After a special court handed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-handed-death-sentence-in-high-treason-case-268641">death sentence to former</a> Pak president Pervez Musharraf, the Army in a statement said the decision has been "received with a lot of pain and anguish by rank and file of the Pakistan Armed forces."

"An ex-Army chief, chairman joint chief of staff committee and President of Pakistan, who served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defence of the country can surely never be a traitor," the Army said.

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Statement on decision by Special court about General Pervez Musharraf, Retired. <a href="https://t.co/C9UAMT1E4W">pic.twitter.com/C9UAMT1E4W</a>
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Musharraf,76, was sentenced to death for abrogating the Pakistan constitution and imposing emergency in 2007 in a case which began in 2013. Musharraf currently lives in self-imposed exile in Dubai.

"The due legal process seems to have been ignored including constitution of the special court, denial of fundamental right of self defence, undertaking individual specific proceedings and concluding the case in haste," the Army asserted.

"Armed forces of Pakistan expect that justice will be dispensed in line with the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan," it added.

Musharraf had resigned in 2008 over the threat of impeachment proceedings and had gone into exile in Dubai, however, he returned in 2013 to contest the polls in Pakistan but was barred from leaving the country.

After the court verdict, Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted: "Democracy is the best revenge".

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Democracy is the best revenge. Jiye Bhutto <a href="https://t.co/L4wLEjUJTl">pic.twitter.com/L4wLEjUJTl</a>
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1206839799296020481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This is the first time in Pakistan's history that a former leader of the armed forces has been sentenced to death.

After a special court handed death sentence to former Pak president Pervez Musharraf, the Army in a statement said the decision has been "received with a lot of pain and anguish by rank and file of the Pakistan Armed forces.

After a special court handed death sentence to former Pak president Pervez Musharraf, the Army in a statement said the decision has been "received with a lot of pain and anguish by rank and file of the Pakistan Armed forces." "An ex-Army chief, chairman joint chief of staff committee and President of Pakistan, who served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defence of the country can surely never be a traitor," the Army said. Statement on decision by Special court about General Pervez Musharraf, Retired. pic.twitter.com/C9UAMT1E4W — DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 17, 2019 × Musharraf,76, was sentenced to death for abrogating the Pakistan constitution and imposing emergency in 2007 in a case which began in 2013. Musharraf currently lives in self-imposed exile in Dubai. "The due legal process seems to have been ignored including constitution of the special court, denial of fundamental right of self defence, undertaking individual specific proceedings and concluding the case in haste," the Army asserted. "Armed forces of Pakistan expect that justice will be dispensed in line with the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan," it added. Musharraf had resigned in 2008 over the threat of impeachment proceedings and had gone into exile in Dubai, however, he returned in 2013 to contest the polls in Pakistan but was barred from leaving the country. After the court verdict, Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted: "Democracy is the best revenge". Democracy is the best revenge. Jiye Bhutto pic.twitter.com/L4wLEjUJTl — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) December 17, 2019 × This is the first time in Pakistan's history that a former leader of the armed forces has been sentenced to death.

Musharraf's sentence received with 'pain & anguish', he can never be a traitor: Pak Army

The Vatican in a statement said today that testimony and documents related to cases of sexual abuse kept in Vatican Dicastery archives will now be handed over to authorities internationally.

The decision related to "pontifical secret" aimed at protecting sensitive information kept in Vatican Dicastery archives can now be opened, in a sign of what it called "openness, transparency, and the willingness to collaborate with the civil authorities."

Pope&nbsp;Francis effectively abolished Papal secrecy linked to sexual abuse of minors, sexual violence and child pornography.

It said that "well-being of children and young people must always come before any protection of a secret, even the “pontifical” secret."

Last year Pope Francis had announced the enacting of a new legislation to protect children from sexual abuse within the Vatican and other Holy See institutions in Rome.

The changes were issued under the form of an Apostolic Letter, a 12-article law for minors living inside the Vatican. The law provided Vatican officials convicted in child abuse case to be dismissed, including setting up of procedures for reporting suspected abuse and screening of employees to prevent the hiring of potential abusers.

The Vatican in a statement said today that testimony and documents related to cases of sexual abuse kept in Vatican Dicastery archives will now be handed over to authorities internationally.

The Vatican in a statement said today that testimony and documents related to cases of sexual abuse kept in Vatican Dicastery archives will now be handed over to authorities internationally. The decision related to "pontifical secret" aimed at protecting sensitive information kept in Vatican Dicastery archives can now be opened, in a sign of what it called "openness, transparency, and the willingness to collaborate with the civil authorities." Pope Francis effectively abolished Papal secrecy linked to sexual abuse of minors, sexual violence and child pornography. It said that "well-being of children and young people must always come before any protection of a secret, even the “pontifical” secret." Last year Pope Francis had announced the enacting of a new legislation to protect children from sexual abuse within the Vatican and other Holy See institutions in Rome. The changes were issued under the form of an Apostolic Letter, a 12-article law for minors living inside the Vatican. The law provided Vatican officials convicted in child abuse case to be dismissed, including setting up of procedures for reporting suspected abuse and screening of employees to prevent the hiring of potential abusers.

Pope Francis lifts pontifical secrecy in child sex abuse cases: Vatican

US tech giants Apple, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet have been named in a lawsuit over the deaths of child labourers in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).

Cobalt, a rare metal, is widely used by firms to make smartphones, laptops and electric cars.

Tesla and Dell have also been named in the lawsuit as defendants.

The International Rights Advocates (IRA) in its website said it had &nbsp;filed a federal class action lawsuit on behalf of fourteen plaintiffs which it said were linked to were "either guardians of children killed in tunnel or wall collapses while mining cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo."

The IRA said it had "evidence" that the tech companies "in particular aided and abetted the mines that abused and profited from forcing Plaintiffs and other children to mine cobalt under conditions that led to their deaths or serious, crippling injuries."

The tech companies have been&nbsp;accused of child labour in "violation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act."

The campaign group said Congo is "the world’s largest deposits of cobalt" which is being used as an essential element in lithium-ion battery for "tech and electric car companies". Due to the boom in demand cobalt in mined under "most extreme contrasts" in DRC by children paid a dollar or two a day to supply cobalt, it said.

IRA said&nbsp;that the said companies failed to regulate their supply chains and instead profited from exploitation. The case has been launched by families whose children were killed or maimed while mining for cobalt,&nbsp;some children were killed in tunnel collapses while others were paralysed or suffered life-changing injuries, the advocacy group added.

The majority of Congo’s cobalt comes from large mining sites where rock is dug up by trucks, however,&nbsp;a growing proportion comes from an estimated one&nbsp;lakh fifty thousand "artisanal"&nbsp;or informal miners who dig by hand&nbsp;with growing demand for the metal&nbsp;scrutiny of mining practices is also on the rise.

US tech giants Apple, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet have been named in a lawsuit over the deaths of child labourers in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).

US tech giants Apple, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet have been named in a lawsuit over the deaths of child labourers in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC). Cobalt, a rare metal, is widely used by firms to make smartphones, laptops and electric cars. Tesla and Dell have also been named in the lawsuit as defendants. The International Rights Advocates (IRA) in its website said it had filed a federal class action lawsuit on behalf of fourteen plaintiffs which it said were linked to were "either guardians of children killed in tunnel or wall collapses while mining cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo." The IRA said it had "evidence" that the tech companies "in particular aided and abetted the mines that abused and profited from forcing Plaintiffs and other children to mine cobalt under conditions that led to their deaths or serious, crippling injuries." The tech companies have been accused of child labour in "violation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act." The campaign group said Congo is "the world’s largest deposits of cobalt" which is being used as an essential element in lithium-ion battery for "tech and electric car companies". Due to the boom in demand cobalt in mined under "most extreme contrasts" in DRC by children paid a dollar or two a day to supply cobalt, it said. IRA said that the said companies failed to regulate their supply chains and instead profited from exploitation. The case has been launched by families whose children were killed or maimed while mining for cobalt, some children were killed in tunnel collapses while others were paralysed or suffered life-changing injuries, the advocacy group added. The majority of Congo’s cobalt comes from large mining sites where rock is dug up by trucks, however, a growing proportion comes from an estimated one lakh fifty thousand "artisanal" or informal miners who dig by hand with growing demand for the metal scrutiny of mining practices is also on the rise.

US tech giants accused over cobalt mine child labour abuse

Iran on Monday accused the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-on-iran-still-hopeful-for-prisoner-talks-267740">United States of dreaming </a>up "imaginary enemies" after Washington warned there would be a stiff response if US interests in Iraq are attacked.

"When politicians want to absolve themselves of blame they always make up an imaginary enemy," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a press conference.

"This is the American tradition - creating enemies and projecting blame on an enemy. I think America should review its policies in Iraq."

He added Washington's aim was "to intensify a psychological war" against Tehran, and that it was making accusations for which it has "presented no evidence".

If Washington went ahead with implementing its threats "it will receive a crushing ... response", Rabiei warned.

The United States has expressed mounting concern about a flurry of attacks on Iraqi bases used by US troops, several of which it has blamed on Iranian-backed Shiite paramilitary groups.

Since October 28, rockets have 10 times targeted areas where US soldiers and diplomats are based. The attacks have never been claimed.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned on Friday there would be a "decisive response" if American interests were harmed in Iraq - an ally of both Iran and the United States.

"We must... use this opportunity to remind Iran's leaders that any attacks by them, or their proxies of any identity, that harm Americans, our allies or our interests will be answered with a decisive US response," Pompeo said in a statement.

"Iran must respect the sovereignty of its neighbours and immediately cease its provision of lethal aid and support to third parties in Iraq and throughout the region," he said.

Tensions have been on the rise between the US and Iran, since US President Donald Trump last year decided to withdraw from a landmark 2015 nuclear accord agreed between Tehran and several world powers.

Iran on Monday accused the United States of dreaming up "imaginary enemies" after Washington warned there would be a stiff response if US interests in Iraq are attacked.

Iran on Monday accused the United States of dreaming up "imaginary enemies" after Washington warned there would be a stiff response if US interests in Iraq are attacked. "When politicians want to absolve themselves of blame they always make up an imaginary enemy," Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a press conference. "This is the American tradition - creating enemies and projecting blame on an enemy. I think America should review its policies in Iraq." He added Washington's aim was "to intensify a psychological war" against Tehran, and that it was making accusations for which it has "presented no evidence". If Washington went ahead with implementing its threats "it will receive a crushing ... response", Rabiei warned. The United States has expressed mounting concern about a flurry of attacks on Iraqi bases used by US troops, several of which it has blamed on Iranian-backed Shiite paramilitary groups. Since October 28, rockets have 10 times targeted areas where US soldiers and diplomats are based. The attacks have never been claimed. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned on Friday there would be a "decisive response" if American interests were harmed in Iraq - an ally of both Iran and the United States. "We must... use this opportunity to remind Iran's leaders that any attacks by them, or their proxies of any identity, that harm Americans, our allies or our interests will be answered with a decisive US response," Pompeo said in a statement. "Iran must respect the sovereignty of its neighbours and immediately cease its provision of lethal aid and support to third parties in Iraq and throughout the region," he said. Tensions have been on the rise between the US and Iran, since US President Donald Trump last year decided to withdraw from a landmark 2015 nuclear accord agreed between Tehran and several world powers.

Washington's aim is to intensify psychological war: Iran

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nation-climate-talks-a-lost-opportunity-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-268421">carbon pricing</a> early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms.

In a gruelling six-hour meeting that ended in the small hours, they agreed that businesses will pay 25 euros ($28) per tonne of carbon they use from January 2021 -- more than double the initially proposed rate.&nbsp;

The new rate -- fiercely opposed by business lobbies -- is set to increase to 55 euros per tonne by 2025, before eventually being incorporated into an EU-wide carbon trading system.

The breakthrough renewed hope that Angela Merkel's government can pass its four-part climate reform package before Christmas.

The package, which also includes plans to reduce rail prices and raise taxes on air travel, was broadly approved by both chambers of the German parliament last month.

Yet a dispute over the cost of the new policies meant that regional representatives in the upper house blocked certain elements of the bill, forcing the government and federal states to return to the negotiating table.&nbsp;

Merkel's government has faced criticism since it presented the new climate package in September, with environmental NGOs and opposition parties claiming it lacks ambition.&nbsp;

Annalena Baerbock, co-leader of the opposition Green Party, said "much, much more" was necessary after Monday's breakthrough.

Meanwhile business groups sounded the alarm over the carbon price increase.

"The planned increase in CO2 prices threatens to drastically worsen competitiveness" in Germany, Federation of German Industry (BDI) deputy director Holger Loesch said Monday, calling for companies to be compensated for the additional costs.

"For the energy transition to succeed, significant investments are needed from businesses and households," he added, warning politicians "not to keep restricting the necessary freedom of action".

Wolfgang Grosse Entrup of the VCI chemical industry federation said "the warning light is blinking red for competitiveness" after the carbon price decision.

"Politicians can't sell companies that are in international competition down the river," he urged, calling also for a compensation mechanism.

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on carbon pricing early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms.

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on carbon pricing early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms. In a gruelling six-hour meeting that ended in the small hours, they agreed that businesses will pay 25 euros ($28) per tonne of carbon they use from January 2021 -- more than double the initially proposed rate. The new rate -- fiercely opposed by business lobbies -- is set to increase to 55 euros per tonne by 2025, before eventually being incorporated into an EU-wide carbon trading system. The breakthrough renewed hope that Angela Merkel's government can pass its four-part climate reform package before Christmas. The package, which also includes plans to reduce rail prices and raise taxes on air travel, was broadly approved by both chambers of the German parliament last month. Yet a dispute over the cost of the new policies meant that regional representatives in the upper house blocked certain elements of the bill, forcing the government and federal states to return to the negotiating table. Merkel's government has faced criticism since it presented the new climate package in September, with environmental NGOs and opposition parties claiming it lacks ambition. Annalena Baerbock, co-leader of the opposition Green Party, said "much, much more" was necessary after Monday's breakthrough. Meanwhile business groups sounded the alarm over the carbon price increase. "The planned increase in CO2 prices threatens to drastically worsen competitiveness" in Germany, Federation of German Industry (BDI) deputy director Holger Loesch said Monday, calling for companies to be compensated for the additional costs. "For the energy transition to succeed, significant investments are needed from businesses and households," he added, warning politicians "not to keep restricting the necessary freedom of action". Wolfgang Grosse Entrup of the VCI chemical industry federation said "the warning light is blinking red for competitiveness" after the carbon price decision. "Politicians can't sell companies that are in international competition down the river," he urged, calling also for a compensation mechanism.

German parliament agrees on CO2 pricing deal after gruelling meeting

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cleared for publication a parliamentary report into alleged<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495"> Russia interference in British politics</a>, his spokesman said on Monday, but no date has been set for its release.

The Conservative leader "is content publication would not prejudice the functions of those bodies that safeguard our national security", the spokesman told reporters.

The 50-page report into Russian activity in the UK, including possible meddling in the 2016 Brexit vote, was written by parliament's intelligence and security committee earlier this year.

But the committee was disbanded before last week's general election and the report cannot be published until a new one is formed -- which could take weeks because new members need to be approved by parliamentary vote.

The committee launched its Russia investigation in November 2017 and its final report was signed off by Britain's intelligence agencies earlier this year, according to former chairman Dominic Grieve.

The committee had written in its annual report that the inquiry was a response to concerns about Russia interference in the 2016 US presidential election and the impact of Russian-sponsored disinformation.

It also referenced the 2018 poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English town of Salisbury, which London and its Western allies blamed on Moscow.

Labour politicians had alleged the report could contain evidence of links between Johnson's Conservative party and Russian billionaires.

Grieve had previously accused Johnson of delaying the report deliberately until after the election, something Downing Street strongly denied.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cleared for publication a parliamentary report into alleged Russia interference in British politics, his spokesman said on Monday, but no date has been set for its release.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cleared for publication a parliamentary report into alleged Russia interference in British politics, his spokesman said on Monday, but no date has been set for its release. The Conservative leader "is content publication would not prejudice the functions of those bodies that safeguard our national security", the spokesman told reporters. The 50-page report into Russian activity in the UK, including possible meddling in the 2016 Brexit vote, was written by parliament's intelligence and security committee earlier this year. But the committee was disbanded before last week's general election and the report cannot be published until a new one is formed -- which could take weeks because new members need to be approved by parliamentary vote. The committee launched its Russia investigation in November 2017 and its final report was signed off by Britain's intelligence agencies earlier this year, according to former chairman Dominic Grieve. The committee had written in its annual report that the inquiry was a response to concerns about Russia interference in the 2016 US presidential election and the impact of Russian-sponsored disinformation. It also referenced the 2018 poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English town of Salisbury, which London and its Western allies blamed on Moscow. Labour politicians had alleged the report could contain evidence of links between Johnson's Conservative party and Russian billionaires. Grieve had previously accused Johnson of delaying the report deliberately until after the election, something Downing Street strongly denied.

PM Johnson clears 'Russian meddling' report for publication

Facebook's stock dropped almost 3 per cent on Friday in regular trading after news reports suggested that the US FTC may take anti-trust action to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/facebook-no-longer-among-glassdoors-top-10-workplaces-267599">Facebook from integrating</a> its disparate messaging apps.

The reports said the Federal Trade Commission(FTC) may seek a court injunction that would block Facebook's "interoperability" plans for Facebook messenger, Whatsapp and Instagram, which involves revising them to use the same underlying software.

Facebook has been planning to integrate the app since early 2019. Federal regulators are concerned that Facebook's plan could make it hard to break up the company should the FTC find that necessary.

An additional investigation had revealed that Facebook has been buying small app developers and IT firms that could pose a threat to the firm's market share.

Facebook has been charged with taking higher stake in all those firms to kill competition not only in the United States but in other parts of the world as well. The company is facing similar charges in the European Union as well, meanwhile, Facebook has denied the charges.

Facebook's stock dropped almost 3 per cent on Friday in regular trading after news reports suggested that the US FTC may take anti-trust action to prevent Facebook from integrating its disparate messaging apps.

Facebook's stock dropped almost 3 per cent on Friday in regular trading after news reports suggested that the US FTC may take anti-trust action to prevent Facebook from integrating its disparate messaging apps. The reports said the Federal Trade Commission(FTC) may seek a court injunction that would block Facebook's "interoperability" plans for Facebook messenger, Whatsapp and Instagram, which involves revising them to use the same underlying software. Facebook has been planning to integrate the app since early 2019. Federal regulators are concerned that Facebook's plan could make it hard to break up the company should the FTC find that necessary. An additional investigation had revealed that Facebook has been buying small app developers and IT firms that could pose a threat to the firm's market share. Facebook has been charged with taking higher stake in all those firms to kill competition not only in the United States but in other parts of the world as well. The company is facing similar charges in the European Union as well, meanwhile, Facebook has denied the charges.

Facebook shares fall over possible US antitrust move

UEFA announced the&nbsp;full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-stroll-into-champions-league-knockouts-267845">Atletico Madrid</a>&nbsp;procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760">&nbsp;Bayern Munich</a>&nbsp;became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Draw was&nbsp;live-streamed on the UEFA website from&nbsp;UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland and&nbsp;determine the match fixtures for the next year.

Liverpool will return to the scene of their 2019 Champions League triumph after they were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the competition on Monday.

The two-legged tie which includes one fixture at Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano, where Jurgen Klopp's men lifted the trophy in June and another at Anfield will be one of the highlights of the opening knockout stage.

Another will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-has-never-asked-to-leave-real-madrid-says-agent-266604">Real Madrid</a>'s clash with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who are trying to win the European crown for the first time.

Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain, who have fallen at the last 16 stage in the last three seasons, were pitted against Borussia Dortmund while Frank Lampard's youthful Chelsea face European masters Bayern Munich.

Last season's beaten finalists Tottenham, now led by Jose Mourinho, must beat German side Leipzig to reach the quarter-finals and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-cristiano-ronaldo-and-higuain-on-target-as-juventus-beat-leverkusen-2-0-267848">Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus</a> face France's other representatives, Lyon.

Barcelona will play Napoli and surprise Italian qualifiers Atalanta were drawn against Valencia.

Here is the full draw for the Champions League last 16:

Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)&nbsp;

Real Madrid (ESP) v Manchester City (ENG)

Atalanta (ITA) v Valencia (ESP)

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG)&nbsp;

Chelsea (ENG) v Bayern Munich (GER)

Lyon (FRA)&nbsp;v Juventus (ITA)

Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Leipzig (GER)

Napoli (ITA)&nbsp;v Barcelona (ESP)&nbsp;

The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET.&nbsp;

The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

UEFA announced the full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches.

UEFA announced the full draw for the Champions League last 16 on Monday after the record-breaking three months long group stage ended on Wednesday night with Atletico Madrid procuring the last spot in the Final 16 as Bayern Munich became the first German club ever to emerge victorious in all of their six group matches. The Draw was live-streamed on the UEFA website from UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland and determine the match fixtures for the next year. Liverpool will return to the scene of their 2019 Champions League triumph after they were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the competition on Monday. The two-legged tie which includes one fixture at Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano, where Jurgen Klopp's men lifted the trophy in June and another at Anfield will be one of the highlights of the opening knockout stage. Another will be Real Madrid's clash with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who are trying to win the European crown for the first time. Neymar's Paris Saint-Germain, who have fallen at the last 16 stage in the last three seasons, were pitted against Borussia Dortmund while Frank Lampard's youthful Chelsea face European masters Bayern Munich. Last season's beaten finalists Tottenham, now led by Jose Mourinho, must beat German side Leipzig to reach the quarter-finals and Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus face France's other representatives, Lyon. Barcelona will play Napoli and surprise Italian qualifiers Atalanta were drawn against Valencia. Here is the full draw for the Champions League last 16: Borussia Dortmund (GER) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) Real Madrid (ESP) v Manchester City (ENG) Atalanta (ITA) v Valencia (ESP) Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG) Chelsea (ENG) v Bayern Munich (GER) Lyon (FRA) v Juventus (ITA) Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Leipzig (GER) Napoli (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP) The first legs of the knockout stage are scheduled for 18, 19, 25 and 26 February, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 20 March, with all matches being played in home and away format, except the Final which is to be played in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30, 2020. (With inputs from AFP)

Champions League last 16 fixtures: Liverpool to clash with Atletico Madrid; City to face Real Madrid

The story of toil, passion, hard work and the definitive journey of Dipa Karmakar, from a sporting outpost to becoming the face of gymnastics in India, “Dipa Karmakar: The Small Wonder”, co-authored by veteran sports journalists Digvijay Singh Deo, Vimal Mohan and Dipa’s Coach, Bishweshwar Nandi was awarded the "Biography of the Year"&nbsp;at Ekarma Sports Literature Awards at the end of the sports literature festival held in New Delhi.

The biography which is special in many regards, right from the foreword written by Nadia Comaneci - the first-ever gymnast to achieve a perfect ten in the sport, to documenting a journey which moves people and athletes not only at an emotional level but also inspires people and athletes to never give up on their dreams.

The book was launched by Bharat Ratna, Sachin Tendulkar himself earlier this year and has a detailed account of every stage of Karmakar’s life. Starting from her very childhood entailing her lows of being ridiculed, to her highs reminiscing a journey towards greatness and forging a legacy – the first Indian woman gymnast to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, and also successfully attempting the death defying vault ‘THE PRODUNOVA' at Rio 2016, a moment which catapulted her to global fame as she narrowly missed out on becoming the first Indian gymnast to win a medal at the quadrennial sporting extravaganza.

Speaking on the honour, Olympian and Khel Ratna Awardee, Dipa Karmakar said, "I am really happy that my biography has been so well received and to win the Biography of the Year is an honour I cannot emphasise on how elated that makes me. I am really glad that the people of the country have loved my story and all the credit goes to the authors who have documented each and everything in such a way which even I couldn't imagine. I would like to congratulate each and every person who has been involved in this journey and with the book."

Digvijay Singh Deo, who has successfully covered three Olympics, has served as a co-author to this book, as has Vimal Mohan -&nbsp;a winner of the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism.

The biography efficiently accentuates how gymnastics as a sport has been majorly sidelined in India. The book has been published by Fingerprint! Publishing and following the overwhelming reception garnered by the English edition, a Bengali translation of the title has also been launched.&nbsp;

The story of toil, passion, hard work and the definitive journey of Dipa Karmakar, from a sporting outpost to becoming the face of gymnastics in India, “Dipa Karmakar: The Small Wonder”, co-authored by veteran sports journalists Digvijay Singh Deo, Vimal Mohan and Dipa’s Coach, Bishweshwar Nandi was awarded the "Biography of the Year" at Ekarma Sports Literature Awards at the end of the sports literature festival held in New Delhi.

The story of toil, passion, hard work and the definitive journey of Dipa Karmakar, from a sporting outpost to becoming the face of gymnastics in India, “Dipa Karmakar: The Small Wonder”, co-authored by veteran sports journalists Digvijay Singh Deo, Vimal Mohan and Dipa’s Coach, Bishweshwar Nandi was awarded the "Biography of the Year" at Ekarma Sports Literature Awards at the end of the sports literature festival held in New Delhi. The biography which is special in many regards, right from the foreword written by Nadia Comaneci - the first-ever gymnast to achieve a perfect ten in the sport, to documenting a journey which moves people and athletes not only at an emotional level but also inspires people and athletes to never give up on their dreams. The book was launched by Bharat Ratna, Sachin Tendulkar himself earlier this year and has a detailed account of every stage of Karmakar’s life. Starting from her very childhood entailing her lows of being ridiculed, to her highs reminiscing a journey towards greatness and forging a legacy – the first Indian woman gymnast to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, and also successfully attempting the death defying vault ‘THE PRODUNOVA' at Rio 2016, a moment which catapulted her to global fame as she narrowly missed out on becoming the first Indian gymnast to win a medal at the quadrennial sporting extravaganza. Speaking on the honour, Olympian and Khel Ratna Awardee, Dipa Karmakar said, "I am really happy that my biography has been so well received and to win the Biography of the Year is an honour I cannot emphasise on how elated that makes me. I am really glad that the people of the country have loved my story and all the credit goes to the authors who have documented each and everything in such a way which even I couldn't imagine. I would like to congratulate each and every person who has been involved in this journey and with the book." Digvijay Singh Deo, who has successfully covered three Olympics, has served as a co-author to this book, as has Vimal Mohan - a winner of the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism. The biography efficiently accentuates how gymnastics as a sport has been majorly sidelined in India. The book has been published by Fingerprint! Publishing and following the overwhelming reception garnered by the English edition, a Bengali translation of the title has also been launched.

Dipa Karmakar: The Small Wonder, awarded biography of the year

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arsenal-star-mesut-ozil-condemns-muslim-silence-over-uighurs-268231">Mesut Ozil's "judgment </a>was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province&nbsp;&amp; criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up.

In his social post which went viral on Friday, Ozil, 31, who is a German of Turkish origin said: "East Turkistan, the bleeding wound of the Ummah, resisting against the persecutors trying to separate them from their religion. They burn their Qurans. They shut down their mosques. They ban their schools. They kill their holy men. The men are forced into camps and their families are forced to live with Chinese men. The women are forced to marry Chinese men."

"But Muslims are silent. They won’t make a noise. They have abandoned them. Don’t they know that giving consent for persecution is persecution itself?"

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that &nbsp;"it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks".

"If Mr. Ozil has the opportunity, we will be pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look," Geng said, adding, "As long as he has common sense, can make a clear distinction between right and wrong, and upholds the principles of objectivity and fairness, he will see a different Xinjiang."

"I don't know if Mr. Ozil has been to Xinjiang himself. But it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks," China's foreign ministry spokesman added.

After Ozil's comments, China's state broadcaster CCTV took off the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game from its programming.&nbsp;

Last month, a leaked Chinese government document had revealed that clampdown on Uighurs and Muslims in &nbsp;Xinjiang. United Nations experts had said earlier that at least 1 million Uighurs members have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. However, it was unclear who leaked the document. China, however, denied mistreating the Uighurs in the restive Xinjiang area. 
&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player Mesut Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province & criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up.

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player Mesut Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province & criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up. In his social post which went viral on Friday, Ozil, 31, who is a German of Turkish origin said: "East Turkistan, the bleeding wound of the Ummah, resisting against the persecutors trying to separate them from their religion. They burn their Qurans. They shut down their mosques. They ban their schools. They kill their holy men. The men are forced into camps and their families are forced to live with Chinese men. The women are forced to marry Chinese men." "But Muslims are silent. They won’t make a noise. They have abandoned them. Don’t they know that giving consent for persecution is persecution itself?" China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that "it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks". "If Mr. Ozil has the opportunity, we will be pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look," Geng said, adding, "As long as he has common sense, can make a clear distinction between right and wrong, and upholds the principles of objectivity and fairness, he will see a different Xinjiang." "I don't know if Mr. Ozil has been to Xinjiang himself. But it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks," China's foreign ministry spokesman added. After Ozil's comments, China's state broadcaster CCTV took off the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game from its programming. Last month, a leaked Chinese government document had revealed that clampdown on Uighurs and Muslims in Xinjiang. United Nations experts had said earlier that at least 1 million Uighurs members have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. However, it was unclear who leaked the document. China, however, denied mistreating the Uighurs in the restive Xinjiang area.

Mesut Ozil deceived by fake news, will be pleased to see him go to Xinjiang: China

This is what Indians searched most on Google in 2019

After WION named several experts involved in information warfare on behalf of the Pakistan government, Andrew Korybko clarified saying that the "anti-Indian" label attributed to him was "misleading, if not factually false in several instances".

Describing his work, Korybko admitted that he was "critical of Indian foreign policy" because he believed that India's mantra of so-called "multi-alignment" "is mostly just a cover for deceiving Russia and China as the country pivots towards the US by entering into an unprecedented military-strategic partnership with it."

However, Korybko maintained that he had arrived at the conclusion after "objectively existing, easily verifiable" reports which were "reported upon by Indian media itself, for example, LEMOA, COMCASA, trade negotiations, joint military drills, hostile statements against China, and even trends in the arms trade (as reported by SIPRI and republished in Indian media) proving that India's share of Russian armaments have drastically decreased over the past decade."

"I actually encouraged Russian parliamentarians to participate in the joint Indo-Japanese "Asia-Africa Growth Corridor" (AAGC) for revitalising the Far East. I did not mention anything that could even remotely be interpreted as "anti-Indian," Korybko asserted in an email to WION.

"Whereas my online articles are critical of India when advising decision-makers capable of implementing ideas into practice, I strongly encouraged the strengthening of bilateral relations because I argued that the dimension described benefits Russia's grand strategic interests," Korybko said, adding, "what I advised has since come to partially pass since PM Modi's participation in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok in September as President Putin's guest of honour and the unveiling of the Vladivostok-Chennai Maritime Corridor (VCMC), which I analysed elsewhere as representing a milestone in bilateral relations."

"I vigorously argued that while I disagree with Russia's policy of recognising India's annexation of Kashmir, I understand why it did so, and that Russia did not in any way support Pakistan's position on this issue."

Korybko added that he had written entire series of articles on it, elucidating that it "cannot by any objective means be described as "anti-Indian" despite my personal view being that this was the morally wrong stance to take, though once again, I explained why Russia did it and what it intends to gain by doing so."

"Breaking "taboo", I pointed out how Russia and China are at odds over Kashmir since their positions are contradictory, which cannot be described as an "anti-Indian" position but merely an objective observation," Korybko explained.

"I'm so concerned with the pace and scope of Russia's pivot to India that I even wrote that Moscow must balance these ties with Beijing in order to not destabilize RIC, offering some proposals for how this could happen," he said.

"On the topic of my supposed lack of educational and institutional credentials, it should be clear beyond any doubt whatsoever that the 'source' who shared that claim with you was either totally unprofessional and hadn't even spent the time needed to research my work and/or intended for you to share factually false claims about me which would then have provoked me to publicly respond and discredit your outlet with the evidence that I just shared," Korybko said.

Korybko observed that the "source" in the WION story intended to "publicly smear" him out of fear that the other India-critical analyses written by him may have some "identifiable effect in shaping public and professional perceptions" and to "trick your outlet into sharing literally fake, slanderous, and libellous claims about me so that I then, in turn, discredit you."

Korybko, however, appreciated WION's journalistic integrity in reaching out to him before running the story while accepting that it was WION's "editorial decision to proceed with it" but added that it was "factually false, slanderous and libellous claims".

After WION named several experts involved in information warfare on behalf of the Pakistan government, Andrew Korybko clarified saying that the "anti-Indian" label attributed to him was "misleading, if not factually false in several instances".

After WION named several experts involved in information warfare on behalf of the Pakistan government, Andrew Korybko clarified saying that the "anti-Indian" label attributed to him was "misleading, if not factually false in several instances". Describing his work, Korybko admitted that he was "critical of Indian foreign policy" because he believed that India's mantra of so-called "multi-alignment" "is mostly just a cover for deceiving Russia and China as the country pivots towards the US by entering into an unprecedented military-strategic partnership with it." However, Korybko maintained that he had arrived at the conclusion after "objectively existing, easily verifiable" reports which were "reported upon by Indian media itself, for example, LEMOA, COMCASA, trade negotiations, joint military drills, hostile statements against China, and even trends in the arms trade (as reported by SIPRI and republished in Indian media) proving that India's share of Russian armaments have drastically decreased over the past decade." "I actually encouraged Russian parliamentarians to participate in the joint Indo-Japanese "Asia-Africa Growth Corridor" (AAGC) for revitalising the Far East. I did not mention anything that could even remotely be interpreted as "anti-Indian," Korybko asserted in an email to WION. "Whereas my online articles are critical of India when advising decision-makers capable of implementing ideas into practice, I strongly encouraged the strengthening of bilateral relations because I argued that the dimension described benefits Russia's grand strategic interests," Korybko said, adding, "what I advised has since come to partially pass since PM Modi's participation in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok in September as President Putin's guest of honour and the unveiling of the Vladivostok-Chennai Maritime Corridor (VCMC), which I analysed elsewhere as representing a milestone in bilateral relations." "I vigorously argued that while I disagree with Russia's policy of recognising India's annexation of Kashmir, I understand why it did so, and that Russia did not in any way support Pakistan's position on this issue." Korybko added that he had written entire series of articles on it, elucidating that it "cannot by any objective means be described as "anti-Indian" despite my personal view being that this was the morally wrong stance to take, though once again, I explained why Russia did it and what it intends to gain by doing so." "Breaking "taboo", I pointed out how Russia and China are at odds over Kashmir since their positions are contradictory, which cannot be described as an "anti-Indian" position but merely an objective observation," Korybko explained. "I'm so concerned with the pace and scope of Russia's pivot to India that I even wrote that Moscow must balance these ties with Beijing in order to not destabilize RIC, offering some proposals for how this could happen," he said. "On the topic of my supposed lack of educational and institutional credentials, it should be clear beyond any doubt whatsoever that the 'source' who shared that claim with you was either totally unprofessional and hadn't even spent the time needed to research my work and/or intended for you to share factually false claims about me which would then have provoked me to publicly respond and discredit your outlet with the evidence that I just shared," Korybko said. Korybko observed that the "source" in the WION story intended to "publicly smear" him out of fear that the other India-critical analyses written by him may have some "identifiable effect in shaping public and professional perceptions" and to "trick your outlet into sharing literally fake, slanderous, and libellous claims about me so that I then, in turn, discredit you." Korybko, however, appreciated WION's journalistic integrity in reaching out to him before running the story while accepting that it was WION's "editorial decision to proceed with it" but added that it was "factually false, slanderous and libellous claims".

Andrew Korybko clarifies on WION's report

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