Sri Lanka and India vowed to strengthen military ties and widen maritime links with neighbours after security talks, the president's office said Sunday, as China's economic clout increases in the region.

China, a long-time regional rival of India, has been widening its footprint in the region, including building ports and expressways and upgrading airports in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

India's National Security Advisor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-meets-pm-modi-nsa-ajit-doval-on-the-sidelines-of-raisina-dialogue-2020-274482">Ajit Doval</a> met Saturday with recently elected Sri Lanka President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-firmly-committed-to-saarc-gotabaya-rajapaksa-267154">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> and discussed setting up a maritime research coordination centre, Rajapaksa's office said in a statement.

It did not give details of the proposed centre, but said other nations in the region should be included as observers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/change-of-regime-in-sri-lanka-implications-for-india-lanka-relations-263467">Change of regime in Sri Lanka: Implications for India-Lanka relations</a>

It said the two countries also discussed closer military and coastguard cooperation.

The meeting followed Rajapaksa's visit to New Delhi in late November for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who offered $450 million in aid to Sri Lanka after his landslide victory in the presidential election.

Local media reports said Rajapaksa will travel to China -- his second foreign visit since coming to power -- while his prime minister brother Mahinda will visit India on his first overseas trip.

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A very cordial discussion was held with National Security Advisor of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, Ajit Doval today. Strengthening of bilateral cooperation on national security, intelligence sharing, maritime security &amp; fostering of regional collaboration, were some of the key points of discussion. <a href="https://t.co/hRHeHbvww5">pic.twitter.com/hRHeHbvww5</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1218523898565873671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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No exact dates have been announced, but official sources said it could happen within weeks.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has traditionally been allied to India, but China invested and loaned billions of dollars to the island nation during the decade-long reign of Rajapaksa's elder brother, Mahinda. Chinese investments grew under the previous Colombo government too.

China's foreign minister Wang Yi held talks with President Rajapaksa on Tuesday during a brief transit stop in Colombo and the two men discussed the president's impending Beijing visit.

"As Sri Lanka's strategic partner, China will continue to stand by Sri Lanka's interests," Rajapaksa's office quoted Wang as saying.

The visit will focus on technology, tourism and infrastructure as well as other areas, the president's office said last week. &nbsp;

Rajapaksa in December warned India and Western nations that Sri Lanka would be forced to seek more finance from China if they do not invest in the island.

Sri Lanka was forced to hand over the strategic Hambantota port south of Colombo to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease after the government at the time said it was unable to repay loans taken to build it

Sri Lanka and India vowed to strengthen military ties and widen maritime links with neighbours after security talks, the president's office said Sunday, as China's economic clout increases in the region.

Sri Lanka and India vowed to strengthen military ties and widen maritime links with neighbours after security talks, the president's office said Sunday, as China's economic clout increases in the region. China, a long-time regional rival of India, has been widening its footprint in the region, including building ports and expressways and upgrading airports in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Saturday with recently elected Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and discussed setting up a maritime research coordination centre, Rajapaksa's office said in a statement. It did not give details of the proposed centre, but said other nations in the region should be included as observers. Also read: Change of regime in Sri Lanka: Implications for India-Lanka relations It said the two countries also discussed closer military and coastguard cooperation. The meeting followed Rajapaksa's visit to New Delhi in late November for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who offered $450 million in aid to Sri Lanka after his landslide victory in the presidential election. Local media reports said Rajapaksa will travel to China -- his second foreign visit since coming to power -- while his prime minister brother Mahinda will visit India on his first overseas trip. A very cordial discussion was held with National Security Advisor of #India, Ajit Doval today. Strengthening of bilateral cooperation on national security, intelligence sharing, maritime security & fostering of regional collaboration, were some of the key points of discussion. pic.twitter.com/hRHeHbvww5 — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) January 18, 2020 × No exact dates have been announced, but official sources said it could happen within weeks. Sri Lanka has traditionally been allied to India, but China invested and loaned billions of dollars to the island nation during the decade-long reign of Rajapaksa's elder brother, Mahinda. Chinese investments grew under the previous Colombo government too. China's foreign minister Wang Yi held talks with President Rajapaksa on Tuesday during a brief transit stop in Colombo and the two men discussed the president's impending Beijing visit. "As Sri Lanka's strategic partner, China will continue to stand by Sri Lanka's interests," Rajapaksa's office quoted Wang as saying. The visit will focus on technology, tourism and infrastructure as well as other areas, the president's office said last week. Rajapaksa in December warned India and Western nations that Sri Lanka would be forced to seek more finance from China if they do not invest in the island. Sri Lanka was forced to hand over the strategic Hambantota port south of Colombo to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease after the government at the time said it was unable to repay loans taken to build it

India, Sri Lanka seek closer military ties as China clout grows

The wedding season is in full bloom and the tinsel town is photo ready to startle their fans and followers. From Sonakshi Sinha to Janhvi Kapoor, the divas have shared their pictures on Instagram with their followers in some of the most eye-catching wedding season looks.

The wedding season is in full bloom and the tinsel town is photo ready to startle their fans and followers. From Sonakshi Sinha to Janhvi Kapoor, the divas have shared their pictures on Instagram with their followers in some of the most eye-catching wedding season looks. View this post on Instagram Can I live in a saree forever!!! 🌺🌸🌷🌹💐🌼✨🐚 A post shared by Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor) on Jan 18, 2020 at 9:11pm PST × View this post on Instagram Wedding season is upon us!! Styled by @mohitrai @miloni_s91 (tap for deets) hair by @themadhurinakhale and photos by @kadamajay ❤️ A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona) on Jan 19, 2020 at 12:04am PST × Janhvi was seen donning a hot pink saree and all-over worked blouse paired with chic jewellery, while Sonakshi adorned a baby pink customed saree with a similar long jacket over it. Sonakshi completed her look with a heavy neckpiece and matching earring. View this post on Instagram i love weddings!!!! ☹️💛 #KPsNish A post shared by Ananya 💛💫 (@ananyapanday) on Jan 18, 2020 at 3:47am PST × Actor Ananya Pandey and Kriti Sanon were also not far behind in flaunting their apt looks on their Instagram handles. Kriti went for a printed dress along with a bold look on her face. View this post on Instagram @kritisanon for a wedding ! Outfit- @shivanandnarresh Necklace- @minerali_store Bangles- @aquamarine_jewellery @curiocottagejewelry Juttis- @needledust Styled by @sukritigrover Assisted by @vanigupta.23 @vasudhaguptaa Hair @gohar__shaikh Make up @heemadattani 📸 @shrutitejwaniphotography #sukritigroverforstylecell A post shared by S U K R I T I G R O V E R (@sukritigrover) on Jan 18, 2020 at 8:28pm PST × However, Ananya went for a light green two-piece traditional attire with just a 'Maang-tika' and no other jewellery. The actors are taking the wedding season outfits to the next level, setting new goals for the girls out there.

Sonakshi Sinha to Janhvi Kapoor, Bollywood divas startle fans with their wedding season looks

Over 80 Yemeni soldiers were killed and several wounded in missile and drone attack blamed on Huthi rebels in central Yemen, sources said on Sunday.&nbsp;

A mosque in a military camp was attacked by the Huthis in the central province of Marib, during evening prayers, military sources said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-climbs-to-seven-in-missile-attack-in-yemen-270894">Death toll climbs to seven in missile attack in Yemen</a>

A medical source at a Marib city hospital, where casualties were admitted, informed that 83 soldiers are killed and 148 injured in the attack.&nbsp;

Saudi state TV said that 60 people are killed in the attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-hits-military-parade-in-yemen-at-least-five-dead-270854">Blast hits military parade in Yemen, at least five dead</a>

Death toll figures are mostly disputed, but the huge toll from this strike means that it is one of the bloodiest attacks since the beginning of the war&nbsp;in 2014 when Sanaa was captured by rebels.&nbsp;

The attack came a day after the coalition-backed government forces initiated a large-scale operation against the Huthis in the Nihm region, north of Sanaa.&nbsp;

Another military source informed that fighting in Nihm is ongoing on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Dozens from the (Huthi) militia were killed and injured," the source said.&nbsp;

Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi condemned the mosque attack.&nbsp;

"The disgraceful actions of the Huthi militia without a doubt confirm its unwillingness to (achieve) peace, because it knows nothing but death and destruction and is a cheap Iranian tool in the region," official Saba news agency quoted Hadi as saying.&nbsp;

The drone and missile attack comes after months of relative peace in the war between Iran-backed Huthis and Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi and its military allies.&nbsp;

Recently, United Nations envoy Martin Griffiths also welcomed a significant reduction in airstrikes and the movement of ground troops.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in the war in Yemen, which the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

An UN-brokered agreement signed between the warring sides in December 2018 is seen as a hope to reduce the crisis in Yemen but the slow implementation means that the intense conflict continues.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Over 80 Yemeni soldiers were killed and several wounded in missile and drone attack blamed on Huthi rebels in central Yemen, sources said on Sunday. A mosque in a military camp was attacked by the Huthis in the central province of Marib, during evening prayers, military sources said.

Over 80 Yemeni soldiers were killed and several wounded in missile and drone attack blamed on Huthi rebels in central Yemen, sources said on Sunday. A mosque in a military camp was attacked by the Huthis in the central province of Marib, during evening prayers, military sources said. Also read: Death toll climbs to seven in missile attack in Yemen A medical source at a Marib city hospital, where casualties were admitted, informed that 83 soldiers are killed and 148 injured in the attack. Saudi state TV said that 60 people are killed in the attack. Also read: Blast hits military parade in Yemen, at least five dead Death toll figures are mostly disputed, but the huge toll from this strike means that it is one of the bloodiest attacks since the beginning of the war in 2014 when Sanaa was captured by rebels. The attack came a day after the coalition-backed government forces initiated a large-scale operation against the Huthis in the Nihm region, north of Sanaa. Another military source informed that fighting in Nihm is ongoing on Sunday. "Dozens from the (Huthi) militia were killed and injured," the source said. Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi condemned the mosque attack. "The disgraceful actions of the Huthi militia without a doubt confirm its unwillingness to (achieve) peace, because it knows nothing but death and destruction and is a cheap Iranian tool in the region," official Saba news agency quoted Hadi as saying. The drone and missile attack comes after months of relative peace in the war between Iran-backed Huthis and Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi and its military allies. Recently, United Nations envoy Martin Griffiths also welcomed a significant reduction in airstrikes and the movement of ground troops. Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in the war in Yemen, which the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. An UN-brokered agreement signed between the warring sides in December 2018 is seen as a hope to reduce the crisis in Yemen but the slow implementation means that the intense conflict continues. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Yemen: Over 80 killed in missile attack, bloodiest since beginning of war

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has sought an explanation from the Kerala Government Chief Secretary on the matter of Kerala government moving the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Act Amendment Act.

On Friday, Khan had hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law. He said he will seek a report in connection to the matter.

"The role of the Governor is clearly spelt out in the oath which is prescribed by the Constitution. I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law and shall devote myself to service and welfare of the people of Kerala," Khan told reporters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breach-of-protocol-kerala-governor-fumes-after-state-government-moves-supreme-court-over-caa-274651">Breach of protocol - Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA</a>

On Thursday, Khan described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over the Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol.&nbsp;

"This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan stated.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-kerala-punjab-now-maharashtra-mulls-resolution-against-citizenship-amendment-act-275185">After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act</a>

Kerala and Punjab are the two states to have already passed a resolution against the new citizenship law that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government is also mulling over moving a resolution against the new citizenship law in Maharashtra Assembly.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has sought an explanation from the Kerala Government Chief Secretary on the matter of Kerala government moving the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Act Amendment Act.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has sought an explanation from the Kerala Government Chief Secretary on the matter of Kerala government moving the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Act Amendment Act. On Friday, Khan had hit out at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating constitutional norms after the State government approached the Supreme Court against the new citizenship law. He said he will seek a report in connection to the matter. "The role of the Governor is clearly spelt out in the oath which is prescribed by the Constitution. I shall preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law and shall devote myself to service and welfare of the people of Kerala," Khan told reporters. Also read: Breach of protocol - Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA On Thursday, Khan described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over the Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol. "This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan stated. Also read: After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act Kerala and Punjab are the two states to have already passed a resolution against the new citizenship law that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government is also mulling over moving a resolution against the new citizenship law in Maharashtra Assembly.

Kerala Governor seeks explanation from state chief secretary over government's moving SC against CAA 

The Sri Lankan government has cleared the air over Tamil superstar and politician Rajinikanth's possible visit to the island nation.&nbsp;

Namal Rajapaksa, son of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, put out a tweet denying reports that Rajinikanth has not been given a visa to the country.&nbsp;

He said that the reports of denial of visa were nothing but rumours.&nbsp;

Namal said that both he and his father are big fans of Rajinikanth and if he wished to visit Sri Lanka, there will be no hindrances.

Recently reports had emerged that the actor-turned-politician was denied a visa to Sri Lanka for some unknown reasons.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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News about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> veteran actor <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajnikanth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajnikanth</a>’s visa to enter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Srilanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Srilanka</a> been denied is nothing but a rumor. Both my father and I, like the many other Sri Lankan’s islandwise are huge fans of his films. If he wishes to visit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> there will be no hindrances. <a href="https://t.co/pGxaq6VuGy">https://t.co/pGxaq6VuGy</a>
— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajapaksaNamal/status/1218389002400731142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There was some speculation that the denial was following the visit of a Sri Lankan politician to Rajinikanth.&nbsp;

Former chief minister of Sri Lanka's northern province Justice CV Wigneswaran briefed Rajinikanth on the issues faced by Tamilians in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Tamilians are a minority in the island nation and have faced persecution at the hands of the majority Sinhalese community.

With the coming of the Rajapaksas at the helm, the domination of Sinhalas has increased. Recently practice signing of the national anthem in Tamil was also dropped.

The Sri Lankan government has cleared the air over Tamil superstar and politician Rajinikanth's possible visit to the island nation. Namal Rajapaksa, son of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, put out a tweet denying reports that Rajinikanth has not been given a visa to the country.

The Sri Lankan government has cleared the air over Tamil superstar and politician Rajinikanth's possible visit to the island nation. Namal Rajapaksa, son of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, put out a tweet denying reports that Rajinikanth has not been given a visa to the country. He said that the reports of denial of visa were nothing but rumours. Namal said that both he and his father are big fans of Rajinikanth and if he wished to visit Sri Lanka, there will be no hindrances. Recently reports had emerged that the actor-turned-politician was denied a visa to Sri Lanka for some unknown reasons. News about #Indian veteran actor #Rajnikanth’s visa to enter #Srilanka been denied is nothing but a rumor. Both my father and I, like the many other Sri Lankan’s islandwise are huge fans of his films. If he wishes to visit #lka there will be no hindrances. https://t.co/pGxaq6VuGy — Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) January 18, 2020 × There was some speculation that the denial was following the visit of a Sri Lankan politician to Rajinikanth. Former chief minister of Sri Lanka's northern province Justice CV Wigneswaran briefed Rajinikanth on the issues faced by Tamilians in Sri Lanka. Tamilians are a minority in the island nation and have faced persecution at the hands of the majority Sinhalese community. With the coming of the Rajapaksas at the helm, the domination of Sinhalas has increased. Recently practice signing of the national anthem in Tamil was also dropped.

There are no hindrances: Namal Rajapaksa on superstar Rajinikanth's visit to Sri Lanka

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US&nbsp;drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN.

With his typical dramatic flourish, Trump recounted the scene as he monitored the strikes from the White House Situation Room when Soleimani was killed.

The president spoke in a ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, at a Republican event that raised $10 million for Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and for the Republican National Committee.

Reporters were not allowed in for the event. CNN said it obtained an audio recording of Trump's remarks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/future-attack-by-terrorist-soleimani-was-imminent-trump-274079">Future attack by terrorist Soleimani was 'imminent' - Trump</a>

The Jan. 3 killing of Soleimani at Baghdad airport prompted Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against US&nbsp;forces in Iraq days later and almost triggered a broad war between the two countries.

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"They're together sir," Trump said military officials told him. "Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. 'Two minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. They're in the car, they're in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. Thirty seconds. Ten, 9, 8 ...' "

"Then all of a sudden, boom," he said. "'They're gone, sir. Cutting off.'"

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Soleimani was 'probably' planning to attack four US embassies - Donald Trump</a>

"I said, where is this guy?" Trump continued. "That was the last I heard from him."

It was the most detailed account that Trump has given of the drone strike, which has drawn criticism from some US&nbsp;lawmakers because neither the president nor his advisers have provided public information to back up their statements that Soleimani presented an "imminent" threat to Americans in the region.

CNN said that in the audio, Trump did not repeat that Soleimani was an imminent threat. Trump said Soleimani was "saying bad things about our country" before the strike, which led to his decision to authorize his killing.

"How much of this shit do we have to listen to?" Trump asked in the audio. "How much are we going to listen to?"

US President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN.

US President Donald Trump gave a minute-to-minute account of the US drone strikes that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in remarks to a Republican fund-raising dinner on Friday night, according to audio obtained by CNN. With his typical dramatic flourish, Trump recounted the scene as he monitored the strikes from the White House Situation Room when Soleimani was killed. The president spoke in a ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, at a Republican event that raised $10 million for Trump's 2020 re-election campaign and for the Republican National Committee. Reporters were not allowed in for the event. CNN said it obtained an audio recording of Trump's remarks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read: Future attack by terrorist Soleimani was 'imminent' - Trump The Jan. 3 killing of Soleimani at Baghdad airport prompted Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against US forces in Iraq days later and almost triggered a broad war between the two countries. × "They're together sir," Trump said military officials told him. "Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. 'Two minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. They're in the car, they're in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. Thirty seconds. Ten, 9, 8 ...' " "Then all of a sudden, boom," he said. "'They're gone, sir. Cutting off.'" Also read: Soleimani was 'probably' planning to attack four US embassies - Donald Trump "I said, where is this guy?" Trump continued. "That was the last I heard from him." It was the most detailed account that Trump has given of the drone strike, which has drawn criticism from some US lawmakers because neither the president nor his advisers have provided public information to back up their statements that Soleimani presented an "imminent" threat to Americans in the region. CNN said that in the audio, Trump did not repeat that Soleimani was an imminent threat. Trump said Soleimani was "saying bad things about our country" before the strike, which led to his decision to authorize his killing. "How much of this shit do we have to listen to?" Trump asked in the audio. "How much are we going to listen to?"

Trump gave dramatic account of Soleimani's last minutes before death: Report

Around 5,000 protesters are expected to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on India's Republic Day on January 26.&nbsp;

Indian diplomats and British Indians have sounded alarm bells fearing violence and damage to the Indian High Commission building in London.

According to reports, the 'Rise for Kashmir' protest will take place outside the Indian High Commission on January 26.

Sources say, all representatives of Pakistan's political parties in the UK were privy to these planned protests.

UK authorities have said they will review security arrangements closer to the protest day after being prodded by Indian diplomats in London.&nbsp;

The office of Mayor of London told WION, "The power to ban marches lies with the Home Secretary. The mayor was deeply upset about the previous violence, aggression and hostility. Anyone who acts unlawfully will be accountable to the police.”

The president of Tehreek-e-Kashmir in the UK denied that the protesters were paid or that Pakistan had any involvement.

He rather said that this is a protest by British Kashmiris and Sikhs without the involvement of any political parties, adding that there will not be any violence and that they were expecting around 2,000 to 3,000 people.

British Indians concerned about the security of the officials and the mission's building have requested the UK authorities to change the venue of these protests.

It is important to note here that it's not for the first time when protests are taking place at the Indian Embassy in London, UK.&nbsp;

Protests against the abrogation of Article 370 rocked the Embassy last year as well. The violent protests took an ugly turn when the embassy building was vandalised.

Around 5,000 protesters are expected to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on India's Republic Day on January 26. Indian diplomats and British Indians have sounded alarm bells fearing violence and damage to the Indian High Commission building in London.

Around 5,000 protesters are expected to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on India's Republic Day on January 26. Indian diplomats and British Indians have sounded alarm bells fearing violence and damage to the Indian High Commission building in London. According to reports, the 'Rise for Kashmir' protest will take place outside the Indian High Commission on January 26. Sources say, all representatives of Pakistan's political parties in the UK were privy to these planned protests. UK authorities have said they will review security arrangements closer to the protest day after being prodded by Indian diplomats in London. The office of Mayor of London told WION, "The power to ban marches lies with the Home Secretary. The mayor was deeply upset about the previous violence, aggression and hostility. Anyone who acts unlawfully will be accountable to the police.” The president of Tehreek-e-Kashmir in the UK denied that the protesters were paid or that Pakistan had any involvement. He rather said that this is a protest by British Kashmiris and Sikhs without the involvement of any political parties, adding that there will not be any violence and that they were expecting around 2,000 to 3,000 people. British Indians concerned about the security of the officials and the mission's building have requested the UK authorities to change the venue of these protests. It is important to note here that it's not for the first time when protests are taking place at the Indian Embassy in London, UK. Protests against the abrogation of Article 370 rocked the Embassy last year as well. The violent protests took an ugly turn when the embassy building was vandalised.

Fears of protests loom in London on India's Republic Day

How close is Iran to producing a nuclear bomb?

Actor Shabana Azmi, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shabana-azmi-injured-in-road-accident-on-mumbai-pune-expressway-rushed-to-hospital-275102">was injured in a road accident on Saturday</a>, is stable and under medical observation.

"Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has been admitted at Kokilaben Ambani hospital. She is stable and under observation," Dr Santosh Shetty, Executive Director and CEO of the hospital said in statement.

The actor met with a road accident on Mumbai-Pune expressway on Saturday afternoon and was shifted to Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai from MGM hospital where she was initially admitted.

According to doctors, she has suffered a head injury and there is slight damage to backbone.

The road accident occurred in the afternoon when the car in which she was travelling was involved in an accident with a truck.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Actor Shabana Azmi, who was injured in a road accident on Saturday, is stable and under medical observation. "Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has been admitted at Kokilaben Ambani hospital.

Actor Shabana Azmi, who was injured in a road accident on Saturday, is stable and under medical observation. "Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has been admitted at Kokilaben Ambani hospital. She is stable and under observation," Dr Santosh Shetty, Executive Director and CEO of the hospital said in statement. The actor met with a road accident on Mumbai-Pune expressway on Saturday afternoon and was shifted to Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai from MGM hospital where she was initially admitted. According to doctors, she has suffered a head injury and there is slight damage to backbone. The road accident occurred in the afternoon when the car in which she was travelling was involved in an accident with a truck.

Shabana Azmi injured in road accident, hospital says she is stable

The Trump administration on Friday announced a proposal for public school-lunch that reverses former First Lady Michelle Obama's healthy school food reform, that too on her birthday.&nbsp;

According to reports, the new school-lunch proposal will introduce more flexible meal options for school children, a move that critics suggest will lead to more junk making way to the children's platter.&nbsp;

The new set of rules reverses the Obama-era reform championed by Michelle Obama to tackle childhood obesity and provide healthier meals in schools.

The US Department of Agriculture made the announcement that is likely to affect nearly 30 million students at over 90,000 schools across the United States.

The proposals will enter the Federal Register on January 23 and will be open for the public to comment on for the 60 days.

US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in a statement said that the reform has been brought into place after getting feedback from districts and schools over food wastage and to devise a way to provide nutritious, appetising meals to school kids.&nbsp;

Michelle Obama’s fight against childhood obesity was translated into the 'Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010'&nbsp;which aimed at bolstering healthy eating habits in children and encouraging&nbsp;them to eat more fruits and vegetables in a day.

The reform aimed at introducing more whole grains-based meals while&nbsp;keeping a tab on portion sizes and calories for school-going kids to maintain a healthy weight.&nbsp;

According to US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, "childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health".&nbsp;

"Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high," the CDC states on its website.&nbsp;

The CDC estimates the prevalence of obesity at 18.5 per cent for children and adolescents between 2-19 years, affecting nearly 13.7 million children and adolescents.

The Trump administration on Friday announced a proposal for public school-lunch that reverses former First Lady Michelle Obama's healthy school food reform, that too on her birthday.

The Trump administration on Friday announced a proposal for public school-lunch that reverses former First Lady Michelle Obama's healthy school food reform, that too on her birthday. According to reports, the new school-lunch proposal will introduce more flexible meal options for school children, a move that critics suggest will lead to more junk making way to the children's platter. The new set of rules reverses the Obama-era reform championed by Michelle Obama to tackle childhood obesity and provide healthier meals in schools. The US Department of Agriculture made the announcement that is likely to affect nearly 30 million students at over 90,000 schools across the United States. The proposals will enter the Federal Register on January 23 and will be open for the public to comment on for the 60 days. US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in a statement said that the reform has been brought into place after getting feedback from districts and schools over food wastage and to devise a way to provide nutritious, appetising meals to school kids. Michelle Obama’s fight against childhood obesity was translated into the 'Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010' which aimed at bolstering healthy eating habits in children and encouraging them to eat more fruits and vegetables in a day. The reform aimed at introducing more whole grains-based meals while keeping a tab on portion sizes and calories for school-going kids to maintain a healthy weight. According to US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, "childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health". "Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high," the CDC states on its website. The CDC estimates the prevalence of obesity at 18.5 per cent for children and adolescents between 2-19 years, affecting nearly 13.7 million children and adolescents.

On Michelle Obama's birthday, Trump administration reverses her 'healthy' school-lunch reform

According to a survey, three Indian cities have made to the top 10 of the world's fastest-growing cities. Interestingly, all three cities are from the South Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;

According to the survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Kerala's Malappuram tops the list as world's fastest-growing city, Kozhikode stands on the fourth spot and scenic Kollam bags the tenth spot.&nbsp;

Other Indian cities on the list include Kerala's Thrissur at number 13, Gujarat's Surat at the 27th spot and Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur at 30th position.&nbsp;

The top five fastest cities in the world include Can Tho in Vietnam, China's Suqian and Abuja in Nigeria.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alphabet-googles-parent-company-now-a-1-trillion-enterprise-fourth-us-company-to-achieve-this-feat-274982">Alphabet, Google's parent company now a $1 trillion enterprise; fourth US company to achieve the feat</a>

Industrialist Anand Mahindra took note of the report and tweeted out saying, "Good to see that the fastest growing in India are not the monster metropolises, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata etc. When smaller towns &amp; cities grow it signals that a wider distribution of wealth &amp; job opportunities is underway. We need more smaller towns to Rise!"

Last year, according to a study, the world's fastest-growing cities by GDP between 2019 and 2035 were predicted to be in India.

Research institute Oxford Economics found that Surat will have the world's fastest economic growth in the world followed by Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Nagpur.&nbsp;

According to a survey, three Indian cities have made to the top 10 of the world's fastest-growing cities. Interestingly, all three cities are from the South Indian state of Kerala.

According to a survey, three Indian cities have made to the top 10 of the world's fastest-growing cities. Interestingly, all three cities are from the South Indian state of Kerala. According to the survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Kerala's Malappuram tops the list as world's fastest-growing city, Kozhikode stands on the fourth spot and scenic Kollam bags the tenth spot. Other Indian cities on the list include Kerala's Thrissur at number 13, Gujarat's Surat at the 27th spot and Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur at 30th position. The top five fastest cities in the world include Can Tho in Vietnam, China's Suqian and Abuja in Nigeria. Also read: Alphabet, Google's parent company now a $1 trillion enterprise; fourth US company to achieve the feat Industrialist Anand Mahindra took note of the report and tweeted out saying, "Good to see that the fastest growing in India are not the monster metropolises, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata etc. When smaller towns & cities grow it signals that a wider distribution of wealth & job opportunities is underway. We need more smaller towns to Rise!" Last year, according to a study, the world's fastest-growing cities by GDP between 2019 and 2035 were predicted to be in India. Research institute Oxford Economics found that Surat will have the world's fastest economic growth in the world followed by Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Nagpur.

Survey reveals three of world's top 10 fastest-growing cities are from Kerala

According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year.&nbsp;

On number three, Norway retained its spot the same as last year followed by Canada and Netherlands.&nbsp;

While Australia is the ninth-best place in the world to raise children, the United Kingdom stood at number 11. The United States was ranked 18th on the list.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/survey-reveals-three-of-worlds-top-10-fastest-growing-cities-are-from-kerala-275133">Survey reveals three of world's top 10 fastest-growing cities are from Kerala</a>

Some cheer was in store for India as it moved up from last year's 65th spot to 59th position this year.&nbsp;

The survey, titled Best Countries Report, is being conducted annually since 2016 by US News &amp; World Report and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-announces-free-fertility-treatment-to-couples-in-a-bid-to-boost-its-declining-population-273629">Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population</a>

The survey on determining the best countries for raising children is done keeping in mind attributes like human rights, family-friendly environment, status on gender equality, income equality, safety and the state of public education and health care systems in countries across the globe.

According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year.

According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year. On number three, Norway retained its spot the same as last year followed by Canada and Netherlands. While Australia is the ninth-best place in the world to raise children, the United Kingdom stood at number 11. The United States was ranked 18th on the list. Also read: Survey reveals three of world's top 10 fastest-growing cities are from Kerala Some cheer was in store for India as it moved up from last year's 65th spot to 59th position this year. The survey, titled Best Countries Report, is being conducted annually since 2016 by US News & World Report and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Also read: Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population The survey on determining the best countries for raising children is done keeping in mind attributes like human rights, family-friendly environment, status on gender equality, income equality, safety and the state of public education and health care systems in countries across the globe.

Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot

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