<p>Canadian virtuoso Angela Hewitt's extremely rare piano worth $1,94,000 was dropped by a German packing company&nbsp;while taking it out of a recording studio.</p>

<p>Hewitt who is one of the world's leading classical pianists, revealed the entire devastating news in a heartfelt post on Facebook.</p>

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<p>She was in Berlin when the movers told her they accidentally dropped the piano.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: 108-year-old pianist doesn't let age stop her playing</strong></p>

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<p>In the accident, its&nbsp;iron frame was broken, as was much of the structure, lid and case rendering the instrument "unsalvageable" according to Paolo Fazioli, the owner of Fazioli Pianos.</p>

<p>Fazioli Pianos is in Sacile, northeast of Venice, in an area of Italy known for its woodwork.</p>

<p>Over the summer, Hewitt is still slated to perform in Umbria, where she will still play on a Fazioli.</p>

<p>Hewitt is not the first to suffer the loss of a valuable instrument in transit.</p>

<p>In 2007, movers delivering an $89,000 grand piano to the Two Moors Festival in Devon, southern England, dropped the instrument out of their van.</p>


Canadian virtuoso Angela Hewitt's extremely rare piano worth $1,94,000 was dropped by a German packing company while taking it out of a recording studio. Hewitt who is one of the world's leading classical pianists, revealed the entire devastating news in a heartfelt post on Facebook.

Canadian virtuoso Angela Hewitt's extremely rare piano worth $1,94,000 was dropped by a German packing company while taking it out of a recording studio. Hewitt who is one of the world's leading classical pianists, revealed the entire devastating news in a heartfelt post on Facebook. × She was in Berlin when the movers told her they accidentally dropped the piano. Watch: 108-year-old pianist doesn't let age stop her playing In the accident, its iron frame was broken, as was much of the structure, lid and case rendering the instrument "unsalvageable" according to Paolo Fazioli, the owner of Fazioli Pianos. Fazioli Pianos is in Sacile, northeast of Venice, in an area of Italy known for its woodwork. Over the summer, Hewitt is still slated to perform in Umbria, where she will still play on a Fazioli. Hewitt is not the first to suffer the loss of a valuable instrument in transit. In 2007, movers delivering an $89,000 grand piano to the Two Moors Festival in Devon, southern England, dropped the instrument out of their van.

Angela Hewitt's extremely rare $194,000 piano dropped by movers causing 'unsalvageable' damage

<p>Seminal pop art painting "The Splash" by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/david-hockney-pool-painting-soars-to-90-million-record-for-living-artist-177653">David Hockney</a> sold for £23.1 million at an auction in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/replica-of-da-vincis-mona-lisa-sells-for-553000-euros-263386">Sotheby's </a>London on Tuesday.</p>

<p>This is the third-highest price paid for a work by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/david-hockney-pool-painting-soars-to-90-million-record-for-living-artist-177653">British artist</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Splash" is one the most famous paintings painted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/david-hockney-pool-painting-soars-to-90-million-record-for-living-artist-177653">Hockney </a>which in 1966.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/david-hockney-pool-painting-soars-to-90-million-record-for-living-artist-177653">David Hockney pool painting soars to $90 million, record for living artist</a></strong></p>

<p>It had been estimated to sell between £20m to £30m but it ended up fetching £23,117,000.</p>

<p>The painting in Hockney's minimalist style, depicts the moment just after a diver has broken the surface of a swimming pool, capturing the fantasy Californian lifestyle.</p>

<p>It is considered one of the stand-out pop art images of the 20th Century and is one of a trio of works alongside A Little Splash and A Bigger Splash.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Replica of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa sells for 553,000 euros</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/replica-of-da-vincis-mona-lisa-sells-for-553000-euros-263386/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to Emma Baker, head of the contemporary art sale at London's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/replica-of-da-vincis-mona-lisa-sells-for-553000-euros-263386">Sotheby's </a>auction house "Not only is this a landmark work within David Hockney's oeuvre, it's an icon of Pop that defined an era and also gave visual identity to LA".</p>

<p>Sotheby's also called the work "a quintessential example of Hockney's lifelong fascination with the texture, appearance and depth of water".</p>

<p>The price, bid by an unknown buyer, is nearly eight times that achieved when the work last sold at auction for £2.9 million in 2006.</p>

<p>Yorkshire-born Hockney's "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/david-hockney-pool-painting-soars-to-90-million-record-for-living-artist-177653">Portrait of an Artist</a> (Pool with Two Figures)" sold for over $90 million in New York in 2018, an auction record at the time for a work by a living artist.</p>

<p>The same year, his "Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica" sold for $28.5 million.</p>


Seminal pop art painting "The Splash" by David Hockney sold for £23.1 million at an auction in Sotheby's London on Tuesday. This is the third-highest price paid for a work by the British artist.

Seminal pop art painting "The Splash" by David Hockney sold for £23.1 million at an auction in Sotheby's London on Tuesday. This is the third-highest price paid for a work by the British artist. "The Splash" is one the most famous paintings painted by Hockney which in 1966. Also read: David Hockney pool painting soars to $90 million, record for living artist It had been estimated to sell between £20m to £30m but it ended up fetching £23,117,000. The painting in Hockney's minimalist style, depicts the moment just after a diver has broken the surface of a swimming pool, capturing the fantasy Californian lifestyle. It is considered one of the stand-out pop art images of the 20th Century and is one of a trio of works alongside A Little Splash and A Bigger Splash. Watch: Replica of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa sells for 553,000 euros According to Emma Baker, head of the contemporary art sale at London's Sotheby's auction house "Not only is this a landmark work within David Hockney's oeuvre, it's an icon of Pop that defined an era and also gave visual identity to LA". Sotheby's also called the work "a quintessential example of Hockney's lifelong fascination with the texture, appearance and depth of water". The price, bid by an unknown buyer, is nearly eight times that achieved when the work last sold at auction for £2.9 million in 2006. Yorkshire-born Hockney's "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" sold for over $90 million in New York in 2018, an auction record at the time for a work by a living artist. The same year, his "Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica" sold for $28.5 million.

David Hockney's pop art icon 'The Splash' fetches £23.1 million

<p>The US Trade Representative(USTR) has released a list of countries designating WTO members that are eligible for subsidy in which India and&nbsp;several other countries have been barred from getting special preferences under the US &nbsp;countervailing duty (CVD) law.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-brexit-uk-trade-deal-with-us-optimistic-mnuchin-276612">Also Read: Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin</a></p>

<p>According to the list, 44 countries were categorised as "least-developed countries and 35 countries as developing countries".</p>

<p>"For purposes of US CVD law, the USTR therefore considers countries with a share of 0.5% or more of world trade to be developed countries,"&nbsp;the USTR said in a notice. Hong Kong, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa were also eliminated from the list.</p>

<p>"The US Trade Representative, therefore, considers countries with a share of 0.5 per cent or more of world trade to be developed countries. Thus, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam are ineligible for the 2&nbsp;per cent de minimis standard," the notice read.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-pushes-india-to-buy-5-6-billion-more-farm-goods-to-seal-trade-deal-report-276396">Also Read: US pushes India to buy $5-6 billion more farm goods to seal trade deal</a></p>

<p>The final rule will become effective February 10, 2020, it announced.</p>

<p>Similar to the 1998 rule, the US Trade Representative relied on the World Bank threshold separating "high income" countries from those with lower per capita GNIs. This means that WTO Members with a per capita GNI below $12,375 were treated as eligible for the 2 per cent de minimis standard, it said.</p>

<p>The agency categorised Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Cambodia among others as "Least-Developed Countries" with Maldives, Sri Lanka, Venezuela among others designated as "Developing Countries".</p>


The US Trade Representative(USTR) has released a list of countries designating WTO members that are eligible for subsidy in which India and several other countries have been barred from getting special preferences under the US countervailing duty (CVD) law.

The US Trade Representative(USTR) has released a list of countries designating WTO members that are eligible for subsidy in which India and several other countries have been barred from getting special preferences under the US countervailing duty (CVD) law. Also Read: Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin According to the list, 44 countries were categorised as "least-developed countries and 35 countries as developing countries". "For purposes of US CVD law, the USTR therefore considers countries with a share of 0.5% or more of world trade to be developed countries," the USTR said in a notice. Hong Kong, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa were also eliminated from the list. "The US Trade Representative, therefore, considers countries with a share of 0.5 per cent or more of world trade to be developed countries. Thus, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam are ineligible for the 2 per cent de minimis standard," the notice read. Also Read: US pushes India to buy $5-6 billion more farm goods to seal trade deal The final rule will become effective February 10, 2020, it announced. Similar to the 1998 rule, the US Trade Representative relied on the World Bank threshold separating "high income" countries from those with lower per capita GNIs. This means that WTO Members with a per capita GNI below $12,375 were treated as eligible for the 2 per cent de minimis standard, it said. The agency categorised Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Cambodia among others as "Least-Developed Countries" with Maldives, Sri Lanka, Venezuela among others designated as "Developing Countries".

US drops India from developing nations list barring trade benefits

<p>London-based Pakistan&nbsp;activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Gul Bukhari</a> has been threatened with terror charges.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Bukhari </a>has been accused of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Balochistan Liberation army</a>.</p>

<p>The anti-terrorism wing of Pakistan's federal investigation agency has summoned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Bukhari </a>over her anti-Pakistan&nbsp;comments.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Pakistan army denies abducting&nbsp;activist Gul Bukhari</a></strong></p>

<p>She can be extradited via a court order and her property can also be confiscated by the government if she does not respond to the summon in 30 days.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Gul Bukhari </a>is one of the most prominent Pakistani activists and a strong critic of the Pakistan army.&nbsp;She has consistently questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan.</p>

<p>In 2018, she was abducted by an unidentified group of people but&nbsp;was released a few hours later.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home</a></strong></p>

<p>Subsequently, she moved to Britain since then, she has carried on with her activism from London.&nbsp;She was a Pakistan-based journalist earlier.&nbsp;Twitter has been buzzing with support for her ever since the news broke.</p>

<p>Pakistani citizens say the whole case is a conspiracy, a rap on the knuckles for her criticism of Imran Khan's government and the Pakistani army.&nbsp;Many of them have also questioned&nbsp;the government's priorities.</p>

<p>This move comes in the backdrop of a major security lapse in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Pakistan</a>.&nbsp;Security forces recently admitted that a high profile Pakistani <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Taliban </a>terrorist managed to escape from their custody.</p>

<p>Netizens are asking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Imran Khan</a> whether he is more interested in curbing dissent than securing his country against known terrorists.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don't believe Gul will be deterred/bullied by such tactics which are not new for her. Despicable to treat democratic voices like terrorists<a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GulBukhari</a></p>
— Tariq Butt (@tariqbutt_) <a href="https://twitter.com/tariqbutt_/status/1227197748291756032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Strongly condemn this heinous notice issued by FIA to <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GulBukhari</a><br />
That is the reason DG FIA Bashir Memon had to resign because he wouldn’t be part of this unlawfulness.<br />
<br />
This notice is beyond harassment and I rather see that as state terrorism to an innocent citizen. <a href="https://t.co/brJlN26Oak">https://t.co/brJlN26Oak</a></p>
— Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamaJunejo/status/1227193786331209729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The pathetically shameless cowards institutions of the Pakistani state give protection and safe escape to terrorists like OBL and Ehsanullah Ehsan but show their relentless might when it comes to voice of dissidents who want democracy and peace to flourish in Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A">https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A</a></p>
— Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gulalai_Ismail/status/1227376893260959745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The pathetically shameless cowards institutions of the Pakistani state give protection and safe escape to terrorists like OBL and Ehsanullah Ehsan but show their relentless might when it comes to voice of dissidents who want democracy and peace to flourish in Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A">https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A</a></p>
— Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gulalai_Ismail/status/1227376893260959745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They can't prevent ex-Taliban spox Ehsanullah Ehsan from "escaping", can't rein in Islamic State (Daesh) supporter Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid, but they go after journalist &amp; rights activist Gul Bukhari (<a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GulBukhari</a>) as if she's a terrorist. Tells us a lot about their priorities.. <a href="https://t.co/4vqitqgNqZ">pic.twitter.com/4vqitqgNqZ</a></p>
— Bilal Farooqi (@bilalfqi) <a href="https://twitter.com/bilalfqi/status/1227149463715708928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


London-based Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari has been threatened with terror charges. Bukhari has been accused of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army.

London-based Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari has been threatened with terror charges. Bukhari has been accused of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army. The anti-terrorism wing of Pakistan's federal investigation agency has summoned Bukhari over her anti-Pakistan comments. Also read: Pakistan army denies abducting activist Gul Bukhari She can be extradited via a court order and her property can also be confiscated by the government if she does not respond to the summon in 30 days. Gul Bukhari is one of the most prominent Pakistani activists and a strong critic of the Pakistan army. She has consistently questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan. In 2018, she was abducted by an unidentified group of people but was released a few hours later. Also read: Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home Subsequently, she moved to Britain since then, she has carried on with her activism from London. She was a Pakistan-based journalist earlier. Twitter has been buzzing with support for her ever since the news broke. Pakistani citizens say the whole case is a conspiracy, a rap on the knuckles for her criticism of Imran Khan's government and the Pakistani army. Many of them have also questioned the government's priorities. This move comes in the backdrop of a major security lapse in Pakistan. Security forces recently admitted that a high profile Pakistani Taliban terrorist managed to escape from their custody. Netizens are asking Imran Khan whether he is more interested in curbing dissent than securing his country against known terrorists. Don't believe Gul will be deterred/bullied by such tactics which are not new for her. Despicable to treat democratic voices like terrorists@GulBukhari — Tariq Butt (@tariqbutt_) February 11, 2020 × Strongly condemn this heinous notice issued by FIA to @GulBukhari That is the reason DG FIA Bashir Memon had to resign because he wouldn’t be part of this unlawfulness. This notice is beyond harassment and I rather see that as state terrorism to an innocent citizen. https://t.co/brJlN26Oak — Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) February 11, 2020 × The pathetically shameless cowards institutions of the Pakistani state give protection and safe escape to terrorists like OBL and Ehsanullah Ehsan but show their relentless might when it comes to voice of dissidents who want democracy and peace to flourish in Pakistan. https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A — Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) February 11, 2020 × The pathetically shameless cowards institutions of the Pakistani state give protection and safe escape to terrorists like OBL and Ehsanullah Ehsan but show their relentless might when it comes to voice of dissidents who want democracy and peace to flourish in Pakistan. https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A — Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) February 11, 2020 × They can't prevent ex-Taliban spox Ehsanullah Ehsan from "escaping", can't rein in Islamic State (Daesh) supporter Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid, but they go after journalist & rights activist Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) as if she's a terrorist. Tells us a lot about their priorities.. pic.twitter.com/4vqitqgNqZ — Bilal Farooqi (@bilalfqi) February 11, 2020 ×

Pakistan's anti-terror wing summons activist Gul Bukhari

<p>Former India and Pakistan cricketer Yuvraj Singh and Shahid Afridi said that India and Pakistan's bilateral series will be beneficial for cricket.</p>

<p>India and Pakistan share a troubled political relationship. India-Pakistan fixtures during the ICC tournaments are highly anticipated but both neighbours haven't played a home series since 2013, and the last time they played a Test match was back in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-appeals-fans-to-vote-for-sachin-tendulkar-for-laureus-sports-awards-279775">Let's all come together and vote for Sachin Tendulkar: Virat Kohli appeals to fans ahead of Laureus Sports Award</a></p>

<p>Last time the&nbsp;arch-rivals played a match against each other was in the 2019 ICC cricket World Cup clash, where India handed a thumping defeat to Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bushfire-cricket-bash-to-feature-yuvraj-singh-sachin-tendulkar-and-many-more-stars-278295">'Bushfire Cricket Bash' to feature Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Lara at Sydney stadium</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really enjoyed experience at <a href="https://twitter.com/ICCAcademy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iccacademy</a> with @yuvisoffical 👊 was really inspired seeing such motivated and talented young cricketers around <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LalavsYuvi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LalavsYuvi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket4Good?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket4Good</a> <a href="https://t.co/LcFEOK96HT">pic.twitter.com/LcFEOK96HT</a></p>
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1227202736850161664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to former Pakistan all-rounder&nbsp;Shahid Afridi it is "bigger than Ashes". Yuvraj Singh has been keen to see more India Pakistan clashes in the future. Yuvraj has been a part of the Indian team during its bilateral Pakistan series in 2004, 2006, and 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afridi feels that political interference in the Indo-Pak match fixtures will ruin the beauty of the game.&nbsp;Both all-rounders have quit international cricket but are a part of T20 leagues around the world. Yuvraj was recently a part of the big appeal in the 'Bushfire Cricket Bash'. He played for Gilchrist XI. The match raised $7.7 million to the victims of bushfires in Australia.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Pakistan Cricket Board threatened to boycott 2021 ICC T20 World Cup which will take place in India, if the Men in Blue skip this year Asia Cup to be held in&nbsp;Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>


Former India and Pakistan cricketer Yuvraj Singh and Shahid Afridi said that India and Pakistan's bilateral series will be beneficial for cricket. India and Pakistan share a troubled political relationship.

Former India and Pakistan cricketer Yuvraj Singh and Shahid Afridi said that India and Pakistan's bilateral series will be beneficial for cricket. India and Pakistan share a troubled political relationship. India-Pakistan fixtures during the ICC tournaments are highly anticipated but both neighbours haven't played a home series since 2013, and the last time they played a Test match was back in 2008. Also read: Let's all come together and vote for Sachin Tendulkar: Virat Kohli appeals to fans ahead of Laureus Sports Award Last time the arch-rivals played a match against each other was in the 2019 ICC cricket World Cup clash, where India handed a thumping defeat to Pakistan. Also read: 'Bushfire Cricket Bash' to feature Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Lara at Sydney stadium Really enjoyed experience at @iccacademy with @yuvisoffical 👊 was really inspired seeing such motivated and talented young cricketers around #LalavsYuvi #Cricket4Good pic.twitter.com/LcFEOK96HT — Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) February 11, 2020 × According to former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi it is "bigger than Ashes". Yuvraj Singh has been keen to see more India Pakistan clashes in the future. Yuvraj has been a part of the Indian team during its bilateral Pakistan series in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Afridi feels that political interference in the Indo-Pak match fixtures will ruin the beauty of the game. Both all-rounders have quit international cricket but are a part of T20 leagues around the world. Yuvraj was recently a part of the big appeal in the 'Bushfire Cricket Bash'. He played for Gilchrist XI. The match raised $7.7 million to the victims of bushfires in Australia. Earlier this year, Pakistan Cricket Board threatened to boycott 2021 ICC T20 World Cup which will take place in India, if the Men in Blue skip this year Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan.

Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi back Indo-Pak bilateral series, call it 'bigger than Ashes'

<p>China's table tennis team has gone to Qatar to seek refuge after accepting Doha's offer of a training base to avoid returning home to&nbsp;China due to the on-going coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sporting-events-that-fell-victim-to-coronavirus-280070">Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus!</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“We are always thinking of how we can help our brothers and sisters out.” This is what the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TableTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TableTennis</a> family is all about 🙌🏓🙌<br />
<br />
Find out more how ITTF &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/QTableTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QTableTennis</a> helped Team China 🇨🇳 train in Qatar 🇶🇦 👉 <a href="https://t.co/SiDKuChMyp">https://t.co/SiDKuChMyp</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZXts0RuB52">pic.twitter.com/ZXts0RuB52</a></p>
— ITTF World (@ittfworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/ittfworld/status/1227126019351433216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The squad which consists of 30 players flew to Doha after the conclusion of their successful ITTF German Open campaign recently. China's Xu Xin and Chen Meng won the men's and the women's singles events respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Table tennis is China's national sport, it's participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is crucial as it has helped the country fetch several&nbsp;gold medals during the Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Qatar Table Tennis Association has provided China's table tennis team with meals, accommodation and nearly 15 tables and 2,000 TT (table tennis) balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team is settled in the Aspire Academy Arena, ahead of the Qatar Open. The Qatar Open will commence on March 3. After Qatar, the world championships are set to start in Busan, South Korea, on March 22.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1,000 on Tuesday which is way more than the 2003's SARS outbreak. The virus had infected 8,098 people and killed 774 in 2003.</p>

<p>In biggest leap in a day, 108 new deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours. The number is expected to increase further with passing hours. Meanwhile, 42,638 have been infected.</p>

<p>This is just in mainland China. The magnitude, the scale and the pace of this outbreak are unprecedented.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crisis in Wuhan which is an epicentre of this deadly virus is showing itself in the unlikeliest of ways.</p>


China's table tennis team has gone to Qatar to seek refuge after accepting Doha's offer of a training base to avoid returning home to China due to the on-going coronavirus outbreak.

China's table tennis team has gone to Qatar to seek refuge after accepting Doha's offer of a training base to avoid returning home to China due to the on-going coronavirus outbreak. Also see: Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus! “We are always thinking of how we can help our brothers and sisters out.” This is what the #TableTennis family is all about 🙌🏓🙌 Find out more how ITTF & @QTableTennis helped Team China 🇨🇳 train in Qatar 🇶🇦 👉 https://t.co/SiDKuChMyp pic.twitter.com/ZXts0RuB52 — ITTF World (@ittfworld) February 11, 2020 × The squad which consists of 30 players flew to Doha after the conclusion of their successful ITTF German Open campaign recently. China's Xu Xin and Chen Meng won the men's and the women's singles events respectively. Table tennis is China's national sport, it's participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is crucial as it has helped the country fetch several gold medals during the Olympics. The Qatar Table Tennis Association has provided China's table tennis team with meals, accommodation and nearly 15 tables and 2,000 TT (table tennis) balls. The team is settled in the Aspire Academy Arena, ahead of the Qatar Open. The Qatar Open will commence on March 3. After Qatar, the world championships are set to start in Busan, South Korea, on March 22. Meanwhile, the death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1,000 on Tuesday which is way more than the 2003's SARS outbreak. The virus had infected 8,098 people and killed 774 in 2003. In biggest leap in a day, 108 new deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours. The number is expected to increase further with passing hours. Meanwhile, 42,638 have been infected. This is just in mainland China. The magnitude, the scale and the pace of this outbreak are unprecedented. The crisis in Wuhan which is an epicentre of this deadly virus is showing itself in the unlikeliest of ways.

Coronavirus outbreak: China's table tennis team avoids home trip, take refuge in Qatar

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/maldives-garland-of-coral-atolls-248403">Maldives</a>' Speaker&nbsp;Mohamed Nasheed in Parliament has&nbsp;apologised to the British reality TV star Cecilia Jastrzembska after footage of her arrest by several policemen for wearing a bikini triggered a social media storm.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old British woman who has appeared on TV shows “First Dates” and “Ninja Warrior UK” was arrested for wearing a bikini in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-supreme-court-acquits-former-president-mohamed-nasheed-179477">Maldives</a>, accusing three male cops of “sexually assaulting” her, according to reports.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-mohamed-nasheed-calls-on-pm-modi-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-first-policy-268178">Maldives' Mohamed Nasheed calls on PM Modi, reaffirms 'unwavering support' to 'India First' policy</a></strong></p>

<p>Police said the bikini-clad woman, who was walking on a main road, was "inappropriately" dressed and allegedly unruly and drunk.</p>

<p>She was detained after refusing to comply with requests to cover up on Thursday.</p>

<p>The chief of police in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-supreme-court-acquits-former-president-mohamed-nasheed-179477">Maldives </a>apologised for the incident after footage emerged of the arrest showing three men grappling with Cecilia and trying to put her in handcuffs as she attempted to fight them off earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incident in Maafushi in which our officers restrained a female tourist seems to be badly handled. I apologise to the tourist &amp; the public for this. The challenge I have taken up is to professionalise the police service &amp; we are working on that. This matter is being investigated.</p>
— Mohamed Hameed (@M_Hameedh) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Hameedh/status/1225452258428481538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the video, the woman was heard shouting "you're sexually assaulting me" during the incident.</p>

<p>The Speaker, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-supreme-court-acquits-former-president-mohamed-nasheed-179477">Mohamed Nasheed</a>, told parliament he was extending an apology to the woman over the incident, which saw her detained by police for two hours before they released her.</p>

<p>A police statement on Friday called on tourists to respect "cultural sensitivities and local regulations".</p>

<p>The video of the incident also sparked anger among Maldivians. Some took to social media to criticise the tourist's behaviour after other videos showed her grabbing the sunglasses of a police officer.</p>

<p>Former foreign minister Dunya Maumoon criticised both the tourist and the police.</p>

<p>"She should have respected the religious and cultural norms of the country in terms of modest attire in a residential area," Maumoon said on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And I hope British tourists will learn to respect our religious and cultural norms too! <a href="https://twitter.com/caron_rohsler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@caron_rohsler</a>!@guardian <a href="https://t.co/WJwn35qkRJ">https://t.co/WJwn35qkRJ</a></p>
— Dunya Maumoon (@dunyamaumoon) <a href="https://twitter.com/dunyamaumoon/status/1227493099078733830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Condemn the man-handling by the Maldivian police. It could have been handled better and more professionally," he added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Maldives' Speaker Mohamed Nasheed in Parliament has apologised to the British reality TV star Cecilia Jastrzembska after footage of her arrest by several policemen for wearing a bikini triggered a social media storm.

Maldives' Speaker Mohamed Nasheed in Parliament has apologised to the British reality TV star Cecilia Jastrzembska after footage of her arrest by several policemen for wearing a bikini triggered a social media storm. The 26-year-old British woman who has appeared on TV shows “First Dates” and “Ninja Warrior UK” was arrested for wearing a bikini in the Maldives, accusing three male cops of “sexually assaulting” her, according to reports. Also read: Maldives' Mohamed Nasheed calls on PM Modi, reaffirms 'unwavering support' to 'India First' policy Police said the bikini-clad woman, who was walking on a main road, was "inappropriately" dressed and allegedly unruly and drunk. She was detained after refusing to comply with requests to cover up on Thursday. The chief of police in the Maldives apologised for the incident after footage emerged of the arrest showing three men grappling with Cecilia and trying to put her in handcuffs as she attempted to fight them off earlier this week. Incident in Maafushi in which our officers restrained a female tourist seems to be badly handled. I apologise to the tourist & the public for this. The challenge I have taken up is to professionalise the police service & we are working on that. This matter is being investigated. — Mohamed Hameed (@M_Hameedh) February 6, 2020 × In the video, the woman was heard shouting "you're sexually assaulting me" during the incident. The Speaker, Mohamed Nasheed, told parliament he was extending an apology to the woman over the incident, which saw her detained by police for two hours before they released her. A police statement on Friday called on tourists to respect "cultural sensitivities and local regulations". The video of the incident also sparked anger among Maldivians. Some took to social media to criticise the tourist's behaviour after other videos showed her grabbing the sunglasses of a police officer. Former foreign minister Dunya Maumoon criticised both the tourist and the police. "She should have respected the religious and cultural norms of the country in terms of modest attire in a residential area," Maumoon said on Twitter. And I hope British tourists will learn to respect our religious and cultural norms too! @caron_rohsler!@guardian https://t.co/WJwn35qkRJ — Dunya Maumoon (@dunyamaumoon) February 12, 2020 × "Condemn the man-handling by the Maldivian police. It could have been handled better and more professionally," he added.

Maldives minister, police chief apologise to UK reality TV star over bikini row

<p>A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a&nbsp;dead dolphin<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharp-rise-in-whale-dolphin-stranding-deaths-in-india-91"> was discovered</a> off Naples, Florida late last week.&nbsp;Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet.</p>

<p>Another dolphin was recovered within the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-dolphin-carcass-found-washed-ashore-in-kerala--131644">same week</a> along Pensacola Beach, Florida by emerald coast wildlife refuge experts who stated that the creature had a bullet lodged in its left side.</p>

<p>Experts have reason to believe that the deaths are related to humans who are feeding wild dolphins. It&nbsp;makes dolphins associate people and boats with food, which exposes them to dangerous situations. Officials have repeatedly urged people to avoid feeding wild dolphins.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-single-use-plastic-is-killing-the-earth-248688">How single-use plastic is killing the Earth</a></p>

<p>The number of <a href="carcass ">dolphins who were stranded</a> with evidence of wounds inflicted by gunshots, arrows and fishing spears in some cases, has been on the rise since 2002. A dolphin was found dead with a fatal puncture wound to its head in May 2019 off Captiva Island. Law enforcement officials are still investigating the murder.</p>

<p>A reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the person responsible for these crimes has been being offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA).</p>


A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a dead dolphin was discovered off Naples, Florida late last week. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet.

A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered by the US oceanic department after a dead dolphin was discovered off Naples, Florida late last week. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that the animal had suffered grievous wounds from what could be a sharp object or a bullet. Another dolphin was recovered within the same week along Pensacola Beach, Florida by emerald coast wildlife refuge experts who stated that the creature had a bullet lodged in its left side. Experts have reason to believe that the deaths are related to humans who are feeding wild dolphins. It makes dolphins associate people and boats with food, which exposes them to dangerous situations. Officials have repeatedly urged people to avoid feeding wild dolphins. Also Read: How single-use plastic is killing the Earth The number of dolphins who were stranded with evidence of wounds inflicted by gunshots, arrows and fishing spears in some cases, has been on the rise since 2002. A dolphin was found dead with a fatal puncture wound to its head in May 2019 off Captiva Island. Law enforcement officials are still investigating the murder. A reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the person responsible for these crimes has been being offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA).

US department offers $20,000 reward for information on dolphins found stabbed in Florida

<p>Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-to-pay-publishers-for-use-of-news-in-eu-205923">European Union antitrust </a>fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power.</p>

<p>The company will lay out its arguments against a 2.4 billion Euro fine handed out by the European Commission during a three-day hearing at the General Court. EU regulators said this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-countries-back-copyright-reforms-aimed-at-google-facebook-198643">penalty was for Google</a>'s favouring its price comparison shopping service to the disadvantage of smaller European rivals.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-slams-google-with-record-242-billion-euro-fine-for-alleged-biased-search-results-17330">EU has fined Google</a> a total of 8.25 billion Euros in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-slaps-third-anti-trust-charge-on-tech-giant-google-2512">three separate cases</a>, including one involving its Android smartphone operating system. This is four times more than its rival Microsoft's EU fines of 2.2 billion Euros. Both companies' regulatory troubles in Europe have lasted a decade.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-antitrust-regulators-say-they-are-investigating-googles-data-collection-265506">EU antitrust regulators investigating Google's data collection: Report</a></p>

<p>Google is expected to launch a three-pronged attack against the Commission's 2017 decision which also included an order to treat competitors equally. "It is wrong on the law, the facts, and economics. Shopping ads have always helped people find the products they are looking for quickly and easily, and helped merchants to reach potential customers," Google said in a statement.</p>

<p>The key issue is whether self preferencing is anti-competitive and whether Amazon and eBay should be counted as Google's rivals.<br />
For rivals, the case centres on Google's role as a central online gatekeeper.</p>

<p>"Google's search service acts as a de-facto kingmaker. If you are not found, the rest cannot follow. No company should be allowed to abuse such position to promote its services at the detriment of competitors and consumers alike," said lawyer Thomas Hoppner who advises clients who are critical of Google.</p>

<p>"The judgement will have repercussions for a large variety of industries that depend on a judicial ranking of their services on Google Search," he said. The court ruling is likely to come next year.</p>

<p>In the meantime, Margrethe Vestager in her new beefed-up role as Europe's digital chief will not be idle. She is set to announce several proposals in the coming months to rein in dominant US online groups amid push back by the United States and the companies.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power.

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power. The company will lay out its arguments against a 2.4 billion Euro fine handed out by the European Commission during a three-day hearing at the General Court. EU regulators said this penalty was for Google's favouring its price comparison shopping service to the disadvantage of smaller European rivals. The EU has fined Google a total of 8.25 billion Euros in three separate cases, including one involving its Android smartphone operating system. This is four times more than its rival Microsoft's EU fines of 2.2 billion Euros. Both companies' regulatory troubles in Europe have lasted a decade. Also Read: EU antitrust regulators investigating Google's data collection: Report Google is expected to launch a three-pronged attack against the Commission's 2017 decision which also included an order to treat competitors equally. "It is wrong on the law, the facts, and economics. Shopping ads have always helped people find the products they are looking for quickly and easily, and helped merchants to reach potential customers," Google said in a statement. The key issue is whether self preferencing is anti-competitive and whether Amazon and eBay should be counted as Google's rivals. For rivals, the case centres on Google's role as a central online gatekeeper. "Google's search service acts as a de-facto kingmaker. If you are not found, the rest cannot follow. No company should be allowed to abuse such position to promote its services at the detriment of competitors and consumers alike," said lawyer Thomas Hoppner who advises clients who are critical of Google. "The judgement will have repercussions for a large variety of industries that depend on a judicial ranking of their services on Google Search," he said. The court ruling is likely to come next year. In the meantime, Margrethe Vestager in her new beefed-up role as Europe's digital chief will not be idle. She is set to announce several proposals in the coming months to rein in dominant US online groups amid push back by the United States and the companies.

Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines

<p>A resolution passed by the Upper House of Parliament of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-no-flights-between-china-and-pakistan-till-february-2-due-to-coronavirus-scare-277787">Pakistan expressed&nbsp;solidarity</a> with China over its fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of Pakistani Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that the main motive behind it was&nbsp;to express "full solidarity and support"&nbsp;for China's battle with the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>The resolution states that Pakistan will fully cooperate with their "Chinese brethren" in this difficult moment of "medical and health emergency."</p>

<p>The Pakistan Senate also expressed its "gratitude"&nbsp;to the government of China for treating Pakistani students in the central Chinese city of Wuhan which has been identified as the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-while-air-india-flight-lands-in-china-to-rescue-indians-pakistan-says-it-wont-evacuate-citizens-from-wuhan-277853">Coronavirus outbreak: While Air India flight lands in Wuhan to rescue Indians, Pak says it won't evacuate citizens</a></p>

<p>Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Mushahid Hussain read out the resolution and stated that the Upper House acclaims the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping who is leading a very successful operation to combat the virus.</p>

<p>Pakistan has been a fairly mute observer during the whole outbreak even as its nationals have been trapped in Wuhan. The Imran Khan government has refused to evacuate its citizens living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p>Pakistan had earlier halted flights to and from China, declaring it a "precautionary measure"&nbsp;as the death toll rose but restored it later.</p>


A resolution passed by the Upper House of Parliament of Pakistan expressed solidarity with China over its fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak. Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of Pakistani Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that the main motive behind it was to express "full solidarity and support" for China's battle with the novel coronavirus.

A resolution passed by the Upper House of Parliament of Pakistan expressed solidarity with China over its fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak. Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of Pakistani Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that the main motive behind it was to express "full solidarity and support" for China's battle with the novel coronavirus. The resolution states that Pakistan will fully cooperate with their "Chinese brethren" in this difficult moment of "medical and health emergency." The Pakistan Senate also expressed its "gratitude" to the government of China for treating Pakistani students in the central Chinese city of Wuhan which has been identified as the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: While Air India flight lands in Wuhan to rescue Indians, Pak says it won't evacuate citizens Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Mushahid Hussain read out the resolution and stated that the Upper House acclaims the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping who is leading a very successful operation to combat the virus. Pakistan has been a fairly mute observer during the whole outbreak even as its nationals have been trapped in Wuhan. The Imran Khan government has refused to evacuate its citizens living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak. Pakistan had earlier halted flights to and from China, declaring it a "precautionary measure" as the death toll rose but restored it later.

Pakistan Parliament passes resolution backing coronavirus-hit China

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company-policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">Amazon </a>is seeking testimony from US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-prison-term-of-7-9-years-for-trumps-longtime-adviser-roger-stone-279922">Donald Trump</a> and Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Mark Esper</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-looks-for-defence-to-putins-invincible-hypersonic-missiles-277593">Pentagon </a>contract.</p>

<p>According to court documents made public on Monday, the company wants the Trump administration to hand over documents and emails relating to the contract.</p>

<p>The company is gathering evidence that its fierce rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/growth-in-cloud-computing-business-helps-lift-microsoft-corps-quarterly-revenue-2847">Microsoft </a>won the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-lawsuit-blames-trump-for-loss-of-pentagon-cloud-contract-267341">Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud</a> (JEDI) contract to upgrade the US military's computing networks lucratively.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-lawsuit-blames-trump-for-loss-of-pentagon-cloud-contract-267341">Amazon lawsuit blames Trump for loss of Pentagon cloud contract</a></strong></p>

<p>The company alleged that Trump ''exerted undue influence'' on the decision to deny it the $10 billion contract.</p>

<p>Along with Trump and Esper, Amazon seeks to depose former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Defense Secretary</a> James Mattis, Pentagon chief information officer Dana Deasy and four other procurement officials, court records show.</p>

<p>The other individuals "can testify about specific conversations he had with them," Amazon's lawyers said.</p>

<p>''The Department of Defense strongly opposes Amazon's effort to question some of its leaders,'' Department of Defense spokesman Lieutanant Colonel Robert Carver said.</p>

<p>"The request is unnecessary, burdensome and merely seeks to delay getting this important technology into the hands of our warfighters," Carver added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">United States defence chief rejects Amazon's accusations of bias in cloud contract</a></strong></p>

<p>The JEDI contract is intended to give the military better access to data and technology from remote locations.</p>

<p>The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An earlier court filing by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Amazon </a>detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos.</p>

<p>Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Pentagon</a>'s mistakes in the contract were "hard to understand and impossible to assess" when separated from Trump's "repeatedly expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon,'" court documents filed by Amazon argued.</p>

<p>The bid protest filed in US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated and a new decision reached.</p>

<p>The lawsuit filed by Amazon will not delay implementation of the project, a senior Pentagon official said in December.&nbsp;</p>


Amazon is seeking testimony from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing Pentagon contract.

Amazon is seeking testimony from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing Pentagon contract. According to court documents made public on Monday, the company wants the Trump administration to hand over documents and emails relating to the contract. The company is gathering evidence that its fierce rival Microsoft won the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud (JEDI) contract to upgrade the US military's computing networks lucratively. Also read: Amazon lawsuit blames Trump for loss of Pentagon cloud contract The company alleged that Trump ''exerted undue influence'' on the decision to deny it the $10 billion contract. Along with Trump and Esper, Amazon seeks to depose former Defense Secretary James Mattis, Pentagon chief information officer Dana Deasy and four other procurement officials, court records show. The other individuals "can testify about specific conversations he had with them," Amazon's lawyers said. ''The Department of Defense strongly opposes Amazon's effort to question some of its leaders,'' Department of Defense spokesman Lieutanant Colonel Robert Carver said. "The request is unnecessary, burdensome and merely seeks to delay getting this important technology into the hands of our warfighters," Carver added. Also read: United States defence chief rejects Amazon's accusations of bias in cloud contract The JEDI contract is intended to give the military better access to data and technology from remote locations. The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence. An earlier court filing by Amazon detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos. Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA. The Pentagon's mistakes in the contract were "hard to understand and impossible to assess" when separated from Trump's "repeatedly expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon,'" court documents filed by Amazon argued. The bid protest filed in US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated and a new decision reached. The lawsuit filed by Amazon will not delay implementation of the project, a senior Pentagon official said in December.

Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract

<p>International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced sanctions against five&nbsp;players who were involved in the post-match brawl during the ICC U-19 World Cup finals between India and Bangladesh in Potchefstroom on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-u-19-world-cup-post-match-brawl-broke-out-between-indian-and-bangladeshi-players-279739">ICC U-19 World Cup: Post-match brawl breaks out between India, Bangladesh players</a></p>

<p>Bangladesh was overjoyed by the victory as this was their maiden ICC trophy across all age groups. The teammates ran towards the team after Rakibul Hassan hit the winning runs. However, things turned ugly when a Bangladesh player passed a provocative comment, which the Indian players did not take lightly, according to reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-like-a-dream-come-true-bangladesh-u-19-captain-akbar-ali-after-winning-world-cup-279667" hreflang="en">It's like a dream come true, Bangladesh U-19 captain Akbar Ali after winning World Cup</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amazing scenes here in Potchefstroom as Bangladesh pull off a miraculous victory and are the u/19 world champions.. well fought india.. standard of cricket today and throughout this tournament has been world class.. congrats Bangladesh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FutureStars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FutureStars</a> <a href="https://t.co/JD7re0KLo2">pic.twitter.com/JD7re0KLo2</a></p>
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) <a href="https://twitter.com/jpduminy21/status/1226548722584166400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the comment, players were seen pushing each other. Umpires had to interfere before things could escalate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Out of the five, three players were&nbsp;from the Bangladesh while two players were from India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ICC has charged them with misconduct on Tuesday, and&nbsp;said such behaviour has "no place in our sports".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Geoff Allardice, ICC's General manager cricket shared his views on the unsportsmanlike incident, he said: "The elation and disappointment experienced by some players after the game spilt over into unedifying scenes that have no place in our sports,".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is disappointing that Code of Conduct charges needed to be laid after such a closely contested match, but it is important to reinforce the standard of behaviour that will be expected of these young players should they transition to senior international cricket," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shameful end to a wonderful game of cricket. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19CWCFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19CWCFinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/b9fQcmpqbJ">pic.twitter.com/b9fQcmpqbJ</a></p>
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/HitmanCricket/status/1226574081077600256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Three Bangladeshi players included&nbsp;Md Towhid Hridoy (10 suspension points), Shamim Hossain (8 suspension points) and Rakibul Hasan (4 suspension points) and two Indian players -&nbsp;Akash Singh (8 suspension points) and Ravi Bishnoi (5 suspension points) have been charged with violating Article 2.21 of the code.</p>

<p>Indian spinner Bishnoi (extra two suspension points) has received a further charge of breaching Article 2.5, for a separate incident during the match for&nbsp;using&nbsp;"language, actions or gestures"&nbsp;which could have provoked an aggressive reaction from a batsman following the dismissal of Avishek Das in the 23rd over.</p>

<p>One suspension point equals a player being ineligible for one ODI or a T20I, U-19 game or an A-team international match.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Inputs from ANI)</em></strong></p>

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International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced sanctions against five players who were involved in the post-match brawl during the ICC U-19 World Cup finals between India and Bangladesh in Potchefstroom on Sunday.

International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced sanctions against five players who were involved in the post-match brawl during the ICC U-19 World Cup finals between India and Bangladesh in Potchefstroom on Sunday. Also read- ICC U-19 World Cup: Post-match brawl breaks out between India, Bangladesh players Bangladesh was overjoyed by the victory as this was their maiden ICC trophy across all age groups. The teammates ran towards the team after Rakibul Hassan hit the winning runs. However, things turned ugly when a Bangladesh player passed a provocative comment, which the Indian players did not take lightly, according to reports. Also read- It's like a dream come true, Bangladesh U-19 captain Akbar Ali after winning World Cup Amazing scenes here in Potchefstroom as Bangladesh pull off a miraculous victory and are the u/19 world champions.. well fought india.. standard of cricket today and throughout this tournament has been world class.. congrats Bangladesh #U19WorldCup #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/JD7re0KLo2 — JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) February 9, 2020 × After the comment, players were seen pushing each other. Umpires had to interfere before things could escalate. Out of the five, three players were from the Bangladesh while two players were from India. ICC has charged them with misconduct on Tuesday, and said such behaviour has "no place in our sports". Geoff Allardice, ICC's General manager cricket shared his views on the unsportsmanlike incident, he said: "The elation and disappointment experienced by some players after the game spilt over into unedifying scenes that have no place in our sports,". "It is disappointing that Code of Conduct charges needed to be laid after such a closely contested match, but it is important to reinforce the standard of behaviour that will be expected of these young players should they transition to senior international cricket," the statement added. Shameful end to a wonderful game of cricket. #U19CWCFinal pic.twitter.com/b9fQcmpqbJ — Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) February 9, 2020 × Three Bangladeshi players included Md Towhid Hridoy (10 suspension points), Shamim Hossain (8 suspension points) and Rakibul Hasan (4 suspension points) and two Indian players - Akash Singh (8 suspension points) and Ravi Bishnoi (5 suspension points) have been charged with violating Article 2.21 of the code. Indian spinner Bishnoi (extra two suspension points) has received a further charge of breaching Article 2.5, for a separate incident during the match for using "language, actions or gestures" which could have provoked an aggressive reaction from a batsman following the dismissal of Avishek Das in the 23rd over. One suspension point equals a player being ineligible for one ODI or a T20I, U-19 game or an A-team international match. (Inputs from ANI)

ICC charges India, Bangladesh players involved in brawl during Under-19 World Cup final

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