<p>The United Kingdom government came up with a major crackdown on research collaborations with China as more than 1,000 scientists and postgraduate students were prohibited from working in the country last year on national security grounds, The Guardian reported on Wednesday (March 15) citing figures it obtained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media outlet reported that the figures showed that a record 1,104 scientists and postgraduate students were rejected by Foreign Office vetting in 2022. The number saw an increase, up from 128 in 2020 and just 13 in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year in July, a report emerged that 50 Chinese students have left the UK in the past three years in the aftermath of Britain tightening its procedures to prevent the theft of sensitive academic research. It was said by the head of MI5 in a speech about the espionage threat posed by Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Guardian reported that the Foreign Office hasn't given a detailed report, breaking down the nationality, but according to the data released by leading universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College, it can be seen that Chinese academics account for a majority of those denied clearance at these institutions at least.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-comes-up-with-20-recommendations-to-encourage-families-to-have-more-children-572313">Experts in China draft 20 new incentives to encourage families for having more babies</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US-China rivalry plays out in Africa&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, ICEF Monitor, which is a dedicated market intelligence resource for the international education industry, reported on Wednesday that the latest UK visa numbers indicate continuing strong growth in international HE enrolments this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the report, the UK study visa grants reached nearly 490,000 in 2022, which is an 81% increase over pre-pandemic levels. The report further mentioned that China and Nigeria were among other markets, which acted as the main growth drivers.&nbsp;<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The United Kingdom government came up with a major crackdown on research collaborations with China as more than 1,000 scientists and postgraduate students were prohibited from working in the country last year on national security grounds, The Guardian reported on Wednesday (March 15) citing figures it obtained.

The United Kingdom government came up with a major crackdown on research collaborations with China as more than 1,000 scientists and postgraduate students were prohibited from working in the country last year on national security grounds, The Guardian reported on Wednesday (March 15) citing figures it obtained. The media outlet reported that the figures showed that a record 1,104 scientists and postgraduate students were rejected by Foreign Office vetting in 2022. The number saw an increase, up from 128 in 2020 and just 13 in 2016. Last year in July, a report emerged that 50 Chinese students have left the UK in the past three years in the aftermath of Britain tightening its procedures to prevent the theft of sensitive academic research. It was said by the head of MI5 in a speech about the espionage threat posed by Beijing. The Guardian reported that the Foreign Office hasn't given a detailed report, breaking down the nationality, but according to the data released by leading universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College, it can be seen that Chinese academics account for a majority of those denied clearance at these institutions at least. ALSO READ | Experts in China draft 20 new incentives to encourage families for having more babies WATCH | US-China rivalry plays out in Africa × Meanwhile, ICEF Monitor, which is a dedicated market intelligence resource for the international education industry, reported on Wednesday that the latest UK visa numbers indicate continuing strong growth in international HE enrolments this year. According to the report, the UK study visa grants reached nearly 490,000 in 2022, which is an 81% increase over pre-pandemic levels. The report further mentioned that China and Nigeria were among other markets, which acted as the main growth drivers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hundreds of scientists and students barred from UK amid government’s crackdown on China

Chad is the world's most polluted country in the world. While Pakistan's Lahore is the most polluted city in the world. This is according to the air quality report released by swiss firm IQAir based on the level of PM 2.5. Rohit Wellington tells you about which all other countries and cities make the list of this report.

Choking cities: What's the pollution solution? | WION Climate Tracker

<p>India's Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reiterated its appeal as it urged the passengers to not&nbsp;film reels and dance videos for social media platforms inside the metro trains in the capital region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Urging people to follow guidelines and not cause trouble to fellow passengers, DMRC stated in a release: "Filming reels, dance videos or any other such activities that may cause inconvenience to the passengers is strictly prohibited inside the Delhi Metro."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/indian-govt-working-may-force-smartphone-makers-to-remove-pre-installed-apps-report-571963">Indian govt may force smartphone makers to remove pre-installed apps: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>DMRC tweeted that "Travel, don't cause trouble." It also wrote in Hindi that "Delhi Metro mein passenger bane, pareshaani nahi", which is loosely translated in English as "be a passenger, not a hassle".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Delhi metro has issued such advisories multiple times, asking people to refrain from making videos inside the trains as several passengers often complain about the inocovience caused.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">मेट्रो में Travel करें<br />
Trouble नहीं<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a> <a href="https://t.co/heu0osoUSB">pic.twitter.com/heu0osoUSB</a></p>
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation I कृपया मास्क पहनें😷 (@OfficialDMRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1635167748983783425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Pov: People making reels inside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a>.<br />
<br />
मेट्रो में ‘SAFAR’ करें<br />
‘SUFFER’ ना कराएँ। <a href="https://t.co/IWiUAWrAnZ">pic.twitter.com/IWiUAWrAnZ</a></p>
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation I कृपया मास्क पहनें😷 (@OfficialDMRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1575080604231954432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The number of such&nbsp;activities has increased of late as dozens&nbsp;of viral videos show people dancing and making Instagram reels while inside the metro coaches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While reflecting on the same issue, a DMRC official told Hindustan Times: "Organised shooting inside the metro is strictly prohibited, prior permission needs to be taken even for film shoots. If we do grant permission, some amount is also charged as a token of apology for the inconvenience caused to the commuters."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "The viral videos on social media might be fun to watch, but the faces of other passengers reveal their discomfort and shock at being included. That should not happen."&nbsp;</p>

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India's Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reiterated its appeal as it urged the passengers to not film reels and dance videos for social media platforms inside the metro trains in the capital region.

India's Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reiterated its appeal as it urged the passengers to not film reels and dance videos for social media platforms inside the metro trains in the capital region. Urging people to follow guidelines and not cause trouble to fellow passengers, DMRC stated in a release: "Filming reels, dance videos or any other such activities that may cause inconvenience to the passengers is strictly prohibited inside the Delhi Metro." ALSO READ | Indian govt may force smartphone makers to remove pre-installed apps: Report DMRC tweeted that "Travel, don't cause trouble." It also wrote in Hindi that "Delhi Metro mein passenger bane, pareshaani nahi", which is loosely translated in English as "be a passenger, not a hassle". The Delhi metro has issued such advisories multiple times, asking people to refrain from making videos inside the trains as several passengers often complain about the inocovience caused. मेट्रो में Travel करें Trouble नहीं#DelhiMetro pic.twitter.com/heu0osoUSB — Delhi Metro Rail Corporation I कृपया मास्क पहनें😷 (@OfficialDMRC) March 13, 2023 × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@officialdmrc) × Pov: People making reels inside #DelhiMetro. मेट्रो में ‘SAFAR’ करें ‘SUFFER’ ना कराएँ। pic.twitter.com/IWiUAWrAnZ — Delhi Metro Rail Corporation I कृपया मास्क पहनें😷 (@OfficialDMRC) September 28, 2022 × The number of such activities has increased of late as dozens of viral videos show people dancing and making Instagram reels while inside the metro coaches. While reflecting on the same issue, a DMRC official told Hindustan Times: "Organised shooting inside the metro is strictly prohibited, prior permission needs to be taken even for film shoots. If we do grant permission, some amount is also charged as a token of apology for the inconvenience caused to the commuters." He added, "The viral videos on social media might be fun to watch, but the faces of other passengers reveal their discomfort and shock at being included. That should not happen." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

DMRC says filming dance videos and Instagram reels banned in Delhi Metro

<p>The United States military claimed on Tuesday (March 14) that a Russian jet collided with an American drone over the Black Sea. Divulging details, the US military's European Command said that a Russian Su-27 jet fighter collided with an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Air Force General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hecker further said that "this incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement mentioned that the incident happened at approximately 7:03am (CET). It also noted that several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on the drone and flew in front of it. The US Air Force called the incident "reckless" and "environmentally unsound".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-defends-ukraine-war-says-its-about-survival-of-russian-statehood-572027">Putin defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>CNN quoted a US official familiar with the incident as saying that the Russian fighter jet damaged the propeller of the American drone. The official, whose identity was not revealed in the report, said that the Reaper drone and two SU-27 Flanker jets were operating over international waters over the Black Sea when the incident occurred. One of the Russian jets "intentionally" flew in front of and dumped fuel in front of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).&nbsp;</p>

<p>While responding to the incident, the National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists that the Russian intercepts in the area are common, but this one "is noteworthy because of how unsafe and unprofessional it was, indeed reckless that it was".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US&nbsp;summons&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the immediate aftermath, The US summoned Russia's ambassador to protest the crash, the State Department said. Spokesman Ned Price told reporters: "We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia denies causing crash</strong></h2>

<p>Russia's defence ministry denied causing the crash as it said that it scrambled fighter jets following the detection of a US drone over the Black Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry added that its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The United States military claimed on Tuesday (March 14) that a Russian jet collided with an American drone over the Black Sea. Divulging details, the US military's European Command said that a Russian Su-27 jet fighter collided with an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.

The United States military claimed on Tuesday (March 14) that a Russian jet collided with an American drone over the Black Sea. Divulging details, the US military's European Command said that a Russian Su-27 jet fighter collided with an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. US Air Force General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9". Hecker further said that "this incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional". The statement mentioned that the incident happened at approximately 7:03am (CET). It also noted that several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on the drone and flew in front of it. The US Air Force called the incident "reckless" and "environmentally unsound". ALSO READ | Putin defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood CNN quoted a US official familiar with the incident as saying that the Russian fighter jet damaged the propeller of the American drone. The official, whose identity was not revealed in the report, said that the Reaper drone and two SU-27 Flanker jets were operating over international waters over the Black Sea when the incident occurred. One of the Russian jets "intentionally" flew in front of and dumped fuel in front of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). While responding to the incident, the National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists that the Russian intercepts in the area are common, but this one "is noteworthy because of how unsafe and unprofessional it was, indeed reckless that it was". US summons Russian envoy In the immediate aftermath, The US summoned Russia's ambassador to protest the crash, the State Department said. Spokesman Ned Price told reporters: "We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft." WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons × Russia denies causing crash Russia's defence ministry denied causing the crash as it said that it scrambled fighter jets following the detection of a US drone over the Black Sea. "As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless'

<p>The Pakistan government has banned giving Toshakhana presents valued over $300 to elected officials, including the president, prime minister and cabinet members. The updated guidelines also restricted judges, as well as civil and military leaders from accepting gifts that cost more than $300.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A fresh set of guidelines has been introduced according to the latest "Toshakhana Procedure for the Acceptance and Disposal of Gifts, 2023", which is dated March 8. The government released the guidelines alongside the Toshakhana records of 2002 onwards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While mentioning the cap, the official memo stated that the recipient should collect the gifts valued up to $300 after payment of the retention price within thirty days of the receipt of any communication in this regard by the Cabinet Division.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-court-suspends-arrest-warrant-against-ex-pm-imran-khan-till-march-16-571882">Islamabad court suspends arrest warrant against ex-PM Imran Khan in judge threat case</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It further mentioned that in case the person failed then, it would become the property of the Toshakhana and will be disposed of as per Toshakhana Rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Toshakhana department was established in 1974 under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division. The main objective of the department is to keep gifts which are received by members of parliament, ministers, foreign secretaries, the president, and the prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Police vehicles gather outside Imran Khan's Lahore residence&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The official memo read: "Gift(s) valuing upto USD 300 shall be allowed to be retained by the recipient after due payments as per its assessed market value. The gift(s) exceeding this monetory (sic) limit shall straightaway become state/Toshakhana property to be deposited and disposed of according to Toshakhana Procedure."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also stated that "the government/public functionaries, except those in BPS 1 to BPS 4 are prohibited from receiving cash awards offered by the visiting foreign dignitaries."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The memorandum mentioned that such gifts may be "politely refused" and in case, it becomes impossible to refuse without causing offence to the visiting dignitary, "the amount shall be immediately deposited in the government treasury and a copy of Treasury Challan shall be provided to the Toshakhana Incharge, Cabinet Division".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news development comes amid proceedings against ousted prime minister Imran Khan for "not sharing details" of Toshakhana gifts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two non-bailable arrest warrants were issued for Khan on Monday after he failed to appear in courts in cases linked to the Toshakhana reference and threats that had been issued to a female judge.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The Pakistan government has banned giving Toshakhana presents valued over $300 to elected officials, including the president, prime minister and cabinet members.

The Pakistan government has banned giving Toshakhana presents valued over $300 to elected officials, including the president, prime minister and cabinet members. The updated guidelines also restricted judges, as well as civil and military leaders from accepting gifts that cost more than $300. A fresh set of guidelines has been introduced according to the latest "Toshakhana Procedure for the Acceptance and Disposal of Gifts, 2023", which is dated March 8. The government released the guidelines alongside the Toshakhana records of 2002 onwards. While mentioning the cap, the official memo stated that the recipient should collect the gifts valued up to $300 after payment of the retention price within thirty days of the receipt of any communication in this regard by the Cabinet Division. ALSO READ | Islamabad court suspends arrest warrant against ex-PM Imran Khan in judge threat case It further mentioned that in case the person failed then, it would become the property of the Toshakhana and will be disposed of as per Toshakhana Rules. The Toshakhana department was established in 1974 under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division. The main objective of the department is to keep gifts which are received by members of parliament, ministers, foreign secretaries, the president, and the prime minister. WATCH | Police vehicles gather outside Imran Khan's Lahore residence × The official memo read: "Gift(s) valuing upto USD 300 shall be allowed to be retained by the recipient after due payments as per its assessed market value. The gift(s) exceeding this monetory (sic) limit shall straightaway become state/Toshakhana property to be deposited and disposed of according to Toshakhana Procedure." It also stated that "the government/public functionaries, except those in BPS 1 to BPS 4 are prohibited from receiving cash awards offered by the visiting foreign dignitaries." The memorandum mentioned that such gifts may be "politely refused" and in case, it becomes impossible to refuse without causing offence to the visiting dignitary, "the amount shall be immediately deposited in the government treasury and a copy of Treasury Challan shall be provided to the Toshakhana Incharge, Cabinet Division". The news development comes amid proceedings against ousted prime minister Imran Khan for "not sharing details" of Toshakhana gifts. Two non-bailable arrest warrants were issued for Khan on Monday after he failed to appear in courts in cases linked to the Toshakhana reference and threats that had been issued to a female judge. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Toshakhana policy: Pakistan bans PM, president, judges from receiving gifts valued over $300

<p>The United Kingdom is reportedly planning to ban TikTok on government devices over growing risks regarding data security as several experts and analysts have raised concerns that the app might be used to promote pro-China views and gather data of users illegally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK-based media outlets reported that the nation's security minister Tom Tugendhat has asked the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to look into the video-sharing app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tugendhat confirmed his request for a probe into the app, telling Sky News it was "absolutely essential" to keep the nation's "diplomatic processes free and safe".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-purchase-five-us-nuclear-subs-as-part-of-new-pact-571710">Biden, Sunak and Albanese announce nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"Understanding exactly what the challenges that these apps pose, what they are asking for and how they're reaching into our lives is incredibly important," he told the channel.</p>

<p>Tugendhat hasn't ruled out the ban on government phones, but he also mentioned that he would wait for the conclusions of the National Cyber Security Centre or NCSC.</p>

<p>In a veiled reference to China, he claimed that he did not have the app "for many reasons - the main you can probably guess".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK's Labour party plans for Biden-style 'Green Revolution'&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Tugendhat gave New Delhi's example as he said that the "Indian government has banned TikTok and many other apps, the US government has taken different choices in terms of their government phones... different companies and different countries have taken different approaches".&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after a number of governments started to ban TikTok from work phones. Recently, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that federal government employees will no longer be allowed to use TikTok on their work phones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>De Croo said the Belgian national security council had warned of the risks associated with the large amounts of data collected by TikTok. He highlighted the risks by stating that the fact that the company is required to cooperate with Chinese intelligence services.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The United Kingdom is reportedly planning to ban TikTok on government devices over growing risks regarding data security as several experts and analysts have raised concerns that the app might be used to promote pro-China views and gather data of users illegally.

The United Kingdom is reportedly planning to ban TikTok on government devices over growing risks regarding data security as several experts and analysts have raised concerns that the app might be used to promote pro-China views and gather data of users illegally. UK-based media outlets reported that the nation's security minister Tom Tugendhat has asked the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to look into the video-sharing app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance. Tugendhat confirmed his request for a probe into the app, telling Sky News it was "absolutely essential" to keep the nation's "diplomatic processes free and safe". ALSO READ | Biden, Sunak and Albanese announce nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia "Understanding exactly what the challenges that these apps pose, what they are asking for and how they're reaching into our lives is incredibly important," he told the channel. Tugendhat hasn't ruled out the ban on government phones, but he also mentioned that he would wait for the conclusions of the National Cyber Security Centre or NCSC. In a veiled reference to China, he claimed that he did not have the app "for many reasons - the main you can probably guess". WATCH | UK's Labour party plans for Biden-style 'Green Revolution' × Tugendhat gave New Delhi's example as he said that the "Indian government has banned TikTok and many other apps, the US government has taken different choices in terms of their government phones... different companies and different countries have taken different approaches". This comes after a number of governments started to ban TikTok from work phones. Recently, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that federal government employees will no longer be allowed to use TikTok on their work phones. De Croo said the Belgian national security council had warned of the risks associated with the large amounts of data collected by TikTok. He highlighted the risks by stating that the fact that the company is required to cooperate with Chinese intelligence services. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After India and US, UK mulls TikTok ban on govt devices over data security concerns linked to China

<p>A group of Ukrainian soldiers in Monday wrapped up a four-week training in Spain on how to operate the Leopard 2A4 battle tank. The key training comes in the aftermath of the West's agreement to help Kyiv fight against Russian forces by supplying the battle tanks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Spanish ministry sources said that the 55 Ukrainian trainees, who had arrived mid-February in Spain and are scheduled to fly to Poland on Wednesday. The ministry said that&nbsp;they start to make their way back to Ukraine and the frontline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-extend-black-sea-grain-deal-but-for-60-days-deputy-fm-571654">Russia ready to extend Black Sea grain deal, but for 60 days: Deputy FM</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Spanish trainer Captain Contreras, who identified himself only by his rank and surname, told reporters that "it has been intense" who were allowed access to the drills for the first time. Contreras also said the Ukrainians would be returning home "with a very acceptable knowledge" of the Leopards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Although the tanks were different, there were many systems that coincide and that has made things much easier. With that, together with the motivation that the person brought and their desire to learn, we see them very well prepared to resume combat."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Has Russia's spring offensive already begun?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Initially, the West saw a difference of opinion over providing Ukraine with the german-made Leopard 2 tanks. However, a few nations said they will send battle tanks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, Spain said it plans to send six German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine after they undergo repairs, a number that could increase to 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other NATO countries, including Germany, Poland and Portugal, have said they would deliver a total of 48 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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A group of Ukrainian soldiers in Monday wrapped up a four-week training in Spain on how to operate the Leopard 2A4 battle tank. The key training comes in the aftermath of the West's agreement to help Kyiv fight against Russian forces by supplying the battle tanks.

A group of Ukrainian soldiers in Monday wrapped up a four-week training in Spain on how to operate the Leopard 2A4 battle tank. The key training comes in the aftermath of the West's agreement to help Kyiv fight against Russian forces by supplying the battle tanks. The Spanish ministry sources said that the 55 Ukrainian trainees, who had arrived mid-February in Spain and are scheduled to fly to Poland on Wednesday. The ministry said that they start to make their way back to Ukraine and the frontline. ALSO READ | Russia ready to extend Black Sea grain deal, but for 60 days: Deputy FM As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Spanish trainer Captain Contreras, who identified himself only by his rank and surname, told reporters that "it has been intense" who were allowed access to the drills for the first time. Contreras also said the Ukrainians would be returning home "with a very acceptable knowledge" of the Leopards. He said, "Although the tanks were different, there were many systems that coincide and that has made things much easier. With that, together with the motivation that the person brought and their desire to learn, we see them very well prepared to resume combat." WATCH | Has Russia's spring offensive already begun? × Initially, the West saw a difference of opinion over providing Ukraine with the german-made Leopard 2 tanks. However, a few nations said they will send battle tanks. Last month, Spain said it plans to send six German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine after they undergo repairs, a number that could increase to 10. Other NATO countries, including Germany, Poland and Portugal, have said they would deliver a total of 48 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukrainian soldiers wrap up Leopard tank training in Spain

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<p>Moscow on Monday slammed the award Oscar award for a documentary based on the jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Kremlin said that the documentary showed "a certain element of politicisation" by Hollywood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters he had not seen the film but speculated that there could be a "certain element of politicisation of the subject" of the film. Referring to the award decision, Peskov said: "Hollywood also sometimes politicises its work. Such things happen."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that "I can’t talk about any cinematic merits of this film, because I’m not familiar with it."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2023-heres-where-to-watch-this-years-best-film-winner-on-ott-571657">Oscars 2023: Here's where to watch this year's Best Film winner on OTT</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The short film&nbsp;<em>Navalny&nbsp;</em>examines the poisoning of the jailed Russian dissident. It won the Academy Award for best feature documentary on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The documentary shows the 46-year-old Kremlin critic recovering in Germany from being poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok during a trip to Siberia in 2020. The movie also tracks the subsequent probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Oscars 2023: Here's who won big at the Academy Awards&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Directed by Canadian Daniel Roher, the movie highlights the political rise of Navalny, who emerged as the most prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roher told the audience as he accepted the golden statuette: "There's one person who couldn't be with us here tonight -- Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, who remains in solitary confinement for what he calls -- I want to make sure we get his words exactly right -- Vladimir Putin's unjust war of aggression in Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 46-year-old Navalny, who has been held for the past two years at a maximum-security prison outside Moscow after an embezzlement conviction, has accused Putin of being behind the poisoning attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Moscow on Monday slammed the award Oscar award for a documentary based on the jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Kremlin said that the documentary showed "a certain element of politicisation" by Hollywood.

Moscow on Monday slammed the award Oscar award for a documentary based on the jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Kremlin said that the documentary showed "a certain element of politicisation" by Hollywood. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters he had not seen the film but speculated that there could be a "certain element of politicisation of the subject" of the film. Referring to the award decision, Peskov said: "Hollywood also sometimes politicises its work. Such things happen." He said that "I can’t talk about any cinematic merits of this film, because I’m not familiar with it." ALSO READ | Oscars 2023: Here's where to watch this year's Best Film winner on OTT The short film Navalny examines the poisoning of the jailed Russian dissident. It won the Academy Award for best feature documentary on Sunday. The documentary shows the 46-year-old Kremlin critic recovering in Germany from being poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok during a trip to Siberia in 2020. The movie also tracks the subsequent probe. WATCH | Oscars 2023: Here's who won big at the Academy Awards × Directed by Canadian Daniel Roher, the movie highlights the political rise of Navalny, who emerged as the most prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Roher told the audience as he accepted the golden statuette: "There's one person who couldn't be with us here tonight -- Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, who remains in solitary confinement for what he calls -- I want to make sure we get his words exactly right -- Vladimir Putin's unjust war of aggression in Ukraine." The 46-year-old Navalny, who has been held for the past two years at a maximum-security prison outside Moscow after an embezzlement conviction, has accused Putin of being behind the poisoning attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kremlin slams Hollywood after Navalny wins best documentary feature Oscar: 'Certain element of politicisation'

<p>An insurgent group, Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), claimed that over 30 people were killed by the Myanmar army at a monastery in southern Shan State. Myanmar junta and anti-coup protesters blamed each other on Monday (March 13) over the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency AFP reported that two rebel groups operating around Shan state—the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and the Pa-O National Defence Force—claimed that soldiers entered Nam Neint village on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to KNDF, the soldiers shot dead 33 people, including three Buddhist monks, after ordering civilians sheltering in a monastery to come out.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-health-ministry-launches-annual-polio-vaccination-drive-571658">Afghanistan: Taliban health ministry launches annual polio vaccination drive</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The news about the deadly clash was also confirmed by the junta as its spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said that there had been clashes in Nam Neint village on Saturday and some anti-coup fighters had been killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spokesperson&nbsp;did not confirm how many civilians had died in Nam Neint village, but several claims were made by protesters on social media forums.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said reports that the military had killed civilians were to create "illusions between local people and the Tatmadaw".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Imran Khan: Will hold election rally in Lahore on Monday&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indians-top-the-list-of-foreigners-arrested-for-crimes-in-nepal-china-a-close-second-report-571619">Indians top the list of foreigners arrested for crimes in Nepal; China a close second: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Pa-O National Defence Force said junta troops had killed 22 civilians including three Buddhist monks and it further added that its members had found seven other dead bodies, however, they weren't able to identify them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Political turmoil has plagued the Southeast Asian country ever since the coup d'état started on February 1 in 2021, when democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the country's military.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the same day, politician and 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was detained along with ministers and members of the parliament. Ever since Suu Kyi has been in custody and facing multiple charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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An insurgent group, Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), claimed that over 30 people were killed by the Myanmar army at a monastery in southern Shan State.

An insurgent group, Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), claimed that over 30 people were killed by the Myanmar army at a monastery in southern Shan State. Myanmar junta and anti-coup protesters blamed each other on Monday (March 13) over the incident. The news agency AFP reported that two rebel groups operating around Shan state—the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and the Pa-O National Defence Force—claimed that soldiers entered Nam Neint village on Saturday. According to KNDF, the soldiers shot dead 33 people, including three Buddhist monks, after ordering civilians sheltering in a monastery to come out. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Taliban health ministry launches annual polio vaccination drive The news about the deadly clash was also confirmed by the junta as its spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said that there had been clashes in Nam Neint village on Saturday and some anti-coup fighters had been killed. The spokesperson did not confirm how many civilians had died in Nam Neint village, but several claims were made by protesters on social media forums. He said reports that the military had killed civilians were to create "illusions between local people and the Tatmadaw". WATCH | Imran Khan: Will hold election rally in Lahore on Monday × ALSO READ | Indians top the list of foreigners arrested for crimes in Nepal; China a close second: Report The Pa-O National Defence Force said junta troops had killed 22 civilians including three Buddhist monks and it further added that its members had found seven other dead bodies, however, they weren't able to identify them. Political turmoil has plagued the Southeast Asian country ever since the coup d'état started on February 1 in 2021, when democratically elected members of the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), were deposed by the country's military. On the same day, politician and 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was detained along with ministers and members of the parliament. Ever since Suu Kyi has been in custody and facing multiple charges. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar: Protesters claim army killed over 30 in monastery attack

<p>The Taliban health ministry announced on Monday (March 13) that the annual polio inoculation campaign will be launched in Afghanistan. The news agencies reported that the vaccination programme aims at reaching at least nine million children. It will be the second year in a row the vaccination drive has taken place under Taliban rule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) mentioned in a report last year in August that the polio eradication programme in Afghanistan has made critical gains after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, but the job is far from finished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polio is caused by a virus that majorly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. Polio can lead to the affected person being unable to move certain limbs in their most severe form.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polio has been virtually eliminated globally through a decades-long inoculation drive but Pakistan and Afghanistan are the two remaining countries in the world where polio is still categorised as an endemic viral infection.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indians-top-the-list-of-foreigners-arrested-for-crimes-in-nepal-china-a-close-second-report-571619">Indians top the list of foreigners arrested for crimes in Nepal; China a close second: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Insecurity, inaccessible terrain, mass displacement and suspicion of outside interference have hampered mass vaccination in Afghanistan and some areas of Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Nek Wali Shah Momin, director of Afghanistan's National Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for Polio Eradication, said that many more areas could now be reached since the Taliban took over and the fighting stopped.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The EOC is led by the health ministry and includes international agencies including the WHO and the UN children's agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Pakistan court Issues non-bailable warrant against PTI chief for threatening judge&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What are the challenges?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Taliban's recent move of banning female workers has emerged as a massive challenge as female vaccinators were working on the polio vaccination campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The doctor said that the women workers were crucial to accessing children who were often at home with their female caregivers who were usually not comfortable interacting with male vaccinators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some militant factions have targeted vaccination efforts in the past. In 2022, eight workers were killed in attacks in northern Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban's acting health minister Qalandar Ebad said: "The support of all Afghans, including parents, community leaders, ethnic elders, and religious leaders, is critical to eradicating polio and we want them to take part in the fight."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The Taliban health ministry announced on Monday (March 13) that the annual polio inoculation campaign will be launched in Afghanistan. The news agencies reported that the vaccination programme aims at reaching at least nine million children.

The Taliban health ministry announced on Monday (March 13) that the annual polio inoculation campaign will be launched in Afghanistan. The news agencies reported that the vaccination programme aims at reaching at least nine million children. It will be the second year in a row the vaccination drive has taken place under Taliban rule. The World Health Organization (WHO) mentioned in a report last year in August that the polio eradication programme in Afghanistan has made critical gains after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, but the job is far from finished. Polio is caused by a virus that majorly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. Polio can lead to the affected person being unable to move certain limbs in their most severe form. Polio has been virtually eliminated globally through a decades-long inoculation drive but Pakistan and Afghanistan are the two remaining countries in the world where polio is still categorised as an endemic viral infection. ALSO READ | Indians top the list of foreigners arrested for crimes in Nepal; China a close second: Report Insecurity, inaccessible terrain, mass displacement and suspicion of outside interference have hampered mass vaccination in Afghanistan and some areas of Pakistan. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Nek Wali Shah Momin, director of Afghanistan's National Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for Polio Eradication, said that many more areas could now be reached since the Taliban took over and the fighting stopped. The EOC is led by the health ministry and includes international agencies including the WHO and the UN children's agency. WATCH | Pakistan court Issues non-bailable warrant against PTI chief for threatening judge × What are the challenges? The Taliban's recent move of banning female workers has emerged as a massive challenge as female vaccinators were working on the polio vaccination campaign. The doctor said that the women workers were crucial to accessing children who were often at home with their female caregivers who were usually not comfortable interacting with male vaccinators. Some militant factions have targeted vaccination efforts in the past. In 2022, eight workers were killed in attacks in northern Afghanistan. The Taliban's acting health minister Qalandar Ebad said: "The support of all Afghans, including parents, community leaders, ethnic elders, and religious leaders, is critical to eradicating polio and we want them to take part in the fight." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghanistan: Taliban health ministry launches annual polio vaccination drive

<p>India has asked banks and traders to avoid using Chinese yuan to pay for Russian imports, three government officials involved in policy making and two banking sources said, because of long-running political differences with its neighbour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India, which has emerged as a top buyer of Russian oil as well as discounted coal, would prefer the use of United Arab Emirates dirhams to settle trade, three government officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the government officials directly involved in the matter said New Delhi is "not comfortable" with foreign trade settled in yuan but said the settlement in "dirham is okay."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second official said that India cannot allow settlement in yuan till the relations between the two countries improve.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-labels-china-as-a-systemic-challenge-to-the-world-order-571634">UK PM Rishi Sunak labels China as 'systemic challenge' to world order</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a standoff along their disputed Himalayan border since 2021, casting a shadow over the whole relationship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five officials did not say whether there were also economic reasons behind India's reluctance to accept the yuan settlement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year India's biggest cement producer UltraTech Cement used Chinese yuan for a cargo of Russian coal, which raised some concerns among officials as the relationship between India and China deteriorated after deadly border clashes in 2020 in the remote Galwan Valley of Ladakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government reviewed the situation with officials of the central bank and bank executives, following the UltraTech deal, the second official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two banking officials, aware of the matter, said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is not keen on foreign trade settlement in yuan and confirmed that the government has discouraged them from using the currency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Banking system safe, your deposits will be there when you need them: Biden&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>They also said Russia was keen on yuan settlement as it helps them in purchases of goods from China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Indian refiners that in recent weeks started settling some Russian oil purchases in roubles, as Reuters reported, payments have been processed in part by the State Bank of India via its nostro roubles account in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the bulk of the trade is still in other currencies as the rouble is partially convertible and the two countries are yet to finalise a framework.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All five officials declined to be named as discussions were private. India's foreign, finance ministry and RBI did not reply to requests seeking comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government expected the majority of payments to Russia in dirhams in the coming months, the first official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has longstanding political and security ties with Russia and has refrained from condemning the Ukraine war, which Moscow calls a "special military operation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is also a major buyer of Russian arms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian refiners, in the meanwhile, have begun paying for most of their Russian oil bought via Dubai-based traders in dirhams instead of US&nbsp;dollars, Reuters reported last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's rupee is partially convertible, which means it has to be converted to US&nbsp;dollars first before converting to any other currency, making it an unattractive reserve currency for global central banks and for settling a trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also makes Russia reluctant to accept payment in Indian currency for its exports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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India has asked banks and traders to avoid using Chinese yuan to pay for Russian imports, three government officials involved in policy making and two banking sources said, because of long-running political differences with its neighbour.

India has asked banks and traders to avoid using Chinese yuan to pay for Russian imports, three government officials involved in policy making and two banking sources said, because of long-running political differences with its neighbour. India, which has emerged as a top buyer of Russian oil as well as discounted coal, would prefer the use of United Arab Emirates dirhams to settle trade, three government officials said. One of the government officials directly involved in the matter said New Delhi is "not comfortable" with foreign trade settled in yuan but said the settlement in "dirham is okay." The second official said that India cannot allow settlement in yuan till the relations between the two countries improve. ALSO READ | UK PM Rishi Sunak labels China as 'systemic challenge' to world order Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a standoff along their disputed Himalayan border since 2021, casting a shadow over the whole relationship. The five officials did not say whether there were also economic reasons behind India's reluctance to accept the yuan settlement. Last year India's biggest cement producer UltraTech Cement used Chinese yuan for a cargo of Russian coal, which raised some concerns among officials as the relationship between India and China deteriorated after deadly border clashes in 2020 in the remote Galwan Valley of Ladakh. The government reviewed the situation with officials of the central bank and bank executives, following the UltraTech deal, the second official said. Two banking officials, aware of the matter, said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is not keen on foreign trade settlement in yuan and confirmed that the government has discouraged them from using the currency. WATCH | Banking system safe, your deposits will be there when you need them: Biden × They also said Russia was keen on yuan settlement as it helps them in purchases of goods from China. For Indian refiners that in recent weeks started settling some Russian oil purchases in roubles, as Reuters reported, payments have been processed in part by the State Bank of India via its nostro roubles account in Russia. But the bulk of the trade is still in other currencies as the rouble is partially convertible and the two countries are yet to finalise a framework. All five officials declined to be named as discussions were private. India's foreign, finance ministry and RBI did not reply to requests seeking comment. The government expected the majority of payments to Russia in dirhams in the coming months, the first official said. India has longstanding political and security ties with Russia and has refrained from condemning the Ukraine war, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". India is also a major buyer of Russian arms. Indian refiners, in the meanwhile, have begun paying for most of their Russian oil bought via Dubai-based traders in dirhams instead of US dollars, Reuters reported last month. India's rupee is partially convertible, which means it has to be converted to US dollars first before converting to any other currency, making it an unattractive reserve currency for global central banks and for settling a trade. It also makes Russia reluctant to accept payment in Indian currency for its exports. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India to discourage foreign trade settlement in Chinese yuan, say sources

<p>The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described China as a "systemic challenge" to the world order. Sunak told the US-based media outlet NBC News in an interview on Sunday (March 12) that "Britain is back" and ready to counter the challenge posed by a more "assertive" China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK, the United States and Australia have planned to counter China's growing military influence in the Indo-Pacific with the help of a defence partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to the outlet at the USS Midway Museum shortly after he arrived in San Diego for the summit, Sunak said that "the behaviour that we have seen in China over recent times is concerning". The British prime minister said that Beijing is "acting in a more authoritarian fashion at home" and is "more assertive overseas".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-chinese-president-xi-jinping-plans-russia-visit-as-soon-as-next-week-571523">Ukraine war: Chinese President Xi Jinping plans Russia visit as soon as next week</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He further said, "China represents the biggest state threat to our economic interests, for sure. And it's a systemic challenge for the world order."&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden is hosting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Sunak at the US naval base in San Diego, California, where the leaders will endorse details of the so-called AUKUS project, which was first announced in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-calls-for-fortification-of-armed-forces-into-a-great-wall-of-steel-571333">Xi Jinping calls for fortification of armed forces into 'Great Wall of Steel'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Sunak on Sunday announced a £5 billion investment in defence as part of a review aimed at responding to emerging geopolitical threats from Russia and China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The investment comes after Sunak's defence minister Ben Wallace warned in January that the British armed forces were "hollowed out and underfunded".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A statement from the Prime Minister's office said that the investment will help to replenish ammunition stocks, modernise the UK's nuclear enterprise and fund the next phase of the AUKUS submarine programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by news agencies, Sunak said, "As the world becomes more volatile and competition between states becomes more intense, the UK must be ready to stand our ground. By investing in our armed forces for the long-term, we will be ready for the challenges of today and of the future."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described China as a "systemic challenge" to the world order. Sunak told the US-based media outlet NBC News in an interview on Sunday (March 12) that "Britain is back" and ready to counter the challenge posed by a more "assertive" China.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described China as a "systemic challenge" to the world order. Sunak told the US-based media outlet NBC News in an interview on Sunday (March 12) that "Britain is back" and ready to counter the challenge posed by a more "assertive" China. The UK, the United States and Australia have planned to counter China's growing military influence in the Indo-Pacific with the help of a defence partnership. While speaking to the outlet at the USS Midway Museum shortly after he arrived in San Diego for the summit, Sunak said that "the behaviour that we have seen in China over recent times is concerning". The British prime minister said that Beijing is "acting in a more authoritarian fashion at home" and is "more assertive overseas". ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Chinese President Xi Jinping plans Russia visit as soon as next week He further said, "China represents the biggest state threat to our economic interests, for sure. And it's a systemic challenge for the world order." US President Joe Biden is hosting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Sunak at the US naval base in San Diego, California, where the leaders will endorse details of the so-called AUKUS project, which was first announced in 2021. Watch this report: × ALSO READ | Xi Jinping calls for fortification of armed forces into 'Great Wall of Steel' Sunak on Sunday announced a £5 billion investment in defence as part of a review aimed at responding to emerging geopolitical threats from Russia and China. The investment comes after Sunak's defence minister Ben Wallace warned in January that the British armed forces were "hollowed out and underfunded". A statement from the Prime Minister's office said that the investment will help to replenish ammunition stocks, modernise the UK's nuclear enterprise and fund the next phase of the AUKUS submarine programme. As quoted by news agencies, Sunak said, "As the world becomes more volatile and competition between states becomes more intense, the UK must be ready to stand our ground. By investing in our armed forces for the long-term, we will be ready for the challenges of today and of the future." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK PM Rishi Sunak labels China as 'systemic challenge' to world order

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