Governor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooter-among-one-dead-in-texas-church-attack-270896">Greg Abbott</a> of&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;on Friday became the&nbsp;first&nbsp;governor in the United&nbsp;States to&nbsp;refuse&nbsp;to accept&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;under&nbsp;an executive&nbsp;order&nbsp;requiring local jurisdictions to actively opt into the federal resettlement program.

The decision is a major blow to the program since&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;is the largest recipient of&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;in the country.

"At this time, the&nbsp;state&nbsp;and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including&nbsp;refugees, migrants and the homeless," Abbott, a Republican, said in his letter to the US&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department.

"As a result,&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;cannot consent," to refugee resettlement this fiscal year, he said.

A&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department official said the executive&nbsp;order&nbsp;signed by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-under-pressure-at-home-over-plane-crash-warns-iran-world-is-watching-273502">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;only affects the federal government’s decision about where to place&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;immediately after they arrive. It does not apply to a refugee's spouse or unmarried children&nbsp;under&nbsp;21 who are being admitted to join them in the United&nbsp;States, the official said.

Refugees&nbsp;who are initially settled in another US&nbsp;state&nbsp;can subsequently move to&nbsp;Texas, but they would not have access to federal resettlement benefits, such as housing, there, resettlement agencies say.

"This is a deeply disappointing decision," said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and chief executive officer of the resettlement agency Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). "Historically,&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;has served as a beacon of hope for&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;from across the globe."

So far, 41 governors,18 of them Republican and at least seven dozen local officials have consented to resettlement, according to an LIRS tally.

Florida and Georgia, other major recipients of&nbsp;refugees, have so far remained silent on their stance. The governor's office in Florida said it was still reviewing the issue and Georgia declined to comment.

Cutting immigration has been a centrepiece of&nbsp;Trump's presidency and 2020 re-election campaign. One of his&nbsp;first&nbsp;acts after assuming office in January 2017 was to issue an&nbsp;order&nbsp;capping the maximum number of&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;that year at 50,000. Since then, the cap has been slashed every year.

Trump&nbsp;set a ceiling of 18,000 refugee admissions for this year, the lowest level since the modern refugee program began in 1980. By contrast, former Democratic President Barack Obama proposed resettling 110,000&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;in the 2017 fiscal year ending in September.

Approximately 2,500&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;were resettled in&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;in the 2019 fiscal year, down 70 per cent from fiscal 2016, according to&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department data.

The administration has said the consent requirement, signed in September, aimed to ensure receiving communities have the resources to integrate&nbsp;refugees.

But refugee resettlement groups have argued that giving local governors and mayors a veto over whom they accept is unconstitutional and would disrupt the way they work.

Three of the nine national resettlement agencies sued the&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;administration in federal court in an effort to block the&nbsp;order&nbsp;from being implemented.

Arguments in the case were held this week, and US&nbsp;District Judge Peter Messitte in Greenbelt, Maryland, appointed by former Democratic President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-leader-ready-to-pass-impeachment-trial-rules-without-democrats-272835">Bill Clinton</a>, could rule on the case soon.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas on Friday became the first governor in the United States to refuse to accept refugees under an executive order requiring local jurisdictions to actively opt into the federal resettlement program.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas on Friday became the first governor in the United States to refuse to accept refugees under an executive order requiring local jurisdictions to actively opt into the federal resettlement program. The decision is a major blow to the program since Texas is the largest recipient of refugees in the country. "At this time, the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants and the homeless," Abbott, a Republican, said in his letter to the US State Department. "As a result, Texas cannot consent," to refugee resettlement this fiscal year, he said. A State Department official said the executive order signed by President Donald Trump only affects the federal government’s decision about where to place refugees immediately after they arrive. It does not apply to a refugee's spouse or unmarried children under 21 who are being admitted to join them in the United States, the official said. Refugees who are initially settled in another US state can subsequently move to Texas, but they would not have access to federal resettlement benefits, such as housing, there, resettlement agencies say. "This is a deeply disappointing decision," said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and chief executive officer of the resettlement agency Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). "Historically, Texas has served as a beacon of hope for refugees from across the globe." So far, 41 governors,18 of them Republican and at least seven dozen local officials have consented to resettlement, according to an LIRS tally. Florida and Georgia, other major recipients of refugees, have so far remained silent on their stance. The governor's office in Florida said it was still reviewing the issue and Georgia declined to comment. Cutting immigration has been a centrepiece of Trump's presidency and 2020 re-election campaign. One of his first acts after assuming office in January 2017 was to issue an order capping the maximum number of refugees that year at 50,000. Since then, the cap has been slashed every year. Trump set a ceiling of 18,000 refugee admissions for this year, the lowest level since the modern refugee program began in 1980. By contrast, former Democratic President Barack Obama proposed resettling 110,000 refugees in the 2017 fiscal year ending in September. Approximately 2,500 refugees were resettled in Texas in the 2019 fiscal year, down 70 per cent from fiscal 2016, according to State Department data. The administration has said the consent requirement, signed in September, aimed to ensure receiving communities have the resources to integrate refugees. But refugee resettlement groups have argued that giving local governors and mayors a veto over whom they accept is unconstitutional and would disrupt the way they work. Three of the nine national resettlement agencies sued the Trump administration in federal court in an effort to block the order from being implemented. Arguments in the case were held this week, and US District Judge Peter Messitte in Greenbelt, Maryland, appointed by former Democratic President Bill Clinton, could rule on the case soon.

Texas becomes first US state to refuse refugees under Trump order

Oman's ailing Sultan Qaboos bin Said, one of the Middle East's longest serving rulers, died on Friday and the Gulf state's high military council called on the ruling family to convene to choose a successor, state media said.

Three days of official mourning have been declared with flags flown at half-mast for 40 days, for the Western-backed Qaboos, 79, who had ruled since taking over in a bloodless coup in 1970 with the help of former colonial power Britain.

State news agency ONA did not give a cause of death, but Qaboos had been unwell for years and spent a week in Belgium undergoing medical treatment in early December.

Qaboos had no children and had not publicly appointed a successor. A 1996 statute says the ruling family will choose a successor within three days of the throne becoming vacant.

The high military council, in a statement carried on state media on Saturday, called on Oman's ruling family council to convene to choose a new ruler.

If the council fails to agree, a council of military and security officials, supreme court chiefs and heads of the two consultative assemblies will put in power the person whose name has been secretly written by the sultan in a sealed letter.

There has been wide speculation over the succession as domestic challenges loom large, from strained state finances to high unemployment.

Oman observers say the sultan's three cousins - Assad, Shihab and Haitham bin Tariq al-Said - stand the best chance.

"I imagine that the succession itself will be a smooth process within Oman," Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of the Texas-based Rice University's Baker Institute told Reuters.

"But the wildcard is whether any of Oman's neighbours might try to pressure the new sultan as he settles into power - just as the Saudis and Emiratis tried to pressure Emir Tamim in the weeks and months after he assumed power in Qatar in 2013."

Diplomacy

Oman has long been to the Middle East what neutral Switzerland is to global diplomacy, balancing ties between two vast neighbours locked in a regional struggle, Saudi Arabia to the west and Iran to the north.

Muscat did not take sides in a Gulf dispute that saw Riyadh and its allies impose a boycott on Qatar in mid-2017 and did not join a Saudi-led military coalition that intervened in Yemen against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

The sultan's death comes at a time of heightened tension in the region between Iran and the United States.

Oman maintains friendly ties with Washington and Tehran and helped mediate secret U.S.-Iran talks in 2013 that led two years later to the international nuclear pact which Washington quit in 2018.

Oman's diplomatic centrality has been a factor of Qaboos' personality, said Simon Henderson, director of the Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

"It is hard to see how Oman can involve itself in the Yemen, Iran and Qatar issues until a new leader has established himself - which means for the foreseeable future."

Oman's ailing Sultan Qaboos bin Said, one of the Middle East's longest serving rulers, died on Friday and the Gulf state's high military council called on the ruling family to convene to choose a successor, state media said.

Oman's ailing Sultan Qaboos bin Said, one of the Middle East's longest serving rulers, died on Friday and the Gulf state's high military council called on the ruling family to convene to choose a successor, state media said. Three days of official mourning have been declared with flags flown at half-mast for 40 days, for the Western-backed Qaboos, 79, who had ruled since taking over in a bloodless coup in 1970 with the help of former colonial power Britain. State news agency ONA did not give a cause of death, but Qaboos had been unwell for years and spent a week in Belgium undergoing medical treatment in early December. Qaboos had no children and had not publicly appointed a successor. A 1996 statute says the ruling family will choose a successor within three days of the throne becoming vacant. The high military council, in a statement carried on state media on Saturday, called on Oman's ruling family council to convene to choose a new ruler. If the council fails to agree, a council of military and security officials, supreme court chiefs and heads of the two consultative assemblies will put in power the person whose name has been secretly written by the sultan in a sealed letter. There has been wide speculation over the succession as domestic challenges loom large, from strained state finances to high unemployment. Oman observers say the sultan's three cousins - Assad, Shihab and Haitham bin Tariq al-Said - stand the best chance. "I imagine that the succession itself will be a smooth process within Oman," Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of the Texas-based Rice University's Baker Institute told Reuters. "But the wildcard is whether any of Oman's neighbours might try to pressure the new sultan as he settles into power - just as the Saudis and Emiratis tried to pressure Emir Tamim in the weeks and months after he assumed power in Qatar in 2013." Diplomacy Oman has long been to the Middle East what neutral Switzerland is to global diplomacy, balancing ties between two vast neighbours locked in a regional struggle, Saudi Arabia to the west and Iran to the north. Muscat did not take sides in a Gulf dispute that saw Riyadh and its allies impose a boycott on Qatar in mid-2017 and did not join a Saudi-led military coalition that intervened in Yemen against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The sultan's death comes at a time of heightened tension in the region between Iran and the United States. Oman maintains friendly ties with Washington and Tehran and helped mediate secret U.S.-Iran talks in 2013 that led two years later to the international nuclear pact which Washington quit in 2018. Oman's diplomatic centrality has been a factor of Qaboos' personality, said Simon Henderson, director of the Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "It is hard to see how Oman can involve itself in the Yemen, Iran and Qatar issues until a new leader has established himself - which means for the foreseeable future."

Oman's Sultan Qaboos dies; council starts succession process

The Canadian government, under pressure at home to be tougher on Iran over intelligence reports it shot down a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">passenger jet</a>, on Friday reiterated calls for a full probe into the disaster and warned Tehran that "the world is watching".

Friends and families of some of the Canadians killed when a Ukrainian airliner crashed outside Tehran are demanding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau take a harder stance after accusing Iran of downing the plane, albeit probably by mistake. Iran denies the charge.

"Time will tell and the world is watching," said Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne when asked whether Iran was conducting its probe into what happened in good faith.

"I think transparency is what the international community is looking for now," he told a news conference.

Champagne said Ottawa now thought 57 Canadians died in the crash, down from an initial 63, and said an emergency task force was being created to help the families of the victims.

While Trudeau faces pressure at home to respond strongly, he has few options, especially after Canada broke off diplomatic relations with Tehran in 2012. Iran has said it will allow Canadian, US&nbsp;and other international officials to participate in the investigation into Wednesday's crash.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">Ukraine gets access to crashed plane's black boxes, says foreign minister</a>

The prime minister "completely misses the point" when he does not condemn the Iranian government, said Ali Ashtari, 39, a data scientist from Toronto who lost a friend in the crash.

Ashtari said Canada should designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions on them. The government already lists the IRGC's overseas arm, the Quds Force, as a terrorist group.

"This is the minimum that we want from the government," Ashtari said at a vigil in Toronto. "Otherwise it's just giving speech with teary eyes, it gives nothing."

Trudeau said Ottawa had demanded Canadian access to Iran to provide consular services, identify victims and participate in the crash investigation.

Champagne said Iran had granted two visas so far to Canadian officials.

The crash on Wednesday, which killed all 176 people on board, occurred as Iran was on alert for possible reprisals after it launched missiles on bases housing US&nbsp;troops in Iraq.

"We would just urge him (Trudeau) to use all his power to find out what really happened and hold the responsible accountable," Amir Arsalani, who lost his sister, her husband and their one-year-old daughter, told Reuters.

Trudeau sidestepped questions on Thursday as to whether the United States should be held at least partially responsible given that Iran's attack on US&nbsp;forces was in retaliation for a US drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, former Quds Force leader.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. cited two government sources as saying Washington should have warned Canada in advance about the drone strike. Ottawa also wants a more thorough explanation of the thinking behind the attack, they added.

Champagne did not answer questions about whether Canada should have been warned.

Ottawa is focusing in talks with allies on how it can play as large a role as possible in the probe rather than expressing anger against either Iran or the United States, according to three sources familiar with the private conversations.

"There has been no fingerpointing or blame at this stage," said one of the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

Relations between Trudeau and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump are formal at best, with Trudeau last month caught on camera joking about Trump, and the president calling him "two-faced".

There was no benefit to the government to further sour relations by making "a big public statement" about the United States, said Stephanie Carvin, a former national security analyst and international relations professor at Carleton University in Ottawa.

Ottawa's best option for now was to persuade like-minded nations to put pressure on Iran, she added.

Champagne said Canada had formed a coordinating group with Britain, Ukraine, Sweden and Afghanistan to help the families of the victims and pressure Iran for a full probe.

Trudeau has few ways to punish Iran in the short term. Bilateral trade - already limited by sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program - totalled just over C$200 million in 2018.

Trudeau was due to meet privately with family members of the victims in Toronto on Friday.

The Canadian government, under pressure at home to be tougher on Iran over intelligence reports it shot down a passenger jet, on Friday reiterated calls for a full probe into the disaster and warned Tehran that "the world is watching".

The Canadian government, under pressure at home to be tougher on Iran over intelligence reports it shot down a passenger jet, on Friday reiterated calls for a full probe into the disaster and warned Tehran that "the world is watching". Friends and families of some of the Canadians killed when a Ukrainian airliner crashed outside Tehran are demanding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau take a harder stance after accusing Iran of downing the plane, albeit probably by mistake. Iran denies the charge. "Time will tell and the world is watching," said Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne when asked whether Iran was conducting its probe into what happened in good faith. "I think transparency is what the international community is looking for now," he told a news conference. Champagne said Ottawa now thought 57 Canadians died in the crash, down from an initial 63, and said an emergency task force was being created to help the families of the victims. While Trudeau faces pressure at home to respond strongly, he has few options, especially after Canada broke off diplomatic relations with Tehran in 2012. Iran has said it will allow Canadian, US and other international officials to participate in the investigation into Wednesday's crash. Also read: Ukraine gets access to crashed plane's black boxes, says foreign minister The prime minister "completely misses the point" when he does not condemn the Iranian government, said Ali Ashtari, 39, a data scientist from Toronto who lost a friend in the crash. Ashtari said Canada should designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions on them. The government already lists the IRGC's overseas arm, the Quds Force, as a terrorist group. "This is the minimum that we want from the government," Ashtari said at a vigil in Toronto. "Otherwise it's just giving speech with teary eyes, it gives nothing." Trudeau said Ottawa had demanded Canadian access to Iran to provide consular services, identify victims and participate in the crash investigation. Champagne said Iran had granted two visas so far to Canadian officials. The crash on Wednesday, which killed all 176 people on board, occurred as Iran was on alert for possible reprisals after it launched missiles on bases housing US troops in Iraq. "We would just urge him (Trudeau) to use all his power to find out what really happened and hold the responsible accountable," Amir Arsalani, who lost his sister, her husband and their one-year-old daughter, told Reuters. Trudeau sidestepped questions on Thursday as to whether the United States should be held at least partially responsible given that Iran's attack on US forces was in retaliation for a US drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, former Quds Force leader. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. cited two government sources as saying Washington should have warned Canada in advance about the drone strike. Ottawa also wants a more thorough explanation of the thinking behind the attack, they added. Champagne did not answer questions about whether Canada should have been warned. Ottawa is focusing in talks with allies on how it can play as large a role as possible in the probe rather than expressing anger against either Iran or the United States, according to three sources familiar with the private conversations. "There has been no fingerpointing or blame at this stage," said one of the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Relations between Trudeau and US President Donald Trump are formal at best, with Trudeau last month caught on camera joking about Trump, and the president calling him "two-faced". There was no benefit to the government to further sour relations by making "a big public statement" about the United States, said Stephanie Carvin, a former national security analyst and international relations professor at Carleton University in Ottawa. Ottawa's best option for now was to persuade like-minded nations to put pressure on Iran, she added. Champagne said Canada had formed a coordinating group with Britain, Ukraine, Sweden and Afghanistan to help the families of the victims and pressure Iran for a full probe. Trudeau has few ways to punish Iran in the short term. Bilateral trade - already limited by sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program - totalled just over C$200 million in 2018. Trudeau was due to meet privately with family members of the victims in Toronto on Friday.

Canada, under pressure at home over plane crash, warns Iran world is watching

In a bid to boost its declining population, the Hungarian Prime Minister has announced that the government will provide free fertility treatment to childless couples.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Viktor Orban made the announcement earlier this week. His government has already taken over as many as six fertility clinics that will provide free IVF treatment to couples starting February 1.

Hungarian families with four or more children already receive some tax exemption. PM Orban is now mulling over the idea to extend tax exemptions to families with three children.

Hungary's population has been dwindling for over four decades now. PM Orban, a right-wing leader, advocates&nbsp;'procreation over immigration' policy and wants to look at ways closer to home for boosting population than calling for more migrants to settle in.&nbsp;

Hungary has a population of around 9.8 million which is expected to drop to around 8 million by 2050.&nbsp;

PM Orban hopes the fertility drive would add additional 4,000 births to the country's population in the next two years.&nbsp;

In a bid to boost its declining population, the Hungarian Prime Minister has announced that the government will provide free fertility treatment to childless couples.

In a bid to boost its declining population, the Hungarian Prime Minister has announced that the government will provide free fertility treatment to childless couples. Prime Minister Viktor Orban made the announcement earlier this week. His government has already taken over as many as six fertility clinics that will provide free IVF treatment to couples starting February 1. Hungarian families with four or more children already receive some tax exemption. PM Orban is now mulling over the idea to extend tax exemptions to families with three children. Hungary's population has been dwindling for over four decades now. PM Orban, a right-wing leader, advocates 'procreation over immigration' policy and wants to look at ways closer to home for boosting population than calling for more migrants to settle in. Hungary has a population of around 9.8 million which is expected to drop to around 8 million by 2050. PM Orban hopes the fertility drive would add additional 4,000 births to the country's population in the next two years.

Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population

United States federal agency, <a href="wionews.com/world/hopes-for-many-battling-chronic-pain-as-scientists-discover-technique-to-silence-pain-gene-272255">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> has issued a 'level-two' travel alert which requires visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination for traveling to polio-endemic countries.

The agency wants to prevent the virus from spreading to other countries.

According to the CDC, Asian countries that have reported polio outbreaks other than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-import-polio-markers-from-india-price-of-89-medicines-reduced-by-15-270164">Pakistan</a> are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, China, &nbsp;Papua New Guinea, Philippines and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-records-first-case-of-polio-after-three-decades-266974">Malaysia</a>.

According to the travel alert, adults who have been vaccinated for polio in their childhood would need a single dose of polio vaccine before traveling to these polio-endemic nations. Such individuals would now need the adult booster dose - Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) booster - before traveling to these countries, the CDC recommends.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-has-ill-effects-on-health-but-not-enough-funding-world-health-organisation-265954">World Health Organisation</a> has asked visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination before leaving such polio-endemic countries.

United States federal agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a 'level-two' travel alert which requires visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination for traveling to polio-endemic countries.

United States federal agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a 'level-two' travel alert which requires visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination for traveling to polio-endemic countries. The agency wants to prevent the virus from spreading to other countries. According to the CDC, Asian countries that have reported polio outbreaks other than Pakistan are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, China, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Malaysia. According to the travel alert, adults who have been vaccinated for polio in their childhood would need a single dose of polio vaccine before traveling to these polio-endemic nations. Such individuals would now need the adult booster dose - Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) booster - before traveling to these countries, the CDC recommends. The World Health Organisation has asked visitors to show evidence of polio vaccination before leaving such polio-endemic countries.

US federal agency issues travel alert for Pakistan, other polio-endemic countries

Both the Northern and Western borders with China and Pakistan respectively require equal attention presently, and it is in that context that the rebalancing is taking place, said Army Chief General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-much-better-prepared-today-than-before-army-chief-general-naravane-273557">Manoj Mukund Naravane</a> on Saturday.

"We have perspective plans and we continuously monitor and evaluate the likely threats and challenges which are going to develop. At one point in time, it was more towards the western front, but we feel now that both the western and northern fronts are equally important, and it is in that context that the rebalancing is taking place," the Army Chief said.

Speaking on Army's preparedness for a two-front war, Naravane said, "In case of threat from both fronts, there'll be a primary and secondary front. Wherever there is a primary front, we'll deploy the bulk of forces. On the secondary front, we'll ensure we aren't found wanting. That's why we've dual front task forces''.

"In response to a question from ANI about the importance of Siachen in this regard, the Army Chief said: " <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-brave-indian-soldiers-survive-in-siachen-worlds-highest-battlefield-271189">Siachen</a> is very important to us. In fact, that is one area where one formation is looking after both the western and northern front. And that is what makes it strategically important. It is from there where collusion can happen."

The Army Chief announced that there would soon be a hotline between Indian Director General Military Operations and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-avoid-flare-ups-on-border-india-china-armies-to-attempt-to-set-up-hotline-157179">Chinese</a> Western Command.&nbsp;

Both the Northern and Western borders with China and Pakistan respectively require equal attention presently, and it is in that context that the rebalancing is taking place, said Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday.

Both the Northern and Western borders with China and Pakistan respectively require equal attention presently, and it is in that context that the rebalancing is taking place, said Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday. "We have perspective plans and we continuously monitor and evaluate the likely threats and challenges which are going to develop. At one point in time, it was more towards the western front, but we feel now that both the western and northern fronts are equally important, and it is in that context that the rebalancing is taking place," the Army Chief said. Speaking on Army's preparedness for a two-front war, Naravane said, "In case of threat from both fronts, there'll be a primary and secondary front. Wherever there is a primary front, we'll deploy the bulk of forces. On the secondary front, we'll ensure we aren't found wanting. That's why we've dual front task forces''. "In response to a question from ANI about the importance of Siachen in this regard, the Army Chief said: " Siachen is very important to us. In fact, that is one area where one formation is looking after both the western and northern front. And that is what makes it strategically important. It is from there where collusion can happen." The Army Chief announced that there would soon be a hotline between Indian Director General Military Operations and the Chinese Western Command.

Rebalancing needed as both Western, Northern fronts require equal attention: Army Chief

BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday said that restrictions in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-15-foreign-envoys-to-tour-jammu-and-kashmir-on-thursday-eu-envoys-next-273050">Jammu and Kashmir</a> are being lifted in a phased manner and the UT is like any other part of the country now.

"There were two major restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. One was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-amid-internet-shutdown-terrorists-increase-use-of-satellite-phones-265291">internet services</a> that is about to be restored. The other was leaders under detention; regarding that government will be releasing 20-25 leaders in phases. Jammu and Kashmir is like any other part of the country now," Madhav told reporters here.

"Regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, some people were trying to create a false picture. To dispel this, the government took the step to invite a foreign delegation to observe the situation there. According to the situation there, the government will take further steps," he added.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-review-on-all-restrictive-orders-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-article-370-abrogation-273307">Supreme Court</a> on Friday directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review the restrictive orders imposed in the region within a week.

As part of moves to progressively release detainees in Jammu and Kashmir, the government on Friday revoked the detention warrants of 26 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Several mainstream leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti are under detention following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-foreign-medias-india-bias-249191">abrogation</a> of Article 370.

Speaking about the situation in Jawaharlal Nehru University (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masked-goons-attack-students-teachers-on-jnu-campus-many-injured-272344">JNU</a>), Madhav said: "The violence in JNU was started by the leftist elements. For decades JNU has been ravaged by leftist elements and the students there have been exploited by them. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sundays-attack-was-orchestrated-by-rss-affiliated-professors-and-abvp-jnusu-president-272561">ABVP</a> has clearly said that the people who did violence in JNU have nothing to do with the organisation."

Regarding the citizenship law, the BJP leader said: "The government has issued a gazette notification regarding the citizenship law and further steps will be taken accordingly. The Citizenship Amendment Act (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">CAA</a>) is now a part of the constitution and if some Chief Ministers are saying that they would not implement the law in their states are disobeying the constitution. The people there should vote them out in the next election."

BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday said that restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir are being lifted in a phased manner and the UT is like any other part of the country now.

BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday said that restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir are being lifted in a phased manner and the UT is like any other part of the country now. "There were two major restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. One was the internet services that is about to be restored. The other was leaders under detention; regarding that government will be releasing 20-25 leaders in phases. Jammu and Kashmir is like any other part of the country now," Madhav told reporters here. "Regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, some people were trying to create a false picture. To dispel this, the government took the step to invite a foreign delegation to observe the situation there. According to the situation there, the government will take further steps," he added. The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review the restrictive orders imposed in the region within a week. As part of moves to progressively release detainees in Jammu and Kashmir, the government on Friday revoked the detention warrants of 26 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Several mainstream leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti are under detention following the abrogation of Article 370. Speaking about the situation in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Madhav said: "The violence in JNU was started by the leftist elements. For decades JNU has been ravaged by leftist elements and the students there have been exploited by them. ABVP has clearly said that the people who did violence in JNU have nothing to do with the organisation." Regarding the citizenship law, the BJP leader said: "The government has issued a gazette notification regarding the citizenship law and further steps will be taken accordingly. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is now a part of the constitution and if some Chief Ministers are saying that they would not implement the law in their states are disobeying the constitution. The people there should vote them out in the next election."

Restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir being removed in phased manner: Ram Madhav

Union Home Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-blames-aap-congress-for-recent-riots-272522"> Amit Shah</a> on Saturday reiterated that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">Citizenship Amendment&nbsp;Act</a> was enacted to give citizenship and not take it away, while also urging people to steer clear of opposition parties who are "spreading lies".

"No citizenship can be taken away by the Citizenship Amendment&nbsp;Act. It was only enacted to grant citizenship. The opposition parties are spreading lies. I only want people of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/gujarats-contribution-to-india-600#gujarat-contributes-73-per-cent-to-the-national-gdp-60942">Gujarat</a> to stay away from such people," Shah said, pursuant to inaugurating VISWAS and Cyber Aashvast Project in Gujarat's Gandhinagar.

The newly-enacted law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Protests have been happening across the country ever since the law received the presidential assent last month.

The Union Minister added that technology can play an "important role in controlling the law and order situation" in the country."VISWAS and AASHVAST have been kick-started. It has a network of CCTV cameras which will be immensely helpful for the Gujarat Police," Shah said.

He said that cybercrime will be curbed with the help of Aashvast Project.

Shah had yesterday inaugurated the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to fight cybercrimes and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal through which people can report cyber crimes online.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reiterated that the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted to give citizenship and not take it away, while also urging people to steer clear of opposition parties who are "spreading lies".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reiterated that the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted to give citizenship and not take it away, while also urging people to steer clear of opposition parties who are "spreading lies". "No citizenship can be taken away by the Citizenship Amendment Act. It was only enacted to grant citizenship. The opposition parties are spreading lies. I only want people of Gujarat to stay away from such people," Shah said, pursuant to inaugurating VISWAS and Cyber Aashvast Project in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. The newly-enacted law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Protests have been happening across the country ever since the law received the presidential assent last month. The Union Minister added that technology can play an "important role in controlling the law and order situation" in the country."VISWAS and AASHVAST have been kick-started. It has a network of CCTV cameras which will be immensely helpful for the Gujarat Police," Shah said. He said that cybercrime will be curbed with the help of Aashvast Project. Shah had yesterday inaugurated the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to fight cybercrimes and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal through which people can report cyber crimes online.

Citizenship Amendment Act will not take away citizenship: Amit Shah

According to a report published in British media, social networking giant Facebook has been dragged to the court by its employees for allegedly timing their breaks, even the time they take to go the toilet.&nbsp;

The news comes from Facebook's European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland wherein scores of former employees, working as content moderators, have alleged working in a strict environment with senior managers timing their toilet breaks and requiring them to log in and out every time they step away from their desks.

The employees in question worked as content moderators and looked for sensitive, illegal, pornographic or child abuse content.&nbsp;

In defence, a company spokesperson rubbished the news and said that no employee has any quota of work or any restriction on the breaks that they take. The official added that the system which is in place is to help plan "staffing schedules" and ensure that the employees get time for their training and "well-being breaks".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-says-investigating-data-exposure-of-267-million-users-269245">Profiles of 267 million users exposed, Facebook says investigating personal data leak</a>

Mark Zuckerberg-led social media platform has been trying very hard to curb the growing menace of inappropriate content online, especially on his platform.&nbsp;

Just last month, Facebook said that it is trying to investigate a report that a database containing names and phone numbers of over two hundred million users was exposed online.

The database was made available for download in December 2019, on an online hacker forum that belonged to a criminal group, according to a blog post on the website Comparitech.

According to a report published in British media, social networking giant Facebook has been dragged to the court by its employees for allegedly timing their breaks, even the time they take to go the toilet.

According to a report published in British media, social networking giant Facebook has been dragged to the court by its employees for allegedly timing their breaks, even the time they take to go the toilet. The news comes from Facebook's European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland wherein scores of former employees, working as content moderators, have alleged working in a strict environment with senior managers timing their toilet breaks and requiring them to log in and out every time they step away from their desks. The employees in question worked as content moderators and looked for sensitive, illegal, pornographic or child abuse content. In defence, a company spokesperson rubbished the news and said that no employee has any quota of work or any restriction on the breaks that they take. The official added that the system which is in place is to help plan "staffing schedules" and ensure that the employees get time for their training and "well-being breaks". Also read: Profiles of 267 million users exposed, Facebook says investigating personal data leak Mark Zuckerberg-led social media platform has been trying very hard to curb the growing menace of inappropriate content online, especially on his platform. Just last month, Facebook said that it is trying to investigate a report that a database containing names and phone numbers of over two hundred million users was exposed online. The database was made available for download in December 2019, on an online hacker forum that belonged to a criminal group, according to a blog post on the website Comparitech.

Facebook allegedly monitors moderators' time off, even toilet breaks

Air Chief Marshal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-chief-inducts-fis-dornier-aircraft-into-number-41-squadron-271304">RKS Bhadauria</a> said on Saturday that a new Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron is being inducted at Thanjavur and it will hugely enhance the operational capability of IAF.

"In Thanjavur, we are forming a new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-signs-rs-1500-crore-deal-for-air-to-air-missiles-for-su-30-fighters-239257">Su-30</a> squadron that will primarily have a maritime role. They will be the part of southern air command and will add huge capacity from the point of view of operational capability," said Bhadauria.

"It will also have offensive and defensive roles that these aircraft can perform," said Bhadauria.

The 222 Squadron <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ins-kalvari-a-game-changer-in-south-asia-612">'The Tigersharks'</a> of Indian Air Force&nbsp;was resurrected on Wednesday with state of the art Su-30 MKI Multirole Fighter aircraft, the Indian Air Force&nbsp;said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Resurrection?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Resurrection</a>: 222 Sqn 'The Tigersharks' got resurrected today with state of the art Su-30 MKI Multirole Fighter aircraft. Raised on 15 Sep 69 with Su-7, the Sqn was later equipped with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiG27?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiG27</a> Ground Attack Aircraft prior to getting numberplated in 2011.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> <a href="https://t.co/eUZunY3EQl">pic.twitter.com/eUZunY3EQl</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1212366925247811584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"#Resurrection: 222 Sqn 'The Tigersharks' got resurrected today with state of the art <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-su-30-mki-jets-to-participate-in-indo-french-aerial-war-exercise-231501">Su-30 MKI</a> Multirole Fighter aircraft. Raised on 15 Sep 69 with Su-7, the Sqn was later equipped with #MiG27 Ground Attack Aircraft prior to getting number-plated in 2011." IAF had said in a tweet.

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Saturday that a new Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron is being inducted at Thanjavur and it will hugely enhance the operational capability of IAF.

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Saturday that a new Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft squadron is being inducted at Thanjavur and it will hugely enhance the operational capability of IAF. "In Thanjavur, we are forming a new Su-30 squadron that will primarily have a maritime role. They will be the part of southern air command and will add huge capacity from the point of view of operational capability," said Bhadauria. "It will also have offensive and defensive roles that these aircraft can perform," said Bhadauria. The 222 Squadron 'The Tigersharks' of Indian Air Force was resurrected on Wednesday with state of the art Su-30 MKI Multirole Fighter aircraft, the Indian Air Force said. #Resurrection: 222 Sqn 'The Tigersharks' got resurrected today with state of the art Su-30 MKI Multirole Fighter aircraft. Raised on 15 Sep 69 with Su-7, the Sqn was later equipped with #MiG27 Ground Attack Aircraft prior to getting numberplated in 2011.#IAF #IndianAirForce pic.twitter.com/eUZunY3EQl — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 1, 2020 × "#Resurrection: 222 Sqn 'The Tigersharks' got resurrected today with state of the art Su-30 MKI Multirole Fighter aircraft. Raised on 15 Sep 69 with Su-7, the Sqn was later equipped with #MiG27 Ground Attack Aircraft prior to getting number-plated in 2011." IAF had said in a tweet.

Su-30 squadron will hugely enhance operational capabilities: Air Chief Bhadauria

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-at-mercy-of-politics-in-2020-experts-warn-273582">Brexit</a>.

The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme.

Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended.

Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an&nbsp;agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday.

The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-general-election-a-look-at-possible-outcomes-of-the-uk-vote-267764">Sinn Fein</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-britain-heads-to-polls-a-glance-at-last-three-elections-267767">Democratic Unionist Party</a> (DUP) came to terms.

"Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters.

"We're ready to do business," she said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced".

"We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said.

The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios

The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government.

Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill&nbsp;would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women.

European Commission President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-years-of-arguments-british-mps-set-to-finally-seal-brexit-deal-273199">Ursula von der Leyen</a> hailed the agreement&nbsp;as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". &nbsp;

Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike.

The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups.

Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs.

A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-scrutinise-brexit-deal-as-january-31-deadline-nears-272604">Northern Ireland</a> in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power.

The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">European Union</a>.

Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier.

UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Boris Johnson's</a> EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland.

Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights.

The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity".

It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-possible-move-might-affect-canadian-taxpayers-273290">UK government</a> additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid.

Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached.

"History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-british-take-it-or-leave-it-approach-amounts-to-no-deal-254585">Simon Coveney</a> after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government.

It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit. The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme. Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended. Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday. The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) came to terms. "Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters. "We're ready to do business," she said. DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced". "We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said. The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government. Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the agreement as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike. The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups. Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs. A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of Northern Ireland in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power. The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the European Union. Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland. Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights. The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity". It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute. The UK government additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid. Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached. "History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government. It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland government returns after three-year suspension

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-under-pressure-at-home-over-plane-crash-warns-iran-world-is-watching-273502">Canada</a> on Friday lowered the number of its citizens killed in the crash of a jetliner in Iran from 63 to 57.

"This is based on additional information we had about birth dates and comparing the travel documents that people were travelling on when they boarded the flight," Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-canadian-counterpart-provides-accurate-understanding-of-developments-in-kashmir-269326">Francois-Philippe Champagne</a> told a press conference.

All 176 people on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Ukraine International Airlines</a> (UIA) flight died in the crash this week just after takeoff from Tehran on a flight to Kiev.

The minister said Iran had given visas to only two of a dozen Canadian investigators due to take part in the probe of the crash.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-demands-punishment-compensation-for-airliner-downed-by-iran-273583">Iran</a> is denying suggestions from Canada and other western countries that the plane may have been shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-prefer-to-download-black-boxes-iran-after-plane-crash-blamed-on-missile-273396">Justin Trudeau</a> said multiple intelligence sources indicate that Iran shot down the Ukrainian airliner built by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-regulator-to-fine-boeing-54-million-for-defective-parts-of-737-max-planes-273532">Boeing</a>, although he conceded it may have been unintentional.

Watch: PM&nbsp;Justin Trudeau:&nbsp;'Closure, accountability needed'&nbsp;

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Canada is home to a large Iranian diaspora and UIA offers relatively inexpensive flights between Toronto and Tehran, with a layover in Kiev.

Iran and Canada have not had formal diplomatic relations since 2012.

Canada on Friday lowered the number of its citizens killed in the crash of a jetliner in Iran from 63 to 57. "This is based on additional information we had about birth dates and comparing the travel documents that people were travelling on when they boarded the flight," Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told a press conference.

Canada on Friday lowered the number of its citizens killed in the crash of a jetliner in Iran from 63 to 57. "This is based on additional information we had about birth dates and comparing the travel documents that people were travelling on when they boarded the flight," Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told a press conference. All 176 people on the Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight died in the crash this week just after takeoff from Tehran on a flight to Kiev. The minister said Iran had given visas to only two of a dozen Canadian investigators due to take part in the probe of the crash. Iran is denying suggestions from Canada and other western countries that the plane may have been shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said multiple intelligence sources indicate that Iran shot down the Ukrainian airliner built by Boeing, although he conceded it may have been unintentional. Watch: PM Justin Trudeau: 'Closure, accountability needed' × Canada is home to a large Iranian diaspora and UIA offers relatively inexpensive flights between Toronto and Tehran, with a layover in Kiev. Iran and Canada have not had formal diplomatic relations since 2012.

Ottawa lowers Canadian death toll in Iran air crash to 57

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