<p>Indian Income Tax department said on Friday that it found "irregularities in tax payments" during the recently conducted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bbc-income-tax-survey-at-delhi-mumbai-offices-concludes-after-nearly-60-hours-562871">survey at the offices of a prominent international media company</a> in New Delhi and Mumbai. The statement comes in the backdrop of&nbsp;a three-day search of BBC offices in Mumbai and New Delhi, which concluded on Thursday.&nbsp;News agencies have mentioned that the officials said the statement pertains to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the&nbsp;official statement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said that the income and profits shown by various BBC group entities are "not commensurate" with the scale of their operations in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bbc-tax-raids-saga-office-becomes-home-for-a-dozen-bbc-senior-employees-562683">BBC tax raids saga: Office becomes home for a dozen BBC senior employees</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Without naming the organisation, CBDT said that the media group is engaged in the business of development of content in English, Hindi and various other Indian languages; advertisement sales and market support services, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement mentioned that the authorities have gathered several pieces of evidence about the operation of the organisation which indicate that "tax has not been paid on certain remittances" which have not been disclosed as income in India by the foreign entities of the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Ruckus after Income Tax survey on BBC India&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The CBDT further mentioned, "The survey operations also revealed that services of seconded employees have been utilised for which reimbursement has been made by the Indian entity to the foreign entity concerned."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement also noted that the survey has revealed several discrepancies and inconsistencies with regard to transfer pricing documentation and such discrepancies relate to the level of relevant Function, Asset and Risk (FAR) analysis, incorrect use of comparables which are applicable to determine the correct Arms Length Price (ALP) and inadequate revenue apportionment, among others.&nbsp;<br />
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Indian Income Tax department said on Friday that it found "irregularities in tax payments" during the recently conducted survey at the offices of a prominent international media company in New Delhi and Mumbai.

Indian Income Tax department said on Friday that it found "irregularities in tax payments" during the recently conducted survey at the offices of a prominent international media company in New Delhi and Mumbai. The statement comes in the backdrop of a three-day search of BBC offices in Mumbai and New Delhi, which concluded on Thursday. News agencies have mentioned that the officials said the statement pertains to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In the official statement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said that the income and profits shown by various BBC group entities are "not commensurate" with the scale of their operations in India. ALSO READ | BBC tax raids saga: Office becomes home for a dozen BBC senior employees Without naming the organisation, CBDT said that the media group is engaged in the business of development of content in English, Hindi and various other Indian languages; advertisement sales and market support services, etc. The statement mentioned that the authorities have gathered several pieces of evidence about the operation of the organisation which indicate that "tax has not been paid on certain remittances" which have not been disclosed as income in India by the foreign entities of the group. WATCH | Ruckus after Income Tax survey on BBC India × The CBDT further mentioned, "The survey operations also revealed that services of seconded employees have been utilised for which reimbursement has been made by the Indian entity to the foreign entity concerned." The statement also noted that the survey has revealed several discrepancies and inconsistencies with regard to transfer pricing documentation and such discrepancies relate to the level of relevant Function, Asset and Risk (FAR) analysis, incorrect use of comparables which are applicable to determine the correct Arms Length Price (ALP) and inadequate revenue apportionment, among others. 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.

IT survey on BBC: Discrepancies, inconsistencies found in transfer pricing documentation, says CBDT

<p>The cost of living crisis continues to impact the British economy and common people despite indications that the inflationary pressures might have been easing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recent trends show how common&nbsp;people are suffering. Local reports have mentioned that prices for olive oil, sugar and low-fat milk have surged with food costs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Bloomberg highlighted the impact of the overall rate of inflation on the price of a full English breakfast. The report states that it will increase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to its&nbsp;Breakfast Index, the report stated that the average cost of ingredients to make a traditional fry-up soared by more than 22 per cent from a year earlier in January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement that the UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) fell to 10.1 per cent in January compared with a rate of 10.5 per cent in December.</p>

<p>Matt Hood, who is managing director of Co-op Food, said prices continued to rise in January as costs for grocers did, which made it "incredibly tough".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He told the BBC's Today programme:&nbsp;"Inflation is the thing that keeps us up at night. Believe it or not we as retailers are trying our hardest not to flow it all through to our customers."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia- Ukraine war: One year into war, who stands where?</strong></p>

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<p>For the unversed, this comes as the official data showed on Wednesday that the annual inflation dropped further last month on easing transport costs, however, it remains above 10 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharon Graham, general secretary at major British union Unite, said:&nbsp;"These latest figures show the cost-of-living crisis is still pummelling workers' pay packets. Unite will continue to fight for and win better wages in the face of this crisis," she added in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The cost of living crisis continues to impact the British economy and common people despite indications that the inflationary pressures might have been easing. Recent trends show how common people are suffering.

The cost of living crisis continues to impact the British economy and common people despite indications that the inflationary pressures might have been easing. Recent trends show how common people are suffering. Local reports have mentioned that prices for olive oil, sugar and low-fat milk have surged with food costs. A report by Bloomberg highlighted the impact of the overall rate of inflation on the price of a full English breakfast. The report states that it will increase. Referring to its Breakfast Index, the report stated that the average cost of ingredients to make a traditional fry-up soared by more than 22 per cent from a year earlier in January. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement that the UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) fell to 10.1 per cent in January compared with a rate of 10.5 per cent in December. Matt Hood, who is managing director of Co-op Food, said prices continued to rise in January as costs for grocers did, which made it "incredibly tough". He told the BBC's Today programme: "Inflation is the thing that keeps us up at night. Believe it or not we as retailers are trying our hardest not to flow it all through to our customers." WATCH | Russia- Ukraine war: One year into war, who stands where? × For the unversed, this comes as the official data showed on Wednesday that the annual inflation dropped further last month on easing transport costs, however, it remains above 10 per cent. Sharon Graham, general secretary at major British union Unite, said: "These latest figures show the cost-of-living crisis is still pummelling workers' pay packets. Unite will continue to fight for and win better wages in the face of this crisis," she added in a statement. (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 cost of living crisis: Inflation retreats further, remains above 10%

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<p>US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (February 16) that if any aerial object is seen as a threat to the nation, he won't hesitate to bring it down. Biden also said that the other three objects that were shot down last week weren't related to China.&nbsp;“We don’t yet know exactly what these three objects were but nothing right now suggests they were related to China’s spy balloon program or that they were surveillance vehicles from any other country,” Biden said.</p>

<p>The balloon saga has escalated tensions between US and China. It started with the spotting of a white-coloured Chinese balloon flying in US airspace last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US authorities tracked it for a couple of days and eventually scrambled fighter jets to shoot it down. They recovered debris to analyse the balloon, which was suspected to be a Chinese spying object.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-and-bulgaria-come-together-sign-energy-deal-to-reduce-energy-dependence-562822">Greece and Bulgaria come together, sign energy deal to reduce dependence on Russia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Biden told the White House press briefing, "We acted out of an abundance of caution" at an opportunity that allowed the US to take down the objects safely."&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the suspected spy balloon, the US also shot down two other unidentified objects, a total of three in one week - a "high-altitude object" was shot down when it was flying over Alaska and one was shot down over Canada.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia- Ukraine war: One year into war, who stands where?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>During the media address, the US president said that he ordered the military to take down unidentified objects over the weekend because of their danger to commercial air traffic. Biden mentioned that they could not "rule out the surveillance risk of sensitive facilities".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden said, "The intelligence community's current assessment is that these three ones were most likely balloons tied to private companies, recreation or research institutions studying weather or conducting other scientific research."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden expects 'to be talking to Xi'</strong></h2>

<p>Biden said that he is planning to have a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said, "I expect to be speaking with President Xi and I hope we are going to get to the bottom of this."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added: "We seek competition, not conflict with China. We're not looking for a new Cold War."</p>

<p>However, he also said that he makes "no apologies and we will compete".&nbsp;</p>

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US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (February 16) that if any aerial object is seen as a threat to the nation, he won't hesitate to bring it down. Biden also said that the other three objects that were shot down last week weren't related to China.

US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (February 16) that if any aerial object is seen as a threat to the nation, he won't hesitate to bring it down. Biden also said that the other three objects that were shot down last week weren't related to China. “We don’t yet know exactly what these three objects were but nothing right now suggests they were related to China’s spy balloon program or that they were surveillance vehicles from any other country,” Biden said. The balloon saga has escalated tensions between US and China. It started with the spotting of a white-coloured Chinese balloon flying in US airspace last week. The US authorities tracked it for a couple of days and eventually scrambled fighter jets to shoot it down. They recovered debris to analyse the balloon, which was suspected to be a Chinese spying object. ALSO READ | Greece and Bulgaria come together, sign energy deal to reduce dependence on Russia Biden told the White House press briefing, "We acted out of an abundance of caution" at an opportunity that allowed the US to take down the objects safely." After the suspected spy balloon, the US also shot down two other unidentified objects, a total of three in one week - a "high-altitude object" was shot down when it was flying over Alaska and one was shot down over Canada. WATCH | Russia- Ukraine war: One year into war, who stands where? × During the media address, the US president said that he ordered the military to take down unidentified objects over the weekend because of their danger to commercial air traffic. Biden mentioned that they could not "rule out the surveillance risk of sensitive facilities". Biden said, "The intelligence community's current assessment is that these three ones were most likely balloons tied to private companies, recreation or research institutions studying weather or conducting other scientific research." Biden expects 'to be talking to Xi' Biden said that he is planning to have a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said, "I expect to be speaking with President Xi and I hope we are going to get to the bottom of this." He added: "We seek competition, not conflict with China. We're not looking for a new Cold War." However, he also said that he makes "no apologies and we will compete". 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.

Won't hesitate to shoot down anything that threatens US, says Biden

<p>India on Friday (February 17) slammed financier George Soros for his attempt to undermine the democratic structure of the nation. The ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said that Soros' comments are not just an attempt to hurt India's image, he also talks of "regime change".&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking during the Munich Security Conference on Thursday, Soros made controversial remarks aimed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said Modi and business tycoon Adani are close allies; their fate is intertwined" and the troubles faced by the businessman would "significantly weaken Modi’s stranglehold on India’s federal government" and "open the door to push for much-needed institutional reforms".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-does-air-indias-historic-aircraft-deal-mean-for-india-563040">EXPLAINED: What does Air India's historic aircraft deal mean for India?</a></strong></p>

<p>While responding to the claims, Smriti Irani, who is the minister for women and child development, told reporters at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office: "A foreign power at the centre of which is a man named George Soros has announced that he will hurt India’s democratic structure."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be his main target. He has also announced that he will help build a system in India that will protect his interests, not India’s,” Irani added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, "This is not just an attempt to hurt India’s image, if you listen to him carefully, he talks of regime change. India has always defeated foreign powers whenever it was challenged and will continue to defeat them in the future too."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, as a citizen, I call upon every individual and organisation- societal or political, to denounce the intentions of such individual who seeks to weaken our democratic interests.<br />
<br />
India has defeated imperialistic designs before, and shall do so again.<br />
<br />
- Smt. <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smritiirani</a> <a href="https://t.co/sdzwn1siCw">pic.twitter.com/sdzwn1siCw</a></p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1626497673405640704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">हिंदुस्तान के लोकतांत्रिक ढांचे में हस्तक्षेप करने का ऐलान करने वाले जॉर्ज सोरोस को हम आज एकसुर में जवाब दें कि लोकतांत्रिक सरकार और प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, उनके ऐसे गलत इरादों के सामने सिर नहीं झुकाएंगे।<br />
<br />
- श्रीमती <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smritiirani</a> <a href="https://t.co/uYmzd7hcjY">pic.twitter.com/uYmzd7hcjY</a></p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1626492551069827072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's main opposition party, Indian National Congress, also slammed the comments made by Soros. Jairam Ramesh, who is the Congress General Secretary in charge of communications tweeted: "Whether the ‘PM-linked Adani scam’ sparks a democratic revival in India depends entirely on the Congress, Opposition parties and our electoral process. It has nothing to do with George Soros."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our Nehruvian legacy ensures people like Soros cannot determine our electoral outcomes," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Whether the PM-linked Adani scam sparks a democratic revival in India depends entirely on the Congress, Opposition parties &amp; our electoral process. It has NOTHING to do with George Soros. Our Nehruvian legacy ensures people like Soros cannot determine our electoral outcomes.</p>
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1626473971834327041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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India on Friday (February 17) slammed financier George Soros for his attempt to undermine the democratic structure of the nation. The ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said that Soros' comments are not just an attempt to hurt India's image, he also talks of "regime change".

India on Friday (February 17) slammed financier George Soros for his attempt to undermine the democratic structure of the nation. The ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said that Soros' comments are not just an attempt to hurt India's image, he also talks of "regime change". While speaking during the Munich Security Conference on Thursday, Soros made controversial remarks aimed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Modi and business tycoon Adani are close allies; their fate is intertwined" and the troubles faced by the businessman would "significantly weaken Modi’s stranglehold on India’s federal government" and "open the door to push for much-needed institutional reforms". ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: What does Air India's historic aircraft deal mean for India? While responding to the claims, Smriti Irani, who is the minister for women and child development, told reporters at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office: "A foreign power at the centre of which is a man named George Soros has announced that he will hurt India’s democratic structure." "He has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be his main target. He has also announced that he will help build a system in India that will protect his interests, not India’s,” Irani added. She said, "This is not just an attempt to hurt India’s image, if you listen to him carefully, he talks of regime change. India has always defeated foreign powers whenever it was challenged and will continue to defeat them in the future too." Today, as a citizen, I call upon every individual and organisation- societal or political, to denounce the intentions of such individual who seeks to weaken our democratic interests. India has defeated imperialistic designs before, and shall do so again. - Smt. @smritiirani pic.twitter.com/sdzwn1siCw — BJP (@BJP4India) February 17, 2023 × हिंदुस्तान के लोकतांत्रिक ढांचे में हस्तक्षेप करने का ऐलान करने वाले जॉर्ज सोरोस को हम आज एकसुर में जवाब दें कि लोकतांत्रिक सरकार और प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi, उनके ऐसे गलत इरादों के सामने सिर नहीं झुकाएंगे। - श्रीमती @smritiirani pic.twitter.com/uYmzd7hcjY — BJP (@BJP4India) February 17, 2023 × India's main opposition party, Indian National Congress, also slammed the comments made by Soros. Jairam Ramesh, who is the Congress General Secretary in charge of communications tweeted: "Whether the ‘PM-linked Adani scam’ sparks a democratic revival in India depends entirely on the Congress, Opposition parties and our electoral process. It has nothing to do with George Soros." "Our Nehruvian legacy ensures people like Soros cannot determine our electoral outcomes," he added. Whether the PM-linked Adani scam sparks a democratic revival in India depends entirely on the Congress, Opposition parties & our electoral process. It has NOTHING to do with George Soros. Our Nehruvian legacy ensures people like Soros cannot determine our electoral outcomes. — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 17, 2023 × 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 slams George Soros for his controversial 'regime change' remarks

<p>Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, has removed women-only parking spaces as the authorities think they are "not necessary anymore", Korea Times reported on Wednesday. The apparent gender policy reversal move comes 14 years after it was introduced as a protection for women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a rise in reported violent crimes in basement car parks, the women-only parking spaces were allocated in 2009, which led to pink borders with signages, which read "Female Parking First" in two languages—Korean and English.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, those signages are now being removed by the city officials, who also noted that those spaces will be converted to family parking spots.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-move-spain-approves-menstrual-leave-first-such-step-in-europe-562747">Historic move: Spain approves ‘menstrual leave’, first such step in entire Europe</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>But the move is largely seen as an attempt to promote anti-feminist policies in the country. According to Korea Times, the work to implement the changes will begin next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media report mentioned that the women's priority parking spaces used to be closer to the entrances of buildings for safety purposes. They were often located next to handicapped spots. Some of them were reported to be longer and wider as compared to other parking spaces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pandemic-era workers missing work-from-home?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The report also mentioned that the policy was criticised by some for being discriminating against men. Some critics also argued that the parking policy is promoting the stereotype that women are bad drivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A BBC report mentioned that more than 30 spaces were required to allocate 10 per cent to women, which means just under 2,000 of the 16,640 public parking spaces were reserved for women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to government data in 2021, more than two-thirds of violent crimes committed in the car parks of Seoul were sexual crimes: rape, sexual assault and harassment.&nbsp;</p>

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Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, has removed women-only parking spaces as the authorities think they are "not necessary anymore", Korea Times reported on Wednesday.

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, has removed women-only parking spaces as the authorities think they are "not necessary anymore", Korea Times reported on Wednesday. The apparent gender policy reversal move comes 14 years after it was introduced as a protection for women. After a rise in reported violent crimes in basement car parks, the women-only parking spaces were allocated in 2009, which led to pink borders with signages, which read "Female Parking First" in two languages—Korean and English. However, those signages are now being removed by the city officials, who also noted that those spaces will be converted to family parking spots. ALSO READ | Historic move: Spain approves ‘menstrual leave’, first such step in entire Europe But the move is largely seen as an attempt to promote anti-feminist policies in the country. According to Korea Times, the work to implement the changes will begin next month. The media report mentioned that the women's priority parking spaces used to be closer to the entrances of buildings for safety purposes. They were often located next to handicapped spots. Some of them were reported to be longer and wider as compared to other parking spaces. WATCH | Pandemic-era workers missing work-from-home? × The report also mentioned that the policy was criticised by some for being discriminating against men. Some critics also argued that the parking policy is promoting the stereotype that women are bad drivers. A BBC report mentioned that more than 30 spaces were required to allocate 10 per cent to women, which means just under 2,000 of the 16,640 public parking spaces were reserved for women. According to government data in 2021, more than two-thirds of violent crimes committed in the car parks of Seoul were sexual crimes: rape, sexual assault and harassment. 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.

South Korea: Women-only parking spaces to disappear in Seoul

<p>The Chinese ministry of commerce said on Thursday (February 16) that it has sanctioned Lockheed Martin and a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies over participation in arms sales to Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the Chinese commerce ministry said that Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Missile and Defense Corp, which is a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies Corp, are not allowed to engage in "import and export activities related to China".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement comes amid simmering tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, which escalated after a recent balloon saga when the US military shot down what it says was a Chinese spy balloon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-ready-reckoner-on-india-pakistan-tensions-over-indus-waters-treaty-562799">Explained: India-Pakistan tensions over Indus Waters Treaty | A ready reckoned</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>However, China had claimed that it was civilian airspace used for research and was believed to have drifted due to wind. Beijing had even warned of "countermeasures against relevant US entities that undermine China's sovereignty and security".&nbsp;</p>

<p>After China's move, Lockheed said in a statement, "Foreign Military Sales are government-to-government transactions and we work closely with the U.S. government on any military sales to international customers."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Amazon Charges 50% commission from sellers?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>It added, Lockheed Martin closely adheres to United States government policy with regard to conducting business with foreign governments." Lockheed exports to more than 70 countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Raytheon declined to comment. News agencies have mentioned that Raytheon Technologies sells its Pratt &amp; Whitney aircraft engines, as well as landing gear and controls, to China's commercial aviation industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Neither company sells defence products to China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides sanctions, both companies have been banned from further investing&nbsp;in China and also the senior management has been barred from entering the country. Beijing cancelled residence permits for any staff in China and imposed fines that are double the contracted amounts of their arms sales to Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The Chinese ministry of commerce said on Thursday (February 16) that it has sanctioned Lockheed Martin and a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies over participation in arms sales to Taiwan.

The Chinese ministry of commerce said on Thursday (February 16) that it has sanctioned Lockheed Martin and a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies over participation in arms sales to Taiwan. In a statement, the Chinese commerce ministry said that Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Missile and Defense Corp, which is a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies Corp, are not allowed to engage in "import and export activities related to China". The announcement comes amid simmering tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, which escalated after a recent balloon saga when the US military shot down what it says was a Chinese spy balloon. ALSO READ | Explained: India-Pakistan tensions over Indus Waters Treaty | A ready reckoned However, China had claimed that it was civilian airspace used for research and was believed to have drifted due to wind. Beijing had even warned of "countermeasures against relevant US entities that undermine China's sovereignty and security". After China's move, Lockheed said in a statement, "Foreign Military Sales are government-to-government transactions and we work closely with the U.S. government on any military sales to international customers." WATCH | Amazon Charges 50% commission from sellers? × ALSO READ | In a first since war began, Israeli FM Eli Cohen visits Kyiv, meets Kuleba amid military aid pressure It added, Lockheed Martin closely adheres to United States government policy with regard to conducting business with foreign governments." Lockheed exports to more than 70 countries. On the other hand, Raytheon declined to comment. News agencies have mentioned that Raytheon Technologies sells its Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines, as well as landing gear and controls, to China's commercial aviation industry. Notably, Neither company sells defence products to China. Besides sanctions, both companies have been banned from further investing in China and also the senior management has been barred from entering the country. Beijing cancelled residence permits for any staff in China and imposed fines that are double the contracted amounts of their arms sales to Taiwan. (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.

Sanctions imposed by China on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales

<p>Mike Pompeo, the former United States secretary of state, has made a controversial statement regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict as he said in a podcast that Israel has a ‘biblical’ claim to Palestine.&nbsp;Pompeo, who is considering running for the US presidential election, also called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a "known terrorist". On the One Decision podcast, which was released on Thursday (February 16), Pompeo mentioned his religious beliefs and also talked about America's strategic interests when it comes to Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "[Israel] is not an occupying nation. As an evangelical Christian, I am convinced by my reading of the Bible that 3,000 years on now, in spite of the denial of so many, [this land] is the rightful homeland of the Jewish people."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/80-year-old-biden-to-get-medical-checkup-before-the-upcoming-2024-bid-562708">80-year-old Biden to get medical checkup before the upcoming 2024 bid</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>His comments can be seen as a reflection of the shift in US policy away from mediating a two-state solution. Pompeo also referred to the Palestinian president by his nickname, Abu Mazen and slammed the Obama administration for its negotiations with Abbas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conflict started after Jewish leaders declared the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 when British rulers left without solving the issue. The move was opposed by Palestinians and a war followed when troops from neighbouring Arab countries invaded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While mentioning how the Trump administration&nbsp;approached the issue, Pompeo said, "Our theory of the case was this — what is in America's best interest? Is it to sit and wait for Abu Mazen, a known terrorist who's killed lots and lots of people, including Americans, and given those martyrs money, for having done so?"</p>

<p>He added, "We said that's just not in America's best interest."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Pompeo referred to the West Bank by its Israeli name of Judea and Samaria.</p>

<p>He said, "In the meantime, we should look out for Europe and America and make sure we are helping these nations get towards the right place, and we want good things for everyone, including those folks who live in Judea and Samaria."&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Mike Pompeo, the former United States secretary of state, has made a controversial statement regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict as he said in a podcast that Israel has a ‘biblical’ claim to Palestine.

Mike Pompeo, the former United States secretary of state, has made a controversial statement regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict as he said in a podcast that Israel has a ‘biblical’ claim to Palestine. Pompeo, who is considering running for the US presidential election, also called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a "known terrorist". On the One Decision podcast, which was released on Thursday (February 16), Pompeo mentioned his religious beliefs and also talked about America's strategic interests when it comes to Israel and Palestine. He said, "[Israel] is not an occupying nation. As an evangelical Christian, I am convinced by my reading of the Bible that 3,000 years on now, in spite of the denial of so many, [this land] is the rightful homeland of the Jewish people." ALSO READ | 80-year-old Biden to get medical checkup before the upcoming 2024 bid His comments can be seen as a reflection of the shift in US policy away from mediating a two-state solution. Pompeo also referred to the Palestinian president by his nickname, Abu Mazen and slammed the Obama administration for its negotiations with Abbas. The conflict started after Jewish leaders declared the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 when British rulers left without solving the issue. The move was opposed by Palestinians and a war followed when troops from neighbouring Arab countries invaded. While mentioning how the Trump administration approached the issue, Pompeo said, "Our theory of the case was this — what is in America's best interest? Is it to sit and wait for Abu Mazen, a known terrorist who's killed lots and lots of people, including Americans, and given those martyrs money, for having done so?" He added, "We said that's just not in America's best interest." × ALSO READ | Nikki Haley takes a jibe at Trump in her first presidential campaign speech Pompeo referred to the West Bank by its Israeli name of Judea and Samaria. He said, "In the meantime, we should look out for Europe and America and make sure we are helping these nations get towards the right place, and we want good things for everyone, including those folks who live in Judea and Samaria." 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.

Mike Pompeo calls Palestinian president ‘terrorist’, says Israel has ‘biblical claim’ to Palestine

<p>The United States shot down another unidentified object, the third in the last one week, on Saturday (February 11), this time&nbsp;over Canada.&nbsp;The ongoing saga of these high-altitude flying objects started with the spotting of a white-coloured Chinese balloon flying in US airspace. The US authorities tracked the suspected spy balloon for a couple of days and eventually shot it down as soon as it was deemed safe and&nbsp;recovered the debris which is being analysed.</p>

<p>What makes the entire episode a big deal is that&nbsp;the US took unprecedented action to tackle the unidentified objects&nbsp;after considering safety threats and the president was fully involved in the operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A US State Department official said that the Chinese spy balloon&nbsp;had equipment that was "clearly for intelligence surveillance". On condition of anonymity, the official told news agencies that the balloon had "multiple antennas" that were "likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-f-22-fighter-jet-shoots-down-unidentified-object-over-northern-canada-561034">US F-22 fighter jet shoots down another ‘unidentified object’, over northern Canada</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>However, China said it was a civilian "airship" which was used for research. Beijing also commented on the shooting down of the balloon, saying that it tested "US sincerity in improving and stabilising China-US relations and its way of handling crises".&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, the US shot down a "high-altitude object" which was flying over Alaska. The operation was carried out on the orders of US President Joe Biden.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I ordered the take down of an unidentified object that violated Canadian airspace. <a href="https://twitter.com/NORADCommand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NORADCommand</a> shot down the object over the Yukon. Canadian and U.S. aircraft were scrambled, and a U.S. F-22 successfully fired at the object.</p>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1624527579116871681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I spoke with President Biden this afternoon. Canadian Forces will now recover and analyze the wreckage of the object. Thank you to NORAD for keeping the watch over North America.</p>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1624527581331554306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What do we know about these balloons?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The US claims that the first Chinese balloon was meant more or less for "spying". Meanwhile, not much information has been shared by the US administration and Pentagon on the other two incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand said that the object shot down on Saturday was cylindrical, but she avoided saying anything definitively about its likely origin and purpose. So far, two recently spotted objects remain a mystery and the world knows little about them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-high-altitude-object-hovering-over-alaska-biden-calls-it-success-560894">US shoots down 'high-altitude object', Biden calls it 'success', Justin Trudeau supports decision</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Anand said that the object shot down in the Yukon region was "small, cylindrical" and flying at an altitude of approximately 40,000 feet. It had unlawfully entered Canadian airspace and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Department of Defense said that the&nbsp;US and Canadian planes flew together to take down the object on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why are these objects being spotted more than ever, especially by the US?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A recent report by The Washington Post claimed that China has used these balloons to spy on other countries, including India and. Japan. But the spotting of these objects and shooting down has become common just recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the report, the officials said that these surveillance balloons have been spotted over five continents and are being operated in part by the People's Liberation Army air force. But the source-based report hasn't been confirmed by the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But why haven't other countries reported it? Does the US have specialised technology to spot such objects?&nbsp;</p>

<p>A source-based report by CNN claimed that the US has developed a method within the last one year to track China's spy balloon fleet. The report claimed that such incidents happened in the past also, but went&nbsp;undetected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One such incident happened after President Joe Biden took office in 2021, and after that, the intelligence community "ran some of the balloon's signals through the American intelligence holdings and other data".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What is NORAD?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Pentagon Spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement that Biden had authorised US fighter aircraft assigned to NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) to work with Canada to take down a high-altitude airborne object over northern Canada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NORAD is a combined organisation of the US and Canada that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty and protection for both nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese balloon saga has led to a diplomatic flare-up between the two superpowers, and misinformation may escalate the situation further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, there's no official statement that can provide the exact origin of two unidentified objects. Authorities are looking for the debris, but the Northern Command said in a statement that the search and recovery operations for the remains of that object continued Saturday but were hindered by the Arctic "wind chill, snow, and limited daylight". &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Statement from NORAD &amp; U.S. Northern Command <a href="https://t.co/aY1VXRCpEs">pic.twitter.com/aY1VXRCpEs</a></p>
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) <a href="https://twitter.com/NORADCommand/status/1624596337890058240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The United States shot down another unidentified object, the third in the last one week, on Saturday (February 11), this time over Canada. The ongoing saga of these high-altitude flying objects started with the spotting of a white-coloured Chinese balloon flying in US airspace.

The United States shot down another unidentified object, the third in the last one week, on Saturday (February 11), this time over Canada. The ongoing saga of these high-altitude flying objects started with the spotting of a white-coloured Chinese balloon flying in US airspace. The US authorities tracked the suspected spy balloon for a couple of days and eventually shot it down as soon as it was deemed safe and recovered the debris which is being analysed. What makes the entire episode a big deal is that the US took unprecedented action to tackle the unidentified objects after considering safety threats and the president was fully involved in the operation. A US State Department official said that the Chinese spy balloon had equipment that was "clearly for intelligence surveillance". On condition of anonymity, the official told news agencies that the balloon had "multiple antennas" that were "likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications." ALSO READ | US F-22 fighter jet shoots down another ‘unidentified object’, over northern Canada However, China said it was a civilian "airship" which was used for research. Beijing also commented on the shooting down of the balloon, saying that it tested "US sincerity in improving and stabilising China-US relations and its way of handling crises". On Saturday, the US shot down a "high-altitude object" which was flying over Alaska. The operation was carried out on the orders of US President Joe Biden. I ordered the take down of an unidentified object that violated Canadian airspace. @NORADCommand shot down the object over the Yukon. Canadian and U.S. aircraft were scrambled, and a U.S. F-22 successfully fired at the object. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 11, 2023 × I spoke with President Biden this afternoon. Canadian Forces will now recover and analyze the wreckage of the object. Thank you to NORAD for keeping the watch over North America. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 11, 2023 × What do we know about these balloons? The US claims that the first Chinese balloon was meant more or less for "spying". Meanwhile, not much information has been shared by the US administration and Pentagon on the other two incidents. Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand said that the object shot down on Saturday was cylindrical, but she avoided saying anything definitively about its likely origin and purpose. So far, two recently spotted objects remain a mystery and the world knows little about them. ALSO READ | US shoots down 'high-altitude object', Biden calls it 'success', Justin Trudeau supports decision Anand said that the object shot down in the Yukon region was "small, cylindrical" and flying at an altitude of approximately 40,000 feet. It had unlawfully entered Canadian airspace and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flights. The US Department of Defense said that the US and Canadian planes flew together to take down the object on Saturday. Why are these objects being spotted more than ever, especially by the US? A recent report by The Washington Post claimed that China has used these balloons to spy on other countries, including India and. Japan. But the spotting of these objects and shooting down has become common just recently. According to the report, the officials said that these surveillance balloons have been spotted over five continents and are being operated in part by the People's Liberation Army air force. But the source-based report hasn't been confirmed by the government. But why haven't other countries reported it? Does the US have specialised technology to spot such objects? A source-based report by CNN claimed that the US has developed a method within the last one year to track China's spy balloon fleet. The report claimed that such incidents happened in the past also, but went undetected. One such incident happened after President Joe Biden took office in 2021, and after that, the intelligence community "ran some of the balloon's signals through the American intelligence holdings and other data". Watch this report: × What is NORAD? Pentagon Spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement that Biden had authorised US fighter aircraft assigned to NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) to work with Canada to take down a high-altitude airborne object over northern Canada. NORAD is a combined organisation of the US and Canada that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty and protection for both nations. The Chinese balloon saga has led to a diplomatic flare-up between the two superpowers, and misinformation may escalate the situation further. So far, there's no official statement that can provide the exact origin of two unidentified objects. Authorities are looking for the debris, but the Northern Command said in a statement that the search and recovery operations for the remains of that object continued Saturday but were hindered by the Arctic "wind chill, snow, and limited daylight". Statement from NORAD & U.S. Northern Command pic.twitter.com/aY1VXRCpEs — North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) February 12, 2023 × 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.

US shoots down another unidentified object: What are these & why are they being spotted more now?

<p>Protests erupted after a woman was allegedly gang-raped in the largest public park of Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, which took place reportedly in the first week of February. A case was filed against two unidentified men and police also released a sketch of the accused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People in Pakistan have expressed anger over the country's "rape epidemic" and also slammed negligence over such cases of violence against women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident happened when a 24-year-old was walking with her male colleague through Fatima Jinnah park in the evening around 8pm (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports said two armed men attacked them. The man was chased away and the woman was raped, at gunpoint. The Fatima Jinnah park Is known to locals as F-9 park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A first information report (FIR) had been filed under Section 376 (punishment for rape) at the capital's Margalla police station.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">ایف نائن پارک واقعہ۔<br />
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وقوعہ کے متعلق سپیشل یونٹ برخلاف جنسی جرائم تفتیش کررہا ہے۔<br />
<br />
تفتیش کی نگرانی سی پی او آپریشنز سہیل ظفر چٹھہ کررہے ہیں۔<br />
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وقوعہ کے وقت پارک میں موجود لوگوں اور انتظامیہ سے پوچھ گچھ کی جارہی ہے۔<br />
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وقوعہ کے متعلق مشکوک افراد کے ڈی این اے بھی لئے جارہے ہیں⬇️۔</p>
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICT_Police/status/1621917606184722434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) wrote a letter addressed to the capital police chief, expecting a fair and diligent probe by the capital police into the case.</p>

<p>The letter stated: "It took grave notice of the incident reported in news in which a girl was gang-raped at gunpoint in F-9 Park."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by The Guardian, investigation officer Mumtaz Habib said that the probe was still on. He added that they have conducted raids to arrest the prime suspect, but "no progress has been made yet".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We hope that the action shall be taken immediately with intimation to this commission as per law," it added, as quoted by media outlets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Journalist Sana Jamal wrote on Twitter: "Horrified to hear of rape at gunpoint in F9 park which is full of families and kids esp on weekends. Why our public spaces are not safe for all citizens? Why is there no security at Islamabad’s biggest park?"&nbsp;</p>

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Protests erupted after a woman was allegedly gang-raped in the largest public park of Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, which took place reportedly in the first week of February.

Protests erupted after a woman was allegedly gang-raped in the largest public park of Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, which took place reportedly in the first week of February. A case was filed against two unidentified men and police also released a sketch of the accused. People in Pakistan have expressed anger over the country's "rape epidemic" and also slammed negligence over such cases of violence against women. The incident happened when a 24-year-old was walking with her male colleague through Fatima Jinnah park in the evening around 8pm (local time). Local reports said two armed men attacked them. The man was chased away and the woman was raped, at gunpoint. The Fatima Jinnah park Is known to locals as F-9 park. A first information report (FIR) had been filed under Section 376 (punishment for rape) at the capital's Margalla police station. ایف نائن پارک واقعہ۔ وقوعہ کے متعلق سپیشل یونٹ برخلاف جنسی جرائم تفتیش کررہا ہے۔ تفتیش کی نگرانی سی پی او آپریشنز سہیل ظفر چٹھہ کررہے ہیں۔ وقوعہ کے وقت پارک میں موجود لوگوں اور انتظامیہ سے پوچھ گچھ کی جارہی ہے۔ وقوعہ کے متعلق مشکوک افراد کے ڈی این اے بھی لئے جارہے ہیں⬇️۔ — Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) February 4, 2023 × The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) wrote a letter addressed to the capital police chief, expecting a fair and diligent probe by the capital police into the case. The letter stated: "It took grave notice of the incident reported in news in which a girl was gang-raped at gunpoint in F-9 Park." As reported by The Guardian, investigation officer Mumtaz Habib said that the probe was still on. He added that they have conducted raids to arrest the prime suspect, but "no progress has been made yet". "We hope that the action shall be taken immediately with intimation to this commission as per law," it added, as quoted by media outlets. Journalist Sana Jamal wrote on Twitter: "Horrified to hear of rape at gunpoint in F9 park which is full of families and kids esp on weekends. Why our public spaces are not safe for all citizens? Why is there no security at Islamabad’s biggest park?" 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.

Pakistan: Anger and frustration over reported gang-rape in F-9 Park in capital

<p>Recent trends showed that the approval ratings of French President Emmanuel Macron declined in January by two points. But in this difficult situation with less than a year into Macron's second term, it appears he is getting the help he needed from his wife, Brigitte Macron, to improve the ratings and understand public mood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French president's troubles are quite evident as the team that helped him to power in 2017 has broken up. Common people are expressing anger and frustration over his landmark pension reforms with demonstrations on the street. He also faces resistance in the parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing the magazine Le Point's claims, The Times reported that Brigitte Macron, who is a former school teacher, has been giving discreet lessons to the president on how to understand the mood of the countrymen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The magazine published a detailed profile last week, in which it was mentioned that she tells Macron what people are talking about in their cafés, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She allegedly also makes notes of what she sees and hears during the day and briefs him when they finally sit down alone every evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the media outlet, she said she desires to be "useful" to the country. However, she confided that it was not an easy task. France’s first lady said: "There are those who think I am lazy and those who think I ought not to be here."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The profile is headlined "Ah, if he listened to her more often" and it was the latest in a series of interviews that seemed to show her at the centre stage. In the profile article, it was also mentioned that the 69-year-old will launch herself on social media, with an Instagram account.&nbsp;</p>

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Recent trends showed that the approval ratings of French President Emmanuel Macron declined in January by two points. But in this difficult situation with less than a year into Macron's second term, it appears he is getting the help he needed from his wife, Brigitte Macron, to improve the ratings and understand public mood.

Recent trends showed that the approval ratings of French President Emmanuel Macron declined in January by two points. But in this difficult situation with less than a year into Macron's second term, it appears he is getting the help he needed from his wife, Brigitte Macron, to improve the ratings and understand public mood. The French president's troubles are quite evident as the team that helped him to power in 2017 has broken up. Common people are expressing anger and frustration over his landmark pension reforms with demonstrations on the street. He also faces resistance in the parliament. Citing the magazine Le Point's claims, The Times reported that Brigitte Macron, who is a former school teacher, has been giving discreet lessons to the president on how to understand the mood of the countrymen. The magazine published a detailed profile last week, in which it was mentioned that she tells Macron what people are talking about in their cafés, etc. She allegedly also makes notes of what she sees and hears during the day and briefs him when they finally sit down alone every evening. As quoted by the media outlet, she said she desires to be "useful" to the country. However, she confided that it was not an easy task. France’s first lady said: "There are those who think I am lazy and those who think I ought not to be here." The profile is headlined "Ah, if he listened to her more often" and it was the latest in a series of interviews that seemed to show her at the centre stage. In the profile article, it was also mentioned that the 69-year-old will launch herself on social media, with an Instagram account. 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.

First Lady of France advises president to help understand mood of the French: Report

The Chinese balloon saga and unidentified objects in US airspace: Here's all you need to know

<p>China participated in joint military exercises in Pakistan as the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning arrived at the port of Karachi on February 9.&nbsp; The missile destroyer will participate in the multinational naval exercise AMAN (Peace)-23 at the invitation of the Pakistan navy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Pakistan's navy said that it will host 50 countries for regular maritime exercises that are held every two years. The exercises involve ships, aircraft and special operation forces from February 10-14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency Reuters reported that during a news briefing, Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami commented on the importance of the exercises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said the exercises will be significant in light of piracy, terrorism, narcotics and arms trafficking, and climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by China Military said that the visiting Chinese naval ship received a grand welcome on the morning of February 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report, the representatives of the Pakistan Navy, "the staff of the Consulate General of China in Karachi, and the deputy military attaché of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan met the ship Nanning at the dock".&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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China participated in joint military exercises in Pakistan as the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning arrived at the port of Karachi on February 9.

China participated in joint military exercises in Pakistan as the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning arrived at the port of Karachi on February 9. The missile destroyer will participate in the multinational naval exercise AMAN (Peace)-23 at the invitation of the Pakistan navy. On Wednesday, Pakistan's navy said that it will host 50 countries for regular maritime exercises that are held every two years. The exercises involve ships, aircraft and special operation forces from February 10-14. The news agency Reuters reported that during a news briefing, Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami commented on the importance of the exercises. He said the exercises will be significant in light of piracy, terrorism, narcotics and arms trafficking, and climate change. A report by China Military said that the visiting Chinese naval ship received a grand welcome on the morning of February 9. As per the report, the representatives of the Pakistan Navy, "the staff of the Consulate General of China in Karachi, and the deputy military attaché of the Chinese Embassy to Pakistan met the ship Nanning at the dock". 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.

China participates in multinational naval exercise AMAN-23 in Pakistan

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Zee News Rajasthan

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