID-19 vaccine to several countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bahrain.This was also Prime Minister Modi`s this year`s first Mann Ki Baat at 11. Mann ki Baat is the Prime Minister`s monthly radio programme to the nation, which is broadcasted on the last Sunday of every month.

Mann Ki Baat: India fastest in world to vaccinate citizens, says PM Modi

Protesters briefly disrupted a coronavirus vaccination center in Los Angeles, US media reported on Saturday. The protesters converged on the vaccination center carrying signs demanding end of lockdowns and promoting anti-vaccination conspiracy theories gathered..

"There appears to be only about 30 protesters total. It's not clear why they’ve shut off the whole facility," tweeted social media user Mikel Jollet.

The vaccination center had to be shut for an hour. However, Los Angeles police department later insisted that the site had not been shut down.

More than 26 million people have been infected and 439,000 have died in the country since the start of the pandemic, a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University showed Satuday.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden has pledged to have 100 million people vaccinated within his first 100 days -- but the rollout began slowly under former President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Los Angeles county, where Covid-19 cases have surged this winter, is currently only vaccinating frontline medical workers and people aged 65 and over.

Protesters briefly disrupted a coronavirus vaccination center in Los Angeles, US media reported on Saturday. The protesters converged on the vaccination center carrying signs demanding end of lockdowns and promoting anti-vaccination conspiracy theories gathered.

Protesters briefly disrupted a coronavirus vaccination center in Los Angeles, US media reported on Saturday. The protesters converged on the vaccination center carrying signs demanding end of lockdowns and promoting anti-vaccination conspiracy theories gathered.. "There appears to be only about 30 protesters total. It's not clear why they’ve shut off the whole facility," tweeted social media user Mikel Jollet. The vaccination center had to be shut for an hour. However, Los Angeles police department later insisted that the site had not been shut down. More than 26 million people have been infected and 439,000 have died in the country since the start of the pandemic, a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University showed Satuday. President Joe Biden has pledged to have 100 million people vaccinated within his first 100 days -- but the rollout began slowly under former President Donald Trump. Los Angeles county, where Covid-19 cases have surged this winter, is currently only vaccinating frontline medical workers and people aged 65 and over.

Protesters disrupt COVID vaccination centre in Los Angeles

In a fresh setback to former US President Donald Trump, five of his impeachment defence lawyers have stepped aside over disagreements on legal strategy. Trump's trial in Senate is just a week away. Meanwhile, Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's aides have planned for fresh nationwide protests in Russia. Read this and more in our Morning News Brief.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-impeachment-defence-attorneys-leave-team-a-week-before-senate-trial-360351">Trump's impeachment defence attorneys leave team a week before Senate trial</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-impeachment-defence-attorneys-leave-team-a-week-before-senate-trial-360351"><img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eeea0c24-b893-4233-8eee-f8ff95c9893d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump_11.JPG" /></a> 
 
Trump is set to stand trial on the week of February 8 on a charge that he incited the riot inside the US Capitol&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-supporters-plan-fresh-nationwide-protests-despite-crackdown-360353">Navalny supporters plan fresh nationwide protests despite crackdown</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-supporters-plan-fresh-nationwide-protests-despite-crackdown-360353"><img alt="Alexei Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e496007b-a8d8-4d18-be09-b6050b6b44b3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Navalny_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
Russian authorities have issued warnings against participation in these rallies and have threatened of criminal charges

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-visa-scheme-for-millions-of-hong-kong-residents-to-become-citizens-360340">Britain opens visa scheme for millions of Hong Kong residents to become citizens</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-visa-scheme-for-millions-of-hong-kong-residents-to-become-citizens-360340"><img alt="Boris Johnson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3df3b675-c7e5-4891-96ea-f1b2b195d39a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Boris%20Johnson_3.JPG" /></a> 
 
The move comes as China and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognise the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document from Sunday, January 31

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-biggest-daily-surge-in-new-coronavirus-cases-360342">China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-biggest-daily-surge-in-new-coronavirus-cases-360342"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e565b120-ba05-42d3-a08f-bf56f564a59c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_10.JPG" /></a> 
 
Tonghua city in Jilin province accounted for most of the new cases

Large scale rallies expected across Russia

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&nbsp;

In a fresh setback to former US President Donald Trump, five of his impeachment defence lawyers have stepped aside over disagreements on legal strategy. Trump's trial in Senate is just a week away.

In a fresh setback to former US President Donald Trump, five of his impeachment defence lawyers have stepped aside over disagreements on legal strategy. Trump's trial in Senate is just a week away. Meanwhile, Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's aides have planned for fresh nationwide protests in Russia. Read this and more in our Morning News Brief. Trump's impeachment defence attorneys leave team a week before Senate trial Trump is set to stand trial on the week of February 8 on a charge that he incited the riot inside the US Capitol Navalny supporters plan fresh nationwide protests despite crackdown Russian authorities have issued warnings against participation in these rallies and have threatened of criminal charges Britain opens visa scheme for millions of Hong Kong residents to become citizens The move comes as China and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognise the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document from Sunday, January 31 China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases Tonghua city in Jilin province accounted for most of the new cases Large scale rallies expected across Russia ×

Morning news brief: Trump lawyers quit, fresh protest plans in Russia, and more

Allies of jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny are preparing for nationwide protests even when authorities are trying to crack down on the dissenters. Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent opposition figures in Russia is currently in jail and awaiting trial. Navalny's aides have called for fresh nationwide rallies to demand Navalny's release.

This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, have been placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests.

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Russian authorities have issued warnings against participation in these rallies and have threatened of criminal charges.

In an unprecedented move police in the capital Moscow announced the closure of seven metro stations and said movement of pedestrians would be limited in the city centre.

The authorities have also said that some centrally-located restaurants and shops will close.

Police detained 44-year-old Navalny at a Moscow airport on January 17 as he arrived from Germany, where he had been recovering from exposure to a Soviet-designed nerve toxin.

A makeshift court at a police station ordered the anti-graft campaigner placed in custody until his trial on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence.

Sunday's Moscow rally is due to take place outside the headquarters of the Federal Security Service, Russia's main security agency, which Navalny says carried out the near-fatal poisoning attack on the orders of President Vladimir Putin.

(With AFP inputs)

Allies of jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny are preparing for nationwide protests even when authorities are trying to crack down on the dissenters. Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent opposition figures in Russia is currently in jail and awaiting trial.

Allies of jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny are preparing for nationwide protests even when authorities are trying to crack down on the dissenters. Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent opposition figures in Russia is currently in jail and awaiting trial. Navalny's aides have called for fresh nationwide rallies to demand Navalny's release. This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, have been placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests. × Russian authorities have issued warnings against participation in these rallies and have threatened of criminal charges. In an unprecedented move police in the capital Moscow announced the closure of seven metro stations and said movement of pedestrians would be limited in the city centre. The authorities have also said that some centrally-located restaurants and shops will close. Police detained 44-year-old Navalny at a Moscow airport on January 17 as he arrived from Germany, where he had been recovering from exposure to a Soviet-designed nerve toxin. A makeshift court at a police station ordered the anti-graft campaigner placed in custody until his trial on charges of violating the terms of a 2014 suspended sentence. Sunday's Moscow rally is due to take place outside the headquarters of the Federal Security Service, Russia's main security agency, which Navalny says carried out the near-fatal poisoning attack on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. (With AFP inputs)

Navalny supporters plan fresh nationwide protests despite crackdown

South Korea is set to extend pandemic social distancing curbs by two weeks until the end of Lunar New Year holidays. The decision has been taken considering the new infection clusters in the country. South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun made the annoucement on Sunday.

There were earlier expectations that the government will ease the restrictions but latest announcements have put an end to the speculations.&nbsp;

health authorities decided to maintain the curbs after a new large outbreak emerged from missionary training schools across the country last week, reversing a recent downtrend in daily infections ahead of the Lunar New Year break, which begins on Feb. 11.

"The government is planning to extend the current distancing levels and anti-virus standards as they are until the Lunar New Year holidays end," Chung told an intra-agency meeting.

"The third COVID-19 wave, which had temporarily slowed, is again threatening our daily lives following the group infections from the missionary institutes."

In line with the decision, indoor cafe and restaurant dining after 9 p.m. and any gatherings of more than four people - two key measures that have proved effective - will continue to be prohibited.

Vice Health Minister Kang Do-tae said the virus was spreading not only among the missionary schools, to which 379 cases have been linked so far, but also at churches, hospitals and sports facilities.

"There is a danger that it might lead to a broader re-spread of the virus, and potentially another major wave where thousands of patients emerge within a short time," Kang told a briefing.

But the government will "positively consider" easing the curbs, including the dining curfew, if the situation improves this week.

Chung said the ongoing spread must be further dampened to facilitate South Korea's vaccination campaign and the start of the spring school semester, which are respectively set for February and March.

About 117,000 doses of vaccines of Pfizer Inc, enough for about 60,000 people, will arrive as early as mid-February via the global distribution scheme COVAX, Chung said.

AstraZeneca will also ship its products for about 300,000 people starting February, also through COVAX, as the first batch of its shipment of vaccines for at least 1.3 million people and up to 2.19 million in the first half of this year, he added.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 355 new cases as of Saturday midnight, as the numbers fell under 400 for the first time in five days due in part to less testing during the weekend.

(With AFP inputs)

South Korea is set to extend pandemic social distancing curbs by two weeks until the end of Lunar New Year holidays. The decision has been taken considering the new infection clusters in the country.

South Korea is set to extend pandemic social distancing curbs by two weeks until the end of Lunar New Year holidays. The decision has been taken considering the new infection clusters in the country. South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun made the annoucement on Sunday. There were earlier expectations that the government will ease the restrictions but latest announcements have put an end to the speculations. health authorities decided to maintain the curbs after a new large outbreak emerged from missionary training schools across the country last week, reversing a recent downtrend in daily infections ahead of the Lunar New Year break, which begins on Feb. 11. "The government is planning to extend the current distancing levels and anti-virus standards as they are until the Lunar New Year holidays end," Chung told an intra-agency meeting. "The third COVID-19 wave, which had temporarily slowed, is again threatening our daily lives following the group infections from the missionary institutes." In line with the decision, indoor cafe and restaurant dining after 9 p.m. and any gatherings of more than four people - two key measures that have proved effective - will continue to be prohibited. Vice Health Minister Kang Do-tae said the virus was spreading not only among the missionary schools, to which 379 cases have been linked so far, but also at churches, hospitals and sports facilities. "There is a danger that it might lead to a broader re-spread of the virus, and potentially another major wave where thousands of patients emerge within a short time," Kang told a briefing. But the government will "positively consider" easing the curbs, including the dining curfew, if the situation improves this week. Chung said the ongoing spread must be further dampened to facilitate South Korea's vaccination campaign and the start of the spring school semester, which are respectively set for February and March. About 117,000 doses of vaccines of Pfizer Inc, enough for about 60,000 people, will arrive as early as mid-February via the global distribution scheme COVAX, Chung said. AstraZeneca will also ship its products for about 300,000 people starting February, also through COVAX, as the first batch of its shipment of vaccines for at least 1.3 million people and up to 2.19 million in the first half of this year, he added. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 355 new cases as of Saturday midnight, as the numbers fell under 400 for the first time in five days due in part to less testing during the weekend. (With AFP inputs)

South Korea extends COVID-19 curbs into Lunar New Year holidays

Israeli army said on Sunday that it had killed a Palestinian who carried out knife attack in West Bank.

"A knife attack was reported at the Gush Etzion junction, south of Bethlehem," the army said in a statement. "The attacker was neutralised."

The incident took place at a bus station. Israeli military said that the the attacker ran at the soldiers holding a stick with three knive attached to it. No military personnel were wounded in the attack.

Gush Etzion, the area where the incident took place is a bloc of two dozen Israeli settlements and outposts near Bethlehem

There is frequent friction at the nearby junction, which has been the site of numerous so-called lone wolf Palestinian attacks. 
Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War.&nbsp;

There are currently about 475,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank living in communities considered illegal by most of the international community, alongside some 2.8 million Palestinians.

(With agency inputs)

Israeli army said on Sunday that it had killed a Palestinian who carried out knife attack in West Bank. "A knife attack was reported at the Gush Etzion junction, south of Bethlehem," the army said in a statement.

Israeli army said on Sunday that it had killed a Palestinian who carried out knife attack in West Bank. "A knife attack was reported at the Gush Etzion junction, south of Bethlehem," the army said in a statement. "The attacker was neutralised." The incident took place at a bus station. Israeli military said that the the attacker ran at the soldiers holding a stick with three knive attached to it. No military personnel were wounded in the attack. Gush Etzion, the area where the incident took place is a bloc of two dozen Israeli settlements and outposts near Bethlehem There is frequent friction at the nearby junction, which has been the site of numerous so-called lone wolf Palestinian attacks. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War. There are currently about 475,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank living in communities considered illegal by most of the international community, alongside some 2.8 million Palestinians. (With agency inputs)

Palestinian killed by Israel army in attempted knife attack in West Bank

Allies and supporters of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny took to streets across Russia and demanded the opposition leader's release from jail. The police detained over 450 protesters in Siberia and eastern Russia&nbsp;on Sunday. Navalny allies had called for and planning new agitation in spite of authorities ramping up pressure on the opposition. Alexei Navalny's trial is set to start on February 2.

The first protests took place in the Far East, including the port city of Vladivostok where several dozen protesters gathered in the city's central square despite police closing it off ahead of the rally.&nbsp;

"The desire to live in a free country is stronger than the fear of being detained," 25-year-old student Andrei, who preferred not to give his last name, told AFP.

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&nbsp;

AFP footage from Vladivostok showed dozens of protesters escaping the police on the frozen waters of the Amur Bay and circle dancing.

Russian authorities have already warned people against participating against the protest rallies. The police have said that criminal charges will be slapped against the protesters.

<img alt="Russia protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0acc2f0b-a2eb-40f4-a9ed-baa93cb4307c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8ZW3YB.jpg" />

According to independent monitors, at least 500&nbsp;people were detained in more than a dozen cities before the expected start of the rally in Moscow, which usually mobilises the largest crowds.

In an unprecedented move police in the capital announced the closure of seven metro stations and said movement of pedestrians would be limited in the city centre.

'Wake them up'

"The majority is on our side. Let's wake them up," Navalny said on Thursday in a message from Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina, a high-security detention centre.

Tens of thousands of Russians took to the streets of over 100 cities across the country last Saturday to protest Putin's 20-year-rule.

More than 4,000 demonstrators were detained while authorities launched a series of criminal probes.

<img alt="Russia protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e1d06a7-93d5-4372-b1fb-6e48e23a3c5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8ZW3XB.jpg" />

Authorities are also targeting online platforms demanding they delete posts with calls for rallies or face fines.

The country's media watchdog said Friday it summoned representatives of several social networks, including Facebook and TikTok, for failing to comply.

This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, have been placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests.

Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh was detained late Saturday also over violating virus measures, the same day she was due to walk free after a nine-day jail term for violating protest laws.&nbsp;

The head of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, Ivan Zhdanov, said Saturday the Investigative Committee informed him that a criminal case on fraud charges had been launched against Navalny.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Allies and supporters of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny took to streets across Russia and demanded the opposition leader's release from jail. The police detained over 450 protesters in Siberia and eastern Russia on Sunday.

Allies and supporters of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny took to streets across Russia and demanded the opposition leader's release from jail. The police detained over 450 protesters in Siberia and eastern Russia on Sunday. Navalny allies had called for and planning new agitation in spite of authorities ramping up pressure on the opposition. Alexei Navalny's trial is set to start on February 2. The first protests took place in the Far East, including the port city of Vladivostok where several dozen protesters gathered in the city's central square despite police closing it off ahead of the rally. "The desire to live in a free country is stronger than the fear of being detained," 25-year-old student Andrei, who preferred not to give his last name, told AFP. × AFP footage from Vladivostok showed dozens of protesters escaping the police on the frozen waters of the Amur Bay and circle dancing. Russian authorities have already warned people against participating against the protest rallies. The police have said that criminal charges will be slapped against the protesters. According to independent monitors, at least 500 people were detained in more than a dozen cities before the expected start of the rally in Moscow, which usually mobilises the largest crowds. In an unprecedented move police in the capital announced the closure of seven metro stations and said movement of pedestrians would be limited in the city centre. 'Wake them up' "The majority is on our side. Let's wake them up," Navalny said on Thursday in a message from Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina, a high-security detention centre. Tens of thousands of Russians took to the streets of over 100 cities across the country last Saturday to protest Putin's 20-year-rule. More than 4,000 demonstrators were detained while authorities launched a series of criminal probes. Authorities are also targeting online platforms demanding they delete posts with calls for rallies or face fines. The country's media watchdog said Friday it summoned representatives of several social networks, including Facebook and TikTok, for failing to comply. This week several Navalny associates, including lawyer Lyubov Sobol and his brother Oleg, have been placed under house arrest until late March pending charges for violating coronavirus restrictions by calling people to join protests. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh was detained late Saturday also over violating virus measures, the same day she was due to walk free after a nine-day jail term for violating protest laws. The head of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, Ivan Zhdanov, said Saturday the Investigative Committee informed him that a criminal case on fraud charges had been launched against Navalny. (With AFP inputs)

Navalny allies take to the streets despite crackdown, over 450 detained

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a unique initiative for young writers in India. During his Mann Ki Baat radio address, PM Modi invited young writer to write about India's freedom fight and freedom fighters.

"I call upon all countrymen and especially our young friends, to write about our freedom fighters, events associated with our independence. Write books about the tales of valor during freedom struggle from their areas," he said.

He further said that as India was moving towards completing 75 years of independence, such writing would be a fitting homage to heroes of Indian freedom fight. PM said that the initiative for young writer has been launched under 'India Seventy Five'. This initiative, he said, will encourage youngsters from all states and all languages to write. This in turn will help them develop into learned writers and thought leaders.

In his Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi highlighted India's fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlighting that India is helping the world during the COVID-19 crisis, he said: "These days, I receive messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world. You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India - every Indian was proud of it. You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines."

"In times of crisis, India is able to serve the world because India, today, is capable of medicines and vaccine, is self-sufficient. This is also the idea of a self-reliant India campaign. The more capable India is, the more it will serve humanity, the more the world will benefit," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a unique initiative for young writers in India. During his Mann Ki Baat radio address, PM Modi invited young writer to write about India's freedom fight and freedom fighters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a unique initiative for young writers in India. During his Mann Ki Baat radio address, PM Modi invited young writer to write about India's freedom fight and freedom fighters. "I call upon all countrymen and especially our young friends, to write about our freedom fighters, events associated with our independence. Write books about the tales of valor during freedom struggle from their areas," he said. He further said that as India was moving towards completing 75 years of independence, such writing would be a fitting homage to heroes of Indian freedom fight. PM said that the initiative for young writer has been launched under 'India Seventy Five'. This initiative, he said, will encourage youngsters from all states and all languages to write. This in turn will help them develop into learned writers and thought leaders. In his Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi highlighted India's fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Highlighting that India is helping the world during the COVID-19 crisis, he said: "These days, I receive messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world. You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India - every Indian was proud of it. You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines." "In times of crisis, India is able to serve the world because India, today, is capable of medicines and vaccine, is self-sufficient. This is also the idea of a self-reliant India campaign. The more capable India is, the more it will serve humanity, the more the world will benefit," he added.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi announces initiative for young writers

China on Sunday, reported the biggest daily jump in new coronavirus cases in six days. This jump is driven by increase in a northeastern city. There were 92 new confirmed cases in mainland China on January 30, said China's National Health Commission. 73 of these cases occurred due to local transmissions. Tonghua city in Jilin province accounted for most of the new cases.

Northern Hebei province reported one new confirmed case while Heilongjiang reported nine. Beijing and Shanghai had none.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-experts-visit-wuhan-market-the-location-of-first-covid-outbreak-360386">WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak</a>

China does not classify asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases. Number of asymptomatic cases rose to 19 from 16 on the previous day.

The latest figures brought confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China to 89,522, while the death toll remained 4,636.

China on Sunday, reported the biggest daily jump in new coronavirus cases in six days. This jump is driven by increase in a northeastern city. There were 92 new confirmed cases in mainland China on January 30, said China's National Health Commission.

China on Sunday, reported the biggest daily jump in new coronavirus cases in six days. This jump is driven by increase in a northeastern city. There were 92 new confirmed cases in mainland China on January 30, said China's National Health Commission. 73 of these cases occurred due to local transmissions. Tonghua city in Jilin province accounted for most of the new cases. Northern Hebei province reported one new confirmed case while Heilongjiang reported nine. Beijing and Shanghai had none. Also Read | WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak China does not classify asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases. Number of asymptomatic cases rose to 19 from 16 on the previous day. The latest figures brought confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China to 89,522, while the death toll remained 4,636.

China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases

World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year.

The experts in the team arrived at Hunan seafood market. They were allowed access but guards quickly stopped others from entering, said AFP.

In last few days, the team has visited several locations in Wuhan including a hospital and what was called a 'propaganda' exhibition by the media.

The media has been kept away from the experts and details such as itinerary are trickling through WHO tweets.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-biggest-daily-surge-in-new-coronavirus-cases-360342">China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases</a>

On Saturday, team member Peter Daszak welcomed the hospital visit as an "Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!"

The mission, delayed by China and weighed down by political baggage, has a remit to explore how the virus jumped from animal to human.

On Sunday, the WHO team arrived at the Huanan market as part of a long-planned trip now closely monitored by the Chinese authorities.

(With AFP inputs)

World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year.

World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year. The experts in the team arrived at Hunan seafood market. They were allowed access but guards quickly stopped others from entering, said AFP. In last few days, the team has visited several locations in Wuhan including a hospital and what was called a 'propaganda' exhibition by the media. The media has been kept away from the experts and details such as itinerary are trickling through WHO tweets. Also Read | China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases On Saturday, team member Peter Daszak welcomed the hospital visit as an "Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!" The mission, delayed by China and weighed down by political baggage, has a remit to explore how the virus jumped from animal to human. On Sunday, the WHO team arrived at the Huanan market as part of a long-planned trip now closely monitored by the Chinese authorities. (With AFP inputs)

WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak

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