Individuals having an annual salary income of over Rs 13 lakh and availing deductions of up to Rs 2 lakh will save on their tax outgo if they opt for the new tax regime proposed in the Budget, government sources said on Sunday.

For those earning a salary of Rs 12 lakh and less and availing deductions of up to Rs 2 lakh, the old tax system will be beneficial as the tax outgo will be less compared to the proposed new structure.

As per data, as many as 5.3 crore taxpayers out of 5.78 crore claimed deductions of less than Rs 2 lakh (standard deduction, provident fund, home loan interest, contribution to national pension scheme, life insurance, medical insurance etc.) while filing income tax returns.

This means that about 90 per cent of taxpayers actually claim deduction of less than Rs 2 lakh.

Offering an optional lower rate of income tax to individuals, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Budget 2020-21 proposed new tax slabs of 15 per cent and 25 per cent in addition to the existing 10 per cent, 20 per cent and 30 per cent.

Under the proposed tax slab, annual income up to Rs 2.5 lakh is exempt from tax. Those individuals earning a salary between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh will pay 5 per cent tax. Income between Rs 5 and 7.5 lakh will be taxed at 10 per cent, while earning of Rs 7.5 and 10 lakh to attract 15 per cent tax.

Those earning a salary between Rs 10 and 12.5 lakh will pay tax at the rate of 20 per cent, while income between Rs 12.5 and Rs 15 lakh will be liable to pay 25 per cent tax. Income above Rs 15 lakh will be taxed at 30 per cent.

The new slabs would be for individuals not availing certain specified deductions or exemptions.

While individuals with an annual salary income of Rs 13 lakh and above will pay Rs 1.43 lakh tax under the proposed tax structure; in the old regime, they would have paid a tax of Rs 1.48 lakh, thereby saving Rs 5,200, a source said.

On salary of Rs 14 lakh a year, savings would be Rs 10,400; and for those with income of Rs 15 lakh and above, savings would be Rs 15,600, provided the deductions claimed are up to Rs 2 lakh.

In case of non-salary earners, who do not get standard deduction of Rs 50,000, the new tax structure is beneficial for those earning Rs 9.5 lakh annually and availing deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh. They would save Rs 5,200 in their annual income tax outgoing.&nbsp;

Individuals having an annual salary income of over Rs 13 lakh and availing deductions of up to Rs 2 lakh will save on their tax outgo if they opt for the new tax regime proposed in the Budget, government sources said on Sunday.

Individuals having an annual salary income of over Rs 13 lakh and availing deductions of up to Rs 2 lakh will save on their tax outgo if they opt for the new tax regime proposed in the Budget, government sources said on Sunday. For those earning a salary of Rs 12 lakh and less and availing deductions of up to Rs 2 lakh, the old tax system will be beneficial as the tax outgo will be less compared to the proposed new structure. As per data, as many as 5.3 crore taxpayers out of 5.78 crore claimed deductions of less than Rs 2 lakh (standard deduction, provident fund, home loan interest, contribution to national pension scheme, life insurance, medical insurance etc.) while filing income tax returns. This means that about 90 per cent of taxpayers actually claim deduction of less than Rs 2 lakh. Offering an optional lower rate of income tax to individuals, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Budget 2020-21 proposed new tax slabs of 15 per cent and 25 per cent in addition to the existing 10 per cent, 20 per cent and 30 per cent. Under the proposed tax slab, annual income up to Rs 2.5 lakh is exempt from tax. Those individuals earning a salary between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh will pay 5 per cent tax. Income between Rs 5 and 7.5 lakh will be taxed at 10 per cent, while earning of Rs 7.5 and 10 lakh to attract 15 per cent tax. Those earning a salary between Rs 10 and 12.5 lakh will pay tax at the rate of 20 per cent, while income between Rs 12.5 and Rs 15 lakh will be liable to pay 25 per cent tax. Income above Rs 15 lakh will be taxed at 30 per cent. The new slabs would be for individuals not availing certain specified deductions or exemptions. While individuals with an annual salary income of Rs 13 lakh and above will pay Rs 1.43 lakh tax under the proposed tax structure; in the old regime, they would have paid a tax of Rs 1.48 lakh, thereby saving Rs 5,200, a source said. On salary of Rs 14 lakh a year, savings would be Rs 10,400; and for those with income of Rs 15 lakh and above, savings would be Rs 15,600, provided the deductions claimed are up to Rs 2 lakh. In case of non-salary earners, who do not get standard deduction of Rs 50,000, the new tax structure is beneficial for those earning Rs 9.5 lakh annually and availing deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh. They would save Rs 5,200 in their annual income tax outgoing.

Individuals earning salary of over Rs 13 lakh a year to save under new tax regime

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival services for Chinese nationals and issued directions not to recruit them for ongoing projects in the country after the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 300 people and infected 14,562 others spread to 25 countries.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen during a media briefing on Sunday said the government has requested Chinese nationals in Bangladesh not to go on leave especially over the next month while the global health emergency is in place, the BD News reported.

"At the same time, we have requested the authorities not to recruit any Chinese national for ongoing projects in Bangladesh," he was quoted as saying.

He, however, said that the move does not bar Chinese nationals from applying for a Bangladeshi visa.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-temporarily-suspends-e-visa-facility-for-chinese-and-foreigners-residing-in-china-278144">Coronavirus - India temporarily suspends e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China</a>

"This is a temporary measure. Chinese nationals can still apply for a visa but they must submit a medical certificate along with the application," he said.

A number of countries have temporarily stopped issuing visas to Chinese nationals after the coronavirus outbreak.

India on Sunday temporarily suspended e-visa facility for Chinese travellers and foreigners residing in China in view of the virulent coronavirus that has killed more than 300 people, infected 14,562 others and spread to 25 countries, including India, the US and the UK.

Singapore has stopped issuing all types of visas to Chinese travellers, while Vietnam has halted tourist visas. Russia, a close Beijing ally, announced Saturday it would halt visa-free tourism for Chinese nationals and also stop issuing them work visas. It had already stopped issuing electronic visas to Chinese nationals. Similar visa restrictions have been imposed by the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the African nation of Mozambique.&nbsp;

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival services for Chinese nationals and issued directions not to recruit them for ongoing projects in the country after the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 300 people and infected 14,562 others spread to 25 countries.

Bangladesh has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival services for Chinese nationals and issued directions not to recruit them for ongoing projects in the country after the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 300 people and infected 14,562 others spread to 25 countries. Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen during a media briefing on Sunday said the government has requested Chinese nationals in Bangladesh not to go on leave especially over the next month while the global health emergency is in place, the BD News reported. "At the same time, we have requested the authorities not to recruit any Chinese national for ongoing projects in Bangladesh," he was quoted as saying. He, however, said that the move does not bar Chinese nationals from applying for a Bangladeshi visa. Also read: Coronavirus - India temporarily suspends e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China "This is a temporary measure. Chinese nationals can still apply for a visa but they must submit a medical certificate along with the application," he said. A number of countries have temporarily stopped issuing visas to Chinese nationals after the coronavirus outbreak. India on Sunday temporarily suspended e-visa facility for Chinese travellers and foreigners residing in China in view of the virulent coronavirus that has killed more than 300 people, infected 14,562 others and spread to 25 countries, including India, the US and the UK. Singapore has stopped issuing all types of visas to Chinese travellers, while Vietnam has halted tourist visas. Russia, a close Beijing ally, announced Saturday it would halt visa-free tourism for Chinese nationals and also stop issuing them work visas. It had already stopped issuing electronic visas to Chinese nationals. Similar visa restrictions have been imposed by the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the African nation of Mozambique.

Bangladesh halts visa-on-arrival for Chinese nationals

Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar expressed surprise over the stock market reacting negatively on the Budget proposals, saying investors probably expected some big bang reforms and ignored the initiatives towards investment and growth.

Kumar in an interview to PTI said the Budget has done nothing wrong, and it has "ticked all the boxes".

Giving a thumbs down to the Budget, the market benchmark Sensex logged its biggest single-day plunge in more than a decade, wiping out Rs 3.46 lakh crore investor wealth.

"I am actually quite surprised by the market's reactions yesterday, going down 1,000 points. I was trying to understand why did that happen," he wondered.

Kumar added that "... The Budget does nothing wrong, it has got nothing anti-private investment or anti-private sector or anti-growth, the Budget is ticking all the boxes".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2020-is-a-progressive-one-focuses-on-skill-development-of-indias-youth-pm-modi-278017">Union Budget 2020 will bolster income and investment; bring vitality in financial system - PM Modi</a>

Probably, the market was expecting some big bang reforms that are associated with huge push for consumption as was witnessed in the aftermath of Lehman Brothers crisis in 2008.

"So my own thought was that market expected so called big bang reforms and by big bang reforms, normally everybody understands in India, a huge impetus for consumption. And I think the best example of that was in 2008 Budget which preceded the Lehman Brothers crisis," he said.

Pointing out that the UPA-1 gave lot of sops in 2008 Budget because elections were due, Kumar said it had resulted in ballooning of the fiscal deficit to 6 per cent in 2009 from 2.5 per cent.

"If the market had expected that kind of consumption boost without any regard to fiscal discipline, it was not possible," he said adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was very clear that Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) target should not be breached.

"Therefore, if you notice, we used 0.5 per cent escape clause (under FRBM) and remained within that," Kumar stressed.

Asked if it is still possible to achieve USD 5 trillion target by 2024-25, the eminent economist said it is not an unreal goal and will be achieved.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nothing-very-major-in-this-budget-that-would-turn-around-economy-industrialist-adi-godrej-tells-wion-278064">Nothing very major in this Budget that would turn around economy - Industrialist Adi Godrej tells WION</a>

"In the next 5 years, there is no reason to believe that you can't achieve that unless rupee depreciates out of the blue etc. If you do 6-6.5 per cent (growth) now(2020-21), and jump up to 7-8 per cent (growth) in remaining four years, you will achieve that, that's not an unreal target," he said.

Moreover, Kumar said, the Prime Minister has mentioned it as a inspirational target, more to drive the people together.

"And I think, we should keep that intact. Any revision will only create massive discouragement, and not push the people, especially in government to go towards that," the Niti Aayog vice chairman observed.

On the finance minister's decision to increase customs duty on certain products, Kumar said he was always a votary of trade liberalisation.

"I hope ...It (hike of custom duty on certain products) is a temporary measure to provide relief to Indian industry which is feeling very threatened with the Chinese imports, and hopefully enough will be done by the industry and the government to give them kind of competitiveness so that they will be able to stand up against (Chinese) imports without the support," he said.

Kumar further said that trade restriction "does not work quite often, it boomerangs, the shorter it stays the better it is".

On the criticism that the government has not done anything for job creation in the Budget, he said that all investment enhancing measures announced will lead to employment generation.&nbsp;

Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar expressed surprise over the stock market reacting negatively on the Budget proposals, saying investors probably expected some big bang reforms and ignored the initiatives towards investment and growth.

Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar expressed surprise over the stock market reacting negatively on the Budget proposals, saying investors probably expected some big bang reforms and ignored the initiatives towards investment and growth. Kumar in an interview to PTI said the Budget has done nothing wrong, and it has "ticked all the boxes". Giving a thumbs down to the Budget, the market benchmark Sensex logged its biggest single-day plunge in more than a decade, wiping out Rs 3.46 lakh crore investor wealth. "I am actually quite surprised by the market's reactions yesterday, going down 1,000 points. I was trying to understand why did that happen," he wondered. Kumar added that "... The Budget does nothing wrong, it has got nothing anti-private investment or anti-private sector or anti-growth, the Budget is ticking all the boxes". Also read: Union Budget 2020 will bolster income and investment; bring vitality in financial system - PM Modi Probably, the market was expecting some big bang reforms that are associated with huge push for consumption as was witnessed in the aftermath of Lehman Brothers crisis in 2008. "So my own thought was that market expected so called big bang reforms and by big bang reforms, normally everybody understands in India, a huge impetus for consumption. And I think the best example of that was in 2008 Budget which preceded the Lehman Brothers crisis," he said. Pointing out that the UPA-1 gave lot of sops in 2008 Budget because elections were due, Kumar said it had resulted in ballooning of the fiscal deficit to 6 per cent in 2009 from 2.5 per cent. "If the market had expected that kind of consumption boost without any regard to fiscal discipline, it was not possible," he said adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was very clear that Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) target should not be breached. "Therefore, if you notice, we used 0.5 per cent escape clause (under FRBM) and remained within that," Kumar stressed. Asked if it is still possible to achieve USD 5 trillion target by 2024-25, the eminent economist said it is not an unreal goal and will be achieved. Also read: Nothing very major in this Budget that would turn around economy - Industrialist Adi Godrej tells WION "In the next 5 years, there is no reason to believe that you can't achieve that unless rupee depreciates out of the blue etc. If you do 6-6.5 per cent (growth) now(2020-21), and jump up to 7-8 per cent (growth) in remaining four years, you will achieve that, that's not an unreal target," he said. Moreover, Kumar said, the Prime Minister has mentioned it as a inspirational target, more to drive the people together. "And I think, we should keep that intact. Any revision will only create massive discouragement, and not push the people, especially in government to go towards that," the Niti Aayog vice chairman observed. On the finance minister's decision to increase customs duty on certain products, Kumar said he was always a votary of trade liberalisation. "I hope ...It (hike of custom duty on certain products) is a temporary measure to provide relief to Indian industry which is feeling very threatened with the Chinese imports, and hopefully enough will be done by the industry and the government to give them kind of competitiveness so that they will be able to stand up against (Chinese) imports without the support," he said. Kumar further said that trade restriction "does not work quite often, it boomerangs, the shorter it stays the better it is". On the criticism that the government has not done anything for job creation in the Budget, he said that all investment enhancing measures announced will lead to employment generation.

Stock market's reaction on Budget surprising: Niti Aayog vice chairman

At least seven members of a family, including four children and two women, were killed in a mortar shell fired from Afghanistan in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, officials said.

The mortar shell hit the family's home at border village Baatwar Bangro in Salarzai tehsil, 137 kilometres from here.

The local people, district administration officials, security forces, ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the site and retrieved the bodies, officials said. The house was destroyed in the mortar attack.

The shell was fired from the adjacent Kunar province of Afghanistan, an official said.&nbsp;

At least seven members of a family, including four children and two women, were killed in a mortar shell fired from Afghanistan in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, officials said.

At least seven members of a family, including four children and two women, were killed in a mortar shell fired from Afghanistan in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, officials said. The mortar shell hit the family's home at border village Baatwar Bangro in Salarzai tehsil, 137 kilometres from here. The local people, district administration officials, security forces, ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the site and retrieved the bodies, officials said. The house was destroyed in the mortar attack. The shell was fired from the adjacent Kunar province of Afghanistan, an official said.

Mortar shelling from Afghan side kills seven in Pakistan

In the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China, Google has joined hands with the World Health Organisation to launch 'SOS' alert.

Google aims to prioritise information and tips on the virus and its spread from the WHO and its Twitter handle in its search results.&nbsp;

The alert is an initiative by the global search engine giant in a bid to spread awareness and information by trusted sources on 2019-nCov and tips on how to stay protected from it.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-temporarily-suspends-e-visa-facility-for-chinese-and-foreigners-residing-in-china-278144">Coronavirus: India temporarily suspends e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China&nbsp;</a>

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As a result, a user searching for coronavirus on Google will be displayed the SOS Alert box with information from WHO at the top of the results page.

The flu-like coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in a market that traded illegally in wildlife in Hubei's provincial capital Wuhan, has so far resulted in 304 deaths in China, state broadcaster CCTV said early on Sunday in China. Confirmed cases of the virus have been reported in 27 other nations, according to the CDC.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-evacuees-from-wuhan-dance-at-indian-armys-quarantine-facility-in-manesar-278164">Indian evacuees from Wuhan dance at Indian Army's quarantine facility in Manesar</a>

While India has confirmed its second positive case of Coronavirus. The first death linked to the deadly outbreak outside China has been reported in the Philippines.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, New Delhi on Sunday temporarily suspended e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China.&nbsp;

In the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China, Google has joined hands with the World Health Organisation to launch 'SOS' alert. Google aims to prioritise information and tips on the virus and its spread from the WHO and its Twitter handle in its search results.

In the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China, Google has joined hands with the World Health Organisation to launch 'SOS' alert. Google aims to prioritise information and tips on the virus and its spread from the WHO and its Twitter handle in its search results. The alert is an initiative by the global search engine giant in a bid to spread awareness and information by trusted sources on 2019-nCov and tips on how to stay protected from it. Also read: Coronavirus: India temporarily suspends e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China × As a result, a user searching for coronavirus on Google will be displayed the SOS Alert box with information from WHO at the top of the results page. The flu-like coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in a market that traded illegally in wildlife in Hubei's provincial capital Wuhan, has so far resulted in 304 deaths in China, state broadcaster CCTV said early on Sunday in China. Confirmed cases of the virus have been reported in 27 other nations, according to the CDC. Also read: Indian evacuees from Wuhan dance at Indian Army's quarantine facility in Manesar While India has confirmed its second positive case of Coronavirus. The first death linked to the deadly outbreak outside China has been reported in the Philippines. Meanwhile, New Delhi on Sunday temporarily suspended e-visa facility for Chinese and foreigners residing in China.

Coronavirus outbreak: Google joins hands with WHO to provide SOS alert, trusted info and safety tips 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on a two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur from Monday to placate the Malaysian leadership after he skipped a major summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia.

The Pakistan Foreign Office on Sunday said "(PM) Khan is visiting Malaysia on February 3-4" on the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Khan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Cabinet members and senior officials.

During the visit, the two heads of state would have tete-e-tete followed by delegation-level talks.

They will witness the signing of important agreements/MoUs and have joint press meets.

Prime Minister Khan will also address a think-tank event organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) of Malaysia.

"The prime minister's visit is another sign of robust engagement between Pakistan and Malaysia and the shared commitment to further fortify the strategic partnership between the two countries," said FO.

In line with a common vision, bilateral ties between the two countries have deepened in recent years in trade, investment, industry, defence, education and in various international forums, the FO said.

The FO said the prime minister will share with Mahathir his vision for Pakistan and his government's positive role in bringing regional and international peace . 
Khan's visit is being called a "damage control" exercise by local media.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts</a>

Khan had confirmed Pakistan's participation in the December 19-21 summit hosted by the Malaysian prime minister but skipped the event at the 11th hour due to pressure exerted by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - key financial backers of the cash-strapped country.

The summit in Kuala Lumpur was seen by the Saudis as an attempt to create a new bloc in the Muslim world that could become an alternative to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led by the Gulf Kingdom.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan even visited Islamabad in December last to convey the Saudi leadership's gratitude to Pakistan for not attending the summit.

After pulling out from the event, Khan spoke to his Malaysian counterpart over the phone and offered him to visit after the summit.

It is believed that Khan will use the visit to explain to Mahathir the reason for Pakistan's pull out from the summit.

This is Khan's second visit to Malaysia since assuming office in August 2018. The last visit was in November 2018.

Prime Minister Mahathir had visited Pakistan in March last year and was the chief guest at the Pakistan Day Parade.

The two prime ministers also met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly Session in New York in September 2019.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on a two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur from Monday to placate the Malaysian leadership after he skipped a major summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on a two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur from Monday to placate the Malaysian leadership after he skipped a major summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia. The Pakistan Foreign Office on Sunday said "(PM) Khan is visiting Malaysia on February 3-4" on the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Khan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Cabinet members and senior officials. During the visit, the two heads of state would have tete-e-tete followed by delegation-level talks. They will witness the signing of important agreements/MoUs and have joint press meets. Prime Minister Khan will also address a think-tank event organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) of Malaysia. "The prime minister's visit is another sign of robust engagement between Pakistan and Malaysia and the shared commitment to further fortify the strategic partnership between the two countries," said FO. In line with a common vision, bilateral ties between the two countries have deepened in recent years in trade, investment, industry, defence, education and in various international forums, the FO said. The FO said the prime minister will share with Mahathir his vision for Pakistan and his government's positive role in bringing regional and international peace . Khan's visit is being called a "damage control" exercise by local media. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts Khan had confirmed Pakistan's participation in the December 19-21 summit hosted by the Malaysian prime minister but skipped the event at the 11th hour due to pressure exerted by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - key financial backers of the cash-strapped country. The summit in Kuala Lumpur was seen by the Saudis as an attempt to create a new bloc in the Muslim world that could become an alternative to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led by the Gulf Kingdom. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan even visited Islamabad in December last to convey the Saudi leadership's gratitude to Pakistan for not attending the summit. After pulling out from the event, Khan spoke to his Malaysian counterpart over the phone and offered him to visit after the summit. It is believed that Khan will use the visit to explain to Mahathir the reason for Pakistan's pull out from the summit. This is Khan's second visit to Malaysia since assuming office in August 2018. The last visit was in November 2018. Prime Minister Mahathir had visited Pakistan in March last year and was the chief guest at the Pakistan Day Parade. The two prime ministers also met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly Session in New York in September 2019.

Pak PM Imran Khan on two-day visit to Malaysia after missing Muslim nations summit

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade.

After officially leaving the EU on Friday, Britain now must negotiate future trade relations with the bloc, to take effect when a standstill transition period expires at the end of the year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been quick to send Brussels a message before trade talks begin in March: Brexit, for him, means sovereignty trumps the economy.

The EU has repeatedly told Britain the level of access to its lucrative single market will depend on how far London agrees to adhere to a "level playing field" -- shorthand for rules on environmental standards, labour regulations and state aid.

But despite the appeals of many businesses for the government to ensure goods can trade across borders freely, ministers have been briefing companies that they should adjust to a new future when Britain will not adhere to EU rules.

Johnson, according to sources close to him, has taken last year's election, which handed him a large majority in parliament, as approval for his policy of putting Britain's right to set its own rules above the demands of businesses. He will outline that approach in a speech on Monday.

"We are taking back control of our laws, so we are not going to have high alignment with the EU, legislative alignment with their rules," foreign minister Dominic Raab told Sky News. "But we'll want to cooperate and we expect the EU to follow through on their commitment to a Canada-style free trade agreement."

After more than three years of often tortuous talks, Johnson wants to draw a line under what has been an angry debate that has deepened divides across the country. His aim is a trade deal allowing for tariff- and quota-free trade in goods, similar to the terms the bloc now has in place with Canada.

Asked whether the government expected businesses to have to prepare for new checks on goods at the border, Raab said: "The agreement that we made with the EU was to avoid all of that, and I am sure they will want to live up to the undertakings they have made just as we'd expect to do the same."

Late on Saturday, a government source said if the EU would not offer a Canada-style trade deal, London would instead pursue a looser trade agreement, similar to the bloc's ties with Australia.

"There are only two likely outcomes in negotiation - a free trade deal like Canada or a looser arrangement like Australia - and we are happy to pursue both," the source said.

The EU says it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. Some European leaders fear Johnson could try to undercut EU businesses by loosening regulatory standards, something he has promised not to do.

"If Great Britain wants to establish outside the European Union a sort of 'Singapore-on-Thames', we would be against it," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a joint interview with broadcasters LCI and RTL and Le Figaro newspaper.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also called on the British government not to set strict red lines, saying this could make an already difficult negotiation even harder.

"One thing I'd say to everyone is let's not repeat some of the errors that were made in the past two-and-a-half years," Varadkar told the BBC. "Let's not set such rigid red lines that makes it hard to come to an agreement and let's tone down the nationalistic rhetoric."

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade.

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade. After officially leaving the EU on Friday, Britain now must negotiate future trade relations with the bloc, to take effect when a standstill transition period expires at the end of the year. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been quick to send Brussels a message before trade talks begin in March: Brexit, for him, means sovereignty trumps the economy. The EU has repeatedly told Britain the level of access to its lucrative single market will depend on how far London agrees to adhere to a "level playing field" -- shorthand for rules on environmental standards, labour regulations and state aid. But despite the appeals of many businesses for the government to ensure goods can trade across borders freely, ministers have been briefing companies that they should adjust to a new future when Britain will not adhere to EU rules. Johnson, according to sources close to him, has taken last year's election, which handed him a large majority in parliament, as approval for his policy of putting Britain's right to set its own rules above the demands of businesses. He will outline that approach in a speech on Monday. "We are taking back control of our laws, so we are not going to have high alignment with the EU, legislative alignment with their rules," foreign minister Dominic Raab told Sky News. "But we'll want to cooperate and we expect the EU to follow through on their commitment to a Canada-style free trade agreement." After more than three years of often tortuous talks, Johnson wants to draw a line under what has been an angry debate that has deepened divides across the country. His aim is a trade deal allowing for tariff- and quota-free trade in goods, similar to the terms the bloc now has in place with Canada. Asked whether the government expected businesses to have to prepare for new checks on goods at the border, Raab said: "The agreement that we made with the EU was to avoid all of that, and I am sure they will want to live up to the undertakings they have made just as we'd expect to do the same." Late on Saturday, a government source said if the EU would not offer a Canada-style trade deal, London would instead pursue a looser trade agreement, similar to the bloc's ties with Australia. "There are only two likely outcomes in negotiation - a free trade deal like Canada or a looser arrangement like Australia - and we are happy to pursue both," the source said. The EU says it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. Some European leaders fear Johnson could try to undercut EU businesses by loosening regulatory standards, something he has promised not to do. "If Great Britain wants to establish outside the European Union a sort of 'Singapore-on-Thames', we would be against it," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a joint interview with broadcasters LCI and RTL and Le Figaro newspaper. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also called on the British government not to set strict red lines, saying this could make an already difficult negotiation even harder. "One thing I'd say to everyone is let's not repeat some of the errors that were made in the past two-and-a-half years," Varadkar told the BBC. "Let's not set such rigid red lines that makes it hard to come to an agreement and let's tone down the nationalistic rhetoric."

Sovereignty comes first: Britain lays out tough stance for EU trade talks

A policy statement by Lebanon's new government calls for interest rate cuts and bank recapitalisation in a rescue plan that includes "painful steps" to address a financial crisis, according to a draft seen by Reuters on Sunday.

The policy statement, on which the new government will seek a confidence vote in parliament, may still be amended. It was agreed on Saturday by a cabinet committee that will meet again on Monday to give it final approval.

The government, formed on January&nbsp;21 after the previous one was toppled by protests in October, warned Lebanese in the policy statement that it must quickly take "painful" steps to avoid "total collapse".

"It is not possible for any rescue plan to succeed if we do not reduce interest rates on loans and deposits in order to revitalise the economy and lower the cost of debt," said the statement.

Lebanon is suffering a crippling dollar shortage and has one of the world's highest levels of public debt. It must decide quickly how to deal with a $1.2 billion Eurobond maturing in March.

The statement called international donors to provide soft loans to help meet the treasury's financing needs, though it did not name any institutions or say how much was required.

Policy proposals included expediting a second licensing round for oil and gas exploration, appointing a new electricity sector regulator, and raising tax revenues with better collection and a progressive income tax.

A policy statement by Lebanon's new government calls for interest rate cuts and bank recapitalisation in a rescue plan that includes "painful steps" to address a financial crisis, according to a draft seen by Reuters on Sunday.

A policy statement by Lebanon's new government calls for interest rate cuts and bank recapitalisation in a rescue plan that includes "painful steps" to address a financial crisis, according to a draft seen by Reuters on Sunday. The policy statement, on which the new government will seek a confidence vote in parliament, may still be amended. It was agreed on Saturday by a cabinet committee that will meet again on Monday to give it final approval. The government, formed on January 21 after the previous one was toppled by protests in October, warned Lebanese in the policy statement that it must quickly take "painful" steps to avoid "total collapse". "It is not possible for any rescue plan to succeed if we do not reduce interest rates on loans and deposits in order to revitalise the economy and lower the cost of debt," said the statement. Lebanon is suffering a crippling dollar shortage and has one of the world's highest levels of public debt. It must decide quickly how to deal with a $1.2 billion Eurobond maturing in March. The statement called international donors to provide soft loans to help meet the treasury's financing needs, though it did not name any institutions or say how much was required. Policy proposals included expediting a second licensing round for oil and gas exploration, appointing a new electricity sector regulator, and raising tax revenues with better collection and a progressive income tax.

Lebanon spells out 'painful steps' required in financial rescue plan

A man went on a stabbing spree in London, United Kingdom on Sunday.&nbsp;The attacker has been shot down by the police.

The attack has been declared a terrorist act.&nbsp;

"A man has been shot by armed officers in #Streatham. At this stage it is believed a number of people have been stabbed. The circumstances are being assessed; the incident has been declared as terrorist-related," read a tweet posted by&nbsp;Metropolitan Police.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INCIDENT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INCIDENT</a> A man has been shot by armed officers in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Streatham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Streatham</a>. At this stage it is believed a number of people have been stabbed. The circumstances are being assessed; the incident has been declared as terrorist-related. Please follow <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a> for updates
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk/status/1223987448742666241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While Metropolitan Police earlier estimated "a number of people" to have been stabbed, it later said "two people have been injured".&nbsp;

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We believe there are two injured victims. We await updates on their conditions. 
 
The scene has been fully contained. 
 
We will issue more information when possible.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk/status/1223998967291293698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also tweeted out on the incident saying that his "thoughts are with the injured and all those affected".&nbsp;

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Thank you to all emergency services responding to the incident in Streatham, which the police have now declared as terrorism-related. My thoughts are with the injured and all those affected.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1224000347645063174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Thank you to all emergency services responding to the incident in Streatham, which the police have now declared as terrorism-related. My thoughts are with the injured and all those affected," Johnson tweeted out.&nbsp;

A man went on a stabbing spree in London, United Kingdom on Sunday. The attacker has been shot down by the police. The attack has been declared a terrorist act. "A man has been shot by armed officers in #Streatham.

A man went on a stabbing spree in London, United Kingdom on Sunday. The attacker has been shot down by the police. The attack has been declared a terrorist act. "A man has been shot by armed officers in #Streatham. At this stage it is believed a number of people have been stabbed. The circumstances are being assessed; the incident has been declared as terrorist-related," read a tweet posted by Metropolitan Police. #INCIDENT A man has been shot by armed officers in #Streatham. At this stage it is believed a number of people have been stabbed. The circumstances are being assessed; the incident has been declared as terrorist-related. Please follow @metpoliceuk for updates — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 2, 2020 × While Metropolitan Police earlier estimated "a number of people" to have been stabbed, it later said "two people have been injured". We believe there are two injured victims. We await updates on their conditions. The scene has been fully contained. We will issue more information when possible. — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 2, 2020 × UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also tweeted out on the incident saying that his "thoughts are with the injured and all those affected". Thank you to all emergency services responding to the incident in Streatham, which the police have now declared as terrorism-related. My thoughts are with the injured and all those affected. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 2, 2020 × "Thank you to all emergency services responding to the incident in Streatham, which the police have now declared as terrorism-related. My thoughts are with the injured and all those affected," Johnson tweeted out.

London: Stabbing incident reported, 2 injured; attacker shot down by police

Barren and frozen Arctic region is bearing the brunt of climate change. Shedding its thick ice cover, some regions in the Arctic are witnessing a growth of green cover as warmer temperatures create a conducive environment for foliage to thrive.

Barren and frozen Arctic region is bearing the brunt of climate change. Shedding its thick ice cover, some regions in the Arctic are witnessing a growth of green cover as warmer temperatures create a conducive environment for foliage to thrive. The phenomenon, 'Arctic greening' is being studied by a host of experts to analyse how climate change spurs shift in temperatures, prompting vegetation in parts of the Arctic. With hotter than usual summers in the Arctic, the snow in the region is melting earlier, spurring the growth of plants and trees in areas that were once perennially infertile and frozen. Also read: Australian bushfires to fuel biggest annual rise in CO2 this year Experts, with the help of drones and satellites, are studying the change in vegetation pattern and greening nearly as huge as football fields. Changes in the green cover and vegetation affect the absorption and release of carbon in the atmosphere. While some places are spurring vegetation, like the Arctic, other regions are turning drier and experiencing droughts. The absorption of Co2 becomes difficult when regions become warmer and drier due to "a warmer tropical Pacific". In such a case, it becomes difficult for plants to grow which in turn hampers Co2 absorption. As a result, we see droughts and wildfires similar to that of Australia.

Climate change spurs greening in barren, frozen Arctic 

Iran on Sunday offered its full support for new Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi and reiterated its backing for the government's demand for U.S. forces to leave the country.

Iran has deep ties with many Shi'ite political parties and militias in Iraq as well as Kurdish parties from the north. Iranian officials have tried to use their influence to keep a government sympathetic to their interests in power in Baghdad.

"In continuing support for the independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and strengthening the foundations of democracy in Iraq along with the legitimate request by the government and people of Iraq for the exit of American forces from the soil of that country, Iran welcomes the selection of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the new prime minister of this country," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-minister-mohammad-allawi-named-as-iraqs-new-pm-protesters-divided-278070">Ex-minister Mohammad Allawi named as Iraq's new PM, protesters divided</a>

Iran is willing to give any assistance necessary to help Iraq overcome problems and to pass through a sensitive time, Mousavi said, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Allawi appealed to Iraqis for their support on Saturday hours after his appointment by President Barham Salih, but protesters have already rejected him as a stooge of the political elite.

The United States killed Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad last month, giving renewed impetus to Iran's allies in Iraq to call for the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Iran on Sunday offered its full support for new Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi and reiterated its backing for the government's demand for U.S. forces to leave the country.

Iran on Sunday offered its full support for new Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi and reiterated its backing for the government's demand for U.S. forces to leave the country. Iran has deep ties with many Shi'ite political parties and militias in Iraq as well as Kurdish parties from the north. Iranian officials have tried to use their influence to keep a government sympathetic to their interests in power in Baghdad. "In continuing support for the independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and strengthening the foundations of democracy in Iraq along with the legitimate request by the government and people of Iraq for the exit of American forces from the soil of that country, Iran welcomes the selection of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the new prime minister of this country," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. Also read: Ex-minister Mohammad Allawi named as Iraq's new PM, protesters divided Iran is willing to give any assistance necessary to help Iraq overcome problems and to pass through a sensitive time, Mousavi said, according to the official IRNA news agency. Allawi appealed to Iraqis for their support on Saturday hours after his appointment by President Barham Salih, but protesters have already rejected him as a stooge of the political elite. The United States killed Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad last month, giving renewed impetus to Iran's allies in Iraq to call for the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Iran welcomes Allawi's appointment as Iraqi prime minister, calls for US pullout

Kapil Gujjar, the man who fired in Shaheen Bagh on February 1, has been sent on police remand for two days by a Delhi court on Sunday.

Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, was detained by police on Saturday following the firing incident.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-shaheen-bagh-sit-in-protest-by-women-interrupted-278146">Protest erupt in Delhi against Shaheen Bagh sit-in</a>

"The police personnel overpowered and detained him on the spot while he was firing in the air. He is being interrogated. An FIR is being registered and further investigation is underway," Chinmoy Biswal, DCP, South-East had said.

According to Delhi Police sources, Kapil told the police that the protest at Shaheen Bagh caused traffic jams in the area.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-fires-two-rounds-of-bullets-in-shaheen-bagh-area-gets-detained-278046">Man fires two rounds of bullets in Shaheen Bagh area, gets detained</a>

His cousin's wedding was coming up and he used to get stuck in traffic for hours while going to Lajpat Nagar to make arrangements. Hence, he took this step and fired shots in the air.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kapil Gujjar, the man who fired in Shaheen Bagh on February 1, has been sent on police remand for two days by a Delhi court on Sunday. Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, was detained by police on Saturday following the firing incident.

Kapil Gujjar, the man who fired in Shaheen Bagh on February 1, has been sent on police remand for two days by a Delhi court on Sunday. Gujjar, a resident of Dallupura village near Delhi-Noida border, was detained by police on Saturday following the firing incident. Also read: Protest erupt in Delhi against Shaheen Bagh sit-in "The police personnel overpowered and detained him on the spot while he was firing in the air. He is being interrogated. An FIR is being registered and further investigation is underway," Chinmoy Biswal, DCP, South-East had said. According to Delhi Police sources, Kapil told the police that the protest at Shaheen Bagh caused traffic jams in the area. Also read: Man fires two rounds of bullets in Shaheen Bagh area, gets detained His cousin's wedding was coming up and he used to get stuck in traffic for hours while going to Lajpat Nagar to make arrangements. Hence, he took this step and fired shots in the air.

Shaheen Bagh shooter sent to police remand for two days

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