Former US Director of National Intelligence&nbsp;John Ratcliffe has said that the country has ''secret evidence'' of UFOs breaking the sound barrier without a sonic boom.

In a television interview, Ratcliffe said that ''there are a lot more sightings than have been made public. However, some of them have been declassified.''

On being questioned about the UFO sightings, Ratcliffe said ''they have been picked up by satellite imagery that frankly engages in actions that are difficult to explain.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-agencies-have-less-than-6-months-to-reveal-what-they-know-about-ufos-355801">US agencies have less than 6 months to reveal what they know about UFOs</a>

Further explicating the unidentified objects he added that their ''movements are so&nbsp;hard to replicate that we don't have the technology for. They are&nbsp;traveling at speeds that exceed the sound barrier without a sonic boom.''

America's premier spy agency the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has declassified data on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) months before the deadline under the Freedom of Information Act.

The documents can now be accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. Some of the UFO documents released date back to the 80s, Black Vault claimed.

The website Black Vault is being run by John Greenewald Jr. The data involves every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government.

There are reportedly 2.2 million pages uploaded on Black Vault. The PDF files contain several hundred instances of UFO spotting across the globe which was stored in US government files.

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1/ In this CIA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFO</a> document, the Assistant Deputy Director for Science &amp; Technology (A/DDS&amp;T) was shown SOMETHING related to a UFO that was hand carried to him. He decided he would personally look into it, and after, he gave advice on moving forward. That advice is classified. <a href="https://t.co/PyVEr3zCny">pic.twitter.com/PyVEr3zCny</a>
— 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/blackvaultcom/status/1347535280178302981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In December last year, former President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had signed the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief bill which he also set into motion a 180-day countdown for the authorities to reveal all they know about UFOs.

The DIA and Secretary of Defence were given less than six months to provide information on&nbsp;"unidentified aerial phenomena"&nbsp;to the congress and committees of armed services, according to former president Trump's move.

In addition, the report must pinpoint any potential threats to national security posed by UFOs, while attempting to analyse whether any of the adversaries of the US may be involved in the sightings of UFOs.

Almost on cue, America's spy agency&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;allowed all UFO information to be downloaded ahead of the deadline last month.&nbsp;

The CIA allowed documents to accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. The data involved every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government.

In April 2020, the Pentagon released three short videos showing "unidentified aerial phenomena". Earlier, the US Navy had confirmed the clips as real. The videos released by the Pentagon date back to 2004 and 2015, and show flying objects that cannot be identified. The objects in question were moving rapidly, and were captured by infrared cameras.

Former US Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has said that the country has ''secret evidence'' of UFOs breaking the sound barrier without a sonic boom.

Former US Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has said that the country has ''secret evidence'' of UFOs breaking the sound barrier without a sonic boom. In a television interview, Ratcliffe said that ''there are a lot more sightings than have been made public. However, some of them have been declassified.'' On being questioned about the UFO sightings, Ratcliffe said ''they have been picked up by satellite imagery that frankly engages in actions that are difficult to explain.'' Also read: US agencies have less than 6 months to reveal what they know about UFOs Further explicating the unidentified objects he added that their ''movements are so hard to replicate that we don't have the technology for. They are traveling at speeds that exceed the sound barrier without a sonic boom.'' America's premier spy agency the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has declassified data on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) months before the deadline under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents can now be accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. Some of the UFO documents released date back to the 80s, Black Vault claimed. The website Black Vault is being run by John Greenewald Jr. The data involves every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government. There are reportedly 2.2 million pages uploaded on Black Vault. The PDF files contain several hundred instances of UFO spotting across the globe which was stored in US government files. 1/ In this CIA #UFO document, the Assistant Deputy Director for Science & Technology (A/DDS&T) was shown SOMETHING related to a UFO that was hand carried to him. He decided he would personally look into it, and after, he gave advice on moving forward. That advice is classified. pic.twitter.com/PyVEr3zCny — 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) January 8, 2021 × In December last year, former President Donald Trump had signed the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief bill which he also set into motion a 180-day countdown for the authorities to reveal all they know about UFOs. The DIA and Secretary of Defence were given less than six months to provide information on "unidentified aerial phenomena" to the congress and committees of armed services, according to former president Trump's move. In addition, the report must pinpoint any potential threats to national security posed by UFOs, while attempting to analyse whether any of the adversaries of the US may be involved in the sightings of UFOs. Almost on cue, America's spy agency CIA allowed all UFO information to be downloaded ahead of the deadline last month. The CIA allowed documents to accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. The data involved every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government. In April 2020, the Pentagon released three short videos showing "unidentified aerial phenomena". Earlier, the US Navy had confirmed the clips as real. The videos released by the Pentagon date back to 2004 and 2015, and show flying objects that cannot be identified. The objects in question were moving rapidly, and were captured by infrared cameras.

Pentagon ready to unveil secret report of UFOs breaking sound barrier

World Water Day 2021: Most polluted waterways worldwide

India and&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties.

The Permanent Indus Commission, set up under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, is set to meet in New Delhi on March 23 to 24, said two Indian officials that deal in bilateral water issues.

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri confirmed the talks will take place. He noted that the Commission is supposed to meet at least once a year under the treaty that governs water usage on the Indus and its tributaries that flow through the two countries.

This month's&nbsp;talks will see both sides sitting with each other for the first time since developments in 2019 such as the Pulwama terror attack and the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

But over the past few weeks, the two governments have made tentative efforts to re-engage and calm the borders as they struggle to extricate their countries from the worst economic downturn ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indian side will be led by the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters&nbsp;Pradeep Kumar Saxena, while the Pakistan side will be led by Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah.

What is the Indus Valley treaty?

Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, around 3 million acre-feet (MAF)&nbsp; of&nbsp;waters from three eastern rivers - Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi-&nbsp;are allocated to India for unrestricted use while around 135 MAF from three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab- go to Pakistan annually.

The treaty also says that New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, which is subject to specific criteria for design and operation. Pakistan can&nbsp;raise objections on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers. In the past, several issues have been resolved, but either side can also go to neutral experts or courts.&nbsp;

Pakistan, being a lower riparian state, has objected to certain Indian projects on Chenab, which it is expected to raise during the upcoming meeting.&nbsp;

This is the 116th&nbsp;meeting of the Indus Water Commissioners, which alternates between the two countries. Last March, a meeting was scheduled in Delhi but did not happen due to Covid. India had proposed a virtual meeting in July 2020&nbsp;while Islamabad was keen to hold it at Attari check post, but this also could not happen due to the pandemic.

India and Pakistan will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties.

India and Pakistan will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties. The Permanent Indus Commission, set up under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, is set to meet in New Delhi on March 23 to 24, said two Indian officials that deal in bilateral water issues. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri confirmed the talks will take place. He noted that the Commission is supposed to meet at least once a year under the treaty that governs water usage on the Indus and its tributaries that flow through the two countries. This month's talks will see both sides sitting with each other for the first time since developments in 2019 such as the Pulwama terror attack and the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. But over the past few weeks, the two governments have made tentative efforts to re-engage and calm the borders as they struggle to extricate their countries from the worst economic downturn ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian side will be led by the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters Pradeep Kumar Saxena, while the Pakistan side will be led by Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah. What is the Indus Valley treaty? Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, around 3 million acre-feet (MAF) of waters from three eastern rivers - Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi- are allocated to India for unrestricted use while around 135 MAF from three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab- go to Pakistan annually. The treaty also says that New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, which is subject to specific criteria for design and operation. Pakistan can raise objections on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers. In the past, several issues have been resolved, but either side can also go to neutral experts or courts. Pakistan, being a lower riparian state, has objected to certain Indian projects on Chenab, which it is expected to raise during the upcoming meeting. This is the 116th meeting of the Indus Water Commissioners, which alternates between the two countries. Last March, a meeting was scheduled in Delhi but did not happen due to Covid. India had proposed a virtual meeting in July 2020 while Islamabad was keen to hold it at Attari check post, but this also could not happen due to the pandemic.

India, Pakistan to hold first meeting in three years on water-sharing rights

A Russian Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday carrying 38 foreign satellites after takeoff was twice postponed due to technical issues, Russian space agency Roscosmos said.

Video published by Roscosmos showed the Soyuz blaster launching against grey and cloudy skies at 0607 GMT.

"The Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Fregat upper stage and 38 spacecraft from 18 countries took off from the Baikonur cosmodrome," Roscosmos said on its Twitter account.&nbsp;

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Первые фотографии сегодняшнего пуска <a href="https://twitter.com/gk_launch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gk_launch</a> 📸🚀 
 
С 11:35 до 11:37 мск запланировано отделение первой партии спутников попутной полезной нагрузки (японские спутники GRUS), а с 13:13 до 13:43 мск ожидается отделение второй партии на третьей целевой орбите (оставшиеся аппараты) <a href="https://t.co/df2pVnC2jx">pic.twitter.com/df2pVnC2jx</a>
— РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) <a href="https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1373910640826449921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The rocket will place in orbit 38 satellites from more than a dozen countries, including South Korea, Japan, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy and Brazil.

Among them is Challenge-1, the first satellite made completely in Tunisia, which was created by the Telnet telecommunications group.

The launch was twice postponed from Saturday after a surge in voltage was detected.

Russia plans to send up a second satellite in 2023 and, combined, the two will offer round-the-clock, all-weather monitoring of the Arctic Ocean and the surface of the Earth, Roscosmos said.

It had launched its space satellite Arktika-M on February 28 on a mission to monitor the climate and environment in the Arctic amid a push by the Kremlin to expand the country's activities in the region.

The Arctic has warmed more than twice as fast as the global average over the last three decades and Moscow is seeking to develop the energy-rich region, investing in the Northern Sea Route for shipping across its long northern flank as ice melts.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian space sector has lagged behind international competitors, plagued by corruption scandals and technological stagnation.

In 2018, a Soyuz rocket carrying a Russian cosmonaut and a NASA astronaut failed mid-flight, forcing the crew to carry out an emergency landing. Both survived without injuries.&nbsp;

A Russian Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday carrying 38 foreign satellites after takeoff was twice postponed due to technical issues, Russian space agency Roscosmos said.

A Russian Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday carrying 38 foreign satellites after takeoff was twice postponed due to technical issues, Russian space agency Roscosmos said. Video published by Roscosmos showed the Soyuz blaster launching against grey and cloudy skies at 0607 GMT. "The Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the Fregat upper stage and 38 spacecraft from 18 countries took off from the Baikonur cosmodrome," Roscosmos said on its Twitter account. Первые фотографии сегодняшнего пуска @gk_launch 📸🚀 С 11:35 до 11:37 мск запланировано отделение первой партии спутников попутной полезной нагрузки (японские спутники GRUS), а с 13:13 до 13:43 мск ожидается отделение второй партии на третьей целевой орбите (оставшиеся аппараты) pic.twitter.com/df2pVnC2jx — РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) March 22, 2021 × The rocket will place in orbit 38 satellites from more than a dozen countries, including South Korea, Japan, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy and Brazil. Among them is Challenge-1, the first satellite made completely in Tunisia, which was created by the Telnet telecommunications group. The launch was twice postponed from Saturday after a surge in voltage was detected. Russia plans to send up a second satellite in 2023 and, combined, the two will offer round-the-clock, all-weather monitoring of the Arctic Ocean and the surface of the Earth, Roscosmos said. It had launched its space satellite Arktika-M on February 28 on a mission to monitor the climate and environment in the Arctic amid a push by the Kremlin to expand the country's activities in the region. The Arctic has warmed more than twice as fast as the global average over the last three decades and Moscow is seeking to develop the energy-rich region, investing in the Northern Sea Route for shipping across its long northern flank as ice melts. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian space sector has lagged behind international competitors, plagued by corruption scandals and technological stagnation. In 2018, a Soyuz rocket carrying a Russian cosmonaut and a NASA astronaut failed mid-flight, forcing the crew to carry out an emergency landing. Both survived without injuries.

Russian Soyuz spacecraft launches 38 satellites for 18 countries

Moscow said Monday it regretted that Washington did not respond to President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organise a live debate with US President Joe Biden.

"One more opportunity has been passed up to look for a way out of the dead-end in Russia-US ties," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "Responsibility for that rests fully with the United States."

In an interview last week the new Democratic president agreed with an interviewer who asked if he thought the Russian leader was a "killer," prompting Putin to respond with a Russian playground chant that "he who said it, did it."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prepared-for-worst-kremlin-on-possible-new-cold-war-with-us-371691">'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US</a>

On Friday, the Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Putin's offer of talks remained open and that Putin could do any time that was convenient for Biden, though the offer would not stay on the table indefinitely.

US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between Russia and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse".

Moscow and Washington share a mutual distrust that flared after the Kremlin's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

Ties deteriorated over Russia's alleged meddling in the US elections in 2016 and more recently when the West concluded that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was poisoned last summer with a Soviet-designed nerve agent.

But the two countries have continued cooperation on issues of shared interest, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Afghanistan peace process.

The US Commerce Department announced this week it was toughening export restrictions imposed on Russia as punishment for Navalny's poisoning in August.

Over the past few decades Russia has rarely recalled its ambassadors.

Moscow last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq.

In 2014, during the fallout after the annexation of Crimea,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;refused to recall a Washington envoy even after then US President Barack Obama said that the Russian leader would pay for his Ukraine policies.&nbsp;

Putin&nbsp;at the time said recalling an envoy would be a "measure of last resort".

Moscow said Monday it regretted that Washington did not respond to President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organise a live debate with US President Joe Biden. "One more opportunity has been passed up to look for a way out of the dead-end in Russia-US ties," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Moscow said Monday it regretted that Washington did not respond to President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organise a live debate with US President Joe Biden. "One more opportunity has been passed up to look for a way out of the dead-end in Russia-US ties," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "Responsibility for that rests fully with the United States." In an interview last week the new Democratic president agreed with an interviewer who asked if he thought the Russian leader was a "killer," prompting Putin to respond with a Russian playground chant that "he who said it, did it." Also read| 'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US On Friday, the Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Putin's offer of talks remained open and that Putin could do any time that was convenient for Biden, though the offer would not stay on the table indefinitely. US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between Russia and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse". Moscow and Washington share a mutual distrust that flared after the Kremlin's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014. Ties deteriorated over Russia's alleged meddling in the US elections in 2016 and more recently when the West concluded that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was poisoned last summer with a Soviet-designed nerve agent. But the two countries have continued cooperation on issues of shared interest, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Afghanistan peace process. The US Commerce Department announced this week it was toughening export restrictions imposed on Russia as punishment for Navalny's poisoning in August. Over the past few decades Russia has rarely recalled its ambassadors. Moscow last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq. In 2014, during the fallout after the annexation of Crimea, Putin refused to recall a Washington envoy even after then US President Barack Obama said that the Russian leader would pay for his Ukraine policies. Putin at the time said recalling an envoy would be a "measure of last resort".

Russia says regrets US refusal to attend Putin-Biden live debate

Chinese e-commerce platforms are selling t-shirts, umbrellas, handbags, lighters and mobile phone cases bearing phrases used by the country's top diplomat during a testy exchange with US officials in Alaska.

Yang Jiechi blasted US foreign and trade policies, and democracy in the United State in a 15-minute riposte to pointed remarks by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their meeting on Thursday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sensed-strong-smell-of-gunpowder-in-us-talks-says-china-371685">Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China</a>

The run-up to the talks in Anchorage, Alaska, which followed visits by US&nbsp;officials to allies Japan and South Korea, was marked by a flurry of moves by Washington that showed it was taking a tough stance, and by a blunt talk from Beijing.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi took aim at each other's country's policies on Thursday in their meeting in Anchorage.

The phrases "Chinese people won't swallow this"， "US has no qualification to talk down to China", and "Stop interfering in China's internal affairs" have begun appearing on merchandise sold on Chinese platforms including Alibaba's, Taobao, JD.com and Pinduoduo.

"I love my country, so I must support patriotism," a t-shirt seller said on social media platform Weibo.

According to data on Taobao.com, hundreds of people have bought t-shirts printed with Yang's messages for Blinken at prices ranging from 30 yuan ($4.61) to 60 yuan.

Phone cases, with Yang's words, are sold at prices ranging from 12 yuan to 40 yuan on Taobao.

Most netizens on China's Twitter-like microblog Weibo said they are keen to buy, with one calling it a "real patriotic business".

China's social media carried comments praising the way Chinese officials handled their first face-to-face meetings with officials from President Joe Biden's administration.

Washington had described the talks as "tough and direct", while the Chinese delegation said they were timely and helpful.

Chinese e-commerce platforms are selling t-shirts, umbrellas, handbags, lighters and mobile phone cases bearing phrases used by the country's top diplomat during a testy exchange with US officials in Alaska.

Chinese e-commerce platforms are selling t-shirts, umbrellas, handbags, lighters and mobile phone cases bearing phrases used by the country's top diplomat during a testy exchange with US officials in Alaska. Yang Jiechi blasted US foreign and trade policies, and democracy in the United State in a 15-minute riposte to pointed remarks by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their meeting on Thursday. Also read| Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China The run-up to the talks in Anchorage, Alaska, which followed visits by US officials to allies Japan and South Korea, was marked by a flurry of moves by Washington that showed it was taking a tough stance, and by a blunt talk from Beijing. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi took aim at each other's country's policies on Thursday in their meeting in Anchorage. The phrases "Chinese people won't swallow this"， "US has no qualification to talk down to China", and "Stop interfering in China's internal affairs" have begun appearing on merchandise sold on Chinese platforms including Alibaba's, Taobao, JD.com and Pinduoduo. "I love my country, so I must support patriotism," a t-shirt seller said on social media platform Weibo. According to data on Taobao.com, hundreds of people have bought t-shirts printed with Yang's messages for Blinken at prices ranging from 30 yuan ($4.61) to 60 yuan. Phone cases, with Yang's words, are sold at prices ranging from 12 yuan to 40 yuan on Taobao. Most netizens on China's Twitter-like microblog Weibo said they are keen to buy, with one calling it a "real patriotic business". China's social media carried comments praising the way Chinese officials handled their first face-to-face meetings with officials from President Joe Biden's administration. Washington had described the talks as "tough and direct", while the Chinese delegation said they were timely and helpful.

Chinese e-commerce platforms selling accessories of testy exchange with US officials in Alaska

The first high-level US-China&nbsp;meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday&nbsp;in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension.

The run-up to the talks in Anchorage, Alaska, which followed visits by US&nbsp;officials to allies Japan and South Korea, was marked by a flurry of moves by Washington that showed it was taking a tough stance, and by a blunt talk from Beijing.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sensed-strong-smell-of-gunpowder-in-us-talks-says-china-371685" hreflang="en">Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China</a>

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi took aim at each other's country's policies on Thursday in their meeting in Anchorage.

Jiechi said ''Well, I think we thought too well of the United States. We thought the U.S. side would follow the necessary diplomatic protocols.&nbsp;So for China, it was necessary that we make our position clear.''

''Let me say here, that in front of the Chinese side the United States does not have the qualification to say that it wants to speak to China from a position of strength.''

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abandon-cold-war-mentality-us-chinese-officials-clash-during-talks-in-alaska-371538" hreflang="en">'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during Alaska talks</a>

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday mocked Joe Biden for calling him a "killer", saying "it takes one to know one", as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows.

US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse".

But speaking during an event marking seven years since&nbsp;Russia's annexation of Crimea, Putin ruled out severing ties with the United States altogether and lobbed a jab at the 78-year-old US leader.

"We always see in another person our own qualities and think that he is the same as us," Putin said, referring to Biden's "killer" comment.

"It takes one to know one," Putin added, citing a saying from his Soviet-era childhood in Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

It is not&nbsp;unprecedented for world leaders to insult and mock each other.&nbsp;

Richard Nixon once dubbed Canada's Pierre Trudeau as a ''pompous egghead''. While George W. Bush called &nbsp;North Korea's Kim jong-il a ''pygmy.''

Similarly,&nbsp;Hugo Chavez called Barack Obama a ''poor ignoramus''&nbsp;and French leader Nicolas Sarkozy called Benjamin Netanyahu a ''liar.''

Former US President Donald Trump mocked Biden by saying that&nbsp;''he was only a good vice president because he understood how to kiss Barack Obama's [ass]."

He also&nbsp;called Justin Trudeau ''two-faced,''&nbsp;labelled Syria's president Bashar-al-Assad an 'animal', and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un&nbsp;a 'little rocket man', that is a&nbsp;'dotard'.

Even though Trump has left office but his&nbsp;style of politics&nbsp;seems to have permeated global diplomacy&nbsp;and the world seems to have turned into one big reality-tv show.

The first high-level US-China meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension.

The first high-level US-China meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension. The run-up to the talks in Anchorage, Alaska, which followed visits by US officials to allies Japan and South Korea, was marked by a flurry of moves by Washington that showed it was taking a tough stance, and by a blunt talk from Beijing. Also read| Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi took aim at each other's country's policies on Thursday in their meeting in Anchorage. Jiechi said ''Well, I think we thought too well of the United States. We thought the U.S. side would follow the necessary diplomatic protocols. So for China, it was necessary that we make our position clear.'' ''Let me say here, that in front of the Chinese side the United States does not have the qualification to say that it wants to speak to China from a position of strength.'' Also read| 'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during Alaska talks Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday mocked Joe Biden for calling him a "killer", saying "it takes one to know one", as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows. US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between Russia and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse". But speaking during an event marking seven years since Russia's annexation of Crimea, Putin ruled out severing ties with the United States altogether and lobbed a jab at the 78-year-old US leader. "We always see in another person our own qualities and think that he is the same as us," Putin said, referring to Biden's "killer" comment. "It takes one to know one," Putin added, citing a saying from his Soviet-era childhood in Saint Petersburg. It is not unprecedented for world leaders to insult and mock each other. Richard Nixon once dubbed Canada's Pierre Trudeau as a ''pompous egghead''. While George W. Bush called North Korea's Kim jong-il a ''pygmy.'' Similarly, Hugo Chavez called Barack Obama a ''poor ignoramus'' and French leader Nicolas Sarkozy called Benjamin Netanyahu a ''liar.'' Former US President Donald Trump mocked Biden by saying that ''he was only a good vice president because he understood how to kiss Barack Obama's [ass]." He also called Justin Trudeau ''two-faced,'' labelled Syria's president Bashar-al-Assad an 'animal', and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a 'little rocket man', that is a 'dotard'. Even though Trump has left office but his style of politics seems to have permeated global diplomacy and the world seems to have turned into one big reality-tv show.

US-China engage in undiplomatic sparring match

US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Lloyd&nbsp;Austin&nbsp;arrived in New Delhi on Friday&nbsp;to deepen ties between India and United States.

Austin&nbsp;is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698" hreflang="en">US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi</a>

During&nbsp;Austin's visit, the two sides will be discussing India's plan to purchase armed drones from the United States as well as a large order for over 150 combat jets for the air force and the navy to help narrow the gap with China.

The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan,&nbsp;together known as the Quad, held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China.

Austin's visit to India's comes a week after the first virtual summit of the Quad. India is a crucial part of the group and for America's Indo-Pacific plans.

What's the Indo-Pacific?

It is the maritime space between the Indian ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;This region is being called ''the geopolitical centre of the world.''

It is witnessing a rise in Chinese aggression, the growing interest of western nations and&nbsp;the realisation of India's indispensability.

The UK recently said- India is an increasingly indispensable partner. Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world.

India and the United States&nbsp;share a common strategic vision, that is,&nbsp;'free, open and inclusive'' Indo-Pacific and both understand the true nature of China's challenge.

The US views India's emergence on the global stage as a counter to China.

The US State Department said it&nbsp;supports ''India's emergence as a leading global power and vital partner in efforts to ensure that the Indo-pacific is a region of peace, stability, and growing prosperity.'

The two countries are defence partners, The US designated India as ''major defence partner'' in 2016 and signed the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement). Through it,&nbsp;America and India can now use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.

In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) which provides inter-operability between two&nbsp;militaries and ensure smooth cooperation between the countries tech and equipment.&nbsp;

In October 2020, India and the US signed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to&nbsp;boost bilateral defence ties.

Both India and the United States have a&nbsp;common challenge, China.&nbsp;

India drew closer to the United States following its own tensions with China on their disputed Himalayan border, where deadly clashes erupted last year. Washington has helped New Delhi, leasing surveillance drones and supplying cold-weather gear for Indian troops.

India and the United States share common values. The US&nbsp;Department of State said, ''The US-India partnership is founded on a shared commitment to freedom, democratic principles, equal treatment of all citizens, human rights, and the rule of law.''

It also said, ''The United States and India have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.''

Unlike former US President Donald Trump, Joe Biden does not have a 'go-it-alone' policy. Biden wants to adopt a multilateral approach in tackling china.

The Biden administration recently released its national security blueprint. It was called the ''interim national security strategic guidance.''

It said, ''We will deepen our partnership with India to advance shared objectives.''

The Quad summit&nbsp;laid the groundwork for the&nbsp;strategic partnership between the US and India in the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi on Friday to deepen ties between India and United States. Austin is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi on Friday to deepen ties between India and United States. Austin is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region. Also read| US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi During Austin's visit, the two sides will be discussing India's plan to purchase armed drones from the United States as well as a large order for over 150 combat jets for the air force and the navy to help narrow the gap with China. The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan, together known as the Quad, held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China. Austin's visit to India's comes a week after the first virtual summit of the Quad. India is a crucial part of the group and for America's Indo-Pacific plans. What's the Indo-Pacific? It is the maritime space between the Indian ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. This region is being called ''the geopolitical centre of the world.'' It is witnessing a rise in Chinese aggression, the growing interest of western nations and the realisation of India's indispensability. The UK recently said- India is an increasingly indispensable partner. Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world. India and the United States share a common strategic vision, that is, 'free, open and inclusive'' Indo-Pacific and both understand the true nature of China's challenge. The US views India's emergence on the global stage as a counter to China. The US State Department said it supports ''India's emergence as a leading global power and vital partner in efforts to ensure that the Indo-pacific is a region of peace, stability, and growing prosperity.' The two countries are defence partners, The US designated India as ''major defence partner'' in 2016 and signed the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement). Through it, America and India can now use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) which provides inter-operability between two militaries and ensure smooth cooperation between the countries tech and equipment. In October 2020, India and the US signed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to boost bilateral defence ties. Both India and the United States have a common challenge, China. India drew closer to the United States following its own tensions with China on their disputed Himalayan border, where deadly clashes erupted last year. Washington has helped New Delhi, leasing surveillance drones and supplying cold-weather gear for Indian troops. India and the United States share common values. The US Department of State said, ''The US-India partnership is founded on a shared commitment to freedom, democratic principles, equal treatment of all citizens, human rights, and the rule of law.'' It also said, ''The United States and India have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.'' Unlike former US President Donald Trump, Joe Biden does not have a 'go-it-alone' policy. Biden wants to adopt a multilateral approach in tackling china. The Biden administration recently released its national security blueprint. It was called the ''interim national security strategic guidance.'' It said, ''We will deepen our partnership with India to advance shared objectives.'' The Quad summit laid the groundwork for the strategic partnership between the US and India in the Indo-Pacific.

Why is India crucial to America's Indo-Pacific policy?

US&nbsp;Senator Robert Menendez on Wednesday&nbsp;urged US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to talk about the ongoing farmers protest in India during his official visit to the country.

''Getting the US-India partnership right is critical to addressing 21st-century challenges, and that includes urging the Indian government to uphold democratic values and human rights,''&nbsp;Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote in a letter to Austin.

Austin, the first-ever US defence secretary to include India on his maiden foreign trip, is scheduled to meet his counterpart Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit K Doval, during his New Delhi visit from March 19 to 21.

''In meetings with Indian counterparts during your upcoming visit, I strongly encourage you to make clear that in all areas, including security cooperation, the US-India partnership must rest on adherence to democratic values,''&nbsp;Menendez said in his letter, a copy of which was released to the press on Wednesday.

In his capacity as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez plays a key role in influencing the country's foreign policy and national security. Among his predecessors include President Joe Biden, who occupied this position during former president George Bush's administration and former secretary of state John Kerry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-senator-complains-about-indian-democracy-371520">Watch |</a>

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Menendez urged Austin to raise concerns regarding the ''deteriorating democratic condition''&nbsp;with Indian leaders.

''The Indian government's ongoing crackdown on farmers peacefully protesting new farming laws and corresponding intimidation of journalists and government critics only underscores the deteriorating situation of democracy in India,''&nbsp;he wrote.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said that the government&nbsp;was ready for another round of talks.

India's foreign ministry had slammed international celebrities&nbsp;for making comments in support of protesting farmers as inaccurate and irresponsible and said vested interest groups were trying to build opinion against the country.

"Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken," it said in a statement.

The US Senate was unable to curb the misinformation and conspiracies fueled by Trump supporters which led to the US Capitol riots.

While Twitter blocked Trump's account citing a violation of its policy, in the case of farmers protest in India, the social networking platform did not curtail any false claims.

Protesters broke barricades to enter New Delhi and clashed with police in several parts of the national capital during the January 26 'tractor rally'&nbsp;protest organised by farmers.

Police responded by shutting down roads to prevent farmers from entering the capital again.

Governments across the globe have the right to ensure that protests&nbsp;don't descend into chaos and&nbsp;they do not get hijacked by vested interests.

In 2015, Robert Menendez was&nbsp;among the few senate democrats to oppose the Iran deal saying that ''if Iran is to acquire a nuclear bomb, it will not have my name on it.''

However, during the Trump administration, Menendez&nbsp;was&nbsp;indicted for bribery as he took gifts and money from a doctor in return for using the powers of his senate office to&nbsp;benefit the said doctor's personal interests.

US Senator Robert Menendez on Wednesday urged US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to talk about the ongoing farmers protest in India during his official visit to the country.

US Senator Robert Menendez on Wednesday urged US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to talk about the ongoing farmers protest in India during his official visit to the country. ''Getting the US-India partnership right is critical to addressing 21st-century challenges, and that includes urging the Indian government to uphold democratic values and human rights,'' Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote in a letter to Austin. Austin, the first-ever US defence secretary to include India on his maiden foreign trip, is scheduled to meet his counterpart Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit K Doval, during his New Delhi visit from March 19 to 21. ''In meetings with Indian counterparts during your upcoming visit, I strongly encourage you to make clear that in all areas, including security cooperation, the US-India partnership must rest on adherence to democratic values,'' Menendez said in his letter, a copy of which was released to the press on Wednesday. In his capacity as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez plays a key role in influencing the country's foreign policy and national security. Among his predecessors include President Joe Biden, who occupied this position during former president George Bush's administration and former secretary of state John Kerry. Watch | Menendez urged Austin to raise concerns regarding the ''deteriorating democratic condition'' with Indian leaders. ''The Indian government's ongoing crackdown on farmers peacefully protesting new farming laws and corresponding intimidation of journalists and government critics only underscores the deteriorating situation of democracy in India,'' he wrote. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said that the government was ready for another round of talks. India's foreign ministry had slammed international celebrities for making comments in support of protesting farmers as inaccurate and irresponsible and said vested interest groups were trying to build opinion against the country. "Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken," it said in a statement. The US Senate was unable to curb the misinformation and conspiracies fueled by Trump supporters which led to the US Capitol riots. While Twitter blocked Trump's account citing a violation of its policy, in the case of farmers protest in India, the social networking platform did not curtail any false claims. Protesters broke barricades to enter New Delhi and clashed with police in several parts of the national capital during the January 26 'tractor rally' protest organised by farmers. Police responded by shutting down roads to prevent farmers from entering the capital again. Governments across the globe have the right to ensure that protests don't descend into chaos and they do not get hijacked by vested interests. In 2015, Robert Menendez was among the few senate democrats to oppose the Iran deal saying that ''if Iran is to acquire a nuclear bomb, it will not have my name on it.'' However, during the Trump administration, Menendez was indicted for bribery as he took gifts and money from a doctor in return for using the powers of his senate office to benefit the said doctor's personal interests.

US Senator Robert Menendez complains about Indian democracy

India's western neighbour Pakistan is offering to "bury the past and move forward", a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan made similar overtures towards New Delhi following an unexpected ceasefire announcement by the militaries of the two countries weeks ago.

Last month, India said that it wished to have&nbsp;normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-chief-gen-bajwa-says-its-time-to-bury-the-past-and-move-forward-371469" hreflang="en">Pak Army chief says it's time to bury the past and move forward</a>

India has also told Pakistan that "talks and terror" cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India.

However, Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff General Qamar Javed&nbsp;Bajwa's call for&nbsp;movement towards cooperation&nbsp;has a few reasons:

Financial Action Task Force

Amid low chances of Pakistan exiting the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, a research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank has revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of $38 billion in economic losses due to FATF's decision to thrice place the country on its grey list. &nbsp;

Pakistan has been on the FATF's grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year.&nbsp;

Cash-strapped&nbsp;

The World Bank has approved a USD 300 million loan to help cash-strapped Pakistan address issues of climate change, health emergency and manage solid waste to reduce flooding chances in the country's financial capital Karachi, a media report said on Thursday.

Pakistan received $500 million from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank each in June this year to prop up its struggling economy.

Pakistan's total public debt, domestic and external, was recorded at Rs36.3 trillion in the financial year 2019-20, up 154 per cent (or Rs22 trillion) since FY13, when it was recorded at Rs 14.3 trillion, according to official data.

Daniel Pearl case

US President Joe Biden had said he was&nbsp;"outraged"&nbsp;after Pakistan's top court upheld the acquittal and ordered the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed&nbsp;Sheikh, the terrorist convicted of masterminding the 2002 beheading of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

Pearl's killing -- which was filmed -- caused international shock and outrage.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington is ready to prosecute Sheikh in the United States for his horrific crimes against an American citizen.

Sinking economy

Pakistan's economy is in the doldrums, plunging to new lows every day with inflation at an all-time high.

In January, Pakistan had witnessed 12-year high inflation at 14.6 per cent which is among the highest in the world.

Food prices have been spiralling out of control in the country. In October, food inflation was at 16.6 per cent. The Pakistan government went&nbsp;on a panic-buying spree to bring the prices down.

The East Asia forum calls 2020&nbsp;a forgettable year for Pakistan's economy as its&nbsp;GDP fell to -0.4&nbsp;per cent.

Pakistan's per capita income fell from $1625 to $1325.

Pakistan's economy is scraping the bottom of the barrel with unemployment zooming. According to the World Economic Forum, the youth unemployment rate in Pakistan stands at 8.5 per cent in a country where 64 per cent of the population is below the age of 30.

Top officials of the Pakistan government are in panic mode after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) demanded its $1billion back. The amount is deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP),&nbsp;the central bank of the country. The deadline to return the $1billin&nbsp;is 12 March. The money is demanded as the amount has reached its maturity.

In 2018, the Pentagon cancelled $300 million in aid to Pakistan&nbsp;because of Islamabad's inaction against terror groups.

India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it had hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years with more violations than observance of the pact.

Ties between India and Pakistan nose-dived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on the Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship.

The ties dipped further after India's warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

India's western neighbour Pakistan is offering to "bury the past and move forward", a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan made similar overtures towards New Delhi following an unexpected ceasefire announcement by the militaries of the two countries weeks ago.

India's western neighbour Pakistan is offering to "bury the past and move forward", a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan made similar overtures towards New Delhi following an unexpected ceasefire announcement by the militaries of the two countries weeks ago. Last month, India said that it wished to have normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility. Also read: Pak Army chief says it's time to bury the past and move forward India has also told Pakistan that "talks and terror" cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India. However, Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa's call for movement towards cooperation has a few reasons: Financial Action Task Force Amid low chances of Pakistan exiting the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, a research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank has revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of $38 billion in economic losses due to FATF's decision to thrice place the country on its grey list. Pakistan has been on the FATF's grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year. Cash-strapped The World Bank has approved a USD 300 million loan to help cash-strapped Pakistan address issues of climate change, health emergency and manage solid waste to reduce flooding chances in the country's financial capital Karachi, a media report said on Thursday. Pakistan received $500 million from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank each in June this year to prop up its struggling economy. Pakistan's total public debt, domestic and external, was recorded at Rs36.3 trillion in the financial year 2019-20, up 154 per cent (or Rs22 trillion) since FY13, when it was recorded at Rs 14.3 trillion, according to official data. Daniel Pearl case US President Joe Biden had said he was "outraged" after Pakistan's top court upheld the acquittal and ordered the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the terrorist convicted of masterminding the 2002 beheading of US journalist Daniel Pearl. Pearl's killing -- which was filmed -- caused international shock and outrage. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington is ready to prosecute Sheikh in the United States for his horrific crimes against an American citizen. Sinking economy Pakistan's economy is in the doldrums, plunging to new lows every day with inflation at an all-time high. In January, Pakistan had witnessed 12-year high inflation at 14.6 per cent which is among the highest in the world. Food prices have been spiralling out of control in the country. In October, food inflation was at 16.6 per cent. The Pakistan government went on a panic-buying spree to bring the prices down. The East Asia forum calls 2020 a forgettable year for Pakistan's economy as its GDP fell to -0.4 per cent. Pakistan's per capita income fell from $1625 to $1325. Pakistan's economy is scraping the bottom of the barrel with unemployment zooming. According to the World Economic Forum, the youth unemployment rate in Pakistan stands at 8.5 per cent in a country where 64 per cent of the population is below the age of 30. Top officials of the Pakistan government are in panic mode after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) demanded its $1billion back. The amount is deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the central bank of the country. The deadline to return the $1billin is 12 March. The money is demanded as the amount has reached its maturity. In 2018, the Pentagon cancelled $300 million in aid to Pakistan because of Islamabad's inaction against terror groups. India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it had hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years with more violations than observance of the pact. Ties between India and Pakistan nose-dived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on the Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship. The ties dipped further after India's warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Why Pakistan is offering peace with India

The Afghan government and the Taliban agreed on Friday to try to accelerate peace talks, at a meeting in Moscow that followed an international conference there on the peace process, Afghanistan's top peace official and a Taliban spokesman said.

The United States, Russia, China and&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;called on Afghanistan's warring sides to reach an immediate ceasefire at the conference, held in Russia just six weeks before a deadline agreed last year to withdraw US&nbsp;troops.

"We expressed our readiness to accelerate the (peace) process," Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation, told Russia's RIA news agency. "They (the Taliban) did as well."

Moscow hosted the international conference on Afghanistan on Thursday, at which the nations involved issued a joint statement calling on the Afghan sides to reach a peace deal and curb violence, and on the Taliban not to launch any offensives in the spring. They also said they "did not support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate."

Taliban political spokesman Mohammad Naeem, speaking to media in Moscow, took issue with the statement, saying it was up to the Afghan sides to decide their system of governance and it should be an Islamic system.

"What is stated in the declaration is against all principles and is not acceptable," he said.

A member of the Taliban's political office Suhail Shaheen reiterated Abdullah's remarks that negotiations should be sped up and warned Washington against keeping troops in the country beyond the agreed withdrawal date.

"After that, it will be a violation of the agreement. That violation will not be from our side, but it will be from their side. So, in that case, if there is action, of course, there will be reaction," he said.

The Moscow conference aimed to shake up largely stalled negotiations that have been taking place between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Qatar's capital Doha.

The Moscow conference was the first time the United States had sent a senior representative to talks on Afghanistan under a format launched by Russia in 2017. Washington agreed last year with the Taliban to withdraw its troops by May 1 after nearly two decades, but President Joe Biden's administration is reviewing its plans for Afghanistan and says all options remain on the table.

The Afghan government and the Taliban agreed on Friday to try to accelerate peace talks, at a meeting in Moscow that followed an international conference there on the peace process, Afghanistan's top peace official and a Taliban spokesman said.

The Afghan government and the Taliban agreed on Friday to try to accelerate peace talks, at a meeting in Moscow that followed an international conference there on the peace process, Afghanistan's top peace official and a Taliban spokesman said. The United States, Russia, China and Pakistan called on Afghanistan's warring sides to reach an immediate ceasefire at the conference, held in Russia just six weeks before a deadline agreed last year to withdraw US troops. "We expressed our readiness to accelerate the (peace) process," Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation, told Russia's RIA news agency. "They (the Taliban) did as well." Moscow hosted the international conference on Afghanistan on Thursday, at which the nations involved issued a joint statement calling on the Afghan sides to reach a peace deal and curb violence, and on the Taliban not to launch any offensives in the spring. They also said they "did not support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate." Taliban political spokesman Mohammad Naeem, speaking to media in Moscow, took issue with the statement, saying it was up to the Afghan sides to decide their system of governance and it should be an Islamic system. "What is stated in the declaration is against all principles and is not acceptable," he said. A member of the Taliban's political office Suhail Shaheen reiterated Abdullah's remarks that negotiations should be sped up and warned Washington against keeping troops in the country beyond the agreed withdrawal date. "After that, it will be a violation of the agreement. That violation will not be from our side, but it will be from their side. So, in that case, if there is action, of course, there will be reaction," he said. The Moscow conference aimed to shake up largely stalled negotiations that have been taking place between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Qatar's capital Doha. The Moscow conference was the first time the United States had sent a senior representative to talks on Afghanistan under a format launched by Russia in 2017. Washington agreed last year with the Taliban to withdraw its troops by May 1 after nearly two decades, but President Joe Biden's administration is reviewing its plans for Afghanistan and says all options remain on the table.

Afghan government, Taliban agree to accelerate peace talks after Moscow summit

Security forces killed at least nine opponents of Myanmar's military junta on Friday, a funeral service and media said, as Southeast Asian countries urged an end to the violence and Western ambassadors condemned what they called the army's "immoral, indefensible" actions.

Police and soldiers have used increasingly harsh tactics to suppress demonstrations since the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1. But crowds of protesters turned out again on Friday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bbcs-myanmar-journalist-goes-missing-as-crackdown-on-dissent-continues-371730">BBC's Myanmar journalist goes missing as crackdown on dissent continues</a>

Security forces opened fire in the central town of Aungban as they tried to clear a protesters' barricade, media and a witness reported.

"Security forces came to remove barriers but the people resisted and they fired," the witness, who declined to be identified, said by telephone.

An official with Aungban's funerary service told Reuters eight people were killed, seven on the spot and one wounded person who died after being taken to hospital.

The spokesman for the junta was not immediately available for comment but has previously said security forces have used force only when necessary.

One protester was killed in the northeastern town of Loikaw, the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Now news portal said. One person was shot and killed in&nbsp;Myanmar's main city Yangon, social media posts showed. Reuters could not confirm that death.

Police ordered people in some Yangon neighbourhoods to dismantle barricades and have been hunting for protest leaders, residents said. Parts of Yangon are under martial law.

Demonstrators were also out in the second city of Mandalay, the central towns of Myingyan and Katha, and Myawaddy in the east, witnesses and media reported.

Ambassadors of Western countries condemned the violence as "immoral and indefensible", in particular in Yangon's Hlaing Tharyar industrial district, where dozens were killed over several days after Chinese-owned garment factories were torched last weekend.

"Internet blackouts and suppression of the media will not hide the military's abhorrent actions," they said in a statement.

The total number of people killed in weeks of unrest has risen to at least 234, based on a tally by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group.

The army has defended its takeover, saying its accusations of fraud in a Nov. 8 election swept by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party were ignored by the electoral commission. It has promised a new election but not set a date.

Suu Kyi, 75, faces accusations of bribery and other crimes that could see her banned from politics and jailed if convicted. Her lawyer says the charges are trumped up. The Nobel peace laureate, who has campaigned for democracy in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;for three decades, is being held at an undisclosed location.

'NO MORE VICTIMS'

Stepping up the international pressure on the generals, Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for an end to the bloodshed.

In some of the strongest comments yet by a regional leader on the crackdown, Jokowi, as the president he is known, said he would ask Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the current chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to call an urgent meeting.

"Indonesia urges that the use of violence in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;be stopped immediately so that there are no more victims," Jokowi said in a virtual address.

"The safety and welfare of the people must be the top priority. Indonesia also urges dialogue, that reconciliation is carried out immediately to restore democracy, to restore peace and to restore stability in&nbsp;Myanmar."

Brunei's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Backing Indonesia's call for a meeting, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said he was appalled by the persistent use of lethal violence against unarmed civilians in&nbsp;Myanmar.

"The military leadership in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;is strongly urged to change its course, and choose a path towards peaceful solutions," Muhyiddin said in a statement.

Philippine foreign minister Teodoro Locsin said on Twitter that ASEAN "has to act. Because passivity is complicity; and silence gives consent."

The 10 ASEAN countries have long held to the principle of not commenting on each other's internal affairs, but the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;crisis seems to be forcing a reassessment of that.

The coup leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, took part in a video conference with regional defence chiefs on Thursday, his first international engagement since seizing power.

At the meeting, the head of Indonesia's armed forces, Hadi Tjahjanto, expressed concern over the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;situation, the Indonesian military said.

Singapore's military chief, Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, also expressed "grave concern" and urged&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;to avoid lethal force, the Singapore defence ministry said.

INTERNET RESTRICTIONS

Three international aid agencies criticised the military for occupying educational facilities and hospitals. More than 60 schools and universities had been taken over, a serious violation of children's rights, Save the Children, UNESCO and UNICEF said in a joint statement.

Teachers were beaten in at least one incident, they said.

Authorities have tightened restricted on internet services, making information increasingly difficult to verify, and also clamped down on private media.

The U.N. human rights office said this week about 37 journalists had been arrested so far. Two more were detained in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Friday while covering a hearing for an arrested member of Suu Kyi's party, said the Mizzima news portal, the former employer of one of them, Than Htike Aung.

The other detained reporter was Aung Thura of the British Broadcasting Corp. The BBC said they were taken away by unidentified men and it called on authorities to help find its accredited journalist and confirm he was safe.

Security forces killed at least nine opponents of Myanmar's military junta on Friday, a funeral service and media said, as Southeast Asian countries urged an end to the violence and Western ambassadors condemned what they called the army's "immoral, indefensible" actions.

Security forces killed at least nine opponents of Myanmar's military junta on Friday, a funeral service and media said, as Southeast Asian countries urged an end to the violence and Western ambassadors condemned what they called the army's "immoral, indefensible" actions. Police and soldiers have used increasingly harsh tactics to suppress demonstrations since the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1. But crowds of protesters turned out again on Friday. Also read| BBC's Myanmar journalist goes missing as crackdown on dissent continues Security forces opened fire in the central town of Aungban as they tried to clear a protesters' barricade, media and a witness reported. "Security forces came to remove barriers but the people resisted and they fired," the witness, who declined to be identified, said by telephone. An official with Aungban's funerary service told Reuters eight people were killed, seven on the spot and one wounded person who died after being taken to hospital. The spokesman for the junta was not immediately available for comment but has previously said security forces have used force only when necessary. One protester was killed in the northeastern town of Loikaw, the Myanmar Now news portal said. One person was shot and killed in Myanmar's main city Yangon, social media posts showed. Reuters could not confirm that death. Police ordered people in some Yangon neighbourhoods to dismantle barricades and have been hunting for protest leaders, residents said. Parts of Yangon are under martial law. Demonstrators were also out in the second city of Mandalay, the central towns of Myingyan and Katha, and Myawaddy in the east, witnesses and media reported. Ambassadors of Western countries condemned the violence as "immoral and indefensible", in particular in Yangon's Hlaing Tharyar industrial district, where dozens were killed over several days after Chinese-owned garment factories were torched last weekend. "Internet blackouts and suppression of the media will not hide the military's abhorrent actions," they said in a statement. The total number of people killed in weeks of unrest has risen to at least 234, based on a tally by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. The army has defended its takeover, saying its accusations of fraud in a Nov. 8 election swept by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party were ignored by the electoral commission. It has promised a new election but not set a date. Suu Kyi, 75, faces accusations of bribery and other crimes that could see her banned from politics and jailed if convicted. Her lawyer says the charges are trumped up. The Nobel peace laureate, who has campaigned for democracy in Myanmar for three decades, is being held at an undisclosed location. 'NO MORE VICTIMS' Stepping up the international pressure on the generals, Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for an end to the bloodshed. In some of the strongest comments yet by a regional leader on the crackdown, Jokowi, as the president he is known, said he would ask Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the current chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to call an urgent meeting. "Indonesia urges that the use of violence in Myanmar be stopped immediately so that there are no more victims," Jokowi said in a virtual address. "The safety and welfare of the people must be the top priority. Indonesia also urges dialogue, that reconciliation is carried out immediately to restore democracy, to restore peace and to restore stability in Myanmar." Brunei's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Backing Indonesia's call for a meeting, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said he was appalled by the persistent use of lethal violence against unarmed civilians in Myanmar. "The military leadership in Myanmar is strongly urged to change its course, and choose a path towards peaceful solutions," Muhyiddin said in a statement. Philippine foreign minister Teodoro Locsin said on Twitter that ASEAN "has to act. Because passivity is complicity; and silence gives consent." The 10 ASEAN countries have long held to the principle of not commenting on each other's internal affairs, but the Myanmar crisis seems to be forcing a reassessment of that. The coup leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, took part in a video conference with regional defence chiefs on Thursday, his first international engagement since seizing power. At the meeting, the head of Indonesia's armed forces, Hadi Tjahjanto, expressed concern over the Myanmar situation, the Indonesian military said. Singapore's military chief, Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, also expressed "grave concern" and urged Myanmar to avoid lethal force, the Singapore defence ministry said. INTERNET RESTRICTIONS Three international aid agencies criticised the military for occupying educational facilities and hospitals. More than 60 schools and universities had been taken over, a serious violation of children's rights, Save the Children, UNESCO and UNICEF said in a joint statement. Teachers were beaten in at least one incident, they said. Authorities have tightened restricted on internet services, making information increasingly difficult to verify, and also clamped down on private media. The U.N. human rights office said this week about 37 journalists had been arrested so far. Two more were detained in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Friday while covering a hearing for an arrested member of Suu Kyi's party, said the Mizzima news portal, the former employer of one of them, Than Htike Aung. The other detained reporter was Aung Thura of the British Broadcasting Corp. The BBC said they were taken away by unidentified men and it called on authorities to help find its accredited journalist and confirm he was safe.

Myanmar security forces kill nine as Indonesia, envoys call for end to violence

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