A total of eight people have been arrested, while 2 cases have been registered in connection with the violence that broke out in Seelampur and Zafarabad areas of New Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, Delhi Police said on Wednesday.

"We have a lot of video footage through which people are being identified. Strict action will be taken against those who will be found accused in this case," Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Alok Kumar said.

Meanwhile, police conducted flag march in Mustafabad and Ghonda areas of the National capital today.

"We want to give a message that strict action will be taken against those who try to disrupt law and order in the area. Section 144 has been imposed. The situation is completely under control and peaceful," Kumar said.

Earlier, RP Meena, the Additional DCP of the North-East Delhi had confirmed the arrest of six people, all of whom were locals, and said that multiple FIRs had been registered in Seelampur, Jafrabad, and Dayalpur areas of the National capital.

Protests escalated in Delhi on Sunday over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A total of eight people have been arrested, while 2 cases have been registered in connection with the violence that broke out in Seelampur and Zafarabad areas of New Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, Delhi Police said on Wednesday.

A total of eight people have been arrested, while 2 cases have been registered in connection with the violence that broke out in Seelampur and Zafarabad areas of New Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, Delhi Police said on Wednesday. "We have a lot of video footage through which people are being identified. Strict action will be taken against those who will be found accused in this case," Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Alok Kumar said. Meanwhile, police conducted flag march in Mustafabad and Ghonda areas of the National capital today. "We want to give a message that strict action will be taken against those who try to disrupt law and order in the area. Section 144 has been imposed. The situation is completely under control and peaceful," Kumar said. Earlier, RP Meena, the Additional DCP of the North-East Delhi had confirmed the arrest of six people, all of whom were locals, and said that multiple FIRs had been registered in Seelampur, Jafrabad, and Dayalpur areas of the National capital. Protests escalated in Delhi on Sunday over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Anti-CAA protests: 8 arrested for violence in Delhi's Seelampur, Zafarabad areas

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday arrived in Kabul to meet Afghan leaders to discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-special-envoy-zalmay-khalilzad-briefs-pakistan-on-taliban-peace-talks-268258">Taliban peace talks</a> that were put to rest after a suicide attack was carried out last week by the Taliban near a US airbase. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-braces-for-political-uncertainty-in-elections-wake-254388">Mujib&nbsp;Rahman Rahimi</a>, Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan informed about Khalilzad's visit in the war-torn country to resume the stalled negotiations of the Afghan peace talks, reported Tolo news. 
 
Earlier, United States negotiators took a brief pause from the talks with the Taliban in the wake of a suicide attack carried out by the group near US airbase in Afghanistan that claimed two lives. 
 
Last week, Khalilzad was in Islamabad to discuss the latest development of the Afghan peace talks with Pakistan. 
 
The earlier negotiation between the two sides was called off by US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-announces-a-pause-in-peace-talks-with-taliban-after-airbase-attack-267989">Donald Trump</a> over repeated attacks by the group, even an agreement had been reached upon "in principle" the two sides.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday arrived in Kabul to meet Afghan leaders to discuss the Taliban peace talks that were put to rest after a suicide attack was carried out last week by the Taliban near a US airbase.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday arrived in Kabul to meet Afghan leaders to discuss the Taliban peace talks that were put to rest after a suicide attack was carried out last week by the Taliban near a US airbase. Mujib Rahman Rahimi, Chief Executive Officer of Afghanistan informed about Khalilzad's visit in the war-torn country to resume the stalled negotiations of the Afghan peace talks, reported Tolo news. Earlier, United States negotiators took a brief pause from the talks with the Taliban in the wake of a suicide attack carried out by the group near US airbase in Afghanistan that claimed two lives. Last week, Khalilzad was in Islamabad to discuss the latest development of the Afghan peace talks with Pakistan. The earlier negotiation between the two sides was called off by US President Donald Trump over repeated attacks by the group, even an agreement had been reached upon "in principle" the two sides.

US peace envoy Khalilzad in Kabul to meet Afghan leaders over peace talks

Indian shares ended higher on Wednesday, after hitting record highs earlier in the session, boosted by metal, auto and information technology stocks.

The NSE Nifty 50 Index ended up 0.47 per cent&nbsp;at 12,221.65, having touched an all-time high of 12,237.70 earlier in the session.

The S&amp;P BSE Sensex index rose 0.55 per cent to 41,579.18, after hitting a record high of 41,614.77.

The Nifty IT index rose 0.47 per cent. The Nifty metals index gained 0.8 per cent, while the Nifty auto index rose 0.53 per cent.

The biggest gainers in the Nifty index were Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd gaining 3.59 per cent, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd up 2.51 per cent and JSW Steel Ltd higher by 2.07 per cent.

Indian shares ended higher on Wednesday, after hitting record highs earlier in the session, boosted by metal, auto and information technology stocks. The NSE Nifty 50 Index ended up 0.

Indian shares ended higher on Wednesday, after hitting record highs earlier in the session, boosted by metal, auto and information technology stocks. The NSE Nifty 50 Index ended up 0.47 per cent at 12,221.65, having touched an all-time high of 12,237.70 earlier in the session. The S&P BSE Sensex index rose 0.55 per cent to 41,579.18, after hitting a record high of 41,614.77. The Nifty IT index rose 0.47 per cent. The Nifty metals index gained 0.8 per cent, while the Nifty auto index rose 0.53 per cent. The biggest gainers in the Nifty index were Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd gaining 3.59 per cent, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd up 2.51 per cent and JSW Steel Ltd higher by 2.07 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex end higher; IT, metal stocks shine

Irish rockers U2 played their first-ever concert in India on Sunday, with top celebrities and mega-fans converging from across the vast nation to the coastal city of Mumbai.

U2 are the latest in a series of major international acts to tour the South Asian country, with Beyonce, Shakira, Coldplay, Demi Lovato and Bryan Adams among the superstars who have played to packed venues.

Some 35,000 tickets were estimated to have been sold for the concert at the DY&nbsp;Patil Sports Stadium, local media reported, with top Bollywood stars posing for photos before entering the venue.

Ahead of the concert, the band posted on their social media accounts a photo of the words "Ahimsa is the highest ideal".

"We were shaped and formed by Martin Luther King Jr who was a student of Mahatma Gandhi," frontman Bono told the NDTV news television channel in September.

"So we come as students to the source of inspiration that is 'Ahimsa' -- non-violence. Indians gave us this. It is the greatest gift to the world."

Mumbai is the last leg on The Joshua Tree Tour 2019 -- named after the band's seminal album -- which kicked off on November 8 in Auckland.

The Asia Pacific tour, which first started with stadium concerts in North America and Europe in 2017, marks three decades since the Irish group's "The Joshua Tree" was released.

Released in March 1987, "The Joshua Tree" reached into the roots of Irish and American music and produced classic hits "With or Without You," "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."

Irish rockers U2 played their first-ever concert in India on Sunday, with top celebrities and mega-fans converging from across the vast nation to the coastal city of Mumbai.

Irish rockers U2 played their first-ever concert in India on Sunday, with top celebrities and mega-fans converging from across the vast nation to the coastal city of Mumbai. U2 are the latest in a series of major international acts to tour the South Asian country, with Beyonce, Shakira, Coldplay, Demi Lovato and Bryan Adams among the superstars who have played to packed venues. Some 35,000 tickets were estimated to have been sold for the concert at the DY Patil Sports Stadium, local media reported, with top Bollywood stars posing for photos before entering the venue. Ahead of the concert, the band posted on their social media accounts a photo of the words "Ahimsa is the highest ideal". "We were shaped and formed by Martin Luther King Jr who was a student of Mahatma Gandhi," frontman Bono told the NDTV news television channel in September. "So we come as students to the source of inspiration that is 'Ahimsa' -- non-violence. Indians gave us this. It is the greatest gift to the world." Mumbai is the last leg on The Joshua Tree Tour 2019 -- named after the band's seminal album -- which kicked off on November 8 in Auckland. The Asia Pacific tour, which first started with stadium concerts in North America and Europe in 2017, marks three decades since the Irish group's "The Joshua Tree" was released. Released in March 1987, "The Joshua Tree" reached into the roots of Irish and American music and produced classic hits "With or Without You," "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."

U2 play their first-ever concert in India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-police-clash-with-anti-government-protesters-268354">Thousands protested in Lebanon's capital on Sunday</a>, while Interior Minister Raya El-Hassan ordered security forces to open a "rapid and transparent" enquiry after dozens were wounded in clashes the night before.

Undaunted by the violence, demonstrators flooded central Beirut once more ahead of parliamentary consultations due to begin Monday to appoint a new prime minister after weeks of largely peaceful street protests forced the previous cabinet to quit.

The unprecedented rallies have swept Lebanon since October 17, demanding the overhaul of a political system deemed inept and corrupt and the formation of an independent government of technocrats.

Late Saturday security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators who gathered near parliament, and beat protesters who tried to breach metal barricades.

The Lebanese civil defence said they took 36 injured to hospital and treated 54 people at the scene while the Lebanese Red Cross reported it took 15 injured to hospital and treated 37 people on site.

Both protesters and members of the security forces were injured, the Red Cross said, with some affected by tear gas and others struck by stones.

Lebanese security forces said on Twitter about 20 from their ranks were hospitalised, while others were injured and treated on the spot.

An AFP photographer saw men in plainclothes hitting protesters, while anti-riot police fired rubber bullets at protesters throwing stones.

Hassan demanded the identification of those responsible for the most violent episode since the anti-government protests began in October.

Excessive use of force

She warned against "infiltrators" seeking to use protests to provoke "confrontations".

Amnesty International's Diala Haidar decried the "excessive use of force" in response to "overwhelmingly peaceful protest".

"The intention was clearly to prevent protesters gathering," she said, condemning the presence of masked men in civilian clothes joining security forces in "violently attacking protesters".

The clashes lasted until the early hours of Sunday, with demonstrators chanting slogans against outgoing prime minister Saad Hariri, who stepped down on October 29, and parliament's veteran speaker Nabib Berri.

The names of various potential candidates to replace Hariri have been circulated in recent weeks but powerful political parties in the multi-confessional country have failed to agree on a new premier.

Last Sunday the Sunni Muslim establishment threw its support behind Hariri returning, further angering protesters.

On Sunday afternoon they began gathering again in central Beirut to vent their wrath, as anti-riot police stood by.

Waving Lebanese flags, they chanted slogans vowing "Hariri will not return".

"Change needs time and patience and we will not stop until we achieve our goals and remove this regime completely," Carla, a 23-year-old protester, said.

"We don't want Hariri because he is a partner in (official) corruption", she added.

Economic woes

Nour, a pharmacist, said Saturday's clashes were "shameful because we (the demonstrators) were peaceful and did not carry any weapons".

"I am opposed to Hariri returning as head of the government and I don't understand why they can't find anyone else.

"There are many competent people... who are independent," she said.

The head of the Internal Security Forces, Brigadier Imad Othman, toured central Beirut on Sunday afternoon and chatted with some protesters, urging them to be restrained.

"We must all be peaceful," he told them, asking them to allow security forces to carry out their duties unhindered.

The process of forming a government will take place as Lebanon's debt-burdened economy has been sliding towards collapse.

The country is facing a dollar liquidity crisis that has crippled imports and seen banks limit greenback withdrawals and transfers.

With banks failing to provide sufficient dollars, the US currency has been selling for more than 2,000 Lebanese pounds on the parallel market for the first time since it was officially pegged at 1,507 in 1997.

The international community has urged a new cabinet to be formed swiftly to implement key economic reforms and unlock international aid.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Sunday urged Lebanese leaders to push to resolve the crisis paralysing the country.

"Political authorities should get moving because the country is in a dramatic situation," he told French public radio.

Parliamentary consultations are due to begin Monday at 10:30 am (0830 GMT).

Thousands protested in Lebanon's capital on Sunday, while Interior Minister Raya El-Hassan ordered security forces to open a "rapid and transparent" enquiry after dozens were wounded in clashes the night before.

Thousands protested in Lebanon's capital on Sunday, while Interior Minister Raya El-Hassan ordered security forces to open a "rapid and transparent" enquiry after dozens were wounded in clashes the night before. Undaunted by the violence, demonstrators flooded central Beirut once more ahead of parliamentary consultations due to begin Monday to appoint a new prime minister after weeks of largely peaceful street protests forced the previous cabinet to quit. The unprecedented rallies have swept Lebanon since October 17, demanding the overhaul of a political system deemed inept and corrupt and the formation of an independent government of technocrats. Late Saturday security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators who gathered near parliament, and beat protesters who tried to breach metal barricades. The Lebanese civil defence said they took 36 injured to hospital and treated 54 people at the scene while the Lebanese Red Cross reported it took 15 injured to hospital and treated 37 people on site. Both protesters and members of the security forces were injured, the Red Cross said, with some affected by tear gas and others struck by stones. Lebanese security forces said on Twitter about 20 from their ranks were hospitalised, while others were injured and treated on the spot. An AFP photographer saw men in plainclothes hitting protesters, while anti-riot police fired rubber bullets at protesters throwing stones. Hassan demanded the identification of those responsible for the most violent episode since the anti-government protests began in October. Excessive use of force She warned against "infiltrators" seeking to use protests to provoke "confrontations". Amnesty International's Diala Haidar decried the "excessive use of force" in response to "overwhelmingly peaceful protest". "The intention was clearly to prevent protesters gathering," she said, condemning the presence of masked men in civilian clothes joining security forces in "violently attacking protesters". The clashes lasted until the early hours of Sunday, with demonstrators chanting slogans against outgoing prime minister Saad Hariri, who stepped down on October 29, and parliament's veteran speaker Nabib Berri. The names of various potential candidates to replace Hariri have been circulated in recent weeks but powerful political parties in the multi-confessional country have failed to agree on a new premier. Last Sunday the Sunni Muslim establishment threw its support behind Hariri returning, further angering protesters. On Sunday afternoon they began gathering again in central Beirut to vent their wrath, as anti-riot police stood by. Waving Lebanese flags, they chanted slogans vowing "Hariri will not return". "Change needs time and patience and we will not stop until we achieve our goals and remove this regime completely," Carla, a 23-year-old protester, said. "We don't want Hariri because he is a partner in (official) corruption", she added. Economic woes Nour, a pharmacist, said Saturday's clashes were "shameful because we (the demonstrators) were peaceful and did not carry any weapons". "I am opposed to Hariri returning as head of the government and I don't understand why they can't find anyone else. "There are many competent people... who are independent," she said. The head of the Internal Security Forces, Brigadier Imad Othman, toured central Beirut on Sunday afternoon and chatted with some protesters, urging them to be restrained. "We must all be peaceful," he told them, asking them to allow security forces to carry out their duties unhindered. The process of forming a government will take place as Lebanon's debt-burdened economy has been sliding towards collapse. The country is facing a dollar liquidity crisis that has crippled imports and seen banks limit greenback withdrawals and transfers. With banks failing to provide sufficient dollars, the US currency has been selling for more than 2,000 Lebanese pounds on the parallel market for the first time since it was officially pegged at 1,507 in 1997. The international community has urged a new cabinet to be formed swiftly to implement key economic reforms and unlock international aid. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Sunday urged Lebanese leaders to push to resolve the crisis paralysing the country. "Political authorities should get moving because the country is in a dramatic situation," he told French public radio. Parliamentary consultations are due to begin Monday at 10:30 am (0830 GMT).

Dozens hurt in Lebanon clashes as demonstrators dig in

A major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop25-meet-hammers-through-contested-climate-deal-268380">climate summit wrapped up in Madrid</a> on Sunday with a compromise deal that left little to show, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to lament a "lost opportunity" to act.

Almost a fortnight of COP25 talks just squeezed out hard-earned compromises from countries over a global warming battle plan that fell well short of what science says is needed to tackle the climate crisis.

"I am disappointed with the results of COP25," Guterres said. "The international community lost an important opportunity to show increased ambition on mitigation, adaptation and finance to tackle the climate crisis."

The summit's final declaration "expresses the urgent need" for new carbon cutting commitments to close the gap between current emissions and the Paris treaty goal of capping temperature at below two degrees, host country Spain said.

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"Today, the citizens of the world are asking for us to move ahead faster and better," Carolina Schmidt, Chilean environment minister and President of COP25, told the closing plenary.

But Tina Eonemto Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall Islands, denounced the response as inadequate for facing an existential threat of rising sea levels.

"Unfortunately, the new text we adopted this morning does not reflect anything near what we would have wanted. It is the bare minimum and we regret that countries could not agree on a more ambitious text," Stege said.

Green youth activist Greta Thunberg -- named 2019 Person of the Year by Time magazine -- on Friday slammed world leaders for "still trying to run away from their responsibilities" while demanding a "year of action" in 2020.&nbsp;

Following a year of deadly extreme weather and weekly protests by millions of young people, Madrid negotiators were under pressure to send a clear signal that governments were willing to double down.

The summit -- moved at the last minute from Chile due to unrest -- at times teetered on the brink of collapse as rich polluters, emerging powerhouses and climate-vulnerable nations groped for common ground in the face of competing national interests.

"Based on the adopted text, there is a glimmer of hope that the heart of the Paris Agreement is still beating," Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift, said.&nbsp;

"But its pulse is very weak." &nbsp;

Negotiators from nearly 200 nations came to Spain's capital with the aim of finalising the rulebook for the 2015 Paris accord, which enjoins nations to limit global temperature to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit).

'Missing in action'

With the accord set to become operational next year, it had been hoped COP 25 would show the world that governments would be moved by protests, irrefutable science, and deadly storms and wildfires that marked 2019 to redouble their efforts.

But greater ambition -- how far each country is willing to slash carbon emissions or assist less wealthy peers to do likewise -- has largely failed to materialise, leaving some veteran observers aghast.

"Never have I seen such a disconnect between what the science requires and what the climate negotiations are delivering in terms of meaningful action," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and a 28-year veteran of the climate process.

"Most of the world's biggest emitting countries are missing in action and resisting calls to raise their ambition."

The push for &nbsp;strengthening &nbsp;voluntary carbon cutting plans is led by small-island and least-developed states, along with the European Union.

These have called out nations they see as blocking consensus -- notably the United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

China and India, the world's No. 1 and No. 4 carbon emitters, made it clear they see no need to improve on their current emissions reduction plans, which run to 2030.

These emerging giants chose instead to emphasise the historical responsibility of rich nations to lead the way and provide financing to poor countries.&nbsp;

"Major players who needed to deliver in Madrid did not live up to expectations," said Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and, as France's top negotiator, a main architect of the Paris Agreement.

"But thanks to a progressive alliance of small island states, European, African and Latin American countries, we obtained the best possible outcome, against the will of big polluters."

'Loss and damage'

The summit was also meant to finalise a chapter on carbon markets in the Paris rulebook.

Instead, the focus now switches to next year's COP 26 in Glasgow, when the true Paris deadline falls.

The US, which is leaving the Paris deal next year, was accused of playing spoiler on a number of issues. &nbsp;

This included so-called "loss and damage" funding to help disaster-hit countries repair and rebuild.&nbsp;

"The US has not come here in good faith," said Harjeet Singh, climate lead with charity ActionAid.&nbsp;

"They continue to block the world's efforts to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by climate change."

Even if all countries implement their current plans under Paris, Earth is on course to warm more than 3C by 2100.

A major climate summit wrapped up in Madrid on Sunday with a compromise deal that left little to show, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to lament a "lost opportunity" to act.

A major climate summit wrapped up in Madrid on Sunday with a compromise deal that left little to show, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to lament a "lost opportunity" to act. Almost a fortnight of COP25 talks just squeezed out hard-earned compromises from countries over a global warming battle plan that fell well short of what science says is needed to tackle the climate crisis. "I am disappointed with the results of COP25," Guterres said. "The international community lost an important opportunity to show increased ambition on mitigation, adaptation and finance to tackle the climate crisis." The summit's final declaration "expresses the urgent need" for new carbon cutting commitments to close the gap between current emissions and the Paris treaty goal of capping temperature at below two degrees, host country Spain said. × "Today, the citizens of the world are asking for us to move ahead faster and better," Carolina Schmidt, Chilean environment minister and President of COP25, told the closing plenary. But Tina Eonemto Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall Islands, denounced the response as inadequate for facing an existential threat of rising sea levels. "Unfortunately, the new text we adopted this morning does not reflect anything near what we would have wanted. It is the bare minimum and we regret that countries could not agree on a more ambitious text," Stege said. Green youth activist Greta Thunberg -- named 2019 Person of the Year by Time magazine -- on Friday slammed world leaders for "still trying to run away from their responsibilities" while demanding a "year of action" in 2020. Following a year of deadly extreme weather and weekly protests by millions of young people, Madrid negotiators were under pressure to send a clear signal that governments were willing to double down. The summit -- moved at the last minute from Chile due to unrest -- at times teetered on the brink of collapse as rich polluters, emerging powerhouses and climate-vulnerable nations groped for common ground in the face of competing national interests. "Based on the adopted text, there is a glimmer of hope that the heart of the Paris Agreement is still beating," Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift, said. "But its pulse is very weak." Negotiators from nearly 200 nations came to Spain's capital with the aim of finalising the rulebook for the 2015 Paris accord, which enjoins nations to limit global temperature to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit). 'Missing in action' With the accord set to become operational next year, it had been hoped COP 25 would show the world that governments would be moved by protests, irrefutable science, and deadly storms and wildfires that marked 2019 to redouble their efforts. But greater ambition -- how far each country is willing to slash carbon emissions or assist less wealthy peers to do likewise -- has largely failed to materialise, leaving some veteran observers aghast. "Never have I seen such a disconnect between what the science requires and what the climate negotiations are delivering in terms of meaningful action," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and a 28-year veteran of the climate process. "Most of the world's biggest emitting countries are missing in action and resisting calls to raise their ambition." The push for strengthening voluntary carbon cutting plans is led by small-island and least-developed states, along with the European Union. These have called out nations they see as blocking consensus -- notably the United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia. China and India, the world's No. 1 and No. 4 carbon emitters, made it clear they see no need to improve on their current emissions reduction plans, which run to 2030. These emerging giants chose instead to emphasise the historical responsibility of rich nations to lead the way and provide financing to poor countries. "Major players who needed to deliver in Madrid did not live up to expectations," said Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and, as France's top negotiator, a main architect of the Paris Agreement. "But thanks to a progressive alliance of small island states, European, African and Latin American countries, we obtained the best possible outcome, against the will of big polluters." 'Loss and damage' The summit was also meant to finalise a chapter on carbon markets in the Paris rulebook. Instead, the focus now switches to next year's COP 26 in Glasgow, when the true Paris deadline falls. The US, which is leaving the Paris deal next year, was accused of playing spoiler on a number of issues. This included so-called "loss and damage" funding to help disaster-hit countries repair and rebuild. "The US has not come here in good faith," said Harjeet Singh, climate lead with charity ActionAid. "They continue to block the world's efforts to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by climate change." Even if all countries implement their current plans under Paris, Earth is on course to warm more than 3C by 2100.

United Nation climate talks a 'lost opportunity': UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

The scintillating annual beauty pageant, Miss World 2019 came to an end on Saturday night after Jamaica's Toni-Ann Singh bagged the title.&nbsp;

In a grand ceremony held in London,&nbsp;Singh was declared the winner and was crowned the 69th Miss World.

Miss Jamaica defeated contestants from over 110 nations to clinch the coveted title.

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Toni-Ann Singh from Jamaica is the 69th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Missworld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Missworld</a> <a href="https://t.co/tgyTFFiuKU">pic.twitter.com/tgyTFFiuKU</a>
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India's Suman Rao was among the top five finalists at the pageant and bagged the third spot after France's Ophely Mezino who came second.

Rao hails from Udaipur, Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Mexico's Vanessa Ponce de Leon was crowned <a href="http://wionews.com/world/mexicos-vanessa-ponce-de-leon-is-crowned-miss-world-182493">Miss World 2018</a> last year.&nbsp;

Ponce de Leon was crowned Miss World by India's own Manushi Chhillar who had won the title last year.&nbsp;

Last year's top five finalists at the beauty event included &nbsp;Belarus' Maria Vasilevich, Jamaica's Kadijah Robinson, and Uganda's Quiin Abenakyo.&nbsp;

India's Anukreethy Vas failed to make it to the top 30 in 2018.&nbsp;

The scintillating annual beauty pageant, Miss World 2019 came to an end on Saturday night after Jamaica's Toni-Ann Singh bagged the title. In a grand ceremony held in London, Singh was declared the winner and was crowned the 69th Miss World.

The scintillating annual beauty pageant, Miss World 2019 came to an end on Saturday night after Jamaica's Toni-Ann Singh bagged the title. In a grand ceremony held in London, Singh was declared the winner and was crowned the 69th Miss World. Miss Jamaica defeated contestants from over 110 nations to clinch the coveted title. Toni-Ann Singh from Jamaica is the 69th #Missworld pic.twitter.com/tgyTFFiuKU — Miss World (@MissWorldLtd) December 14, 2019 × India's Suman Rao was among the top five finalists at the pageant and bagged the third spot after France's Ophely Mezino who came second. Rao hails from Udaipur, Rajasthan. Mexico's Vanessa Ponce de Leon was crowned Miss World 2018 last year. Ponce de Leon was crowned Miss World by India's own Manushi Chhillar who had won the title last year. Last year's top five finalists at the beauty event included Belarus' Maria Vasilevich, Jamaica's Kadijah Robinson, and Uganda's Quiin Abenakyo. India's Anukreethy Vas failed to make it to the top 30 in 2018.

Jamaica's Toni-Ann Singh clinches Miss World 2019 title, India bags third spot

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government.

The discriminatory legislation by the Imran&nbsp;Khan-led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities, the UN report stated.&nbsp;

The Commission added that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially the females, are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights.

In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan- religious freedom under attack', the UN commission expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan.

The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation that are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground.

The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that the minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens...

The report contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities.

As per the report, each year, hundreds of women under the age of 18 are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men with little or no hopes for being returned to their families.

Following these observations, the Commission has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government.

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government. The discriminatory legislation by the Imran Khan-led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities, the UN report stated. The Commission added that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially the females, are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights. In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan- religious freedom under attack', the UN commission expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan. The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation that are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground. The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that the minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens... The report contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities. As per the report, each year, hundreds of women under the age of 18 are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men with little or no hopes for being returned to their families. Following these observations, the Commission has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account.

United Nations slams Pakistan over religious freedom

Centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope powered West Indies to an eight-wicket win over India after chasing down a target of 288 in the first one-day international on Sunday.

Hetmyer, who hit a career-best 139, and Hope, unbeaten on 102, put on a key 218-run second-wicket partnership as West Indies eased to victory with 13 balls to spare and lead the three-match series 1-0.

The left-handed Hetmyer completed his fifth ODI ton in 85 balls to take control with Hope, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, after the early fall of Sunil Ambris for nine.

Hetmyer, who hit his second hundred against India and survived a dropped chance on 106, smashed 11 fours and seven sixes in his 106-ball knock to pulverise the Indian bowlers.

Mohammed Shami finally broke through to get Hetmyer back in the pavilion but Hope stood firm to complete his eighth ODI hundred.&nbsp;

He got company from Nicholas Pooran who hit the winning boundary to stay unbeaten 29.

Indian batsmen Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant made half-centuries to guide India to 287 for eight after they lost early wickets following West Indies' decision to bowl first.

Iyer, who made 70, and Pant, who hit 71, put on 114 for the fourth wicket after India were left struggling at 80 for three.

Pace spearhead Sheldon Cottrell struck twice in one over, including nabbing skipper Virat Kohli for four with a slower delivery that the star batsman inside edged on to his stumps.

Iyer completed his third successive ODI fifty while Pant -- a wicketkeeper-batsman who is often criticised for throwing away his wicket -- raised his first during a 69-ball knock laced with seven fours and one six.&nbsp;

Kedar Jadhav played a useful cameo of 40 during his 59-run sixth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who made 21, to boost India's scoring in the final few overs.

Keemo Paul broke through with the wicket of Jadhav, and there was drama on the very next ball with Jadeja run out after a delayed umpire call.

Roston Chase hit the stumps at the bowler's end where Jadeja was running and South African umpire Shaun George did not call for the third umpire.

But replays suggested Jadeja was short of his crease, prompting the on-field official to refer it to the TV umpire who then gave it out, as an angry Kohli shook his head in disapproval in the dressing room.

The second ODI is on Wednesday in Visakhapatnam.

Centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope powered West Indies to an eight-wicket win over India after chasing down a target of 288 in the first one-day international on Sunday.

Centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope powered West Indies to an eight-wicket win over India after chasing down a target of 288 in the first one-day international on Sunday. Hetmyer, who hit a career-best 139, and Hope, unbeaten on 102, put on a key 218-run second-wicket partnership as West Indies eased to victory with 13 balls to spare and lead the three-match series 1-0. The left-handed Hetmyer completed his fifth ODI ton in 85 balls to take control with Hope, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, after the early fall of Sunil Ambris for nine. Hetmyer, who hit his second hundred against India and survived a dropped chance on 106, smashed 11 fours and seven sixes in his 106-ball knock to pulverise the Indian bowlers. Mohammed Shami finally broke through to get Hetmyer back in the pavilion but Hope stood firm to complete his eighth ODI hundred. He got company from Nicholas Pooran who hit the winning boundary to stay unbeaten 29. Indian batsmen Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant made half-centuries to guide India to 287 for eight after they lost early wickets following West Indies' decision to bowl first. Iyer, who made 70, and Pant, who hit 71, put on 114 for the fourth wicket after India were left struggling at 80 for three. Pace spearhead Sheldon Cottrell struck twice in one over, including nabbing skipper Virat Kohli for four with a slower delivery that the star batsman inside edged on to his stumps. Iyer completed his third successive ODI fifty while Pant -- a wicketkeeper-batsman who is often criticised for throwing away his wicket -- raised his first during a 69-ball knock laced with seven fours and one six. Kedar Jadhav played a useful cameo of 40 during his 59-run sixth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who made 21, to boost India's scoring in the final few overs. Keemo Paul broke through with the wicket of Jadhav, and there was drama on the very next ball with Jadeja run out after a delayed umpire call. Roston Chase hit the stumps at the bowler's end where Jadeja was running and South African umpire Shaun George did not call for the third umpire. But replays suggested Jadeja was short of his crease, prompting the on-field official to refer it to the TV umpire who then gave it out, as an angry Kohli shook his head in disapproval in the dressing room. The second ODI is on Wednesday in Visakhapatnam.

West Indies beat India by 8 wickets in first ODI

Top Democrats in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives made a last-minute pitch to Republicans on Sunday for why they should put partisanship aside and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-looms-as-us-house-committee-approves-charges-268218">vote to impeach President Donald Trump</a>.

Trump is expected to become the third US&nbsp;president to be impeached when the full Democratic-led House votes on the charges, likely this week, setting up a trial in the Republican-controlled Senate.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, speaking on ABC's "This Week," warned that Trump poses "a clear and present danger" to democracy.

Schiff and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, speaking on the same show, said lawmakers have a constitutional duty to hold Trump to account for trying to recruit Ukraine to launch a corruption investigation into his Democratic political rival Joe Biden.

Their comments come as the Democratically-controlled US&nbsp;House is poised later this week to vote along party lines on whether to approve two articles of impeachment. The Republican-controlled Senate has shown little appetite for removing Trump from office.

"The misconduct hasn't stopped," Schiff said, noting that Trump has still urged Ukraine, as well as China, to investigate the Biden family, and that Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani is still traveling to Ukraine to conduct a "sham" investigation.

"The threat to our election integrity ... goes on. It's a clear and present danger, I think, to our democracy and not something that we can turn away from simply because the Republicans in the House refuse to do their duty."

Both Democrats used their air time on Sunday to urge the Senate to call witnesses and seek documentary evidence that they said the White House has withheld.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has raised the prospect of conducting a short Senate impeachment trial without calling any witnesses.

Nadler on Sunday said such a move would do a disservice to the Senate, whose members will all effectively serve as jurors who will need to weigh the evidence to decide whether Trump should be convicted and removed from office.

“I think the record is overwhelming, but if they don’t think there is sufficient evidence on the record, they should demand the testimony of people ... like Secretary of State Pompeo, and Mulvaney, and others – John Bolton- who on the president’s instructions have refused to testify," Nadler said.

Some of Trump's staunch Republican defenders in the Senate have already said they believe Trump did nothing wrong, though others have taken a more cautious approach, saying they want to see the evidence first.

"I think we ought to hear what the House impeachment managers have to say, give the President's attorneys an opportunity to make their defense, and then make a decision about whether and to what extent we go forward from there," Republican Senator Pat Toomey said on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday.

He added it would be “extremely inappropriate to put a bullet in this thing immediately" when the House votes to impeach Trump and kicks it over to the Senate for trial.

Top Democrats in the US House of Representatives made a last-minute pitch to Republicans on Sunday for why they should put partisanship aside and vote to impeach President Donald Trump.

Top Democrats in the US House of Representatives made a last-minute pitch to Republicans on Sunday for why they should put partisanship aside and vote to impeach President Donald Trump. Trump is expected to become the third US president to be impeached when the full Democratic-led House votes on the charges, likely this week, setting up a trial in the Republican-controlled Senate. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, speaking on ABC's "This Week," warned that Trump poses "a clear and present danger" to democracy. Schiff and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, speaking on the same show, said lawmakers have a constitutional duty to hold Trump to account for trying to recruit Ukraine to launch a corruption investigation into his Democratic political rival Joe Biden. Their comments come as the Democratically-controlled US House is poised later this week to vote along party lines on whether to approve two articles of impeachment. The Republican-controlled Senate has shown little appetite for removing Trump from office. "The misconduct hasn't stopped," Schiff said, noting that Trump has still urged Ukraine, as well as China, to investigate the Biden family, and that Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani is still traveling to Ukraine to conduct a "sham" investigation. "The threat to our election integrity ... goes on. It's a clear and present danger, I think, to our democracy and not something that we can turn away from simply because the Republicans in the House refuse to do their duty." Both Democrats used their air time on Sunday to urge the Senate to call witnesses and seek documentary evidence that they said the White House has withheld. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has raised the prospect of conducting a short Senate impeachment trial without calling any witnesses. Nadler on Sunday said such a move would do a disservice to the Senate, whose members will all effectively serve as jurors who will need to weigh the evidence to decide whether Trump should be convicted and removed from office. “I think the record is overwhelming, but if they don’t think there is sufficient evidence on the record, they should demand the testimony of people ... like Secretary of State Pompeo, and Mulvaney, and others – John Bolton- who on the president’s instructions have refused to testify," Nadler said. Some of Trump's staunch Republican defenders in the Senate have already said they believe Trump did nothing wrong, though others have taken a more cautious approach, saying they want to see the evidence first. "I think we ought to hear what the House impeachment managers have to say, give the President's attorneys an opportunity to make their defense, and then make a decision about whether and to what extent we go forward from there," Republican Senator Pat Toomey said on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. He added it would be “extremely inappropriate to put a bullet in this thing immediately" when the House votes to impeach Trump and kicks it over to the Senate for trial.

Top Democrats make case for Republicans to endorse Trump impeachment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamaicas-toni-ann-singh-clinches-miss-world-2019-title-268319">Jamaica's Toni-Ann Singh was crowned as Miss World 2019</a> on Saturday and said she wanted to use her title to work for "sustainable change" for women and their children.

Asked about the value of beauty contests in today's world of MeToo# and the drive for equality and respect for women, the 23-year-old graduate of Florida State University said beauty for her was the least important aspect of her achievement.

"I want to make a change that's sustainable. So if we're talking women... it needs to be something that will make sure that their children and their children's children have a different value of life," an overjoyed Singh told reporters after winning the title in London.

Singh did not specify what kind of change she had in mind.

"It's OK to celebrate things like beauty and attributes like strength and those things. But this is so much more," she said as she hugged her proud parents, Jahrine and Bradshaw.

Describing herself as a "changed woman" after the experience of taking part in the Miss World competition, Singh added: "There's no way I could chalk it up to just being about beauty, because that's the last on the list, honestly."

Singh, who sang a version of the late singer Whitney Houston's "I have nothing" in the competition, received her crown from last year's winner, Vanessa Ponce of Mexico.

Jamaicans attending the event hailed Singh's win as a triumph also for their Caribbean island nation.

"The fact that Miss World is won by a black person is very, very significant to us because it represents a lot in terms of our culture, in terms of how far the world has moved on," said audience member Christine McDermott, who lives in London.

Jamaica's Toni-Ann Singh was crowned as Miss World 2019 on Saturday and said she wanted to use her title to work for "sustainable change" for women and their children.

Jamaica's Toni-Ann Singh was crowned as Miss World 2019 on Saturday and said she wanted to use her title to work for "sustainable change" for women and their children. Asked about the value of beauty contests in today's world of MeToo# and the drive for equality and respect for women, the 23-year-old graduate of Florida State University said beauty for her was the least important aspect of her achievement. "I want to make a change that's sustainable. So if we're talking women... it needs to be something that will make sure that their children and their children's children have a different value of life," an overjoyed Singh told reporters after winning the title in London. Singh did not specify what kind of change she had in mind. "It's OK to celebrate things like beauty and attributes like strength and those things. But this is so much more," she said as she hugged her proud parents, Jahrine and Bradshaw. Describing herself as a "changed woman" after the experience of taking part in the Miss World competition, Singh added: "There's no way I could chalk it up to just being about beauty, because that's the last on the list, honestly." Singh, who sang a version of the late singer Whitney Houston's "I have nothing" in the competition, received her crown from last year's winner, Vanessa Ponce of Mexico. Jamaicans attending the event hailed Singh's win as a triumph also for their Caribbean island nation. "The fact that Miss World is won by a black person is very, very significant to us because it represents a lot in terms of our culture, in terms of how far the world has moved on," said audience member Christine McDermott, who lives in London.

Will work for sustainable change: Miss World Toni-Ann Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/every-indian-is-obliged-to-abide-by-law-west-bengal-governor-on-citizenship-amendment-act-268306">West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar</a> on Sunday said that he hopes that West Bengal Chief Minister at least withdraws advertisements against Citizenship Amendment Act implementation in the state.&nbsp;

"I am sure the CM will at least withdraw advertisements (ads by West Bengal government stating the Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC will not be implemented in the state), they are unconstitutional and it is criminal use of public funds," he told media today.&nbsp;

He also urged the people of the state to help those in distress.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar: I am sure the CM will at least withdraw advertisements (ads by West Bengal government stating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NRC</a> will not be implemented in the state), they are unconstitutional and it is criminal use of public funds. <a href="https://t.co/Br00awM050">https://t.co/Br00awM050</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1206190722224803841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I appeal to the people of the state, to do everything they can do to lend a helping hand to people in distress and to maintain peace," he said.&nbsp;

Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it.

Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament."

"This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said.

"I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Sunday said that he hopes that West Bengal Chief Minister at least withdraws advertisements against Citizenship Amendment Act implementation in the state.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Sunday said that he hopes that West Bengal Chief Minister at least withdraws advertisements against Citizenship Amendment Act implementation in the state. "I am sure the CM will at least withdraw advertisements (ads by West Bengal government stating the Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC will not be implemented in the state), they are unconstitutional and it is criminal use of public funds," he told media today. He also urged the people of the state to help those in distress. West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar: I am sure the CM will at least withdraw advertisements (ads by West Bengal government stating #CitizenshipAmendmentAct & #NRC will not be implemented in the state), they are unconstitutional and it is criminal use of public funds. https://t.co/Br00awM050 — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2019 × "I appeal to the people of the state, to do everything they can do to lend a helping hand to people in distress and to maintain peace," he said. Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it. Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament." "This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said. "I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said. (With inputs from ANI)

Hope CM withdraws advertisements against Citizenship Act implementation: West Bengal Governor

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