Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide. The rules would also have amended the Swiss constitution and forced the companies to respect strict human rights and environmental protection standrads.

Initiative behind this proposal was launched by an alliance of 130 NGOs as part of Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The proposal had backing from trade unions and church groups

But voters in a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the initiative, according to exit polls. 
The initiative was opposed by both the government and parliament, which warned that while its intention was good, the proposed legislation went "too far".

The rejection by voters automatically activated the government's counter-proposal, which also requires companies to report on rights, environmental protections and corruption issues -- but without being liable for violations.

Supporters of the rejected initiative plastered Swiss towns and cities with posters highlighting environmental degradation and human suffering caused by Swiss companies.

Campaigners also underscored how pesticides long banned in Switzerland are still sold by agrochemicals giant Syngenta in developing countries, and deplored small-particle pollution spewed from a cement plant owned by LafargeHolcim in Nigeria.

Multinationals are important drivers of the Swiss economy, which at the end of 2018 counted close to 29,000 such corporations, accounting for more than a quarter of all jobs in the country, according to official statistics.

The Swiss business community, along with the government and parliament, argued that the proposed constitutional amendments could have been detrimental for all Swiss companies, not just those that behave badly.

Businesses and employer organisations voiced particular concern over a provision that would have made Swiss-based businesses liable for abuses committed by subsidiaries unless they could prove they had done required due diligence.

While backers of the rejected initiative acknowledged that most companies respect rights and environmental protections, they insisted that voluntary measures were not enough to bring the rest in line.

(With AFP inputs)

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide.

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide. The rules would also have amended the Swiss constitution and forced the companies to respect strict human rights and environmental protection standrads. Initiative behind this proposal was launched by an alliance of 130 NGOs as part of Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The proposal had backing from trade unions and church groups But voters in a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the initiative, according to exit polls. The initiative was opposed by both the government and parliament, which warned that while its intention was good, the proposed legislation went "too far". The rejection by voters automatically activated the government's counter-proposal, which also requires companies to report on rights, environmental protections and corruption issues -- but without being liable for violations. Supporters of the rejected initiative plastered Swiss towns and cities with posters highlighting environmental degradation and human suffering caused by Swiss companies. Campaigners also underscored how pesticides long banned in Switzerland are still sold by agrochemicals giant Syngenta in developing countries, and deplored small-particle pollution spewed from a cement plant owned by LafargeHolcim in Nigeria. Multinationals are important drivers of the Swiss economy, which at the end of 2018 counted close to 29,000 such corporations, accounting for more than a quarter of all jobs in the country, according to official statistics. The Swiss business community, along with the government and parliament, argued that the proposed constitutional amendments could have been detrimental for all Swiss companies, not just those that behave badly. Businesses and employer organisations voiced particular concern over a provision that would have made Swiss-based businesses liable for abuses committed by subsidiaries unless they could prove they had done required due diligence. While backers of the rejected initiative acknowledged that most companies respect rights and environmental protections, they insisted that voluntary measures were not enough to bring the rest in line. (With AFP inputs)

Swiss voters reject world's strictest corporate responsibility rules

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed.

The presence of pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained high in the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 236 in Faridabad, 242 in Gurgaon, 268 in Noida, 273 in Greater Noida and 300 in Ghaziabad, according to the CPCB's Sameer app.

On Saturday, it was 171 in Faridabad, 204 in Gurgaon, 233 in Noida, 226 in Greater Noida and 240 in Ghaziabad. 
The CPCB states that an AQI in the "poor" category may cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.

The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad have four stations each, while Gurgaon has three and Greater Noida two, according to the app

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed.

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed. The presence of pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained high in the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 236 in Faridabad, 242 in Gurgaon, 268 in Noida, 273 in Greater Noida and 300 in Ghaziabad, according to the CPCB's Sameer app. On Saturday, it was 171 in Faridabad, 204 in Gurgaon, 233 in Noida, 226 in Greater Noida and 240 in Ghaziabad. The CPCB states that an AQI in the "poor" category may cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad have four stations each, while Gurgaon has three and Greater Noida two, according to the app

Air quality remains 'poor' in National Capital Region

A volcano in Indonesia erupted on Sunday triggering a flight warning and closure of a local airport. The explosion threw a column of smoke and ash four kilometres (2.5 miles in the air). There have been no reports of injuries or damage so far. However, the authorities have raised the volcano's alert status to it second-highest level. They have also warned of lava flows.

A two-kilometre no-go zone has been expanded to four kilometres. Flights have been advised to steer clear of the area. White volcanic ash rained down on East Nusa Tenggara's Wunopitu airport. The airport was temporarily closed.

"People are advised to not carry out any activities within a four-kilometre radius from the crater," Indonesia's geological agency said.

There are about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia due to its position on the "Ring of Fire" a belt of tectonic plate boundaries circling the Pacific Ocean where frequent seismic activity occurs.

In late 2018, a volcano in the strait between Java and Sumatra islands erupted, causing an underwater landslide that unleashed a tsunami which killed more than 400 people.

(With AFP inputs)

A volcano in Indonesia erupted on Sunday triggering a flight warning and closure of a local airport. The explosion threw a column of smoke and ash four kilometres (2.

A volcano in Indonesia erupted on Sunday triggering a flight warning and closure of a local airport. The explosion threw a column of smoke and ash four kilometres (2.5 miles in the air). There have been no reports of injuries or damage so far. However, the authorities have raised the volcano's alert status to it second-highest level. They have also warned of lava flows. A two-kilometre no-go zone has been expanded to four kilometres. Flights have been advised to steer clear of the area. White volcanic ash rained down on East Nusa Tenggara's Wunopitu airport. The airport was temporarily closed. "People are advised to not carry out any activities within a four-kilometre radius from the crater," Indonesia's geological agency said. There are about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia due to its position on the "Ring of Fire" a belt of tectonic plate boundaries circling the Pacific Ocean where frequent seismic activity occurs. In late 2018, a volcano in the strait between Java and Sumatra islands erupted, causing an underwater landslide that unleashed a tsunami which killed more than 400 people. (With AFP inputs)

Volcano erupts in Indonesia, throws up smoke four kilometres in air

Inflation in Sudan has risen to one of the highest levels in the world, and the country risks slipping into hyperinflation unless it gets its budget deficit and money supply under control, economists say.

The runaway prices have worsened an economic crisis for millions of ordinary Sudanese and imperilled a political transition under a military-civilian power sharing deal.

The government has run up enormous budget deficits by subsidising the cost of fuel, then financed the deficits by printing money.

This has debased the currency, weakening it against other currencies and driving inflation up to annual 230% in October, according to the state statistics bureau.

The skyrocketing prices have led many consumers to spend their salaries quickly, particularly on durable items that hold their value.

Idrees Abdelmoniem, who works in marketing at an engineering company in Khartoum, said he had snapped up car spare parts and furniture, but was not as quick with food and drink, whose prices were not increasing as fast.

“If I have something I want to buy outside of the monthly house supplies, I buy it as soon as I get money, and I won’t even try to haggle because tomorrow it could be double the price,” he said.

Central bank figures show the scale of money printing by the authorities with the M2 money supply measure increasing by over 50% in the year to end-September. In September alone M2 rose by 7.13%.

Steve Hanke, a hyperinflation specialist at Johns Hopkins University, calculated that on a monthly basis, the inflation rate has accelerated to about 24% a month, dangerously high, but still below hyperinflation, generally defined as 50% a month.

He placed Sudan among the five countries with the highest inflation.

“It’s pretty scary,” he said, adding that it was hard to predict what direction inflation would go from here.

SUBSIDIES

A US decision to remove Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism has provided little immediate relief from the economic crisis and the country has turned to the International Monetary Fund for help.

Sudan is counting on a reform programme drawn up with the lender to help get control of the deficit, exacerbated by decades of U.S. economic sanctions and by economic mismanagement under President Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted in a popular uprising in April of last year.

Gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by more than 2% in both 2018 and 2019 and is expected to shrink another 8.5% in 2020 after being walloped by the coronavirus pandemic, Sudan told the IMF in September.

The one-year staff-monitored programme signed with the IMF commits the transitional government to reforming energy subsidies and reducing government borrowing from the central bank, among other reforms.

The programme is designed to provide a track record that would qualify Sudan for debt relief from its official creditors.

“The issue of hyperinflation is real, and it requires serious attention,” said Ibrahim Elbadawi, who stepped down as Sudan’s finance minister in July.

“The starting point should be the subsidies, because that will have unquestionable implications for the finances of the government.”

Fuel subsidies, which account for 71% of all subsidies, were equivalent to 10.6% of GDP in 2019, according to the IMF.

The government this year began allowing private companies to import petrol and diesel at near market prices and has gradually reduced the number of stations where subsidised fuel is sold.

Last month it doubled the price of locally produced petrol to 56 Sudanese pounds a litre, still among the lowest levels in the world. It says it stopped subsidising petrol and diesel altogether as of September.

The reforms should reduce fuel subsidies to 2.2% this year, the IMF said, but imported fuel will further stretch people’s resources as a collapsing currency pushes up its local price.

This week one U.S. dollar bought 255 Sudanese pounds on the black market, up from about 85 pounds a year ago. At the official rate a dollar fetches 55 pounds.

“Because of the gas situation, I’ve literally stopped going further than a 9 kilometre radius,” said Huda Khalid, who considers herself relatively well paid as a primary school teaching assistant at a private school. A 50% salary raise has done little to help.

“Electricity, gas money, internet, and groceries for a week and my salary is basically gone. For the rest, my dad sends money from Oman.”

Inflation in Sudan has risen to one of the highest levels in the world, and the country risks slipping into hyperinflation unless it gets its budget deficit and money supply under control, economists say.

Inflation in Sudan has risen to one of the highest levels in the world, and the country risks slipping into hyperinflation unless it gets its budget deficit and money supply under control, economists say. The runaway prices have worsened an economic crisis for millions of ordinary Sudanese and imperilled a political transition under a military-civilian power sharing deal. The government has run up enormous budget deficits by subsidising the cost of fuel, then financed the deficits by printing money. This has debased the currency, weakening it against other currencies and driving inflation up to annual 230% in October, according to the state statistics bureau. The skyrocketing prices have led many consumers to spend their salaries quickly, particularly on durable items that hold their value. Idrees Abdelmoniem, who works in marketing at an engineering company in Khartoum, said he had snapped up car spare parts and furniture, but was not as quick with food and drink, whose prices were not increasing as fast. “If I have something I want to buy outside of the monthly house supplies, I buy it as soon as I get money, and I won’t even try to haggle because tomorrow it could be double the price,” he said. Central bank figures show the scale of money printing by the authorities with the M2 money supply measure increasing by over 50% in the year to end-September. In September alone M2 rose by 7.13%. Steve Hanke, a hyperinflation specialist at Johns Hopkins University, calculated that on a monthly basis, the inflation rate has accelerated to about 24% a month, dangerously high, but still below hyperinflation, generally defined as 50% a month. He placed Sudan among the five countries with the highest inflation. “It’s pretty scary,” he said, adding that it was hard to predict what direction inflation would go from here. SUBSIDIES A US decision to remove Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism has provided little immediate relief from the economic crisis and the country has turned to the International Monetary Fund for help. Sudan is counting on a reform programme drawn up with the lender to help get control of the deficit, exacerbated by decades of U.S. economic sanctions and by economic mismanagement under President Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted in a popular uprising in April of last year. Gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by more than 2% in both 2018 and 2019 and is expected to shrink another 8.5% in 2020 after being walloped by the coronavirus pandemic, Sudan told the IMF in September. The one-year staff-monitored programme signed with the IMF commits the transitional government to reforming energy subsidies and reducing government borrowing from the central bank, among other reforms. The programme is designed to provide a track record that would qualify Sudan for debt relief from its official creditors. “The issue of hyperinflation is real, and it requires serious attention,” said Ibrahim Elbadawi, who stepped down as Sudan’s finance minister in July. “The starting point should be the subsidies, because that will have unquestionable implications for the finances of the government.” Fuel subsidies, which account for 71% of all subsidies, were equivalent to 10.6% of GDP in 2019, according to the IMF. The government this year began allowing private companies to import petrol and diesel at near market prices and has gradually reduced the number of stations where subsidised fuel is sold. Last month it doubled the price of locally produced petrol to 56 Sudanese pounds a litre, still among the lowest levels in the world. It says it stopped subsidising petrol and diesel altogether as of September. The reforms should reduce fuel subsidies to 2.2% this year, the IMF said, but imported fuel will further stretch people’s resources as a collapsing currency pushes up its local price. This week one U.S. dollar bought 255 Sudanese pounds on the black market, up from about 85 pounds a year ago. At the official rate a dollar fetches 55 pounds. “Because of the gas situation, I’ve literally stopped going further than a 9 kilometre radius,” said Huda Khalid, who considers herself relatively well paid as a primary school teaching assistant at a private school. A 50% salary raise has done little to help. “Electricity, gas money, internet, and groceries for a week and my salary is basically gone. For the rest, my dad sends money from Oman.”

Sudan inflation soars, raising spectre of hyperinflation

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack. The killing has resulted in tension in the region. Iran has accused Israel for the killing.

"We regret the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh following an armed attack. We condemn this heinous murder and offer our condolences to the Iranian government and the dead man's relatives," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The statement further said that Turkey was against all forms of terrorism irrespective of who the perpetrators were.

"Turkey is against all initiatives aimed at disrupting peace in the region and against all forms of terrorism, no matter who their perpetrator or target are."

Ankara also urged "all parties to act with common sense and restraint".

Fakhrizadeh, 59, was killed on Friday in a car bomb and gun attack against his own vehicle, the Iranian defence ministry said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assassination-in-iran-could-limit-bidens-options-was-that-the-goal-346211">Assassination in Iran could limit Biden’s options. Was that the goal?</a> 
 
The ministry said that Fakhrizadeh was head of its research and innovation department.

Turkey and Iran are regional powers with a history of complex relations.

While they often line up on opposing sides, recent years have seen them build up cooperation in some areas like energy.

Both are fierce opponents of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack.

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack. The killing has resulted in tension in the region. Iran has accused Israel for the killing. "We regret the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh following an armed attack. We condemn this heinous murder and offer our condolences to the Iranian government and the dead man's relatives," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement further said that Turkey was against all forms of terrorism irrespective of who the perpetrators were. "Turkey is against all initiatives aimed at disrupting peace in the region and against all forms of terrorism, no matter who their perpetrator or target are." Ankara also urged "all parties to act with common sense and restraint". Fakhrizadeh, 59, was killed on Friday in a car bomb and gun attack against his own vehicle, the Iranian defence ministry said. Also Read | Assassination in Iran could limit Biden’s options. Was that the goal? The ministry said that Fakhrizadeh was head of its research and innovation department. Turkey and Iran are regional powers with a history of complex relations. While they often line up on opposing sides, recent years have seen them build up cooperation in some areas like energy. Both are fierce opponents of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Turkey condemns Iranian scientist killing as act of terrorism

Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist. The 59-year-old was targeted while travelling in a car near Absard city in Tehran province's eastern Damavand county.

The United States slapped sanctions on Fakhrizadeh in 2008 for "engaging in activities and transactions that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear programme", and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described him as the father of Iran's nuclear weapons programme.

A state television reporter said a pickup truck carrying explosives concealed under a cargo of wood exploded in front of Fakhrizadeh's car, before it was sprayed with bullets from an SUV in another lane.

Images from the scene showed a black sedan on the side of the road, its windshield pockmarked with bullet holes. A pool of blood was seen on the asphalt.

State television described Fakhrizadeh as one "of our country's nuclear scientists" and said Israel "had an old and deep enmity towards him".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-345915">Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated</a>

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there were "serious indications of an Israeli role" in his assassination.

"Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today," Zarif tweeted.

"This cowardice -- with serious indications of Israeli role -- shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators," he added.

He also called on the international community to "end their shameful double standards &amp; condemn this act of state terror."

'Heavy blow'

A spokesman for Netanyahu questioned by AFP in Jerusalem declined to comment.

Iran's armed forces chief of staff called Fakhrizdeh's death "a bitter and heavy blow to the country's defence system" and warned of "severe revenge" for those behind it.

"We assure (Iranians) that we will not rest until we have chased and punished" those involved, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said in tweets picked up by state news agency IRNA.

Fakhrizadeh's assassination comes less than two months before Joe Biden is to take office as US president.

Biden has promised a return to diplomacy with Iran after four hawkish years under US President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and began reimposing crippling sanctions.

Trump said at the time that the deal known formally as the Joint&nbsp; 
Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, did not offer sufficient guarantees to stop Tehran from acquiring an atomic bomb.

Iran has always denied it wants such a weapon.

Trump on Friday retweeted reports on Fakhrizadeh's assassination, without commenting on it himself.

'Strike killers like lightning'

Hossein Dehghan, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader and a former senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accused Israel of trying to provoke a war through the assassination.

"In the last days of the political life of their gambling ally (Trump), the Zionists are trying to intensify pressure on Iran to create a full-blown war," he tweeted.

"We will strike the killers like lightning."

Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on International Relations said on Twitter that the "objective behind the killing wasn't to hinder (Iran's) nuclear programme but to undermine diplomacy."

She noted that recent high-level visits by US officials to Israel and Saudi Arabia "raised flags something being cooked up" to "provoke Iran &amp; complicate Biden's diplomatic push."

The killing of Fakhrizadeh is the latest in a series of assassinations of nuclear scientists in Iran in recent years that the Islamic republic has blamed on Israel.

The New York Times reported earlier in November that Al-Qaeda's second-in-command was secretly shot and killed in Tehran by two Israeli operatives on a motorcycle at Washington's behest.

The senior leader, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was killed in August along with his daughter, Miriam, the widow of Osama bin Laden's son Hamza, the Times said, citing intelligence sources.

Iran said the report was based on "made-up information" and reaffirmed its denial of the presence of any of the group's members in the Islamic republic.

(With AFP inputs)

Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist.

Iran held its arch-rival Israel responsible for assassination of its top nuclear scientist. Iranian defence ministry said on Friday that assailants targetted the car of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist. The 59-year-old was targeted while travelling in a car near Absard city in Tehran province's eastern Damavand county. The United States slapped sanctions on Fakhrizadeh in 2008 for "engaging in activities and transactions that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear programme", and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described him as the father of Iran's nuclear weapons programme. A state television reporter said a pickup truck carrying explosives concealed under a cargo of wood exploded in front of Fakhrizadeh's car, before it was sprayed with bullets from an SUV in another lane. Images from the scene showed a black sedan on the side of the road, its windshield pockmarked with bullet holes. A pool of blood was seen on the asphalt. State television described Fakhrizadeh as one "of our country's nuclear scientists" and said Israel "had an old and deep enmity towards him". Also Read | Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there were "serious indications of an Israeli role" in his assassination. "Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today," Zarif tweeted. "This cowardice -- with serious indications of Israeli role -- shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators," he added. He also called on the international community to "end their shameful double standards & condemn this act of state terror." 'Heavy blow' A spokesman for Netanyahu questioned by AFP in Jerusalem declined to comment. Iran's armed forces chief of staff called Fakhrizdeh's death "a bitter and heavy blow to the country's defence system" and warned of "severe revenge" for those behind it. "We assure (Iranians) that we will not rest until we have chased and punished" those involved, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said in tweets picked up by state news agency IRNA. Fakhrizadeh's assassination comes less than two months before Joe Biden is to take office as US president. Biden has promised a return to diplomacy with Iran after four hawkish years under US President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and began reimposing crippling sanctions. Trump said at the time that the deal known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, did not offer sufficient guarantees to stop Tehran from acquiring an atomic bomb. Iran has always denied it wants such a weapon. Trump on Friday retweeted reports on Fakhrizadeh's assassination, without commenting on it himself. 'Strike killers like lightning' Hossein Dehghan, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader and a former senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accused Israel of trying to provoke a war through the assassination. "In the last days of the political life of their gambling ally (Trump), the Zionists are trying to intensify pressure on Iran to create a full-blown war," he tweeted. "We will strike the killers like lightning." Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on International Relations said on Twitter that the "objective behind the killing wasn't to hinder (Iran's) nuclear programme but to undermine diplomacy." She noted that recent high-level visits by US officials to Israel and Saudi Arabia "raised flags something being cooked up" to "provoke Iran & complicate Biden's diplomatic push." The killing of Fakhrizadeh is the latest in a series of assassinations of nuclear scientists in Iran in recent years that the Islamic republic has blamed on Israel. The New York Times reported earlier in November that Al-Qaeda's second-in-command was secretly shot and killed in Tehran by two Israeli operatives on a motorcycle at Washington's behest. The senior leader, who went by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was killed in August along with his daughter, Miriam, the widow of Osama bin Laden's son Hamza, the Times said, citing intelligence sources. Iran said the report was based on "made-up information" and reaffirmed its denial of the presence of any of the group's members in the Islamic republic. (With AFP inputs)

Iran accuses Israel of killing nuclear scientist, vows 'revenge'

Coronavirus vaccine trials are going on in India and across the world and the race for the vaccine is in the last leg. India is a key player in global fight against coronavirus pandemic. CEO of Serum Institute of India, world's largest vaccine maker, has reiterated that the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be made available in India initially. Adar Poonawala (CEO, Serum Institute of India) made the statement on the same day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the company on Saturday (November 28).

Poonawala said that the institute will look at the COVAX countries after the vaccine has been made available in India. COVAX countries are mainly in Africa. Poonawala said that while AstraZeneca and Oxford University were taking care of markets in UK and Europe, Serum Institute's priority would be India and COVAX countries.

"As of now, we don't have anything in writing with the govt of India on how many doses they will purchase but the indication is that it would be 300-400 million doses by July, 2021," he said. He was quoted by ANI.

PM Narendra Modi visited Serum Institute of India after visiting other vaccine hubs like Ahmedbabad. Zydus-Cadila is developing a vaccine in Ahmedabad while Bharat Biotech is developing an indigenous vaccine.

Speaking after Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to the SII facility in Pune, Poonawalla said PM Modi discussed in detail the vaccination scenario and reviewed the vaccine production status. Poonawala said he was amazed how well-versed PM Modi was about vaccines.

"Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility," PM Modi said in a tweet after his visit.

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Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility. <a href="https://t.co/PvL22uq0nl">pic.twitter.com/PvL22uq0nl</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1332671849545797632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

SII is in the process of applying of emergency use licence in two weeks. It will be distributed in India initially and then the Covax countries of Africa. 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus vaccine trials are going on in India and across the world and the race for the vaccine is in the last leg. India is a key player in global fight against coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus vaccine trials are going on in India and across the world and the race for the vaccine is in the last leg. India is a key player in global fight against coronavirus pandemic. CEO of Serum Institute of India, world's largest vaccine maker, has reiterated that the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be made available in India initially. Adar Poonawala (CEO, Serum Institute of India) made the statement on the same day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the company on Saturday (November 28). Poonawala said that the institute will look at the COVAX countries after the vaccine has been made available in India. COVAX countries are mainly in Africa. Poonawala said that while AstraZeneca and Oxford University were taking care of markets in UK and Europe, Serum Institute's priority would be India and COVAX countries. "As of now, we don't have anything in writing with the govt of India on how many doses they will purchase but the indication is that it would be 300-400 million doses by July, 2021," he said. He was quoted by ANI. PM Narendra Modi visited Serum Institute of India after visiting other vaccine hubs like Ahmedbabad. Zydus-Cadila is developing a vaccine in Ahmedabad while Bharat Biotech is developing an indigenous vaccine. Speaking after Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to the SII facility in Pune, Poonawalla said PM Modi discussed in detail the vaccination scenario and reviewed the vaccine production status. Poonawala said he was amazed how well-versed PM Modi was about vaccines. "Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility," PM Modi said in a tweet after his visit. Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility. pic.twitter.com/PvL22uq0nl — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2020 × SII is in the process of applying of emergency use licence in two weeks. It will be distributed in India initially and then the Covax countries of Africa.

COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed in India initially, Serum Institute reiterates

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in South Sudan on Saturday (November 28) amid rising tension and instability in the region. The conflict between Ethiopia and Ethiopian region of Tigray is spiraling into neighbouring countrires and threatening regional stability.

Egypt, Africa's third-most populous nation, relies on the Nile for more than 90% of its fresh water supplies and wants a legally binding treaty on how Ethiopia can use the Blue Nile's waters. According to officials, President Sisi and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, will discuss bilateral issues and exchange views on regional stability, as well as deepening South Sudan's and Egypt's diplomatic ties.

South Sudan's cabinet recently decided to change the country's currency in order to improve the economy. On November 17, the International Monetary Fund said it had approved a $52.3 million rapid credit facility to South Sudan to help it limit the economic damage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Sudan's economy is still buckling from the damage caused by years of civil war between government forces under Kiir and those allied with Vice President Riek Machar. The fighting hit oil production, which is now also being affected by low prices for crude.

(With Reuters inputs)

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in South Sudan on Saturday (November 28) amid rising tension and instability in the region. The conflict between Ethiopia and Ethiopian region of Tigray is spiraling into neighbouring countrires and threatening regional stability.

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in South Sudan on Saturday (November 28) amid rising tension and instability in the region. The conflict between Ethiopia and Ethiopian region of Tigray is spiraling into neighbouring countrires and threatening regional stability. Egypt, Africa's third-most populous nation, relies on the Nile for more than 90% of its fresh water supplies and wants a legally binding treaty on how Ethiopia can use the Blue Nile's waters. According to officials, President Sisi and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, will discuss bilateral issues and exchange views on regional stability, as well as deepening South Sudan's and Egypt's diplomatic ties. South Sudan's cabinet recently decided to change the country's currency in order to improve the economy. On November 17, the International Monetary Fund said it had approved a $52.3 million rapid credit facility to South Sudan to help it limit the economic damage of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Sudan's economy is still buckling from the damage caused by years of civil war between government forces under Kiir and those allied with Vice President Riek Machar. The fighting hit oil production, which is now also being affected by low prices for crude. (With Reuters inputs)

Egypt president arrives in South Sudan amid rising regional tensions

Israeli embassies are on alert after Iran's threat of retaliation over assassination of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Meanwhile, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has called for 'punishing' those behind the scientist's killing. In Africa, Ethiopian federal troops' offensive against country's Tigray region is still underway. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that she has 'never been more certain' of Scottish independence from UK. Read this and more in top 10 world news

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-embassies-on-alert-over-irans-retaliation-threats-after-fakhrizadehs-assassination-report-346090">Israeli embassies on alert over Iran's retaliation threats after Fakhrizadeh's assassination: Report</a>

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Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, 59, was shot by assailants in his car near Absard city in Tehran and died in hospital as doctors failed to revive him.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-begin-offensive-on-tigray-with-heavy-shelling-346084">Ethiopian forces begin offensive on Tigray with heavy shelling</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-begin-offensive-on-tigray-with-heavy-shelling-346084"><img alt="Ethiopia Tigray" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fb845ea-8505-480b-a56f-42f66535419a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tigray.JPG" /></a> 
 
Abiy who won Nobel Peace Prize last year had said earlier in the week that a "third and final phase" in his campaign against leaders of TPLF had begun

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-calls-for-punishing-those-behind-scientists-killing-346076">Iran's Khamenei calls for 'punishing' those behind scientist's killing</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-calls-for-punishing-those-behind-scientists-killing-346076"><img alt="Khamenei" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a6370ff-a6f4-41c1-9d5c-b2db5dd69a84" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Khamenei.JPG" /></a> 
 
Iran's top scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated on Friday

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-first-minister-says-she-has-never-been-more-certain-of-independence-from-uk-346097">Scotland First Minister says she has 'never been more certain' of independence from UK</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-first-minister-says-she-has-never-been-more-certain-of-independence-from-uk-346097"><img alt="Scotland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="933834b3-7311-4174-b5ac-5f981f93d162" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Scottish.JPG" /></a> 
The head of Scotland's devolved government and the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) told supporters that possibility of a break between Scotland and the rest of the UK had never been more closer

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-in-europe-crosses-400000-as-germany-mulls-extending-partial-lockdown-till-early-spring-346074">Coronavirus death toll in Europe crosses 400,000 as Germany mulls extending partial lockdown till early spring</a>

<img alt="Europe coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="008d73ad-61ec-4a71-a2c8-3854bb81ffbc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coronavirus.JPG" />

 
The Belgium government said it will reopen shops from December 1 including Luxembourg and the Netherlands

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-reviews-air-defence-troops-calls-joint-effort-to-develop-new-capabilities-346080">Japan PM Suga reviews air defence troops, calls joint effort to develop new capabilities</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-reviews-air-defence-troops-calls-joint-effort-to-develop-new-capabilities-346080"><img alt="Japan Suga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0ab2ee5-8720-4983-9653-18d3c1a289c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Suga.JPG" /></a> 
The Japanese prime minister in his address said that the defence forces should develop capabilities to tackle new battlefields in outer space, cyberspace and electromagnetic fields.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-bhutto-slams-imran-khans-heartless-government-for-sacking-over-4500-psm-employees-346106">Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees</a>

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According to a report by Geo News, the PSM sacked 4,544 of employees, including the divisional and assistant managers, belonging to category 2,3, and 4 pay groups

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sri-lanka-maldives-agree-to-bolster-maritime-co-operation-346101">India-Sri Lanka-Maldives agree to bolster maritime co-operation</a>

<img alt="INDIA SRI LANKA MALDIVES" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="174b1e97-b2bc-4ef0-a941-bbf2de044003" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/india.JPG" /> 
 
The three countries discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-pilot-blood-test-that-may-detect-50-types-of-cancer-346057">UK to pilot blood test that may detect 50 types of cancer</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-pilot-blood-test-that-may-detect-50-types-of-cancer-346057"><img alt="Blood test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bcbd7c6d-6d4c-4eba-b348-7ec46c62c55a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bLOOD.JPG" /></a> 
 
Results are expected by 2023, after which it is hoped one million people could receive the test by 2025.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-yum-to-go-viennas-hotel-sacher-establishes-drive-in-cake-centre-amid-pandemic-346054#cake-sale-346046">'A yum to-go': Vienna's Hotel Sacher establishes drive-in cake centre amid pandemic</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-yum-to-go-viennas-hotel-sacher-establishes-drive-in-cake-centre-amid-pandemic-346054#cake-sale-346046"><img alt="Vienna cake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d088a170-b649-41a7-a4d2-d5bb87e26581" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cake.JPG" /></a> 
A luxury hotel in Vienna, which is famous for serving delicious cakes and chocolates, have come up with an innovative way to serve their customers

Israeli embassies are on alert after Iran's threat of retaliation over assassination of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Meanwhile, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has called for 'punishing' those behind the scientist's killing.

Israeli embassies are on alert after Iran's threat of retaliation over assassination of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Meanwhile, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has called for 'punishing' those behind the scientist's killing. In Africa, Ethiopian federal troops' offensive against country's Tigray region is still underway. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that she has 'never been more certain' of Scottish independence from UK. Read this and more in top 10 world news Israeli embassies on alert over Iran's retaliation threats after Fakhrizadeh's assassination: Report Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, 59, was shot by assailants in his car near Absard city in Tehran and died in hospital as doctors failed to revive him. Ethiopian forces begin offensive on Tigray with heavy shelling Abiy who won Nobel Peace Prize last year had said earlier in the week that a "third and final phase" in his campaign against leaders of TPLF had begun Iran's Khamenei calls for 'punishing' those behind scientist's killing Iran's top scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated on Friday Scotland First Minister says she has 'never been more certain' of independence from UK The head of Scotland's devolved government and the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) told supporters that possibility of a break between Scotland and the rest of the UK had never been more closer Coronavirus death toll in Europe crosses 400,000 as Germany mulls extending partial lockdown till early spring The Belgium government said it will reopen shops from December 1 including Luxembourg and the Netherlands Japan PM Suga reviews air defence troops, calls joint effort to develop new capabilities The Japanese prime minister in his address said that the defence forces should develop capabilities to tackle new battlefields in outer space, cyberspace and electromagnetic fields. Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees According to a report by Geo News, the PSM sacked 4,544 of employees, including the divisional and assistant managers, belonging to category 2,3, and 4 pay groups India-Sri Lanka-Maldives agree to bolster maritime co-operation The three countries discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage. UK to pilot blood test that may detect 50 types of cancer Results are expected by 2023, after which it is hoped one million people could receive the test by 2025. 'A yum to-go': Vienna's Hotel Sacher establishes drive-in cake centre amid pandemic A luxury hotel in Vienna, which is famous for serving delicious cakes and chocolates, have come up with an innovative way to serve their customers

Top 10 world news: Israeli embassies on alert after Iran threat, Ethiopian conflict, and more

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Imran Khan-led "heartless government" for sacking more than 4,500 employees of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and vowed to re-instate them once his party is in power.Bhutto said in his tweet, "The heartless government`s sacked 4,500 workers of Pakistan Steel mills. PPP will return each and everyone back to work."

"The land of this historical industrial asset belongs to the people of Sindh. We will not let the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) get away with this economic murder. Sack Imran, not workers," he added

According to a report by Geo News, the PSM sacked 4,544 of employees, including the divisional and assistant managers, belonging to category 2,3, and 4 pay groups.

Earlier, Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar had announced the government`s decision to privatise PSM as it had become a burden on the national exchequer.Geo News quoted him as saying that PSM employees had not been working for the last many years and now they would get a financial package of around Rs 2.3 million per employee as compensation.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Imran Khan-led "heartless government" for sacking more than 4,500 employees of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and vowed to re-instate them once his party is in power.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Imran Khan-led "heartless government" for sacking more than 4,500 employees of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and vowed to re-instate them once his party is in power.Bhutto said in his tweet, "The heartless government`s sacked 4,500 workers of Pakistan Steel mills. PPP will return each and everyone back to work." "The land of this historical industrial asset belongs to the people of Sindh. We will not let the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) get away with this economic murder. Sack Imran, not workers," he added According to a report by Geo News, the PSM sacked 4,544 of employees, including the divisional and assistant managers, belonging to category 2,3, and 4 pay groups. Earlier, Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar had announced the government`s decision to privatise PSM as it had become a burden on the national exchequer.Geo News quoted him as saying that PSM employees had not been working for the last many years and now they would get a financial package of around Rs 2.3 million per employee as compensation.

Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees

India-Sri Lanka and the Maldives on Saturday agreed to further strengthen maritime co-operation in a high-level trilateral dialogue held after a gap of six years. The fourth National Security Advisor-level trilateral talks were hosted by Sri Lanka. Indian NSA Ajit Doval represented India and held discussions with ri Lankan Defence Secretary Major Gen (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.

According to a joint statement issued by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence, the three countries -- recognising the significance of the forum for promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region on common issues pertaining to maritime security -- took stock of the current maritime security environment in the region.

They discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage, it said.

They agreed to further strengthen cooperation in dealing with these challenges, to ensure peace and security in the region for common benefit, the joint statement said.

The three countries also exchanged views on common security threats and agreed to broad base cooperation by expanding the scope to improve intelligence sharing and include issues like terrorism, radicalisation, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, cyber security and effect of climate change on maritime environment, it said.

Northern Indian Ocean is traditionally seen as a part of influence sphere of Indian Navy. But China has increased its presence in these waters in recent years.

China views the Maldives and Sri Lanka as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean. It has already acquired the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka on long lease and established a military base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

India, Sri Lanka and Maldives agreed to meet regularly to share, discuss and ensure timely implementation of decisions taken at the meeting. They also decided to hold Deputy NSA level working group meetings biannually for cooperation at operational level, according to the statement.

Mauritius and Seychelles were represented virtually at senior officials' level, it said, adding that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dialogue was conducted adhering to strict health guidelines using the 'Air Bubble' concept for the visiting delegations.

Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives launched the Trilateral NSA level Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation in 2011 and three meetings have been held so far.

The past deliberations and outcomes have helped the three countries in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region. These were supplemented by Deputy NSA level meetings for sustained engagements and implementation of the discussions at the NSA level meetings, the statement said.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressed the meeting as the chief guest. Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage also attended the event, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry tweeted.

Doval, who arrived in Colombo on Friday for the dialogue, on Friday met Didi and held a cordial and detailed discussion on deepening bilateral partnership with the key island nation in the Indian Ocean.

Doval also met Gunaratne on Friday and they agreed on several steps to further strengthen the "valuable" cooperation between the two countries which also contributes to peace and security in the region.

"NSA Ajit Doval met Major Gen(Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne, Defence Secretary of SriLanka &amp; discussed matters pertaining to the growing defence and security partnership between the two countries," the Indian High Commission in Colombo said in a tweet.

The high-level trilateral meeting is designed to initiate collective action on maritime security including maritime domain awareness, legal regimes, train in search and rescue, maritime pollution response, information sharing, curbing piracy drugs arms and contraband trafficking in the Indian Ocean region.

On Thursday, the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said the NSA-level trilateral meeting had served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries.

"The meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion on issues pertaining to cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region," the MEA said in a statement.

This is Doval's second official visit to Sri Lanka this year. In January, he visited the island nation and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including strengthening cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing and maritime security with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 
&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

India-Sri Lanka and the Maldives on Saturday agreed to further strengthen maritime co-operation in a high-level trilateral dialogue held after a gap of six years.

India-Sri Lanka and the Maldives on Saturday agreed to further strengthen maritime co-operation in a high-level trilateral dialogue held after a gap of six years. The fourth National Security Advisor-level trilateral talks were hosted by Sri Lanka. Indian NSA Ajit Doval represented India and held discussions with ri Lankan Defence Secretary Major Gen (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi. According to a joint statement issued by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence, the three countries -- recognising the significance of the forum for promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region on common issues pertaining to maritime security -- took stock of the current maritime security environment in the region. They discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage, it said. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation in dealing with these challenges, to ensure peace and security in the region for common benefit, the joint statement said. The three countries also exchanged views on common security threats and agreed to broad base cooperation by expanding the scope to improve intelligence sharing and include issues like terrorism, radicalisation, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, cyber security and effect of climate change on maritime environment, it said. Northern Indian Ocean is traditionally seen as a part of influence sphere of Indian Navy. But China has increased its presence in these waters in recent years. China views the Maldives and Sri Lanka as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean. It has already acquired the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka on long lease and established a military base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. India, Sri Lanka and Maldives agreed to meet regularly to share, discuss and ensure timely implementation of decisions taken at the meeting. They also decided to hold Deputy NSA level working group meetings biannually for cooperation at operational level, according to the statement. Mauritius and Seychelles were represented virtually at senior officials' level, it said, adding that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dialogue was conducted adhering to strict health guidelines using the 'Air Bubble' concept for the visiting delegations. Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives launched the Trilateral NSA level Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation in 2011 and three meetings have been held so far. The past deliberations and outcomes have helped the three countries in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region. These were supplemented by Deputy NSA level meetings for sustained engagements and implementation of the discussions at the NSA level meetings, the statement said. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressed the meeting as the chief guest. Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage also attended the event, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry tweeted. Doval, who arrived in Colombo on Friday for the dialogue, on Friday met Didi and held a cordial and detailed discussion on deepening bilateral partnership with the key island nation in the Indian Ocean. Doval also met Gunaratne on Friday and they agreed on several steps to further strengthen the "valuable" cooperation between the two countries which also contributes to peace and security in the region. "NSA Ajit Doval met Major Gen(Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne, Defence Secretary of SriLanka & discussed matters pertaining to the growing defence and security partnership between the two countries," the Indian High Commission in Colombo said in a tweet. The high-level trilateral meeting is designed to initiate collective action on maritime security including maritime domain awareness, legal regimes, train in search and rescue, maritime pollution response, information sharing, curbing piracy drugs arms and contraband trafficking in the Indian Ocean region. On Thursday, the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said the NSA-level trilateral meeting had served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. "The meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion on issues pertaining to cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region," the MEA said in a statement. This is Doval's second official visit to Sri Lanka this year. In January, he visited the island nation and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including strengthening cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing and maritime security with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (With PTI inputs)

India-Sri Lanka-Maldives agree to bolster maritime co-operation

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday said she had "never been more certain" of achieving Scottish independence. Brexit, Britain's departure from European Union trading arrangements is set to be preceded by Scottish elections in the months ahead.

The head of Scotland's devolved government and the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) told supporters that possibility of a break between Scotland and the rest of the UK had never been more closer.

"Independence is in clear sight - and with unity of purpose, humility and hard work I have never been so certain that we will deliver it," she said. She made a virtual address.

Sturgeon and the SNP have argued for a second referendum on Scottish independence since the party's overwhelming victory among Scottish seats in Britain's 2019 general election.

Now she hopes that a further resounding win in May elections to the Edinburgh parliament will hand her party a mandate for a second bid to quit the UK.

Opinion polls in recent months have shown that a majority of public opinion in Scotland now supports independence.

The country chose to remain part of the four-nation United Kingdom in a 2014 referendum on the issue.

But Scots later voted by a thumping majority in 2016 to remain in the European Union, a referendum the Leave side won by a narrow margin when taking the rest of Britain into account.

Since then, "we have won a landslide victory in a UK general election and support for independence has risen, it has become the sustained and majority view in public opinion this year," said Sturgeon.

"Who should be taking the decisions that shape our futures? We know that it is the people who live here, wherever they come from, who can best harness Scotland's immense human and natural resources.

"Let us reach out to all Scotland like never before," she added.

Sturgeon urged her party to "demonstrate... that Scotland is ready to take our place in the global family of independent nations," saying it was "now a nation on the brink of making history."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly rebuffed calls from for a another referendum, saying that the 2014 vote settled the question for a generation.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Scottish independence campaigners seized on comments by the prime minister in which he said the creation of a devolved parliament in Edinburgh had been "a disaster".

In response Sturgeon said the only way to protect the parliament was "with independence".

On Thursday, she said a referendum could be held "in the earlier part" of the next parliamentary session.

"The people of Scotland have the right to choose their future. Let's now focus all our efforts on making sure we bring about that better country they and future generations deserve," Sturgeon said on Saturday.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday said she had "never been more certain" of achieving Scottish independence. Brexit, Britain's departure from European Union trading arrangements is set to be preceded by Scottish elections in the months ahead.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday said she had "never been more certain" of achieving Scottish independence. Brexit, Britain's departure from European Union trading arrangements is set to be preceded by Scottish elections in the months ahead. The head of Scotland's devolved government and the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) told supporters that possibility of a break between Scotland and the rest of the UK had never been more closer. "Independence is in clear sight - and with unity of purpose, humility and hard work I have never been so certain that we will deliver it," she said. She made a virtual address. Sturgeon and the SNP have argued for a second referendum on Scottish independence since the party's overwhelming victory among Scottish seats in Britain's 2019 general election. Now she hopes that a further resounding win in May elections to the Edinburgh parliament will hand her party a mandate for a second bid to quit the UK. Opinion polls in recent months have shown that a majority of public opinion in Scotland now supports independence. The country chose to remain part of the four-nation United Kingdom in a 2014 referendum on the issue. But Scots later voted by a thumping majority in 2016 to remain in the European Union, a referendum the Leave side won by a narrow margin when taking the rest of Britain into account. Since then, "we have won a landslide victory in a UK general election and support for independence has risen, it has become the sustained and majority view in public opinion this year," said Sturgeon. "Who should be taking the decisions that shape our futures? We know that it is the people who live here, wherever they come from, who can best harness Scotland's immense human and natural resources. "Let us reach out to all Scotland like never before," she added. Sturgeon urged her party to "demonstrate... that Scotland is ready to take our place in the global family of independent nations," saying it was "now a nation on the brink of making history." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly rebuffed calls from for a another referendum, saying that the 2014 vote settled the question for a generation. Earlier this month, Scottish independence campaigners seized on comments by the prime minister in which he said the creation of a devolved parliament in Edinburgh had been "a disaster". In response Sturgeon said the only way to protect the parliament was "with independence". On Thursday, she said a referendum could be held "in the earlier part" of the next parliamentary session. "The people of Scotland have the right to choose their future. Let's now focus all our efforts on making sure we bring about that better country they and future generations deserve," Sturgeon said on Saturday. (With AFP inputs)

Scotland First Minister says she has 'never been more certain' of independence from UK

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