South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;broke down stubborn England resistance to win the first Test of their World Test Championship series by 107 runs at SuperSport Park on Sunday.

England needed 376 to win but despite some committed batting were bowled out for 268 on the fourth day of the five-day encounter.

An enthralling contest swung&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa's way when left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled Ben Stokes to halt a brief flurry of strokes as Stokes and captain Joe Root tried to lift the scoring rate before the second new ball was due.

The new ball then had an immediate impact with Kagiso Rabada having Jonny Bairstow caught at gully before Anrich Nortje claimed the crucial wicket of Root, who made a fighting 48 before he was caught behind.&nbsp;

It was the second time in the day Nortje claimed a wicket with the second ball of a new spell after he made the first breakthrough of the day by dismissing top-scorer Rory Burns for 84.

The remaining wickets fell quickly, with Rabada finishing with four for 103 and fellow fast bowler Anrich Nortje claiming three for 56.

Maharaj, who broke England's first wicket stand of 92 on Saturday when he dismissed Dom Sibley, took two for 37.

South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;produced a disciplined bowling performance, making scoring difficult on a pitch which always offered something to the bowlers with some sideways movement and uneven bounce.

England added only 50 runs in 25 overs while losing two wickets during the morning.

Rory Burns took his overnight score of 77 to 84 before mistiming a pull against Nortje to be caught at mid-on, while Joe Denly was leg before wicket to Dwaine Pretorius for 31.

Burns and Denly saw off the threat of Vernon Philander and Rabada but found scoring difficult.

Philander conceded only one run in five overs. Rabada gave up 23 in six overs, which included two hooked sixes by Denly.

Burns, who faced most of Philander’s bowling, adding only seven runs off 37 balls. The change to Nortje brought an immediate result for&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;as Burns attempted to pull the fast bowler’s second delivery and sent the ball looping to Rabada at mid-on.

Nortje made a second crucial breakthrough when&nbsp;South&nbsp;African captain Faf du Plessis made an inspired bowling change.&nbsp;

First innings destroyer Vernon Philander sent down three overs with the second new ball but was not making the batsmen play many deliveries, so Du Plessis called on Nortje with immediate success.

South Africa broke down stubborn England resistance to win the first Test of their World Test Championship series by 107 runs at SuperSport Park on Sunday. England needed 376 to win but despite some committed batting were bowled out for 268 on the fourth day of the five-day encounter.

South Africa broke down stubborn England resistance to win the first Test of their World Test Championship series by 107 runs at SuperSport Park on Sunday. England needed 376 to win but despite some committed batting were bowled out for 268 on the fourth day of the five-day encounter. An enthralling contest swung South Africa's way when left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled Ben Stokes to halt a brief flurry of strokes as Stokes and captain Joe Root tried to lift the scoring rate before the second new ball was due. The new ball then had an immediate impact with Kagiso Rabada having Jonny Bairstow caught at gully before Anrich Nortje claimed the crucial wicket of Root, who made a fighting 48 before he was caught behind. It was the second time in the day Nortje claimed a wicket with the second ball of a new spell after he made the first breakthrough of the day by dismissing top-scorer Rory Burns for 84. The remaining wickets fell quickly, with Rabada finishing with four for 103 and fellow fast bowler Anrich Nortje claiming three for 56. Maharaj, who broke England's first wicket stand of 92 on Saturday when he dismissed Dom Sibley, took two for 37. South Africa produced a disciplined bowling performance, making scoring difficult on a pitch which always offered something to the bowlers with some sideways movement and uneven bounce. England added only 50 runs in 25 overs while losing two wickets during the morning. Rory Burns took his overnight score of 77 to 84 before mistiming a pull against Nortje to be caught at mid-on, while Joe Denly was leg before wicket to Dwaine Pretorius for 31. Burns and Denly saw off the threat of Vernon Philander and Rabada but found scoring difficult. Philander conceded only one run in five overs. Rabada gave up 23 in six overs, which included two hooked sixes by Denly. Burns, who faced most of Philander’s bowling, adding only seven runs off 37 balls. The change to Nortje brought an immediate result for South Africa as Burns attempted to pull the fast bowler’s second delivery and sent the ball looping to Rabada at mid-on. Nortje made a second crucial breakthrough when South African captain Faf du Plessis made an inspired bowling change. First innings destroyer Vernon Philander sent down three overs with the second new ball but was not making the batsmen play many deliveries, so Du Plessis called on Nortje with immediate success.

South Africa beat England by 107 runs in first Test

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions.

In the 60th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said the businesses done in the Budget and Winter sessions broke "all records of the past 60 years".

"I am proud to point out that representatives you sent to Parliament have broken all records in the past 6 months. Both the sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha were very productive. Lok Sabha completed 114 per cent business while Rajya Sabha completed 94 per cent business," he said.

The Prime Minister said that about 135 per cent of work was completed in the previous Budget session of Parliament.

Lauding MPs for the achievement, he said, "All MPs are worthy of praise for this achievement. This amount of work in itself is a reflection of the strength of India`s democracy and the faith therein."

"I want to congratulate the presiding officers, leaders of all political parties and MPs for their active role," Modi said. The radio programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month and suggestions, stories and ideas are invited from people for it.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions. In the 60th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said the businesses done in the Budget and Winter sessions broke "all records of the past 60 years". "I am proud to point out that representatives you sent to Parliament have broken all records in the past 6 months. Both the sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha were very productive. Lok Sabha completed 114 per cent business while Rajya Sabha completed 94 per cent business," he said. The Prime Minister said that about 135 per cent of work was completed in the previous Budget session of Parliament. Lauding MPs for the achievement, he said, "All MPs are worthy of praise for this achievement. This amount of work in itself is a reflection of the strength of India`s democracy and the faith therein." "I want to congratulate the presiding officers, leaders of all political parties and MPs for their active role," Modi said. The radio programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month and suggestions, stories and ideas are invited from people for it.

PM Modi lauds MPs for 'record-breaking' Parliament sessions

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Singh Yadav on Sunday said that the BJP cannot decide on anyone`s citizenship and added that he will not fill National Population Register (NPR) form.

"Samajwadis want to save the Constitution. On the other hand, BJP wants to abolish the Constitution. Much of this pretence is done to divert attention. Do young people want employment or NPR?" Yadav said while addressing a gathering of party`s student wing leaders.

"No one from BJP can decide whether we are citizens or not. If the need arises, I will be the first one who will not fill any form, but the question is you will support or not. We will not fill the NPR form. What will you do? NRC and NPR are against poor and minority," he said.

NPR snowballed into conspiracy after Opposition parties alleged that NPR is the first step towards the creation of the National Register Citizens (NRIC).

However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah denied any link between the two exercises.

Yadav claimed that more than 300 BJP MLAs are angry with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"Samajwadis are not afraid of FIR. When the Chief Minister himself withdraws the cases filed against him, then the cases filed against you will also be withdrawn if the Samajwadi government is formed," he added.

The Samajwadi Party president said that BJP is responsible for the current economic crisis.

"Demonetisation caused problems for small businesses. Further, the businesses are closing down due to the imposition of GST. The economy has reached the ICU. For all this, BJP is responsible," he said.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Singh Yadav on Sunday said that the BJP cannot decide on anyone`s citizenship and added that he will not fill National Population Register (NPR) form.

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Singh Yadav on Sunday said that the BJP cannot decide on anyone`s citizenship and added that he will not fill National Population Register (NPR) form. "Samajwadis want to save the Constitution. On the other hand, BJP wants to abolish the Constitution. Much of this pretence is done to divert attention. Do young people want employment or NPR?" Yadav said while addressing a gathering of party`s student wing leaders. "No one from BJP can decide whether we are citizens or not. If the need arises, I will be the first one who will not fill any form, but the question is you will support or not. We will not fill the NPR form. What will you do? NRC and NPR are against poor and minority," he said. NPR snowballed into conspiracy after Opposition parties alleged that NPR is the first step towards the creation of the National Register Citizens (NRIC). However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah denied any link between the two exercises. Yadav claimed that more than 300 BJP MLAs are angry with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "Samajwadis are not afraid of FIR. When the Chief Minister himself withdraws the cases filed against him, then the cases filed against you will also be withdrawn if the Samajwadi government is formed," he added. The Samajwadi Party president said that BJP is responsible for the current economic crisis. "Demonetisation caused problems for small businesses. Further, the businesses are closing down due to the imposition of GST. The economy has reached the ICU. For all this, BJP is responsible," he said.

BJP can't decide on our citizenship, will not fill NPR form: Akhilesh Yadav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is quite advanced in the field of astronomy and has taken path-breaking initiatives in the field.

Talking about the solar eclipse which took place on December 26, the Prime Minister read a message that he got from someone named Ripun, who had urged the Prime Minister to talk about the subject.

"India is quite ahead in the field of astronomy and our initiatives are path-breaking. We have a giant meter-wave telescope near Pune. Not just that, in Kodaikkaanal, Udagamandala, Guru Shikhar and Hanle Ladakh as well, powerful telescopes are located," the Prime Minister said during his monthly "Mann ki Baat" programme.

The Prime Minister said: "Like my countrymen, especially the youth among them, I too was eager to watch the solar eclipse on December 26. But unfortunately, clouds in skies in Delhi prevented me from enjoying the sight. Though, I did get to see beautiful pictures of the solar eclipse that was visible in Kozhikode and some other parts of India."

Stressing that astronomy has an ancient and glorious history in the country, Modi further said that our connection with the twinkling stars in the sky is as old as our civilisation.

"Many of you might be aware that at various places in India, there are magnificent observatories or Jantar Mantars, which are worth seeing. Who doesn't know about the prodigious talent of the great Aryabhatta? During his career, he expounded in great detail about the solar eclipse as well as the lunar eclipse," he said.

"In 2016, the then Prime Minister of Belgium and I had inaugurated the 3.6-metre Devasthal optical telescope in Nainital. It is said to be Asia's largest telescope. ISRO has an astronomical satellite called Astrosat. ISRO is planning to launch a satellite called Aditya, to study the sun," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is quite advanced in the field of astronomy and has taken path-breaking initiatives in the field. Talking about the solar eclipse which took place on December 26, the Prime Minister read a message that he got from someone named Ripun, who had urged the Prime Minister to talk about the subject.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is quite advanced in the field of astronomy and has taken path-breaking initiatives in the field. Talking about the solar eclipse which took place on December 26, the Prime Minister read a message that he got from someone named Ripun, who had urged the Prime Minister to talk about the subject. "India is quite ahead in the field of astronomy and our initiatives are path-breaking. We have a giant meter-wave telescope near Pune. Not just that, in Kodaikkaanal, Udagamandala, Guru Shikhar and Hanle Ladakh as well, powerful telescopes are located," the Prime Minister said during his monthly "Mann ki Baat" programme. The Prime Minister said: "Like my countrymen, especially the youth among them, I too was eager to watch the solar eclipse on December 26. But unfortunately, clouds in skies in Delhi prevented me from enjoying the sight. Though, I did get to see beautiful pictures of the solar eclipse that was visible in Kozhikode and some other parts of India." Stressing that astronomy has an ancient and glorious history in the country, Modi further said that our connection with the twinkling stars in the sky is as old as our civilisation. "Many of you might be aware that at various places in India, there are magnificent observatories or Jantar Mantars, which are worth seeing. Who doesn't know about the prodigious talent of the great Aryabhatta? During his career, he expounded in great detail about the solar eclipse as well as the lunar eclipse," he said. "In 2016, the then Prime Minister of Belgium and I had inaugurated the 3.6-metre Devasthal optical telescope in Nainital. It is said to be Asia's largest telescope. ISRO has an astronomical satellite called Astrosat. ISRO is planning to launch a satellite called Aditya, to study the sun," he added.

India is quite ahead in field of astronomy, our initiatives are path-breaking: PM Modi

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday.

Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties.&nbsp;

Over thirty ministers are likely to be inducted in the state cabinet tomorrow and take the oath administered by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari.&nbsp;

Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government - comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - have had held a series of deliberations in the past weeks on cabinet expansion.

As per the seat-sharing formula agreed upon by the three parties, the Shiv Sena would get 15 ministers besides the chief minister while the NCP and the Congress would get 14 and 12 ministers in the cabinet respectively.

The total number of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet is 42 which includes the chief minister.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday. Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will expand his cabinet on Monday. Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government currently has six cabinet ministers - two each from the three parties. Over thirty ministers are likely to be inducted in the state cabinet tomorrow and take the oath administered by Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari. Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government - comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - have had held a series of deliberations in the past weeks on cabinet expansion. As per the seat-sharing formula agreed upon by the three parties, the Shiv Sena would get 15 ministers besides the chief minister while the NCP and the Congress would get 14 and 12 ministers in the cabinet respectively. The total number of ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet is 42 which includes the chief minister.

Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray to expand state cabinet on Monday 

Bollywood superstar and veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday was conferred the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood-superstar-amitabh-bachchan-receives-dadasaheb-phalke-award-270862">Dadasaheb Phalke Award</a> by President Ram Nath Kovind.

After accepting the award, Bachchan said that when his name was announced for the prestigious award, he thought that it was time for him to sit at home but he feels that he isn't done just yet and that some more work is left for him to complete.&nbsp;

"When my name was announced for the award, there rose a doubt in my heart. I thought, is this a sign indicating that I have done enough and that it is time for me to sit at home and rest? There's still work left which I have to complete," Bachchan said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Amitabh Bachchan says,"Jab iss puruskar ki ghoshna hui to mere mann mein ek sandeh utha. Ki kya kahin ye sanket hai mere liye ki bhai sahab aapne bahut kaam kar liya, ab ghar baith ke aaram kar lijiye. Kyunki abhi bhi thoda kaam baki hai jise mujhe poora karna hai." <a href="https://t.co/pdKXH2RSfr">pic.twitter.com/pdKXH2RSfr</a>
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Bachchan was selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in September this year.

The announcement was made by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar.

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Delhi: Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award from President Ram Nath Kovind. <a href="https://t.co/9Towgcgo9x">pic.twitter.com/9Towgcgo9x</a>
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Last seen onscreen in 'Badla', Bachchan is a recipient of four National Film Awards for his roles in movies like 'Agneepath', 'Black', 'Paa' and 'Piku'.&nbsp;

He made his acting debut in 1969 with `Saat Hindustani.`

Bachchan was honoured with Padma Vibhushan - the second-highest civilian honour of the country - in 2015.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Bollywood superstar and veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by President Ram Nath Kovind. After accepting the award, Bachchan said that when his name was announced for the prestigious award, he thought that it was time for him to sit at home but he feels that he isn't done just yet and that some more work is left for him to complete.

Bollywood superstar and veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by President Ram Nath Kovind. After accepting the award, Bachchan said that when his name was announced for the prestigious award, he thought that it was time for him to sit at home but he feels that he isn't done just yet and that some more work is left for him to complete. "When my name was announced for the award, there rose a doubt in my heart. I thought, is this a sign indicating that I have done enough and that it is time for me to sit at home and rest? There's still work left which I have to complete," Bachchan said. #WATCH: Amitabh Bachchan says,"Jab iss puruskar ki ghoshna hui to mere mann mein ek sandeh utha. Ki kya kahin ye sanket hai mere liye ki bhai sahab aapne bahut kaam kar liya, ab ghar baith ke aaram kar lijiye. Kyunki abhi bhi thoda kaam baki hai jise mujhe poora karna hai." pic.twitter.com/pdKXH2RSfr — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2019 × Bachchan was selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in September this year. The announcement was made by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. Delhi: Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award from President Ram Nath Kovind. pic.twitter.com/9Towgcgo9x — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2019 × Last seen onscreen in 'Badla', Bachchan is a recipient of four National Film Awards for his roles in movies like 'Agneepath', 'Black', 'Paa' and 'Piku'. He made his acting debut in 1969 with `Saat Hindustani.` Bachchan was honoured with Padma Vibhushan - the second-highest civilian honour of the country - in 2015. (With inputs from ANI)

'There's still work left in me,' says Amitabh Bachchan after receiving Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The Dubai government will spend a record 66.4 billion dirhams&nbsp;in 2020 as part of its budget, hiking outlays to stimulate the economy and support the Expo 2020 world fair, state news agency WAM tweeted.

The figure is higher than the 56.8 billion dirhams budgeted in 2019, which was a marginal increase from 2018, according to its budget plan last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sales-of-grounded-boeing-737-max-gather-pace-at-dubai-airshow-263161">Dubai</a>, which is hosting the Expo 2020 from October, had earlier projected its economy will grow 3.2 per cent&nbsp;in 2020, faster than the 2.1 per cent&nbsp;growth in 2019.

Dubai - with a diversified trade and tourism economy and one of the seven territories of the United Arab Emirates - is banking on Expo 2020 to boost economic activity as the event, organisers say, could attract 11 million foreign visitors.

Dubai has faced a real estate market downturn since prices peaked in 2014, following a recovery in the aftermath of a property crash in 2009.

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum also adopted a three-year budget cycle from 2020 to 2022 with total expenditure of 196 billion dirhams, the Dubai Media Office said in a separate tweet.

The Dubai government will spend a record 66.4 billion dirhams in 2020 as part of its budget, hiking outlays to stimulate the economy and support the Expo 2020 world fair, state news agency WAM tweeted.

The Dubai government will spend a record 66.4 billion dirhams in 2020 as part of its budget, hiking outlays to stimulate the economy and support the Expo 2020 world fair, state news agency WAM tweeted. The figure is higher than the 56.8 billion dirhams budgeted in 2019, which was a marginal increase from 2018, according to its budget plan last year. Dubai, which is hosting the Expo 2020 from October, had earlier projected its economy will grow 3.2 per cent in 2020, faster than the 2.1 per cent growth in 2019. Dubai - with a diversified trade and tourism economy and one of the seven territories of the United Arab Emirates - is banking on Expo 2020 to boost economic activity as the event, organisers say, could attract 11 million foreign visitors. Dubai has faced a real estate market downturn since prices peaked in 2014, following a recovery in the aftermath of a property crash in 2009. Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum also adopted a three-year budget cycle from 2020 to 2022 with total expenditure of 196 billion dirhams, the Dubai Media Office said in a separate tweet.

Dubai 2020 budget sets record spending to boost growth, support Expo 2020

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-votes-for-president-set-to-lead-european-union-269511">European Union</a> called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands.

Civilians have streamed out of affected areas of jihadist-dominated Idlib province in recent weeks to escape heightened attacks on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war.

"The escalation of violence in the Northwest of Syria by the Syrian regime and its allies must cease," the EU said in a statement by a spokesperson for European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, which said airstrikes and shelling had led to "countless civilian deaths".

"All parties have the obligation to protect civilians. The regime and its allies must cease indiscriminate military attacks and respect international humanitarian law," the statement said.

Violence has intensified since mid-December despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation.

More than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">235,000 people fled</a> the area between December 12 and 25, mostly from the beleaguered city of Maaret al-Numan, according to the United Nations' humanitarian coordination agency OCHA.

The EU called for urgent unhindered humanitarian access to the three million civilians thought to be living in Idlib province.&nbsp;

It acknowledged that "terrorist groups" were operating in the region, but stressed that combating these networks "does not permit the undermining of international humanitarian law or the targeting of civilians".

The Idlib region is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.&nbsp;

Residents in the province mainly depend on critical cross-border aid, which came under threat in December after Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended such deliveries for a year.&nbsp;

The move raised fears that vital UN-funded aid could stop entering Idlib from January unless an alternative agreement is reached.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">Damascus regime</a>, which now controls 70 per cent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the region.&nbsp;

Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people.

Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

The European Union called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands.

The European Union called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands. Civilians have streamed out of affected areas of jihadist-dominated Idlib province in recent weeks to escape heightened attacks on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war. "The escalation of violence in the Northwest of Syria by the Syrian regime and its allies must cease," the EU said in a statement by a spokesperson for European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, which said airstrikes and shelling had led to "countless civilian deaths". "All parties have the obligation to protect civilians. The regime and its allies must cease indiscriminate military attacks and respect international humanitarian law," the statement said. Violence has intensified since mid-December despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation. More than 235,000 people fled the area between December 12 and 25, mostly from the beleaguered city of Maaret al-Numan, according to the United Nations' humanitarian coordination agency OCHA. The EU called for urgent unhindered humanitarian access to the three million civilians thought to be living in Idlib province. It acknowledged that "terrorist groups" were operating in the region, but stressed that combating these networks "does not permit the undermining of international humanitarian law or the targeting of civilians". The Idlib region is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Residents in the province mainly depend on critical cross-border aid, which came under threat in December after Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended such deliveries for a year. The move raised fears that vital UN-funded aid could stop entering Idlib from January unless an alternative agreement is reached. The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 per cent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the region. Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people. Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Syria regime must halt 'escalation of violence': European Union

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said.&nbsp;

The posts were established under a September 2018 deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">Syrian regime</a> ally Moscow and Ankara, which backs the rebels, to avert an all-out Syrian government onslaught in Idlib.

President Bashar al-Assad's forces surrounded one of 12 Turkish observation posts in Idlib province on Monday after overrunning nearby areas in a push to take the last opposition holdout, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp;

"We respect the agreement reached with Russia and we expect Russia to abide by this agreement," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in comments published on Sunday on the defence ministry's Twitter account.

"We will by no means empty those 12 observation posts, we will not leave there," Akar said.

His comments came during a visit, together with top army commanders, to the southern province of Hatay on the Syrian border to inspect Turkish troops on Saturday.

Turkey, worried over a new wave of refugees from the Idlib region, is pressing for a fresh ceasefire deal, as it sent a delegation to Moscow on Monday.

"We are doing what's needed to put an end to this massacre," Akar was quoted as saying by the official news agency Anadolu.&nbsp;

He said Ankara expected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Damascus ally Russia</a> to "use its influence on the regime in order to stop ground and air assault" in Idlib.

The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation.

The Idlib region hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As long as this pressure remains in place, it will trigger a new migrant wave and put further burden on Turkey which is already hosting nearly four million Syrian brothers," said Akar.

Around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-and-syrian-protesters-hold-anti-russia-rally-in-istanbul-270797">300 protesters</a> -&nbsp;mostly Syrians living in Turkey -&nbsp; held an anti-Moscow demonstration near the Russian consulate in Istanbul on Saturday against the intensified attacks in Idlib, shouting "murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Libya timetable&nbsp;

Akar's visit to soldiers on the border region comes as Turkey is also readying to send troops to support the UN-recognised government in Tripoli against strongman Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army.&nbsp;

"The Turkish Armed Forces are ready for whatever task is given in order to protect our country and people's interests," Akar said.&nbsp;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said Ankara would respond to an invitation from the Libyan national unity government and that the Turkish parliament would vote on a motion to send troops as soon as it returns from recess as early as next month.

Ankara signed in November a security and military cooperation deal with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) but in order to send troops, parliament needs to vote through motion as it does for Iraq and Syria.

Anadolu news agency, citing sources in Erdogan's ruling party, reported that the timetable could be brought forward and the motion could be presented to the parliamentary speaker's office on Monday.

The General Assembly could vote the measure in an extraordinary session on Thursday, it said. Parliament is due to return from recess on January 7.

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said.

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said. The posts were established under a September 2018 deal between Syrian regime ally Moscow and Ankara, which backs the rebels, to avert an all-out Syrian government onslaught in Idlib. President Bashar al-Assad's forces surrounded one of 12 Turkish observation posts in Idlib province on Monday after overrunning nearby areas in a push to take the last opposition holdout, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "We respect the agreement reached with Russia and we expect Russia to abide by this agreement," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in comments published on Sunday on the defence ministry's Twitter account. "We will by no means empty those 12 observation posts, we will not leave there," Akar said. His comments came during a visit, together with top army commanders, to the southern province of Hatay on the Syrian border to inspect Turkish troops on Saturday. Turkey, worried over a new wave of refugees from the Idlib region, is pressing for a fresh ceasefire deal, as it sent a delegation to Moscow on Monday. "We are doing what's needed to put an end to this massacre," Akar was quoted as saying by the official news agency Anadolu. He said Ankara expected Damascus ally Russia to "use its influence on the regime in order to stop ground and air assault" in Idlib. The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation. The Idlib region hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. "As long as this pressure remains in place, it will trigger a new migrant wave and put further burden on Turkey which is already hosting nearly four million Syrian brothers," said Akar. Around 300 protesters - mostly Syrians living in Turkey - held an anti-Moscow demonstration near the Russian consulate in Istanbul on Saturday against the intensified attacks in Idlib, shouting "murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Libya timetable Akar's visit to soldiers on the border region comes as Turkey is also readying to send troops to support the UN-recognised government in Tripoli against strongman Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army. "The Turkish Armed Forces are ready for whatever task is given in order to protect our country and people's interests," Akar said. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said Ankara would respond to an invitation from the Libyan national unity government and that the Turkish parliament would vote on a motion to send troops as soon as it returns from recess as early as next month. Ankara signed in November a security and military cooperation deal with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) but in order to send troops, parliament needs to vote through motion as it does for Iraq and Syria. Anadolu news agency, citing sources in Erdogan's ruling party, reported that the timetable could be brought forward and the motion could be presented to the parliamentary speaker's office on Monday. The General Assembly could vote the measure in an extraordinary session on Thursday, it said. Parliament is due to return from recess on January 7.

Will not withdraw from army posts in Syria's Idlib: Turkey

Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday was conferred the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/amul-pays-creative-tribute-to-amitabh-bachchan-for-bagging-dadasaheb-phalke-award-252487">Dadasaheb Phalke Award</a> by President Ram Nath Kovind.

Bachchan was selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in September this year.

The announcement was made by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar.

Last seen onscreen in 'Badla', Bachchan is a recipient of four National Film Awards for his roles in movies like 'Agneepath', 'Black', 'Paa' and 'Piku'.&nbsp;

He made his acting debut in 1969 with `Saat Hindustani.`

Bachchan was honoured with Padma Vibhushan - the second-highest civilian honour of the country - in 2015.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by President Ram Nath Kovind. Bachchan was selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in September this year.

Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by President Ram Nath Kovind. Bachchan was selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in September this year. The announcement was made by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. Last seen onscreen in 'Badla', Bachchan is a recipient of four National Film Awards for his roles in movies like 'Agneepath', 'Black', 'Paa' and 'Piku'. He made his acting debut in 1969 with `Saat Hindustani.` Bachchan was honoured with Padma Vibhushan - the second-highest civilian honour of the country - in 2015. (With inputs from ANI)

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paralysis-in-iraq-as-protesters-harden-position-270033">Iraqi anti-government protesters</a> blockaded an oil field and rallied in southern cities Sunday while political factions remained paralysed in their attempts to form a new government.

Several hundred people demanding jobs shut off access to the Nassiriya field, 300 kilometres (190 miles) south of Baghdad, which produces 82,000 barrels of oil per day, executives said.

The two-day-old blockade is the first to disrupt operations in OPEC's second-largest producer since the start of the popular revolt set to enter its fourth month in early January.

The youth-led protests demand the ouster of the entire political class that has run the country in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

Demonstrators have vented their fury at what they consider inept politicians who have mismanaged the economy, enriched themselves and are beholden to powerful neighbour Iran.

Sit-in protests have shut down state offices and schools across the Shiite-majority south for weeks, and demonstrators again declared a "general strike" in Diwaniya on Sunday, the first day of the working week.

Mass rallies and picket lines also paralysed Kout, al-Hilla, Amara and the shrine city of Najaf, AFP correspondents said.

Murders and abductions&nbsp;

The protests have continued despite being met with batons, tear gas and, at times, live rounds in violence that has claimed nearly 460 lives and left some 25,000 people wounded.

The activists scored a partial success in November with the resignation of prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Adel Abdel Mahdi</a>, who however remains in charge in a caretaker role.

Pro-Iranian and other political factions have since wrangled over finding a successor -&nbsp;so far without success.

And although parliament has just voted for an electoral reform package, there has been no indication that the early polls many citizens are calling for will be held anytime soon.&nbsp;

Heightening the turmoil, President Barham Saleh last week threatened to resign rather than put forward the name of a pro-Iran candidate to form the next government.

Nassiriya student demonstrator Osama Ali praised the head of state, saying he had "foiled the attempts by parties and militiamen to kill off the revolution to protect their own interests".

"This gives us hope to continue our peaceful movement until we obtain all our demands," he told AFP.

Those demands include an end to a system that doles out state jobs according to ethnicity and religion, and a stop to the endemic corruption estimated to have swallowed up twice Iraq's GDP in 16 years.

The protesters also want justice for those activists who have been murdered, many shot dead in the streets or outside their homes.

Dozens have also reported being abducted to rural areas near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rockets-hit-military-base-near-baghdad-airport-6-wounded-military-statement-267191">Baghdad</a> for several hours or days before being abandoned by the roadside.

The United Nations has accused "militias" of waging a sweeping campaign of threats, kidnappings and murders of demonstrators.

The state-run Human Rights Commission says it has still not heard from 56 missing activists.

Iraqi anti-government protesters blockaded an oil field and rallied in southern cities Sunday while political factions remained paralysed in their attempts to form a new government.

Iraqi anti-government protesters blockaded an oil field and rallied in southern cities Sunday while political factions remained paralysed in their attempts to form a new government. Several hundred people demanding jobs shut off access to the Nassiriya field, 300 kilometres (190 miles) south of Baghdad, which produces 82,000 barrels of oil per day, executives said. The two-day-old blockade is the first to disrupt operations in OPEC's second-largest producer since the start of the popular revolt set to enter its fourth month in early January. The youth-led protests demand the ouster of the entire political class that has run the country in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. Demonstrators have vented their fury at what they consider inept politicians who have mismanaged the economy, enriched themselves and are beholden to powerful neighbour Iran. Sit-in protests have shut down state offices and schools across the Shiite-majority south for weeks, and demonstrators again declared a "general strike" in Diwaniya on Sunday, the first day of the working week. Mass rallies and picket lines also paralysed Kout, al-Hilla, Amara and the shrine city of Najaf, AFP correspondents said. Murders and abductions The protests have continued despite being met with batons, tear gas and, at times, live rounds in violence that has claimed nearly 460 lives and left some 25,000 people wounded. The activists scored a partial success in November with the resignation of prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, who however remains in charge in a caretaker role. Pro-Iranian and other political factions have since wrangled over finding a successor - so far without success. And although parliament has just voted for an electoral reform package, there has been no indication that the early polls many citizens are calling for will be held anytime soon. Heightening the turmoil, President Barham Saleh last week threatened to resign rather than put forward the name of a pro-Iran candidate to form the next government. Nassiriya student demonstrator Osama Ali praised the head of state, saying he had "foiled the attempts by parties and militiamen to kill off the revolution to protect their own interests". "This gives us hope to continue our peaceful movement until we obtain all our demands," he told AFP. Those demands include an end to a system that doles out state jobs according to ethnicity and religion, and a stop to the endemic corruption estimated to have swallowed up twice Iraq's GDP in 16 years. The protesters also want justice for those activists who have been murdered, many shot dead in the streets or outside their homes. Dozens have also reported being abducted to rural areas near Baghdad for several hours or days before being abandoned by the roadside. The United Nations has accused "militias" of waging a sweeping campaign of threats, kidnappings and murders of demonstrators. The state-run Human Rights Commission says it has still not heard from 56 missing activists.

Iraq protesters lock down oil field, call strike

Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have started an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-russia-separatists-ukraine-to-swap-prisoners-270746">all-for-all prisoner swap</a>, after which all remaining prisoners of the five-year conflict should return home, the office of Ukraine's president said on Sunday.

The agreement was concluded by Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris in December.

The swap is taking place at a check point near the industrial town of Horlivka in the Donetsk region.

Russia's RIA news agency, citing a local official from the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic, said Kiev would hand over 87 separatists, while Donetsk would return 55 pro-central government fighters.

Kiev's forces have been battling separatists in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine since 2014 in a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Sporadic fighting continues despite a ceasefire agreement.

There have been several prisoner exchanges between Kiev and the rebels. In the last swap, conducted in December 2017, Ukraine handed over about 300 captives to pro-Russian separatists and took back around 70.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, and its subsequent support for separatists in the eastern Donbass region.

President Zelenskiy won a landslide election victory in April promising to end the conflict.

Widely criticized domestically for his plan to grant special status to Donbass to help end the five-year conflict, Zelenskiy's latest actions have given rise to cautious optimism.

In September, after a carefully negotiated rapprochement, Russia and Ukraine swapped dozens of prisoners. The move brought Western praise and hopes that relations between Moscow and Kiev could thaw.

The released Ukrainians included sailors detained by Russia during a clash in waters off Crimea last year, and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, jailed in Russia.

The meeting of Ukrainian, Russian, German and French leaders earlier this month in Paris renewed optimism for a resolution to the conflict, and confirmed the relevance of an early peace agreement signed in Belarusian capital Minsk in 2015.

Relations between the two countries are also unlikely to be aggravated by a dispute in the gas sector, where Kiev and Moscow are arguing about a new transit contract to replace the current agreement which expires at the end of the year.

Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of using natural gas supplies to put pressure on the neighbouring state, but last week the parties managed to agree on the main points of a new deal.

Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have started an all-for-all prisoner swap, after which all remaining prisoners of the five-year conflict should return home, the office of Ukraine's president said on Sunday.

Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have started an all-for-all prisoner swap, after which all remaining prisoners of the five-year conflict should return home, the office of Ukraine's president said on Sunday. The agreement was concluded by Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris in December. The swap is taking place at a check point near the industrial town of Horlivka in the Donetsk region. Russia's RIA news agency, citing a local official from the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic, said Kiev would hand over 87 separatists, while Donetsk would return 55 pro-central government fighters. Kiev's forces have been battling separatists in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine since 2014 in a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Sporadic fighting continues despite a ceasefire agreement. There have been several prisoner exchanges between Kiev and the rebels. In the last swap, conducted in December 2017, Ukraine handed over about 300 captives to pro-Russian separatists and took back around 70. Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, and its subsequent support for separatists in the eastern Donbass region. President Zelenskiy won a landslide election victory in April promising to end the conflict. Widely criticized domestically for his plan to grant special status to Donbass to help end the five-year conflict, Zelenskiy's latest actions have given rise to cautious optimism. In September, after a carefully negotiated rapprochement, Russia and Ukraine swapped dozens of prisoners. The move brought Western praise and hopes that relations between Moscow and Kiev could thaw. The released Ukrainians included sailors detained by Russia during a clash in waters off Crimea last year, and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, jailed in Russia. The meeting of Ukrainian, Russian, German and French leaders earlier this month in Paris renewed optimism for a resolution to the conflict, and confirmed the relevance of an early peace agreement signed in Belarusian capital Minsk in 2015. Relations between the two countries are also unlikely to be aggravated by a dispute in the gas sector, where Kiev and Moscow are arguing about a new transit contract to replace the current agreement which expires at the end of the year. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of using natural gas supplies to put pressure on the neighbouring state, but last week the parties managed to agree on the main points of a new deal.

Ukraine begins all-for-all prisoner swap with separatists

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