Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday did what he loves doing -- unnecessarily targetting India. He, in his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), termed New Delhi as a 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia.

The good&nbsp;part was India's delegate to the UNGA, Mijito Vinito, left the UNGA hall as soon as the recorded address of Khan's began playing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-delegate-walks-out-of-unga-hall-over-pak-pms-usual-kashmir-diatribe-330306">Also read |&nbsp;India's delegate walks out of UNGA hall over Pak PM's usual Kashmir diatribe</a>

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"Muslims continue to be targeted with impunity in many countries. Our shrines are being destroyed; our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) insulted; the Holy Quran burnt – and all this in the name of freedom of speech," Khan said in his unsual demeanour, adding, "and the one country in the world today where, I am sad to say, the state sponsors Islamophobia, is India. The reason behind this is RSS ideology that unfortunately rules India today."

To this end, Khan urged the Assembly to declare an “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” and build a coalition to fight this scourge.

He continued, "This extremist ideology was founded in 1920s. The RSS founding fathers were inspired by the Nazis and they adopted their concepts of racial purity and supremacy. While the Nazis hate was directed at the Jews, the RSS directs it towards the Muslims and to a lesser extent towards the Christians."

"They believe that India is exclusively for Hindus and others are not equal citizens. The secularism of Gandhi and Nehru has been replaced by the dream of creating a Hindu Rashtra by subjugating, even cleansing India’s 200 million Muslims and other minorities."

"In 1992, the RSS destroyed the Babri Mosque; in 2002, some 2000 Muslims were slaughtered in Gujarat, and this was under the watch of Chief Minister Modi; and in 2007, over 50 Muslims were burnt alive by RSS arsonists aboard the Samjhota Express Train.&nbsp;

"The Hindutva ideology is set to marginalize almost 300 million human beings – Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. This is unprecedented in history and this does not augur well for the future of India as we all know that marginalisation of human beings leads to their radicalization. "

Imran Khan even appropriated the ill-famous Tablighi Jamaat episode and abused it for his own purpose. He said, "Muslims were falsely blamed, vilified and victimised for spreading the coronavirus. They were denied medical attention on many occasions, their businesses were boycotted."

Nothing is true.

And then came, his more-than-usual Kashmir diatribe.

"For over 72 years, India has illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir against the wishes of the Kashmiri people, and in blatant violation of the resolutions of the Security Council and indeed its own commitments to the people of Kashmir," he said.

"On 5th August last year, India illegally and unilaterally sought to change the status of the occupied territories and deployed additional troops, bringing the total number to 900,000, to impose a military siege on 8 million Kashmiris. All Kashmiri political leaders were incarcerated; about 13,000 Kashmiri youth were abducted and thousands tortured; a complete curfew was imposed, accompanied by a total communications blackout.&nbsp;

"The international community must investigate these grave violations and prosecute the Indian civil and military personnel involved in state terrorism and serious crimes against humanity, being perpetrated, I am sad to say, with complete impunity."

He continued, "The brave Kashmiri people will never submit to Indian occupation and oppression. Their struggle is indigenous. They are fighting for a just cause and generation after generation have laid down their lives to rid themselves of Indian occupation. 
The government and people of Pakistan are committed to standing by and supporting their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their legitimate struggle for self-determination.&nbsp;

"In order to divert attention from its illegal actions and atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India is playing a dangerous game of upping the military ante against Pakistan in a nuclearised environment.&nbsp;

"There will be no durable peace and stability in South Asia until the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved on the basis of international legitimacy. Kashmir has been rightly described as a 'nuclear flash point'.

Pakistan has always called for a peaceful solution. To this end, India must rescind the measures it has instituted since 5 August 2019, end its military siege and other gross human rights violations, and agree to resolve the Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and of course the wishes of the people of Kashmir."

Pakistan's false claims did not stop here. The prime minister said Islamabad wanted a peaceful solution in Afghanistan too.

"I have consistently maintained over the past two decades that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. The only way forward was and is a political settlement which involves the full spectrum of Afghanistan’s political actors," he said.

Khan added, "Pakistan is deeply gratified that it has fulfilled its part of the responsibility. The Afghan leaders must now seize this historic opportunity to achieve reconciliation and restore peace in their war-torn country." 
&nbsp; 
Khan batted for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;

He said, "Pakistan continues to support a two-state solution – in line with the UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, within the internationally agreed parameters, and they are ; pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the Capital of a united, contiguous and independent Palestinian state."

Imran Khan said he considered Pakistan’s response to the coronavirus pandemic as a success story.

"However, we are still not out of the woods, like no country is out of the woods today," he added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday did what he loves doing -- unnecessarily targetting India. He, in his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), termed New Delhi as a 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday did what he loves doing -- unnecessarily targetting India. He, in his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), termed New Delhi as a 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia. The good part was India's delegate to the UNGA, Mijito Vinito, left the UNGA hall as soon as the recorded address of Khan's began playing. Also read | India's delegate walks out of UNGA hall over Pak PM's usual Kashmir diatribe "Muslims continue to be targeted with impunity in many countries. Our shrines are being destroyed; our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) insulted; the Holy Quran burnt – and all this in the name of freedom of speech," Khan said in his unsual demeanour, adding, "and the one country in the world today where, I am sad to say, the state sponsors Islamophobia, is India. The reason behind this is RSS ideology that unfortunately rules India today." To this end, Khan urged the Assembly to declare an “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” and build a coalition to fight this scourge. He continued, "This extremist ideology was founded in 1920s. The RSS founding fathers were inspired by the Nazis and they adopted their concepts of racial purity and supremacy. While the Nazis hate was directed at the Jews, the RSS directs it towards the Muslims and to a lesser extent towards the Christians." "They believe that India is exclusively for Hindus and others are not equal citizens. The secularism of Gandhi and Nehru has been replaced by the dream of creating a Hindu Rashtra by subjugating, even cleansing India’s 200 million Muslims and other minorities." "In 1992, the RSS destroyed the Babri Mosque; in 2002, some 2000 Muslims were slaughtered in Gujarat, and this was under the watch of Chief Minister Modi; and in 2007, over 50 Muslims were burnt alive by RSS arsonists aboard the Samjhota Express Train. "The Hindutva ideology is set to marginalize almost 300 million human beings – Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. This is unprecedented in history and this does not augur well for the future of India as we all know that marginalisation of human beings leads to their radicalization. " Imran Khan even appropriated the ill-famous Tablighi Jamaat episode and abused it for his own purpose. He said, "Muslims were falsely blamed, vilified and victimised for spreading the coronavirus. They were denied medical attention on many occasions, their businesses were boycotted." Nothing is true. And then came, his more-than-usual Kashmir diatribe. "For over 72 years, India has illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir against the wishes of the Kashmiri people, and in blatant violation of the resolutions of the Security Council and indeed its own commitments to the people of Kashmir," he said. "On 5th August last year, India illegally and unilaterally sought to change the status of the occupied territories and deployed additional troops, bringing the total number to 900,000, to impose a military siege on 8 million Kashmiris. All Kashmiri political leaders were incarcerated; about 13,000 Kashmiri youth were abducted and thousands tortured; a complete curfew was imposed, accompanied by a total communications blackout. "The international community must investigate these grave violations and prosecute the Indian civil and military personnel involved in state terrorism and serious crimes against humanity, being perpetrated, I am sad to say, with complete impunity." He continued, "The brave Kashmiri people will never submit to Indian occupation and oppression. Their struggle is indigenous. They are fighting for a just cause and generation after generation have laid down their lives to rid themselves of Indian occupation. The government and people of Pakistan are committed to standing by and supporting their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their legitimate struggle for self-determination. "In order to divert attention from its illegal actions and atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India is playing a dangerous game of upping the military ante against Pakistan in a nuclearised environment. "There will be no durable peace and stability in South Asia until the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved on the basis of international legitimacy. Kashmir has been rightly described as a 'nuclear flash point'. Pakistan has always called for a peaceful solution. To this end, India must rescind the measures it has instituted since 5 August 2019, end its military siege and other gross human rights violations, and agree to resolve the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and of course the wishes of the people of Kashmir." Pakistan's false claims did not stop here. The prime minister said Islamabad wanted a peaceful solution in Afghanistan too. "I have consistently maintained over the past two decades that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. The only way forward was and is a political settlement which involves the full spectrum of Afghanistan’s political actors," he said. Khan added, "Pakistan is deeply gratified that it has fulfilled its part of the responsibility. The Afghan leaders must now seize this historic opportunity to achieve reconciliation and restore peace in their war-torn country." Khan batted for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. He said, "Pakistan continues to support a two-state solution – in line with the UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, within the internationally agreed parameters, and they are ; pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the Capital of a united, contiguous and independent Palestinian state." Imran Khan said he considered Pakistan’s response to the coronavirus pandemic as a success story. "However, we are still not out of the woods, like no country is out of the woods today," he added.

Pak PM targets India at UNGA, terms it 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday -- with an aim to prepare ground for the annual New Delhi-Moscow summit as well as to discuss bilateral cooperation.

The visit was announced by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in Moscow on April 1.

On April 5 and 6, Lavrov will visit New Delhi to hold talks with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Zakharova said.

The Russian foreign ministry tweeted that Lavrov would visit Pakistan on April 6 to 7 during which he will hold talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

"The Ministers will discuss bilateral ties, including economic cooperation and counterterrorism #RussiaPakistan," it said.

The India and Russia annual summit was postponed last year because of the Covid pandemic.

According to a statement by the Russian embassy in India, "the heads of the foreign affairs agencies will discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the preparation of the upcoming high-level meeting this year, including cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, will consider key topics on the regional, global agenda, assess approaches to the interaction between Russia and India on the international arena, including at the UN, BRICS."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-foreign-minister-sergey-lavrov-to-visit-india-next-week-374518">Also read |&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week</a>

"A special and privileged strategic partnership with India is one of Russia`s foreign policy priorities," the statement read.&nbsp;

The two sides are developing an active political dialogue, trade and economic, as well as military and technical ties, scientific, cultural, and humanitarian contacts, it said.

"A considerable experience of fruitful cooperation in a wide range of areas has been accumulated. The interest of the Indian business in the Far East and other regions of Russia is growing," the statement added.&nbsp;

The official release also stated that the Russian foreign minister is also set to implement the outcomes of the 20th Russian-Indian summit held in September last year, in Vladivostok.&nbsp;

Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and the country has been a key pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy. Both the countries have a mechanism under which India's prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties. Twenty annual summit meetings have, so far, taken place alternately in India and Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday -- with an aim to prepare ground for the annual New Delhi-Moscow summit as well as to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday -- with an aim to prepare ground for the annual New Delhi-Moscow summit as well as to discuss bilateral cooperation. The visit was announced by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in Moscow on April 1. On April 5 and 6, Lavrov will visit New Delhi to hold talks with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Zakharova said. The Russian foreign ministry tweeted that Lavrov would visit Pakistan on April 6 to 7 during which he will hold talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. "The Ministers will discuss bilateral ties, including economic cooperation and counterterrorism #RussiaPakistan," it said. The India and Russia annual summit was postponed last year because of the Covid pandemic. According to a statement by the Russian embassy in India, "the heads of the foreign affairs agencies will discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the preparation of the upcoming high-level meeting this year, including cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, will consider key topics on the regional, global agenda, assess approaches to the interaction between Russia and India on the international arena, including at the UN, BRICS." Also read | Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week "A special and privileged strategic partnership with India is one of Russia`s foreign policy priorities," the statement read. The two sides are developing an active political dialogue, trade and economic, as well as military and technical ties, scientific, cultural, and humanitarian contacts, it said. "A considerable experience of fruitful cooperation in a wide range of areas has been accumulated. The interest of the Indian business in the Far East and other regions of Russia is growing," the statement added. The official release also stated that the Russian foreign minister is also set to implement the outcomes of the 20th Russian-Indian summit held in September last year, in Vladivostok. Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and the country has been a key pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy. Both the countries have a mechanism under which India's prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties. Twenty annual summit meetings have, so far, taken place alternately in India and Russia.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov to arrive in India on Monday

DMK Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to a hospital here, party sources said.

Kanimozhi, who has been actively campaigning for the April 6 Assembly polls, has cancelled her programmes after testing positive for the virus, the sources said.

Also the party's women's wing secretary, Kanimozhi has been admitted to a hospital here, they said.

On Friday, she had toured southern regions, including Tirunelveli and Tenkasi.

DMK Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to a hospital here, party sources said. Kanimozhi, who has been actively campaigning for the April 6 Assembly polls, has cancelled her programmes after testing positive for the virus, the sources said.

DMK Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to a hospital here, party sources said. Kanimozhi, who has been actively campaigning for the April 6 Assembly polls, has cancelled her programmes after testing positive for the virus, the sources said. Also the party's women's wing secretary, Kanimozhi has been admitted to a hospital here, they said. On Friday, she had toured southern regions, including Tirunelveli and Tenkasi.

DMK MP Kanimozhi tests positive for COVID-19

Ankara on Monday detained 10 retired admirals after a letter signed by more than 100 of them warned against a possible threat to a treaty governing the use of Turkey's key waterways.

The Ankara chief public prosecutor's office said arrest warrants have been issued for the ten. Prosecutors also ordered four other suspects to report to Ankara police within three days, opting not to detain them because of their age.

Turkey's approval last month of plans to develop a shipping canal in Istanbul comparable to the Panama or Suez canals has opened up debate about the 1936 Montreux Convention.

Canal Istanbul is the most ambitious of what President Recep Tayyip Erdogan terms his "crazy projects".

The proposed 75-billion-lira ($9.8-billion) alternative would run to the west of the Bosphorus along a 45-kilometre (28-mile) route.

Turkish officials argue that the new canal is vital to take the pressure off Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait -- a key route for world trade which saw more than 38,000 vessels pass through last year.

But opponents say the new canal venture could undermine the Montreux accord.

The convention guarantees the free passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits of civilian vessels in times of both peace and war. It also regulates the use of the strait by military vessels from non-Black Sea states.

The new canal would allow ships to transit between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea without passing through part of the straits that are covered by the treaty.

If the new canal is covered by Montreux treaty, Turkey could not demand fees from commercial vessels.

To this end, in their letter, 103 retired admirals said it was "worrying" to open the Montreux treaty up to debate, calling it an agreement that "best protects Turkish interests".

"We are of the opinion to refrain from any kind of rhetoric or action that could make the Montreux Convention... a matter of controversy," they said.

The letter drew a strong riposte from top government officials, while prosecutors in Ankara have also launched an investigation.

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the declaration was "reminiscent of coup times".

"They should know that our esteemed nation and its representatives will never allow this mentality," he tweeted.

The Turkish military, which has long seen itself as the guarantor of the country's secular constitution, staged three coups between 1960 and 1980.

Erdogan's government also survived an attempted coup in July 2016 which it blamed on followers of US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Ankara on Monday detained 10 retired admirals after a letter signed by more than 100 of them warned against a possible threat to a treaty governing the use of Turkey's key waterways.

Ankara on Monday detained 10 retired admirals after a letter signed by more than 100 of them warned against a possible threat to a treaty governing the use of Turkey's key waterways. The Ankara chief public prosecutor's office said arrest warrants have been issued for the ten. Prosecutors also ordered four other suspects to report to Ankara police within three days, opting not to detain them because of their age. Turkey's approval last month of plans to develop a shipping canal in Istanbul comparable to the Panama or Suez canals has opened up debate about the 1936 Montreux Convention. Canal Istanbul is the most ambitious of what President Recep Tayyip Erdogan terms his "crazy projects". The proposed 75-billion-lira ($9.8-billion) alternative would run to the west of the Bosphorus along a 45-kilometre (28-mile) route. Turkish officials argue that the new canal is vital to take the pressure off Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait -- a key route for world trade which saw more than 38,000 vessels pass through last year. But opponents say the new canal venture could undermine the Montreux accord. The convention guarantees the free passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits of civilian vessels in times of both peace and war. It also regulates the use of the strait by military vessels from non-Black Sea states. The new canal would allow ships to transit between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea without passing through part of the straits that are covered by the treaty. If the new canal is covered by Montreux treaty, Turkey could not demand fees from commercial vessels. To this end, in their letter, 103 retired admirals said it was "worrying" to open the Montreux treaty up to debate, calling it an agreement that "best protects Turkish interests". "We are of the opinion to refrain from any kind of rhetoric or action that could make the Montreux Convention... a matter of controversy," they said. The letter drew a strong riposte from top government officials, while prosecutors in Ankara have also launched an investigation. Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the declaration was "reminiscent of coup times". "They should know that our esteemed nation and its representatives will never allow this mentality," he tweeted. The Turkish military, which has long seen itself as the guarantor of the country's secular constitution, staged three coups between 1960 and 1980. Erdogan's government also survived an attempted coup in July 2016 which it blamed on followers of US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey detains ten retired admirals over open letter

A Salvadoran woman who died at the hands of Mexican police was buried Sunday in the southwest of El Salvador, in the presence of family and close friends.

The coffin of Victoria Salazar was driven in a white car from a funeral home in Sonsonate, 65 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of San Salvador, to a private cemetery in La Generosa, on the outskirts of the city.

"The family gave Victoria a Christian burial today, and close friends attended the funeral," a spokesman for the presidential office, which helped Salazar's family repatriate her body from Mexico, told AFP.

Salazar's body was repatriated from Mexico on Saturday. Her mother and her two daughters, aged 15 and 16, accompanied the body. Her family has asked that her death not go unpunished.

The 36-year-old victim, who had lived in Mexico for five years, died on March 27 after being subdued by police officers in Tulum, a Caribbean resort.&nbsp;

The state prosecutor there said the police used "disproportionate force" against Salazar, which caused a fatal spine fracture.

On Saturday, the prosecutor's office said that four police officers accused of being involved in Salazar's death were formally charged after being arrested on the day of the event.

The judge in charge of the case determined the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to "prove the probable participation of the four policemen in the crime of femicide" and remanded them into custody, according to a press release.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has called for those responsible to face justice.

The Archbishop of San Salvador, Jose Luis Escobar, lamented Salazar's death during a press conference Sunday and urged the governments of El Salvador, Mexico and the United States to defend and respect "the rights of migrants."

 
&nbsp;

A Salvadoran woman who died at the hands of Mexican police was buried Sunday in the southwest of El Salvador, in the presence of family and close friends. The coffin of Victoria Salazar was driven in a white car from a funeral home in Sonsonate, 65 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of San Salvador, to a private cemetery in La Generosa, on the outskirts of the city.

A Salvadoran woman who died at the hands of Mexican police was buried Sunday in the southwest of El Salvador, in the presence of family and close friends. The coffin of Victoria Salazar was driven in a white car from a funeral home in Sonsonate, 65 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of San Salvador, to a private cemetery in La Generosa, on the outskirts of the city. "The family gave Victoria a Christian burial today, and close friends attended the funeral," a spokesman for the presidential office, which helped Salazar's family repatriate her body from Mexico, told AFP. Salazar's body was repatriated from Mexico on Saturday. Her mother and her two daughters, aged 15 and 16, accompanied the body. Her family has asked that her death not go unpunished. The 36-year-old victim, who had lived in Mexico for five years, died on March 27 after being subdued by police officers in Tulum, a Caribbean resort. The state prosecutor there said the police used "disproportionate force" against Salazar, which caused a fatal spine fracture. On Saturday, the prosecutor's office said that four police officers accused of being involved in Salazar's death were formally charged after being arrested on the day of the event. The judge in charge of the case determined the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to "prove the probable participation of the four policemen in the crime of femicide" and remanded them into custody, according to a press release. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has called for those responsible to face justice. The Archbishop of San Salvador, Jose Luis Escobar, lamented Salazar's death during a press conference Sunday and urged the governments of El Salvador, Mexico and the United States to defend and respect "the rights of migrants."

Funeral held for Salvadoran killed by Mexican police

Nepal will start its second phase of the Covid-19 inoculation drive from April 7 using a China-donated vaccine.

The first phase of the vaccination drive began in January with the one million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine provided by India under grant assistance in sync with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

The second phase will begin from Wednesday, April 7. The 800,000 doses of the China manufactured vaccine - Vero Cell- against COVID-19 infection will be administered to the frontline workers as well as those involved in trans-Himalayan trade activities in the mountainous region, Dr Jageshwor Gautam, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, said.

Nepalese students studying in China under scholarship schemes and those preparing to visit China for further studies will also receive the Chinese vaccine.

Nepal has recorded 277,944 coronavirus infections and 3032 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. It had granted a conditional emergency approval for use of Vero Cell, the coronavirus vaccine manufactured by China's Beijing Institute of Biological Products earlier on February 18.

Nepal will start its second phase of the Covid-19 inoculation drive from April 7 using a China-donated vaccine. The first phase of the vaccination drive began in January with the one million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine provided by India under grant assistance in sync with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Nepal will start its second phase of the Covid-19 inoculation drive from April 7 using a China-donated vaccine. The first phase of the vaccination drive began in January with the one million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine provided by India under grant assistance in sync with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The second phase will begin from Wednesday, April 7. The 800,000 doses of the China manufactured vaccine - Vero Cell- against COVID-19 infection will be administered to the frontline workers as well as those involved in trans-Himalayan trade activities in the mountainous region, Dr Jageshwor Gautam, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, said. Nepalese students studying in China under scholarship schemes and those preparing to visit China for further studies will also receive the Chinese vaccine. Nepal has recorded 277,944 coronavirus infections and 3032 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. It had granted a conditional emergency approval for use of Vero Cell, the coronavirus vaccine manufactured by China's Beijing Institute of Biological Products earlier on February 18.

Nepal to administer Chinese vaccines to citizens from April 7

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due in court on Monday for his corruption trial -- for the prosecution's opening arguments in the case where he is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu has denied all these allegations.

While lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari will be laying out the criminal case against Israel's longest-serving leader, across the city President Reuven Rivlin will hold discussions that could determine Netanyahu's political fate.

In the recently held polls, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party finished first, winning 30 seats in the 120-member parliament, but his ability to form a stable governing coalition is precarious, a reality that has plagued him for several years.

Rivlin on Monday begins two days of consultations with party officials to determine who has a plausible path towards a 61-seat majority, in a parliament bitterly divided between those who back Netanyahu and those committed to ending his 12-year tenure. He will give a 28-day window to form a government to the leader with most recommendations from individual lawmakers.

Netanyahu is expected to get support from his 30 Likud loyalists, 16 lawmakers representing Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, and six votes from the far-right Religious Zionism alliance. That makes a likely total of 52, nine short of the absolute majority needed.

In an unprecedented twist for Israeli coalition politics, it appears impossible for either camp to form a government without support from the conservative Islamic Raam Party, headed by Mansour Abbas, who controls four seats.

Abbas has said he is open to hearing from all sides, but the far-right Religious Zionism party has ruled out sitting in a government with Raam, complicating Netanyahu's coalition hopes.

It is also far from certain that the anti-Netanyahu bloc can coalesce, raising the prospect of a fifth election in less than three years.

The trial enters a more intensive, evidentiary phase on Monday but a ruling is still several months off.

Judges have said Netanyahu can leave the courtroom after the opening arguments, when the witness testimony begins. No quick resolution is expected.

Netanyahu would not be compelled to resign as prime minister unless he is convicted with all appeals exhausted. That could take several years.

Netanyahu was formally charged last year with accepting improper gifts, and seeking to trade regulatory favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.

Anti-Netanyahu protesters, who dub him the "Crime Minister", surrounded the court ahead of his last appearance in February, and are expected to do so again on Monday.

(with inputs from AFP)

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due in court on Monday for his corruption trial -- for the prosecution's opening arguments in the case where he is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due in court on Monday for his corruption trial -- for the prosecution's opening arguments in the case where he is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Netanyahu has denied all these allegations. While lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari will be laying out the criminal case against Israel's longest-serving leader, across the city President Reuven Rivlin will hold discussions that could determine Netanyahu's political fate. In the recently held polls, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party finished first, winning 30 seats in the 120-member parliament, but his ability to form a stable governing coalition is precarious, a reality that has plagued him for several years. Rivlin on Monday begins two days of consultations with party officials to determine who has a plausible path towards a 61-seat majority, in a parliament bitterly divided between those who back Netanyahu and those committed to ending his 12-year tenure. He will give a 28-day window to form a government to the leader with most recommendations from individual lawmakers. Netanyahu is expected to get support from his 30 Likud loyalists, 16 lawmakers representing Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, and six votes from the far-right Religious Zionism alliance. That makes a likely total of 52, nine short of the absolute majority needed. In an unprecedented twist for Israeli coalition politics, it appears impossible for either camp to form a government without support from the conservative Islamic Raam Party, headed by Mansour Abbas, who controls four seats. Abbas has said he is open to hearing from all sides, but the far-right Religious Zionism party has ruled out sitting in a government with Raam, complicating Netanyahu's coalition hopes. It is also far from certain that the anti-Netanyahu bloc can coalesce, raising the prospect of a fifth election in less than three years. The trial enters a more intensive, evidentiary phase on Monday but a ruling is still several months off. Judges have said Netanyahu can leave the courtroom after the opening arguments, when the witness testimony begins. No quick resolution is expected. Netanyahu would not be compelled to resign as prime minister unless he is convicted with all appeals exhausted. That could take several years. Netanyahu was formally charged last year with accepting improper gifts, and seeking to trade regulatory favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. Anti-Netanyahu protesters, who dub him the "Crime Minister", surrounded the court ahead of his last appearance in February, and are expected to do so again on Monday. (with inputs from AFP)

Israel PM Netanyahu due in court as coalition talks ramp up

The man behind Vietnam's successful handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, was formally sworn in as president in Hanoi on Monday.

Phuc, 66, was Vietnam's prime minister for the last five years, a period in which the economy boomed, and his government's Covid-19 response won plaudits at home and abroad.

Following secret voting on Monday, Phuc scored the maximum votes among the almost 500-member rubber-stamp national assembly.

"This is his well-deserved award," said Nguyen Khac Giang, a Vietnamese politics expert from New Zealand's Victoria University of Wellington.

Authoritarian Vietnam is run by the Communist Party and officially led by the party general secretary, president, and prime minister, with key decisions made by the 18-member politburo.

Vietnam is in the midst of its twice-a-decade leadership transition, with 76-year-old Nguyen Phu Trong re-elected in January as party general secretary, the most important of the three roles.

Phuc was the only candidate nominated for president, as Trong -- who had held the presidency since 2018 after the sudden death of his predecessor -- stepped down.

The National Assembly said earlier this was "the first time ever a prime minister was nominated to the position of the president".

After his swearing in, Phuc told the nation he was "lucky and honoured" to be given the position, which is now only second to Trong in the power escalator.

Politburo leaders are usually expected to retire at 65, but Vietnam has bent the age rules for both of them.

Although the presidency is largely a ceremonial role, "Mr Phuc will now be the second-ranked member in the party which makes a strong case for him to claim the general secretary post if Mr Trong has to step down earlier than expected," Giang told AFP.

Rumours have swirled in recent years about Trong's health after he took a month-long absence in 2019.

According to Giang, Phuc's experience of "well managing Vietnam's relationship with the US under the turbulent administration of Donald Trump" will stand him in good stead for his foreign affairs responsibilities as president.

Phuc will later Monday designate a successor for the prime ministerial role.

Sources said the position will be given to Pham Minh Chinh, 62, a former deputy minister of public security.

The man behind Vietnam's successful handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, was formally sworn in as president in Hanoi on Monday. Phuc, 66, was Vietnam's prime minister for the last five years, a period in which the economy boomed, and his government's Covid-19 response won plaudits at home and abroad.

The man behind Vietnam's successful handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, was formally sworn in as president in Hanoi on Monday. Phuc, 66, was Vietnam's prime minister for the last five years, a period in which the economy boomed, and his government's Covid-19 response won plaudits at home and abroad. Following secret voting on Monday, Phuc scored the maximum votes among the almost 500-member rubber-stamp national assembly. "This is his well-deserved award," said Nguyen Khac Giang, a Vietnamese politics expert from New Zealand's Victoria University of Wellington. Authoritarian Vietnam is run by the Communist Party and officially led by the party general secretary, president, and prime minister, with key decisions made by the 18-member politburo. Vietnam is in the midst of its twice-a-decade leadership transition, with 76-year-old Nguyen Phu Trong re-elected in January as party general secretary, the most important of the three roles. Phuc was the only candidate nominated for president, as Trong -- who had held the presidency since 2018 after the sudden death of his predecessor -- stepped down. The National Assembly said earlier this was "the first time ever a prime minister was nominated to the position of the president". After his swearing in, Phuc told the nation he was "lucky and honoured" to be given the position, which is now only second to Trong in the power escalator. Politburo leaders are usually expected to retire at 65, but Vietnam has bent the age rules for both of them. Although the presidency is largely a ceremonial role, "Mr Phuc will now be the second-ranked member in the party which makes a strong case for him to claim the general secretary post if Mr Trong has to step down earlier than expected," Giang told AFP. Rumours have swirled in recent years about Trong's health after he took a month-long absence in 2019. According to Giang, Phuc's experience of "well managing Vietnam's relationship with the US under the turbulent administration of Donald Trump" will stand him in good stead for his foreign affairs responsibilities as president. Phuc will later Monday designate a successor for the prime ministerial role. Sources said the position will be given to Pham Minh Chinh, 62, a former deputy minister of public security.

Vietnam's pandemic response leader sworn in as president

Indian drugmaker Cadila Healthcare Ltd said on Monday it would seek local regulatory approval to treat Covid-19 patients with an already approved Hepatitis C drug, following promising interim results from a late-stage trial.

A single dose of the Hepatitis C drug when taken early could help Covid-19 patients recover faster and avoid complications seen in the advanced stages of the disease, Cadila said in a statement to stock exchanges.

The drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b and branded as "PegiHep" by Cadila, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C and launched in India 10 years ago.

About 91 per cent of patients treated with the drug tested negative for Covid-19 in standard RT-PCR tests by day seven, compared to nearly 79 per cent who were given the standard of care, the company said citing Phase-III clinical trial data.

The news comes as daily coronavirus infections are surging to new highs in India, which has the world's third-highest caseload after the United States and Brazil. India has so far reported close to 12.5 million infections and more than 164,000 deaths.

Indian drugmaker Cadila Healthcare Ltd said on Monday it would seek local regulatory approval to treat Covid-19 patients with an already approved Hepatitis C drug, following promising interim results from a late-stage trial.

Indian drugmaker Cadila Healthcare Ltd said on Monday it would seek local regulatory approval to treat Covid-19 patients with an already approved Hepatitis C drug, following promising interim results from a late-stage trial. A single dose of the Hepatitis C drug when taken early could help Covid-19 patients recover faster and avoid complications seen in the advanced stages of the disease, Cadila said in a statement to stock exchanges. The drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b and branded as "PegiHep" by Cadila, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C and launched in India 10 years ago. About 91 per cent of patients treated with the drug tested negative for Covid-19 in standard RT-PCR tests by day seven, compared to nearly 79 per cent who were given the standard of care, the company said citing Phase-III clinical trial data. The news comes as daily coronavirus infections are surging to new highs in India, which has the world's third-highest caseload after the United States and Brazil. India has so far reported close to 12.5 million infections and more than 164,000 deaths.

India's Cadila seeks regulatory approval for Covid-19 drug

An Australian couple has been freed from house arrest in Myanmar and allowed to leave the country without charge.

The country has been in turmoil since a military coup on February 1 that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. More than 2,500 people have been detained since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group.

Christa Avery and her husband Matthew O’Kane, to this end, were refused permission to leave Myanmar last month when they were about to board a flight home.

“I am, of course, incredibly relieved to have been released and to be on my way home with my husband, Matt,” Avery said in a statement. “Even though I knew that I had done nothing wrong, it was very stressful being held under house arrest for two weeks.”

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had provided support for the couple's departure from Yangon on April 4.

Another Australian, Sean Turnell, an economic adviser to Suu Kyi, has been detained since shortly after the army seized power and is in prison.

Authorities have said Turnell is under investigation, but no charge has been announced against him. A lawyer for Suu Kyi said last week that he understood Turnell faced charges under the Official Secrets Act, but no charges have been confirmed.

An Australian couple has been freed from house arrest in Myanmar and allowed to leave the country without charge. The country has been in turmoil since a military coup on February 1 that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

An Australian couple has been freed from house arrest in Myanmar and allowed to leave the country without charge. The country has been in turmoil since a military coup on February 1 that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. More than 2,500 people have been detained since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group. Christa Avery and her husband Matthew O’Kane, to this end, were refused permission to leave Myanmar last month when they were about to board a flight home. “I am, of course, incredibly relieved to have been released and to be on my way home with my husband, Matt,” Avery said in a statement. “Even though I knew that I had done nothing wrong, it was very stressful being held under house arrest for two weeks.” Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had provided support for the couple's departure from Yangon on April 4. Another Australian, Sean Turnell, an economic adviser to Suu Kyi, has been detained since shortly after the army seized power and is in prison. Authorities have said Turnell is under investigation, but no charge has been announced against him. A lawyer for Suu Kyi said last week that he understood Turnell faced charges under the Official Secrets Act, but no charges have been confirmed.

Two Australians freed from house arrest in Myanmar

The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and Germany will hold a “2 plus 2” virtual dialogue in mid-April -- in the wake of China taking an increasingly aggressive foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region.

The daily Yomiuri reported on Monday that the “2 plus 2” talks will be the first among the two countries, and they are expected to discuss ways to defence and a “free and open Indo-Pacific” in face of an increasingly assertive China.

The two parties are looking to speak on April 16, the Yomiuri also said. The exact has, however, so far not been confirmed.

Last September, Germany drew up diplomatic and trade guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region that sought to reverse course from its heavy focus on China and boost its security presence in Asia, including the dispatching of a frigate to the Indo-Pacific region.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel reached a broad agreement on an information protection pact with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during her visit to Japan in February 2019.

Tokyo already has similar pacts with the United States and Australia.

(with inputs)

The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and Germany will hold a “2 plus 2” virtual dialogue in mid-April -- in the wake of China taking an increasingly aggressive foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region.

The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and Germany will hold a “2 plus 2” virtual dialogue in mid-April -- in the wake of China taking an increasingly aggressive foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region. The daily Yomiuri reported on Monday that the “2 plus 2” talks will be the first among the two countries, and they are expected to discuss ways to defence and a “free and open Indo-Pacific” in face of an increasingly assertive China. The two parties are looking to speak on April 16, the Yomiuri also said. The exact has, however, so far not been confirmed. Last September, Germany drew up diplomatic and trade guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region that sought to reverse course from its heavy focus on China and boost its security presence in Asia, including the dispatching of a frigate to the Indo-Pacific region. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reached a broad agreement on an information protection pact with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during her visit to Japan in February 2019. Tokyo already has similar pacts with the United States and Australia. (with inputs)

Japan and Germany to hold first '2 plus 2' dialogue talks in April

The European Union has expressed major worries over Russian troop movements around Ukraine, with its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell pledging the bloc's support for the latter.

"Following with severe concern the Russian military activity surrounding Ukraine," Borrell tweeted after a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Sunday. "Unwavering EU support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Borrell said he would hold further talks on the issue with Ukraine's top diplomat and foreign ministers from the EU's 27 nations at a meeting later this month.&nbsp;

Ukraine this week accused Russia of massing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014.&nbsp;

The Kremlin did not deny the recent troop movements, but insisted that Moscow was "not threatening anyone".&nbsp;

The long-simmering conflict has claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014, according to the United Nations. Western leaders -- including new US President Joe Biden -- have said they are standing by Ukraine.&nbsp;

The European Union has expressed major worries over Russian troop movements around Ukraine, with its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell pledging the bloc's support for the latter.

The European Union has expressed major worries over Russian troop movements around Ukraine, with its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell pledging the bloc's support for the latter. "Following with severe concern the Russian military activity surrounding Ukraine," Borrell tweeted after a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Sunday. "Unwavering EU support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." Borrell said he would hold further talks on the issue with Ukraine's top diplomat and foreign ministers from the EU's 27 nations at a meeting later this month. Ukraine this week accused Russia of massing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014. The Kremlin did not deny the recent troop movements, but insisted that Moscow was "not threatening anyone". The long-simmering conflict has claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014, according to the United Nations. Western leaders -- including new US President Joe Biden -- have said they are standing by Ukraine.

EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine

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