Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday (Feb 18) accused Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

He further drew a comparison between Israeli military actions and Adolf Hitler's campaign to exterminate the Jewish people.

Lula, while attending an African Union summit, told reporters that what was happening in the Gaza Strip "isn't a war, it's a genocide".

"It's not a war of soldiers against soldiers. It's a war between a highly prepared army and women and children," added the veteran leftist.

"What's happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people hasn't happened at any other moment in history. Actually, it has happened: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews."

<h2>Netanyahu calls Lula's comments 'shameful and grave'</h2>

Deeming Lula's remarks as "shameful and grave", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his government had called in Brazil's ambassador in protest.

Netanyahu released a statement saying that the Brazilian President's comments were "Holocaust trivialisation and an attempt to harm the Jewish people and the right of Israel to defend itself".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-cabinet-unanimously-rejects-unilateral-recognition-of-palestinian-state-691458">Israeli cabinet rejects ‘unilateral’ recognition of Palestinian state, terms offer a ‘prize for terror’</a>

"The comparison between Israel to the Holocaust of the Nazis and Hitler is crossing a red line," he said in a statement.

"Israel is fighting to defend itself and ensure its future until total victory and it is doing that while upholding international law."

"I have decided with Foreign Minister (Israel) Katz to summon the Brazilian ambassador in Israel for an immediate reproach."

Katz took to his official X account and said that the meeting would take place on Monday (Feb 19).

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הדברים של נשיא ברזיל מבישים וחמורים. אף אחד לא יפגע בזכותה של ישראל להגן על עצמה. הוריתי לאנשי משרדי לזמן את שגריר ברזיל לשיחת נזיפה מחר.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1759215951210295522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog also lashed out at "leaders who atrociously accuse the nation-state of the Jewish people of the evil of Hitler's deeds", without specifically identifying his Brazilian counterpart.

To do so was an "immoral distortion of history", he added.

Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant dubbed Lula's comments "outrageous and abhorrent". "Brazil has stood with Israel for years," he wrote on X.&nbsp;

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Accusing Israel of perpetrating a Holocaust is outrageous and abhorrent. 
 
Brazil has stood with Israel for years. President Lula supports a genocidal terrorist organization - Hamas, and in doing so brings great shame to his people, and violates the values of the free world.
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) <a href="https://twitter.com/yoavgallant/status/1759228257692455037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"President Lula supports a genocidal terrorist organisation -- Hamas, and in doing so brings great shame to his people, and violates the values of the free world."

On the other hand, Palestinian militant group Hamas hailed the Brazilian President's remarks, calling them "an accurate description" of what people were facing in the Gaza Strip.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday (Feb 18) accused Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday (Feb 18) accused Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. He further drew a comparison between Israeli military actions and Adolf Hitler's campaign to exterminate the Jewish people. Lula, while attending an African Union summit, told reporters that what was happening in the Gaza Strip "isn't a war, it's a genocide". "It's not a war of soldiers against soldiers. It's a war between a highly prepared army and women and children," added the veteran leftist. "What's happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people hasn't happened at any other moment in history. Actually, it has happened: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews." Netanyahu calls Lula's comments 'shameful and grave' Deeming Lula's remarks as "shameful and grave", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his government had called in Brazil's ambassador in protest. Netanyahu released a statement saying that the Brazilian President's comments were "Holocaust trivialisation and an attempt to harm the Jewish people and the right of Israel to defend itself". Also read: Israeli cabinet rejects ‘unilateral’ recognition of Palestinian state, terms offer a ‘prize for terror’ "The comparison between Israel to the Holocaust of the Nazis and Hitler is crossing a red line," he said in a statement. "Israel is fighting to defend itself and ensure its future until total victory and it is doing that while upholding international law." "I have decided with Foreign Minister (Israel) Katz to summon the Brazilian ambassador in Israel for an immediate reproach." Katz took to his official X account and said that the meeting would take place on Monday (Feb 19). הדברים של נשיא ברזיל מבישים וחמורים. אף אחד לא יפגע בזכותה של ישראל להגן על עצמה. הוריתי לאנשי משרדי לזמן את שגריר ברזיל לשיחת נזיפה מחר. — ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) February 18, 2024 × Israeli President Isaac Herzog also lashed out at "leaders who atrociously accuse the nation-state of the Jewish people of the evil of Hitler's deeds", without specifically identifying his Brazilian counterpart. To do so was an "immoral distortion of history", he added. Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant dubbed Lula's comments "outrageous and abhorrent". "Brazil has stood with Israel for years," he wrote on X. Accusing Israel of perpetrating a Holocaust is outrageous and abhorrent. Brazil has stood with Israel for years. President Lula supports a genocidal terrorist organization - Hamas, and in doing so brings great shame to his people, and violates the values of the free world. — יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) February 18, 2024 × "President Lula supports a genocidal terrorist organisation -- Hamas, and in doing so brings great shame to his people, and violates the values of the free world." On the other hand, Palestinian militant group Hamas hailed the Brazilian President's remarks, calling them "an accurate description" of what people were facing in the Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Lula compares Gaza action to 'Holocaust', leaving Israel furious

Amid the ongoing farmers' protest, Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda and Nityanand Rai arrived at the meeting venue in Chandigarh where the fourth round of talks between the central ministers and farmer leaders are set to take place.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also arrived at the venue where the meeting was scheduled.

Farmer leaders also arrived at Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Sector 26 in Chandigarh ahead of the meeting with union ministers.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Fourth round of talks between farmer leaders and Union Ministers, in connection with the ongoing protest, underway in Chandigarh; Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also present at the meeting. 
 
(Source: CMO, Punjab) <a href="https://t.co/Xy8U5zJNUC">pic.twitter.com/Xy8U5zJNUC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1759254230462779779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Haryana government extends ban on mobile internet services</h2>

The Haryana government on Saturday (Feb 17) extended the suspension of mobile internet services in seven districts by two more days.

As per the notification released by the state government, the mobile internet, bulk SMS and all dongle services will be blocked in seven districts till Monday (Feb 19).

The affected districts are Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government had extended the ban on mobile internet on February 13 and 15.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-2024-farmers-call-for-msp-ordinance-ahead-of-4th-round-of-talks-691306">Farmers protest 2024: Farmers call for MSP ordinance ahead of fourth round of talks</a>

The protesting farmers have stayed put at Shambhu and Khanauri points on Punjab’s border with Haryana as the demonstration enters the sixth day.

<h2>Govt requests time for talks</h2>

Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leaders on Sunday (Feb 18) said that the Centre had asked for some time to discuss the matter with the union ministers.

"It is our sixth day at the Shambhu border. Today we are also holding a fourth round of talks with the government. The government has asked for some time and said that it will discuss the matter with the union ministers and find a solution to it," the committee's general secretary Sarvan Singh Pandher said on Sunday.

Earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Friday (Feb 16) stated that negotiations with farmers will resume on Sunday and that the efforts to find a solution are still ongoing.

In the midst of the impasse between protesters and security forces on the Punjab-Haryana border, the third round of negotiations with the central government concluded on Thursday.

"This was the third meeting between the farmers and the government. Several issues and topics were raised and discussed. We will surely reach a conclusion if we will carry forward the talks peacefully. I am hopeful that we will soon find a solution. Another meeting with the farmers will be held on Sunday. We will discuss things in that meeting and will find a solution," the union minister had said.

Munda said that they will have to consider all relevant factors while making the decision.

"The decision cannot be taken in such a way that people criticize the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it. The common life of the people should not be troubled in any way," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing farmers' protest, Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda and Nityanand Rai arrived at the meeting venue in Chandigarh where the fourth round of talks between the central ministers and farmer leaders are set to take place.

Amid the ongoing farmers' protest, Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda and Nityanand Rai arrived at the meeting venue in Chandigarh where the fourth round of talks between the central ministers and farmer leaders are set to take place. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also arrived at the venue where the meeting was scheduled. Farmer leaders also arrived at Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Sector 26 in Chandigarh ahead of the meeting with union ministers. #WATCH | Fourth round of talks between farmer leaders and Union Ministers, in connection with the ongoing protest, underway in Chandigarh; Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also present at the meeting. (Source: CMO, Punjab) pic.twitter.com/Xy8U5zJNUC — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2024 × Haryana government extends ban on mobile internet services The Haryana government on Saturday (Feb 17) extended the suspension of mobile internet services in seven districts by two more days. As per the notification released by the state government, the mobile internet, bulk SMS and all dongle services will be blocked in seven districts till Monday (Feb 19). The affected districts are Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. Earlier, the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government had extended the ban on mobile internet on February 13 and 15. Also read: Farmers protest 2024: Farmers call for MSP ordinance ahead of fourth round of talks The protesting farmers have stayed put at Shambhu and Khanauri points on Punjab’s border with Haryana as the demonstration enters the sixth day. Govt requests time for talks Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leaders on Sunday (Feb 18) said that the Centre had asked for some time to discuss the matter with the union ministers. "It is our sixth day at the Shambhu border. Today we are also holding a fourth round of talks with the government. The government has asked for some time and said that it will discuss the matter with the union ministers and find a solution to it," the committee's general secretary Sarvan Singh Pandher said on Sunday. Earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Friday (Feb 16) stated that negotiations with farmers will resume on Sunday and that the efforts to find a solution are still ongoing. In the midst of the impasse between protesters and security forces on the Punjab-Haryana border, the third round of negotiations with the central government concluded on Thursday. "This was the third meeting between the farmers and the government. Several issues and topics were raised and discussed. We will surely reach a conclusion if we will carry forward the talks peacefully. I am hopeful that we will soon find a solution. Another meeting with the farmers will be held on Sunday. We will discuss things in that meeting and will find a solution," the union minister had said. Munda said that they will have to consider all relevant factors while making the decision. "The decision cannot be taken in such a way that people criticize the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it. The common life of the people should not be troubled in any way," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Fourth round of talks between farmer leaders and union ministers underway in Chandigarh

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group said that it estimates of losing about 6,000 of its fighters, according to news agency Reuters.

A Hamas official based in Qatar told Reuters that despite this, the group can continue fighting and is prepared for a protracted conflict in both Rafah and Gaza.

"Netanyahu's options are difficult and ours are too. He can occupy Gaza but Hamas is still standing and fighting. He hasn't achieved his goals to kill the Hamas leadership or annihilate Hamas," he added.

The figure stated by Hamas is about half as reported by the Israeli army, which states 12,000 fighters from Gaza's ruling group have already been killed in the conflict.&nbsp;

The claims by the militant group are a rare acknowledgement of enduring&nbsp;significant losses in the Gaza fighting.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-cabinet-unanimously-rejects-unilateral-recognition-of-palestinian-state-691458"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-cabinet-unanimously-rejects-unilateral-recognition-of-palestinian-state-691458">Israeli cabinet rejects ‘unilateral’ recognition of Palestinian state, terms offer a ‘prize for terror’</a>

<h2>Return hostages by Ramadan or face Rafah ground offensive, Israel warns</h2>

Meanwhile, Israel's war cabinet issued a warning on Sunday (Feb 18) stating that the Israeli military would launch its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah by March 10 if hostages held by Hamas in the besieged Palestinian territory are not freed within the next few weeks.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, war cabinet member Benny Gantz said, "The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know, if by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, including the Rafah area."

Gantz further said that Israel would carry out the offensive in a coordinated manner, facilitating the evacuation of civilians in dialogue with the United States and Egypt to minimise civilian casualties.&nbsp;

<h2>Palestinians hope international community can pressure Israel against entering Rafah</h2>

Palestinians in the Rafah tent camps on Sunday voiced concerns about the nearing Israeli offensive.&nbsp;

“We hope that the international community pressures (Israel) not to enter Rafah, because the number of people that are in Rafah, is big. Even if you want to displace them, how will you do it for such a number? 1.3 million or 1.4 million people need to be displaced. Where will they go?” Hassan Al-Yakobi, retired teacher from Gaza City, told the news agency Reuters.

"We have young children and our stuff, these are the things every displaced anywhere is suffering. Other than this, what can we say? We are suffering. We walked from Khan Younis to Kaf Miraj (area between Khan Younis and Rafah) while holding our things, it’s all very tiring,” he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group said that it estimates of losing about 6,000 of its fighters, according to news agency Reuters.

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group said that it estimates of losing about 6,000 of its fighters, according to news agency Reuters. A Hamas official based in Qatar told Reuters that despite this, the group can continue fighting and is prepared for a protracted conflict in both Rafah and Gaza. "Netanyahu's options are difficult and ours are too. He can occupy Gaza but Hamas is still standing and fighting. He hasn't achieved his goals to kill the Hamas leadership or annihilate Hamas," he added. The figure stated by Hamas is about half as reported by the Israeli army, which states 12,000 fighters from Gaza's ruling group have already been killed in the conflict. The claims by the militant group are a rare acknowledgement of enduring significant losses in the Gaza fighting. Also read: Israeli cabinet rejects ‘unilateral’ recognition of Palestinian state, terms offer a ‘prize for terror’ Return hostages by Ramadan or face Rafah ground offensive, Israel warns Meanwhile, Israel's war cabinet issued a warning on Sunday (Feb 18) stating that the Israeli military would launch its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah by March 10 if hostages held by Hamas in the besieged Palestinian territory are not freed within the next few weeks. According to a report by The Times of Israel, war cabinet member Benny Gantz said, "The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know, if by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, including the Rafah area." Gantz further said that Israel would carry out the offensive in a coordinated manner, facilitating the evacuation of civilians in dialogue with the United States and Egypt to minimise civilian casualties. Palestinians hope international community can pressure Israel against entering Rafah Palestinians in the Rafah tent camps on Sunday voiced concerns about the nearing Israeli offensive. “We hope that the international community pressures (Israel) not to enter Rafah, because the number of people that are in Rafah, is big. Even if you want to displace them, how will you do it for such a number? 1.3 million or 1.4 million people need to be displaced. Where will they go?” Hassan Al-Yakobi, retired teacher from Gaza City, told the news agency Reuters. "We have young children and our stuff, these are the things every displaced anywhere is suffering. Other than this, what can we say? We are suffering. We walked from Khan Younis to Kaf Miraj (area between Khan Younis and Rafah) while holding our things, it’s all very tiring,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas official says over 6,000 fighters killed so far in Gaza war

The Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) ordered fresh counting of&nbsp;existing ballot papers instead of a fresh election for the post of Chandigarh mayor.&nbsp; 
 
The court said that the ballot papers of the Chandigarh mayoral elections as well as the entire video recording be produced before it by 2 pm&nbsp;on February 20. The court also asked the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to depute a judicial officer, who will be provided with security, to bring the material safely. 
 
Earlier, the returning officer in the Chandigarh Mayor election Anil Masih reached the Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19)&nbsp;after being ordered to appear as he had allegedly tampered with the electoral ballots. 
 
This came after a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud questioned the presiding officer Anil Masih, as to why he put ‘X’ marks on eight ballot papers and he said that he had found them to be ‘defaced’. 
 
The top court said that votes will be counted by disregarding the ‘X’ marks. The court stated that it will ask the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh to nominate a neutral officer to be the returning officer to count the ballots and declare the results, reported Live Law.&nbsp;

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manoj Sonkar quit from the post&nbsp;of Chandigarh Mayor on Sunday (Feb 18) ahead of the Supreme Court hearing about claims of irregularities in the voting procedure.

In the first week of February, the Supreme Court denounced the Returning Officer, who conducted the Chandigarh Mayor elections, stating that he was "murdering democracy", further directing the preservation of all election records, including ballot papers video footage and other material, through the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra stated that it was very evident that the voting papers were vandalised by the returning officer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-government-puts-forward-5-year-plan-to-buy-pulses-maize-at-msp-after-fourth-round-of-talks-691521">Farmers' protest: Indian govt proposes 5-year plan to buy pulses, maize at MSP, Delhi march paused till Feb 21</a>

"Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is the murder of democracy. We are appalled. We will not allow democracy to be murdered this way. The man defaces ballots the moment he sees a cross at the bottom. This man should be prosecuted. Is this the behaviour of the returning officer?"&nbsp;

It ordered that the Chandigarh Corporation meeting, scheduled for February 7, be postponed till further notice.

"Tell the Returning Officer that the Supreme Court is watching him. We will not allow democracy to be murdered like this. The great force in this country is the purity of the electoral process, but what has happened here?," said the bench.

The observations made by the top court came after it viewed footage of the contentious election.

The Supreme Court made these comments at the time of hearing the AAP councillor's&nbsp;plea after the Bharatiya Janata Party won the mayoral election after the Returning Officer scraped eight opposition votes.

Aam Aadmi Party's councillor Kuldeep Dhalor had filed a petition after losing the mayor election to BJP's Party's Manoj Sonkar on Jan 30.

BJP's Sonkar received 16 votes as opposed to Kumar's 12 votes. The action of rejecting eight votes of the AAP-Congress alliance as invalid sparked the allegations of vote tampering.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) ordered fresh counting of existing ballot papers instead of a fresh election for the post of Chandigarh mayor. The court said that the ballot papers of the Chandigarh mayoral elections as well as the entire video recording be produced before it by 2 pm on February 20.

The Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) ordered fresh counting of existing ballot papers instead of a fresh election for the post of Chandigarh mayor. The court said that the ballot papers of the Chandigarh mayoral elections as well as the entire video recording be produced before it by 2 pm on February 20. The court also asked the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to depute a judicial officer, who will be provided with security, to bring the material safely. Earlier, the returning officer in the Chandigarh Mayor election Anil Masih reached the Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) after being ordered to appear as he had allegedly tampered with the electoral ballots. This came after a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud questioned the presiding officer Anil Masih, as to why he put ‘X’ marks on eight ballot papers and he said that he had found them to be ‘defaced’. The top court said that votes will be counted by disregarding the ‘X’ marks. The court stated that it will ask the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh to nominate a neutral officer to be the returning officer to count the ballots and declare the results, reported Live Law. Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manoj Sonkar quit from the post of Chandigarh Mayor on Sunday (Feb 18) ahead of the Supreme Court hearing about claims of irregularities in the voting procedure. In the first week of February, the Supreme Court denounced the Returning Officer, who conducted the Chandigarh Mayor elections, stating that he was "murdering democracy", further directing the preservation of all election records, including ballot papers video footage and other material, through the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra stated that it was very evident that the voting papers were vandalised by the returning officer. Also read: Farmers' protest: Indian govt proposes 5-year plan to buy pulses, maize at MSP, Delhi march paused till Feb 21 "Is this the way he conducts the elections? This is a mockery of democracy. This is the murder of democracy. We are appalled. We will not allow democracy to be murdered this way. The man defaces ballots the moment he sees a cross at the bottom. This man should be prosecuted. Is this the behaviour of the returning officer?" It ordered that the Chandigarh Corporation meeting, scheduled for February 7, be postponed till further notice. "Tell the Returning Officer that the Supreme Court is watching him. We will not allow democracy to be murdered like this. The great force in this country is the purity of the electoral process, but what has happened here?," said the bench. The observations made by the top court came after it viewed footage of the contentious election. The Supreme Court made these comments at the time of hearing the AAP councillor's plea after the Bharatiya Janata Party won the mayoral election after the Returning Officer scraped eight opposition votes. Aam Aadmi Party's councillor Kuldeep Dhalor had filed a petition after losing the mayor election to BJP's Party's Manoj Sonkar on Jan 30. BJP's Sonkar received 16 votes as opposed to Kumar's 12 votes. The action of rejecting eight votes of the AAP-Congress alliance as invalid sparked the allegations of vote tampering. (With inputs from agencies)

Chandigarh Mayor Polls: SC orders fresh counting of votes, seeks ballots and video recordings

Britain's Labour Party dealt a crushing blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives on Friday, winning contests for two new lawmakers in votes that indicated the opposition party was on track to win a national election later this year.

The double defeat underlined the flagging fortunes of the governing party and will do little to silence Sunak's critics, who fear the Conservatives could be trounced at the national election and want him to change course.

The 43-year-old former investment banker has struggled to restore his party's fortunes despite recasting himself at various points over the past year as a bold reformer, a stable technocrat and now as someone who needs more time "to stick to the plan" because, he says, that plan is working.

But with the Labour Party ahead in the polls, Sunak might feel the need to bend to the demands of some in his party to offer an increasingly disaffected electorate a more right-wing conservative agenda before the election.

Labour was jubilant.

"By winning in these Tory strongholds, we can confidently say that Labour is back in the service of working people and we will work tirelessly to deliver for them," Labour leader Keir Starmer said in a statement.

"The Tories (Conservatives) have failed. Rishi's recession proves that. That's why we've seen so many former Conservative voters switching directly to this changed Labour Party."

Labour overturned a hefty Conservative majority in the central English town of Wellingborough to win the parliamentary seat with 13,844 votes against 7,408 in what polling expert John Curtice described as the governing party's "worst ever by-election reverse."

In another threat to Sunak's party, the candidate for the right-wing Reform Party won 3,919 votes, a sign, Curtice said, it had "now entered the electoral battle in a serious way ... that potentially adds to the Conservatives' difficulties".

Addressing that threat, Conservative Party Chairman Richard Holden told Times Radio a vote for Reform was a vote for Labour.

"I don't think what we're seeing is that big switch to Labour ... but I think you are seeing Conservative voters, not at this stage willing to come out at the moment and support the government."

In Kingswood, southwestern England, Labour won with 11,176 votes against 8,675 for the Conservative candidate. Reform received 2,578 votes.

<h2>Pressure on Sunak&nbsp;</h2>

It appeared that the Conservatives had all but written off the two by-elections. While Labour sent many of its lawmakers and activists to campaign in both places, the Conservatives had a muted presence.

The party has only won four out of 21 by-elections since the last national election in 2019.

While so-called by-elections are often lost by the governing party, the scale of the defeat in two parliamentary seats the Conservatives have held for years piles pressure on Sunak, who became prime minister just over a year ago.

The challenge from the Reform Party adds a new dimension. Senior Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg said at least in Kingswood, if Reform supporters had voted for the governing party as part of the "Conservative family", the Conservatives would have held the parliamentary seat.

Few Conservatives believed they had any chance of winning in either place - the contest in Wellingborough was triggered after the former member of parliament was forced out over a bullying and harassment scandal, while in Kingswood, former minister Chris Skidmore resigned over Sunak's climate change policies.

But some had hoped Labour might have been damaged this week when Starmer did not move immediately to censure a Labour candidate who was recorded espousing conspiracy theories about Israel and for scrapping a green investment target.

But with turnout low, voters punished the governing party and Sunak, who is struggling to meet his election promises, including a vow to grow the economy. Data on Thursday showed it had slipped into recession in the second half of 2023.

With many voters angry over a punishing cost-of-living crisis, long waiting times to use the state-run health service and strikes on public transport, Sunak is running out of time to close the gap with Labour.

Polling expert Curtice said Labour's Starmer still looks "on course to be our next prime minister".

Britain's Labour Party dealt a crushing blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives on Friday, winning contests for two new lawmakers in votes that indicated the opposition party was on track to win a national election later this year.

Britain's Labour Party dealt a crushing blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives on Friday, winning contests for two new lawmakers in votes that indicated the opposition party was on track to win a national election later this year. The double defeat underlined the flagging fortunes of the governing party and will do little to silence Sunak's critics, who fear the Conservatives could be trounced at the national election and want him to change course. The 43-year-old former investment banker has struggled to restore his party's fortunes despite recasting himself at various points over the past year as a bold reformer, a stable technocrat and now as someone who needs more time "to stick to the plan" because, he says, that plan is working. But with the Labour Party ahead in the polls, Sunak might feel the need to bend to the demands of some in his party to offer an increasingly disaffected electorate a more right-wing conservative agenda before the election. Labour was jubilant. "By winning in these Tory strongholds, we can confidently say that Labour is back in the service of working people and we will work tirelessly to deliver for them," Labour leader Keir Starmer said in a statement. "The Tories (Conservatives) have failed. Rishi's recession proves that. That's why we've seen so many former Conservative voters switching directly to this changed Labour Party." Labour overturned a hefty Conservative majority in the central English town of Wellingborough to win the parliamentary seat with 13,844 votes against 7,408 in what polling expert John Curtice described as the governing party's "worst ever by-election reverse." In another threat to Sunak's party, the candidate for the right-wing Reform Party won 3,919 votes, a sign, Curtice said, it had "now entered the electoral battle in a serious way ... that potentially adds to the Conservatives' difficulties". Addressing that threat, Conservative Party Chairman Richard Holden told Times Radio a vote for Reform was a vote for Labour. "I don't think what we're seeing is that big switch to Labour ... but I think you are seeing Conservative voters, not at this stage willing to come out at the moment and support the government." In Kingswood, southwestern England, Labour won with 11,176 votes against 8,675 for the Conservative candidate. Reform received 2,578 votes. Pressure on Sunak It appeared that the Conservatives had all but written off the two by-elections. While Labour sent many of its lawmakers and activists to campaign in both places, the Conservatives had a muted presence. The party has only won four out of 21 by-elections since the last national election in 2019. While so-called by-elections are often lost by the governing party, the scale of the defeat in two parliamentary seats the Conservatives have held for years piles pressure on Sunak, who became prime minister just over a year ago. The challenge from the Reform Party adds a new dimension. Senior Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg said at least in Kingswood, if Reform supporters had voted for the governing party as part of the "Conservative family", the Conservatives would have held the parliamentary seat. Few Conservatives believed they had any chance of winning in either place - the contest in Wellingborough was triggered after the former member of parliament was forced out over a bullying and harassment scandal, while in Kingswood, former minister Chris Skidmore resigned over Sunak's climate change policies. But some had hoped Labour might have been damaged this week when Starmer did not move immediately to censure a Labour candidate who was recorded espousing conspiracy theories about Israel and for scrapping a green investment target. But with turnout low, voters punished the governing party and Sunak, who is struggling to meet his election promises, including a vow to grow the economy. Data on Thursday showed it had slipped into recession in the second half of 2023. With many voters angry over a punishing cost-of-living crisis, long waiting times to use the state-run health service and strikes on public transport, Sunak is running out of time to close the gap with Labour. Polling expert Curtice said Labour's Starmer still looks "on course to be our next prime minister".

Britain's Labour Party deals double blow to PM Sunak's Conservatives in by-elections

Over 400 people have so far been detained in events held across 32 Russian cities after the death of Russian opposition figurehead Alexei Navalny, according to the rights group OVD-Info.

This has been the largest wave of arrests at political gatherings in Russia since September 2022, when over 1,300 people were detained during protests against a "partial mobilisation" of reservists for Putin's military operation in Ukraine.

According to the prison service, the 47-year-old former lawyer fell unconscious and succumbed to an undisclosed cause on Friday (Feb 16) while taking a walk at the remote penal facility.&nbsp;

As per OVD-Info, which reports on freedom of assembly in Russia, the most number of arrests occurred in St. Petersburg and Moscow, the two cities where Navalny has historically had significant support. In St. Petersburg, more than 200 people were in custody as of Saturday at 2:00 pm GMT.

However, there was no mention of such events on Russian state news agencies, which reportedly are under full Kremlin control.

Stories were also not covered about hundreds of people across Russia who have continued to defy authorities to lay flowers at impromptu Navalny memorials.

Leonid Volkov, Navalny's chief of staff during the 2018 presidential elections and one of his closest aides, wrote on X, "Alexei Navalny wanted one very simple thing: for his beloved Russia to be just a normal country."

"And for this Vladimir Putin killed him. Poisoned, imprisoned, tortured and killed him."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-mother-travels-to-polar-wolf-penal-colony-where-putin-critic-was-jailed-691576">Navalny's mother leaves from penal colony after she couldn't find his body</a>

<h2>Russia authorities extend Navalny death probe, says team</h2>

Russian investigators told Navalny's mother Lyudmila Navalnaya and his lawyers that the investigation into his death in prison "has been extended".

"It is not known how long it will continue. The cause of death is still 'undetermined'. They're lying, playing for time and do not even hide it," Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokesperson and former press secretary, wrote on X on Monday (Feb 19).

Navalnaya travelled over the weekend to the notorious “Polar Wolf” IK-3 penal colony in Russia to track down her son's body but has still not been allowed inside the morgue where it is possibly being held.

"Alexei's mother and his lawyers arrived at the morgue early in the morning. They were not allowed to go in. One of the lawyers was literally pushed out. When the staff was asked if Alexei's body was there, they did not answer," Yarmysh said on social media.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Over 400 people have so far been detained in events held across 32 Russian cities after the death of Russian opposition figurehead Alexei Navalny, according to the rights group OVD-Info.

Over 400 people have so far been detained in events held across 32 Russian cities after the death of Russian opposition figurehead Alexei Navalny, according to the rights group OVD-Info. This has been the largest wave of arrests at political gatherings in Russia since September 2022, when over 1,300 people were detained during protests against a "partial mobilisation" of reservists for Putin's military operation in Ukraine. According to the prison service, the 47-year-old former lawyer fell unconscious and succumbed to an undisclosed cause on Friday (Feb 16) while taking a walk at the remote penal facility. As per OVD-Info, which reports on freedom of assembly in Russia, the most number of arrests occurred in St. Petersburg and Moscow, the two cities where Navalny has historically had significant support. In St. Petersburg, more than 200 people were in custody as of Saturday at 2:00 pm GMT. However, there was no mention of such events on Russian state news agencies, which reportedly are under full Kremlin control. Stories were also not covered about hundreds of people across Russia who have continued to defy authorities to lay flowers at impromptu Navalny memorials. Leonid Volkov, Navalny's chief of staff during the 2018 presidential elections and one of his closest aides, wrote on X, "Alexei Navalny wanted one very simple thing: for his beloved Russia to be just a normal country." "And for this Vladimir Putin killed him. Poisoned, imprisoned, tortured and killed him." Also read: Navalny's mother leaves from penal colony after she couldn't find his body Russia authorities extend Navalny death probe, says team Russian investigators told Navalny's mother Lyudmila Navalnaya and his lawyers that the investigation into his death in prison "has been extended". "It is not known how long it will continue. The cause of death is still 'undetermined'. They're lying, playing for time and do not even hide it," Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokesperson and former press secretary, wrote on X on Monday (Feb 19). Navalnaya travelled over the weekend to the notorious “Polar Wolf” IK-3 penal colony in Russia to track down her son's body but has still not been allowed inside the morgue where it is possibly being held. "Alexei's mother and his lawyers arrived at the morgue early in the morning. They were not allowed to go in. One of the lawyers was literally pushed out. When the staff was asked if Alexei's body was there, they did not answer," Yarmysh said on social media. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 400 detained across Russia at gatherings held for Alexei Navalny

A rare triple-dip La-Nina event, prolonged by climate change, set off a unique trend in the winter of 2022–2023, where air quality improved in north India while pollution levels increased in peninsular India.

The unusual "triple-dip" event of three years in a row of La Niña conditions (2020–23) has a global influence on the ocean and climate.

A team of scientists led by Gufran Beig, Chair Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, conducted a study that highlighted the importance of quickly changing climate in relation to air quality, in addition to local emissions.

The study, which was published in the Elsevier Journal, shows that, in contrast to previous decades, the air quality in Indian cities on the peninsula deteriorated during the winter of 2022–2023 while improving in the country's north.

Among the north Indian cities, Ghaziabad recorded the most noteworthy improvement with a drop of 33 per cent, followed by Rohtak (30 per cent) and Noida (28 per cent). Delhi exhibited an improvement of around 10 per cent.

However, with a 30 per cent increase in PM2.5 levels, Mumbai saw the worst degradation, followed by other Indian peninsula cities like Coimbatore (28 per cent), Bengaluru (20 per cent), Chennai (12 per cent), etc.

Several North Indian cities almost surpassed the five-year-long target set under the National Clean Air Programme in no time. What caused this had been a puzzle, said the researchers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-quds-chief-visited-iraq-and-asked-allied-militias-to-halt-attacks-on-us-report-691434">Iran’s Quds chief visited Iraq and asked allied militias to halt attacks on US: Report</a>

"The winter of 2022-23 coincided with the last phase of an unusual triple-dip La Niña event, the first in the 21st century. This phenomenon, influenced by climate change, impacted the large-scale wind pattern, playing a decisive role in preventing stagnation conditions in north Indian cities and thus improving air quality," said R H Kripalani, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and co-author of the report.

On the contrary, he said that it brought calmer conditions to Indian towns on the peninsula, hastened transboundary pollution, and dramatically worsened the quality of the air.

"The dominance of higher northerly winds at the transport level forced an influx, along with relatively slower winds near the surface, trapping pollutants in peninsular India and increasing PM2.5 concentration. Conversely, feeble western disturbances, unique wind patterns, and the absence of rain, clouds, and faster ventilation led to a significant improvement in air quality in the north," Kripalani said.

The scientists used the recently created cutting-edge NIAS-SAFAR air quality forecasting model, which blends a chemical transport model with a contemporary artificial intelligence algorithm created locally, to validate their theory.

"Our findings are vindicated as the air quality in the winter of 2023-24, when La Nina ended, returned to normal levels," Beig said.

"The findings of the current paper suggest that we need to wake up to the fact that extreme and unusual occurrences in air pollution phenomena are directly or indirectly manifestations of climate change," he said.

"Such revelations, in all probability, are set to increase by leaps and bounds unless we focus on a long-term strategy to reduce the menace of anthropogenic emissions directly at the source. That would be a win-win situation for both air quality and climate change," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A rare triple-dip La-Nina event, prolonged by climate change, set off a unique trend in the winter of 2022–2023, where air quality improved in north India while pollution levels increased in peninsular India.

A rare triple-dip La-Nina event, prolonged by climate change, set off a unique trend in the winter of 2022–2023, where air quality improved in north India while pollution levels increased in peninsular India. The unusual "triple-dip" event of three years in a row of La Niña conditions (2020–23) has a global influence on the ocean and climate. A team of scientists led by Gufran Beig, Chair Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, conducted a study that highlighted the importance of quickly changing climate in relation to air quality, in addition to local emissions. The study, which was published in the Elsevier Journal, shows that, in contrast to previous decades, the air quality in Indian cities on the peninsula deteriorated during the winter of 2022–2023 while improving in the country's north. Among the north Indian cities, Ghaziabad recorded the most noteworthy improvement with a drop of 33 per cent, followed by Rohtak (30 per cent) and Noida (28 per cent). Delhi exhibited an improvement of around 10 per cent. However, with a 30 per cent increase in PM2.5 levels, Mumbai saw the worst degradation, followed by other Indian peninsula cities like Coimbatore (28 per cent), Bengaluru (20 per cent), Chennai (12 per cent), etc. Several North Indian cities almost surpassed the five-year-long target set under the National Clean Air Programme in no time. What caused this had been a puzzle, said the researchers. Also read: Iran’s Quds chief visited Iraq and asked allied militias to halt attacks on US: Report "The winter of 2022-23 coincided with the last phase of an unusual triple-dip La Niña event, the first in the 21st century. This phenomenon, influenced by climate change, impacted the large-scale wind pattern, playing a decisive role in preventing stagnation conditions in north Indian cities and thus improving air quality," said R H Kripalani, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and co-author of the report. On the contrary, he said that it brought calmer conditions to Indian towns on the peninsula, hastened transboundary pollution, and dramatically worsened the quality of the air. "The dominance of higher northerly winds at the transport level forced an influx, along with relatively slower winds near the surface, trapping pollutants in peninsular India and increasing PM2.5 concentration. Conversely, feeble western disturbances, unique wind patterns, and the absence of rain, clouds, and faster ventilation led to a significant improvement in air quality in the north," Kripalani said. The scientists used the recently created cutting-edge NIAS-SAFAR air quality forecasting model, which blends a chemical transport model with a contemporary artificial intelligence algorithm created locally, to validate their theory. "Our findings are vindicated as the air quality in the winter of 2023-24, when La Nina ended, returned to normal levels," Beig said. "The findings of the current paper suggest that we need to wake up to the fact that extreme and unusual occurrences in air pollution phenomena are directly or indirectly manifestations of climate change," he said. "Such revelations, in all probability, are set to increase by leaps and bounds unless we focus on a long-term strategy to reduce the menace of anthropogenic emissions directly at the source. That would be a win-win situation for both air quality and climate change," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Rare ‘triple-dip’ La Nina event behind unusually good air quality in India in 2022-23, says study

A fourth round of talks was held between the Union ministers and farmer leaders on Sunday (Feb 18). Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai arrived at Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Sector 26 in Chandigarh for the meeting which started at 8:15 pm and ended at around 1 am on Monday (Feb 19).

Following the meeting, while talking to the reporters, Goyal said that the panel has suggested that government agencies buy cotton, maize, and pulse crops for five years at minimum support rates after reaching a deal with farmers.

"Cooperative societies like the NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation) and NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) will enter into a contract with those farmers who grow 'tur dal', 'urad dal', 'masoor dal' or maize for buying their crop at MSP for next five years," said Goyal.

"There will be no limit on the quantity (purchased) and a portal will be developed for this," he added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Chandigarh: Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, "The farmers' union will tell us their decision by morning. We will also have discussions with NCCF and NAFED after returning to Delhi..." <a href="https://t.co/rSzqom0bMq">pic.twitter.com/rSzqom0bMq</a>
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&nbsp;

Goyal said that this would preserve Punjab's farming industry, raise the groundwater table, and prevent the already stressed area from becoming barren.

"The farmers' union will tell us their decision by morning. We will also have discussions with NCCF and NAFED after returning to Delhi," he added.

<h2>'Will have discussion on the government proposal in next two days,'&nbsp;says farmer leader</h2>

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that they will hold a discussion regarding the government proposal, taking inputs from the experts to reach a decision.&nbsp;Till then, the march towards Delhi has been put on hold.

"We will discuss in our forums on February 19-20 and take the opinion of experts regarding it and accordingly take a decision," Pandher said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-haryana-government-extends-ban-on-mobile-internet-services-691376">Farmers' protest: Haryana government extends ban on mobile internet services</a>

However, he&nbsp;asserted that farmers will continue with the 'Dilli&nbsp;Chalo' march on Feb 21 if there is no result.

"The govt will also deliberate on the other demands. We will continue with the 'Delhi Chalo' march on Feb 21 if there is no result," he said after the conclusion of the meeting.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Chandigarh: General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarvan Singh Pandher says, "...We will have discussions on the proposal by the govt in the next two days...The govt will also deliberate on the other demands...We will continue with the 'Delhi… <a href="https://t.co/uHXlrQywR8">pic.twitter.com/uHXlrQywR8</a>
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&nbsp;

The farmer leader further said that the government and farmers' unions would try to find a solution to the issues.

"We will have a discussion on the proposal by the govt and take opinions on it...The decision will be taken by today morning, evening or the day after...The ministers said that they will have discussions on the other demands after returning to Delhi...The discussions will be held on Feb 19-20 and the 'Delhi Chalo' march scheduled for Feb 21 will be decided based on the discussions...Together (govt and the farmers' union) we will try to find a solution to the issues," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Farmers demanding MSP guarantee on purchase of pulses,&nbsp;says Punjab CM</h2>

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the farmers had demanded an MSP guarantee on the purchase of pulses, which was discussed during the talks that went on for five hours.

"First, a guarantee will have to be given, which will be possible only if NAFED, NCCF and Cotton Corporation get a guarantee of 5 years. In which there are 6 to 7 decisions, this proposal has been given in which the farmers will take the decision and then they will go and discuss," Mann said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A fourth round of talks was held between the Union ministers and farmer leaders on Sunday (Feb 18). Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai arrived at Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Sector 26 in Chandigarh for the meeting which started at 8:15 pm and ended at around 1 am on Monday (Feb 19).

A fourth round of talks was held between the Union ministers and farmer leaders on Sunday (Feb 18). Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai arrived at Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Sector 26 in Chandigarh for the meeting which started at 8:15 pm and ended at around 1 am on Monday (Feb 19). Following the meeting, while talking to the reporters, Goyal said that the panel has suggested that government agencies buy cotton, maize, and pulse crops for five years at minimum support rates after reaching a deal with farmers. "Cooperative societies like the NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation) and NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) will enter into a contract with those farmers who grow 'tur dal', 'urad dal', 'masoor dal' or maize for buying their crop at MSP for next five years," said Goyal. "There will be no limit on the quantity (purchased) and a portal will be developed for this," he added. #WATCH | Chandigarh: Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, "The farmers' union will tell us their decision by morning. We will also have discussions with NCCF and NAFED after returning to Delhi..." pic.twitter.com/rSzqom0bMq — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2024 × Goyal said that this would preserve Punjab's farming industry, raise the groundwater table, and prevent the already stressed area from becoming barren. "The farmers' union will tell us their decision by morning. We will also have discussions with NCCF and NAFED after returning to Delhi," he added. 'Will have discussion on the government proposal in next two days,' says farmer leader Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that they will hold a discussion regarding the government proposal, taking inputs from the experts to reach a decision. Till then, the march towards Delhi has been put on hold. "We will discuss in our forums on February 19-20 and take the opinion of experts regarding it and accordingly take a decision," Pandher said. Also read: Farmers' protest: Haryana government extends ban on mobile internet services However, he asserted that farmers will continue with the 'Dilli Chalo' march on Feb 21 if there is no result. "The govt will also deliberate on the other demands. We will continue with the 'Delhi Chalo' march on Feb 21 if there is no result," he said after the conclusion of the meeting. #WATCH | Chandigarh: General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarvan Singh Pandher says, "...We will have discussions on the proposal by the govt in the next two days...The govt will also deliberate on the other demands...We will continue with the 'Delhi… pic.twitter.com/uHXlrQywR8 — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2024 × The farmer leader further said that the government and farmers' unions would try to find a solution to the issues. "We will have a discussion on the proposal by the govt and take opinions on it...The decision will be taken by today morning, evening or the day after...The ministers said that they will have discussions on the other demands after returning to Delhi...The discussions will be held on Feb 19-20 and the 'Delhi Chalo' march scheduled for Feb 21 will be decided based on the discussions...Together (govt and the farmers' union) we will try to find a solution to the issues," he added. Farmers demanding MSP guarantee on purchase of pulses, says Punjab CM Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the farmers had demanded an MSP guarantee on the purchase of pulses, which was discussed during the talks that went on for five hours. "First, a guarantee will have to be given, which will be possible only if NAFED, NCCF and Cotton Corporation get a guarantee of 5 years. In which there are 6 to 7 decisions, this proposal has been given in which the farmers will take the decision and then they will go and discuss," Mann said. (With inputs from agencies)

Farmers' protest: Indian govt proposes 5-year plan to buy pulses, maize at MSP, Delhi march paused till Feb 21

Sixty-four bloodied bodies have been found along a stretch of road in Papua New Guinea's remote highlands, police said Monday, a gruesome escalation of long-running violence between local warring tribes.

The victims were believed to be tribal fighters who were ambushed by a rival group in the early hours of Sunday.

The incident occurred near the town of Wabag, about 600 kilometres (370 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby.&nbsp;

The rugged and lawless area has for years been the scene of tit-for-tat mass killings between rival Sikin, Ambulin, Kaekin and other tribesmen.

Graphic police images from the scene showed stripped and bloodied bodies lying by the side of the road and piled up on the back of a flatbed truck.

Some men had limbs hacked and were left naked by the road with beer bottles or cans placed on their chests.

Police on Monday said gunfights were ongoing in nearby valleys and bodies were still being recovered from bushland near the road.

"We believe there are still some bodies... out there in the bush," Assistant Commissioner of Police Samson Kua said.

Clans have fought each other in Papua New Guinea's highlands for centuries, but an influx of mercenaries and automatic weapons has made clashes more deadly and escalated the cycle of violence.

Kua said the gunmen had used a veritable armoury, including SLR, AK-47, M4, AR15 and M16 rifles, as well as pump-action shotguns and home-made firearms.

<h2>Mass killings</h2>

The province's acting police commander Patrick Peka said many of the dead were believed to be mercenaries -- men who roam the countryside offering to help tribes settle scores with their rivals.

"The police and government cannot do much when leaders and educated elites supply arms, and ammunitions and engage the services of gunmen from other parts of the province," Peka said.

Papua New Guinea's government has tried suppression, mediation, gun amnesties and a range of other strategies to control the violence, with little success.

The military had deployed about 100 troops to the area, but their impact has been limited and the security services remain outnumbered and outgunned.

The killings often take place in remote communities, with attackers launching raids or ambushes in revenge for previous attacks.

<h2>'Very disturbing'</h2>

Civilians, including pregnant women and children, have been targeted in the past.

The murders are often extremely violent, with victims hacked with machetes, burned, mutilated or tortured.&nbsp;

Police privately complain that they do not have the resources to do the job, with officers so badly paid that some of the weapons that end up in the hands of the attackers have come from the police force.

Opponents of Prime Minister James Marape's government on Monday called for more police to be deployed and for the force's commissioner to resign.

Papua New Guinea's population has more than doubled since 1980, placing increasing strain on land and resources and deepening tribal rivalries.&nbsp;

Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of neighbouring Australia, on Monday described the incident as "very disturbing".

"We are providing considerable support, particularly for training police officers and for security in Papua New Guinea," he told public broadcaster ABC.&nbsp;

"We remain available to provide whatever support we can."

Sixty-four bloodied bodies have been found along a stretch of road in Papua New Guinea's remote highlands, police said Monday, a gruesome escalation of long-running violence between local warring tribes.

Sixty-four bloodied bodies have been found along a stretch of road in Papua New Guinea's remote highlands, police said Monday, a gruesome escalation of long-running violence between local warring tribes. The victims were believed to be tribal fighters who were ambushed by a rival group in the early hours of Sunday. The incident occurred near the town of Wabag, about 600 kilometres (370 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby. The rugged and lawless area has for years been the scene of tit-for-tat mass killings between rival Sikin, Ambulin, Kaekin and other tribesmen. Graphic police images from the scene showed stripped and bloodied bodies lying by the side of the road and piled up on the back of a flatbed truck. Some men had limbs hacked and were left naked by the road with beer bottles or cans placed on their chests. Police on Monday said gunfights were ongoing in nearby valleys and bodies were still being recovered from bushland near the road. "We believe there are still some bodies... out there in the bush," Assistant Commissioner of Police Samson Kua said. Clans have fought each other in Papua New Guinea's highlands for centuries, but an influx of mercenaries and automatic weapons has made clashes more deadly and escalated the cycle of violence. Kua said the gunmen had used a veritable armoury, including SLR, AK-47, M4, AR15 and M16 rifles, as well as pump-action shotguns and home-made firearms. Mass killings The province's acting police commander Patrick Peka said many of the dead were believed to be mercenaries -- men who roam the countryside offering to help tribes settle scores with their rivals. "The police and government cannot do much when leaders and educated elites supply arms, and ammunitions and engage the services of gunmen from other parts of the province," Peka said. Papua New Guinea's government has tried suppression, mediation, gun amnesties and a range of other strategies to control the violence, with little success. The military had deployed about 100 troops to the area, but their impact has been limited and the security services remain outnumbered and outgunned. The killings often take place in remote communities, with attackers launching raids or ambushes in revenge for previous attacks. 'Very disturbing' Civilians, including pregnant women and children, have been targeted in the past. The murders are often extremely violent, with victims hacked with machetes, burned, mutilated or tortured. Police privately complain that they do not have the resources to do the job, with officers so badly paid that some of the weapons that end up in the hands of the attackers have come from the police force. Opponents of Prime Minister James Marape's government on Monday called for more police to be deployed and for the force's commissioner to resign. Papua New Guinea's population has more than doubled since 1980, placing increasing strain on land and resources and deepening tribal rivalries. Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of neighbouring Australia, on Monday described the incident as "very disturbing". "We are providing considerable support, particularly for training police officers and for security in Papua New Guinea," he told public broadcaster ABC. "We remain available to provide whatever support we can."

64 shot dead in Papua New Guinea tribal violence

In a major security breach reported from Dibrugarh Jail in India's Assam, where separatist leader, Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh and his associates are currently lodged along with others, several unauthorised activities were detected in the National Security Act (NSA) cell.

The director general of Assam Police, GP Singh, in a post on X, confirmed the incident stating that a search operation, which was launched early this morning, helped in the recovery of multiple unauthorised items, including a spy camera, a smartphone, a keypad phone, pen drives, Bluetooth headphones, speakers, a smartwatch, among others from the NSA cell.

He then said that the items recovered were lawfully seized by the jail authorities and that an investigation was underway to determine their source.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-sikh-separatist-amritpal-singh-kept-in-dibrugarh-jail-in-assam-585618">Explained: Why Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh is being kept in Assam's Dibrugarh jail</a>

"Reference NSA detenues at Dibrugarh Jail, Assam - On receipt of information about unauthorised activities taking place in the NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in the public area of the NSA block. Inputs received confirmed unauthorised activities, based on which Jail staff searched the premises of NSA Cell early this morning, leading to the recovery of a smartphone with a SIM card, a keypad phone, a TV remote with a keyboard, a spy-cam pen, pen drives, Bluetooth headphones &amp; speakers and a smart watch, which were lawfully seized by Jail staff," the Assam DGP wrote on his official X handle.

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Reference NSA detenues at Dibrugarh Jail, Assam - On receipt of Information about unauthorised activities taking place in NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in public area of NSA Block. Inputs received confirmed unauthorised activities, based on which Jail staff… <a href="https://t.co/Iwf5kWOeXN">pic.twitter.com/Iwf5kWOeXN</a>
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&nbsp;

"The source of these unauthorised articles and the mode of induction are being ascertained. Further lawful action is being taken and steps are being taken to prevent recurrence," he added.

Radical preacher Amritpal Singh was arrested by Punjab police on April 23 from Moga's Rode village after days of a man-hunt when he finally surrendered.&nbsp;

Nine of Amritpal's close aides, including Papalpreet Singh and Daljeet Singh Kalsi, are also in the same jail.&nbsp; 
 
Singh claims to draw inspiration from Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who led the militant, separatist movement during the 1970s and 1980s. He&nbsp;emulates&nbsp;Bhindranwale’s style&nbsp;by wearing similar clothes and keeping a long beard. 
 
He was arrested under the National Security Act, which allows for those considered a threat to national security to be detained without charge for up to a year. 
 
The Waris Punjab De chief is facing a number of criminal cases related to spreading disharmony, attempt to murder, attack on police and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major security breach reported from Dibrugarh Jail in India's Assam, where separatist leader, Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh and his associates are currently lodged along with others, several unauthorised activities were detected in the National Security Act (NSA) cell.

In a major security breach reported from Dibrugarh Jail in India's Assam, where separatist leader, Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh and his associates are currently lodged along with others, several unauthorised activities were detected in the National Security Act (NSA) cell. The director general of Assam Police, GP Singh, in a post on X, confirmed the incident stating that a search operation, which was launched early this morning, helped in the recovery of multiple unauthorised items, including a spy camera, a smartphone, a keypad phone, pen drives, Bluetooth headphones, speakers, a smartwatch, among others from the NSA cell. He then said that the items recovered were lawfully seized by the jail authorities and that an investigation was underway to determine their source. Also read: Explained: Why Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh is being kept in Assam's Dibrugarh jail "Reference NSA detenues at Dibrugarh Jail, Assam - On receipt of information about unauthorised activities taking place in the NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in the public area of the NSA block. Inputs received confirmed unauthorised activities, based on which Jail staff searched the premises of NSA Cell early this morning, leading to the recovery of a smartphone with a SIM card, a keypad phone, a TV remote with a keyboard, a spy-cam pen, pen drives, Bluetooth headphones & speakers and a smart watch, which were lawfully seized by Jail staff," the Assam DGP wrote on his official X handle. Reference NSA detenues at Dibrugarh Jail, Assam - On receipt of Information about unauthorised activities taking place in NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in public area of NSA Block. Inputs received confirmed unauthorised activities, based on which Jail staff… pic.twitter.com/Iwf5kWOeXN — GP Singh (@gpsinghips) February 17, 2024 × "The source of these unauthorised articles and the mode of induction are being ascertained. Further lawful action is being taken and steps are being taken to prevent recurrence," he added. Radical preacher Amritpal Singh was arrested by Punjab police on April 23 from Moga's Rode village after days of a man-hunt when he finally surrendered. Nine of Amritpal's close aides, including Papalpreet Singh and Daljeet Singh Kalsi, are also in the same jail. Singh claims to draw inspiration from Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who led the militant, separatist movement during the 1970s and 1980s. He emulates Bhindranwale’s style by wearing similar clothes and keeping a long beard. He was arrested under the National Security Act, which allows for those considered a threat to national security to be detained without charge for up to a year. The Waris Punjab De chief is facing a number of criminal cases related to spreading disharmony, attempt to murder, attack on police and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Phones, spy cam found in Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh’s jail cell in Assam

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approved a statement rejecting all “international dictates” seeking to push Palestinian statehood, which it termed as equivalent to a “massive and&nbsp;unprecedented prize for terror” that would prevent any future peace deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 18) said that his government would vote on a "declaratory decision" about Israel's resistance to the imposition of Palestinian independence by force.

At the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said that this move comes after "recent talk in the international community about an attempt to unilaterally impose on Israel a Palestinian state."

He said the formal statement would reflect that, "Israel rejects outright international dictates regarding a permanent arrangement with the Palestinians. Such an arrangement can only be reached in direct negotiations between the sides, without preconditions."&nbsp;

"Israel will continue to oppose a unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such a recognition, following the massacre of October 7, will give terrorism a huge reward, a reward like no other, and will prevent any future peace agreement," the Israeli prime minister said.

The ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, which&nbsp;raged&nbsp;after Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on Oct 7, is the latest in the conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians that have reverberated for over seven decades and destabilised the Middle East.

Since 2014, attempts to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel in the West Bank and Gaza have been stalled.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prospects-for-new-pause-in-gaza-war-not-promising-qatar-691370">Prospects for new pause in Gaza war not promising: Qatar</a>

United States President Joe Biden has been attempting to broker a more comprehensive agreement that would see the establishment of a Palestinian state in addition to Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations restoring diplomatic relations with Israel.

<h2>US threatens to veto ceasefire proposal at UNSC for third time</h2>

Meanwhile, the US has signalled it would veto an Algerian push at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to demand an urgent ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;

The vote at the 15-member body is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (Feb 20) and the draft of the proposal was put forward two weeks ago. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the text could sabotage ongoing “sensitive negotiations” aimed at hammering out a peace deal.

For Algeria’s proposal to get adopted, at least nine members need to vote in favour, in addition to no vetoes by the permanent members—the US, UK, China, Russia and France.

“The United States does not support action on this draft resolution. Should it come up for a vote as drafted, it will not be adopted,” Thomas-Greenfield says in a statement Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approved a statement rejecting all “international dictates” seeking to push Palestinian statehood, which it termed as equivalent to a “massive and unprecedented prize for terror” that would prevent any future peace deal.

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approved a statement rejecting all “international dictates” seeking to push Palestinian statehood, which it termed as equivalent to a “massive and unprecedented prize for terror” that would prevent any future peace deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 18) said that his government would vote on a "declaratory decision" about Israel's resistance to the imposition of Palestinian independence by force. At the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said that this move comes after "recent talk in the international community about an attempt to unilaterally impose on Israel a Palestinian state." He said the formal statement would reflect that, "Israel rejects outright international dictates regarding a permanent arrangement with the Palestinians. Such an arrangement can only be reached in direct negotiations between the sides, without preconditions." "Israel will continue to oppose a unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such a recognition, following the massacre of October 7, will give terrorism a huge reward, a reward like no other, and will prevent any future peace agreement," the Israeli prime minister said. The ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, which raged after Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on Oct 7, is the latest in the conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians that have reverberated for over seven decades and destabilised the Middle East. Since 2014, attempts to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel in the West Bank and Gaza have been stalled. Also read: Prospects for new pause in Gaza war not promising: Qatar United States President Joe Biden has been attempting to broker a more comprehensive agreement that would see the establishment of a Palestinian state in addition to Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations restoring diplomatic relations with Israel. US threatens to veto ceasefire proposal at UNSC for third time Meanwhile, the US has signalled it would veto an Algerian push at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to demand an urgent ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The vote at the 15-member body is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (Feb 20) and the draft of the proposal was put forward two weeks ago. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the text could sabotage ongoing “sensitive negotiations” aimed at hammering out a peace deal. For Algeria’s proposal to get adopted, at least nine members need to vote in favour, in addition to no vetoes by the permanent members—the US, UK, China, Russia and France. “The United States does not support action on this draft resolution. Should it come up for a vote as drafted, it will not be adopted,” Thomas-Greenfield says in a statement Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli cabinet rejects ‘unilateral’ recognition of Palestinian state, terms offer a ‘prize for terror’

The al-Qaeda terror group is making a comeback in Afghanistan under the Taliban government, according to a new report released by the UN Security Council.

As per the report, the terrorist group has set up eight new training camps alongside five madrasas, Islamic educational institutions, around Afghanistan. They are located in several provinces, including Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, and Uruzgan.&nbsp;

The report also listed the locations where al-Qaeda moved its agents into and out of neighbouring Iran and also revealed the establishment of new weapons stockpiling base in the Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul.&nbsp;

"The group maintains safe houses to facilitate the movement between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the provinces of Herat, Farah, and Helmand, with additional safe house locations in Kabul," the report said.

"The presence of al Qaeda senior figures in the country has not changed, and the group continues to pose a threat in the region and potentially beyond," the U.N.&nbsp;report warns.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-launches-sneaker-line-a-day-after-he-was-fined-in-new-york-civil-fraud-case-691338">Trump launches sneaker line a day after he was fined in New York civil fraud case</a>

However, it mentioned that in its assessment, "the group cannot at present project sophisticated attacks at long range."&nbsp;

"This accommodation of al-Qaeda within Afghanistan has validated longstanding fears voiced by many observers regarding the country once again becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations under Taliban rule," Shahin Modarres, an international security analyst specialising in Iran affiliated with the Center for Middle East and Global Order think tank, was quoted as saying by The Media Line.

Modarres stated that there is a shared ideological alignment and history of collaboration between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who retook control of Afghanistan in the year 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from the nation.&nbsp;

He claimed that both the groups had maintained close relations throughout their insurgency against the coalition forces, based on a shared jihadist philosophy and mutual support for each other's goals.&nbsp;

<h2>Taliban denies report</h2>

The Taliban released a statement declining the claims made in the report stating that the United Nations is "always spreading propaganda."

"There is no one related to al Qaeda in Afghanistan, nor does the Islamic Emirate allow anyone to use the territory of Afghanistan against others," the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The al-Qaeda terror group is making a comeback in Afghanistan under the Taliban government, according to a new report released by the UN Security Council. As per the report, the terrorist group has set up eight new training camps alongside five madrasas, Islamic educational institutions, around Afghanistan.

The al-Qaeda terror group is making a comeback in Afghanistan under the Taliban government, according to a new report released by the UN Security Council. As per the report, the terrorist group has set up eight new training camps alongside five madrasas, Islamic educational institutions, around Afghanistan. They are located in several provinces, including Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, and Uruzgan. The report also listed the locations where al-Qaeda moved its agents into and out of neighbouring Iran and also revealed the establishment of new weapons stockpiling base in the Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul. "The group maintains safe houses to facilitate the movement between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the provinces of Herat, Farah, and Helmand, with additional safe house locations in Kabul," the report said. "The presence of al Qaeda senior figures in the country has not changed, and the group continues to pose a threat in the region and potentially beyond," the U.N. report warns. Also read: Trump launches sneaker line a day after he was fined in New York civil fraud case However, it mentioned that in its assessment, "the group cannot at present project sophisticated attacks at long range." "This accommodation of al-Qaeda within Afghanistan has validated longstanding fears voiced by many observers regarding the country once again becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations under Taliban rule," Shahin Modarres, an international security analyst specialising in Iran affiliated with the Center for Middle East and Global Order think tank, was quoted as saying by The Media Line. Modarres stated that there is a shared ideological alignment and history of collaboration between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who retook control of Afghanistan in the year 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from the nation. He claimed that both the groups had maintained close relations throughout their insurgency against the coalition forces, based on a shared jihadist philosophy and mutual support for each other's goals. Taliban denies report The Taliban released a statement declining the claims made in the report stating that the United Nations is "always spreading propaganda." "There is no one related to al Qaeda in Afghanistan, nor does the Islamic Emirate allow anyone to use the territory of Afghanistan against others," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Al-Qaeda intensifying presence in Afghanistan, setting up new training facilities, says UN report

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