<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-and-south-korea-should-reunite-say-70-seoul-citizens-270181">South Korea</a>'s Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse.

The ruling is expected to have little impact on the 2015 agreement as it has been effectively abandoned by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has called it seriously flawed and inadequate to resolve the issue that has been for many years a source of rancour between the neighbours.

Constitutional Court President Yoo Nam-Seok said the agreement was a political one that tried to resolve the comfort women issue and, unlike a treaty between two countries, did not create legal responsibilities on the part of the governments.

Comfort women is a euphemism for the thousands of girls and women, most of them Korean, who were forced to work in Japan's brothels before and during World War Two when Japan occupied Korea.

"It cannot be said that the rights of the victims of the Japanese military were infringed upon by this agreement," Yoo said in the court's ruling.

Bitterness over Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula is a major influence on their relations and has been at the heart of rancour this year that has seen their ties plunge to their worst in decades.

The 2015 agreement, reached by Moon's conservative predecessor, Park Geun-Hye, and Japanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-meets-japans-abe-in-beijing-calls-for-advancing-bilateral-ties-269799">Prime Minister Shinzo Abe</a>, was welcomed by the United States at the time as an important step towards reconciliation.

But surviving comfort women saw it as unjust and the constitutional petition was brought by 29 of them, and 12 of their families.

They argued that it violated their rights as they were not consulted when the governments agreed to close the matter as "irreversibly resolved" with an apology by Japan and a 1 billion yen&nbsp;fund to compensate the women.

"This could have been an opportunity to address their pain," said Rhee Dong-Joon, a lawyer representing the women.

"It is disappointing that the Constitutional Court failed to bring closure to their hurting.”

The ruling comes after Moon and Abe held talks for the first time in 15 months on Tuesday and stressed the need to improve ties, after the worst period of tension between the countries in decades when South Korean anger over Japans' wartime behaviour spilt into the trade arena.

Last week, Japan partially eased curbs put in place in July on the export of key high-tech material to South Korea. The trade restrictions were followed by the two countries removing each other from their list of favoured trade partners.

No one knows how many Koreans were forced to work in Japan's military brothels.

South Korean activists say there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims, only a few of whom have ever told of the abuse they endured at the hands of Japanese forces.

Since the early 1990s, nearly 250 women came forward to talk about their experiences. Only 20 of them survive.

South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse.

South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse. The ruling is expected to have little impact on the 2015 agreement as it has been effectively abandoned by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has called it seriously flawed and inadequate to resolve the issue that has been for many years a source of rancour between the neighbours. Constitutional Court President Yoo Nam-Seok said the agreement was a political one that tried to resolve the comfort women issue and, unlike a treaty between two countries, did not create legal responsibilities on the part of the governments. Comfort women is a euphemism for the thousands of girls and women, most of them Korean, who were forced to work in Japan's brothels before and during World War Two when Japan occupied Korea. "It cannot be said that the rights of the victims of the Japanese military were infringed upon by this agreement," Yoo said in the court's ruling. Bitterness over Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula is a major influence on their relations and has been at the heart of rancour this year that has seen their ties plunge to their worst in decades. The 2015 agreement, reached by Moon's conservative predecessor, Park Geun-Hye, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was welcomed by the United States at the time as an important step towards reconciliation. But surviving comfort women saw it as unjust and the constitutional petition was brought by 29 of them, and 12 of their families. They argued that it violated their rights as they were not consulted when the governments agreed to close the matter as "irreversibly resolved" with an apology by Japan and a 1 billion yen fund to compensate the women. "This could have been an opportunity to address their pain," said Rhee Dong-Joon, a lawyer representing the women. "It is disappointing that the Constitutional Court failed to bring closure to their hurting.” The ruling comes after Moon and Abe held talks for the first time in 15 months on Tuesday and stressed the need to improve ties, after the worst period of tension between the countries in decades when South Korean anger over Japans' wartime behaviour spilt into the trade arena. Last week, Japan partially eased curbs put in place in July on the export of key high-tech material to South Korea. The trade restrictions were followed by the two countries removing each other from their list of favoured trade partners. No one knows how many Koreans were forced to work in Japan's military brothels. South Korean activists say there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims, only a few of whom have ever told of the abuse they endured at the hands of Japanese forces. Since the early 1990s, nearly 250 women came forward to talk about their experiences. Only 20 of them survive.

South Korea’s top court dismisses 'comfort women' petition against deal with Japan

More than 235,000 people have fled the Idlib region over the past two weeks, the UN said Friday, amid heightened regime and Russian attacks on Syria's last major opposition bastion.&nbsp;

The mass displacement between 12 and 25 December has left the violence-plagued <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-widens-control-over-idlib-fuelling-exodus-monitor-269591">Maaret al-Numan</a> region in southern Idlib "almost empty," the UN said in a statement.

Since mid-December, Russian-backed regime forces have pressed with an assault on jihadists in southern Idlib, despite an August ceasefire deal and calls for a deescalation from Turkey, France and the United Nations.&nbsp;

The increased air strikes came as Russian-backed regime forces advance on the ground.

They have since December 19&nbsp;seized dozens of towns and villages from the jihadist amid clashes that have killed hundreds on both sides.&nbsp;

The bombardment and clashes have amplified displacement from Maaret al-Numan and the nearby town Saraqeb in the southern Idlib region, the UN said.

"People from Saraqab and its eastern countryside are now fleeing in anticipation of fighting directly affecting their communities next," a statement said.

Idlib is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hayat-tahrir-al-sham-syria-regimes-toughest-foe-in-idlib-162853">Hayat Tahrir al-Sham</a>, whose chief this week urged jihadists and allied rebels to head to the frontlines and battle "the Russian occupiers" and the regime.

The region hosts some three million people, including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria.

The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 percent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the area.

Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people.

Despite a ceasefire announced in August, the bombardment has continued, prompting Turkey this week to press for a fresh ceasefire deal during talks in Moscow.

France on Tuesday called for an "an immediate de-escalation," warning of deteriorating humanitarian conditions.&nbsp;

The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with anti-government demonstrations brutally crushed by security forces.

More than 235,000 people have fled the Idlib region over the past two weeks, the UN said Friday, amid heightened regime and Russian attacks on Syria's last major opposition bastion.

More than 235,000 people have fled the Idlib region over the past two weeks, the UN said Friday, amid heightened regime and Russian attacks on Syria's last major opposition bastion. The mass displacement between 12 and 25 December has left the violence-plagued Maaret al-Numan region in southern Idlib "almost empty," the UN said in a statement. Since mid-December, Russian-backed regime forces have pressed with an assault on jihadists in southern Idlib, despite an August ceasefire deal and calls for a deescalation from Turkey, France and the United Nations. The increased air strikes came as Russian-backed regime forces advance on the ground. They have since December 19 seized dozens of towns and villages from the jihadist amid clashes that have killed hundreds on both sides. The bombardment and clashes have amplified displacement from Maaret al-Numan and the nearby town Saraqeb in the southern Idlib region, the UN said. "People from Saraqab and its eastern countryside are now fleeing in anticipation of fighting directly affecting their communities next," a statement said. Idlib is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, whose chief this week urged jihadists and allied rebels to head to the frontlines and battle "the Russian occupiers" and the regime. The region hosts some three million people, including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 percent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the area. Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people. Despite a ceasefire announced in August, the bombardment has continued, prompting Turkey this week to press for a fresh ceasefire deal during talks in Moscow. France on Tuesday called for an "an immediate de-escalation," warning of deteriorating humanitarian conditions. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with anti-government demonstrations brutally crushed by security forces.

More than 235,000 flee northwest Syria flare-up: United Nation

Equity benchmark indices snapped a three-day losing streak on Friday following gains in global peers over the signing of US-China trade deal.

The gains domestically were broad-based with most sectoral indices in the green led by banking, auto, financial services and energy stocks.

The BSE S&amp;P Sensex closed 411 points higher at 41,575 while the Nifty 50 edged up by 119 points at 12,246.

All sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the green with Nifty PSU bank moving up by 2.92 per cent, private bank by 1.13 per cent, financial service by 1.07 per cent and realty by 1.61 per cent.

Public sector banking stocks closed higher after the Reserve Bank of India said that it will purchase 10-year bonds worth Rs 10,000 crore while simultaneously selling four bonds maturing in 2020 for up to the same amount on December 30 in the open market.

State Bank of India gained by 2.23 per cent to close at Rs 337.20 per share. Private lenders Axis Bank and ICICI Bank also added gains of 3.3 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.

The other prominent winners were Coal India, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Power Grid Corporation, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries.

However, Yes Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank fell by 1.4 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively. Wipro, Bharti Infratel, Britannia, Titan and JSW Steel too closed in the negative terrain.

Meanwhile, Asian shares jumped to an 18-month high as investor optimism was boosted by hopes that the US-China trade deal will soon be signed. Beijing said it is in close contact with Washington about an initial trade agreement.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up by 1.3 per cent and South Korea's Kospi by 0.29 per cent. But Japan's Nikkei closed 0.36 per cent lower and Shanghai Composite slipped by 0.08 per cent.

Equity benchmark indices snapped a three-day losing streak on Friday following gains in global peers over the signing of US-China trade deal. The gains domestically were broad-based with most sectoral indices in the green led by banking, auto, financial services and energy stocks.

Equity benchmark indices snapped a three-day losing streak on Friday following gains in global peers over the signing of US-China trade deal. The gains domestically were broad-based with most sectoral indices in the green led by banking, auto, financial services and energy stocks. The BSE S&P Sensex closed 411 points higher at 41,575 while the Nifty 50 edged up by 119 points at 12,246. All sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were in the green with Nifty PSU bank moving up by 2.92 per cent, private bank by 1.13 per cent, financial service by 1.07 per cent and realty by 1.61 per cent. Public sector banking stocks closed higher after the Reserve Bank of India said that it will purchase 10-year bonds worth Rs 10,000 crore while simultaneously selling four bonds maturing in 2020 for up to the same amount on December 30 in the open market. State Bank of India gained by 2.23 per cent to close at Rs 337.20 per share. Private lenders Axis Bank and ICICI Bank also added gains of 3.3 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. The other prominent winners were Coal India, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Power Grid Corporation, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries. However, Yes Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank fell by 1.4 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively. Wipro, Bharti Infratel, Britannia, Titan and JSW Steel too closed in the negative terrain. Meanwhile, Asian shares jumped to an 18-month high as investor optimism was boosted by hopes that the US-China trade deal will soon be signed. Beijing said it is in close contact with Washington about an initial trade agreement. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up by 1.3 per cent and South Korea's Kospi by 0.29 per cent. But Japan's Nikkei closed 0.36 per cent lower and Shanghai Composite slipped by 0.08 per cent.

Sensex closes 411 points higher, PSU bank index surges 3 per cent on capital infusion

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same.

Special category is a classification given by the Central government in a bid to grant special assistance in the development of states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages.

"When the Congress party was in power in the Centre, Himachal Pradesh was removed from the list of special category states. However, when Modi Ji's government came to power in the year 2014, the government pro-actively restored it without any demands," Nadda said.

The BJP working president was addressing a public rally to commemorate the party's second year in power in the state, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur were also present.

"Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave a special economic package to Himachal, which led to a lot of development in the state. But when the Congress government came to power, they withdrew the package granted for a period of 10 years within seven years," Nadda said.

He also outlined BJP government's initiative of presenting report card of its development work to the public and said, "The BJP government started the practice to show a report card of the work to the people. Congress government did not have the culture of seeking votes on the basis of developmental work".

Nadda also said that everyone wanted the Citizenship Amendment Act but could not do so.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed the will to bring the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, and together with the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Bill was enacted," Nadda said.&nbsp;

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same.

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same. Special category is a classification given by the Central government in a bid to grant special assistance in the development of states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. "When the Congress party was in power in the Centre, Himachal Pradesh was removed from the list of special category states. However, when Modi Ji's government came to power in the year 2014, the government pro-actively restored it without any demands," Nadda said. The BJP working president was addressing a public rally to commemorate the party's second year in power in the state, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur were also present. "Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave a special economic package to Himachal, which led to a lot of development in the state. But when the Congress government came to power, they withdrew the package granted for a period of 10 years within seven years," Nadda said. He also outlined BJP government's initiative of presenting report card of its development work to the public and said, "The BJP government started the practice to show a report card of the work to the people. Congress government did not have the culture of seeking votes on the basis of developmental work". Nadda also said that everyone wanted the Citizenship Amendment Act but could not do so. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed the will to bring the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, and together with the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Bill was enacted," Nadda said.

PM Modi led government restored special status of Himachal: JP Nadda

A large number of people have gathered outside Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi on Friday to protest against the newly-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Protestors raised slogans against the Act and the central government. They can be seen carrying placards that read, "Save the Constitution", "Withdraw CAA", "We condemn Communal Law".

Congress leader Alka Lamba was also seen at the protest showing support to the demonstrators.

Earlier in the day, security was beefed up and patrolling was intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers.

The precautions were taken after a massive protest had broken out in Jama Masjid area in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers.

Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed across north-east Delhi in view of the Friday prayers.

"The situation in Delhi is completely under control. We have deployed appropriate forces wherever required. Our senior officials are on the field and are carrying out patrolling. We are also monitoring social media. We would like to urge people to not believe any rumours and to maintain peace," MS Randhawa, PRO, Delhi Police told ANI.

Major protests have been held across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

A large number of people have gathered outside Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi on Friday to protest against the newly-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Protestors raised slogans against the Act and the central government.

A large number of people have gathered outside Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi on Friday to protest against the newly-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Protestors raised slogans against the Act and the central government. They can be seen carrying placards that read, "Save the Constitution", "Withdraw CAA", "We condemn Communal Law". Congress leader Alka Lamba was also seen at the protest showing support to the demonstrators. Earlier in the day, security was beefed up and patrolling was intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers. The precautions were taken after a massive protest had broken out in Jama Masjid area in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers. Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed across north-east Delhi in view of the Friday prayers. "The situation in Delhi is completely under control. We have deployed appropriate forces wherever required. Our senior officials are on the field and are carrying out patrolling. We are also monitoring social media. We would like to urge people to not believe any rumours and to maintain peace," MS Randhawa, PRO, Delhi Police told ANI. Major protests have been held across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Delhi: Massive protests against CAA outside Jama Masjid

Amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and concerns over National Register for Citizenships (NRC), some Muslims clerics, intellectuals and lawmakers will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah very soon.

Speaking to ANI, All Imam Organisation Chief Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi said, "A delegation of Muslims clerics, academicians, intellectuals, lawmakers and Madarsa proctors will meet Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon."Ilyasi said that the delegation will appraise the Prime Minister and Home Minister about their concerns over the CAA and NRC.

Political parties, different organisations and institutions have organised protests against the citizenship act and NRC across the country.

A major protest was also held in Jama Masjid area in Old Delhi following Friday prayers last week.

The Chief Imam also appealed the protestors to refrain from violence.

"I would like to make an appeal to all the citizens of this country that peace must continue. Staging a protest is our democratic right. We must protest, but peacefully," Ilyasi said.

Violence had erupted during several protests against the citizenship act across the country.

The new citizenship law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and concerns over National Register for Citizenships (NRC), some Muslims clerics, intellectuals and lawmakers will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah very soon.

Amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and concerns over National Register for Citizenships (NRC), some Muslims clerics, intellectuals and lawmakers will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah very soon. Speaking to ANI, All Imam Organisation Chief Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi said, "A delegation of Muslims clerics, academicians, intellectuals, lawmakers and Madarsa proctors will meet Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon."Ilyasi said that the delegation will appraise the Prime Minister and Home Minister about their concerns over the CAA and NRC. Political parties, different organisations and institutions have organised protests against the citizenship act and NRC across the country. A major protest was also held in Jama Masjid area in Old Delhi following Friday prayers last week. The Chief Imam also appealed the protestors to refrain from violence. "I would like to make an appeal to all the citizens of this country that peace must continue. Staging a protest is our democratic right. We must protest, but peacefully," Ilyasi said. Violence had erupted during several protests against the citizenship act across the country. The new citizenship law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

CAA Row: Muslim leaders, clerics to meet PM Modi, Amit Shah

The Narendra Modi government came to the defence of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday after he drew flak from several quarters over his remarks criticising those leading protests and guiding students to carry out arson and violence.

Speaking to ANI, Union Minister and former Army Chief Gen (Retd.) VK Singh defended the comments made by Bipin Rawat and asked the opposition not to politicise everything.

Singh also said that there was nothing political in asking students to maintain peace while protesting.

"In our great country, the opposition can turn anything into a controversy. Ideal would have been to see the statement into context in which Army Chief has said a particular thing. Ask him what he meant. I don't see any politics in it. If I tell students don't unnecessarily damage property, is it politics? Search your heart and ask this question. Cross-check with Army Chief and in what context he might have said it," he said.

"If I play football, the opposition will say it's politics. If you don't understand the context, go and check with him. If he had given advice to students to not indulge in arson, it's not a bad thing. Don't know what is so wrong in it?" Singh said.

Singh's defence of Gen Rawat came a day after the Army Chief's remarks while addressing an event in the national capital on Thursday.

The opposition alleged that the comments were political in nature and the Army Chief should desist from indulging in politics.

Singh also pointed out that while the BJP and its ministers were trying to remove misconceptions regarding the CAA and NRC, the opposition was still trying to create confusion regarding it.

"I will take you back to the land acquisition bill. All states were consulted, suitable amendment was passed and then myths started circulating and goalposts were changed. It is exactly the same thing that is happening today. We know who is doing it. People are churning lies and I am aghast. We reduced the time period from 11 years to five years (for granting citizenship to minorities from neighbouring countries) it becomes a Hindu -Muslim issue. The way things have been done and the internet is churning out stories, and none of the pseudo-intellectuals and politicians shouting at the pitch of their voice is bothered about the country. They are concerned over their image and awards," the former Army Chief said.

He further said that the country belongs to everyone born here even if their parents were foreigners.

"Where are the doubts? About papers and certificates required, this is a false narrative. I appeal to reasonable people, can't do this with unreasonable people. It pains me. Those who are born in India are Indians and no one can take away their citizenship" he said.

The Narendra Modi government came to the defence of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday after he drew flak from several quarters over his remarks criticising those leading protests and guiding students to carry out arson and violence.

The Narendra Modi government came to the defence of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday after he drew flak from several quarters over his remarks criticising those leading protests and guiding students to carry out arson and violence. Speaking to ANI, Union Minister and former Army Chief Gen (Retd.) VK Singh defended the comments made by Bipin Rawat and asked the opposition not to politicise everything. Singh also said that there was nothing political in asking students to maintain peace while protesting. "In our great country, the opposition can turn anything into a controversy. Ideal would have been to see the statement into context in which Army Chief has said a particular thing. Ask him what he meant. I don't see any politics in it. If I tell students don't unnecessarily damage property, is it politics? Search your heart and ask this question. Cross-check with Army Chief and in what context he might have said it," he said. "If I play football, the opposition will say it's politics. If you don't understand the context, go and check with him. If he had given advice to students to not indulge in arson, it's not a bad thing. Don't know what is so wrong in it?" Singh said. Singh's defence of Gen Rawat came a day after the Army Chief's remarks while addressing an event in the national capital on Thursday. The opposition alleged that the comments were political in nature and the Army Chief should desist from indulging in politics. Singh also pointed out that while the BJP and its ministers were trying to remove misconceptions regarding the CAA and NRC, the opposition was still trying to create confusion regarding it. "I will take you back to the land acquisition bill. All states were consulted, suitable amendment was passed and then myths started circulating and goalposts were changed. It is exactly the same thing that is happening today. We know who is doing it. People are churning lies and I am aghast. We reduced the time period from 11 years to five years (for granting citizenship to minorities from neighbouring countries) it becomes a Hindu -Muslim issue. The way things have been done and the internet is churning out stories, and none of the pseudo-intellectuals and politicians shouting at the pitch of their voice is bothered about the country. They are concerned over their image and awards," the former Army Chief said. He further said that the country belongs to everyone born here even if their parents were foreigners. "Where are the doubts? About papers and certificates required, this is a false narrative. I appeal to reasonable people, can't do this with unreasonable people. It pains me. Those who are born in India are Indians and no one can take away their citizenship" he said.

Check context with him, don't politicise it: VK Singh on Rawat's statement on anti-CAA protests

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-india-vs-china-battle-for-influence-in-indian-ocean-266210">Indian Ocean</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-attacks-in-gulf-of-oman-stoke-security-and-oil-fears-226939">Gulf of Oman</a>&nbsp;on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced.

The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year.

"The message of this exercise is peace, friendship and lasting security through cooperation and unity and its effect will be to show that Iran cannot be isolated," Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said on state television.

Tahani added that the drills included rescuing ships on fire or vessels under attack by pirates and shooting exercises, with both Iran's navy and its Revolutionary Guards participating.

State television showed what it said was a Russian warship arriving at Chabahar port in southern Iran and said the Chinese will join shortly, calling the three countries "the new triangle of power in the sea".

"The aim of this drill is to bolster security of international maritime commerce, combatting piracy and terrorism and sharing information and experience," the flotilla commander said.

"Us hosting these powers shows that our relations have reached a meaningful point and may have an international impact," he added.

The United States reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran after quitting the nuclear deal last year, prompting Tehran to hit back with countermeasures by dropping nuclear commitments.

Remaining parties to the badly weakened agreement include Britain, France and Germany as well as China and Russia.

In June, US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> authorised a military strike after Iran shot down a US drone, only to call off the retaliation at the last moment.

The crisis deepened with the September 14 attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield, which halved the kingdom's crude output.

Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack but Washington accused Tehran, a charge it has strongly denied.

Washington has responded with a military build-up in the Gulf and has launched an operation with its allies to protect navigation in Gulf waters.

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced. The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year.

Iran, China and Russia started four days of joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman on Friday, the commander of Iran's flotilla announced. The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions since the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May last year. "The message of this exercise is peace, friendship and lasting security through cooperation and unity and its effect will be to show that Iran cannot be isolated," Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani said on state television. Tahani added that the drills included rescuing ships on fire or vessels under attack by pirates and shooting exercises, with both Iran's navy and its Revolutionary Guards participating. State television showed what it said was a Russian warship arriving at Chabahar port in southern Iran and said the Chinese will join shortly, calling the three countries "the new triangle of power in the sea". "The aim of this drill is to bolster security of international maritime commerce, combatting piracy and terrorism and sharing information and experience," the flotilla commander said. "Us hosting these powers shows that our relations have reached a meaningful point and may have an international impact," he added. The United States reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran after quitting the nuclear deal last year, prompting Tehran to hit back with countermeasures by dropping nuclear commitments. Remaining parties to the badly weakened agreement include Britain, France and Germany as well as China and Russia. In June, US President Donald Trump authorised a military strike after Iran shot down a US drone, only to call off the retaliation at the last moment. The crisis deepened with the September 14 attacks on Saudi energy giant Aramco's Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield, which halved the kingdom's crude output. Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack but Washington accused Tehran, a charge it has strongly denied. Washington has responded with a military build-up in the Gulf and has launched an operation with its allies to protect navigation in Gulf waters.

Iran, China, Russia start joint naval drills

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday accused Congress of spreading rumours about the newly-amended citizenship law and challenged party leader Rahul Gandhi to highlight even one clause in the Act which has any provision to take away the citizenship.

"Congress and company are spreading rumours that this act will take away the citizenship of minorities. I challenge Rahul to show even one clause in the act that has provision to take away citizenship. Do not disrupt the peace in the country and lead people astray," Shah said.

Shah made these statements while addressing the public at an event to mark the competition of two years of BJP-led Himachal government.

Shah also outlined the work done by his government including abrogation of Article 370, one rank one pension among others during today's address.

It has been six years and even our enemies cannot levy charges of corruption on the government, he said, adding that during Congress' tenure, the word 'corruption' was commonly used.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday accused Congress of spreading rumours about the newly-amended citizenship law and challenged party leader Rahul Gandhi to highlight even one clause in the Act which has any provision to take away the citizenship.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday accused Congress of spreading rumours about the newly-amended citizenship law and challenged party leader Rahul Gandhi to highlight even one clause in the Act which has any provision to take away the citizenship. "Congress and company are spreading rumours that this act will take away the citizenship of minorities. I challenge Rahul to show even one clause in the act that has provision to take away citizenship. Do not disrupt the peace in the country and lead people astray," Shah said. Shah made these statements while addressing the public at an event to mark the competition of two years of BJP-led Himachal government. Shah also outlined the work done by his government including abrogation of Article 370, one rank one pension among others during today's address. It has been six years and even our enemies cannot levy charges of corruption on the government, he said, adding that during Congress' tenure, the word 'corruption' was commonly used.

Amit Shah challenges Congress to show any clause in CAA that can take away citizenship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed for calm and asked people not to listen to rumours with respect to the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

"Don't resort to violence. People listened to rumours and rumour-mongering fueled violence," the prime minister said during his address in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The prime minister said that issues like Article 370 and Ram temple in Ayodhya have been "resolved peacefully" in the country.&nbsp;

"The way to give citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan has been cleared. 130 crore Indians have found a solution to such challenges with confidence," he stated.&nbsp;

PM Modi asked people to introspect if damaging public property in the name protest was right.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM Modi: Better roads,transport&amp;sewer are our rights, but it's our duty to protect it.Quality education is our right but safety of educational institutions&amp;respect for teachers are our duties. Secure atmosphere is our right,but it's also duty of citizens to respect work of police <a href="https://t.co/nskRfcJ0rb">https://t.co/nskRfcJ0rb</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1209792379336577024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"People who damaged public property and were involved in violence in the name of protest in UP, should introspect if what they did was right," he said.

"A secure atmosphere is our right but it's also the duty of the citizens to respect the work of police," he said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM Narendra Modi in Lucknow: Issues of Article370, Ram Temple have been resolved peacefully. The way to give citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan has been cleared. 130 crore Indians have found solution to such challenges with confidence. <a href="https://t.co/kglKRKa549">pic.twitter.com/kglKRKa549</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1209788196856324096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier in the day, the prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lucknow-pm-modi-unveils-statue-of-former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-95th-birth-anniversary-270180">unveiled a statue of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan.&nbsp;

He also paid his tribute to the former PM on the occasion of his 95th birth anniversary.&nbsp;

"Atal ji used to say that life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces. The same is true for the government, the same is true for good governance. Good governance is also not possible until we think of the problems in totality," PM Modi said in Lucknow.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-condemns-violence-urges-anti-caa-protesters-to-introspect-270248/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Sunday, the prime minister addressed a rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan and stated that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-will-benefit-marginalised-pm-modi-pleads-people-to-not-trust-rumour-mongers-at-bjp-rally-in-delhi-269570">CAA will benefit the marginalised</a> and will not affect the citizens of the country.&nbsp;

While talking about the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Prime Minister attacked the opposition and its ''friends'', saying that ''Urban Naxals are spreading rumours that all Muslims will be sent to detention centres''.&nbsp;

Commanding the crowd to respect their education, Modi said ''Read what is Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC. You are educated''.

Protests have gripped the country over the newly introduced citizenship law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed for calm and asked people not to listen to rumours with respect to the Citizenship Amendment Act. "Don't resort to violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed for calm and asked people not to listen to rumours with respect to the Citizenship Amendment Act. "Don't resort to violence. People listened to rumours and rumour-mongering fueled violence," the prime minister said during his address in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The prime minister said that issues like Article 370 and Ram temple in Ayodhya have been "resolved peacefully" in the country. "The way to give citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan has been cleared. 130 crore Indians have found a solution to such challenges with confidence," he stated. PM Modi asked people to introspect if damaging public property in the name protest was right. PM Modi: Better roads,transport&sewer are our rights, but it's our duty to protect it.Quality education is our right but safety of educational institutions&respect for teachers are our duties. Secure atmosphere is our right,but it's also duty of citizens to respect work of police https://t.co/nskRfcJ0rb — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 25, 2019 × "People who damaged public property and were involved in violence in the name of protest in UP, should introspect if what they did was right," he said. "A secure atmosphere is our right but it's also the duty of the citizens to respect the work of police," he said. PM Narendra Modi in Lucknow: Issues of Article370, Ram Temple have been resolved peacefully. The way to give citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan has been cleared. 130 crore Indians have found solution to such challenges with confidence. pic.twitter.com/kglKRKa549 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 25, 2019 × Earlier in the day, the prime minister unveiled a statue of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan. He also paid his tribute to the former PM on the occasion of his 95th birth anniversary. "Atal ji used to say that life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces. The same is true for the government, the same is true for good governance. Good governance is also not possible until we think of the problems in totality," PM Modi said in Lucknow. Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect × On Sunday, the prime minister addressed a rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan and stated that CAA will benefit the marginalised and will not affect the citizens of the country. While talking about the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Prime Minister attacked the opposition and its ''friends'', saying that ''Urban Naxals are spreading rumours that all Muslims will be sent to detention centres''. Commanding the crowd to respect their education, Modi said ''Read what is Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC. You are educated''. Protests have gripped the country over the newly introduced citizenship law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. (With inputs from ANI)

I appeal for calm, don't listen to rumours: PM Modi on anti-CAA protest

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday allowed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to hold a rally at Liaquat Bagh to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, during an election rally at the Bagh.

The PPP had announced a public meeting at the Bagh where Bhutto was assassinated but Rawalpindi district administration had refused to give permission, citing security concerns.

The party had consequently filed a petition with the LHC challenging the decision.

The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner also appeared before the court on Thursday to submit his comments on the petition filed by the PPP.

The court said that it was the responsibility of all enforcement agencies to provide security to PPP Chairman and Benazir's son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

Meanwhile, PPP parliamentarian Information Secretary Nafisa Shah visited the venue of the rally to oversee the preparation for Friday event.

"Jialays (PPP workers) from all over the country are on their way to Liaquat Bagh, but opponents and remnants of [former military dictator] Ziaul Haq faced problems over this," said Nafisa Shah.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday allowed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to hold a rally at Liaquat Bagh to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday allowed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to hold a rally at Liaquat Bagh to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, during an election rally at the Bagh. The PPP had announced a public meeting at the Bagh where Bhutto was assassinated but Rawalpindi district administration had refused to give permission, citing security concerns. The party had consequently filed a petition with the LHC challenging the decision. The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner also appeared before the court on Thursday to submit his comments on the petition filed by the PPP. The court said that it was the responsibility of all enforcement agencies to provide security to PPP Chairman and Benazir's son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Meanwhile, PPP parliamentarian Information Secretary Nafisa Shah visited the venue of the rally to oversee the preparation for Friday event. "Jialays (PPP workers) from all over the country are on their way to Liaquat Bagh, but opponents and remnants of [former military dictator] Ziaul Haq faced problems over this," said Nafisa Shah.

Pakistan: Lahore High Court grants permission to Pakistan Peoples Party to hold rally on Benazir Bhutto's death anniversary

Students from various Nepali schools and varsities flocked Kathmandu's BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory, and Science Museum on Thursday as the observatory had made special arrangements to view the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-how-solar-eclipse-in-chile-is-fuelling-tourism-231930">solar eclipse</a> through a telescope directly.

Executive Director of the Observatory, Sanat Kumar Sharma said that the arrangements were made for directly witnessing the eclipse through a solar filters-fitted telescope to support cultivating scientific conscience and culture among the public.

"Previously, the solar eclipse was very much helpful to study solar and other phenomenon but science has developed much, now it is helpful to create the scientific temper among the broad mass of the people. At the same time, it also enhances the learning capacity of the student. They only get to read in textbooks that there is a solar eclipse, there is a moon eclipse all the things but practically they do not know such things. When we show them live then they will know a lot of things about this eclipse," Sharma told ANI.

The celestial phenomenon was seen at 8.43 am in Kathmandu, at 8.38 am in Mahendranagar and at 8.48 am in Bhadrapur. The eclipse reached its median time at 10.01 am in Kathmandu, at 9.52 am&nbsp;in Mahendranagar and at 9.59 am&nbsp;at Bhadrapur and ended by 11.33 am at these places, The Himalayan Times reported.

"Apart from the studies, it's about interest too. We have to study about optics in the second year (of Undergraduate Course of Science) as we knew that the images are being projected from sun which provides us with an experimental idea regarding it through the help of the telescope that is stationed here and the later images thus formed which drove us up to here," said Ruru Bhusal, an undergraduate student who along with her friends visited the Observatory to learn more on the eclipse.

Similarly, Nepal Astronomical Society also facilitated observation of the solar eclipse through a telescope, available for the interested people at their office in Battisputali, Society President Suresh Bhattarai was quoted as saying.

Besides this, the decade's last eclipse was also visible in several parts of India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Singapore, Oman, and Guam.

Students from various Nepali schools and varsities flocked Kathmandu's BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory, and Science Museum on Thursday as the observatory had made special arrangements to view the solar eclipse through a telescope directly.

Students from various Nepali schools and varsities flocked Kathmandu's BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory, and Science Museum on Thursday as the observatory had made special arrangements to view the solar eclipse through a telescope directly. Executive Director of the Observatory, Sanat Kumar Sharma said that the arrangements were made for directly witnessing the eclipse through a solar filters-fitted telescope to support cultivating scientific conscience and culture among the public. "Previously, the solar eclipse was very much helpful to study solar and other phenomenon but science has developed much, now it is helpful to create the scientific temper among the broad mass of the people. At the same time, it also enhances the learning capacity of the student. They only get to read in textbooks that there is a solar eclipse, there is a moon eclipse all the things but practically they do not know such things. When we show them live then they will know a lot of things about this eclipse," Sharma told ANI. The celestial phenomenon was seen at 8.43 am in Kathmandu, at 8.38 am in Mahendranagar and at 8.48 am in Bhadrapur. The eclipse reached its median time at 10.01 am in Kathmandu, at 9.52 am in Mahendranagar and at 9.59 am at Bhadrapur and ended by 11.33 am at these places, The Himalayan Times reported. "Apart from the studies, it's about interest too. We have to study about optics in the second year (of Undergraduate Course of Science) as we knew that the images are being projected from sun which provides us with an experimental idea regarding it through the help of the telescope that is stationed here and the later images thus formed which drove us up to here," said Ruru Bhusal, an undergraduate student who along with her friends visited the Observatory to learn more on the eclipse. Similarly, Nepal Astronomical Society also facilitated observation of the solar eclipse through a telescope, available for the interested people at their office in Battisputali, Society President Suresh Bhattarai was quoted as saying. Besides this, the decade's last eclipse was also visible in several parts of India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Singapore, Oman, and Guam.

For students in Nepal, solar eclipse was a hands-on experience

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sparshita

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.