The Russian Olympic Committee made an urgent appeal Friday to overturn a ban on its athletes competing at a European winter sports festival in Finland.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said it was setting a timetable for the case ahead of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival being held from March 20-25.

The ROC appeal challenges a March 2 decision by the executive committee of the European Olympic Committees to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes because of the war in Ukraine.

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In a separate Russian case at CAS, the national soccer federation has appealed against bans on national and club teams by FIFA and UEFA.

Those suspensions were imposed on March 1 within hours of the International Olympic Committee urging sports bodies to act to isolate Russia after the military invasion.

The Russian Olympic Committee made an urgent appeal Friday to overturn a ban on its athletes competing at a European winter sports festival in Finland. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said it was setting a timetable for the case ahead of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival being held from March 20-25.

The Russian Olympic Committee made an urgent appeal Friday to overturn a ban on its athletes competing at a European winter sports festival in Finland. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said it was setting a timetable for the case ahead of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival being held from March 20-25. The ROC appeal challenges a March 2 decision by the executive committee of the European Olympic Committees to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes because of the war in Ukraine. ALSO READ: Women's World Cup 2022: Mandhana, Kaur hit tons as India register massive 155-run win over West Indies In a separate Russian case at CAS, the national soccer federation has appealed against bans on national and club teams by FIFA and UEFA. Those suspensions were imposed on March 1 within hours of the International Olympic Committee urging sports bodies to act to isolate Russia after the military invasion.

European winter sports festival: Russian Olympic Committee appeals to overturn ban on its athletes

YouTube has said that it is blocking Russian state-funded media channels globally "effective immediately” while citing a policy barring content that denies, minimises or trivialises well-documented violent events.

Announcing the move on Twitter, YouTube on Friday said that while the change was effective immediately, “we expect our systems to take time to ramp up”.

"Our Community Guidelines prohibit content denying, minimizing or trivializing well-documented violent events, and we remove content about Russia's invasion in Ukraine that violates this policy. In line with that, effective immediately, we are also blocking&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;channels associated with Russian state-funded media, globally,"&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;said in a statement.

YouTube added that when people search for topics on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and Ukraine, "our systems prominently surface authoritative news content in both our Top News and Breaking News shelves, and will continue to as needed."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-briefs-tiktokers-on-ukraine-as-information-war-against-russia-heats-up-461466">White House briefs TikTokers on Ukraine as information war heats up</a>

The US-based video platform had previously blocked the channels, especially Russia Today and Sputnik, across Europe. It had also blocked YouTube ads and paused ad sales in Russia.

Russian state media have called restrictions placed on them by distributors, which include app stores and other social media services, unjustified censorship.

“The blocking by YouTube is nothing but a new turn of an atrocious attack on one of the fundamental principles of a democratic society – that is freedom of the press,” Sputnik said in a statement on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-legalises-piracy-allows-patent-thefts-to-counter-west-sanctions-report-461502" hreflang="en">Russia legalises piracy, allows patent thefts to counter West sanctions: Report</a>

YouTube declined to specify which and how many channels had been blocked globally, or whether they ever would be restored.

(With inputs from agencies)

YouTube has said that it is blocking Russian state-funded media channels globally "effective immediately” while citing a policy barring content that denies, minimises or trivialises well-documented violent events.

YouTube has said that it is blocking Russian state-funded media channels globally "effective immediately” while citing a policy barring content that denies, minimises or trivialises well-documented violent events. Announcing the move on Twitter, YouTube on Friday said that while the change was effective immediately, “we expect our systems to take time to ramp up”. "Our Community Guidelines prohibit content denying, minimizing or trivializing well-documented violent events, and we remove content about Russia's invasion in Ukraine that violates this policy. In line with that, effective immediately, we are also blocking YouTube channels associated with Russian state-funded media, globally," YouTube said in a statement. YouTube added that when people search for topics on Russia and Ukraine, "our systems prominently surface authoritative news content in both our Top News and Breaking News shelves, and will continue to as needed." Also read | White House briefs TikTokers on Ukraine as information war heats up The US-based video platform had previously blocked the channels, especially Russia Today and Sputnik, across Europe. It had also blocked YouTube ads and paused ad sales in Russia. Russian state media have called restrictions placed on them by distributors, which include app stores and other social media services, unjustified censorship. “The blocking by YouTube is nothing but a new turn of an atrocious attack on one of the fundamental principles of a democratic society – that is freedom of the press,” Sputnik said in a statement on Friday. Also read | Russia legalises piracy, allows patent thefts to counter West sanctions: Report YouTube declined to specify which and how many channels had been blocked globally, or whether they ever would be restored. (With inputs from agencies)

YouTube blocks Russian state-funded media channels worldwide

Belarusian clubs and the national team will have to play all their home matches in UEFA competitions at neutral venues with no spectators allowed, European soccer's governing body announced on Thursday.

Belarus has been used as a key staging post for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing widespread condemnation.

"The UEFA Executive Committee met today and decided that all Belarusian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues with immediate effect," a statement read.

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"Furthermore, no spectators shall attend matches in which the teams from Belarus feature as host."

UEFA said its Executive Committee would convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis, to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary.

World governing body FIFA and UEFA have already suspended Russia's national teams and clubs from international football until further notice as a result of the invasion.

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Earlier on Thursday Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from the Winter Paralympics in Beijing on the eve of the Games following threats of boycotts by other teams.

Belarusian clubs and the national team will have to play all their home matches in UEFA competitions at neutral venues with no spectators allowed, European soccer's governing body announced on Thursday.

Belarusian clubs and the national team will have to play all their home matches in UEFA competitions at neutral venues with no spectators allowed, European soccer's governing body announced on Thursday. Belarus has been used as a key staging post for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing widespread condemnation. "The UEFA Executive Committee met today and decided that all Belarusian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues with immediate effect," a statement read. ALSO READ: Biennial World Cup is a 'no go' for everyone in football, says UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin "Furthermore, no spectators shall attend matches in which the teams from Belarus feature as host." UEFA said its Executive Committee would convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis, to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary. World governing body FIFA and UEFA have already suspended Russia's national teams and clubs from international football until further notice as a result of the invasion. ALSO READ: Premier League: Captains to wear special armbands in Ukrainian colours to show support Earlier on Thursday Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from the Winter Paralympics in Beijing on the eve of the Games following threats of boycotts by other teams.

Belarus clubs and national team banned from playing at home in UEFA competitions amid Ukraine crisis

Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be able to compete at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Thursday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area.

The decision comes a day after the IPC gave athletes from the two countries the green light to participate as neutrals, saying that the governing body had followed its rules and that "athletes were not the aggressors".

"Following a specially convened meeting, the IPC Governing Board has decided to refuse the athlete entries from the RPC and NPC Belarus for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games," the IPC said in a statement.

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"This means that para-athletes from these respective countries will no longer be allowed to participate in the Games which open on 4 March 2022.

"What is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games."

Thursday's verdict was condemned by various sporting bodies, with many urging the IPC to reverse its decision.

The 71-member Russian contingent is already in Beijing for the Games, which kick off on Friday.

Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be able to compete at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Thursday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area.

Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be able to compete at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Thursday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area. The decision comes a day after the IPC gave athletes from the two countries the green light to participate as neutrals, saying that the governing body had followed its rules and that "athletes were not the aggressors". "Following a specially convened meeting, the IPC Governing Board has decided to refuse the athlete entries from the RPC and NPC Belarus for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games," the IPC said in a statement. ALSO READ: Exclusive | 'Sport brings in great culture and peace' - Ropan Bopanna on changes in tennis amid Ukraine crisis "This means that para-athletes from these respective countries will no longer be allowed to participate in the Games which open on 4 March 2022. "What is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games." Thursday's verdict was condemned by various sporting bodies, with many urging the IPC to reverse its decision. The 71-member Russian contingent is already in Beijing for the Games, which kick off on Friday.

IPC bans athletes from Russia, Belarus to participate in Beijing Winter Paralympics

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been banned from participating in the ISSF Championships following Russia's ongoing military operation in Ukraine.

"Following the respective decision of the IOC Executive Board and a meeting with the IOC President, the ISSF decided that athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus will not be allowed to take part in ISSF Championships," stated an official ISSF statement.

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"This decision entered into force at 16.00 CET on March 1, 2022, and is valid until upon further notice," he added.

Following rising tension between Russia and Ukraine, the sports fraternity has become proactive and many events in Russia have been cancelled, including the Russian Grand Prix.

The Champions League final has also been moved out of Russia and it will now take place in Paris.

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UEFA and FIFA have also barred Russia from international football until further notice.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday had announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen."

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been banned from participating in the ISSF Championships following Russia's ongoing military operation in Ukraine. "Following the respective decision of the IOC Executive Board and a meeting with the IOC President, the ISSF decided that athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus will not be allowed to take part in ISSF Championships," stated an official ISSF statement.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been banned from participating in the ISSF Championships following Russia's ongoing military operation in Ukraine. "Following the respective decision of the IOC Executive Board and a meeting with the IOC President, the ISSF decided that athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus will not be allowed to take part in ISSF Championships," stated an official ISSF statement. ALSO READ: Ukraine crisis: Football's first reported losses as two Ukrainian players killed during Russian invasion "This decision entered into force at 16.00 CET on March 1, 2022, and is valid until upon further notice," he added. Following rising tension between Russia and Ukraine, the sports fraternity has become proactive and many events in Russia have been cancelled, including the Russian Grand Prix. The Champions League final has also been moved out of Russia and it will now take place in Paris. ALSO READ: Adidas suspends partnership with Russian football union amid inavsion of Ukraine UEFA and FIFA have also barred Russia from international football until further notice. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday had announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen."

ISSF bans athletes from Russia, Belarus after Ukraine invasion

The International Olympic Committee's executive board has recommended that international sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing in events, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The IOC said it made the decision "in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants".

The IOC also urged federations to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus would be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus.

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"Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags or anthems should be displayed," the statement added.

The IOC also said it had taken the ad hoc decision to withdraw the Olympic Order from all persons who currently have an important function in the government of the Russian Federation, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It said it made the decision based on "the exceptional circumstances of the situation and considering the extremely grave violation of the Olympic Truce and other violations of the Olympic Charter by the Russian government in the past".

The International Olympic Committee's executive board has recommended that international sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing in events, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee's executive board has recommended that international sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing in events, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The IOC said it made the decision "in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants". The IOC also urged federations to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus would be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus. ALSO READ: Badminton World Federation cancels events in Russia, Belarus amid Ukraine crisis "Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags or anthems should be displayed," the statement added. The IOC also said it had taken the ad hoc decision to withdraw the Olympic Order from all persons who currently have an important function in the government of the Russian Federation, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. It said it made the decision based on "the exceptional circumstances of the situation and considering the extremely grave violation of the Olympic Truce and other violations of the Olympic Charter by the Russian government in the past".

IOC recommends banning participation of Russian, Belarusian athletes and officials in international events

Moscovite Daniil Medvedev reached the pinnacle of men's tennis when he became the ATP's world number one on Monday but what should have been a day of pride for Russian sport has been engulfed by the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Medvedev is only the third Russian man to top the standings and the first player outside the so-called "big four" of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to hold the top spot in 18 years.

But with the sporting world uniting its in condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev's meteoric rise to the top could hardly have happened at a worse time for tennis.

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On Sunday the Ukrainian Tennis Federation urged the sport's governing body the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to immediately expel Russia and Belarus from the organisation and ban Russia from team and individual tournaments.

In a letter seen by Reuters, the Ukrainian federation described the actions of Russia and Belarus in Ukraine over the past four days as "unprecedented, cynical and bloody".

"Civilians are dying, including women and children; civilian infrastructure is collapsing ... This is a full-scale war that will push our country back decades," the letter said, adding that the goal of Russia's invasion was "extermination."

"Russia and Belarus do not have the right not only to hold international competitions on their territory, but also to participate in all ITF team and individual tournaments abroad," the letter continued.

In response the ITF said it had taken "swift action" to cancel all events in Russia indefinitely and that no ITF events would be held in Belarus for 2022.

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"This is a fast-evolving situation; we are in active discussion with the ITF tennis family and the ITF Board to decide and align around our next course of action," it said.

"We stand united with the Ukraine and are working with the Ukraine Tennis Federation. Right now, our priority is the safety of the tennis players and the security of all those participating in our events."

Any restrictions on individual Russian players, while seen as unlikely, would cast doubt on Medvedev's participation at the next Grand Slam, the French Open in May.

Ahead of his coronation as world number one Medvedev took to Twitter on Sunday with a plea for peace.

"Today I want to speak on behalf of every kid in the world," he said.

"They all have dreams, their lives are just starting, so many nice experiences to come...That's why I want to ask for peace in the world, for peace between countries. Kids are born with inner trust in the world, they believe so much in everything, in people, in love, in safety, in justice, in their chances in life."

"Let's be together and show them that's it true, because every kid shouldn't stop dreaming."

Medvedev's fellow Russian Andry Rublev, the world number seven, wrote "No War Please" on the lens of a TV camera on his way to winning the Dubai title last week.

French Open 2021 finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova called for an end to violence and war in a social media post on Monday.

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"Personal ambitions or political motives cannot justify violence," Pavlyuchenkova said. "This takes away the future not only from us, but also from our children. Stop the violence, stop the war."

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists.

Four leading players from Russia and Belarus are on the entry list for next month's prestigious Indian Wells tournament in California.

Women's world number two Aryna Sabalenka and world number 16 Victoria Azarenka represent Belarus.

Moscovite Daniil Medvedev reached the pinnacle of men's tennis when he became the ATP's world number one on Monday but what should have been a day of pride for Russian sport has been engulfed by the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Moscovite Daniil Medvedev reached the pinnacle of men's tennis when he became the ATP's world number one on Monday but what should have been a day of pride for Russian sport has been engulfed by the country's invasion of Ukraine. Medvedev is only the third Russian man to top the standings and the first player outside the so-called "big four" of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to hold the top spot in 18 years. But with the sporting world uniting its in condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev's meteoric rise to the top could hardly have happened at a worse time for tennis. ALSO READ: Daniil Medvedev pips Novak Djokovic to become World No 1 in ATP rankings On Sunday the Ukrainian Tennis Federation urged the sport's governing body the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to immediately expel Russia and Belarus from the organisation and ban Russia from team and individual tournaments. In a letter seen by Reuters, the Ukrainian federation described the actions of Russia and Belarus in Ukraine over the past four days as "unprecedented, cynical and bloody". "Civilians are dying, including women and children; civilian infrastructure is collapsing ... This is a full-scale war that will push our country back decades," the letter said, adding that the goal of Russia's invasion was "extermination." "Russia and Belarus do not have the right not only to hold international competitions on their territory, but also to participate in all ITF team and individual tournaments abroad," the letter continued. In response the ITF said it had taken "swift action" to cancel all events in Russia indefinitely and that no ITF events would be held in Belarus for 2022. ALSO READ: Dipa Karmakar 'shocked' after being suspended by international gymnastics federation, reveals coach "This is a fast-evolving situation; we are in active discussion with the ITF tennis family and the ITF Board to decide and align around our next course of action," it said. "We stand united with the Ukraine and are working with the Ukraine Tennis Federation. Right now, our priority is the safety of the tennis players and the security of all those participating in our events." Any restrictions on individual Russian players, while seen as unlikely, would cast doubt on Medvedev's participation at the next Grand Slam, the French Open in May. Ahead of his coronation as world number one Medvedev took to Twitter on Sunday with a plea for peace. "Today I want to speak on behalf of every kid in the world," he said. "They all have dreams, their lives are just starting, so many nice experiences to come...That's why I want to ask for peace in the world, for peace between countries. Kids are born with inner trust in the world, they believe so much in everything, in people, in love, in safety, in justice, in their chances in life." "Let's be together and show them that's it true, because every kid shouldn't stop dreaming." Medvedev's fellow Russian Andry Rublev, the world number seven, wrote "No War Please" on the lens of a TV camera on his way to winning the Dubai title last week. French Open 2021 finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova called for an end to violence and war in a social media post on Monday. ALSO READ: Badminton World Federation cancels events in Russia, Belarus amid Ukraine crisis "Personal ambitions or political motives cannot justify violence," Pavlyuchenkova said. "This takes away the future not only from us, but also from our children. Stop the violence, stop the war." Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists. Four leading players from Russia and Belarus are on the entry list for next month's prestigious Indian Wells tournament in California. Women's world number two Aryna Sabalenka and world number 16 Victoria Azarenka represent Belarus.

Daniil Medvedev's No. 1 rank in danger as Ukrainian federation demands Russia's ban

Badminton's world governing body (BWF) has cancelled all sanctioned tournaments in Russia and Belarus, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Russian and Belarusian national flags must not be displayed and their national anthems not played at any BWF events. No other badminton tournaments will be allocated to Russia or Belarus until further notice.

"BWF will continue to monitor the situation closely and will proactively consult our international sport movement partners to discuss other options to potentially strengthen measures against the governments of Russia and Belarus," it said in a statement.

The governing body said it fully supported the International Olympic Committee urging sports federations to move or cancel sports events planned in Russia or Belarus.

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"BWF stands in full solidarity with the entire international sports movement to call on all parties to stop acts of violence and to restore peace," it added.

Ukraine's health ministry said on Sunday that 352 civilians, including 14 children, had been killed since Russia's invasion of the country last week.

Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation".

Soccer's governing body FIFA said on Sunday that no international soccer matches will be played in Russia and the Russian flag and anthem will be banned from the team's matches abroad.

Badminton's world governing body (BWF) has cancelled all sanctioned tournaments in Russia and Belarus, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Badminton's world governing body (BWF) has cancelled all sanctioned tournaments in Russia and Belarus, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian national flags must not be displayed and their national anthems not played at any BWF events. No other badminton tournaments will be allocated to Russia or Belarus until further notice. "BWF will continue to monitor the situation closely and will proactively consult our international sport movement partners to discuss other options to potentially strengthen measures against the governments of Russia and Belarus," it said in a statement. The governing body said it fully supported the International Olympic Committee urging sports federations to move or cancel sports events planned in Russia or Belarus. ALSO READ: Ukrainian striker moved to tears after standing ovation from Benfica fans, video goes viral - WATCH "BWF stands in full solidarity with the entire international sports movement to call on all parties to stop acts of violence and to restore peace," it added. Ukraine's health ministry said on Sunday that 352 civilians, including 14 children, had been killed since Russia's invasion of the country last week. Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation". Soccer's governing body FIFA said on Sunday that no international soccer matches will be played in Russia and the Russian flag and anthem will be banned from the team's matches abroad.

Badminton World Federation cancels events in Russia, Belarus amid Ukraine crisis

No international soccer matches will be played in Russia and the country's flag and anthem will be banned from any of their matches abroad, governing body FIFA said on Sunday as it announced a number of sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

FIFA said the national team would not compete as Russia but as the Football Union of Russia (RFU) and any games would be held with no fans on "neutral territory".

These come after scores of sports federations and clubs cancelled competitions in Russia or have refused to face Russian teams in protest of the invasion.

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The Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden said their national teams would not contest World Cup qualifiers against Russia next month. England's Football Association also said its national team would not play any matches against Russia "for the foreseeable future".

"First and foremost, FIFA would like to reiterate its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine," FIFA said in a statement.

The International Olympic Committee urged international sports federations on Friday to either move or cancel events planned in Russia or Belarus.

Russian troops entered Ukraine through Belarus when the invasion began on Thursday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ukrainian-duo-zinchenko-and-mykolenko-embrace-each-other-as-man-city-everton-show-support-for-ukraine-457045">Ukrainian duo Zinchenko and Mykolenko embrace each other as Man City, Everton show support for Ukraine</a>

FIFA said it would try to find a solution with the three countries --Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic -- involved in the World Cup qualifiers.

"(FIFA) has already engaged in dialogue with all of these football associations. FIFA will remain in close contact to seek to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together."

Ukrainian forces were holding off Russian troops advancing on the capital Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said as the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two entered a fourth day.

No international soccer matches will be played in Russia and the country's flag and anthem will be banned from any of their matches abroad, governing body FIFA said on Sunday as it announced a number of sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

No international soccer matches will be played in Russia and the country's flag and anthem will be banned from any of their matches abroad, governing body FIFA said on Sunday as it announced a number of sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. FIFA said the national team would not compete as Russia but as the Football Union of Russia (RFU) and any games would be held with no fans on "neutral territory". These come after scores of sports federations and clubs cancelled competitions in Russia or have refused to face Russian teams in protest of the invasion. ALSO READ: Premier League: Leeds United part ways with head coach Marcelo Bielsa The Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden said their national teams would not contest World Cup qualifiers against Russia next month. England's Football Association also said its national team would not play any matches against Russia "for the foreseeable future". "First and foremost, FIFA would like to reiterate its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine," FIFA said in a statement. The International Olympic Committee urged international sports federations on Friday to either move or cancel events planned in Russia or Belarus. Russian troops entered Ukraine through Belarus when the invasion began on Thursday. ALSO READ: Ukrainian duo Zinchenko and Mykolenko embrace each other as Man City, Everton show support for Ukraine FIFA said it would try to find a solution with the three countries --Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic -- involved in the World Cup qualifiers. "(FIFA) has already engaged in dialogue with all of these football associations. FIFA will remain in close contact to seek to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together." Ukrainian forces were holding off Russian troops advancing on the capital Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said as the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two entered a fourth day.

FIFA bans matches in Russia following Ukraine crisis, no flag or anthem for team

Over 75% people in the world want ban on single-use plastics as quickly as possible, found a global survey on Tuesday. &nbsp;

This comes as the members of the United Nations put together to begin talks on a world treaty to rein in plastic air pollution. &nbsp;

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The share of individuals, who are seeking ban has gone up from 71% since 2019. The people, who favoured merchandise with much less plastic packaging has increased to 82% from 75%. &nbsp;&nbsp;

More than 20,000 people in 28 nations participated in the IPSOS ballot. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Individuals worldwide have made their views clear. The onus and alternative are now on governments to undertake a world plastics treaty … so we are able to remove plastic air pollution,” said Marco Lambertini, WWF Worldwide’s director basic. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-species-of-crocodile-from-cretaceous-period-found-in-australia-say-scientists-453388" hreflang="en">New species of crocodile who preyed on a young dinosaur found in Australia, say scientists</a>

Around 90% people surveyed supported a treaty. But only time will tell if a deal can be made taking care of waste assortment, recycling, etc. It can also impose curbs on manufacturing and use of these plastics. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The IPSOS ballot also confirmed that 85% respondents globally want producers and retailers to be held accountable for decreasing, reusing and recycling plastic packaging. The figure is up from 80% earlier. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Over 75% people in the world want ban on single-use plastics as quickly as possible, found a global survey on Tuesday. This comes as the members of the United Nations put together to begin talks on a world treaty to rein in plastic air pollution.

Over 75% people in the world want ban on single-use plastics as quickly as possible, found a global survey on Tuesday. This comes as the members of the United Nations put together to begin talks on a world treaty to rein in plastic air pollution. Also Read: Evidence of first ear surgery found in 5,300-year-old skull, say archaeologists The share of individuals, who are seeking ban has gone up from 71% since 2019. The people, who favoured merchandise with much less plastic packaging has increased to 82% from 75%. More than 20,000 people in 28 nations participated in the IPSOS ballot. “Individuals worldwide have made their views clear. The onus and alternative are now on governments to undertake a world plastics treaty … so we are able to remove plastic air pollution,” said Marco Lambertini, WWF Worldwide’s director basic. Also Read: New species of crocodile who preyed on a young dinosaur found in Australia, say scientists Around 90% people surveyed supported a treaty. But only time will tell if a deal can be made taking care of waste assortment, recycling, etc. It can also impose curbs on manufacturing and use of these plastics. The IPSOS ballot also confirmed that 85% respondents globally want producers and retailers to be held accountable for decreasing, reusing and recycling plastic packaging. The figure is up from 80% earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

75% people worldwide want ban on single-use plastics, finds global survey

India has banned another 54 Chinese apps. Are these bans enough to hold China accountable? Or is there a want for more proactive measures? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: India bans 54 Chinese apps

The Indian government has reportedly issued orders to ban 54 Chinese apps citing privacy and national security concerns. Reports claim India's IT department has said the apps were transferring data to foreign countries including China and has reportedly directed Google Playstore to block it.

Citing a threat to security, Indian government bans more Chinese apps in India

The Swiss tobacco industry employs at least 11,000 people. However, 56% of people in Switzerland have voted to ban Tobacco advertisements.

56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements

&nbsp;The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man.

While many countries have long banned cigarette advertising, it has lived on in Switzerland, where loose regulations on the sale and marketing of tobacco products make the country an outlier in much of the Western world. The ads adorn billboards on city streets, are shown in movie theaters, and are ubiquitous at sports and cultural events like Montreux’s famed jazz festival.

But this weekend, much of that may start to fade away as Swiss voters decide whether to place restrictions on tobacco ads that would effectively ban them in public spaces.

The initiative, which is expected to pass in a referendum, according to polls conducted by Swiss media outlets, has been endorsed by health advocates who cite findings by bodies like the World Health Organization that the ads encourage young people to smoke and make it harder for smokers to quit.

“We want to protect young people and ensure tobacco prevention efforts are not undermined through advertising,” said Hans Stöckli, who is president of the committee behind the initiative.

The initiative has unsurprisingly been opposed by the tobacco industry, but also by the government, which has maintained unfashionably friendly relationships with tobacco companies that have set up regional and even global headquarters in Switzerland. A majority of members of Parliament have also come out against it. Many of them say jobs will be lost if the referendum passes, since cigarettes rank with chocolate and cheese as some of the country’s leading exports.

If voters approve the initiative, advertising for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, would no longer be allowed in places or on websites that are accessible to those under 18.

Even though it would not be a blanket ban, it would nonetheless represent a significant change. Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe that has not introduced a nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco-related products to minors. Although some parts of the country ban sales to children under the ages of 18 or 16, others have no minimum age, and in many places young people can be seen puffing away in public.

Switzerland has been unable to ratify the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, despite signing it in 2004, because of its insufficient restrictions on sponsorship and advertising. The United States has also not ratified the convention.

Stöckli said that even if voters approve the new legislation, Switzerland would still lag behind other countries on regulating tobacco. He said advocates had focused on protecting children and young people, instead of a blanket ban, to improve the chances of the law passing.

“It was a compromise,” he said, adding that he would keep pushing for tighter regulations and higher taxes on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine extracted from tobacco.

Switzerland has long courted multinational tobacco companies. Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco International have their international headquarters in the country, and British American Tobacco also has a strong presence. The sector employs about 4,500 people in Switzerland, according to the government, including in the production of high-tar cigarettes that are illegal to produce or sell in the European Union.

The referendum Sunday came out of a 2015 proposal by the Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive branch, for a Tobacco Products Act that would ban the sale of tobacco to minors nationwide and restrict advertising. Parliament eventually approved an amended bill that would leave most advertising intact.

In response to the weakening of the legislation, a group made up of more than 40 health organizations launched an initiative to make it tougher, and assembled the necessary signatures needed to put it to the voters.

If Swiss voters reject the initiative Sunday, the amended bill will come into effect without the broad restrictions on ads.

The initiative also includes restrictions on offering discounted or free tobacco products and on industry sponsorship of events that are accessible to minors.

Despite strong support from civil society organizations, the initiative has faced a lot of opposition from politicians in Switzerland.

Mike Egger, a member of the Swiss People’s Party and co-president of a group formed to encourage people to reject the initiative, said the proposed advertising restrictions were against Switzerland’s liberal values.

“The initiative calls for a ban on advertising a legal product,” he said.

Egger said that the harmful effects of smoking were well known in Switzerland, and that tobacco packaging already included warnings. Cigarette packs carry both written warnings and the gruesome pictures of diseased body parts that have become common in many countries.

“I trust that citizens can themselves decide whether they want to consume tobacco products or not, and there is no need for a superstate that regulates the sector more strongly,” he said.

Anti-smoking advocates have also accused the Federal Council of cozying up to the tobacco industry. They pointed to a statement in which the council said that the initiative was welcome from a public health perspective, but that it “had to weigh the public health interests against those of the economy” and supported limiting “advertising to an extent that is acceptable to the tobacco industry.”

In the statement, the council acknowledged that almost half of smokers started the habit as a minor, and that tobacco use was responsible for around 15% of the nation’s deaths.

Pascal Diethelm, an anti-tobacco campaigner and a proponent of the initiative, said the declaration by the Federal Council was shocking.

“This is smoking-gun proof that the government has put the tobacco control policy, which is a public health policy, under the tutelage of the tobacco industry,” he said.

“I don’t see any other country in the world which has done that,” said Diethelm, pointing to the council’s rejection of the initiative despite its acknowledgment that an advertising ban would not only benefit children, but also adults, and reduce the high costs associated with smoking.

Martin Kuonen, director of Swiss Cigarette, an association that includes Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco and British American Tobacco, said the tobacco industry was “fully in favor of the protection of minors” and agreed with the idea of setting a minimum age for buying its products.

But Kuonen said the tougher legislation proposed by the initiative went too far. “It is a de facto advertising ban,” he said, because children can potentially be exposed to advertisements anywhere. He said the industry strongly opposed this, as “adults will indirectly also be affected.”

Kuonen said that if the public votes in favor of the initiative, the tobacco companies “will have to think twice about whether they want to continue investing in Switzerland.”

But Diethelm said he doubted the industry would seriously consider uprooting and moving elsewhere.

“Where should they go?” he said. “I don’t see any decently governed country that would want them.”

The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man.

The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man. While many countries have long banned cigarette advertising, it has lived on in Switzerland, where loose regulations on the sale and marketing of tobacco products make the country an outlier in much of the Western world. The ads adorn billboards on city streets, are shown in movie theaters, and are ubiquitous at sports and cultural events like Montreux’s famed jazz festival. But this weekend, much of that may start to fade away as Swiss voters decide whether to place restrictions on tobacco ads that would effectively ban them in public spaces. The initiative, which is expected to pass in a referendum, according to polls conducted by Swiss media outlets, has been endorsed by health advocates who cite findings by bodies like the World Health Organization that the ads encourage young people to smoke and make it harder for smokers to quit. “We want to protect young people and ensure tobacco prevention efforts are not undermined through advertising,” said Hans Stöckli, who is president of the committee behind the initiative. The initiative has unsurprisingly been opposed by the tobacco industry, but also by the government, which has maintained unfashionably friendly relationships with tobacco companies that have set up regional and even global headquarters in Switzerland. A majority of members of Parliament have also come out against it. Many of them say jobs will be lost if the referendum passes, since cigarettes rank with chocolate and cheese as some of the country’s leading exports. If voters approve the initiative, advertising for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, would no longer be allowed in places or on websites that are accessible to those under 18. Even though it would not be a blanket ban, it would nonetheless represent a significant change. Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe that has not introduced a nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco-related products to minors. Although some parts of the country ban sales to children under the ages of 18 or 16, others have no minimum age, and in many places young people can be seen puffing away in public. Switzerland has been unable to ratify the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, despite signing it in 2004, because of its insufficient restrictions on sponsorship and advertising. The United States has also not ratified the convention. Stöckli said that even if voters approve the new legislation, Switzerland would still lag behind other countries on regulating tobacco. He said advocates had focused on protecting children and young people, instead of a blanket ban, to improve the chances of the law passing. “It was a compromise,” he said, adding that he would keep pushing for tighter regulations and higher taxes on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine extracted from tobacco. Switzerland has long courted multinational tobacco companies. Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco International have their international headquarters in the country, and British American Tobacco also has a strong presence. The sector employs about 4,500 people in Switzerland, according to the government, including in the production of high-tar cigarettes that are illegal to produce or sell in the European Union. The referendum Sunday came out of a 2015 proposal by the Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive branch, for a Tobacco Products Act that would ban the sale of tobacco to minors nationwide and restrict advertising. Parliament eventually approved an amended bill that would leave most advertising intact. In response to the weakening of the legislation, a group made up of more than 40 health organizations launched an initiative to make it tougher, and assembled the necessary signatures needed to put it to the voters. If Swiss voters reject the initiative Sunday, the amended bill will come into effect without the broad restrictions on ads. The initiative also includes restrictions on offering discounted or free tobacco products and on industry sponsorship of events that are accessible to minors. Despite strong support from civil society organizations, the initiative has faced a lot of opposition from politicians in Switzerland. Mike Egger, a member of the Swiss People’s Party and co-president of a group formed to encourage people to reject the initiative, said the proposed advertising restrictions were against Switzerland’s liberal values. “The initiative calls for a ban on advertising a legal product,” he said. Egger said that the harmful effects of smoking were well known in Switzerland, and that tobacco packaging already included warnings. Cigarette packs carry both written warnings and the gruesome pictures of diseased body parts that have become common in many countries. “I trust that citizens can themselves decide whether they want to consume tobacco products or not, and there is no need for a superstate that regulates the sector more strongly,” he said. Anti-smoking advocates have also accused the Federal Council of cozying up to the tobacco industry. They pointed to a statement in which the council said that the initiative was welcome from a public health perspective, but that it “had to weigh the public health interests against those of the economy” and supported limiting “advertising to an extent that is acceptable to the tobacco industry.” In the statement, the council acknowledged that almost half of smokers started the habit as a minor, and that tobacco use was responsible for around 15% of the nation’s deaths. Pascal Diethelm, an anti-tobacco campaigner and a proponent of the initiative, said the declaration by the Federal Council was shocking. “This is smoking-gun proof that the government has put the tobacco control policy, which is a public health policy, under the tutelage of the tobacco industry,” he said. “I don’t see any other country in the world which has done that,” said Diethelm, pointing to the council’s rejection of the initiative despite its acknowledgment that an advertising ban would not only benefit children, but also adults, and reduce the high costs associated with smoking. Martin Kuonen, director of Swiss Cigarette, an association that includes Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco and British American Tobacco, said the tobacco industry was “fully in favor of the protection of minors” and agreed with the idea of setting a minimum age for buying its products. But Kuonen said the tougher legislation proposed by the initiative went too far. “It is a de facto advertising ban,” he said, because children can potentially be exposed to advertisements anywhere. He said the industry strongly opposed this, as “adults will indirectly also be affected.” Kuonen said that if the public votes in favor of the initiative, the tobacco companies “will have to think twice about whether they want to continue investing in Switzerland.” But Diethelm said he doubted the industry would seriously consider uprooting and moving elsewhere. “Where should they go?” he said. “I don’t see any decently governed country that would want them.”

Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban

Protests erupted in the southern Indian state of Karnataka over some government colleges in the state not allowing female students entry for wearing Hijab. Now, the controversy spiralled after right-wing groups took the issue and raised objections to Muslim girls wearing hijabs in class.

India: Protests against Hijab ban in colleges intensify in Southern Indian state of Karnataka

To further limit Chinese influence over American consumers and businesses. US Federal Communications Commission has now revoked the license for Chinese telecom operator China Unicom.

US FCC revokes license for the Chinese telecom operator China Unicom over espionage fears

Maus, which is a Pulitzer prize-winning graphic novel about the holocaust, has been banned by a Tennessee school board in the US. This happened after a total of 10 board members unanimously agreed in favour of removing the novel from the curriculum, citing its use of phrases like “God Damn” and the image of a nude woman.

Director of school, Lee Parkison claimed that “There is some rough, objectionable language in this book." 
Parkison further said that after consulting with the attorney, it has been concluded that "the best way to fix or handle the language in this book was to redact it..to get rid of the eight curse words and the picture of the woman that was objected to.”

Board member, Jonathan Pierce said that the book did not meet his "standard."

Not every board member was in support of banning the book. An instructional supervisor and former history teacher Julie Goodin, and the federal programs supervisor Melasawn Knight backed the novel’s inclusion in the curriculum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mysterious-radio-waves-from-space-object-are-aliens-calling-448016">Also read |&nbsp;Mysterious radio waves from space object. Are aliens calling?</a>

Knight, in a report by The Guardian, is quoted as saying, "I think any time you are teaching something from history, people did hang from trees, people did commit suicide and people were killed, over six million were murdered. I think the author is portraying that because it is a true story about his father that lived through that."

The move comes at a time when most conservative groups across the US are taking initiatives to ban books that are focussed on works that address race, LGBTQ issues or marginalised communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maus, which is a Pulitzer prize-winning graphic novel about the holocaust, has been banned by a Tennessee school board in the US. This happened after a total of 10 board members unanimously agreed in favour of removing the novel from the curriculum, citing its use of phrases like “God Damn” and the image of a nude woman.

Maus, which is a Pulitzer prize-winning graphic novel about the holocaust, has been banned by a Tennessee school board in the US. This happened after a total of 10 board members unanimously agreed in favour of removing the novel from the curriculum, citing its use of phrases like “God Damn” and the image of a nude woman. Director of school, Lee Parkison claimed that “There is some rough, objectionable language in this book." Parkison further said that after consulting with the attorney, it has been concluded that "the best way to fix or handle the language in this book was to redact it..to get rid of the eight curse words and the picture of the woman that was objected to.” Board member, Jonathan Pierce said that the book did not meet his "standard." Not every board member was in support of banning the book. An instructional supervisor and former history teacher Julie Goodin, and the federal programs supervisor Melasawn Knight backed the novel’s inclusion in the curriculum. Also read | Mysterious radio waves from space object. Are aliens calling? Knight, in a report by The Guardian, is quoted as saying, "I think any time you are teaching something from history, people did hang from trees, people did commit suicide and people were killed, over six million were murdered. I think the author is portraying that because it is a true story about his father that lived through that." The move comes at a time when most conservative groups across the US are taking initiatives to ban books that are focussed on works that address race, LGBTQ issues or marginalised communities. (With inputs from agencies)

This is why a US-based school board has banned Pulitzer prize-winning Holocaust novel

Even after a surge in Omicron cases, the World Health Organisation has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries. "The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron variant to limit the international spread of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time. Travel measures should be based on risk assessments and avoid placing the financial burden on international travellers in accordance with Article 40 of the IHR," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

It further said that the state parties should consider a risk-based approach to the "facilitation of international travel by lifting or modifying measures, such as testing and/or quarantine requirements, when appropriate."

Apart from this, the committee praised South Africa for their rapid identification of the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had earlier warned global leaders that the Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that the Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-approves-baltic-request-to-send-us-made-weapons-to-ukraine-446173">Also read |&nbsp;USA approves Baltic request to send US-made weapons to Ukraine</a>

“Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said.&nbsp;

He further added, "Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives."

He also cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even after a surge in Omicron cases, the World Health Organisation has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries. "The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron variant to limit the international spread of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time.

Even after a surge in Omicron cases, the World Health Organisation has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries. "The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron variant to limit the international spread of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time. Travel measures should be based on risk assessments and avoid placing the financial burden on international travellers in accordance with Article 40 of the IHR," it said in a statement. It further said that the state parties should consider a risk-based approach to the "facilitation of international travel by lifting or modifying measures, such as testing and/or quarantine requirements, when appropriate." Apart from this, the committee praised South Africa for their rapid identification of the Omicron variant. Meanwhile, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had earlier warned global leaders that the Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that the Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over. Also read | USA approves Baltic request to send US-made weapons to Ukraine “Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said. He further added, "Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives." He also cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO urges countries to lift travel bans and not ask for vaccination proof for entry

Nigerians will once again have access to the microblogging platform Twitter after the government finally decided to lift a ban on Twitter that was imposed last year in June.

Nigerian government lifts the ban on microblogging platform Twitter that was imposed last year

European country Kosovo is facing the worst energy crisis in a decade. Kosovo has introduced a ban on cryptocurrency mining. The Kosovo government said all law enforcement agencies will stop the production of crypto activity.

Kosovo has introduced a ban on cryptocurrency mining amid worst energy crisis in a decade

A new law has now come into effect in Ukraine which will effectively ban access for Russian ships in Ukrainian administered waters. According to this new law, the Russian-owned cargo and passenger vessels will be banned from accessing Ukrainian rivers and reservoirs.

Russia, Ukraine tensions continue with Ukraine banning access for Russian ships on its waters

Ukraine effectively bans access for Russian ships in Ukrainian administered waters

Chinese footballers now have a bizarre mandate to follow no tattoos. Beijing has banned footballers playing for the national team from getting inked.

China bans footballers playing for the national team from getting tattoos

In a move to push back against china's Uyghur abuse, US President Joe Biden has signed a law virtually banning all imports from the Chinese region of Xinjiang.

Joe Biden signs the 'Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act' to ban all imports from China's Xinjiang

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