Row over Pheran Ban in Kashmir

The Supreme Court-appointed EPCA on Monday warned that if the air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate then it would impose a complete ban on the use of non-CNG private as well as commercial vehicles.

Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) Chairman Bhure Lal, in a letter to chief secretary of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh said the vehicle sticker has not been implemented and without this it is not possible to distinguish between diesel and other fuelled vehicles.

"In the scenario that the weather remains adverse and that the current situation of air quality remains in 'very poor' or 'severe category' then there is no option but to direct for a complete stop on the use of private and commercial vehicles other than those plying on CNG so that pollution can be contained," Lal said in the letter.

"However, CNG vehicles have stickers and also it is understood that all public transport vehicles are fuelled by CNG. In this situation, these vehicles will be available for movement," he said.

This is the second time Lal has raised the issue of pollution by vehicles. 
On October 31, he had proposed banning all private vehicles but this time he went ahead and proposed ban on all non-CNG private and commercial vehicles.

The comments came amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital which is battling alarming levels of pollution due to local emissions land regional factors.

Presently, Delhi's air quality is oscillating between very poor and severe category.

The Supreme Court-appointed EPCA on Monday warned that if the air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate then it would impose a complete ban on the use of non-CNG private as well as commercial vehicles.

The Supreme Court-appointed EPCA on Monday warned that if the air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate then it would impose a complete ban on the use of non-CNG private as well as commercial vehicles. Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) Chairman Bhure Lal, in a letter to chief secretary of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh said the vehicle sticker has not been implemented and without this it is not possible to distinguish between diesel and other fuelled vehicles. "In the scenario that the weather remains adverse and that the current situation of air quality remains in 'very poor' or 'severe category' then there is no option but to direct for a complete stop on the use of private and commercial vehicles other than those plying on CNG so that pollution can be contained," Lal said in the letter. "However, CNG vehicles have stickers and also it is understood that all public transport vehicles are fuelled by CNG. In this situation, these vehicles will be available for movement," he said. This is the second time Lal has raised the issue of pollution by vehicles. On October 31, he had proposed banning all private vehicles but this time he went ahead and proposed ban on all non-CNG private and commercial vehicles. The comments came amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital which is battling alarming levels of pollution due to local emissions land regional factors. Presently, Delhi's air quality is oscillating between very poor and severe category.

Complete ban on use of non-CNG private, commercial vehicles if air quality deteriorates: EPCA

Sri Lanka on Wednesday promised to revoke a rogue bikini ban raising eyebrows at a popular seaside resort, as the authorities urged tourists to wear what they want at the beach.

The signs erected by local police at Habaraduwa Beach, about 130 kilometres (81 miles) south of the capital Colombo, depicted a pair of western women in bikinis crossed out with a red "X".

"According to Sri Lankan culture, please dress in an appropriate suit," it stated, declaring bikinis "improper".

A police official in Colombo said local law enforcers had not sought approval for the signs, which stirred controversy after going viral on social media.

Sri Lanka does not allow visitors in revealing clothing -- including men in shorts -- to visit Buddhist temples and other religious sites, but beaches are generally more relaxed.

Tourism authorities said visitors to the island's famed coastline had nothing to worry about, and steps were being taken to remove the signs.

"Dress code policing is unneeded and unwarranted for tourists enjoying the scenic beaches of Sri Lanka," the Tourism Development Authority said.

Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority island popular with tourists, has criticised foreigners in the past for offending moral tastes.

Foreigners with clothing, tattoos or jewellery depicting the Buddha have seen tourists deported from the island for "hurting the sensibilities" of Sri Lankans.

Last month, three Sri Lankan men landed in hot water after exposing their bottoms near a Buddhist temple as part of a social media challenge and posting the images online.

They were tracked down and charged with offending Buddhist sentiments.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday promised to revoke a rogue bikini ban raising eyebrows at a popular seaside resort, as the authorities urged tourists to wear what they want at the beach.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday promised to revoke a rogue bikini ban raising eyebrows at a popular seaside resort, as the authorities urged tourists to wear what they want at the beach. The signs erected by local police at Habaraduwa Beach, about 130 kilometres (81 miles) south of the capital Colombo, depicted a pair of western women in bikinis crossed out with a red "X". "According to Sri Lankan culture, please dress in an appropriate suit," it stated, declaring bikinis "improper". A police official in Colombo said local law enforcers had not sought approval for the signs, which stirred controversy after going viral on social media. Sri Lanka does not allow visitors in revealing clothing -- including men in shorts -- to visit Buddhist temples and other religious sites, but beaches are generally more relaxed. Tourism authorities said visitors to the island's famed coastline had nothing to worry about, and steps were being taken to remove the signs. "Dress code policing is unneeded and unwarranted for tourists enjoying the scenic beaches of Sri Lanka," the Tourism Development Authority said. Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority island popular with tourists, has criticised foreigners in the past for offending moral tastes. Foreigners with clothing, tattoos or jewellery depicting the Buddha have seen tourists deported from the island for "hurting the sensibilities" of Sri Lankans. Last month, three Sri Lankan men landed in hot water after exposing their bottoms near a Buddhist temple as part of a social media challenge and posting the images online. They were tracked down and charged with offending Buddhist sentiments.

Nothing to see here: Sri Lanka to revoke rogue bikini ban

A ban on older diesel vehicles is the only way to bring pollution down to within permitted limits, a judge in Berlin said on Tuesday, signalling he may rule in favour of a diesel driving ban in parts of the German capital.

Judge Ulrich Marticke made his comments in court ahead of a ruling expected later in the day.

While he said the level of harmful nitrogen dioxide in the air was declining, he added there was no reasonable doubt that a ban on older diesel vehicles was the only way to cut pollution to permitted limits.

The case was brought against the city-state by environmental lobby group DUH, which wants Berlin to reduce air pollution by banning diesel vehicles up to the Euro 4 standard from the end of 2018 and for Euro 5 standard cars from September 2019. The latest standard is Euro 6.

Local broadcaster rbb reported on Friday that Berlin authorities were looking at imposing driving bans on older diesel cars on 20 streets, including major routes in the city.

Volkswagen's admission in 2015 that it cheated US diesel emissions tests led to the discovery that diesel vehicles from several manufacturers routinely exceed pollution limits in normal driving conditions, prompting a regulatory crackdown.

Environmental groups have been encouraged by a federal court ruling in February that allowed cities to ban older diesel cars.

A ban is due to take effect in Frankfurt, Germany's financial capital, from February. The city of Hamburg this year voluntarily blocked diesel models that fail to meet the Euro-6 emissions standard from selected trunk roads.

A ban on older diesel vehicles is the only way to bring pollution down to within permitted limits, a judge in Berlin said on Tuesday, signalling he may rule in favour of a diesel driving ban in parts of the German capital.

A ban on older diesel vehicles is the only way to bring pollution down to within permitted limits, a judge in Berlin said on Tuesday, signalling he may rule in favour of a diesel driving ban in parts of the German capital. Judge Ulrich Marticke made his comments in court ahead of a ruling expected later in the day. While he said the level of harmful nitrogen dioxide in the air was declining, he added there was no reasonable doubt that a ban on older diesel vehicles was the only way to cut pollution to permitted limits. The case was brought against the city-state by environmental lobby group DUH, which wants Berlin to reduce air pollution by banning diesel vehicles up to the Euro 4 standard from the end of 2018 and for Euro 5 standard cars from September 2019. The latest standard is Euro 6. Local broadcaster rbb reported on Friday that Berlin authorities were looking at imposing driving bans on older diesel cars on 20 streets, including major routes in the city. Volkswagen's admission in 2015 that it cheated US diesel emissions tests led to the discovery that diesel vehicles from several manufacturers routinely exceed pollution limits in normal driving conditions, prompting a regulatory crackdown. Environmental groups have been encouraged by a federal court ruling in February that allowed cities to ban older diesel cars. A ban is due to take effect in Frankfurt, Germany's financial capital, from February. The city of Hamburg this year voluntarily blocked diesel models that fail to meet the Euro-6 emissions standard from selected trunk roads.

Diesel ban only way to cut pollution: Berlin

China on Saturday warned foreign countries not to "interfere" over Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist, after the UK and other governments expressed alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony.

Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, earned the ire of authorities for hosting a speech in August by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party.

The FT said Friday that immigration authorities in Hong Kong had declined to renew Mallet's visa, prompting the UK to request an "urgent explanation" for a decision described as unprecedented by rights groups and media organisations.

"The Central Government firmly supports the SAR (Hong Kong) Government in handling the related matters in accordance with law," a spokesperson at China's foreign ministry in Hong Kong said.

"No foreign country has any right to interfere."

In a strident speech at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where Mallet serves as vice president, Chan attacked China as an empire trying to "annex" and "destroy" Hong Kong.

China's foreign ministry had asked the club to pull the talk, but the FCC refused, arguing that all sides of a debate should be heard.

Rival protesters picketed the lunchtime event and the city's former leader Leung Chun-ying called for the club to be evicted from its government-owned premises.

"We have asked the Hong Kong government for an urgent explanation," the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement addressing the visa denial.&nbsp;

"Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and its press freedoms are central to its way of life, and must be fully respected."

'Disturbing'&nbsp;

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of expression, which are protected in the city's Basic Law and the handover agreement between China and Britain.

But the space for dissent is shrinking as Beijing flexes its muscles.

Hong Kong authorities last week banned Chan's Hong Kong National Party, calling it a threat to national security.

It was the first ban on a political party since the territory reverted to Chinese control in 1997.

The US consulate said Mallet's visa denial was "especially disturbing".

"It mirrors problems faced by international journalists in the Mainland and appears inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Basic Law," US consulate general spokesman Harvey Sernovitz told AFP.

Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten said the move was a "serious blow against free speech" as well as defying the promise of a high degree of autonomy made to the city when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.&nbsp;

"The Hong Kong and Beijing authorities should think again and fast," Patten told AFP.

A handful of demonstrators rallied outside Hong Kong's immigration department on Saturday morning to protest the decision.&nbsp;

"No political red line. We support free press," protesters chanted as they shredded a strip of red fabric to create a long ribbon.

The slogan was in response to comments by Hong Kong's former leader Leung Chun-ying -- whose administration faced down major youth-led democracy protests in 2014 -- that discussion of Hong Kong independence "is an absolute and clear red line".

The decision to deny Mallet a new visa was welcomed by pro-Beijing media in the city, however.

A commentary in the Ta Kung Pao newspaper said the veteran journalist had to "pay the price" for giving exposure to Hong Kong's fringe independence movement, and said authorities may still act to evict the FCC from the premises it has occupied since 1982.

China on Saturday warned foreign countries not to "interfere" over Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist, after the UK and other governments expressed alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony.

China on Saturday warned foreign countries not to "interfere" over Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist, after the UK and other governments expressed alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony. Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, earned the ire of authorities for hosting a speech in August by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party. The FT said Friday that immigration authorities in Hong Kong had declined to renew Mallet's visa, prompting the UK to request an "urgent explanation" for a decision described as unprecedented by rights groups and media organisations. "The Central Government firmly supports the SAR (Hong Kong) Government in handling the related matters in accordance with law," a spokesperson at China's foreign ministry in Hong Kong said. "No foreign country has any right to interfere." In a strident speech at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where Mallet serves as vice president, Chan attacked China as an empire trying to "annex" and "destroy" Hong Kong. China's foreign ministry had asked the club to pull the talk, but the FCC refused, arguing that all sides of a debate should be heard. Rival protesters picketed the lunchtime event and the city's former leader Leung Chun-ying called for the club to be evicted from its government-owned premises. "We have asked the Hong Kong government for an urgent explanation," the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement addressing the visa denial. "Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and its press freedoms are central to its way of life, and must be fully respected." 'Disturbing' Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of expression, which are protected in the city's Basic Law and the handover agreement between China and Britain. But the space for dissent is shrinking as Beijing flexes its muscles. Hong Kong authorities last week banned Chan's Hong Kong National Party, calling it a threat to national security. It was the first ban on a political party since the territory reverted to Chinese control in 1997. The US consulate said Mallet's visa denial was "especially disturbing". "It mirrors problems faced by international journalists in the Mainland and appears inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Basic Law," US consulate general spokesman Harvey Sernovitz told AFP. Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten said the move was a "serious blow against free speech" as well as defying the promise of a high degree of autonomy made to the city when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997. "The Hong Kong and Beijing authorities should think again and fast," Patten told AFP. A handful of demonstrators rallied outside Hong Kong's immigration department on Saturday morning to protest the decision. "No political red line. We support free press," protesters chanted as they shredded a strip of red fabric to create a long ribbon. The slogan was in response to comments by Hong Kong's former leader Leung Chun-ying -- whose administration faced down major youth-led democracy protests in 2014 -- that discussion of Hong Kong independence "is an absolute and clear red line". The decision to deny Mallet a new visa was welcomed by pro-Beijing media in the city, however. A commentary in the Ta Kung Pao newspaper said the veteran journalist had to "pay the price" for giving exposure to Hong Kong's fringe independence movement, and said authorities may still act to evict the FCC from the premises it has occupied since 1982.

China warns against foreign interference as Hong Kong bans journalist

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Sunday clarified that they have not written any letter to the Center to facilitate introducing a ban on khaini, consumption of which causes a number of serious ailments.

Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government has written to the Ministry of health requesting it to bring&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;under the list of food products. Once it has been notified as a food product by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the government will have the power to impose a ban on it on health grounds. 
 
The consumption of&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;is responsible for a number of serious ailments, including mouth cancer and ailments affecting the lungs and the cardio-vascular system, the state's principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar said.

The Health Minister further appealed to the people of the state to stop the consumption of gutkha and khaini.

According to a recent media report, the state government wrote to the Union Health Ministry, urging it to notify khaini as a food product. Upon notification, the state government can ban the product on health grounds.

According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act, any food product which has the presence of tobacco and nicotine in it, has to be banned.

According to the World Health Organisation's Global Adult Tobacco Survey,&nbsp;khaini&nbsp;consumers formed 20 per cent of the total population in 2016-17.

Two years earlier, the Bihar government had banned the sale and consumption of liquor in the state.&nbsp;

Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Sunday clarified that they have not written any letter to the Center to facilitate introducing a ban on khaini, consumption of which causes a number of serious ailments. Pandey said they are against the consumption of gutkha and khaini, found to be the major causes of mouth cancer, but have not asked the Centre for its prohibition. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government has written to the Ministry of health requesting it to bring khaini under the list of food products. Once it has been notified as a food product by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the government will have the power to impose a ban on it on health grounds. The consumption of khaini is responsible for a number of serious ailments, including mouth cancer and ailments affecting the lungs and the cardio-vascular system, the state's principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar said. The Health Minister further appealed to the people of the state to stop the consumption of gutkha and khaini. According to a recent media report, the state government wrote to the Union Health Ministry, urging it to notify khaini as a food product. Upon notification, the state government can ban the product on health grounds. According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act, any food product which has the presence of tobacco and nicotine in it, has to be banned. According to the World Health Organisation's Global Adult Tobacco Survey, khaini consumers formed 20 per cent of the total population in 2016-17. Two years earlier, the Bihar government had banned the sale and consumption of liquor in the state.

Khaini not to be banned in Bihar, says Health Minister

Denmark&nbsphas banned the wearing of face veils in public, joining France and other parts of Europe in outlawing the burqa and the niqab worn by some Muslim women.

Parliament voted on Thursday for the law proposed by the centre-right government which said face veils were contrary to Danish values. Opponents say the ban, that comes into effect on August, 1 infringes women's right to dress as they choose.

Justice Minister Soren Pape Poulsen said police would not order offenders to remove their veils, but would fine them and tell them to go home.

Fines will range from 1,000 Danish crowns ($160) for a first offence to 10,000 crowns for the fourth violation.

France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and the German state of Bavaria have all imposed some restrictions on full-face veils in public places.

Justice Minister Pape Poulsen, head of the conservative party in a government backed by the nationalist Danish People's Party, said when the bill was proposed in February: "It is incompatible with the values of the Danish society or the respect for the community to keep the face hidden when meeting each other in the public space."

Zainab Ibn Hssain, who lives in Copenhagen and has been wearing the niqab for the last year, told Reuters: "It's not nice. It will mean that I won't be able to go to school, go to work or go out with my family.

"But I won't take my niqab off so I have to find another solution," the 20 year-old added.

Human rights group Amnesty International called the ban "a discriminatory violation of women's rights".

"All women should be free to dress as they please and to wear clothing that expresses their identity or beliefs," it said.

Parliament voted on Thursday for the law proposed by the centre-right government which said face veils were contrary to Danish values. Opponents say the ban, that comes into effect on Aug, 1 infringes women's right to dress as they choose

Denmark&nbsphas banned the wearing of face veils in public, joining France and other parts of Europe in outlawing the burqa and the niqab worn by some Muslim women. Parliament voted on Thursday for the law proposed by the centre-right government which said face veils were contrary to Danish values. Opponents say the ban, that comes into effect on August, 1 infringes women's right to dress as they choose. Justice Minister Soren Pape Poulsen said police would not order offenders to remove their veils, but would fine them and tell them to go home. Fines will range from 1,000 Danish crowns ($160) for a first offence to 10,000 crowns for the fourth violation. France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and the German state of Bavaria have all imposed some restrictions on full-face veils in public places. Justice Minister Pape Poulsen, head of the conservative party in a government backed by the nationalist Danish People's Party, said when the bill was proposed in February: "It is incompatible with the values of the Danish society or the respect for the community to keep the face hidden when meeting each other in the public space." Zainab Ibn Hssain, who lives in Copenhagen and has been wearing the niqab for the last year, told Reuters: "It's not nice. It will mean that I won't be able to go to school, go to work or go out with my family. "But I won't take my niqab off so I have to find another solution," the 20 year-old added. Human rights group Amnesty International called the ban "a discriminatory violation of women's rights". "All women should be free to dress as they please and to wear clothing that expresses their identity or beliefs," it said.

Denmark bans the wearing of face veils in public

David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will return to competitive cricket from the month of July for the NT Strike League,&nbsp;Darwin. Former vice-captain of Australia, David Warner is serving a ban of 12 months and Bancroft was handed out nine-month suspension over a ball-tampering scandal in March 2017 while playing against South Africa but both the batsmen were allowed to play the domestic tournaments worldwide.

However, Bancroft is available for the entire tournament but David Warner will play only two 50-over matches on July 21 and 22.

NT Strike League is a month-long limited-overs tournament which is comprised of T20 and one-day event that features four franchises - Desert Blaze, City Cyclones, Northern Tide and Southern Storm.

"We're delighted that Cameron and David will be joining us in Darwin for the Strike League," said Northern Territory Cricket chief Joel Morrison in a statement.

"Their presence and experience will be invaluable for our local players."In a statement, David Warner said, "I'm really looking forward to playing in the Strike League in July"

"I heard so much about the competition while I was in Darwin earlier this month that I'm keen to be part of it," he added.

Along with Warner and Bancroft, former skipper Steve Smith was also banned for 12 months for his involvement in the ball-tampering saga.

All the three players are working to rebuild their careers as Steve Smith too set to make his return at an inaugural Global T20 Canada event in Toronto from June 28-July 15.

David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will feature in the NT Strike League in Darwin

David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will return to competitive cricket from the month of July for the NT Strike League, Darwin. Former vice-captain of Australia, David Warner is serving a ban of 12 months and Bancroft was handed out nine-month suspension over a ball-tampering scandal in March 2017 while playing against South Africa but both the batsmen were allowed to play the domestic tournaments worldwide. However, Bancroft is available for the entire tournament but David Warner will play only two 50-over matches on July 21 and 22. NT Strike League is a month-long limited-overs tournament which is comprised of T20 and one-day event that features four franchises - Desert Blaze, City Cyclones, Northern Tide and Southern Storm. "We're delighted that Cameron and David will be joining us in Darwin for the Strike League," said Northern Territory Cricket chief Joel Morrison in a statement. "Their presence and experience will be invaluable for our local players."In a statement, David Warner said, "I'm really looking forward to playing in the Strike League in July" "I heard so much about the competition while I was in Darwin earlier this month that I'm keen to be part of it," he added. Along with Warner and Bancroft, former skipper Steve Smith was also banned for 12 months for his involvement in the ball-tampering saga. All the three players are working to rebuild their careers as Steve Smith too set to make his return at an inaugural Global T20 Canada event in Toronto from June 28-July 15.

David Warner, Cameron Bancroft to return to competitive cricket in July

The European Union on Monday presented a directive aimed at curbing the use of plastic in cities and oceans by banning several single-use plastic products, found mostly on beaches.&nbsp

Single-use plastic products such as straws, cutlery, cotton buds will be banned while urging the collection of most plastic drinks bottles by 2025.

The commission vice president said that the products won't be off the market but will be made by different materials. The commissioners have warned that if nothing is done, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050.

"Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem," EU First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said.

"Today's proposals will reduce single-use plastics on our supermarket shelves through a range of measures," Timmermans added.

Member states must reduce the use of plastic food containers and drinks cups, by promoting alternatives for sale or ensuring they are not offered free.

Under the plan, producers must contribute to the costs of waste management and will be offered incentives to develop less polluting alternatives.

For example, it calls for producers of plastic fishing gear to cover the cost of waste collection from port reception facilities.

The plan calls for producers to clearly label products and inform consumers how the waste should be disposed of.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said businesses will benefit from one set of rules for an EU market of around 500 million people. 
&nbsp

Single-use plastic products such as straws, cutlery, cotton buds will be banned while urging the collection of most plastic drinks bottles by 2025

The European Union on Monday presented a directive aimed at curbing the use of plastic in cities and oceans by banning several single-use plastic products, found mostly on beaches. Single-use plastic products such as straws, cutlery, cotton buds will be banned while urging the collection of most plastic drinks bottles by 2025. The commission vice president said that the products won't be off the market but will be made by different materials. The commissioners have warned that if nothing is done, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050. "Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem," EU First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said. "Today's proposals will reduce single-use plastics on our supermarket shelves through a range of measures," Timmermans added. Member states must reduce the use of plastic food containers and drinks cups, by promoting alternatives for sale or ensuring they are not offered free. Under the plan, producers must contribute to the costs of waste management and will be offered incentives to develop less polluting alternatives. For example, it calls for producers of plastic fishing gear to cover the cost of waste collection from port reception facilities. The plan calls for producers to clearly label products and inform consumers how the waste should be disposed of. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said businesses will benefit from one set of rules for an EU market of around 500 million people.

European Union proposes ban on single-use plastic products

Egypt's top administrative on Saturday directed that the regulators must block the video file-sharing site YouTube for one month over a video that denigrates the Prophet Mohammad.&nbsp

The ruling is considered final and cannot be appealed.

Mohamed Hamid Salem, an Egyptian lawyer filed a lawsuit against YouTube for publishing the low-budget 13-minute video.

The ministry at the time said it would be impossible to enforce the ruling without also disrupting Google’s Internet search engine, incurring potentially huge costs and job losses in the Arab world’s most populous country.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was not immediately available for comment. YouTube appeared to be working in Egypt on Saturday as of 1250 GMT (8.50 a.m ET).

The film “Innocence of Muslims”, a low-budget 13-minute video, was billed as a film trailer and made in California with private funding. It provoked a wave of anti-American unrest in Egypt and other Muslim countries when it appeared in 2012.

Since May 2017, an anonymous authority in Egypt has been banning hundreds of websites, including News websites, citing links to terrorism. The banning measure has received severe backlash from rights organizations including the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE) and international bodies.

Mohamed Hamid Salem, an Egyptian lawyer filed a lawsuit against YouTube for publishing the low-budget 13-minute video

Egypt's top administrative on Saturday directed that the regulators must block the video file-sharing site YouTube for one month over a video that denigrates the Prophet Mohammad. The ruling is considered final and cannot be appealed. Mohamed Hamid Salem, an Egyptian lawyer filed a lawsuit against YouTube for publishing the low-budget 13-minute video. The ministry at the time said it would be impossible to enforce the ruling without also disrupting Google’s Internet search engine, incurring potentially huge costs and job losses in the Arab world’s most populous country. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was not immediately available for comment. YouTube appeared to be working in Egypt on Saturday as of 1250 GMT (8.50 a.m ET). The film “Innocence of Muslims”, a low-budget 13-minute video, was billed as a film trailer and made in California with private funding. It provoked a wave of anti-American unrest in Egypt and other Muslim countries when it appeared in 2012. Since May 2017, an anonymous authority in Egypt has been banning hundreds of websites, including News websites, citing links to terrorism. The banning measure has received severe backlash from rights organizations including the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE) and international bodies.

YouTube temporarily banned in Egypt after video denigrates Prophet Mohammad

The Government of Pakistan has called for a temporary ban on the exhibition and screening of Indian films during Eid holidays next month.&nbsp

Indian films will be banned from two days before the Eid to until two weeks after the holidays, a notification issued by Pakistan's ministry of information and broadcasting noted.&nbsp

According to the officials, the move is an outcome of the requests received by the Pakistani film exhibitors, distributors and production houses.

"The notification says that the temporary ban is being imposed in order to promote local movies on the festivals, a time when usual than the larger audience is attracted towards cinemas," an official from the Pakistan Film Exhibitors' Association noted.

According to reports, the notification would also be applicable for the Eid-ul-Adha holidays that will fall around late August or September.

Pakistani film producers and artists have been facing stiff completion from the Indian and Hollywood movies. The limited number of screens in the country does not facilitate good business for most distributors and filmmakers in Pakistan.

Eid is also the time when a number of new Pakistani films are usually due for a release.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp

The exhibition and screening of Indian and foreign films will be banned from two days before the Eid to until two weeks after the holidays

The Government of Pakistan has called for a temporary ban on the exhibition and screening of Indian films during Eid holidays next month. Indian films will be banned from two days before the Eid to until two weeks after the holidays, a notification issued by Pakistan's ministry of information and broadcasting noted. According to the officials, the move is an outcome of the requests received by the Pakistani film exhibitors, distributors and production houses. "The notification says that the temporary ban is being imposed in order to promote local movies on the festivals, a time when usual than the larger audience is attracted towards cinemas," an official from the Pakistan Film Exhibitors' Association noted. According to reports, the notification would also be applicable for the Eid-ul-Adha holidays that will fall around late August or September. Pakistani film producers and artists have been facing stiff completion from the Indian and Hollywood movies. The limited number of screens in the country does not facilitate good business for most distributors and filmmakers in Pakistan. Eid is also the time when a number of new Pakistani films are usually due for a release. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan temporarily bans Indian films during Eid

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today rejected the demand for revoking the ban on plastic items, which came into effect from March 18.

He said the government was willing to address genuine concerns of the plastic manufacturing industry.

Fadnavis said a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam would be directed to engage with plastic industry stake-holders to find a working solution.

The chief minister said?discussions had been held with the plastic industry stake-holders in the last six months and more engagement would be done to ensure they do not suffer because of the ban.

The demand for reconsideration of the ban was made by some MLAs during a debate on the Opposition-sponsored last week motion on the last day of the Budget session.

Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil (Congress) said?the government should ensure that plastic manufacturers don't get affected since the industry is the generator of jobs.

The state government implemented its ambitious plan to ban almost all plastic carry bags and single-use plastic, such as disposable plates and cutlery, food packaging and other items.

The government has proposed fines of Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 for the first three offences, with the maximum punishment for violation of the ban being a three-month jail term.

To a question, Fadnavis said the state government would fill 72,000 posts in various departments in the next two years.

"A total of 14000 posts will be filled in Home department, 1500 in Urban Development department. The government will fill 2572 posts in agriculture department," he said.

Recently, unemployed youths had held protests against non-fulfillment of government posts.

Fadnavis also justified the reappointment of senior bureaucrat Radheshyam Mopalwar as the vice-chairman and managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) last month.

The chief minister cited a GR (Government Resolution), dated February 9, 2000, on whose basis former bureaucrat R C Sinha was reappointed by the erstwhile Congress-NCP government.&nbsp

He said the government was willing to address genuine concerns of the plastic manufacturing industry

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today rejected the demand for revoking the ban on plastic items, which came into effect from March 18. He said the government was willing to address genuine concerns of the plastic manufacturing industry. Fadnavis said a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam would be directed to engage with plastic industry stake-holders to find a working solution. The chief minister said?discussions had been held with the plastic industry stake-holders in the last six months and more engagement would be done to ensure they do not suffer because of the ban. The demand for reconsideration of the ban was made by some MLAs during a debate on the Opposition-sponsored last week motion on the last day of the Budget session. Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil (Congress) said?the government should ensure that plastic manufacturers don't get affected since the industry is the generator of jobs. The state government implemented its ambitious plan to ban almost all plastic carry bags and single-use plastic, such as disposable plates and cutlery, food packaging and other items. The government has proposed fines of Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 for the first three offences, with the maximum punishment for violation of the ban being a three-month jail term. To a question, Fadnavis said the state government would fill 72,000 posts in various departments in the next two years. "A total of 14000 posts will be filled in Home department, 1500 in Urban Development department. The government will fill 2572 posts in agriculture department," he said. Recently, unemployed youths had held protests against non-fulfillment of government posts. Fadnavis also justified the reappointment of senior bureaucrat Radheshyam Mopalwar as the vice-chairman and managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) last month. The chief minister cited a GR (Government Resolution), dated February 9, 2000, on whose basis former bureaucrat R C Sinha was reappointed by the erstwhile Congress-NCP government.

Maharashtra CM rejects demand for revoking ban on plastic items

Maharashtra government has moved to ban hookah in the state. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat tabled a Bill -- Amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act.&nbsp

The bill proposes to check and disallow opening or running hookah bars across the state. Hookah sale will not be allowed at eating joints as well.&nbsp

The bill describes hookah bars as “establishments where people gather to smoke tobacco from a community hookah or a narghile provided individually.”

However, the bill does not propose a ban on smoking hookah at home or at designated areas similar to cigarette smoking zones where food or beverage is not permitted.

Meanwhile, Punjab government also decided to impose a permanent ban on hookah bars in the state. The government decided not to issue temporary orders against hookah serving bars every two months.

Punjab cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, approved an amendment to the Cigarette & Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, for prevention & control of diseases caused by the use of tobacco products.

The amendment would be proposed in the Vidhan Sabha and later forwarded for the President's assent if passed by the House.&nbsp

Hookah sale will not be allowed at eating joints

Maharashtra government has moved to ban hookah in the state. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat tabled a Bill -- Amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act. The bill proposes to check and disallow opening or running hookah bars across the state. Hookah sale will not be allowed at eating joints as well. The bill describes hookah bars as “establishments where people gather to smoke tobacco from a community hookah or a narghile provided individually.” However, the bill does not propose a ban on smoking hookah at home or at designated areas similar to cigarette smoking zones where food or beverage is not permitted. Meanwhile, Punjab government also decided to impose a permanent ban on hookah bars in the state. The government decided not to issue temporary orders against hookah serving bars every two months. Punjab cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, approved an amendment to the Cigarette & Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, for prevention & control of diseases caused by the use of tobacco products. The amendment would be proposed in the Vidhan Sabha and later forwarded for the President's assent if passed by the House.

Maharashtra tables bill to ban hookah bars across state

Australian captain Steve Smith has criticised the decision to overturn a ban on South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for making physical contact with him.

Smith said ahead of Wednesday&#39;s pre-Test press conference that a &quot;line in the sand&quot; had been drawn regarding physical contact and said he was surprised he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing.

Having been banned for the remaining two Tests in the series for brushing against Smith&#39;s shoulder after taking his wicket in the second Test, Rabada was cleared to play in the third Test starting Thursday after a successful appeal.

Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon had said the team had &quot;no dramas&quot; with the decision, but Smith has told cricket.com.au website: &quot;I certainly think he (Rabada) bumped me a little bit harder than it actually looked on the footage.&quot;

Although Smith claimed &quot;it didn&rsquo;t bother me too much,&quot; he went on to say, &quot;they&rsquo;ve obviously decided what&rsquo;s deliberate contact and what&rsquo;s not and apparently it wasn&rsquo;t.

&quot;The ICC have set the standard, haven&#39;t they? There was clearly contact out in the middle.

&quot;I certainly won&#39;t be telling my bowlers to go out there and after you take a wicket go and get in their space. I don&#39;t think that is on and part of the game. But the standard has been set.&quot;

Rabada was initially given three demerit points for the incident in Port Elizabeth by match referee Jeff Crowe, triggering an automatic two-Test ban.

But judicial commissioner Michael Heron said he was not completely satisfied that the contact was deliberate and reduced the charge to acting against the spirit of the game, imposing a one-point penalty, which took Rabada one point below the threshold for the ban.

He will, therefore, line up for South Africa as they seek the edge in a series tied at one match apiece.

Smith said it was &quot;interesting&quot; he had not been asked for his version of events and said Crowe had reason to be annoyed about his judgement being questioned.

&quot;The way he handled both sides throughout the two Test matches, I thought he did a terrific job. I&#39;d be feeling a bit annoyed if I was him, to be perfectly honest.&quot;

Smith said he and senior Australia players Lyon and David Warner had spoken to incoming match referee Andy Pycroft, who will handle the remaining two Tests of what has been an often bad-tempered series.

He said the referee would also speak to South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis &quot;just to ensure that the series is continued to play in pretty good spirit.&quot;

Australian skipper Steve Smith said that he was surprised because he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing

Australian captain Steve Smith has criticised the decision to overturn a ban on South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for making physical contact with him. Smith said ahead of Wednesday's pre-Test press conference that a "line in the sand" had been drawn regarding physical contact and said he was surprised he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing. Having been banned for the remaining two Tests in the series for brushing against Smith's shoulder after taking his wicket in the second Test, Rabada was cleared to play in the third Test starting Thursday after a successful appeal. Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon had said the team had "no dramas" with the decision, but Smith has told cricket.com.au website: "I certainly think he (Rabada) bumped me a little bit harder than it actually looked on the footage." Although Smith claimed "it didn’t bother me too much," he went on to say, "they’ve obviously decided what’s deliberate contact and what’s not and apparently it wasn’t. "The ICC have set the standard, haven't they? There was clearly contact out in the middle. "I certainly won't be telling my bowlers to go out there and after you take a wicket go and get in their space. I don't think that is on and part of the game. But the standard has been set." Rabada was initially given three demerit points for the incident in Port Elizabeth by match referee Jeff Crowe, triggering an automatic two-Test ban. But judicial commissioner Michael Heron said he was not completely satisfied that the contact was deliberate and reduced the charge to acting against the spirit of the game, imposing a one-point penalty, which took Rabada one point below the threshold for the ban. He will, therefore, line up for South Africa as they seek the edge in a series tied at one match apiece. Smith said it was "interesting" he had not been asked for his version of events and said Crowe had reason to be annoyed about his judgement being questioned. "The way he handled both sides throughout the two Test matches, I thought he did a terrific job. I'd be feeling a bit annoyed if I was him, to be perfectly honest." Smith said he and senior Australia players Lyon and David Warner had spoken to incoming match referee Andy Pycroft, who will handle the remaining two Tests of what has been an often bad-tempered series. He said the referee would also speak to South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis "just to ensure that the series is continued to play in pretty good spirit."

Steve Smith criticises ICC on Rabada ruling

Sri Lanka has lifted a week-long ban on Facebook after the tech giant agreed to step up efforts to remove hate speech posted on its platform, President Maithripala Sirisena said Thursday.

Sirisena said he ordered authorities to remove the block, imposed across the country during anti-Muslim riots last week that left three people dead after police said the social network was being used to fuel violence.

&quot;My secretary has discussed with officials of Facebook, who have agreed that its platform will not be used for spreading hate speech and inciting violence,&quot; the president, who is currently touring Japan, said on Twitter.

Sirisena did not elaborate on what, if any, concrete commitments Facebook had made and there was no immediate comment from the social media giant. But on Wednesday the company said it was responding to Sri Lanka&#39;s concerns over the incendiary material.

A state of emergency was declared and internet services suspended entirely in Kandy, the worst-hit central district, for several days last week as authorities sought to disrupt the riots, in which more than 200 Muslim-owned businesses and homes were destroyed.

Island-wide restrictions on image and video sharing on messaging apps WhatsApp and Viber were lifted on Wednesday.

Ministers had said Facebook would remain banned unless it assured Sri Lanka it would take quicker action over hate speech in future.

Censorship and media oppression were used widely by strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse, who for a decade in power ordered local internet providers to block anti-government sentiment online.

His successor President Maithripala Sirisena was elected in 2015 promising an end to draconian government restrictions, but some websites critical of the government were blocked even before the ban on Facebook.

A week-long ban on Facebook lifted after the tech giant agreed to step up efforts to remove hate speech posted on its platform

Sri Lanka has lifted a week-long ban on Facebook after the tech giant agreed to step up efforts to remove hate speech posted on its platform, President Maithripala Sirisena said Thursday. Sirisena said he ordered authorities to remove the block, imposed across the country during anti-Muslim riots last week that left three people dead after police said the social network was being used to fuel violence. "My secretary has discussed with officials of Facebook, who have agreed that its platform will not be used for spreading hate speech and inciting violence," the president, who is currently touring Japan, said on Twitter. Sirisena did not elaborate on what, if any, concrete commitments Facebook had made and there was no immediate comment from the social media giant. But on Wednesday the company said it was responding to Sri Lanka's concerns over the incendiary material. A state of emergency was declared and internet services suspended entirely in Kandy, the worst-hit central district, for several days last week as authorities sought to disrupt the riots, in which more than 200 Muslim-owned businesses and homes were destroyed. Island-wide restrictions on image and video sharing on messaging apps WhatsApp and Viber were lifted on Wednesday. Ministers had said Facebook would remain banned unless it assured Sri Lanka it would take quicker action over hate speech in future. Censorship and media oppression were used widely by strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse, who for a decade in power ordered local internet providers to block anti-government sentiment online. His successor President Maithripala Sirisena was elected in 2015 promising an end to draconian government restrictions, but some websites critical of the government were blocked even before the ban on Facebook.

Sri Lanka lifts Facebook ban after hate speech assurance

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and other leaders of the JuD and the FIF are still freely using the banned groups&#39; offices despite Pakistan&#39;s claims that all the assets of the two outfits have been seized and their bank accounts frozen, an official said on Tuesday.

The government last month had taken over the Jamaat-ud-Dawa&#39;s famous Muridke Markaz and Lahore&#39;s headquarters of Masjid Al Qadsia in Chauburji. But on ground neither Saeed and his supporters left the JuD&#39;s Chauburji headquarters nor that of Muridke and other offices of JuD and the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) in the country.

&quot;Since the government has taken over the control of JuD headquarters in Lahore in mid last month, Saeed delivered three Friday sermons in three successive weeks there in the presence of a large number of his supporters. The government could only deploy its administrator at Al Qadsia while the JuD men are operating from there the way they used to,&quot; an official of the Punjab government said on Tuesday.

A similar arrangement was made at JuD&#39;s Muridke headquarters, he added.

&quot;The government has not barred Saeed and activists of his charities from using the JuD headquarters in Lahore and Muridke, and other offices of the two organisations,&quot; he said.

The government had initiated action against Saeed&#39;s organisations in pursuance of an ordinance issued by President Mamnoon Hussain in February amending the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, and allowing the state to proscribe UNSC-listed organisations, some of which had been exempt from prosecution.&nbsp;

The move had also come in the backdrop of a meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental money-laundering watchdog, that put Pakistan on a grey list.

At the FATF meeting in Paris last month, Saeed and his &quot;charities&quot; were top on the list of the groups that the FATF wanted Pakistan to act against.

Pakistan last week vowed to take further actions to address certain &quot;deficiencies&quot; highlighted by the FATF in its anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing framework.&nbsp;

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said the officials from various government departments had been appointed as administrators of JuD&#39;s offices to oversee the working of welfare-oriented facilities like dispensaries and schools.&nbsp;

To a question about as why the JuD leadership including Saeed had not been stopped using the JuD headquarters in Lahore and Muridke, the minister said: &quot;We have taken over all JuD and FIF facilities including schools, dispensaries, offices and seminaries. These are now in the government&#39;s control.&quot;

Another official said that the government at this stage does not want to stop Saeed and other JuD leaders from using its main headquarters as it may lead to a clash between them.&nbsp;

The government last month had taken over JuD's famous Muridke headquarters.

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and other leaders of the JuD and the FIF are still freely using the banned groups' offices despite Pakistan's claims that all the assets of the two outfits have been seized and their bank accounts frozen, an official said on Tuesday. The government last month had taken over the Jamaat-ud-Dawa's famous Muridke Markaz and Lahore's headquarters of Masjid Al Qadsia in Chauburji. But on ground neither Saeed and his supporters left the JuD's Chauburji headquarters nor that of Muridke and other offices of JuD and the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) in the country. "Since the government has taken over the control of JuD headquarters in Lahore in mid last month, Saeed delivered three Friday sermons in three successive weeks there in the presence of a large number of his supporters. The government could only deploy its administrator at Al Qadsia while the JuD men are operating from there the way they used to," an official of the Punjab government said on Tuesday. A similar arrangement was made at JuD's Muridke headquarters, he added. "The government has not barred Saeed and activists of his charities from using the JuD headquarters in Lahore and Muridke, and other offices of the two organisations," he said. The government had initiated action against Saeed's organisations in pursuance of an ordinance issued by President Mamnoon Hussain in February amending the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, and allowing the state to proscribe UNSC-listed organisations, some of which had been exempt from prosecution. The move had also come in the backdrop of a meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental money-laundering watchdog, that put Pakistan on a grey list. At the FATF meeting in Paris last month, Saeed and his "charities" were top on the list of the groups that the FATF wanted Pakistan to act against. Pakistan last week vowed to take further actions to address certain "deficiencies" highlighted by the FATF in its anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing framework. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said the officials from various government departments had been appointed as administrators of JuD's offices to oversee the working of welfare-oriented facilities like dispensaries and schools. To a question about as why the JuD leadership including Saeed had not been stopped using the JuD headquarters in Lahore and Muridke, the minister said: "We have taken over all JuD and FIF facilities including schools, dispensaries, offices and seminaries. These are now in the government's control." Another official said that the government at this stage does not want to stop Saeed and other JuD leaders from using its main headquarters as it may lead to a clash between them.

Hafiz Saeed, other JuD leaders still freely using group's offices despite ban in Pakistan

In an unexpected move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted a doping ban on Russia and reinstated the Russian Olympic Committee&rsquo;s membership, claimed the head of the Russian Olympic Committee, Alexander Zhukov.&nbsp;

&quot;The rights of the Russian Olympic Committee have been fully restored,&rdquo;&nbsp;Zhukov said in an interview to a television channel.&nbsp;

&ldquo;All of the doping tests that were conducted on our athletes in the last days of the Olympics were negative,&rdquo; Zhukov added.

A few days back, IOC had voted not to lift the ban in time for the closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, preventing the Russian athletes at the game from marching under their nation&rsquo;s flag.

Russia was banned in December from taking part in the 2018 Olympics following revelations of widespread doping.&nbsp;

However, 168 athletes were deemed clean and were cleared to go to Pyeongchang to compete under the Olympic flag.

Two Russians, curler Alexander Krushelnitsky and bobsledder Nadezhda Sergeyeva, were kicked out of the Olympics after their doping tests were revealed to be positive.

The pair has since been disqualified and stripped of their results. In Krushelnitsky&#39;s case, he was even forced to hand back a bronze medal.

Earlier, IOC had voted not to lift the ban

In an unexpected move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted a doping ban on Russia and reinstated the Russian Olympic Committee’s membership, claimed the head of the Russian Olympic Committee, Alexander Zhukov. "The rights of the Russian Olympic Committee have been fully restored,” Zhukov said in an interview to a television channel. “All of the doping tests that were conducted on our athletes in the last days of the Olympics were negative,” Zhukov added. A few days back, IOC had voted not to lift the ban in time for the closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, preventing the Russian athletes at the game from marching under their nation’s flag. Russia was banned in December from taking part in the 2018 Olympics following revelations of widespread doping. However, 168 athletes were deemed clean and were cleared to go to Pyeongchang to compete under the Olympic flag. Two Russians, curler Alexander Krushelnitsky and bobsledder Nadezhda Sergeyeva, were kicked out of the Olympics after their doping tests were revealed to be positive. The pair has since been disqualified and stripped of their results. In Krushelnitsky's case, he was even forced to hand back a bronze medal.

IOC has lifted Olympic ban, claims Russia

In a bid to control air pollution a German court is now considering banning diesel cars in its cities. Experts believe that the move, if materialises, may hamper the country&#39;s powerful auto industry.

Germany&#39;s Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig will announce its decision later today after hearing an appeal by two German states.

Some of the preliminary court cases were initiated by the group &#39;Environmental Action Germany&#39;. The group has often blamed the government for putting automakers&#39; interests before public health.

Germany, among other countries, has long been pressurised by the European Union to tackle increasing air pollution.

The country has recently been working on a series of measures to reduce harmful emissions such as promoting the use of electric vehicles and public transport, et cetera.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the ban is also believed to wreak havoc on industries and services that are heavily diesel reliant.&nbsp;

Germany, among other countries, has long been pressurised by the European Union to tackle increasing air pollution

In a bid to control air pollution a German court is now considering banning diesel cars in its cities. Experts believe that the move, if materialises, may hamper the country's powerful auto industry. Germany's Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig will announce its decision later today after hearing an appeal by two German states. Some of the preliminary court cases were initiated by the group 'Environmental Action Germany'. The group has often blamed the government for putting automakers' interests before public health. Germany, among other countries, has long been pressurised by the European Union to tackle increasing air pollution. The country has recently been working on a series of measures to reduce harmful emissions such as promoting the use of electric vehicles and public transport, et cetera. On the other hand, the ban is also believed to wreak havoc on industries and services that are heavily diesel reliant.

German court considers banning diesel cars to tackle pollution

Pakistan has banned two charities linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, an official said on Wednesday, in a move against the U.N.-designated &quot;terrorist&quot; who the United States says was behind an attack on Mumbai in 2008 that killed 166 people.

Authorities had begun seizing control of offices and financial assets of the charities, another official said.

The action comes days before a meeting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global money laundering watchdog, which will consider a U.S.-sponsored motion to place Pakistan on a list of countries failing to prevent terrorism financing.

The operations in Pakistan of Saeed&#39;s extensive network - which includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services - has been a particular concern of the United States.

Punjab province&#39;s law minister, Rana Sanaullah, said the central Ministry of Interior had issued a notification against the two charities, the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), this week.

&quot;We have received the interior ministry directions, and according to that, Hafiz Saeed and his charities, like JuD and FIF, have been banned to operate in Pakistan,&quot; Sanaullah told Reuters.

The United States has labelled JuD and FIF &quot;terrorist fronts&quot; for Lashkar-e-Taiba (&quot;Army of the Pure&quot; or LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987 that the United States and India blame for the bloody attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai.

Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the attacks. A Pakistani court freed him from house arrest last year after ruling there was insufficient evidence to convict him.

Pakistan drew up plans late last year to take over Saeed&#39;s charities in a secret order first reported by Reuters.

In the city of Rawalpindi, in Punjab province, district officers had begun taking over the charities&#39; offices, a city official said.

&quot;We&#39;ve taken over all the JuD and FIF assets. We&#39;ve completed the takeover,&quot; Rawalpindi commissioner Nadeem Aslam told Reuters.

List

Aslam said he did not have an exact number of offices and seminaries involved in the asset seizure but data was being compiled in all four districts of Rawalpindi division and he expected full details of the assets.

A spokesmen for JuD declined to make an immediate comment but said a statement would be issued. Officials at FIF could not be reached for comment, nor could Hafiz Saeed himself, who rarely speaks to the media.

Pakistan has banned the LeT but its charity wings, the JUD and FIF have been operating.

The United States has offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Saeed, who heads JuD, which Washington says is a front for the LeT.

Pakistani officials involved in the seizures of assets said failure to act against the charities could lead to Pakistan&#39;s inclusion on the FATF watchlist.

That would make it harder for foreigners to do business in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation.

Pakistan&#39;s de facto finance minister, Miftah Ismail, told Reuters the FATF would consider a motion to place Pakistan on the list but the government was &quot;hopeful&quot; it could make its case to avoid it.

Pakistan was on the FATF watchlist from 2012 to 2015.

The United States has labelled the JuD and FIF 'terrorist fronts' for the Lashkar-e-Taiba

Pakistan has banned two charities linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, an official said on Wednesday, in a move against the U.N.-designated "terrorist" who the United States says was behind an attack on Mumbai in 2008 that killed 166 people. Authorities had begun seizing control of offices and financial assets of the charities, another official said. The action comes days before a meeting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global money laundering watchdog, which will consider a U.S.-sponsored motion to place Pakistan on a list of countries failing to prevent terrorism financing. The operations in Pakistan of Saeed's extensive network - which includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services - has been a particular concern of the United States. Punjab province's law minister, Rana Sanaullah, said the central Ministry of Interior had issued a notification against the two charities, the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), this week. "We have received the interior ministry directions, and according to that, Hafiz Saeed and his charities, like JuD and FIF, have been banned to operate in Pakistan," Sanaullah told Reuters. The United States has labelled JuD and FIF "terrorist fronts" for Lashkar-e-Taiba ("Army of the Pure" or LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987 that the United States and India blame for the bloody attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai. Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the attacks. A Pakistani court freed him from house arrest last year after ruling there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Pakistan drew up plans late last year to take over Saeed's charities in a secret order first reported by Reuters. In the city of Rawalpindi, in Punjab province, district officers had begun taking over the charities' offices, a city official said. "We've taken over all the JuD and FIF assets. We've completed the takeover," Rawalpindi commissioner Nadeem Aslam told Reuters. List Aslam said he did not have an exact number of offices and seminaries involved in the asset seizure but data was being compiled in all four districts of Rawalpindi division and he expected full details of the assets. A spokesmen for JuD declined to make an immediate comment but said a statement would be issued. Officials at FIF could not be reached for comment, nor could Hafiz Saeed himself, who rarely speaks to the media. Pakistan has banned the LeT but its charity wings, the JUD and FIF have been operating. The United States has offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Saeed, who heads JuD, which Washington says is a front for the LeT. Pakistani officials involved in the seizures of assets said failure to act against the charities could lead to Pakistan's inclusion on the FATF watchlist. That would make it harder for foreigners to do business in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation. Pakistan's de facto finance minister, Miftah Ismail, told Reuters the FATF would consider a motion to place Pakistan on the list but the government was "hopeful" it could make its case to avoid it. Pakistan was on the FATF watchlist from 2012 to 2015.

Pakistan bans Hafiz Saeed's JuD, FIF

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today the state government would approach the Supreme Court to stop the release of the controversial film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.

Speaking to reporters after a programme here, Chouhan said: &quot;We would once again knock on the apex court&#39;s doors.&quot;

He didn&#39;t elaborate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">When Bandit Queen can be released, why not </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-cleared-by-the-supreme-court-in-four-states-stays-ban-29917" target="_blank">, says Supreme Court</a>

In November, after meeting Rajput community leaders, Chouhan had announced that the film would not be allowed to release in the state.

The Supreme Court has stayed the orders/notifications issued by the Rajasthan and Gujarat governments prohibiting the screening of &quot;Padmaavat&quot;, and restrained other state governments from issuing similar orders.&nbsp;

'We would once again knock on the apex court's doors,' Shivraj Singh Chouhan said

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today the state government would approach the Supreme Court to stop the release of the controversial film "Padmaavat". Speaking to reporters after a programme here, Chouhan said: "We would once again knock on the apex court's doors." He didn't elaborate. Also read: When Bandit Queen can be released, why not Padmaavat, says Supreme Court In November, after meeting Rajput community leaders, Chouhan had announced that the film would not be allowed to release in the state. The Supreme Court has stayed the orders/notifications issued by the Rajasthan and Gujarat governments prohibiting the screening of "Padmaavat", and restrained other state governments from issuing similar orders.

Padmaavat release row: Madhya Pradesh CM says will move Supreme Court

A German city has imposed a temporary ban on new refugees in order to curb the number of recent violence incidents, reports said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Cottbus, about 120 kilometers southeast of Berlin has seen violence from refugees and right-wing extremists since the beginning of the year.&nbsp;

Last week, Brandenburg state police informed that two Syrian teenage boys had been arrested after they attacked a German teenager in the face with a knife in a brawl. The boy had sustained some injuries, reports said.&nbsp;

Previous to that incident, a group of Syrian teenage boys had also attacked a couple outside a shopping center. Officials have stated that one of the boys a &ldquo;negative residency permit&rdquo; effectively ordering him and his father to leave the city.

Brandenburg&rsquo;s state interior minister Karl-Heinz Schroeter said that the ban would continue will the next few months and the city has planned some more safety measures including increased video surveillance, a larger presence of police officers and 10 new social worker positions throughout local schools.&nbsp;

Also, officers will be on round on daily foot patrols of the city from late afternoon to evening &quot;for as long as it serves its purpose.&quot;

Cottbus, a small university center with just over 100,000 residents, has taken in around 3,000 asylum seekers since embattled German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the country to a large number of refugees in 2015.

Coupled with a lackluster economy, the influx has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment among German citizens, and Cottbus is home to one of the country&rsquo;s largest right-wing extremist scenes. 
&nbsp;

Cottbus, about 120 kilometers southeast of Berlin has seen violence from refugees and right-wing extremists since the beginning of the year

A German city has imposed a temporary ban on new refugees in order to curb the number of recent violence incidents, reports said on Sunday. Cottbus, about 120 kilometers southeast of Berlin has seen violence from refugees and right-wing extremists since the beginning of the year. Last week, Brandenburg state police informed that two Syrian teenage boys had been arrested after they attacked a German teenager in the face with a knife in a brawl. The boy had sustained some injuries, reports said. Previous to that incident, a group of Syrian teenage boys had also attacked a couple outside a shopping center. Officials have stated that one of the boys a “negative residency permit” effectively ordering him and his father to leave the city. Brandenburg’s state interior minister Karl-Heinz Schroeter said that the ban would continue will the next few months and the city has planned some more safety measures including increased video surveillance, a larger presence of police officers and 10 new social worker positions throughout local schools. Also, officers will be on round on daily foot patrols of the city from late afternoon to evening "for as long as it serves its purpose." Cottbus, a small university center with just over 100,000 residents, has taken in around 3,000 asylum seekers since embattled German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the country to a large number of refugees in 2015. Coupled with a lackluster economy, the influx has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment among German citizens, and Cottbus is home to one of the country’s largest right-wing extremist scenes.

German city temporarily bans refugees amid violence cases

An Indian-origin school principal, who was forced to withdraw a ban on wearing of hijab by young girls after vitriolic abuse on social media, today received crucial support of a UK minister who said bullying or intimidation of school staff was completely unacceptable.

Schools that try to ban hijabs or fasting will receive government support if they face a backlash, the minister has pledged.

Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils.

Neena Lall, an Indian-origin principal of the St Stephen&#39;s Primary School in east London,&nbsp;had publicly apologised to parents at the school after facing backlash and criticism on social media and&nbsp;calling the decision a &ldquo;huge error in judgment&rdquo;.

Lall blamed the media for inflammatory reporting of the hijab ban last month, which staff members said was to help the youngest girls move freely in PE lessons and outdoor learning.

The school&rsquo;s decision provoked controversy after it was reported as an effort to aid integration. The school swiftly backtracked a week later, overturning the ban on criticism from parents and local councilors over a lack of consultation.

Later, she withdrew the decision.&nbsp;

A governor at the school, Arif Qawi, resigned amid the stiff opposition and had urged the UK government to spell out school uniform policies more clearly. The minister also threw his support behind schools in the country that want to impose a ban on wearing of hijab or religious fasting by very young pupils.

&quot;They are completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their schools in the best interests of their pupils&nbsp;in line with the law and in discussion with parents, of course, and we back their right to do so,&quot; Agnew wrote in &#39;The Times&#39; in reference to Lall.

&quot;St Stephen&#39;s Primary School in east London has been at the centre of media attention after its ban on young pupils wearing the hijab and?fasting during Ramadan. I have seen the vitriolic abuse on social media after this decision and read of the intimidation of staff, resulting in the resignation of the chairman of governors...I wanted to send out a clear message: bullying or intimidation of school staff is completely unacceptable,&quot; he wrote.

The minister responsible for counter-extremism in the Department for Education said the government would not allow a &quot;culture of fear and intimidation to pass through the school gates&quot; and that any opposition to decisions by a school&#39;s governing body should manifest itself in the form of sensible, informed discussion and not hateful online reaction.&quot;

&quot;School leaders must have the right to set?school?uniform policies in a way that they see fit, in order to promote cohesion,&quot; Amanda Spielman, the head of Ofsted, had said. 
Under the UK&#39;s Department for Education guidelines, uniform policy is a matter for individual head-teachers and their governing bodies. But Agnew offered the government&#39;s support to individual schools that may find themselves in a bind.

&quot;We want to do all we can to help schools on sensitive issues, such as those thrown up by this case, and we will be working closely with school leaders and sector organisations on how we can support them,&quot; the minister said.

He also warned schools in the country against &quot;promoting religious ideologies that undermine British values&quot; and said the government was prepared to take action against any form of discrimination in the classroom.

&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils

An Indian-origin school principal, who was forced to withdraw a ban on wearing of hijab by young girls after vitriolic abuse on social media, today received crucial support of a UK minister who said bullying or intimidation of school staff was completely unacceptable. Schools that try to ban hijabs or fasting will receive government support if they face a backlash, the minister has pledged. Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils. Neena Lall, an Indian-origin principal of the St Stephen's Primary School in east London, had publicly apologised to parents at the school after facing backlash and criticism on social media and calling the decision a “huge error in judgment”. Lall blamed the media for inflammatory reporting of the hijab ban last month, which staff members said was to help the youngest girls move freely in PE lessons and outdoor learning. The school’s decision provoked controversy after it was reported as an effort to aid integration. The school swiftly backtracked a week later, overturning the ban on criticism from parents and local councilors over a lack of consultation. Later, she withdrew the decision. A governor at the school, Arif Qawi, resigned amid the stiff opposition and had urged the UK government to spell out school uniform policies more clearly. The minister also threw his support behind schools in the country that want to impose a ban on wearing of hijab or religious fasting by very young pupils. "They are completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their schools in the best interests of their pupils in line with the law and in discussion with parents, of course, and we back their right to do so," Agnew wrote in 'The Times' in reference to Lall. "St Stephen's Primary School in east London has been at the centre of media attention after its ban on young pupils wearing the hijab and?fasting during Ramadan. I have seen the vitriolic abuse on social media after this decision and read of the intimidation of staff, resulting in the resignation of the chairman of governors...I wanted to send out a clear message: bullying or intimidation of school staff is completely unacceptable," he wrote. The minister responsible for counter-extremism in the Department for Education said the government would not allow a "culture of fear and intimidation to pass through the school gates" and that any opposition to decisions by a school's governing body should manifest itself in the form of sensible, informed discussion and not hateful online reaction." "School leaders must have the right to set?school?uniform policies in a way that they see fit, in order to promote cohesion," Amanda Spielman, the head of Ofsted, had said. Under the UK's Department for Education guidelines, uniform policy is a matter for individual head-teachers and their governing bodies. But Agnew offered the government's support to individual schools that may find themselves in a bind. "We want to do all we can to help schools on sensitive issues, such as those thrown up by this case, and we will be working closely with school leaders and sector organisations on how we can support them," the minister said. He also warned schools in the country against "promoting religious ideologies that undermine British values" and said the government was prepared to take action against any form of discrimination in the classroom. (With PTI inputs)

UK minister backs Indian-origin school principal to ban hijab in schools

The government today said there is no proposal at present to ban advertisements of junk food on television, while nine major food business operators have decided not to advertise products with high fat on children&#39;s channels.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour that bodies like the Food and Beverage Alliance of India (FBIA) have already decided to voluntarily restrict food and beverage advertisements concerning children.

On whether the government proposes to impose a ban on telecast of junk food and cold/soft drinks advertisements on television, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani said in a written reply that &quot;presently there is no such proposal&quot;.

Nine major food business operators have decided not to advertise products with high fat, salt or sugar on children&#39;s channels, she said.

While asking supplementaries, some MPs raised concerns about junk food affecting the health of children.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had constituted an expert group to address the issue of high fat, sugar and salt foods.

&quot;The expert group in its report made a recommendation regarding ban on food with high fat, sugar and salt advertising on children&#39;s channels or during children shows.

&quot;On this recommendation, the remarks of the FSSAI were that the food businesses could be asked to voluntarily desist from advertising high fat, sugar and salt foods on children&#39;s channels,&quot; Irani said.&nbsp;

'Presently there is no such proposal,' said Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani

The government today said there is no proposal at present to ban advertisements of junk food on television, while nine major food business operators have decided not to advertise products with high fat on children's channels. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour that bodies like the Food and Beverage Alliance of India (FBIA) have already decided to voluntarily restrict food and beverage advertisements concerning children. On whether the government proposes to impose a ban on telecast of junk food and cold/soft drinks advertisements on television, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani said in a written reply that "presently there is no such proposal". Nine major food business operators have decided not to advertise products with high fat, salt or sugar on children's channels, she said. While asking supplementaries, some MPs raised concerns about junk food affecting the health of children. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had constituted an expert group to address the issue of high fat, sugar and salt foods. "The expert group in its report made a recommendation regarding ban on food with high fat, sugar and salt advertising on children's channels or during children shows. "On this recommendation, the remarks of the FSSAI were that the food businesses could be asked to voluntarily desist from advertising high fat, sugar and salt foods on children's channels," Irani said.

No proposal to ban junk food advertisements on television: Government

Pakistan has banned events marking Valentine&#39;s Day, and media coverage of them, for the second year in a row after a court ruled the holiday un-Islamic.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued an advisory on Wednesday warning television and radio stations against any Valentine&#39;s Day celebrations.

&quot;No event shall be held at the official level or at any public place,&quot; Pemra said.

The ban was introduced by Islamabad High Court last year after a petition by a citizen who said the Feb. 14 holiday was a cultural import from the West and &quot;against the teachings of Islam&quot;.

More than 60 percent of the population of the Muslim-majority nation is aged under 30. Many young people and commercial establishments have in recent years embraced Valentine&#39;s Day hearts, flowers and chocolates.

But the country of 208 million has also seen a wave of ultra-religious political activism that has brought a backlash against such celebrations, which some call immoral.

Parties including the Taliban-linked Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam parties have in recent years held rallies to denounce the holiday.

&quot;We&#39;re Muslims. Our religion forbids things like Valentine&#39;s Day,&quot; said Taufeeq Leghari, who was waiting for transport close to a florist&#39;s stall in Rawalpindi, adjacent to Islamabad.

Flower seller Salman Mahmod took a different view.&quot;I don&#39;t know what danger these Islamists would face if I earn a little more from selling flowers and someone can have a chance to celebrate something,&quot; he said.

Young people are not too afraid of the ban.

&quot;I will celebrate,&quot; said 21-year-old university student Abid Ansari in Islamabad. &quot;This is my choice.&quot;

Young people are not too afraid of the ban

Pakistan has banned events marking Valentine's Day, and media coverage of them, for the second year in a row after a court ruled the holiday un-Islamic. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued an advisory on Wednesday warning television and radio stations against any Valentine's Day celebrations. "No event shall be held at the official level or at any public place," Pemra said. The ban was introduced by Islamabad High Court last year after a petition by a citizen who said the Feb. 14 holiday was a cultural import from the West and "against the teachings of Islam". More than 60 percent of the population of the Muslim-majority nation is aged under 30. Many young people and commercial establishments have in recent years embraced Valentine's Day hearts, flowers and chocolates. But the country of 208 million has also seen a wave of ultra-religious political activism that has brought a backlash against such celebrations, which some call immoral. Parties including the Taliban-linked Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam parties have in recent years held rallies to denounce the holiday. "We're Muslims. Our religion forbids things like Valentine's Day," said Taufeeq Leghari, who was waiting for transport close to a florist's stall in Rawalpindi, adjacent to Islamabad. Flower seller Salman Mahmod took a different view."I don't know what danger these Islamists would face if I earn a little more from selling flowers and someone can have a chance to celebrate something," he said. Young people are not too afraid of the ban. "I will celebrate," said 21-year-old university student Abid Ansari in Islamabad. "This is my choice."

Love is in the air, but not on airwaves as Pakistan bans Valentine's Day

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