The developers of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday criticised Brazil's refusal to import the jab as politically motivated.

Brazilian health regulator Anvisa on Monday denied requests from several states to receive batches of Sputnik V, saying it did not have the data needed to verify the jab's safety and efficacy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine">COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine</a>

"Anvisa's delays in approving Sputnik V are unfortunately of a political nature and have nothing to do with access to information or science," the official Sputnik V Twitter account said.

It pointed to a recent US government report that said Washington had tried to persuade Brazil not to use Sputnik.

"The United States Department of Health, in its 2020 annual report several months ago, publicly stated that the United States health attache 'persuaded Brazil to reject the Russian vaccine against COVID-19,'" the account added.

Anvisa said its experts had flagged "uncertainties" about the jab, which has not yet been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Russian vaccine has so far been approved for use in at least 60 countries, including more than 10 in Latin and Central America.

Argentina signed a deal with Russia earlier this month to become the first Latin American country to produce Sputnik V shots, and will aim for full-scale production to start in June.

The Kremlin said Tuesday it needed more information about the Brazilian decision before commenting, adding that it was not in touch with Brazilian authorities on the issue.

But in general, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "We are against the use of vaccines as a political tool."

Some Western countries have been wary of Sputnik V -- named after the Soviet-era satellite -- over concerns the Kremlin would use it as a soft power tool to advance its interests.

Moscow registered the jab in August before large-scale clinical trials, but leading medical journal The Lancet has since said it is safe and more than 90 percent effective.

The developers of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday criticised Brazil's refusal to import the jab as politically motivated. Brazilian health regulator Anvisa on Monday denied requests from several states to receive batches of Sputnik V, saying it did not have the data needed to verify the jab's safety and efficacy.

The developers of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday criticised Brazil's refusal to import the jab as politically motivated. Brazilian health regulator Anvisa on Monday denied requests from several states to receive batches of Sputnik V, saying it did not have the data needed to verify the jab's safety and efficacy. Also read: COVID-19: Brazil health regulator Anvisa rejects Russia's Sputnik vaccine "Anvisa's delays in approving Sputnik V are unfortunately of a political nature and have nothing to do with access to information or science," the official Sputnik V Twitter account said. It pointed to a recent US government report that said Washington had tried to persuade Brazil not to use Sputnik. "The United States Department of Health, in its 2020 annual report several months ago, publicly stated that the United States health attache 'persuaded Brazil to reject the Russian vaccine against COVID-19,'" the account added. Anvisa said its experts had flagged "uncertainties" about the jab, which has not yet been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Russian vaccine has so far been approved for use in at least 60 countries, including more than 10 in Latin and Central America. Argentina signed a deal with Russia earlier this month to become the first Latin American country to produce Sputnik V shots, and will aim for full-scale production to start in June. The Kremlin said Tuesday it needed more information about the Brazilian decision before commenting, adding that it was not in touch with Brazilian authorities on the issue. But in general, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "We are against the use of vaccines as a political tool." Some Western countries have been wary of Sputnik V -- named after the Soviet-era satellite -- over concerns the Kremlin would use it as a soft power tool to advance its interests. Moscow registered the jab in August before large-scale clinical trials, but leading medical journal The Lancet has since said it is safe and more than 90 percent effective.

Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political'

Anthony Hopkins created history at this year's Oscars. Hopkins, 83 become the oldest actor to win the Best Actor trophy for his outstanding performance in 'The Father'.

See:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-complete-list-of-winners-380269" hreflang="en">Complete list of winners</a> 
 
Hopkins took the trophy by beating out Chadwick Boseman, who was also up for best actor for his final film role in 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' and was one of the most predicted wins of the evening.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2021-chloe-zhao-emerald-fennel-ann-roth-women-create-history-on-sunday-380286" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao, Emerald Fennel, Ann Roth; women create history on Sunday</a> 
 
After his shocking win, Hopkins, who didn't attended the event, released a statement. The actor also took a moment to remember the late Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer last year.

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First, Hopkins' agent has released a statement for the actor, “Tony was in Wales, where he grew up, and he was asleep at 4 in the morning when I woke him up to tell him the news,” his agent told People. “He was so happy and so grateful.”

The statement added, “After a year in quarantine, and being double-vaccinated, he was finally able to return to Wales, and age 83, it was a great relief after such a difficult year. But he loved the role in The Father – it’s his proudest performance – and to be the oldest living actor to win in the category means so much to him.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chloe-zhao-to-daniel-kaluuya-history-making-wins-at-this-years-oscars-380488" hreflang="en">From Chloe Zhao to Daniel Kaluuya: History making wins at this year’s Oscars</a> 
 
Later, he also released an acceptance speech on Instagram. ''Good morning. Here I am in my homeland in Wales, and at 83 I did not expect to get this award. I really didn’t''. 
 
''Very grateful to the Academy and thank you, and I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman who was taken from us far too early. ‘And again thank you all very much. really did not expect this, so I feel very privileged and honoured. Thank you.'' he said.&nbsp; 
 
This is Hopkins'&nbsp;second win for Best Actor after previously winning the award nearly 30 years ago for 'Silence of the Lambs' in 1992.&nbsp;

Anthony Hopkins created history at this year's Oscars. Hopkins, 83 become the oldest actor to win the Best Actor trophy for his outstanding performance in 'The Father'.

Anthony Hopkins created history at this year's Oscars. Hopkins, 83 become the oldest actor to win the Best Actor trophy for his outstanding performance in 'The Father'. See: Complete list of winners Hopkins took the trophy by beating out Chadwick Boseman, who was also up for best actor for his final film role in 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' and was one of the most predicted wins of the evening. Oscars 2021: Chloe Zhao, Emerald Fennel, Ann Roth; women create history on Sunday After his shocking win, Hopkins, who didn't attended the event, released a statement. The actor also took a moment to remember the late Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer last year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anthony Hopkins (@anthonyhopkins) × First, Hopkins' agent has released a statement for the actor, “Tony was in Wales, where he grew up, and he was asleep at 4 in the morning when I woke him up to tell him the news,” his agent told People. “He was so happy and so grateful.” The statement added, “After a year in quarantine, and being double-vaccinated, he was finally able to return to Wales, and age 83, it was a great relief after such a difficult year. But he loved the role in The Father – it’s his proudest performance – and to be the oldest living actor to win in the category means so much to him.” From Chloe Zhao to Daniel Kaluuya: History making wins at this year’s Oscars Later, he also released an acceptance speech on Instagram. ''Good morning. Here I am in my homeland in Wales, and at 83 I did not expect to get this award. I really didn’t''. ''Very grateful to the Academy and thank you, and I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman who was taken from us far too early. ‘And again thank you all very much. really did not expect this, so I feel very privileged and honoured. Thank you.'' he said. This is Hopkins' second win for Best Actor after previously winning the award nearly 30 years ago for 'Silence of the Lambs' in 1992.

Anthony Hopkins reacts to his surprise Oscar win, was 'asleep' when he won

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February.

He said the country will see a civil war and total destruction if negotiations are not held. Pointing out that China is arming both the military and ethnic armed groups, he said Beijing should ask the junta to stop the violence and killing its own people.

The ambassador also expressed support for the newly formed national unity government, saying it should be allowed at the ASEAN summit on the Myanmar crisis on April 24, which is to be attended by the military junta's chief.

Here is the interview:

WION: As we speak, the brutal crackdown against the coup continues. You were unceremoniously ousted from the embassy.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your current status in the UK?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;UK government allows me to stay here for 31 days (starting&nbsp;8th April) with P&amp;Is&nbsp;(Privileges and immunities). During the 31 days, I need to keep my stuff and prepare for leaving.

WION: Along with the UK, you are also the ambassador to Ireland, Sweden and Denmark. What is currently your diplomatic status in those countries?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I am sure that the military regime already sent official letters to these countries for eliminating my ambassador status.Till now, I don't see any announcements about me from these foreign ministries. I wish I&nbsp;could be still recognised as ambassador.&nbsp;

WION: You have said that your friends and relatives at home have been forced into hiding fearing reprisals from the military regime. When did you speak to them last, and could you share with us how they are now?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I don't want to talk about this.The less I talk, the more safe they are.&nbsp;

WION: Since the February 1 coup, more than 3,100 people -- the bulk of them anti-coup protesters and activists -- have been detained. Over 700 people have been killed. How do you plan to continue raising your voice?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;&nbsp;I believe that we have only one peaceful resolution, that is at the negotiation table. As I am a diplomat and an ambassador, I would like to see a peaceful resolution. Stop killing&nbsp;people and release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;president etc. Some people&nbsp;don't agree with my way. They would like to fight back military Regime. If fighting keeps going, we will have "Civil War" and total destruction.

WION: The EU, US and Britain have already imposed sanctions on the junta. Do you think that enough is being done to pressurise the regime?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;The military regime has been receiving so many sanctions since 1962. They also have a lot of "strongly condemned" messages from the [United Nations] Security Council. They have learnt many many lessons.I don't think&nbsp;sanction is enough but I believe it is one of the tools for pressurising the regime.

WION: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a political solution for the crisis. But with leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars and multiple charges slapped on them, do you think a political solution can be found in near future?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I don't think they (regime) are going to step back. But a political solution could be to stop Myanmar people dying inside.&nbsp;

WION: The Myanmar military says that the elections were fraudulent and hence it detained the political leadership. In your view, what is the real reason for the actions of the junta?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;Well, they would like to purge Daw ASSK from the future of Myanmar political' stage. They have so many reasons and propaganda: 'because she married a British citizen, she is close with Western&nbsp;countries, she is a&nbsp;puppet of UK and USA etc.'

WION: How do you view China's role in the Myanmar crisis, as we have seen many Chinese factories being targeted by angry protesters?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;China has a vital role for Myanmar History.&nbsp;We had fought three wars with the Chinese in our Kings' era. Our country was affected by Chinese Culture Revolution. Chinese troops supported the Myanmar Communist Party.&nbsp; When China's transition from a planned economy to a market economy began at the end of 1978, the Chinese stopped supporting Myanmar communist party. After that, military regime has good relationship with&nbsp;Chinese again.

Chinese used&nbsp;&nbsp;so many vetoes for Myanmar at Security Council and at the same time is selling arms to Myanmar Army as well as to ethnic armed groups, and investing in multi-billion dollar projects including Kyauk&nbsp;Phyu sea port and gas&nbsp;pipeline from&nbsp;Myanmar to Yunnan&nbsp;province. People of Myanmar understand the Chinese and regime are very close and that's why they attacked Chinese infrastructure.&nbsp;

The Myanmar issue is very important for Chinese as well. They need to convince the regime to stop violence and stop killing their own&nbsp;people. Otherwise they will face a lose -lose situation in Myanmar.

WION: Despite the crackdown, the protests show no sign of ebbing. What have sources from the ground back home told you? What is the mood in Myanmar?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;Most of the protesters have no arms. Some created handmade weapons. Even they don't have enough weapons. As you mentioned, there is no sign of ebbing. I always pay my respect for their bravery and salute the&nbsp;people who died&nbsp;&nbsp;for democracy.

WION: Now that the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend the ASEAN summit&nbsp;on April 24, do you think the regional grouping can play a role in bringing about a solution to the crisis? Also, do you agree that the newly formed National Unity Government (NUG) should be allowed to attend the summit talks as it had demanded?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;First of all, I would like to say I support NUG.&nbsp;NUG deserves to attend the summit and to be recognised as a legitimate government by a whole world.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February.

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February. He said the country will see a civil war and total destruction if negotiations are not held. Pointing out that China is arming both the military and ethnic armed groups, he said Beijing should ask the junta to stop the violence and killing its own people. The ambassador also expressed support for the newly formed national unity government, saying it should be allowed at the ASEAN summit on the Myanmar crisis on April 24, which is to be attended by the military junta's chief. Here is the interview: WION: As we speak, the brutal crackdown against the coup continues. You were unceremoniously ousted from the embassy. What is your current status in the UK? Kyaw Zwar Minn: UK government allows me to stay here for 31 days (starting 8th April) with P&Is (Privileges and immunities). During the 31 days, I need to keep my stuff and prepare for leaving. WION: Along with the UK, you are also the ambassador to Ireland, Sweden and Denmark. What is currently your diplomatic status in those countries? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I am sure that the military regime already sent official letters to these countries for eliminating my ambassador status.Till now, I don't see any announcements about me from these foreign ministries. I wish I could be still recognised as ambassador. WION: You have said that your friends and relatives at home have been forced into hiding fearing reprisals from the military regime. When did you speak to them last, and could you share with us how they are now? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I don't want to talk about this.The less I talk, the more safe they are. WION: Since the February 1 coup, more than 3,100 people -- the bulk of them anti-coup protesters and activists -- have been detained. Over 700 people have been killed. How do you plan to continue raising your voice? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I believe that we have only one peaceful resolution, that is at the negotiation table. As I am a diplomat and an ambassador, I would like to see a peaceful resolution. Stop killing people and release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and president etc. Some people don't agree with my way. They would like to fight back military Regime. If fighting keeps going, we will have "Civil War" and total destruction. WION: The EU, US and Britain have already imposed sanctions on the junta. Do you think that enough is being done to pressurise the regime? Kyaw Zwar Minn: The military regime has been receiving so many sanctions since 1962. They also have a lot of "strongly condemned" messages from the [United Nations] Security Council. They have learnt many many lessons.I don't think sanction is enough but I believe it is one of the tools for pressurising the regime. WION: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a political solution for the crisis. But with leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars and multiple charges slapped on them, do you think a political solution can be found in near future? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I don't think they (regime) are going to step back. But a political solution could be to stop Myanmar people dying inside. WION: The Myanmar military says that the elections were fraudulent and hence it detained the political leadership. In your view, what is the real reason for the actions of the junta? Kyaw Zwar Minn: Well, they would like to purge Daw ASSK from the future of Myanmar political' stage. They have so many reasons and propaganda: 'because she married a British citizen, she is close with Western countries, she is a puppet of UK and USA etc.' WION: How do you view China's role in the Myanmar crisis, as we have seen many Chinese factories being targeted by angry protesters? Kyaw Zwar Minn: China has a vital role for Myanmar History. We had fought three wars with the Chinese in our Kings' era. Our country was affected by Chinese Culture Revolution. Chinese troops supported the Myanmar Communist Party. When China's transition from a planned economy to a market economy began at the end of 1978, the Chinese stopped supporting Myanmar communist party. After that, military regime has good relationship with Chinese again. Chinese used so many vetoes for Myanmar at Security Council and at the same time is selling arms to Myanmar Army as well as to ethnic armed groups, and investing in multi-billion dollar projects including Kyauk Phyu sea port and gas pipeline from Myanmar to Yunnan province. People of Myanmar understand the Chinese and regime are very close and that's why they attacked Chinese infrastructure. The Myanmar issue is very important for Chinese as well. They need to convince the regime to stop violence and stop killing their own people. Otherwise they will face a lose -lose situation in Myanmar. WION: Despite the crackdown, the protests show no sign of ebbing. What have sources from the ground back home told you? What is the mood in Myanmar? Kyaw Zwar Minn: Most of the protesters have no arms. Some created handmade weapons. Even they don't have enough weapons. As you mentioned, there is no sign of ebbing. I always pay my respect for their bravery and salute the people who died for democracy. WION: Now that the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend the ASEAN summit on April 24, do you think the regional grouping can play a role in bringing about a solution to the crisis? Also, do you agree that the newly formed National Unity Government (NUG) should be allowed to attend the summit talks as it had demanded? Kyaw Zwar Minn: First of all, I would like to say I support NUG. NUG deserves to attend the summit and to be recognised as a legitimate government by a whole world.

WION Exclusive: Myanmar will have civil war if fighting goes on, warns envoy to UK ousted by junta

A Japanese journalist covering the coup in Myanmar has been arrested for the second time, leading Tokyo to call for his immediate release on Monday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters in Tokyo&nbsp;that Japan is asking Myanmar authorities to explain the arrest and provide other details while asking for his release as soon as possible.

Kato did not give the joruinalist's identity, but media reports identified him as Yuki Kitazumi, who runs a media production company, Yangon Media Professionals. He was arrested previously in February while covering protests against the February&nbsp;1 coup but was released soon after.

Myanmar authorities again detained him on Sunday after picking him up from his home in Yangon, the reports said.

Kitazumi, a former Nikkei business newspaper reporter, is&nbsp;currently based in Yangon as a freelance journalist. 
"We will continue asking the Myanmar side for his early release, while doing our utmost for the protection of the Japanese citizens in that country," Kato said. 
Japan's NHK public television quoted witnesses as saying that they saw Kitazumi being arrested and taken from his home. 
Japan has stepped up its criticism of Myanmar's deadly crackdown on opposition but has taken a milder approach than the US and some other countries that imposed sanctions against members of the military junta.

(with inputs from agencies)

A Japanese journalist covering the coup in Myanmar has been arrested for the second time, leading Tokyo to call for his immediate release on Monday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters in Tokyo that Japan is asking Myanmar authorities to explain the arrest and provide other details while asking for his release as soon as possible.

A Japanese journalist covering the coup in Myanmar has been arrested for the second time, leading Tokyo to call for his immediate release on Monday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters in Tokyo that Japan is asking Myanmar authorities to explain the arrest and provide other details while asking for his release as soon as possible. Kato did not give the joruinalist's identity, but media reports identified him as Yuki Kitazumi, who runs a media production company, Yangon Media Professionals. He was arrested previously in February while covering protests against the February 1 coup but was released soon after. Myanmar authorities again detained him on Sunday after picking him up from his home in Yangon, the reports said. Kitazumi, a former Nikkei business newspaper reporter, is currently based in Yangon as a freelance journalist. "We will continue asking the Myanmar side for his early release, while doing our utmost for the protection of the Japanese citizens in that country," Kato said. Japan's NHK public television quoted witnesses as saying that they saw Kitazumi being arrested and taken from his home. Japan has stepped up its criticism of Myanmar's deadly crackdown on opposition but has taken a milder approach than the US and some other countries that imposed sanctions against members of the military junta. (with inputs from agencies)

Japan seeks release of journalist arrested in Myanmar for second time

A monintoring group called for international action after Myanmar's military junta aired images of anti-coup protesters that appeared to show them having been tortured and bruised.

The images were tweeted by The Asistancce Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a human rights organisation working to secure the release of prisoners in the country.

"Emboldened through impunity. This junta uses torture as its policy. AAPP is concerned for all those detained particularly in undisclosed locations If international community does not act. Torture, and to death, will clearly continue," AAPP said in a tweet.

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Emboldened through impunity 
 
This junta uses torture as its policy 
 
AAPP is concerned for all those detained particularly in undisclosed locations 
 
If international community does not act. Torture, and to death, will clearly continue <a href="https://t.co/6pGU3tSVT3">pic.twitter.com/6pGU3tSVT3</a>
— AAPP (Burma) (@aapp_burma) <a href="https://twitter.com/aapp_burma/status/1383843295088898058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to AAPP, as of Sunday, 3,229 protesters have been&nbsp;detained or sentenced, and&nbsp;930 have been issued arrest warrants. The monitoring group said&nbsp;737 people have been killed since the coup ousted the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February.

Images carried on Sunday by&nbsp;junta-owned MRTV showed six detainees, including two women. Their faces appeared&nbsp;engorged, bloodied or bruised.&nbsp;The jaw of one of the women was swollen and she appeared to have a black eye.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Myanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Myanmar</a>’s military screened the pictures on the right - young women they had detained, bearing harrowing signs of abuse - on the nightly news today. They fact they felt free to show these images - and wanted to - speaks volumes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsHappeningInMyanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar</a> <a href="https://t.co/lt5CeNc06B">pic.twitter.com/lt5CeNc06B</a>
— Poppy McPherson (@poppymcp) <a href="https://twitter.com/poppymcp/status/1383836051551121424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The MRTV report said the protesters were&nbsp;arrested on Sunday in Yankin, a suburb of Yangon, the country's biggest city.

Kim Jolliffe, a researcher on Myanmar, said in a tweet: "The Myanmar&nbsp;junta's strategy from start to finish is based on the same gambit: "We can be more brutal than you... We can be more shockingly hurtful and terrifying than you" That is all they have. But it knows no bounds."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A monintoring group called for international action after Myanmar's military junta aired images of anti-coup protesters that appeared to show them having been tortured and bruised.

A monintoring group called for international action after Myanmar's military junta aired images of anti-coup protesters that appeared to show them having been tortured and bruised. The images were tweeted by The Asistancce Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a human rights organisation working to secure the release of prisoners in the country. "Emboldened through impunity. This junta uses torture as its policy. AAPP is concerned for all those detained particularly in undisclosed locations If international community does not act. Torture, and to death, will clearly continue," AAPP said in a tweet. Emboldened through impunity This junta uses torture as its policy AAPP is concerned for all those detained particularly in undisclosed locations If international community does not act. Torture, and to death, will clearly continue pic.twitter.com/6pGU3tSVT3 — AAPP (Burma) (@aapp_burma) April 18, 2021 × According to AAPP, as of Sunday, 3,229 protesters have been detained or sentenced, and 930 have been issued arrest warrants. The monitoring group said 737 people have been killed since the coup ousted the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February. Images carried on Sunday by junta-owned MRTV showed six detainees, including two women. Their faces appeared engorged, bloodied or bruised. The jaw of one of the women was swollen and she appeared to have a black eye. #Myanmar’s military screened the pictures on the right - young women they had detained, bearing harrowing signs of abuse - on the nightly news today. They fact they felt free to show these images - and wanted to - speaks volumes. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/lt5CeNc06B — Poppy McPherson (@poppymcp) April 18, 2021 × The MRTV report said the protesters were arrested on Sunday in Yankin, a suburb of Yangon, the country's biggest city. Kim Jolliffe, a researcher on Myanmar, said in a tweet: "The Myanmar junta's strategy from start to finish is based on the same gambit: "We can be more brutal than you... We can be more shockingly hurtful and terrifying than you" That is all they have. But it knows no bounds." (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military TV shows bruised protesters, leading to outcry

Covid-19 vaccines produced by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson have come under a cloud over rare cases of blood clots. Here's what we know:

Covid vaccines face blood clot concerns

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday.

While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times.

From player changes to new guidelines, here are 10 things different in Indian Premier League 2021 ( IPL)

1. Length of innings

Strict guidelines have been issued to teams to finish their bowling innings in 90 minutes. Within this, there will be five minutes of strategic time-out. As a result, an innings will now last&nbsp;85 minutes. Otherwise, the match will have to be finished as per the overs bowled within this time. The move comes after many matches in previous editions were played beyond the permitted time.

2. Hour-long Super Over

It has been decided to extend the match for only an hour after the designated time ends. In the last IPL, a match ended in a tie even in the Super Over, which resulted in another Super Over. After the new regulations by the BCCI, Super Overs will have to be played within an hour of a tied match. If the winner is not decided within this hour, both teams taking part will claim one point each. The decision has been taken so that the games don't go beyond the stipulated time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/show-must-go-on-how-will-bcci-pull-off-ipl-2021-the-second-tournament-in-the-pandemic-era-376252" hreflang="en">Show must go on: India awaits IPL 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic worries</a>

3. Third umpire to watch short run&nbsp;

The duty of monitoring short run will now go to the third umpire. Rule 18 of the Laws of Cricket states that “a run is "short" if either, or both, batsmen fail to make good their ground -- cross the crease-- in turning for a further run. In IPL 2020, the on-field umpire mistakenly called a run by Chris Jordan short - which led to Kings XI Punjab - now Punjab Kings - losing the match by a narrow margin.

4. On-field umpire's soft signal scrapped

If an on-field umpire leaves a decision to the third umpire, he does not have to convey his own decision, known as a soft signal.&nbsp;Earlier, if the third umpire could not take a decision, the on-field umpire's decision was taken as final. That has now been scrapped. The move comes after controversy surrounding soft signal in the series between India and England, where skipper Virat Kohli had expressed his disappointment regarding the rule.

5. Who calls no-balls?

As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn't interfere in on-field no-ball calls.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a>

6. Name change

Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and it's now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side.

7. Captain woes for Delhi Capitals

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was ruled out of IPL 2021 due&nbsp;to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named as the skipper in Iyer's absence. Interestingly, Pant had led Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, consisting of the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Navdeep Saini,&nbsp;to the final of the tournament in 2017.

8. Change of look

Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashtan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces.

9. Injury issues

Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer is not playing, at least initially, due to injury. The English star had surgery on his finger recently. His absence is seen as weakening the bowling attack of the team. However, the speedster is expected to return in the second phase of IPL 2021.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-delhi-capitals-captaincy-will-help-rishabh-pant-reach-his-potential-376136" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant</a>

10. No home venues

IPL 2021 will be played across six venues: Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. No teams will be able to play matches at their home venue as BCCI didn't want to hand an unfair advantage to any team. While the first leg will start at Chennai and Mumbai, the tournament will shift to Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi in the next phase. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the playoffs and final of IPL 2021.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday. While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday. While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times. From player changes to new guidelines, here are 10 things different in Indian Premier League 2021 ( IPL) 1. Length of innings Strict guidelines have been issued to teams to finish their bowling innings in 90 minutes. Within this, there will be five minutes of strategic time-out. As a result, an innings will now last 85 minutes. Otherwise, the match will have to be finished as per the overs bowled within this time. The move comes after many matches in previous editions were played beyond the permitted time. 2. Hour-long Super Over It has been decided to extend the match for only an hour after the designated time ends. In the last IPL, a match ended in a tie even in the Super Over, which resulted in another Super Over. After the new regulations by the BCCI, Super Overs will have to be played within an hour of a tied match. If the winner is not decided within this hour, both teams taking part will claim one point each. The decision has been taken so that the games don't go beyond the stipulated time. ALSO READ: Show must go on: India awaits IPL 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic worries 3. Third umpire to watch short run The duty of monitoring short run will now go to the third umpire. Rule 18 of the Laws of Cricket states that “a run is "short" if either, or both, batsmen fail to make good their ground -- cross the crease-- in turning for a further run. In IPL 2020, the on-field umpire mistakenly called a run by Chris Jordan short - which led to Kings XI Punjab - now Punjab Kings - losing the match by a narrow margin. 4. On-field umpire's soft signal scrapped If an on-field umpire leaves a decision to the third umpire, he does not have to convey his own decision, known as a soft signal. Earlier, if the third umpire could not take a decision, the on-field umpire's decision was taken as final. That has now been scrapped. The move comes after controversy surrounding soft signal in the series between India and England, where skipper Virat Kohli had expressed his disappointment regarding the rule. 5. Who calls no-balls? As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn't interfere in on-field no-ball calls. ALSO READ: Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams 6. Name change Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and it's now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side. 7. Captain woes for Delhi Capitals Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was ruled out of IPL 2021 due to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named as the skipper in Iyer's absence. Interestingly, Pant had led Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, consisting of the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Navdeep Saini, to the final of the tournament in 2017. 8. Change of look Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey. The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashtan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces. 9. Injury issues Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer is not playing, at least initially, due to injury. The English star had surgery on his finger recently. His absence is seen as weakening the bowling attack of the team. However, the speedster is expected to return in the second phase of IPL 2021. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant 10. No home venues IPL 2021 will be played across six venues: Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. No teams will be able to play matches at their home venue as BCCI didn't want to hand an unfair advantage to any team. While the first leg will start at Chennai and Mumbai, the tournament will shift to Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi in the next phase. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the playoffs and final of IPL 2021.

IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time

Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE.

The inaugural match of the cricketing extravaganza will see the clash between reigning champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Last year's final was held on November 10th in Dubai.

For the Indian players who are national team members, it's been relentless cricket since then. From Dubai, they went straight to Australia for a full-fledged tour. After returning from Australia, they hosted a gruelling series against&nbsp;England. The last game was on March 28th.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-ipl-biggest-game-changer-for-indian-cricket-376128" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket</a>

After that, they went into their respective IPL team camps. First to the bio-secure bubbles, then training, and now, back to action. In short, the pandemic has not stopped the play for them.

But COVID-19 is very much in the minds of cricketers and organisers alike. Several players, some coaches and officials have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past months. There are going to be restrictions on attendance, and calls have been made to relocate matches.

One of the venues is in Mumbai, which is facing one of the worst spikes of Covid cases.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-to-imran-tahir-five-oldest-players-in-ipl-2021-375933" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021</a>

Matches in Mumbai are scheduled from April 10 to 25, at Wankhede stadium. Some local residents have already written a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, asking for a change of location in view of the spike. Though spectators are not allowed, there are concerns about large number of people gathering to see the cricketers passing by in their buses.&nbsp;

There are also worries that the tournament could turn into a super-spreader event.

But the show, it appears, will go on. IPL 2021 will be held in six cities - Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Kolkata. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium Ahmedabad on May 30th. &nbsp;

And the Board of Control for Cricket in India is leaving no stones unturned to pull it off.

“COVID-19 cases are increasing, so BCCI has taken all precautions for IPL," assured BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a>

"Only six venues have been kept for the tournament, bio-bubble has been created, members of the squad have also been increased. The tournament will go on without any audience,” he added.

The Indian cricketing body has ruled out shifting IPL from Mumbai. But it has put in place a number of restrictions and precautionary measures.

Besides the decision to have no spectators, BCCI will ensure that the squads, support staff and other stakeholders are in bio-bubbles till the tournament finishes. There will be 'bio-bubble enforcers' and Covid tests on a regular basis for all involved in the event.

Check-in counters specifically for the IPL squads and support staff have been requested at airports of the hosting cities. &nbsp;

Bio-bubble integrity officers will make it mandatory for players and staff to wear masks before leaving hotel rooms. They will have to wear masks in order to use the common areas of the hotels. It will be ensured that they wear masks before leaving the grounds.

A few players and officials have already tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;This includes former India wicketkeeper Kiran More&nbsp;and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams.

In spite of the odds, BCCI is hoping to repeat the feat it pulled off in the UAE last year.&nbsp;

It's indeed all fingers crossed, for bringing to you what was known as the father of all entertainment.

Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE.

Chennai will witness on Friday the first clash of Indian Premier League 2021, the second avatar of the pandemic-era tournament in eight months, after the 2020 edition had to be postponed to November and moved to UAE. The inaugural match of the cricketing extravaganza will see the clash between reigning champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Last year's final was held on November 10th in Dubai. For the Indian players who are national team members, it's been relentless cricket since then. From Dubai, they went straight to Australia for a full-fledged tour. After returning from Australia, they hosted a gruelling series against England. The last game was on March 28th. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: IPL biggest game-changer for Indian cricket After that, they went into their respective IPL team camps. First to the bio-secure bubbles, then training, and now, back to action. In short, the pandemic has not stopped the play for them. But COVID-19 is very much in the minds of cricketers and organisers alike. Several players, some coaches and officials have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past months. There are going to be restrictions on attendance, and calls have been made to relocate matches. One of the venues is in Mumbai, which is facing one of the worst spikes of Covid cases. IN PICS | From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021 Matches in Mumbai are scheduled from April 10 to 25, at Wankhede stadium. Some local residents have already written a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, asking for a change of location in view of the spike. Though spectators are not allowed, there are concerns about large number of people gathering to see the cricketers passing by in their buses. There are also worries that the tournament could turn into a super-spreader event. But the show, it appears, will go on. IPL 2021 will be held in six cities - Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Kolkata. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium Ahmedabad on May 30th. And the Board of Control for Cricket in India is leaving no stones unturned to pull it off. “COVID-19 cases are increasing, so BCCI has taken all precautions for IPL," assured BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla ALSO READ: Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams "Only six venues have been kept for the tournament, bio-bubble has been created, members of the squad have also been increased. The tournament will go on without any audience,” he added. The Indian cricketing body has ruled out shifting IPL from Mumbai. But it has put in place a number of restrictions and precautionary measures. Besides the decision to have no spectators, BCCI will ensure that the squads, support staff and other stakeholders are in bio-bubbles till the tournament finishes. There will be 'bio-bubble enforcers' and Covid tests on a regular basis for all involved in the event. Check-in counters specifically for the IPL squads and support staff have been requested at airports of the hosting cities. Bio-bubble integrity officers will make it mandatory for players and staff to wear masks before leaving hotel rooms. They will have to wear masks in order to use the common areas of the hotels. It will be ensured that they wear masks before leaving the grounds. A few players and officials have already tested positive for the dreaded virus. This includes former India wicketkeeper Kiran More and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams. In spite of the odds, BCCI is hoping to repeat the feat it pulled off in the UAE last year. It's indeed all fingers crossed, for bringing to you what was known as the father of all entertainment.

Show must go on: How will BCCI pull off IPL 2021, the second tournament in the pandemic era?

India witnessed the highest number of real-time online transactions in 2020, trumping China and United States. Take a look at global scores and predictions in this video to find out more.

India trumps China, US with record digital transactions in 2020

&nbsp;

Uzbekistan, one of the&nbsp;fast-growing countries in the world, is reforming its economy to make it sustainable and green.&nbsp;In the past decade, its GDP growth rate exceeded that of the group of leading CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus) and several countries of the Central Asian region (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), according to a document shared by the nation’s embassy to India.

Reforms initiated&nbsp;by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev seek to improve the investment climate, exports, foreign trade, and macroeconomic stability.

Here is a look at the growth, reforms, challenges and future of the nation’s economy:

REFORM PROCESS

The country liberalised its foreign exchange market, simplified visa processes and moved to a flat income tax rate of 12%. It also reduced cost of doing business, opened branches of some foreign universities of Korea, Russia, the US and India. In 2017 alone, 18 free economic zones, 77 small industrial zones and10 technology parks were established.

Products under export ban were reduced, mandatory sale of foreign currency earnings was abolished, customs duty slashed, export contract procedures simplified, and additional conditions for the export of fruits and vegetables were created, according to the embassy document.

A law on combating corruption was adopted, and steps were initiated to curb the shadow economy.

Digital technologies were introduced, with 211 state services rendered through a single portal. Since January 1, scores of licenses and permits were abolished, and registration time and permission documents were reduced or simplified. Non-cash payments went up.

An anti-corruption Agency was set up in mid-2020. From 2017 to the end of 2020, 17 regulations were adopted to fight corruption. From 2021, an annual rating system will evaluate the personal responsibility of regional and government leaders in the fight against corruption and the shadow economy.

A National Project Management Agency was created to ensure consistency in economic reforms process and to introduce modern information management systems. A Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade was formed for implementing investment policy and attracting foreign investment, among other things.

Administrative reforms, improved accessibility of public services and development of public-private partnerships were also introduced.

Important documents were adopted on sustainable development, transition to a green economy, environmental protection and agriculture Development.

Several measures were introduced to to limit the vulnerability of the civil service to political pressure.

Some businesses have been given tax vacations due to Covid pandemic and expenditures have been reduced.

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

The share of industry in the economy has risen to nearly 30% of GDP in 2019, up from 23.3% in 2014, while that of agriculture was down from 33.3% in 2014 to 28.2% in 2020. These two industries have accounted for between 54% and 57% of total GDP.

Manufacturing sector's share in industrial production has not changed dramatically in the last 10 years.

The devaluation of currency is a risk to&nbsp;macroeconomic stability. There was almost two-fold devaluation in 2017 (from almost 4,000 soums per dollar to 8,000 soums) with high devaluation rates continuing in subsequent years - 28% in 2018, 9.5% in 2019 and 13.4% in 2020.

The value of gross investment in 2018 rose to 30.6% of GDP (against the 21.4% average in 2010-17), 37.1% in 2019 and 34.8% in 2020.&nbsp; But the level of monetisation (the ratio of broad money to GDP) of the economy remained significantly below the world average for the developing world (from 50% to 100%), which made it difficult for the national banking sector to credit investment projects. As a result, foreign lending became the main source of financing, which led to a rapid growth of external debt.

In 2011-2016, investment was at 21-23% to GDP, and external debt grew at 7.5%-14.6% to GDP. The investment boom of 2017-2020 led to a rapid growth of external debt up to 46% of GDP due to increased external borrowing for construction and other capital-intensive industries.

Insufficiently thought-out liberalisation has changed the ratio between exports and imports. While in 2011-2016 the foreign trade balance was active (estimated at &nbsp;+1.6% of GDP), in the last four years it has become deficit, at minus 10-12% of GDP in 2018-2020.

NEED FOR CHANGE

A review of economic reforms is needed. The new economic model should focus on domestic sources of development, resource saving, solving social problems including the fight against poverty and the shadow economy, and reducing the burden on natural capital.

In 2016-2019, the nation's industry grew 107.2% on average, with cumulative growth of 124.3%, but the pandemic in 2020 led to drop in production in industry and manufacturing.

The new industrial policy should aim &nbsp;at processing of raw materials, digitalising industries and enterprises, introducing less energy-intensive "green technologies", and forming technological platforms for the development of basic industries. Estimates say digital systems will improve productivity by 20% at existing facilities, and increase output of finished products by 5-10%.&nbsp;This will enable growth of sustainable employment in industrial production.

The investment policy will contribute to positive technological shifts with a growing share of medium and high-tech industries.

FARM SECTOR: GROWTH AND REFORM

Uzbekistan’s gross agricultural output grew by almost 7.2% in 2016-2020, with attention paid to multi-purpose farms. These farms are exempt from payment of the single tax for five years on all types of activities not related to crop growing.

Uzbekistan has second place globally in production of apricots and carrots, and third in production of quinces and &nbsp;cherries. It is the fifth largest exporter of apricots and fourth largest in persimmons and raw silk.

In 2019, an agriculture development strategy was approved. It seeks to ensure food security; create a favorable agribusiness climate and value chains; and reduce the role of the state and increasing investment attractiveness.

State regulation of flour prices, which had been in place since 1994, was stopped in Uzbekistan. The sale of flour at market prices ensures effective allocation of resources and competition in the markets, taking into account the interests of both producers and consumers.

Beginning with the 2020 harvest, the state grain order will be reduced by 25%, and beginning with the 2021&nbsp;harvest, the practice of the state establishing grain procurement prices and state purchases will be completely abolished.

Starting with the 2020 harvest, the practice of setting purchase prices for raw cotton is also abolished.&nbsp; Mechanization of the industry, which replaces manual labor, is also being actively pursued in cotton growing.

Since September 2020, subletting agricultural land for the purpose of growing agricultural products was introduced.

A GREEN ECONOMY

Uzbekistan is an active participant in the implementation of climate-change related accords including Paris Agreement 2015 and Aral Sea agreements. It has adopted documents for environmental protection, transition to a green economy, solid waste management &nbsp;and biodiversity conservation.

Uzbekistan is also making efforts to increase the forest area. Between 2010 and 2018, forest-covered areas increased from 6.63% to 7.26%. More and more land plots are transferred to the category of lands of the state forest fund as lands potentially suitable for forestry.

Uzbekistan, one of the fast-growing countries in the world, is reforming its economy to make it sustainable and green. In the past decade, its GDP growth rate exceeded that of the group of leading CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus) and several countries of the Central Asian region (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), according to a document shared by the nation’s embassy to India.

Uzbekistan, one of the fast-growing countries in the world, is reforming its economy to make it sustainable and green. In the past decade, its GDP growth rate exceeded that of the group of leading CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus) and several countries of the Central Asian region (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), according to a document shared by the nation’s embassy to India. Reforms initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev seek to improve the investment climate, exports, foreign trade, and macroeconomic stability. Here is a look at the growth, reforms, challenges and future of the nation’s economy: REFORM PROCESS The country liberalised its foreign exchange market, simplified visa processes and moved to a flat income tax rate of 12%. It also reduced cost of doing business, opened branches of some foreign universities of Korea, Russia, the US and India. In 2017 alone, 18 free economic zones, 77 small industrial zones and10 technology parks were established. Products under export ban were reduced, mandatory sale of foreign currency earnings was abolished, customs duty slashed, export contract procedures simplified, and additional conditions for the export of fruits and vegetables were created, according to the embassy document. A law on combating corruption was adopted, and steps were initiated to curb the shadow economy. Digital technologies were introduced, with 211 state services rendered through a single portal. Since January 1, scores of licenses and permits were abolished, and registration time and permission documents were reduced or simplified. Non-cash payments went up. An anti-corruption Agency was set up in mid-2020. From 2017 to the end of 2020, 17 regulations were adopted to fight corruption. From 2021, an annual rating system will evaluate the personal responsibility of regional and government leaders in the fight against corruption and the shadow economy. A National Project Management Agency was created to ensure consistency in economic reforms process and to introduce modern information management systems. A Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade was formed for implementing investment policy and attracting foreign investment, among other things. Administrative reforms, improved accessibility of public services and development of public-private partnerships were also introduced. Important documents were adopted on sustainable development, transition to a green economy, environmental protection and agriculture Development. Several measures were introduced to to limit the vulnerability of the civil service to political pressure. Some businesses have been given tax vacations due to Covid pandemic and expenditures have been reduced. STATE OF THE ECONOMY The share of industry in the economy has risen to nearly 30% of GDP in 2019, up from 23.3% in 2014, while that of agriculture was down from 33.3% in 2014 to 28.2% in 2020. These two industries have accounted for between 54% and 57% of total GDP. Manufacturing sector's share in industrial production has not changed dramatically in the last 10 years. The devaluation of currency is a risk to macroeconomic stability. There was almost two-fold devaluation in 2017 (from almost 4,000 soums per dollar to 8,000 soums) with high devaluation rates continuing in subsequent years - 28% in 2018, 9.5% in 2019 and 13.4% in 2020. The value of gross investment in 2018 rose to 30.6% of GDP (against the 21.4% average in 2010-17), 37.1% in 2019 and 34.8% in 2020. But the level of monetisation (the ratio of broad money to GDP) of the economy remained significantly below the world average for the developing world (from 50% to 100%), which made it difficult for the national banking sector to credit investment projects. As a result, foreign lending became the main source of financing, which led to a rapid growth of external debt. In 2011-2016, investment was at 21-23% to GDP, and external debt grew at 7.5%-14.6% to GDP. The investment boom of 2017-2020 led to a rapid growth of external debt up to 46% of GDP due to increased external borrowing for construction and other capital-intensive industries. Insufficiently thought-out liberalisation has changed the ratio between exports and imports. While in 2011-2016 the foreign trade balance was active (estimated at +1.6% of GDP), in the last four years it has become deficit, at minus 10-12% of GDP in 2018-2020. NEED FOR CHANGE A review of economic reforms is needed. The new economic model should focus on domestic sources of development, resource saving, solving social problems including the fight against poverty and the shadow economy, and reducing the burden on natural capital. In 2016-2019, the nation's industry grew 107.2% on average, with cumulative growth of 124.3%, but the pandemic in 2020 led to drop in production in industry and manufacturing. The new industrial policy should aim at processing of raw materials, digitalising industries and enterprises, introducing less energy-intensive "green technologies", and forming technological platforms for the development of basic industries. Estimates say digital systems will improve productivity by 20% at existing facilities, and increase output of finished products by 5-10%. This will enable growth of sustainable employment in industrial production. The investment policy will contribute to positive technological shifts with a growing share of medium and high-tech industries. FARM SECTOR: GROWTH AND REFORM Uzbekistan’s gross agricultural output grew by almost 7.2% in 2016-2020, with attention paid to multi-purpose farms. These farms are exempt from payment of the single tax for five years on all types of activities not related to crop growing. Uzbekistan has second place globally in production of apricots and carrots, and third in production of quinces and cherries. It is the fifth largest exporter of apricots and fourth largest in persimmons and raw silk. In 2019, an agriculture development strategy was approved. It seeks to ensure food security; create a favorable agribusiness climate and value chains; and reduce the role of the state and increasing investment attractiveness. State regulation of flour prices, which had been in place since 1994, was stopped in Uzbekistan. The sale of flour at market prices ensures effective allocation of resources and competition in the markets, taking into account the interests of both producers and consumers. Beginning with the 2020 harvest, the state grain order will be reduced by 25%, and beginning with the 2021 harvest, the practice of the state establishing grain procurement prices and state purchases will be completely abolished. Starting with the 2020 harvest, the practice of setting purchase prices for raw cotton is also abolished. Mechanization of the industry, which replaces manual labor, is also being actively pursued in cotton growing. Since September 2020, subletting agricultural land for the purpose of growing agricultural products was introduced. A GREEN ECONOMY Uzbekistan is an active participant in the implementation of climate-change related accords including Paris Agreement 2015 and Aral Sea agreements. It has adopted documents for environmental protection, transition to a green economy, solid waste management and biodiversity conservation. Uzbekistan is also making efforts to increase the forest area. Between 2010 and 2018, forest-covered areas increased from 6.63% to 7.26%. More and more land plots are transferred to the category of lands of the state forest fund as lands potentially suitable for forestry.

Uzbekistan is taking efforts to make its economy sustainable and green

Dismissing Chinese claims on appointing&nbsp;the next Dalai Lama, the president of the Tibetan Government in Exile has said it is&nbsp;Tibetans who have "copyright" over his reincarnation, and Beijing plans to have a "duplicate" copy.&nbsp;

Lobsang Sangay,&nbsp;Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan Government in Exile), said,&nbsp;"Communist party of China has zero credibility, as far as reincarnation is concerned. Communist party believes in atheism. They say religion is poison, why do they want to interfere in our internal affairs?"

Responding to a question from WION at an event,&nbsp;Sangay, the political successor to Dalai Lama, explained, "for almost 1000 years, we the Tibetans have selected our own reincarnate lamas, including the Dalai Lamas. So we have the patent and copyright over the reincarnation. So we are the original and Chinese will have duplicate. Original original hota hai, duplicate, duplicate."

China, possibly keen to increase its influence on Tibetan Buddhism, has said that it will appoint the next Dalai Lama, the 15th in the line of succession. The current Dalai Lama is the 14th one and had to leave Tibet in 1959 after the region was occupied by China.&nbsp;

Asked if China could do a repetition of Galwan or Doklam border clashes with India, he said,&nbsp;&nbsp;"Very likely, 60 years ago after they occupied Tibet, they said, once we occupy Tibet as the palm, they will come after five&nbsp;fingers, right? What you saw in Doklam, is one of the five fingers. What you saw in Galwan is one of the five fingers, these kinds of incursions will continue. Ultimately, Chinese government policy is expansionist. These kinds of incidents will keep happening."

The 2020 Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh due to aggressive Chinese actions. In the Doklam incident of&nbsp;2017, China tried to occupy Bhutanese territory, which was stopped by Indian forces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Dismissing Chinese claims on appointing the next Dalai Lama, the president of the Tibetan Government in Exile has said it is Tibetans who have "copyright" over his reincarnation, and Beijing plans to have a "duplicate" copy.

Dismissing Chinese claims on appointing the next Dalai Lama, the president of the Tibetan Government in Exile has said it is Tibetans who have "copyright" over his reincarnation, and Beijing plans to have a "duplicate" copy. Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan Government in Exile), said, "Communist party of China has zero credibility, as far as reincarnation is concerned. Communist party believes in atheism. They say religion is poison, why do they want to interfere in our internal affairs?" Responding to a question from WION at an event, Sangay, the political successor to Dalai Lama, explained, "for almost 1000 years, we the Tibetans have selected our own reincarnate lamas, including the Dalai Lamas. So we have the patent and copyright over the reincarnation. So we are the original and Chinese will have duplicate. Original original hota hai, duplicate, duplicate." China, possibly keen to increase its influence on Tibetan Buddhism, has said that it will appoint the next Dalai Lama, the 15th in the line of succession. The current Dalai Lama is the 14th one and had to leave Tibet in 1959 after the region was occupied by China. Asked if China could do a repetition of Galwan or Doklam border clashes with India, he said, "Very likely, 60 years ago after they occupied Tibet, they said, once we occupy Tibet as the palm, they will come after five fingers, right? What you saw in Doklam, is one of the five fingers. What you saw in Galwan is one of the five fingers, these kinds of incursions will continue. Ultimately, Chinese government policy is expansionist. These kinds of incidents will keep happening." The 2020 Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh due to aggressive Chinese actions. In the Doklam incident of 2017, China tried to occupy Bhutanese territory, which was stopped by Indian forces.

We have copyright over Dalai Lama reincarnation: Tibetan govt-in-exile prez

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister&nbsp;Shah Mahmood Qureshi&nbsp;told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC).

Watch |&nbsp;

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''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said.&nbsp;

"So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two."&nbsp;

"If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added.

There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen.&nbsp;

Asked about this, Qureshi said,&nbsp;"We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either."&nbsp;

''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. "

He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness."

He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's&nbsp;reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day.&nbsp;"PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.''

In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted.&nbsp;

The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said.

On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said:&nbsp; "I was listening carefully. He didn't point&nbsp;or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan&nbsp;on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference. Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC). Watch | ''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said. "So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two." "If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added. There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen. Asked about this, Qureshi said, "We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either." ''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. " He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement. "I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness." He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day. "PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.'' In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted. The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said. On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said: "I was listening carefully. He didn't point or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

WION Exclusive: Dialogue with India only way forward, says Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi 

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