<p>An Israeli aircraft have flown through Sudanese airspace for the first time, in what Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> called another example of warming ties with formally hostile states.</p>

<p>Israel remains technically at war with Sudan, which supported hardline Islamists including, for a period, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Al-Qaeda</a> during the rule of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Omar al-Bashir</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">How Sudan’s economic crisis had a role in protests that toppled al-Bashir</a></strong></p>

<p>Bashir was ousted by the army last April following months of mass anti-government demonstrations.</p>

<p>"The first Israeli aeroplane passed yesterday over the skies of Sudan. This is quite a change," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Netanyahu </a>told American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, without offering further details.</p>

<p>Israeli daily Haaretz quoted an Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, saying that the plane was "a private Israeli executive jet".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/donald-trumps-peace-plan-puts-israel-on-the-cutting-edge-278513">Donald Trump's peace plan puts Israel on the cutting edge</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/donald-trumps-peace-plan-puts-israel-on-the-cutting-edge-278513">Netanyahu </a>met Sudan's leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Abdel Fattah</a> al-Burhan two weeks ago for what the Israeli premier's office described talks aimed at normalising ties.</p>

<p>A Sudanese government spokesman said later that Burhan "did not give a promise of normalising or having diplomatic relations".</p>

<p>Sudan has been part of a&nbsp;decades-old Arab boycott of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians and its occupation of Arab lands.</p>

<p>In the wake of the Six-Day War of 1967 in which Israel occupied the Palestinian territories and seized the Golan Heights from Syria, Arab leaders gathered in Khartoum to announce what became known as the "three nos": no peace, no recognition and no negotiations with Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Israel frees detained migrants set for Rwanda after relocation deal collapses</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Netanyahu </a>said Sunday that visible signs of a thaw in relations with Sudan and other Muslim-majority countries were only the tip of the diplomatic iceberg.</p>

<p>"How much is above the surface in an iceberg? It's about 10 per cent, he said. "What you're seeing is about 10 per cent. Vast changes are coming."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gulf Arab countries have made a number of recent moves hinting at warmer ties with the Jewish state, prompted largely by a shared enmity towards Iran.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Netanyahu </a>visited Oman in 2018 and he frequently says the boycott of his country is ending, despite the absence of a peace deal with the Palestinians.</p>

<p>Egypt and Jordan are so far the only Arab states to have full diplomatic relations with Israel.</p>

<p>Netanyahu was speaking two weeks ahead of a March general election, the third in 12 months. He has twice failed to form a government after inconclusive polls.</p>


An Israeli aircraft have flown through Sudanese airspace for the first time, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called another example of warming ties with formally hostile states.

An Israeli aircraft have flown through Sudanese airspace for the first time, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called another example of warming ties with formally hostile states. Israel remains technically at war with Sudan, which supported hardline Islamists including, for a period, Al-Qaeda during the rule of President Omar al-Bashir. Also read: How Sudan’s economic crisis had a role in protests that toppled al-Bashir Bashir was ousted by the army last April following months of mass anti-government demonstrations. "The first Israeli aeroplane passed yesterday over the skies of Sudan. This is quite a change," Netanyahu told American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, without offering further details. Israeli daily Haaretz quoted an Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, saying that the plane was "a private Israeli executive jet". Also read: Donald Trump's peace plan puts Israel on the cutting edge Netanyahu met Sudan's leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan two weeks ago for what the Israeli premier's office described talks aimed at normalising ties. A Sudanese government spokesman said later that Burhan "did not give a promise of normalising or having diplomatic relations". Sudan has been part of a decades-old Arab boycott of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians and its occupation of Arab lands. In the wake of the Six-Day War of 1967 in which Israel occupied the Palestinian territories and seized the Golan Heights from Syria, Arab leaders gathered in Khartoum to announce what became known as the "three nos": no peace, no recognition and no negotiations with Israel. Also read: Israel frees detained migrants set for Rwanda after relocation deal collapses Netanyahu said Sunday that visible signs of a thaw in relations with Sudan and other Muslim-majority countries were only the tip of the diplomatic iceberg. "How much is above the surface in an iceberg? It's about 10 per cent, he said. "What you're seeing is about 10 per cent. Vast changes are coming." Gulf Arab countries have made a number of recent moves hinting at warmer ties with the Jewish state, prompted largely by a shared enmity towards Iran. Netanyahu visited Oman in 2018 and he frequently says the boycott of his country is ending, despite the absence of a peace deal with the Palestinians. Egypt and Jordan are so far the only Arab states to have full diplomatic relations with Israel. Netanyahu was speaking two weeks ahead of a March general election, the third in 12 months. He has twice failed to form a government after inconclusive polls.

Israeli aircraft flew over Sudan for first time: Benjamin Netanyahu

<p>President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-at-stake-like-never-before-trump-to-supporters-252638">Donald Trump</a> has called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia </a>to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US </a>concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Turkey's </a>foreign minister also pressed his Russian counterpart over the attacks by Damascus on the last rebel-held bastion in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Turkey hits back at Moscow over Idlib claims</a></strong></p>

<p>Backed by Russian airpower, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made fresh gains Sunday as he intensified his assault on the holdout northwestern province of Idlib.</p>

<p>In a call with Turkish President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan</a>, Trump "expressed concern over the violence in Idlib, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Syria </a>and... conveyed the United States' desire to see an end to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia's </a>support for the Assad regime's atrocities."</p>

<p>Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib as part of a 2018 deal reached between Ankara and Moscow to prevent a regime offensive, but Syrian regime forces have pressed ahead regardless.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Four of the Turkish posts are believed to be encircled by Syrian forces, and Ankara has threatened to attack Damascus if they do not retreat by the end of February.</p>

<p>"I stressed that the attacks in Idlib must stop and it was necessary to establish a lasting ceasefire that would not be violated," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told journalists at the Munich Security Conference after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.</p>

<p>Rebel supporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Damascus </a>ally Russia have worked closely on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Syria </a>in recent years despite being on opposing sides of the nine-year conflict.</p>

<p>A Turkish delegation will head to Moscow on Monday after Russian officials visited Ankara last weekend but failed to reach a concrete deal.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Sunday said regime forces "were in control of all the villages and small towns around Aleppo for the first time since 2012."</p>

<p>Regime forces have for weeks been making gains in northwestern Syria and chipping away at territory held by jihadists and allied rebels, focusing their latest operations on the west of Aleppo province.</p>

<p>The Russian-backed offensive has triggered the largest wave of displacement in Syria's civil war, with 800,000 people fleeing since it began in December, the United Nations has said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Backed by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Assad's forces now control more than 70 per cent of Syria and the president has repeatedly vowed to retake the entire country.</p>

<p>In the Saturday phone call with Erdogan, Trump also "reiterated that continued foreign interference in Libya would only serve to worsen the situation."</p>

<p>Libya has been mired in chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations vying for power.</p>

<p>States including Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt support strongman Khalifa Haftar, while the UN-recognized Government of National Accord is backed by Turkey and Qatar.</p>


President Donald Trump has called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed US concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday.

President Donald Trump has called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed US concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday. Turkey's foreign minister also pressed his Russian counterpart over the attacks by Damascus on the last rebel-held bastion in the country. Also read: Turkey hits back at Moscow over Idlib claims Backed by Russian airpower, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made fresh gains Sunday as he intensified his assault on the holdout northwestern province of Idlib. In a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump "expressed concern over the violence in Idlib, Syria and... conveyed the United States' desire to see an end to Russia's support for the Assad regime's atrocities." Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib as part of a 2018 deal reached between Ankara and Moscow to prevent a regime offensive, but Syrian regime forces have pressed ahead regardless. Also read: US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report Four of the Turkish posts are believed to be encircled by Syrian forces, and Ankara has threatened to attack Damascus if they do not retreat by the end of February. "I stressed that the attacks in Idlib must stop and it was necessary to establish a lasting ceasefire that would not be violated," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told journalists at the Munich Security Conference after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Rebel supporter Turkey and Damascus ally Russia have worked closely on Syria in recent years despite being on opposing sides of the nine-year conflict. A Turkish delegation will head to Moscow on Monday after Russian officials visited Ankara last weekend but failed to reach a concrete deal. Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Sunday said regime forces "were in control of all the villages and small towns around Aleppo for the first time since 2012." Regime forces have for weeks been making gains in northwestern Syria and chipping away at territory held by jihadists and allied rebels, focusing their latest operations on the west of Aleppo province. The Russian-backed offensive has triggered the largest wave of displacement in Syria's civil war, with 800,000 people fleeing since it began in December, the United Nations has said. Backed by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Assad's forces now control more than 70 per cent of Syria and the president has repeatedly vowed to retake the entire country. In the Saturday phone call with Erdogan, Trump also "reiterated that continued foreign interference in Libya would only serve to worsen the situation." Libya has been mired in chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations vying for power. States including Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt support strongman Khalifa Haftar, while the UN-recognized Government of National Accord is backed by Turkey and Qatar.

President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'

<p>Indian Super League's Chennaiyin FC registered a thumping win over ATK by 3-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday. Chennai's hopes to qualifying for the Play-offs was boosted after Chennaiyin FC's Rafael Crivellaro, Andre Schembri and Nerijus Valskis' goals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/isl-holders-bengaluru-fc-thrash-jamshedpur-2-0-273328">ISL: Holders Bengaluru FC thrash Jamshedpur 2-0</a></p>

<p>Three-points off the match, Chennai based football team has almost bridged the gap with Mumbai City FC. There are now point away from the fourth-placed Mumbai team. ATK currently are at the second spot in the ISL points table. FC Goa tops the table.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiyinFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiyinFC</a> put <a href="https://twitter.com/ATKFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATKFC</a> under the pump tonight 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATKCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATKCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroISL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroISL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/ryJXt4aFXf">pic.twitter.com/ryJXt4aFXf</a></p>
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/1229079993478594560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Rafael Crivellaro smashed the first goal in the 7th minute after an assist from Eli Sabia and Andre Schembri (39') gave them a 2-0 lead before Roy Krishna pulled one back with his 14th goal of the season (40'). A late goal from Nerijus Valskis (90+4') sealed full points for the visitors.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Design design ah problems will come and go, but scoring goals ain’t one of them. 😉<br />
<br />
Make that 1⃣3⃣ for the season! 💪🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATKCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATKCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AattamReloaded?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AattamReloaded</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OruKuttiKathai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OruKuttiKathai</a> <a href="https://t.co/dYXpQcV7Hq">pic.twitter.com/dYXpQcV7Hq</a></p>
— Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiyinFC/status/1229115102562926593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>ATK's Prabir Das hit some dangerous strikes on the visiting Chennaiyin side to equal the score and steal two points but Nerijus Valskis' late strike deflated all the hopes and no strike by Das could see the back of the net.</p>


Indian Super League's Chennaiyin FC registered a thumping win over ATK by 3-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday. Chennai's hopes to qualifying for the Play-offs was boosted after Chennaiyin FC's Rafael Crivellaro, Andre Schembri and Nerijus Valskis' goals.

Indian Super League's Chennaiyin FC registered a thumping win over ATK by 3-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday. Chennai's hopes to qualifying for the Play-offs was boosted after Chennaiyin FC's Rafael Crivellaro, Andre Schembri and Nerijus Valskis' goals. Also read- ISL: Holders Bengaluru FC thrash Jamshedpur 2-0 Three-points off the match, Chennai based football team has almost bridged the gap with Mumbai City FC. There are now point away from the fourth-placed Mumbai team. ATK currently are at the second spot in the ISL points table. FC Goa tops the table. .@ChennaiyinFC put @ATKFC under the pump tonight 👊#ATKCFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/ryJXt4aFXf — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 16, 2020 × Rafael Crivellaro smashed the first goal in the 7th minute after an assist from Eli Sabia and Andre Schembri (39') gave them a 2-0 lead before Roy Krishna pulled one back with his 14th goal of the season (40'). A late goal from Nerijus Valskis (90+4') sealed full points for the visitors. Design design ah problems will come and go, but scoring goals ain’t one of them. 😉 Make that 1⃣3⃣ for the season! 💪🏼#ATKCFC #AattamReloaded #OruKuttiKathai pic.twitter.com/dYXpQcV7Hq — Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) February 16, 2020 × ATK's Prabir Das hit some dangerous strikes on the visiting Chennaiyin side to equal the score and steal two points but Nerijus Valskis' late strike deflated all the hopes and no strike by Das could see the back of the net.

ISL: Chennaiyin FC crush ATK 3-1, keeps play-offs hope alive

<p>Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 20-year old on Saturday broke his world record by clearing a 6.18 meters mark on his first attempt in the&nbsp;Indoor Grand Prix in Glasgow.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One week after breaking the pole vault world record in Torun, <a href="https://twitter.com/mondohoss600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mondohoss600</a> improves the mark to 6.18m*.<br />
<br />
Our report from the Glasgow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldIndoorTour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldIndoorTour</a>👇<br />
<br />
📰:<a href="https://t.co/9d32UWC4q1">https://t.co/9d32UWC4q1</a> <a href="https://t.co/0jioUkARH0">pic.twitter.com/0jioUkARH0</a></p>
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldAthletics/status/1228927246024396801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Last weekend the US-born Swedish player had broken the pole vaulting world record after clearing 6.17 meters in Poland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the second achievement, Duplantis earned a $30,000 bonus.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💥WORLD RECORD💥<a href="https://twitter.com/mondohoss600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mondohoss600</a> breaks the pole vault world record AGAIN.<br />
<br />
6.18m.<br />
<br />
Incredible.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldIndoorTour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldIndoorTour</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZJO8LWq4nM">pic.twitter.com/ZJO8LWq4nM</a></p>
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldAthletics/status/1228689066482380800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Armand Duplantis is the son of former American pole vaulting legend Greg Duplantis and Swedish mother Helena Duplantis. He was born in Louisiana, United States, but still chose to represent his mother's native country Sweden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Duplantis' family, the world record holder has been practising the game on the pole vault pit built in the back garden of his Lousiana home since he was three years old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are a lot of reasons why this event is so complicated and so many things go into making a good jump," Duplantis, whose nickname is Mondo, told BBC Sport.</p>

<ul data-layout="list-hierarchical-xs">
</ul>

<p>"So many years of hard work go into this, but when you do it right it seems simple.</p>

<p>"Safe to say I feel good, I feel fast and strong on the runway. I'm excited about the outdoor season, and the Olympics is where I want to be the best."</p>

<p>The former child phenomenon holds world records at every age level from under 7 to under 12, while by 18 he had cleared 6 meters.</p>


Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week. The 20-year old on Saturday broke his world record by clearing a 6.

Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week. The 20-year old on Saturday broke his world record by clearing a 6.18 meters mark on his first attempt in the Indoor Grand Prix in Glasgow. One week after breaking the pole vault world record in Torun, @mondohoss600 improves the mark to 6.18m*. Our report from the Glasgow #WorldIndoorTour👇 📰:https://t.co/9d32UWC4q1 pic.twitter.com/0jioUkARH0 — World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 16, 2020 × Last weekend the US-born Swedish player had broken the pole vaulting world record after clearing 6.17 meters in Poland. After the second achievement, Duplantis earned a $30,000 bonus. 💥WORLD RECORD💥@mondohoss600 breaks the pole vault world record AGAIN. 6.18m. Incredible.#WorldIndoorTour pic.twitter.com/ZJO8LWq4nM — World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 15, 2020 × Armand Duplantis is the son of former American pole vaulting legend Greg Duplantis and Swedish mother Helena Duplantis. He was born in Louisiana, United States, but still chose to represent his mother's native country Sweden. According to Duplantis' family, the world record holder has been practising the game on the pole vault pit built in the back garden of his Lousiana home since he was three years old. "There are a lot of reasons why this event is so complicated and so many things go into making a good jump," Duplantis, whose nickname is Mondo, told BBC Sport. "So many years of hard work go into this, but when you do it right it seems simple. "Safe to say I feel good, I feel fast and strong on the runway. I'm excited about the outdoor season, and the Olympics is where I want to be the best." The former child phenomenon holds world records at every age level from under 7 to under 12, while by 18 he had cleared 6 meters.

Pole vault wonder boy Armand Duplantis breaks own world record within a week

<p>At least six people have died and several taken ill after a gas leak in Karachi's Keamari area.</p>

<p>Pakistan has deployed the Navy's biological team to determine the exact nature of the "mysterious gas leak".</p>

<p>According to local reports, the death toll is likely to rise with several people affected with many&nbsp;falling unconscious.</p>

<p>Those affected with the leak were shifted to Karachi’s Clifton area. Reports say at least 103 people have been hospitalised.</p>

<p>People affected complained of respiratory problem, reports indicated.</p>

<p>However, the Karachi port trust spokesperson has denied all reports of leakage.</p>

<p>The minister of maritime affairs said that there was "no leakage" and that it was a Malaysian ship that was bringing soybean from the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the cause of the incident is yet to be investigated it is being suspected that the leakage occurred during offloading of chemicals from a cargo ship that was anchored at the Karachi port.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared in south Karachi with residents advised to not step out of their homes.</p>


At least six people have died and several taken ill after a gas leak in Karachi's Keamari area. Pakistan has deployed the Navy's biological team to determine the exact nature of the "mysterious gas leak".

At least six people have died and several taken ill after a gas leak in Karachi's Keamari area. Pakistan has deployed the Navy's biological team to determine the exact nature of the "mysterious gas leak". According to local reports, the death toll is likely to rise with several people affected with many falling unconscious. Those affected with the leak were shifted to Karachi’s Clifton area. Reports say at least 103 people have been hospitalised. People affected complained of respiratory problem, reports indicated. However, the Karachi port trust spokesperson has denied all reports of leakage. The minister of maritime affairs said that there was "no leakage" and that it was a Malaysian ship that was bringing soybean from the US. While the cause of the incident is yet to be investigated it is being suspected that the leakage occurred during offloading of chemicals from a cargo ship that was anchored at the Karachi port. Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared in south Karachi with residents advised to not step out of their homes.

At least six dead in gas leak in Karachi; Pakistan navy launches investigation

<p>The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana </a>face social stigma and hostility.</p>

<p>According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''.</p>

<p>They believe that cyclists are threatened not to ride bicycles on the streets of the city because motor vehicles drivers believe that they "own"&nbsp;the road as they pay road tax.</p>

<p title="title"><strong>Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/does-offsetting-carbon-emissions-count-as-going-green-264831">Does offsetting carbon emissions count as going green?</a></strong></p>

<p>Societal prestige around cars is deep-rooted and riding a bicycle is considered archaic and “undignified” in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana</a>.</p>

<p>The hostile attitude of local drivers towards cyclists emanates from a deep-seated belief that cycling is for the poor.</p>

<p>The preference for motor vehicles has had an adverse impact on the country as the number of cars registered in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana </a>has doubled over the past decade.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: The Absa Cape Epic: These cyclists endure one of the toughest race on this planet</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-absa-cape-epic-these-cyclists-endure-one-of-the-toughest-race-on-this-planet-2757/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Two-thirds of these vehicles are listed in Gaborone, and the majority were second-hand imports.&nbsp;A vast majority of these imported vehicles do not meet the emission standards in the countries of their origin and neither checked for their emissions nor properly maintained.</p>

<p title="title">The burgeoning low-efficiency cars are contributing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-pollution-costs-india-150-billion-a-year-report-280588">air pollution</a> in Gaborone.&nbsp;As a result, it is ranked among the worst cities for air quality in the world.</p>

<p><strong>Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/solar-panels-vegan-diets-no-flights-meet-americas-climate-revolutionaries-250555#nasa-climate-scientist-peter-kalmus-250543">Solar panels, vegan diets, no flights: Meet America's climate revolutionaries</a></strong></p>

<p>Many residents of the city believe that cycling should be encouraged in the city as an affordable, flexible and emissions-free method of transport.</p>

<p>However, the biggest hurdle in the way of cycling returning as a popular mode of transport is the lack of proper infrastructure good bicycle lanes, showers at workplaces, and clothing-changing facilities, among others.</p>

<p>To change the attitude of people towards cycling, youngsters are opening cycle shops and are riding bicycles to travel from place to another.</p>

<p>They are striving to contribute to the fight against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bearing-brunt-of-climate-change-240729">climate change</a> because bicycles are eco-friendly.&nbsp;With time, they aim to erode the social stigma around cycling in Gaborone.</p>


The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana face social stigma and hostility. According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''.

The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana face social stigma and hostility. According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''. They believe that cyclists are threatened not to ride bicycles on the streets of the city because motor vehicles drivers believe that they "own" the road as they pay road tax. Also see: Does offsetting carbon emissions count as going green? Societal prestige around cars is deep-rooted and riding a bicycle is considered archaic and “undignified” in Botswana. The hostile attitude of local drivers towards cyclists emanates from a deep-seated belief that cycling is for the poor. The preference for motor vehicles has had an adverse impact on the country as the number of cars registered in Botswana has doubled over the past decade. Watch: The Absa Cape Epic: These cyclists endure one of the toughest race on this planet Two-thirds of these vehicles are listed in Gaborone, and the majority were second-hand imports. A vast majority of these imported vehicles do not meet the emission standards in the countries of their origin and neither checked for their emissions nor properly maintained. The burgeoning low-efficiency cars are contributing to air pollution in Gaborone. As a result, it is ranked among the worst cities for air quality in the world. Also see: Solar panels, vegan diets, no flights: Meet America's climate revolutionaries Many residents of the city believe that cycling should be encouraged in the city as an affordable, flexible and emissions-free method of transport. However, the biggest hurdle in the way of cycling returning as a popular mode of transport is the lack of proper infrastructure good bicycle lanes, showers at workplaces, and clothing-changing facilities, among others. To change the attitude of people towards cycling, youngsters are opening cycle shops and are riding bicycles to travel from place to another. They are striving to contribute to the fight against climate change because bicycles are eco-friendly. With time, they aim to erode the social stigma around cycling in Gaborone.

The city where cyclists are unwelcome

<p>On the campaign trail in New Hampshire, presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was recorded cheering and dancing with supporters by Washington Post reporter Chelsea Janes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video posted on Twitter, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-breaking-news-pete-buttigieg-defeats-bernie-sanders-in-iowa-caucus-279172">Former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana</a> can be seen performing the “Raise the Roof” dance move with New Hampshire congresswoman Annie Kuster.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s all happening. What exactly “it” is, I’m not sure. But here it is. <a href="https://t.co/IOcyIPfEy2">pic.twitter.com/IOcyIPfEy2</a></p>
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) <a href="https://twitter.com/chelsea_janes/status/1227203687757631489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The American public has not been appeased by Buttigieg's best attempt, and the public outcry for such a repulsive Raise the Roof has been felt across the media spectrum, causing a flood of tweets comparing the presidential candidate to droids due to his rigid, robotic dance moves.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-caucus-buttigieg-takes-a-narrow-lead-over-sanders-279671">Salt on the wound</a> comes in the form of what is perhaps the most amusing part of the video, where a person in the background is holding up a placard supporting Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, which is promptly covered up by a Buttigieg sign.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-breaking-news-update-meet-Pete-Buttigieg-the-man-who-shocked-Sanders-Biden-in-Iowa-caucus">Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus</a></p>

<p>The success of Buttigieg's campaign in the New Hampshire primary warrants celebration, even if such revelry is displayed by subpar dance moves.&nbsp;Finishing in New Hampshire with 24 per cent and reportedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-caucus-pete-buttigieg-takes-surprise-lead-in-democratic-race-278711">leading the Iowa caucus</a> last week, former Mayor of South Bend currently stands <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-unmitigated-disaster-as-sanders-buttigieg-claim-victory-278558">a mere 2 per cent</a> behind Vermont Senator and State winner Bernie Sanders.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Asked if his dance moves cost him a first place finish in NH, Pete Buttigieg tells CNN's Alisyn Camerota on <a href="https://twitter.com/NewDay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NewDay</a>, "Well, I doubt that they played a big role in bringing a majority together, but you never know how things are received among voters.” <a href="https://t.co/1suR3lCs7y">pic.twitter.com/1suR3lCs7y</a></p>
— DJ Judd (@DJJudd) <a href="https://twitter.com/DJJudd/status/1227590165633413120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>When asked by Alisyn Camerota, a CNN correspondent, whether he will continue to show his dance moves on the campaign trail, Buttigieg responded with a laugh and said, "I think the less people see me dancing the better, but we definitely bring a lot of joy to the campaign trail."&nbsp;</p>

<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>

<p>"...it's also a joyful process because you're engaging with the supporters, with the fellow Americans in this extraordinary experience in American democracy, and you never know what moments that can lead to on the campaign trail," he added.</p>

<p>CNN's Alisyn Camerota then asked Buttigieg whether he thinks his dance moves cost him the win in New Hampshire, to which Pete responded by saying, "Well, I doubt that they played a big role in bringing a majority together, but you never know how things are received among voters.”</p>


On the campaign trail in New Hampshire, presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was recorded cheering and dancing with supporters by Washington Post reporter Chelsea Janes.

On the campaign trail in New Hampshire, presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was recorded cheering and dancing with supporters by Washington Post reporter Chelsea Janes. In a video posted on Twitter, Former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana can be seen performing the “Raise the Roof” dance move with New Hampshire congresswoman Annie Kuster. It’s all happening. What exactly “it” is, I’m not sure. But here it is. pic.twitter.com/IOcyIPfEy2 — Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) February 11, 2020 × The American public has not been appeased by Buttigieg's best attempt, and the public outcry for such a repulsive Raise the Roof has been felt across the media spectrum, causing a flood of tweets comparing the presidential candidate to droids due to his rigid, robotic dance moves. Salt on the wound comes in the form of what is perhaps the most amusing part of the video, where a person in the background is holding up a placard supporting Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, which is promptly covered up by a Buttigieg sign. Also Read: Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus The success of Buttigieg's campaign in the New Hampshire primary warrants celebration, even if such revelry is displayed by subpar dance moves. Finishing in New Hampshire with 24 per cent and reportedly leading the Iowa caucus last week, former Mayor of South Bend currently stands a mere 2 per cent behind Vermont Senator and State winner Bernie Sanders. Asked if his dance moves cost him a first place finish in NH, Pete Buttigieg tells CNN's Alisyn Camerota on @NewDay, "Well, I doubt that they played a big role in bringing a majority together, but you never know how things are received among voters.” pic.twitter.com/1suR3lCs7y — DJ Judd (@DJJudd) February 12, 2020 × When asked by Alisyn Camerota, a CNN correspondent, whether he will continue to show his dance moves on the campaign trail, Buttigieg responded with a laugh and said, "I think the less people see me dancing the better, but we definitely bring a lot of joy to the campaign trail." "...it's also a joyful process because you're engaging with the supporters, with the fellow Americans in this extraordinary experience in American democracy, and you never know what moments that can lead to on the campaign trail," he added. CNN's Alisyn Camerota then asked Buttigieg whether he thinks his dance moves cost him the win in New Hampshire, to which Pete responded by saying, "Well, I doubt that they played a big role in bringing a majority together, but you never know how things are received among voters.”

Twitter trolls Buttigieg's robotic 'Raise the Roof' dance move

<p>Amazon has managed to score&nbsp;a victory over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-curbs-trumps-ability-to-wage-war-with-iran-280607">Trump administration</a> in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract.</p>

<p>The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-amazon-wants-trump-esper-to-testify-in-fight-for-10-billion-pentagon-contract-279956">Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract</a></p>

<p>Both Amazon and Microsoft were competing for the $10 billion contract which was ultimately awarded to Microsoft, however&nbsp;in November last year, Amazon sued the Defence Department accusing it of bias.</p>

<p>President Trump has been publicly critical of the Amazon-owned newspaper in the Washington Post. Amazon alleged&nbsp;that Trump used his influence over the Pentagon to deny the company the mega deal.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/amazon-beaten-by-microsoft-for-pentagons-10-billion-contract-262421/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A federal judge has temporarily blocked Microsoft from going ahead with their work.&nbsp;The actual contents of the court decision remain sealed.</p>

<p>Amazon has demanded testimonies from President Trump, Defence Secretary Mark Esper and his predecessor James Mattis.</p>

<p>Microsoft said it was disappointed by the decision, however, it remains confident of being able to carry on with the deal.</p>

<p>Analysts believe the deal could be a huge driver for Microsoft's growth in 2020.</p>


Amazon has managed to score a victory over the Trump administration in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract. The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal.

Amazon has managed to score a victory over the Trump administration in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract. The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal. Also read: Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract Both Amazon and Microsoft were competing for the $10 billion contract which was ultimately awarded to Microsoft, however in November last year, Amazon sued the Defence Department accusing it of bias. President Trump has been publicly critical of the Amazon-owned newspaper in the Washington Post. Amazon alleged that Trump used his influence over the Pentagon to deny the company the mega deal. × A federal judge has temporarily blocked Microsoft from going ahead with their work. The actual contents of the court decision remain sealed. Amazon has demanded testimonies from President Trump, Defence Secretary Mark Esper and his predecessor James Mattis. Microsoft said it was disappointed by the decision, however, it remains confident of being able to carry on with the deal. Analysts believe the deal could be a huge driver for Microsoft's growth in 2020.

Amazon wins as US court blocks Microsoft's Pentagon cloud contract

<p>Brazilian football legend Pele released a statement on Thursday where he said he is "fine".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pele-was-always-an-imposing-figure-and-today-he-cant-walk-properly-edinho-on-his-fathers-depression-279950">'Pele was always an imposing figure and today he can't walk properly': Edinho on father's depression</a></p>

<p>The&nbsp;statement comes after Pele's son&nbsp;Edinho, in an interview to a Brazilian sports website had&nbsp;said: "He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house. He is very shy, reclusive."</p>

<p>According to Edinho the Brazilian legend was&nbsp;is "fragile".&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, on Thursday the football legend said in a statement: "Thanks for your prayers and your worry. I am doing fine. I will be 80 this year," Pele, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, said in a statement.</p>

<p>"I have good days and bad days, which is normal for people my age," added Pele.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 79-year-old has been in and out of the hospitals due to various health problems, he recently went through a hip replacement operation and has made a recent appearance&nbsp;on a wheelchair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Edinho had earlier said: "He has this mobility problem and that has set off a kind of depression. Imagine, he's the King, he was always such an imposing figure and today he can't walk properly."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/wont-be-able-to-match-peles-1000-goal-scoring-record-kylian-mbappe-207726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>IIn his career Pele&nbsp;scored record 77 goals in 92 matches for the Brazilian team (1957-1971), he still is the country's leading goal scorer. He won FIFA World Cup in1958, 1962 and 1970.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pele's goals for Santos FC is still a milestone on its own, he spent 18 years in the club and scored 619 goals in 638 matches. He joined New York Cosmos in 1975 and&nbsp;spent two seasons there, where he scored 31 goals in 56 matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Brazilian still holds the record for most hattricks, he has a total of 92 hattricks to his name and has scored 1,283 goals in his lifetime.</p>


Brazilian football legend Pele released a statement on Thursday where he said he is "fine". Also read: 'Pele was always an imposing figure and today he can't walk properly': Edinho on father's depression The statement comes after Pele's son Edinho, in an interview to a Brazilian sports website had said: "He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house.

Brazilian football legend Pele released a statement on Thursday where he said he is "fine". Also read: 'Pele was always an imposing figure and today he can't walk properly': Edinho on father's depression The statement comes after Pele's son Edinho, in an interview to a Brazilian sports website had said: "He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house. He is very shy, reclusive." According to Edinho the Brazilian legend was is "fragile". However, on Thursday the football legend said in a statement: "Thanks for your prayers and your worry. I am doing fine. I will be 80 this year," Pele, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, said in a statement. "I have good days and bad days, which is normal for people my age," added Pele. The 79-year-old has been in and out of the hospitals due to various health problems, he recently went through a hip replacement operation and has made a recent appearance on a wheelchair. Edinho had earlier said: "He has this mobility problem and that has set off a kind of depression. Imagine, he's the King, he was always such an imposing figure and today he can't walk properly." × IIn his career Pele scored record 77 goals in 92 matches for the Brazilian team (1957-1971), he still is the country's leading goal scorer. He won FIFA World Cup in1958, 1962 and 1970. Pele's goals for Santos FC is still a milestone on its own, he spent 18 years in the club and scored 619 goals in 638 matches. He joined New York Cosmos in 1975 and spent two seasons there, where he scored 31 goals in 56 matches. The Brazilian still holds the record for most hattricks, he has a total of 92 hattricks to his name and has scored 1,283 goals in his lifetime.

Pele says 'I will be 80, I'm fine', dismisses son's claim on depression

Scientists find new fossils of car-sized prehistoric turtle in South America

<p>Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-over-1480-japan-confirms-first-death-280603" hreflang="en">China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death</a></p>

<p><img alt="cc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="581cb069-4e01-4638-947d-ee62a35ea6cd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_26.jpg" /></p>

<p>China on Friday confirmed 116 more deaths due to&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;with the death toll rising to 1,483 with as many as 4,823 new cases.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-curbs-trumps-ability-to-wage-war-with-iran-280607" hreflang="en">US Senate curbs Trump's ability to wage war with Iran</a></p>

<p><img alt="ssd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb87db2d-1a25-46a3-b6eb-3cd63482d819" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_20.jpg" /></p>

<p>The US Senate has passed the Iran war powers resolution. The&nbsp;bill seeks to prevent&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;from waging war with Iran.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-why-hafiz-saeeds-conviction-is-an-eyewash-280481" hreflang="en">WION Edit: Why Hafiz Saeed's conviction is an eyewash</a></p>

<p><img alt="dc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0603c990-186c-46c8-9f62-651e1f551acd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_16.jpg" /></p>

<p>An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has sentenced Hafiz Saeed to 11 years in jail in two separate cases. The sentence runs concurrently, so he effectively has to spend a little more than 5 years in jail.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manpreet-singh-first-indian-to-win-fih-hockey-player-of-the-year-award-280605">Manpreet Singh becomes first Indian to win FIH hockey player of the year award</a></p>

<p><img alt="Manpreet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="969858bc-90ca-404b-81f1-1229ba5dad6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_27.jpg" /></p>

<p>The captain of the Indian men's team won 35.2 per cent of the combined votes and beat Belgium's Arthur van Doren and Lucas Vila of Argentina to the coveted honour.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/those-who-say-i-commercialised-pain-of-kashmiri-pandits-in-shikara-are-donkeys-vidhu-vinod-chopra-280577" hreflang="en">Those who say I commercialised pain of Kashmiri pandits in 'Shikara' are donkeys: Vidhu Vinod Chopra</a></p>

<p><img alt="zz" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62e0d3a6-d2d9-4732-ac0d-468017413469" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/xsxa.JPG" /></p>

<p>Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra slammed those alleging that he "commercialised the pain of Kashmiri pandits" with his film "Shikara"&nbsp;and termed them "donkeys".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-anti-islam-rant-triggers-national-debate-in-france-280600" hreflang="en">Gravitas: Anti-Islam rant triggers national debate in France</a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-anti-islam-rant-triggers-national-debate-in-france-280600/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death China on Friday confirmed 116 more deaths due to coronavirus with the death toll rising to 1,483 with as many as 4,823 new cases.

Good morning. Here’s what you need to know to start your day with Wion’s daily news brief. China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death China on Friday confirmed 116 more deaths due to coronavirus with the death toll rising to 1,483 with as many as 4,823 new cases. US Senate curbs Trump's ability to wage war with Iran The US Senate has passed the Iran war powers resolution. The bill seeks to prevent Donald Trump from waging war with Iran. WION Edit: Why Hafiz Saeed's conviction is an eyewash An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has sentenced Hafiz Saeed to 11 years in jail in two separate cases. The sentence runs concurrently, so he effectively has to spend a little more than 5 years in jail. Manpreet Singh becomes first Indian to win FIH hockey player of the year award The captain of the Indian men's team won 35.2 per cent of the combined votes and beat Belgium's Arthur van Doren and Lucas Vila of Argentina to the coveted honour. Those who say I commercialised pain of Kashmiri pandits in 'Shikara' are donkeys: Vidhu Vinod Chopra Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra slammed those alleging that he "commercialised the pain of Kashmiri pandits" with his film "Shikara" and termed them "donkeys". WATCH | Gravitas: Anti-Islam rant triggers national debate in France ×

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll rises, US Senate curbs Trump's war powers and more!

<p>After Pakistan's anti-terror court convicted UN-designated terrorist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-why-hafiz-saeeds-conviction-is-an-eyewash-280481">Hafiz Saeed</a> in two terror-financing cases, a US State Department spokesman told newswire ANI that the US continues "to call for Hafiz Saeed to be held accountable for his involvement in the planning of numerous acts of terrorism, including 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 innocent people, including six Americans."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-convicts-2611-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-financing-case-280268">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan court convicts 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case</a></p>

<p>A Pakistan court had sentenced the Mumbai attack mastermind to five years and three months in prison along with a fine Rs 150,000 on terror financing charges.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-court-convicts-2611-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-financing-case-280324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Earlier, Alice Wells, principal deputy assistant secretary of South and Central Asian affairs in a tweet had said that the conviction of Hafiz Saeed and his associate is an "important step forward", while adding that "both for holding LeT accountable for its crimes, and for Pakistan in meeting its international commitments to combat terrorist financing."</p>

<p>"And as Imran Khan has said, it is in the interest of Pakistan’s future that it not allow non-state actors to operate from its soil," Wells added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-pakistans-heart-bleeds-for-hafiz-saeed-252370">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Pakistan’s heart bleeds for Hafiz Saeed?</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Indian officials expressed scepticism over the efficacy of the conviction of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-accords-vip-treatment-to-un-designated-global-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-279475">Hafiz Saeed</a> while asserting that it is a long-pending international obligation of Pakistan to end its support for terrorism and the efficacy of Saeed's sentencing remained to be seen.</p>

<p>Hafiz Saeed's conviction came just four days ahead of a meeting of global anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris to review Pakistan's actions to contain terror groups in the country. Pakistan is currently placed under FATF's "grey list" for failing to curb terror financing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The decision has been made on the eve of FATF Plenary meeting, which has to be noted," the Indian official sources said.</p>


After Pakistan's anti-terror court convicted UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed in two terror-financing cases, a US State Department spokesman told newswire ANI that the US continues "to call for Hafiz Saeed to be held accountable for his involvement in the planning of numerous acts of terrorism, including 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 innocent people, including six Americans.

After Pakistan's anti-terror court convicted UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed in two terror-financing cases, a US State Department spokesman told newswire ANI that the US continues "to call for Hafiz Saeed to be held accountable for his involvement in the planning of numerous acts of terrorism, including 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 innocent people, including six Americans." Also Read: Pakistan court convicts 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case A Pakistan court had sentenced the Mumbai attack mastermind to five years and three months in prison along with a fine Rs 150,000 on terror financing charges. Watch Video: Earlier, Alice Wells, principal deputy assistant secretary of South and Central Asian affairs in a tweet had said that the conviction of Hafiz Saeed and his associate is an "important step forward", while adding that "both for holding LeT accountable for its crimes, and for Pakistan in meeting its international commitments to combat terrorist financing." "And as Imran Khan has said, it is in the interest of Pakistan’s future that it not allow non-state actors to operate from its soil," Wells added. Also Read: Why Pakistan’s heart bleeds for Hafiz Saeed? Meanwhile, Indian officials expressed scepticism over the efficacy of the conviction of Hafiz Saeed while asserting that it is a long-pending international obligation of Pakistan to end its support for terrorism and the efficacy of Saeed's sentencing remained to be seen. Hafiz Saeed's conviction came just four days ahead of a meeting of global anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris to review Pakistan's actions to contain terror groups in the country. Pakistan is currently placed under FATF's "grey list" for failing to curb terror financing. "The decision has been made on the eve of FATF Plenary meeting, which has to be noted," the Indian official sources said.

Want Hafiz Saeed to be held accountable for involvement in Mumbai attacks: US

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.