The teacher who created the recycled wool mittens that US Senator Bernie Sanders wore to the presidential inauguration, engendering countless memes, is partnering with the Vermont Teddy Bear Company to create a whole mitten line to meet soaring demand, with some of the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Vermont.

"I have amazing news! I'm partnering with Vermont Teddy Bear to make Bernie's Mittens for EVERYONE!!" Jennifer Ellis tweeted Saturday, adding that some of the proceeds would benefit the Make a Wish Vermont charity.

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I have amazing news! I'm partnering with Vermont Teddy Bear to make Bernie's Mittens for EVERYONE!! AND a portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Wish Vermont! I knew there had to be a way to get them to you- and I found it!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BernieSanders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BernieSanders</a> <a href="https://t.co/U8P6DhqL1Y">https://t.co/U8P6DhqL1Y</a>
— Jen Ellis (@vtawesomeness) <a href="https://twitter.com/vtawesomeness/status/1355640866866671623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I knew there had to be a way to get them to you -- and I found it!!" the second-grade teacher said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bernies-home-made-mittens-become-world-famous-after-meme-fest-359152/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The 42-year-old had sent Sanders a pair of her mittens, made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles, after he lost to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, as a consolation gift.

Last year, as Sanders was running again for president, Ellis learned that he was wearing the mittens -- "people were calling them his oven mitts" -- but had lent them to someone else.

Ellis said she was so touched that she sent Sanders another 10 pairs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-crochet-doll-of-bernie-sanders-fetches-40000-in-online-auction-for-charity-359551">Crochet doll of Bernie Sanders fetches $40,000 in online auction for charity</a>

The senator's homely brown and beige mittens featured prominently in a photo from the January 20 inauguration showing Sanders sitting alone in a folding chair, bundled up and seemingly unimpressed with the pomp and circumstance.

Sanders raised at least $1.8 million in merchandise for charities stemming from the January&nbsp;20 image of him seated with his arms and legs crossed, clad in his brown parka and the recycled wool mittens. Sanders put out so-called “Chairman Sanders” merchandise, including T-shirts, sweatshirts and stickers, on his campaign website.

Vermont Teddy Bear, which makes handcrafted bears for all occasions, including a Bernie one, reached out to Ellis to see if she’d be interested in partnering.

“Jen is going to work hand-in-hand — mitten-in-hand — with each one of our designers” to ensure that the ‘Bernie mitten’ design in multiple patterns is produced in a way that meets her standards of quality, said Hayes McCarthy, vice president of product innovation, brand creative and consumer experience. “We’re excited to be in the mittens category.”

In the past, Vermont Teddy Bear has made special bears to raise money for Make-A-Wish Vermont, and recently gave office space to the organization for $1 a year, said James Hathaway, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Vermont. Hathaway said the charity lost $250,000 in revenue during the pandemic.

“We are so grateful to Vermont Teddy Bear, Jen, and of course to Bernie for being so Bernie,” Hathaway said in a statement.

&nbsp;

The teacher who created the recycled wool mittens that US Senator Bernie Sanders wore to the presidential inauguration, engendering countless memes, is partnering with the Vermont Teddy Bear Company to create a whole mitten line to meet soaring demand, with some of the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Vermont.

The teacher who created the recycled wool mittens that US Senator Bernie Sanders wore to the presidential inauguration, engendering countless memes, is partnering with the Vermont Teddy Bear Company to create a whole mitten line to meet soaring demand, with some of the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Vermont. "I have amazing news! I'm partnering with Vermont Teddy Bear to make Bernie's Mittens for EVERYONE!!" Jennifer Ellis tweeted Saturday, adding that some of the proceeds would benefit the Make a Wish Vermont charity. I have amazing news! I'm partnering with Vermont Teddy Bear to make Bernie's Mittens for EVERYONE!! AND a portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Wish Vermont! I knew there had to be a way to get them to you- and I found it!! #BernieSanders https://t.co/U8P6DhqL1Y — Jen Ellis (@vtawesomeness) January 30, 2021 × "I knew there had to be a way to get them to you -- and I found it!!" the second-grade teacher said. The 42-year-old had sent Sanders a pair of her mittens, made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles, after he lost to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, as a consolation gift. Last year, as Sanders was running again for president, Ellis learned that he was wearing the mittens -- "people were calling them his oven mitts" -- but had lent them to someone else. Ellis said she was so touched that she sent Sanders another 10 pairs. Also read: Crochet doll of Bernie Sanders fetches $40,000 in online auction for charity The senator's homely brown and beige mittens featured prominently in a photo from the January 20 inauguration showing Sanders sitting alone in a folding chair, bundled up and seemingly unimpressed with the pomp and circumstance. Sanders raised at least $1.8 million in merchandise for charities stemming from the January 20 image of him seated with his arms and legs crossed, clad in his brown parka and the recycled wool mittens. Sanders put out so-called “Chairman Sanders” merchandise, including T-shirts, sweatshirts and stickers, on his campaign website. Vermont Teddy Bear, which makes handcrafted bears for all occasions, including a Bernie one, reached out to Ellis to see if she’d be interested in partnering. “Jen is going to work hand-in-hand — mitten-in-hand — with each one of our designers” to ensure that the ‘Bernie mitten’ design in multiple patterns is produced in a way that meets her standards of quality, said Hayes McCarthy, vice president of product innovation, brand creative and consumer experience. “We’re excited to be in the mittens category.” In the past, Vermont Teddy Bear has made special bears to raise money for Make-A-Wish Vermont, and recently gave office space to the organization for $1 a year, said James Hathaway, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Vermont. Hathaway said the charity lost $250,000 in revenue during the pandemic. “We are so grateful to Vermont Teddy Bear, Jen, and of course to Bernie for being so Bernie,” Hathaway said in a statement.

Creator of ‘Bernie’ mittens partners with teddy bear maker to fill order deluge

Pakistan has secured 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations, a government health official said on Saturday.

About 6 million of the doses will arrive in the first quarter of 2021 under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, Faisal Sultan, special assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-extends-travel-restrictions-on-six-countries-including-uk-till-feb-28-360266" hreflang="en">Pakistan extends travel restrictions on six countries including UK till Feb 28</a>

Pakistan signed up last year to the vaccine sharing scheme coordinated by the World Health Organization to support lower-income countries.

"We remain confident that we will meet our plan of large-scale immunisation over the coming months this year," Sultan said.

Pakistan expects to receive 500,000 doses of a vaccine made by China National Pharmaceutical Group (SinoPharm) in coming days. It will launch a vaccination drive, which will initially target health workers, next week.

The South Asian nation of 220 million people also expects China to donate a further one million doses.

Having already approved the AstraZeneca and SinoPharm vaccines, Pakistan is also likely to approve Russia's Sputnik V, officials say, adding that the authorisations will be reviewed quarterly.

Pakistan reported 2,179 new infections and 65 deaths in the latest 24-hours, taking the total number of cases to 543,214, with 11,623 deaths.

Pakistan has secured 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations, a government health official said on Saturday.

Pakistan has secured 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations, a government health official said on Saturday. About 6 million of the doses will arrive in the first quarter of 2021 under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, Faisal Sultan, special assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, said in a statement. Also read: Pakistan extends travel restrictions on six countries including UK till Feb 28 Pakistan signed up last year to the vaccine sharing scheme coordinated by the World Health Organization to support lower-income countries. "We remain confident that we will meet our plan of large-scale immunisation over the coming months this year," Sultan said. Pakistan expects to receive 500,000 doses of a vaccine made by China National Pharmaceutical Group (SinoPharm) in coming days. It will launch a vaccination drive, which will initially target health workers, next week. The South Asian nation of 220 million people also expects China to donate a further one million doses. Having already approved the AstraZeneca and SinoPharm vaccines, Pakistan is also likely to approve Russia's Sputnik V, officials say, adding that the authorisations will be reviewed quarterly. Pakistan reported 2,179 new infections and 65 deaths in the latest 24-hours, taking the total number of cases to 543,214, with 11,623 deaths.

Pakistan secures 17 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine through COVAX

Britain has opened a visa scheme for Hong Kong residents to become citizens&nbsp;on Sunday after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year.

From Sunday afternoon, anyone with a British National (Overseas) passport and their dependents will be able to apply online for a visa allowing them to live and work in the United Kingdom. After five years they can then apply for citizenship.

The immigration scheme is a response to Beijing's decision last year to impose a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong to snuff out huge and often violent democracy protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-no-longer-recognise-uks-bno-passport-for-hong-kongers-china-360066">Will no longer recognise UK's BNO passport for Hong Kongers: China</a>

The move comes as China and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;have said they will no longer recognise the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document from Sunday, January&nbsp;31.

Britain and China have been arguing for months about what London and Washington say is an attempt to silence dissent in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;after pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020.

Britain says it is fulfilling a historic and moral commitment to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people after Beijing imposed the security law on the semi-autonomous city that Britain says breaches the terms of agreements under which the colony was handed back to China in 1997.

"We have honoured our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for freedom and autonomy," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said of the scheme this week.

The UK government forecasts the new visa could attract more than 300,000 people and their dependents to Britain. Beijing said it would make them second-class citizens.

The scheme, which was first announced last year, allows those with BNO status to live, study and work in Britain for five years and eventually apply for citizenship.

BNO is a special status created under British law in 1987 that specifically relates to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

China says the West's views on its actions over&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;are clouded by misinformation and an imperial handover.

Applications soar

It is not clear how many Hong Kongers will take up the offer, especially as the coronavirus restricts global flights and mires much of the world, including Britain, in a painful economic malaise.

But a BN(O) passport is available to a huge number of people about 70 per cent of Hong Kong's 7.5 million population.

Applications for BN(O) passports have skyrocketed more than 300 per cent since the national security law was imposed last July, with 733,000 registered holders as of mid-January.

Britain predicts up to 154,000 Hong Kongers could arrive over the next year and as many as 322,000 over five years, bringing an estimated "net benefit" of up to £2.9 billion ($4 billion).

The BN(O) passport is a legacy of Hong Kong's return to authoritarian China.&nbsp;

Many Hong Kongers at the time wanted Britain to grant them full citizenship but China was opposed to the move.&nbsp;

The BN(O) was a compromise, allowing Hong Kongers born before 1997 the right to stay in Britain for six months at a time, but with no working or settling rights.

Now it has become one of the few ways out for Hong Kongers hoping to start a new life overseas as authorities conduct mass arrests against democracy supporters and move to purge the restless city of dissenting views.

Britain has opened a visa scheme for Hong Kong residents to become citizens on Sunday after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year.

Britain has opened a visa scheme for Hong Kong residents to become citizens on Sunday after Beijing's imposition of the national security law in the Asian financial hub last year. From Sunday afternoon, anyone with a British National (Overseas) passport and their dependents will be able to apply online for a visa allowing them to live and work in the United Kingdom. After five years they can then apply for citizenship. The immigration scheme is a response to Beijing's decision last year to impose a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong to snuff out huge and often violent democracy protests. Also read: Will no longer recognise UK's BNO passport for Hong Kongers: China The move comes as China and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognise the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document from Sunday, January 31. Britain and China have been arguing for months about what London and Washington say is an attempt to silence dissent in Hong Kong after pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020. Britain says it is fulfilling a historic and moral commitment to Hong Kong people after Beijing imposed the security law on the semi-autonomous city that Britain says breaches the terms of agreements under which the colony was handed back to China in 1997. "We have honoured our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for freedom and autonomy," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said of the scheme this week. The UK government forecasts the new visa could attract more than 300,000 people and their dependents to Britain. Beijing said it would make them second-class citizens. The scheme, which was first announced last year, allows those with BNO status to live, study and work in Britain for five years and eventually apply for citizenship. BNO is a special status created under British law in 1987 that specifically relates to Hong Kong. China says the West's views on its actions over Hong Kong are clouded by misinformation and an imperial handover. Applications soar It is not clear how many Hong Kongers will take up the offer, especially as the coronavirus restricts global flights and mires much of the world, including Britain, in a painful economic malaise. But a BN(O) passport is available to a huge number of people about 70 per cent of Hong Kong's 7.5 million population. Applications for BN(O) passports have skyrocketed more than 300 per cent since the national security law was imposed last July, with 733,000 registered holders as of mid-January. Britain predicts up to 154,000 Hong Kongers could arrive over the next year and as many as 322,000 over five years, bringing an estimated "net benefit" of up to £2.9 billion ($4 billion). The BN(O) passport is a legacy of Hong Kong's return to authoritarian China. Many Hong Kongers at the time wanted Britain to grant them full citizenship but China was opposed to the move. The BN(O) was a compromise, allowing Hong Kongers born before 1997 the right to stay in Britain for six months at a time, but with no working or settling rights. Now it has become one of the few ways out for Hong Kongers hoping to start a new life overseas as authorities conduct mass arrests against democracy supporters and move to purge the restless city of dissenting views.

Britain opens visa scheme for millions of Hong Kong residents to become citizens

Mexico has identified at least four of the 19 bodies found shot and burnt near the US border, prosecutors said Saturday.&nbsp;

Two Guatemalans&nbsp;believed to be migrants and two Mexicans were identified by their DNA after authorities discovered the bodies on January 22, the prosecutor’s office in the northern state of Tamaulipas said in a statement.

It said members of the Interior Ministry’s national search commission had been added to the investigation for "greater transparency", in collaboration with the foreign ministry and the Guatemalan embassy in Mexico.

"It was determined that 16 correspond to the male sex, one to the female sex, and two are pending clarification" due to the severity of the burning, the prosecutors said.

A team of forensics experts, dentists, geneticists and criminology specialists has been formed to identify the victims.

Residents of the Guatemalan town of Comitancillo suspect at least a dozen of the victims are their relatives, according to authorities in the Central American country.

Authorities in Tamaulipas, who worked with the neighbouring state of Nuevo Leon, established that 113 bullets were fired into a vehicle where the bodies were found.

Tamaulipas, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is the shortest route to the United States from Guatemala, but it is dangerous because of the presence of gangs that kidnap, extort, and murder migrants.

The region is regularly the scene of clashes between the North West cartel, which controls part of Nuevo Leon, and the Gulf cartel, which has been present in Tamaulipas for decades.

Mexico is experiencing a wave of violence linked to organized crime, especially drug cartels that vie for control of the routes to the US.

The rate of violence has grown steadily in the country since the end of 2006, when the government handed the anti-narcotics file to the army. More than 300,000 murders have taken place since that date, according to official figures.

Mexico recorded 34,523 murders in 2020, down slightly from 2019, which was a record year since the government began tracking them in 1997.

Mexico has identified at least four of the 19 bodies found shot and burnt near the US border, prosecutors said Saturday. Two Guatemalans believed to be migrants and two Mexicans were identified by their DNA after authorities discovered the bodies on January 22, the prosecutor’s office in the northern state of Tamaulipas said in a statement.

Mexico has identified at least four of the 19 bodies found shot and burnt near the US border, prosecutors said Saturday. Two Guatemalans believed to be migrants and two Mexicans were identified by their DNA after authorities discovered the bodies on January 22, the prosecutor’s office in the northern state of Tamaulipas said in a statement. It said members of the Interior Ministry’s national search commission had been added to the investigation for "greater transparency", in collaboration with the foreign ministry and the Guatemalan embassy in Mexico. "It was determined that 16 correspond to the male sex, one to the female sex, and two are pending clarification" due to the severity of the burning, the prosecutors said. A team of forensics experts, dentists, geneticists and criminology specialists has been formed to identify the victims. Residents of the Guatemalan town of Comitancillo suspect at least a dozen of the victims are their relatives, according to authorities in the Central American country. Authorities in Tamaulipas, who worked with the neighbouring state of Nuevo Leon, established that 113 bullets were fired into a vehicle where the bodies were found. Tamaulipas, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is the shortest route to the United States from Guatemala, but it is dangerous because of the presence of gangs that kidnap, extort, and murder migrants. The region is regularly the scene of clashes between the North West cartel, which controls part of Nuevo Leon, and the Gulf cartel, which has been present in Tamaulipas for decades. Mexico is experiencing a wave of violence linked to organized crime, especially drug cartels that vie for control of the routes to the US. The rate of violence has grown steadily in the country since the end of 2006, when the government handed the anti-narcotics file to the army. More than 300,000 murders have taken place since that date, according to official figures. Mexico recorded 34,523 murders in 2020, down slightly from 2019, which was a record year since the government began tracking them in 1997.

Mexico identifies four of 19 bodies found burned near US border

There is a lot of anticipation from the Union Budget 2021 that will be presented by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1.

The real estate sector, which took a hard hit due to COVID-19, is pinning hopes on the Union Budget to be presented on Monday for easing regulatory norms and for steps which will help in completion of pending projects and sale of build-up houses.

The sector has also been demanding infrastructure status. Apart from the sector suffering a sharp dip in sales due to COVID-19, there was also an exodus of migrant labourers from cities which impacted the execution of projects.

Developers said construction work had not picked up projects due to liquidity crisis.

Navin Raheja, Chairman, Raheja Developers, said the real estate sector is the driver of the economy and a boost to the sector will have a trickle-down impact.

"People on average invest their one-third of their savings in real estate. The real estate sector is largely suffering due to over-regulation and incomplete projects that has led to delays and defaults. Though the government has put the system online, developers still need to approach 50 departments for approvals.

This needs to be taken care of. There should be restructuring of the past loans to complete the projects," he said. R K Arora, Chairman Supertech Group and President NAREDCO-UP said he is expecting that a stimulus package will be announced by the government to increase the purchasing power of the common man which will create demand in the market.

He said if the real estate sector gets industry status, it will ease getting financial support from banks and financial institutions at reasonable interest rates."The last-mile funding to complete ongoing projects of existing lenders by allowing them restructuring existing loans is also urgently required to complete these projects as SBICAPS will take many years to finance the stalled and under-construction projects through the stress fund announced by the central government," Arora said.

Prashant Solomon, Managing Director, Chintels India, suggested extension of the CLSS scheme for the next fiscal, increase in tax incentives for home buyers, infrastructure status for real estate sector and abolishing the tax on unsold homes.

"States on their part must cut stamp duty on registration of properties, as Maharashtra has done. If the government announces some positive measures on the demand side in the budget, housing sale will bounce back to reach the pre-COVID level," he said.

Neetish Sarda, founder of the co-working space company Smartworks, said that the pandemic has accelerated the need for flexible office spaces and the co-working market is poised for growth with new entrants.

He said they are keen on new or reduced TDS bracket for service payments to co-working spaces."We hope the budget would also allocate more funds towards IT infra spending as we believe technology and digitization are the way forward for commercial real estate and co-working segment in particular," said Sarda.

"There is a need for industry status, single window clearance and reinstatement of Input Tax Credit in GST. We look forward to a stimulus to investments in commercial real estate in the budget which will provide a significant fillip to growth, create jobs and spur demand. The government should provide for allowance of capital expenditure incurred by the companies in the co-working segment," he added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There is a lot of anticipation from the Union Budget 2021 that will be presented by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. The real estate sector, which took a hard hit due to COVID-19, is pinning hopes on the Union Budget to be presented on Monday for easing regulatory norms and for steps which will help in completion of pending projects and sale of build-up houses.

There is a lot of anticipation from the Union Budget 2021 that will be presented by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. The real estate sector, which took a hard hit due to COVID-19, is pinning hopes on the Union Budget to be presented on Monday for easing regulatory norms and for steps which will help in completion of pending projects and sale of build-up houses. The sector has also been demanding infrastructure status. Apart from the sector suffering a sharp dip in sales due to COVID-19, there was also an exodus of migrant labourers from cities which impacted the execution of projects. Developers said construction work had not picked up projects due to liquidity crisis. Navin Raheja, Chairman, Raheja Developers, said the real estate sector is the driver of the economy and a boost to the sector will have a trickle-down impact. "People on average invest their one-third of their savings in real estate. The real estate sector is largely suffering due to over-regulation and incomplete projects that has led to delays and defaults. Though the government has put the system online, developers still need to approach 50 departments for approvals. This needs to be taken care of. There should be restructuring of the past loans to complete the projects," he said. R K Arora, Chairman Supertech Group and President NAREDCO-UP said he is expecting that a stimulus package will be announced by the government to increase the purchasing power of the common man which will create demand in the market. He said if the real estate sector gets industry status, it will ease getting financial support from banks and financial institutions at reasonable interest rates."The last-mile funding to complete ongoing projects of existing lenders by allowing them restructuring existing loans is also urgently required to complete these projects as SBICAPS will take many years to finance the stalled and under-construction projects through the stress fund announced by the central government," Arora said. Prashant Solomon, Managing Director, Chintels India, suggested extension of the CLSS scheme for the next fiscal, increase in tax incentives for home buyers, infrastructure status for real estate sector and abolishing the tax on unsold homes. "States on their part must cut stamp duty on registration of properties, as Maharashtra has done. If the government announces some positive measures on the demand side in the budget, housing sale will bounce back to reach the pre-COVID level," he said. Neetish Sarda, founder of the co-working space company Smartworks, said that the pandemic has accelerated the need for flexible office spaces and the co-working market is poised for growth with new entrants. He said they are keen on new or reduced TDS bracket for service payments to co-working spaces."We hope the budget would also allocate more funds towards IT infra spending as we believe technology and digitization are the way forward for commercial real estate and co-working segment in particular," said Sarda. "There is a need for industry status, single window clearance and reinstatement of Input Tax Credit in GST. We look forward to a stimulus to investments in commercial real estate in the budget which will provide a significant fillip to growth, create jobs and spur demand. The government should provide for allowance of capital expenditure incurred by the companies in the co-working segment," he added.

Union Budget 2021: Real estate sector pinning hopes on infrastructure status and tax incentives

The nation on Saturday remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his 73rd death anniversary with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the country in paying homage to the Father of the Nation.

President Kovind, Vice President Naidu, Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among others, also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi.

Gandhi was shot dead on October 30&nbsp;in 1948 by Nathuram Godse. His death anniversary is observed as Martyrs' Day.

Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Kovind said people should adhere to his ideals of peace, non-violence, simplicity, purity of means, and humility.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, my humble tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi who embraced martyrdom this day. We should adhere to his ideals of peace, non-violence, simplicity, purity of means and humility. Let us resolve to follow his path of truth and love," he tweeted.

On Twitter, Naidu shared a quote of Mahatma Gandhi - "Ahimsa is the highest duty. Even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence."

"Gandhiji was a crusader of peace, non-violence &amp; selfless service. Both, through his words and actions, he left an indelible imprint on the sands of time. He inspired countless people worldwide to follow the path of ahimsa," Naidu said.

"Mahatma Gandhi worked relentlessly for the uplift of the vulnerable sections, downtrodden and socially backward. Gandhiji's glorious life and principles continue to inspire the entire world. As we remember him, let us emulate his teachings and resolve to follow the path shown by him," he said in another tweet.

Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Modi said his ideals continue to motivate millions.

"Tributes to the great Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals continue to motivate millions. On Martyrs' Day we recall the heroic sacrifices of all those great women and men who devoted themselves towards India's freedom and the well-being of every Indian," he said in a tweet.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, saying his principles of truth and non-violence are still relevant through which any struggle for rights can be won.

"Truth, non-violence, patience, bravery and 'Satyagrah'. These principles of Gandhiji that rendered ineffective bigger powers are relevant even today, through which any struggle for rights can be won," he tweeted in Hindi.

In his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Twitter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared a quote of the Father of the Nation - "Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self-sustained".

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, remembering that he had said the "ruler who defies public opinion is cruel and any unjust law is a form of violence in itself".

"Gandhiji was killed with the purpose of killing his ideas. But Gandhiji's 'Satyagraha' is the strength of the whole country and it is our responsibility," she tweeted in Hindi. 
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, "We must never forget the forces that assassinated the Father or the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi. The ideology of hate and fratricide that killed him will never be allowed to succeed."

"Its inheritors will be fought and pushed back," he said.

The nation on Saturday remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his 73rd death anniversary with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the country in paying homage to the Father of the Nation.

The nation on Saturday remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his 73rd death anniversary with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the country in paying homage to the Father of the Nation. President Kovind, Vice President Naidu, Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among others, also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi. Gandhi was shot dead on October 30 in 1948 by Nathuram Godse. His death anniversary is observed as Martyrs' Day. Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Kovind said people should adhere to his ideals of peace, non-violence, simplicity, purity of means, and humility. "On behalf of a grateful nation, my humble tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi who embraced martyrdom this day. We should adhere to his ideals of peace, non-violence, simplicity, purity of means and humility. Let us resolve to follow his path of truth and love," he tweeted. On Twitter, Naidu shared a quote of Mahatma Gandhi - "Ahimsa is the highest duty. Even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence." "Gandhiji was a crusader of peace, non-violence & selfless service. Both, through his words and actions, he left an indelible imprint on the sands of time. He inspired countless people worldwide to follow the path of ahimsa," Naidu said. "Mahatma Gandhi worked relentlessly for the uplift of the vulnerable sections, downtrodden and socially backward. Gandhiji's glorious life and principles continue to inspire the entire world. As we remember him, let us emulate his teachings and resolve to follow the path shown by him," he said in another tweet. Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Modi said his ideals continue to motivate millions. "Tributes to the great Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals continue to motivate millions. On Martyrs' Day we recall the heroic sacrifices of all those great women and men who devoted themselves towards India's freedom and the well-being of every Indian," he said in a tweet. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, saying his principles of truth and non-violence are still relevant through which any struggle for rights can be won. "Truth, non-violence, patience, bravery and 'Satyagrah'. These principles of Gandhiji that rendered ineffective bigger powers are relevant even today, through which any struggle for rights can be won," he tweeted in Hindi. In his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Twitter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared a quote of the Father of the Nation - "Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self-sustained". Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, remembering that he had said the "ruler who defies public opinion is cruel and any unjust law is a form of violence in itself". "Gandhiji was killed with the purpose of killing his ideas. But Gandhiji's 'Satyagraha' is the strength of the whole country and it is our responsibility," she tweeted in Hindi. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, "We must never forget the forces that assassinated the Father or the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi. The ideology of hate and fratricide that killed him will never be allowed to succeed." "Its inheritors will be fought and pushed back," he said.

PM pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on death anniversary

Portugal's parliament on Friday passed a law allowing medically assisted dying, putting the Catholic-majority country on course to become the fourth in Europe to legalise euthanasia.

Before coming into force the bill must first be signed into law by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who was re-elected only last weekend.

The president, who has yet to make public his position on the issue, could also either use his veto against the legislation or refer it to the country's constitutional court for further study.

The bill was adopted in parliament by 136 votes to 78 with four abstentions, thanks largely to a majority of votes from the ruling Socialist Party which had allowed its MPs to vote freely.

If the president did decide to exercise his veto, a second vote by lawmakers would override it.

Lawmakers had approved proposals aimed at changing the law in February, setting up the vote despite a campaign by the Church for a national referendum on the issue.

Socialist MP Isabel Moreira, a constitutional law expert who helped draft the law, said that it would respect "free choice and every individual's independence".

&nbsp;'Right to choose'&nbsp;

The bill legalises access to assisted suicide for adult patients in a situation of "extreme suffering and irreversible damage".

Several doctors must green-light the procedure, while a psychiatrist would be called in if there are doubts about the patient's ability to make a "free and informed" choice.

Euthanasia is legal in three European countries -- Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg -- while others allow terminally ill people to refuse life-maintaining treatment or to have help to die.

"People deserve the right to be able to choose," retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo, who has campaigned for years to make euthanasia legal in Portugal, said before the vote.

He said he was expecting a "historic day".

The Catholic Church, which predominates in Portugal, campaigned against the bill both among its own faithful and those of other denominations.

Its bishops' conference immediately expressed outrage at parliament's approval of the legislation, calling the law an "unprecedented step backwards".

The Portuguese Catholic Doctors'&nbsp; Association called on the president to veto the legislation, saying in a statement that "doctors are not the agents of death!"

In neighbouring Spain, the parliament voted by a wide margin in December to approve a bill that will allow euthanasia under strict conditions, despite fierce opposition from the Catholic church and conservative parties.

Portugal's parliament on Friday passed a law allowing medically assisted dying, putting the Catholic-majority country on course to become the fourth in Europe to legalise euthanasia.

Portugal's parliament on Friday passed a law allowing medically assisted dying, putting the Catholic-majority country on course to become the fourth in Europe to legalise euthanasia. Before coming into force the bill must first be signed into law by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who was re-elected only last weekend. The president, who has yet to make public his position on the issue, could also either use his veto against the legislation or refer it to the country's constitutional court for further study. The bill was adopted in parliament by 136 votes to 78 with four abstentions, thanks largely to a majority of votes from the ruling Socialist Party which had allowed its MPs to vote freely. If the president did decide to exercise his veto, a second vote by lawmakers would override it. Lawmakers had approved proposals aimed at changing the law in February, setting up the vote despite a campaign by the Church for a national referendum on the issue. Socialist MP Isabel Moreira, a constitutional law expert who helped draft the law, said that it would respect "free choice and every individual's independence". 'Right to choose' The bill legalises access to assisted suicide for adult patients in a situation of "extreme suffering and irreversible damage". Several doctors must green-light the procedure, while a psychiatrist would be called in if there are doubts about the patient's ability to make a "free and informed" choice. Euthanasia is legal in three European countries -- Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg -- while others allow terminally ill people to refuse life-maintaining treatment or to have help to die. "People deserve the right to be able to choose," retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo, who has campaigned for years to make euthanasia legal in Portugal, said before the vote. He said he was expecting a "historic day". The Catholic Church, which predominates in Portugal, campaigned against the bill both among its own faithful and those of other denominations. Its bishops' conference immediately expressed outrage at parliament's approval of the legislation, calling the law an "unprecedented step backwards". The Portuguese Catholic Doctors' Association called on the president to veto the legislation, saying in a statement that "doctors are not the agents of death!" In neighbouring Spain, the parliament voted by a wide margin in December to approve a bill that will allow euthanasia under strict conditions, despite fierce opposition from the Catholic church and conservative parties.

Portuguese parliament approves euthanasia law

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has failed to throw out a defamation lawsuit filed against him by an Indian-American student Randeep Hothi.

California judge Julia Spain rejected Musk's argument that the lawsuit was baseless and should be thrown out as an attempt to silence the billionaire's free speech.

In a complaint filed at the Alameda County Superior Court,&nbsp;Randeep Hothi, a University of Michigan graduate had accused Musk of triggering an online hate campaign against him.

Hothi drew Musk's wrath two years ago due to a couple of incidents he claims were harmless. However, Musk called him a liar and complained about him to an online tech editor.

He was confronted by a security guard in February 2019 when he went to do research in Tesla's sales centre in California. Two months later, he spotted a Tesla test car while driving and took its pictures, which he later posted online.

Elon Musk accused&nbsp;Hothi of almost killing Tesla employees when he was trying to drive away from the sales centre.&nbsp;

Musk had asked the judge to strike out the lawsuit on the basis of public interest, making it protected speech and that Hothi couldn't prove that the statements were untrue or made out of malice.

But the judge refused to concede to his request emphasising that Hothi showed he could win the lawsuit.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has failed to throw out a defamation lawsuit filed against him by an Indian-American student Randeep Hothi. California judge Julia Spain rejected Musk's argument that the lawsuit was baseless and should be thrown out as an attempt to silence the billionaire's free speech.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has failed to throw out a defamation lawsuit filed against him by an Indian-American student Randeep Hothi. California judge Julia Spain rejected Musk's argument that the lawsuit was baseless and should be thrown out as an attempt to silence the billionaire's free speech. In a complaint filed at the Alameda County Superior Court, Randeep Hothi, a University of Michigan graduate had accused Musk of triggering an online hate campaign against him. Hothi drew Musk's wrath two years ago due to a couple of incidents he claims were harmless. However, Musk called him a liar and complained about him to an online tech editor. He was confronted by a security guard in February 2019 when he went to do research in Tesla's sales centre in California. Two months later, he spotted a Tesla test car while driving and took its pictures, which he later posted online. Elon Musk accused Hothi of almost killing Tesla employees when he was trying to drive away from the sales centre. Musk had asked the judge to strike out the lawsuit on the basis of public interest, making it protected speech and that Hothi couldn't prove that the statements were untrue or made out of malice. But the judge refused to concede to his request emphasising that Hothi showed he could win the lawsuit.

Elon Musk fails to throw out defamation suit by Indian-American student

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of&nbsp;ramping up tensions.

"The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to US&nbsp;Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors," the US&nbsp;military's Pacific Command said in a statement.

Taiwan reported that several Chinese air force aircraft flew into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone last weekend, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, including fighter jets and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers.

Regional security and diplomatic sources familiar with the situation said China's air force was dispatched on missions beginning mid-morning on January&nbsp;23, coinciding with the US&nbsp;carrier group passing south of the Pratas.

China, which has long geared its military towards defending itself against the United States, was conducting exercises that would simulate an operation against an aircraft carrier, the sources said.

"They purposely conducted the drills when the US&nbsp;carrier was passing through the Bashi Channel," one source said, referring to the waterway between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines.

"That was not just meant for Taiwan. Most importantly, China is trying to tackle the issue of the South China Sea: it wants to stop the US&nbsp;military from entering the South China Sea. China wants to diminish the United States' weight in the western Pacific."

On Thursday, the Chinese ministry toughened its language towards Chinese-claimed Taiwan, warning after last weekend's stepped-up military activity near the island that "independence means war" and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference.

China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The waters have become a flashpoint in the Sino-US&nbsp;relationship. Washington regularly accuses Beijing of militarizing the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves.

China, in turn, regularly bristles at US&nbsp;military activity in the region, saying on Monday that such actions are not conducive to peace and stability in the region.

The US&nbsp;Navy regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways.

The US&nbsp;Pacific Command renewed its pledge to continue operations in the region.

"The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, demonstrating resolve through our operational presence throughout the region," Pacific Command said.

&nbsp;

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of ramping up tensions.

The US military on Friday slammed ''destabilising and aggressive'' Chinese military flights in the past week in the South China Sea and accused it of ramping up tensions. "The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group closely monitored all People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) activity, and at no time did they pose a threat to US Navy ships, aircraft, or sailors," the US military's Pacific Command said in a statement. Taiwan reported that several Chinese air force aircraft flew into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone last weekend, near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, including fighter jets and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers. Regional security and diplomatic sources familiar with the situation said China's air force was dispatched on missions beginning mid-morning on January 23, coinciding with the US carrier group passing south of the Pratas. China, which has long geared its military towards defending itself against the United States, was conducting exercises that would simulate an operation against an aircraft carrier, the sources said. "They purposely conducted the drills when the US carrier was passing through the Bashi Channel," one source said, referring to the waterway between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines. "That was not just meant for Taiwan. Most importantly, China is trying to tackle the issue of the South China Sea: it wants to stop the US military from entering the South China Sea. China wants to diminish the United States' weight in the western Pacific." On Thursday, the Chinese ministry toughened its language towards Chinese-claimed Taiwan, warning after last weekend's stepped-up military activity near the island that "independence means war" and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference. China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea. The waters have become a flashpoint in the Sino-US relationship. Washington regularly accuses Beijing of militarizing the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves. China, in turn, regularly bristles at US military activity in the region, saying on Monday that such actions are not conducive to peace and stability in the region. The US Navy regularly conducts "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways. The US Pacific Command renewed its pledge to continue operations in the region. "The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, demonstrating resolve through our operational presence throughout the region," Pacific Command said.

US military berates ‘destabilising’ Chinese flights over South China Sea

Eleven soldiers at a US&nbsp;military base in Texas were hospitalized, with two in critical condition, after drinking&nbsp;antifreeze&nbsp;they mistook for alcohol, Army officials said on Friday.

The soldiers from Fort Bliss in El Paso were completing a 10-day field training exercise when the incident occurred on Thursday, the Army's public affairs office said in a statement.

The substance detected in lab results from the sickened soldiers was ethylene glycol, commonly known as&nbsp;antifreeze, the US Army said.

"Initial reports indicate soldiers consumed this substance, thinking they were drinking an alcoholic beverage," the Army statement added. "Army and Fort Bliss regulations prohibit the consumption of alcohol in a field training environment. Initial toxicology results indicate the soldiers are experiencing ethylene glycol poisoning."

Antifreeze&nbsp;ingestion can cause severe kidney damage and death, Army officials said at a news conference at Fort Bliss.

The military said earlier that the soldiers fell ill after "consuming a substance acquired outside of authorized food supply distribution channels."

Antifreeze&nbsp;has been known to cause accidental deaths and has been used in murder mystery novels and in real-life murder plots, as it can easily be mistaken for alcohol.

The hospitalized soldiers include one warrant officer, two non-commissioned officers and eight enlisted service members, the Army said. The Army did not release their names.

All remained hospitalized, the Army said.

Fort Bliss is the home to the Army's 1st Armored Division, nicknamed "Old Ironsides," with about 17,000 soldiers.

Eleven soldiers at a US military base in Texas were hospitalized, with two in critical condition, after drinking antifreeze they mistook for alcohol, Army officials said on Friday.

Eleven soldiers at a US military base in Texas were hospitalized, with two in critical condition, after drinking antifreeze they mistook for alcohol, Army officials said on Friday. The soldiers from Fort Bliss in El Paso were completing a 10-day field training exercise when the incident occurred on Thursday, the Army's public affairs office said in a statement. The substance detected in lab results from the sickened soldiers was ethylene glycol, commonly known as antifreeze, the US Army said. "Initial reports indicate soldiers consumed this substance, thinking they were drinking an alcoholic beverage," the Army statement added. "Army and Fort Bliss regulations prohibit the consumption of alcohol in a field training environment. Initial toxicology results indicate the soldiers are experiencing ethylene glycol poisoning." Antifreeze ingestion can cause severe kidney damage and death, Army officials said at a news conference at Fort Bliss. The military said earlier that the soldiers fell ill after "consuming a substance acquired outside of authorized food supply distribution channels." Antifreeze has been known to cause accidental deaths and has been used in murder mystery novels and in real-life murder plots, as it can easily be mistaken for alcohol. The hospitalized soldiers include one warrant officer, two non-commissioned officers and eight enlisted service members, the Army said. The Army did not release their names. All remained hospitalized, the Army said. Fort Bliss is the home to the Army's 1st Armored Division, nicknamed "Old Ironsides," with about 17,000 soldiers.

US soldiers hospitalised after drinking antifreeze they mistook for alcohol

Mexico plans to import about 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine from India in February, as well as producing it locally, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday.

Mexico and Argentina have a deal with AstraZeneca to produce its vaccine for distribution in Latin America, with financial support from the foundation of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

"We are also getting AstraZeneca vaccines, apart from the agreement we have with them - these vaccines are being made here in Mexico - we will bring AstraZeneca from India," Lopez Obrador said in a video broadcast on social media.

Meanwhile, deliveries of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico would "very probably" resume on Feb. 10, Lopez Obrador said, after global delivery delays by the US&nbsp;company. Mexico was expecting about 1.5 million doses from Pfizer, he noted.

Mexico is trying to secure as much vaccine supply as possible amid delivery delays and a surge in cases. Mexico's death toll from COVID-19 was 156,579 on Friday.

Lopez Obrador, speaking publicly for the first time since revealing on Sunday he had COVID-19, said Mexico would also receive 870,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine in February.

Additionally, Lopez Obrador said 1.8 million vaccine doses would arrive next month through a U.N.-backed mechanism, an apparent reference to the global COVAX facility.

Mexico has secured enough vaccines to cover 20 per cent&nbsp;of its 126 million people through COVAX, led by the GAVI vaccines alliance and the World Health Organization to promote equitable access.

Six million doses of the CanSino Biologics vaccine, which is due to share its clinical trial results soon, should arrive in Mexico in February, Lopez Obrador said.

It would also be "no problem" for Mexico to have 12 million doses of the Chinese vaccine in March, he added.

Mexico plans to import about 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine from India in February, as well as producing it locally, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday.

Mexico plans to import about 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine from India in February, as well as producing it locally, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday. Mexico and Argentina have a deal with AstraZeneca to produce its vaccine for distribution in Latin America, with financial support from the foundation of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. "We are also getting AstraZeneca vaccines, apart from the agreement we have with them - these vaccines are being made here in Mexico - we will bring AstraZeneca from India," Lopez Obrador said in a video broadcast on social media. Meanwhile, deliveries of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico would "very probably" resume on Feb. 10, Lopez Obrador said, after global delivery delays by the US company. Mexico was expecting about 1.5 million doses from Pfizer, he noted. Mexico is trying to secure as much vaccine supply as possible amid delivery delays and a surge in cases. Mexico's death toll from COVID-19 was 156,579 on Friday. Lopez Obrador, speaking publicly for the first time since revealing on Sunday he had COVID-19, said Mexico would also receive 870,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine in February. Additionally, Lopez Obrador said 1.8 million vaccine doses would arrive next month through a U.N.-backed mechanism, an apparent reference to the global COVAX facility. Mexico has secured enough vaccines to cover 20 per cent of its 126 million people through COVAX, led by the GAVI vaccines alliance and the World Health Organization to promote equitable access. Six million doses of the CanSino Biologics vaccine, which is due to share its clinical trial results soon, should arrive in Mexico in February, Lopez Obrador said. It would also be "no problem" for Mexico to have 12 million doses of the Chinese vaccine in March, he added.

Mexico to import AstraZeneca vaccine from India, president says

January 30 in history: Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany, assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and more

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