With on-going controversies with Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat, a new one has come in - it has now been banned in Malaysia for allegedly portraying Islam in a bad light.&nbsp;

The negative role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji in the film &quot;gave a bad image of Islam through the role played by a (Muslim) sultan.&quot;

&quot;He is portrayed as a Sultan who is arrogant, cruel, inhumane, devious with all kinds of trickery, unreliable and who does not fully practice Islamic teachings,&quot; the ministry said in a statement.

Actor Ranveer Singh essays the role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, the 13th-century ruler of the Khilji dynasty, in the film.

The 14th century period drama focuses on the tale of Muslim King Alauddin Khilji, Rajput ruler Ratan Singh, and Hindu queen Padmavati.

On Tuesday, Malaysia&#39;s Film Censorship Board stated that the movie could &quot;not approved for screening&quot;, while hearing an appeal lodged by the film&#39;s distributors, according to media reports.

Malaysia&#39;s Film Appeal Committee had also rejected an appeal by the movie&#39;s distributors in the country to lift the ban.

Bollywood films are extremely popular in Malaysia among Indians, who make up a considerable chunk of the country&#39;s population.

After massive protests in northern and western India, Padmaavat was released in India on January 25. It crossed the Rs 100 crore mark within four days at the box office. It has collected Rs 192.5 crores so far and is inching towards the Rs 200 crore mark.

Muslims make up 60 percent of multi-ethnic Malaysia&#39;s 32 million population.&nbsp;

The negative role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji in the film "gave a bad image about Islam through the role played by a (Muslim) sultan."

With on-going controversies with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat, a new one has come in - it has now been banned in Malaysia for allegedly portraying Islam in a bad light. The negative role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji in the film "gave a bad image of Islam through the role played by a (Muslim) sultan." "He is portrayed as a Sultan who is arrogant, cruel, inhumane, devious with all kinds of trickery, unreliable and who does not fully practice Islamic teachings," the ministry said in a statement. Actor Ranveer Singh essays the role of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, the 13th-century ruler of the Khilji dynasty, in the film. The 14th century period drama focuses on the tale of Muslim King Alauddin Khilji, Rajput ruler Ratan Singh, and Hindu queen Padmavati. On Tuesday, Malaysia's Film Censorship Board stated that the movie could "not approved for screening", while hearing an appeal lodged by the film's distributors, according to media reports. Malaysia's Film Appeal Committee had also rejected an appeal by the movie's distributors in the country to lift the ban. Bollywood films are extremely popular in Malaysia among Indians, who make up a considerable chunk of the country's population. After massive protests in northern and western India, Padmaavat was released in India on January 25. It crossed the Rs 100 crore mark within four days at the box office. It has collected Rs 192.5 crores so far and is inching towards the Rs 200 crore mark. Muslims make up 60 percent of multi-ethnic Malaysia's 32 million population.

Padmaavat now banned in Malaysia

Thailand banned smoking and littering at 24 beachside locations that are popular with tourists over environmental concerns on Thursday, the ministry of natural resources and environment said.

The Southeast Asian country has been a tourist magnet for decades, from its backpacker heyday in the early 1990s to its current popularity with tourists from mainland China. It expects to welcome a record 37.55 million tourists in 2018.

Environmental rights groups have urged successive governments to protect Thailand`s palm-fringed beaches, which are frequently voted among the world`s most beautiful, from unregulated development and littering, among other things.

A law that came into force on Thursday is aimed at tackling this problem, said Bannaruk Sermthong, a director at the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources Management.&nbsp;

&quot;Starting today, smoking and cigarette-butt littering are prohibited on beach areas,&quot; Bannaruk told Reuters.&nbsp;

&quot;Anyone who wants to smoke must do so in designated smoking areas, not on the beaches.&quot;

The law protects 24 beaches in 15 provinces located along the Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand.

Anyone who violates the law will be taken to a criminal court and could face up to one year in jail, or a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($3,190), or both.

Thailand has 357 beaches nationwide.&nbsp;

Thailand banned smoking and littering at 24 beachside locations that are popular with tourists over environmental concerns on Thursday, the ministry of natural resources and environment said. The Southeast Asian country has been a tourist magnet for decades, from its backpacker heyday in the early 1990s to its current popularity with tourists from mainland China. It expects to welcome a record 37.55 million tourists in 2018. Environmental rights groups have urged successive governments to protect Thailand`s palm-fringed beaches, which are frequently voted among the world`s most beautiful, from unregulated development and littering, among other things. A law that came into force on Thursday is aimed at tackling this problem, said Bannaruk Sermthong, a director at the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources Management. "Starting today, smoking and cigarette-butt littering are prohibited on beach areas," Bannaruk told Reuters. "Anyone who wants to smoke must do so in designated smoking areas, not on the beaches." The law protects 24 beaches in 15 provinces located along the Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand. Anyone who violates the law will be taken to a criminal court and could face up to one year in jail, or a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($3,190), or both. Thailand has 357 beaches nationwide.

Thailand bans smoking, littering at popular tourist beachside spots

Russia&#39;s team will be suspended from the Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, but individual athletes will be allowed to compete under a neutral flag, the International Paralympics Committee said on Monday.

The agreement is similar to that put in place to allow able-bodied Russian competitors to take part in next month&#39;s Winter Olympics that precede the Paralympics.

Russia was suspended by the IPC in August 2016 following revelations of widespread state-sponsored doping uncovered in a report by Richard McLaren on behalf of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

After a review, the IPC said in a statement on Monday that &quot;it is maintaining the suspension of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC)&quot;.

&quot;However, in recognition of the progress made by the RPC in improving its anti-doping activities, it will allow eligible Russian Para athletes who meet strict conditions to compete in five sports under the name Neutral Paralympic Athlete (NPA),&quot; it said.

Eligible Para athletes from Russia will be allowed to compete in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, snowboard and wheelchair curling at the Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on March 9-18, the IPC said at a meeting in the western German city of Bonn.

It said that two key criteria to end the wider suspension were still outstanding -- the full reinstatement of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) by WADA, and an official response adequately addressing the McLaren findings.

IPC president Andrew Parsons said that in 2016 &quot;the anti-doping system in Russia was found to be totally compromised, corrupted and open to abuse&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;This made it impossible to determine which Russian Para athletes were clean and which were not; it was clear that Russia&#39;s participation in Para sports events would severely question the integrity and credibility of sporting competition.&quot;

Parsons said the measures taken then by the IPC were &quot;necessary and proportionate&quot; and &quot;essential to ensure clean sport&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Seventeen months on, we face a different picture in Russia and it is important that once again our decision is necessary and proportionate to what is in front of us,&quot; he said.

&quot;Although the RPC remains suspended they have made significant progress and we have to recognise this.&quot;

Russian Para athletes were now regularly tested and &quot;amongst the most scrutinised Para athletes in the world&quot;, he said.&nbsp;

&quot;Under the supervision of WADA, we now have greater confidence that the anti-doping system in Russia is no longer compromised or corrupted.&quot;

Russia&#39;s Paralympic committee deputy chief Rima Batalova said the announcement was not a surprise.

&quot;We expected such a decision, taking into consideration what has happened to our Olympic team,&quot; Batalova told R-Sport agency.

Akzhana Abdikarimova, a Russian Paralympic skier and biathlete, said the announcement was &quot;not bad&quot;.

&quot;I already compete as a neutral athlete and expected that events would develop this way,&quot; she&nbsp;told R-Sport.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Eligible Para athletes from Russia will be allowed to compete in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, snowboard and wheelchair curling

Russia's team will be suspended from the Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, but individual athletes will be allowed to compete under a neutral flag, the International Paralympics Committee said on Monday. The agreement is similar to that put in place to allow able-bodied Russian competitors to take part in next month's Winter Olympics that precede the Paralympics. Russia was suspended by the IPC in August 2016 following revelations of widespread state-sponsored doping uncovered in a report by Richard McLaren on behalf of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). After a review, the IPC said in a statement on Monday that "it is maintaining the suspension of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC)". "However, in recognition of the progress made by the RPC in improving its anti-doping activities, it will allow eligible Russian Para athletes who meet strict conditions to compete in five sports under the name Neutral Paralympic Athlete (NPA)," it said. Eligible Para athletes from Russia will be allowed to compete in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, snowboard and wheelchair curling at the Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on March 9-18, the IPC said at a meeting in the western German city of Bonn. It said that two key criteria to end the wider suspension were still outstanding -- the full reinstatement of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) by WADA, and an official response adequately addressing the McLaren findings. IPC president Andrew Parsons said that in 2016 "the anti-doping system in Russia was found to be totally compromised, corrupted and open to abuse". "This made it impossible to determine which Russian Para athletes were clean and which were not; it was clear that Russia's participation in Para sports events would severely question the integrity and credibility of sporting competition." Parsons said the measures taken then by the IPC were "necessary and proportionate" and "essential to ensure clean sport". "Seventeen months on, we face a different picture in Russia and it is important that once again our decision is necessary and proportionate to what is in front of us," he said. "Although the RPC remains suspended they have made significant progress and we have to recognise this." Russian Para athletes were now regularly tested and "amongst the most scrutinised Para athletes in the world", he said. "Under the supervision of WADA, we now have greater confidence that the anti-doping system in Russia is no longer compromised or corrupted." Russia's Paralympic committee deputy chief Rima Batalova said the announcement was not a surprise. "We expected such a decision, taking into consideration what has happened to our Olympic team," Batalova told R-Sport agency. Akzhana Abdikarimova, a Russian Paralympic skier and biathlete, said the announcement was "not bad". "I already compete as a neutral athlete and expected that events would develop this way," she told R-Sport.

Russia suspended from Paralympics, some athletes exempt

The United States announced Monday it was lifting its ban on refugees from 11 &quot;high-risk&quot; countries, but said those seeking to enter the US would come under much tougher scrutiny than in the past.

Applicants from 11 countries, unnamed but understood to include 10 Muslim-majority nations plus North Korea, will face tougher &quot;risk-based&quot; assessments to be accepted.

&quot;It&#39;s critically important that we know who is entering the United States,&quot; said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

&quot;These additional security measures will make it harder for bad actors to exploit our refugee program, and they will ensure we take a more risk-based approach to protecting the homeland.&quot;

The 11 countries, hit with a ban in October in the Trump administration&#39;s revised refugee policy, have not been identified officially.

But refugee groups say they comprise Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.Speaking anonymously, a senior administration official told journalists that the policy of enhanced security assessments for the 11 countries was not designed to target Muslims.

&quot;Our admissions have nothing to do with religion,&quot; the official said, adding that there is &quot;nothing especially novel&quot; about tougher screening for countries deemed to have a higher level of risk.

Donald Trump has pursued a much tougher stance on immigrants and refugees from all countries since becoming president one year ago.

His predecessor Barack Obama set refugee admission in fiscal 2017, which began on October 2016, at 110,000.

When Trump took office a year ago, he slashed that to 53,000, a number that was cut again to a maximum of 45,000 in fiscal 2018.&nbsp;

But refugee arrivals this year could come in significantly lower than that, due to the backlog from the 120-day halt and a slowdown in processing because of generally tougher applicant reviews.

DHS would not explain what the tougher vetting measures for the 11 countries would include.&nbsp;

But all applicants are being asked to supply more detailed histories and evidence of their past activities, and many are having to allow access to personal electronics and social media accounts.

The move comes as Trump presses for a sharp turn in overall US immigration policy that critics say will result in a 50 percent cut in arrivals each year and bias admissions away from African, Asian and Muslim countries.

Last week, Trump proposed to end the 27-year-old &quot;green card lottery&quot; program that aims to diversify the source of immigrants, leading to an upturn in those from Middle Eastern and African countries.

He also proposed to tightly limit the family members who can join immigrants to only spouses and younger children. Until now, such &quot;chain migration&quot; could extend to immigrants&#39;&nbsp;parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family.

The White House said the policy was necessary to protect national security from terror and crime threats.

In return, Trump proposed a plan that offers 1.8 million young unauthorized immigrants known as &quot;Dreamers&quot; a path to citizenship over 10-12 years.

Democrats and Republicans are starting negotiations on those proposals, along with Trump&#39;s request for a $25 billion &quot;trust fund&quot; to build a wall on the southern US border to deter illegal border-crossers from Mexico.

Applicants from 11 countries will face tougher 'risk-based' assessments to be accepted

The United States announced Monday it was lifting its ban on refugees from 11 "high-risk" countries, but said those seeking to enter the US would come under much tougher scrutiny than in the past. Applicants from 11 countries, unnamed but understood to include 10 Muslim-majority nations plus North Korea, will face tougher "risk-based" assessments to be accepted. "It's critically important that we know who is entering the United States," said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. "These additional security measures will make it harder for bad actors to exploit our refugee program, and they will ensure we take a more risk-based approach to protecting the homeland." The 11 countries, hit with a ban in October in the Trump administration's revised refugee policy, have not been identified officially. But refugee groups say they comprise Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.Speaking anonymously, a senior administration official told journalists that the policy of enhanced security assessments for the 11 countries was not designed to target Muslims. "Our admissions have nothing to do with religion," the official said, adding that there is "nothing especially novel" about tougher screening for countries deemed to have a higher level of risk. Donald Trump has pursued a much tougher stance on immigrants and refugees from all countries since becoming president one year ago. His predecessor Barack Obama set refugee admission in fiscal 2017, which began on October 2016, at 110,000. When Trump took office a year ago, he slashed that to 53,000, a number that was cut again to a maximum of 45,000 in fiscal 2018. But refugee arrivals this year could come in significantly lower than that, due to the backlog from the 120-day halt and a slowdown in processing because of generally tougher applicant reviews. DHS would not explain what the tougher vetting measures for the 11 countries would include. But all applicants are being asked to supply more detailed histories and evidence of their past activities, and many are having to allow access to personal electronics and social media accounts. The move comes as Trump presses for a sharp turn in overall US immigration policy that critics say will result in a 50 percent cut in arrivals each year and bias admissions away from African, Asian and Muslim countries. Last week, Trump proposed to end the 27-year-old "green card lottery" program that aims to diversify the source of immigrants, leading to an upturn in those from Middle Eastern and African countries. He also proposed to tightly limit the family members who can join immigrants to only spouses and younger children. Until now, such "chain migration" could extend to immigrants' parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family. The White House said the policy was necessary to protect national security from terror and crime threats. In return, Trump proposed a plan that offers 1.8 million young unauthorized immigrants known as "Dreamers" a path to citizenship over 10-12 years. Democrats and Republicans are starting negotiations on those proposals, along with Trump's request for a $25 billion "trust fund" to build a wall on the southern US border to deter illegal border-crossers from Mexico.

US lifts ban on refugees from 11 countries

Briefing the media about &quot;extensive security measures&quot; for New Year&#39;s Eve on December 31, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Khan has said, &quot;People can celebrate 31st night in their homes, but not on rooftops.&quot;

The DMP commissioner announced it at a press conference on Saturday at the DMP Media Centre in Dhaka, reported the Dhaka Tribune.

&quot;All sorts of gatherings, playing loud music, dancing, concerts and any other party-related activities in open spaces are strictly prohibited. Celebrations can be held indoors only, where not even rooftop parties are allowed on 31st night since it could disrupt peace among neighbours,&quot; Commissioner Asaduzzaman said.

However, five-star hotels, will be able to throw new year parties upon securing permission.

DMP Police chief also stated that, &quot;Carrying any kind of bags or flammable substance is strictly prohibited.&quot;

In addition to this, no reckless driving and no use of crackers will be allowed on the night of the year-end, according to the reports.

&quot;Tough measures will be taken against anybody who disobeys these instructions,&quot; Asaduzzaman added.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner briefed the press about the 'extensive security measures' for New Year's Eve on December 31

Briefing the media about "extensive security measures" for New Year's Eve on December 31, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Khan has said, "People can celebrate 31st night in their homes, but not on rooftops." The DMP commissioner announced it at a press conference on Saturday at the DMP Media Centre in Dhaka, reported the Dhaka Tribune. "All sorts of gatherings, playing loud music, dancing, concerts and any other party-related activities in open spaces are strictly prohibited. Celebrations can be held indoors only, where not even rooftop parties are allowed on 31st night since it could disrupt peace among neighbours," Commissioner Asaduzzaman said. However, five-star hotels, will be able to throw new year parties upon securing permission. DMP Police chief also stated that, "Carrying any kind of bags or flammable substance is strictly prohibited." In addition to this, no reckless driving and no use of crackers will be allowed on the night of the year-end, according to the reports. "Tough measures will be taken against anybody who disobeys these instructions," Asaduzzaman added.

Dhaka Police bans rooftop parties on New Year's eve

Russia&#39;s Supreme Court on Saturday dismissed an appeal by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny against a decision by the country&#39;s central election commission to bar him from taking part in next year&#39;s presidential election.&nbsp;

The commission this week barred Navalny from taking part in the March 18 vote because of a suspended prison sentence he says was trumped up. 
&nbsp;

The commission, this week, barred Navalny from taking part in the March 18 vote

Russia's Supreme Court on Saturday dismissed an appeal by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny against a decision by the country's central election commission to bar him from taking part in next year's presidential election. The commission this week barred Navalny from taking part in the March 18 vote because of a suspended prison sentence he says was trumped up.

Russian supreme court approves ban against opposition leader Navalny

Scrumptious seekh kebabs on skewers and juicy chicken tikkas spread in front of food stalls to draw meat-loving customers may soon have to be relegated to inside shelves in south Delhi, as the area&#39;s civic body has proposed a ban on their display in the open.

The proposal was brought in the BJP-ruled South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) House in its meeting recently and was approved by it, Leader of House Shikha Rai said, adding that hygiene and &quot;sentiments of people affected by the sight&quot; of meat were the main reasons behind the move.

The proposal holds for &quot;both raw and cooked meat&quot; of all kinds, displayed by shop-owners right outside of their shops, he said.

&quot;It was a private member resolution originally moved by a councillor from Kakrola village in Najafgarh Zone in the Health Committee meeting. The committee then moved it to the SDMC House, which then approved it,&quot; a spokesperson of the SDMC said.

&quot;Since it was a private member resolution, the proposal would now be sent to the Commissioner to be examined, if it is in accordance with the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act,&quot; he said, adding, &quot;He may accept or reject it&quot;.

South Delhi is home to many eateries and restaurants selling meat products in areas including Hauz Khas, New Friends&#39; Colony, Kamal Cinema in Safdarjung Green Park, Amar Colony Market near Lajpat Nagar. Display of skewered kebabs and shawarma is a common sight at eating joints selling meat in various parts of Delhi.

The proposal has drawn a sharp reaction from political parties and the medical fraternity.

Abhishek Dutt, Congress councillor and leader of his party in the SDMC House, said, &quot;This is an interference in people&#39;s personal lives. Just because the BJP has majority in the House it cannot make such dictatorial decisions. If it&#39;s related to hygiene they should challan those flouting rules. What is the need for bringing in such a blanket ban,&quot; he said.

Dutt added that they had opposed the move but due to the BJP&#39;s majority in the House, it was approved.

Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Delhi BJP spokesperson, said that the move was taken from public health angle and maintained that there would be no curbs on the sale of non-vegetarian food.

The AAP reacted cautiously to the move, and Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj, a party spokesperson, said that the proposal should be discussed and AAP councillors would share their views on the matter.

The Indian Medical Association raised an objection to the proposal, saying any food has to be hygienic, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

&quot;We do not find any rational behind the move that prohibits display of only non-vegetarian food outside shops, restaurants. If contamination of food is the concern then why keep out vegetarian food and snacks out of this order,&quot; IMA President K K Aggarwal said.

A restaurant owner in south Delhi&#39;s Amar Colony area, who did not wish to be named, said that the move was &quot;fine from hygiene perspective&quot;, but the civic body should &quot;offer a solution&quot; to these eateries and tell them how should it be displayed properly, instead of just proposing a ban.

&quot;Also, the argument that sight of non-veg food offends sentiments of people does not hold water,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The proposal holds for 'both raw and cooked meat' of all kinds, displayed by shop-owners right outside of their shops, said BJP-ruled SDMC House

Scrumptious seekh kebabs on skewers and juicy chicken tikkas spread in front of food stalls to draw meat-loving customers may soon have to be relegated to inside shelves in south Delhi, as the area's civic body has proposed a ban on their display in the open. The proposal was brought in the BJP-ruled South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) House in its meeting recently and was approved by it, Leader of House Shikha Rai said, adding that hygiene and "sentiments of people affected by the sight" of meat were the main reasons behind the move. The proposal holds for "both raw and cooked meat" of all kinds, displayed by shop-owners right outside of their shops, he said. "It was a private member resolution originally moved by a councillor from Kakrola village in Najafgarh Zone in the Health Committee meeting. The committee then moved it to the SDMC House, which then approved it," a spokesperson of the SDMC said. "Since it was a private member resolution, the proposal would now be sent to the Commissioner to be examined, if it is in accordance with the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act," he said, adding, "He may accept or reject it". South Delhi is home to many eateries and restaurants selling meat products in areas including Hauz Khas, New Friends' Colony, Kamal Cinema in Safdarjung Green Park, Amar Colony Market near Lajpat Nagar. Display of skewered kebabs and shawarma is a common sight at eating joints selling meat in various parts of Delhi. The proposal has drawn a sharp reaction from political parties and the medical fraternity. Abhishek Dutt, Congress councillor and leader of his party in the SDMC House, said, "This is an interference in people's personal lives. Just because the BJP has majority in the House it cannot make such dictatorial decisions. If it's related to hygiene they should challan those flouting rules. What is the need for bringing in such a blanket ban," he said. Dutt added that they had opposed the move but due to the BJP's majority in the House, it was approved. Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Delhi BJP spokesperson, said that the move was taken from public health angle and maintained that there would be no curbs on the sale of non-vegetarian food. The AAP reacted cautiously to the move, and Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj, a party spokesperson, said that the proposal should be discussed and AAP councillors would share their views on the matter. The Indian Medical Association raised an objection to the proposal, saying any food has to be hygienic, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian. "We do not find any rational behind the move that prohibits display of only non-vegetarian food outside shops, restaurants. If contamination of food is the concern then why keep out vegetarian food and snacks out of this order," IMA President K K Aggarwal said. A restaurant owner in south Delhi's Amar Colony area, who did not wish to be named, said that the move was "fine from hygiene perspective", but the civic body should "offer a solution" to these eateries and tell them how should it be displayed properly, instead of just proposing a ban. "Also, the argument that sight of non-veg food offends sentiments of people does not hold water," he said.

Delhi civic body proposes ban on display of non-veg food outside eateries

Russian lawmakers will vote next week on measures banning all US media from the lower house of parliament, a deputy said Friday, in response to the US Congress stripping state channel RT of its credentials.

A senior United Russia party lawmaker Olga Savastyanova said the Russian Duma will vote on the ban on December 6. It is unlikely that the proposal would be rejected by the overwhelmingly pro-Kremlin assembly.

&quot;The ban will impact all American media,&quot; she said, according to the Duma&#39;s official website.&nbsp;

There are 21 American media outlets accredited to work in Russia, according to the website of the foreign ministry which keeps the register and issues documents to journalists.

&quot;After the decree regarding closing access for American journalists to the Duma building is passed, we will work out all organisational and technical issues with the foreign ministry,&quot; Savastyanova said.

The ban would apply to US media rather than journalists from other foreign countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.&nbsp;

&quot;Such outrageous attacks on foreign media, in particular Russian media, go against the international practice of freedom of speech and unfortunately flourish in full Technicolor in the US,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The ban would be the latest development in tit-for-tat fallout from Washington&#39;s forced registration of RT as a &quot;foreign agent&quot; in the US.&nbsp;

Washington views the channel as a propaganda arm of the Kremlin, which is accused of interfering in the presidential elections last year.

The congressional committee of journalists which regulates who is accredited to cover the legislature said Thursday they voted unanimously to withdraw RT&#39;s press pass.

The ban would be the latest development in tit-for-tat fallout from Washington's forced registration of RT as a 'foreign agent' in the US

Russian lawmakers will vote next week on measures banning all US media from the lower house of parliament, a deputy said Friday, in response to the US Congress stripping state channel RT of its credentials. A senior United Russia party lawmaker Olga Savastyanova said the Russian Duma will vote on the ban on December 6. It is unlikely that the proposal would be rejected by the overwhelmingly pro-Kremlin assembly. "The ban will impact all American media," she said, according to the Duma's official website. There are 21 American media outlets accredited to work in Russia, according to the website of the foreign ministry which keeps the register and issues documents to journalists. "After the decree regarding closing access for American journalists to the Duma building is passed, we will work out all organisational and technical issues with the foreign ministry," Savastyanova said. The ban would apply to US media rather than journalists from other foreign countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Such outrageous attacks on foreign media, in particular Russian media, go against the international practice of freedom of speech and unfortunately flourish in full Technicolor in the US," he said. The ban would be the latest development in tit-for-tat fallout from Washington's forced registration of RT as a "foreign agent" in the US. Washington views the channel as a propaganda arm of the Kremlin, which is accused of interfering in the presidential elections last year. The congressional committee of journalists which regulates who is accredited to cover the legislature said Thursday they voted unanimously to withdraw RT's press pass.

Russian MPs to vote on banning US media from parliament on December 6

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/de-blasio-wins-new-york-city-mayoral-election-23752" target="_blank">New York&#39;s mayor</a> on Monday signed into law the repeal of a 91-year-old piece of legislation that had technically banned dancing in thousands of bars, clubs and restaurants in the city.

The city council voted overwhelmingly on October 31 to axe the law, which had come into effect in 1926 during Prohibition and which campaigners decried as racist, saying it was used initially to crack down on Harlem&#39;s jazz clubs, where blacks and whites mixed.

Campaigners say it was also used historically to target Hispanics and members of the LGBT community. In the 1990s, mayor Rudy Giuliani used the law to get tough on clubs in his fight against crime.

&quot;It&#39;s 2017 and this law just didn&#39;t make sense. Nightlife is part of the New York melting pot that brings people together,&quot; said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

&quot;We want to be a city where people can work hard, and enjoy their city&#39;s nightlife without arcane bans on dancing.&quot;

Although the law was rarely enforced in recent years, it required public spaces that sell food and drink to acquire near impossible-to-obtain permits to authorize dancing indoors or risk a fine.

Yet only around 100 of New York&#39;s more than 22,000 bars, restaurants and clubs had the elusive permit.

Brooklyn Democratic councilman Rafael Espinal led the charge to repeal the law, saying it unfairly discriminated against small businesses.

&quot;Artist, musicians, businesses owners, workers and everyday New Yorkers looking to let loose will no longer have to fear the dance police will shut down their favorite venues,&quot; he said Monday.

A search is also now on for a &quot;nightlife mayor&quot; who can liaise between city hall, residents and the city&#39;s multi-billion-dollar nightlife industry, in order to support a safe nightlife scene that supports 300,000 jobs and attracts tourists far and wide.

While venues will not need a special dancing permit, the city will still require security guards and surveillance cameras in many venues.

&nbsp;

The ban had come into effect in 1926 during Prohibition

New York's mayor on Monday signed into law the repeal of a 91-year-old piece of legislation that had technically banned dancing in thousands of bars, clubs and restaurants in the city. The city council voted overwhelmingly on October 31 to axe the law, which had come into effect in 1926 during Prohibition and which campaigners decried as racist, saying it was used initially to crack down on Harlem's jazz clubs, where blacks and whites mixed. Campaigners say it was also used historically to target Hispanics and members of the LGBT community. In the 1990s, mayor Rudy Giuliani used the law to get tough on clubs in his fight against crime. "It's 2017 and this law just didn't make sense. Nightlife is part of the New York melting pot that brings people together," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We want to be a city where people can work hard, and enjoy their city's nightlife without arcane bans on dancing." Although the law was rarely enforced in recent years, it required public spaces that sell food and drink to acquire near impossible-to-obtain permits to authorize dancing indoors or risk a fine. Yet only around 100 of New York's more than 22,000 bars, restaurants and clubs had the elusive permit. Brooklyn Democratic councilman Rafael Espinal led the charge to repeal the law, saying it unfairly discriminated against small businesses. "Artist, musicians, businesses owners, workers and everyday New Yorkers looking to let loose will no longer have to fear the dance police will shut down their favorite venues," he said Monday. A search is also now on for a "nightlife mayor" who can liaise between city hall, residents and the city's multi-billion-dollar nightlife industry, in order to support a safe nightlife scene that supports 300,000 jobs and attracts tourists far and wide. While venues will not need a special dancing permit, the city will still require security guards and surveillance cameras in many venues.

New York repeals 91-year-old dancing ban

Poland adopted legislation on Friday that will ban most Sunday trading by 2020, with opinion surveys showing that consumers have mixed feelings about the move in the heavily Catholic EU state.&nbsp;

First presented last year by Poland`s Solidarity trade union as a citizens` initiative bill, the new legislation limits shopping to the first and last Sundays of the month as of March 2018.

Trade will only be allowed on the last Sunday of the month in 2019 before a wider ban takes effect in 2020 that will allow shopping on seven Sundays per year, including two before Christmas and one before Easter.

The move applies to foreign-owned hypermarket chains as well as other non-Polish players, but will still allow online shopping as well as smaller locally-owned shops including bakeries and petrol stations to do business.

Lawmakers in Poland`s right-wing dominated 460-seat parliament passed the ban with 254 votes in favour to 156 against and 23 abstentions.

The Solidarity trade union says it sought the move to ensure retail staff gets free weekends, but opposition politicians and other critics argue that it will limit job opportunities for students and cramp cross-border shopping from the Baltic states, Belarus, Ukraine, and Slovakia.

Solidarity is allied with Poland`s governing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, which is closely tied to the powerful Roman Catholic Church, long an advocate of shutting shops on Sundays for religious reasons.&nbsp;

Sunday shopping became a popular family pastime in Poland with the advent of the free market after the 1989 collapse of communism, but surveys published this week suggest that consumers have mixed feelings.&nbsp;

The independent Kantar TNS pollsters found that 76 percent of respondents supported a compromise that would allow Sunday shopping, but also give retail workers two free weekends per month.

However, the Warsaw-based CBOS agency found that 58 percent of respondents supported a blanket Sunday shopping ban, while just 37 percent were opposed. It also found that 52 percent of respondents said they shop on Sunday.

Switzerland and Norway limit Sunday shopping, while Austria has a blanket ban.&nbsp;

Up to now, stores in Poland have remained closed for 12 days a year for major national or religious holidays.

The Solidarity trade union says it sought the move to ensure retail staff gets free weekends, but opposition politicians and other critics argue that it will limit job opportunities for students and cramp cross-border shopping from the Baltic states, Belarus, Ukraine, and Slovakia

Poland adopted legislation on Friday that will ban most Sunday trading by 2020, with opinion surveys showing that consumers have mixed feelings about the move in the heavily Catholic EU state. First presented last year by Poland`s Solidarity trade union as a citizens` initiative bill, the new legislation limits shopping to the first and last Sundays of the month as of March 2018. Trade will only be allowed on the last Sunday of the month in 2019 before a wider ban takes effect in 2020 that will allow shopping on seven Sundays per year, including two before Christmas and one before Easter. The move applies to foreign-owned hypermarket chains as well as other non-Polish players, but will still allow online shopping as well as smaller locally-owned shops including bakeries and petrol stations to do business. Lawmakers in Poland`s right-wing dominated 460-seat parliament passed the ban with 254 votes in favour to 156 against and 23 abstentions. The Solidarity trade union says it sought the move to ensure retail staff gets free weekends, but opposition politicians and other critics argue that it will limit job opportunities for students and cramp cross-border shopping from the Baltic states, Belarus, Ukraine, and Slovakia. Solidarity is allied with Poland`s governing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, which is closely tied to the powerful Roman Catholic Church, long an advocate of shutting shops on Sundays for religious reasons. Sunday shopping became a popular family pastime in Poland with the advent of the free market after the 1989 collapse of communism, but surveys published this week suggest that consumers have mixed feelings. The independent Kantar TNS pollsters found that 76 percent of respondents supported a compromise that would allow Sunday shopping, but also give retail workers two free weekends per month. However, the Warsaw-based CBOS agency found that 58 percent of respondents supported a blanket Sunday shopping ban, while just 37 percent were opposed. It also found that 52 percent of respondents said they shop on Sunday. Switzerland and Norway limit Sunday shopping, while Austria has a blanket ban. Up to now, stores in Poland have remained closed for 12 days a year for major national or religious holidays.

Poland adopts 'gradual ban' on Sunday shopping

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday administered the municipal corporations to execute a ban on burning garbage in urban areas.&nbsp;

With current pollution levels increasing in the national capital, Adityanath has also ordered to develop &#39;artificial rain&#39; with the help of latest technology in Lucknow, taking Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur on board to carry out the procedure, according to reports.&nbsp;

He has also directed to install several water sprinklers on roads and execute a ban on burning crop residue, reports said.&nbsp;

The UP CM has decided to organize campaigns to create awareness on pollution and preventive steps in rural areas through FM and community radio which will run until 15th January.&nbsp;

Other measures included: suspension of work in about 123 industrial units, cancelled registration of vehicles which are over 10 years old and also fines of over 200 vehicles for violating pollution norms - which were earlier directed by&nbsp;NGT, according to reports.&nbsp;

The practice of burning of crop residue by farmers of the two states of Punjab and Haryana has been blamed for the toxic smog enveloping the region every winter.

Delhi is said to be the world&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-children-are-inhaling-cigarette-the-moment-they-are-born-24287">most polluted capital</a> according to the WHO, exceeding pollution levels in Beijing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Delhi is said to be the world's most polluted capital according to the WHO, exceeding pollution levels in Beijing.? ?

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday administered the municipal corporations to execute a ban on burning garbage in urban areas. With current pollution levels increasing in the national capital, Adityanath has also ordered to develop 'artificial rain' with the help of latest technology in Lucknow, taking Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur on board to carry out the procedure, according to reports. He has also directed to install several water sprinklers on roads and execute a ban on burning crop residue, reports said. The UP CM has decided to organize campaigns to create awareness on pollution and preventive steps in rural areas through FM and community radio which will run until 15th January. Other measures included: suspension of work in about 123 industrial units, cancelled registration of vehicles which are over 10 years old and also fines of over 200 vehicles for violating pollution norms - which were earlier directed by NGT, according to reports. The practice of burning of crop residue by farmers of the two states of Punjab and Haryana has been blamed for the toxic smog enveloping the region every winter. Delhi is said to be the world's most polluted capital according to the WHO, exceeding pollution levels in Beijing.

Adityanath's anti-pollution plan: Ban garbage burning, implement 'artificial rain'

&quot;If you were really concerned about public and the society you should have started campaigns against various social evils like untouchability and safety of women. But you choose to target a particular movie.&quot;

Those were the words of justices M M Sundresh and M Sundar of Madras High Court while summarily dismissing a petition seeking a direction to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to revoke the censor certificate issued to Vijay starrer Mersal for it&#39;s &#39;&#39;anti-GST&#39;&#39; dialogues.

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<h5>The petitioner argued that the movie contained scenes and dialogues, which were against the interests of the country&#39;s sovereignty and integrity and the security of the state.</h5>
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The judges while junking pseudo-nationalism propagated by the petitioner said in a mature democracy, the voices of the minority cannot be stifled and concluded that ultimately it was for the viewers to take a call on the contents of a movie.

The petitioner, forgetting that &#39;Mersal&#39; is after all just a movie, argued that the movie contained scenes and dialogues, which were against the interests of the country&#39;s sovereignty and integrity and the security of the state. Here, we are made to wonder whether the petitioner a true patriot? If he is, as he claims himself to be, what&#39;s he doing on the court? Should he be fighting our country&#39;s enemies along the borders?

The petitioner&#39;s contention was that the apparent false information about GST and Digital India Scheme would encourage people to indulge in tax evasion. So, as per the petitioner&#39;s argument, nobody hides income in India and everyone files taxes without fail, and this movie was going to open black money floodgates.

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<h5>The petitioner and all those who have been demanding to purge certain scenes in the film conveniently forgot that Mersal is, after all, a work of fiction.</h5>
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Donald Trump&#39;s &quot;America first&quot; policy will draw a blank in front of the patriotic spirit of this petitioner. One wonders how the petitioner and all those who have been demanding to purge certain scenes in the film conveniently forgot that Mersal is, after all, a work of fiction.

The judges had to step forward and remind the petitioner and other BJP leaders that India and, especially, Tamil Nadu is a democracy. &quot;This is a democracy and people have their right to freedom of expression, and this applies to films as well,&quot; the judges said in their order.

&quot;Even today the media has reported that the Leader of Opposition in the state has criticised demonetisation, can the court pass a gag order against him from making such statements,&quot; the bench further said.

Wondering how the Censor Board had issued certification for the above movie, the petitioner had said: &quot;the film was full of wrong propaganda about India and fake dialogues and scenes which obviously lead to the misconception about the new taxation system (Goods and Service Tax).&quot;

The judges condemned the pseudo-nationalist petitioner and dismissed the plea as devoid of merit.

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<h5>The petitioner&#39;s motivation was to invoke communal disharmony in Tamil Nadu for electrical dividends.</h5>
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This is not the first time the court&#39;s precious time was wasted on a&nbsp;useless petition. Recently, the Delhi High Court junked a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into the death of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor&#39;s wife Sunanda Pushkar, terming his PIL as a &quot;textbook example of a political interest litigation&quot;.

While observing that the petition by Swamy cannot be entertained as a PIL, the bench said that &quot;Courts need to be careful that judicial process is not used by political persons for their own purposes&quot;.

The courts of our country have seen several such petitions now and then.

What&#39;s the intention of people filing such petitions? Are they really concerned about the issues that the country is facing? If so, why they don&#39;t suggest solutions to issues plaguing the country instead of wasting court&#39;s time and energy?

The petitioner&#39;s motivation was to invoke disharmony in Tamil Nadu for electrical dividends, not realising that the state had consigned these kinds of prejudice and preconceived notions to oblivion ages ago.

The petition to ban few dialogues from the movie Mersal was intended to invoke communal disharmony in Tamil Nadu

"If you were really concerned about public and the society you should have started campaigns against various social evils like untouchability and safety of women. But you choose to target a particular movie." Those were the words of justices M M Sundresh and M Sundar of Madras High Court while summarily dismissing a petition seeking a direction to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to revoke the censor certificate issued to Vijay starrer Mersal for it's ''anti-GST'' dialogues. The petitioner argued that the movie contained scenes and dialogues, which were against the interests of the country's sovereignty and integrity and the security of the state. × The judges while junking pseudo-nationalism propagated by the petitioner said in a mature democracy, the voices of the minority cannot be stifled and concluded that ultimately it was for the viewers to take a call on the contents of a movie. The petitioner, forgetting that 'Mersal' is after all just a movie, argued that the movie contained scenes and dialogues, which were against the interests of the country's sovereignty and integrity and the security of the state. Here, we are made to wonder whether the petitioner a true patriot? If he is, as he claims himself to be, what's he doing on the court? Should he be fighting our country's enemies along the borders? The petitioner's contention was that the apparent false information about GST and Digital India Scheme would encourage people to indulge in tax evasion. So, as per the petitioner's argument, nobody hides income in India and everyone files taxes without fail, and this movie was going to open black money floodgates. The petitioner and all those who have been demanding to purge certain scenes in the film conveniently forgot that Mersal is, after all, a work of fiction. × Donald Trump's "America first" policy will draw a blank in front of the patriotic spirit of this petitioner. One wonders how the petitioner and all those who have been demanding to purge certain scenes in the film conveniently forgot that Mersal is, after all, a work of fiction. The judges had to step forward and remind the petitioner and other BJP leaders that India and, especially, Tamil Nadu is a democracy. "This is a democracy and people have their right to freedom of expression, and this applies to films as well," the judges said in their order. "Even today the media has reported that the Leader of Opposition in the state has criticised demonetisation, can the court pass a gag order against him from making such statements," the bench further said. Wondering how the Censor Board had issued certification for the above movie, the petitioner had said: "the film was full of wrong propaganda about India and fake dialogues and scenes which obviously lead to the misconception about the new taxation system (Goods and Service Tax)." The judges condemned the pseudo-nationalist petitioner and dismissed the plea as devoid of merit. The petitioner's motivation was to invoke communal disharmony in Tamil Nadu for electrical dividends. × This is not the first time the court's precious time was wasted on a useless petition. Recently, the Delhi High Court junked a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into the death of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's wife Sunanda Pushkar, terming his PIL as a "textbook example of a political interest litigation". While observing that the petition by Swamy cannot be entertained as a PIL, the bench said that "Courts need to be careful that judicial process is not used by political persons for their own purposes". The courts of our country have seen several such petitions now and then. What's the intention of people filing such petitions? Are they really concerned about the issues that the country is facing? If so, why they don't suggest solutions to issues plaguing the country instead of wasting court's time and energy? The petitioner's motivation was to invoke disharmony in Tamil Nadu for electrical dividends, not realising that the state had consigned these kinds of prejudice and preconceived notions to oblivion ages ago.

How pseudo-nationalists attempted and failed to tame 'Mersal'

It will be a less noisy Diwali this year in Delhi as the Supreme Court today banned the sale of firecrackers in the national capital till November 1.

A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri had on October 6 reserved its order on a plea seeking restoration of the court&#39;s last year order banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.

The top court, through its November 11 order last year, had suspended all licences which &quot;permit sale of fireworks, wholesale and retail within the territory of NCR&quot;.

Later, on September 12, the apex court had temporarily lifted its earlier order and permitted sale of firecrackers.

During the hearing on the plea seeking restoration of last year&#39;s order, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had told the bench that they &quot;support&quot; the application.

Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayanan, appearing for petitioner Arjun Gopal, had contended before the court that ban on use of firecrackers should be restored as the NCR had witnessed a huge rise in air pollution during and after Diwali last year.

He had said that rise in air pollution during last Diwali was because of several reasons, including the extensive use of firecrackers.

The counsel, appearing for the permanent licencees selling crackers, had opposed the plea and said the September 12 order temporarily lifting the ban, was &quot;well-reasoned&quot; and passed after hearing all the parties, including the CPCB.

He had argued that all aspects raised by the petitioner now were considered by the apex court while passing the order last month and though firecrackers impacted air quality, it was &quot;not the greatest cause of particulate matter (PM) 2.5&quot;.

The apex court had last month temporarily lifted its earlier order suspending licences for sale of fire crackers, saying a complete ban would be an &quot;extreme step&quot; and a graded approach was needed to curb pollution caused by them.

The court, however, had said its order lifting the ban on sale of fire crackers might require a &quot;review&quot; after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival.&nbsp;

The Central Pollution Control Board had told the court that they 'support' the move

It will be a less noisy Diwali this year in Delhi as the Supreme Court today banned the sale of firecrackers in the national capital till November 1. A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri had on October 6 reserved its order on a plea seeking restoration of the court's last year order banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The top court, through its November 11 order last year, had suspended all licences which "permit sale of fireworks, wholesale and retail within the territory of NCR". Later, on September 12, the apex court had temporarily lifted its earlier order and permitted sale of firecrackers. During the hearing on the plea seeking restoration of last year's order, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had told the bench that they "support" the application. Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayanan, appearing for petitioner Arjun Gopal, had contended before the court that ban on use of firecrackers should be restored as the NCR had witnessed a huge rise in air pollution during and after Diwali last year. He had said that rise in air pollution during last Diwali was because of several reasons, including the extensive use of firecrackers. The counsel, appearing for the permanent licencees selling crackers, had opposed the plea and said the September 12 order temporarily lifting the ban, was "well-reasoned" and passed after hearing all the parties, including the CPCB. He had argued that all aspects raised by the petitioner now were considered by the apex court while passing the order last month and though firecrackers impacted air quality, it was "not the greatest cause of particulate matter (PM) 2.5". The apex court had last month temporarily lifted its earlier order suspending licences for sale of fire crackers, saying a complete ban would be an "extreme step" and a graded approach was needed to curb pollution caused by them. The court, however, had said its order lifting the ban on sale of fire crackers might require a "review" after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival.

Supreme Court bans sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR this Diwali

FIFA has backed down in its row with British football authorities over the wearing of poppies by players in international matches as a tribute to those killed in war.

Football associations in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were fined by FIFA for ignoring warnings not to commemorate Armistice Day during their World Cup qualifiers last November.

FIFA`s stance -- based on a strict interpretation of its laws against the use of personal, political or religious slogans or symbols -- sparked widespread condemnation in Britain, with Prime Minister

Theresa May calling it &quot;utterly outrageous&quot; in Parliament.

But now football`s world governing body has sent its member associations new guidance, which says certain &quot;initiatives&quot; may appear on players` kits.

The document rules out &quot;personal&quot; or &quot;religious... slogans, statements or images&quot; but admits &quot;political&quot; is less clear, although it bans slogans and symbols related to political parties and governments.

It adds: &quot;When commemorating a significant national or international event, the sensibilities of the opposing team (including its supporters) and the general public should be carefully considered.&quot;

It means England, or any other team that wants to wear poppies on their shirts to mark Armistice Day (November 11), can do so, providing they get their opponents` permission and inform the organisers of the match.

If England seal qualification for next summer`s World Cup in their next two games in early October, they are set to play Germany in a friendly at Wembley in November and it is understood they have already been given permission by the German FA to wear poppies.

Football associations in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were fined by FIFA for ignoring warnings not to commemorate Armistice Day during their World Cup qualifiers last November.

FIFA has backed down in its row with British football authorities over the wearing of poppies by players in international matches as a tribute to those killed in war. Football associations in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were fined by FIFA for ignoring warnings not to commemorate Armistice Day during their World Cup qualifiers last November. FIFA`s stance -- based on a strict interpretation of its laws against the use of personal, political or religious slogans or symbols -- sparked widespread condemnation in Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May calling it "utterly outrageous" in Parliament. But now football`s world governing body has sent its member associations new guidance, which says certain "initiatives" may appear on players` kits. The document rules out "personal" or "religious... slogans, statements or images" but admits "political" is less clear, although it bans slogans and symbols related to political parties and governments. It adds: "When commemorating a significant national or international event, the sensibilities of the opposing team (including its supporters) and the general public should be carefully considered." It means England, or any other team that wants to wear poppies on their shirts to mark Armistice Day (November 11), can do so, providing they get their opponents` permission and inform the organisers of the match. If England seal qualification for next summer`s World Cup in their next two games in early October, they are set to play Germany in a friendly at Wembley in November and it is understood they have already been given permission by the German FA to wear poppies.

FIFA scraps ban on poppies on football shirts

Uber&#39;s Chief Executive apologised on Monday for the taxi app&#39;s&nbsp;mistakes&nbsp;in London and promised to change as the firm fights a decision by the city not to renew its licence.

On Friday, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uber-loses-license-to-operate-in-london-20525"> British capital&#39;s transport regulator deemed&nbsp;Uber&nbsp;unfit</a> to run a taxi service and decided not to renew its licence to operate, which will end this week, citing the firm&#39;s approach to reporting serious criminal offences and background checks on drivers.

&quot;While&nbsp;Uber&nbsp;has revolutionised the way people move in cities around the world, it&#39;s equally true that&nbsp;we&#39;ve&nbsp;got things wrong along the way. On behalf of everyone at&nbsp;Uber&nbsp;globally, I apologise for the&nbsp;mistakes&nbsp;we&#39;ve&nbsp;made,&quot;&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Dara Khosrowshahi wrote in an open letter.

&quot;We will appeal the decision on behalf of millions of Londoners, but we do so with the knowledge that we must also change.&quot;

On Friday, the British capital's transport regulator deemed?Uber?unfit to run a taxi service and decided not to renew its licence to operate

Uber's Chief Executive apologised on Monday for the taxi app's mistakes in London and promised to change as the firm fights a decision by the city not to renew its licence. On Friday, the British capital's transport regulator deemed Uber unfit to run a taxi service and decided not to renew its licence to operate, which will end this week, citing the firm's approach to reporting serious criminal offences and background checks on drivers. "While Uber has revolutionised the way people move in cities around the world, it's equally true that we've got things wrong along the way. On behalf of everyone at Uber globally, I apologise for the mistakes we've made," CEO Dara Khosrowshahi wrote in an open letter. "We will appeal the decision on behalf of millions of Londoners, but we do so with the knowledge that we must also change."

'I'm sorry for the mistakes we've made': Uber CEO tells London

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-set-to-lift-ban-on-internet-calls-20440">&nbsp;The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;government is&nbsp;lifting&nbsp;a&nbsp;ban&nbsp;on&nbsp;calls&nbsp;</a>made through online apps on Thursday but will monitor and&nbsp;censor&nbsp;them, a government spokesman said.

All online voice and video call services - such as Microsoft&#39;s&nbsp;Skype, Facebook&#39;s&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;and Messenger, and Rakuten&#39;s Viber - that satisfy regulatory requirements were set to become accessible overnight.

However, on Thursday morning, Viber appeared to remain blocked inside the kingdom, and WhatsApp&nbsp;worked only when connected to a wireless network.

Adel Abu Hameed, spokesman for telecoms regulator CITC, said on Arabiya TV on Wednesday that new regulations were aimed mainly at protecting users&#39; personal information and blocking content that violated the kingdom&#39;s laws.

Asked if the apps could be monitored by the authorities or companies, he said: &quot;Under no circumstances can the user use an application for video or voice calling without monitoring and censorship by the Communications and Information Technology Commission, whether the application is global or local.&quot;

It was unclear how the authorities can monitor apps such as&nbsp;WhatsApp, which says its messages are supported by end-to-end encryption, meaning the company cannot read customers&#39; messages even if approached by law enforcement agencies.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, which introduced blocks to internet communications from 2013, has along with its Gulf Arab neighbours been wary that such services could be used by activists and militants.

Gulf Arab states, except the island kingdom of Bahrain, were mostly spared the &quot;Arab Spring&quot; mass protests often organised over the Internet that roiled much of the region in 2011.

Lifting&nbsp;the&nbsp;ban&nbsp;represents part of the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;government&#39;s broad reforms to diversify the economy partly in response to low oil prices, which have hit the country&rsquo;s finances.

Yet the policy reversal could squeeze&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&#39;s three main telecoms operators -&nbsp;SaudiTelecom Co (STC), Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) and Zain&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;- which earn revenue from international phone&nbsp;calls&nbsp;made by the millions of expatriates living in the kingdom.

All online voice and video call services - such as Microsoft's?Skype, Facebook's?WhatsApp?and Messenger, and Rakuten's Viber - that satisfy regulatory requirements were set to become accessible overnight.

The Saudi government is lifting a ban on calls made through online apps on Thursday but will monitor and censor them, a government spokesman said. All online voice and video call services - such as Microsoft's Skype, Facebook's WhatsApp and Messenger, and Rakuten's Viber - that satisfy regulatory requirements were set to become accessible overnight. However, on Thursday morning, Viber appeared to remain blocked inside the kingdom, and WhatsApp worked only when connected to a wireless network. Adel Abu Hameed, spokesman for telecoms regulator CITC, said on Arabiya TV on Wednesday that new regulations were aimed mainly at protecting users' personal information and blocking content that violated the kingdom's laws. Asked if the apps could be monitored by the authorities or companies, he said: "Under no circumstances can the user use an application for video or voice calling without monitoring and censorship by the Communications and Information Technology Commission, whether the application is global or local." It was unclear how the authorities can monitor apps such as WhatsApp, which says its messages are supported by end-to-end encryption, meaning the company cannot read customers' messages even if approached by law enforcement agencies. Saudi Arabia, which introduced blocks to internet communications from 2013, has along with its Gulf Arab neighbours been wary that such services could be used by activists and militants. Gulf Arab states, except the island kingdom of Bahrain, were mostly spared the "Arab Spring" mass protests often organised over the Internet that roiled much of the region in 2011. Lifting the ban represents part of the Saudi government's broad reforms to diversify the economy partly in response to low oil prices, which have hit the country’s finances. Yet the policy reversal could squeeze Saudi Arabia's three main telecoms operators - SaudiTelecom Co (STC), Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) and Zain Saudi - which earn revenue from international phone calls made by the millions of expatriates living in the kingdom.

Saudi lifting ban on Skype, WhatsApp calls, but will censor them

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;will remove its&nbsp;ban&nbsp;on&nbsp;internet&nbsp;phone&nbsp;calls&nbsp;on Thursday, a government spokesman said, in a bid to stimulate online business as the kingdom looks to boost non-oil revenue.

All online voice and video call services such as Microsoft&#39;s Skype and Facebook&#39;s WhatsApp that satisfy regulatory requirements will become accessible at midnight (2100 GMT), Adel Abu Hameed, spokesman for the telecoms regulator CITC said on Twitter on Wednesday.

The&nbsp;lifting of the&nbsp;ban&nbsp;could pinch&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&#39;s three main telecoms operators -&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Telecom Co (STC), Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) and Zain&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;- which earn substantial revenue from international phone and text&nbsp;calls&nbsp;made by the millions of expatriates living in the kingdom.

The policy reversal comes as part of the government&#39;s broad reform programme to diversify revenue sources as oil prices have hit the finances of the world&#39;s top exporter.

&quot;Digital transformation is one of the key kick-starters for the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;economy, as it will incentivize the growth of&nbsp;internet-based businesses, especially in the media and entertainment industries,&quot; a separate statement from the information ministry said.

&quot;Access to VoIP (voice over&nbsp;internet&nbsp;protocol) will reduce operational costs and spur digital entrepreneurship &ndash; that&#39;s why it is such an important step in the Kingdom&#39;s&nbsp;internet&nbsp;regulation,&quot; it said.

The kingdom and its Gulf Arab neighbours have been concerned by the use of secure&nbsp;internet communication - which experts say is harder to monitor - especially by activists and militants.

Gulf Arab states, except the island kingdom of Bahrain, were mostly spared the &quot;Arab Spring&quot; mass protests often organised over the&nbsp;Internet&nbsp;which roiled much of the region in 2011.

They avoided the civil wars which largely followed but face deadly bombing attacks by Islamic State and militancy by fringes of their Shi&#39;ite Muslim populations they say is fuelled by Iran.

The authorities will continue to regulate the&nbsp;Internet&nbsp;in order to restrict content that violates the kingdom&#39;s laws such as extremist material, pornography and gambling sites, the information ministry added.

All online voice and video call services such as Microsoft's Skype and Facebook's WhatsApp that satisfy regulatory requirements will become accessible at midnight (2100 GMT), Adel Abu Hameed, spokesman for the telecoms regulator CITC said on Twitter on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia will remove its ban on internet phone calls on Thursday, a government spokesman said, in a bid to stimulate online business as the kingdom looks to boost non-oil revenue. All online voice and video call services such as Microsoft's Skype and Facebook's WhatsApp that satisfy regulatory requirements will become accessible at midnight (2100 GMT), Adel Abu Hameed, spokesman for the telecoms regulator CITC said on Twitter on Wednesday. The lifting of the ban could pinch Saudi Arabia's three main telecoms operators - Saudi Telecom Co (STC), Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) and Zain Saudi - which earn substantial revenue from international phone and text calls made by the millions of expatriates living in the kingdom. The policy reversal comes as part of the government's broad reform programme to diversify revenue sources as oil prices have hit the finances of the world's top exporter. "Digital transformation is one of the key kick-starters for the Saudi economy, as it will incentivize the growth of internet-based businesses, especially in the media and entertainment industries," a separate statement from the information ministry said. "Access to VoIP (voice over internet protocol) will reduce operational costs and spur digital entrepreneurship – that's why it is such an important step in the Kingdom's internet regulation," it said. The kingdom and its Gulf Arab neighbours have been concerned by the use of secure internet communication - which experts say is harder to monitor - especially by activists and militants. Gulf Arab states, except the island kingdom of Bahrain, were mostly spared the "Arab Spring" mass protests often organised over the Internet which roiled much of the region in 2011. They avoided the civil wars which largely followed but face deadly bombing attacks by Islamic State and militancy by fringes of their Shi'ite Muslim populations they say is fuelled by Iran. The authorities will continue to regulate the Internet in order to restrict content that violates the kingdom's laws such as extremist material, pornography and gambling sites, the information ministry added.

Saudi Arabia set to lift ban on internet calls

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/five-match-ban-seems-exaggerated-and-ridiculous-cristiano-ronaldo-19093">Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;will have to serve his five-match ban</a> for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid&#39;s appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported on Tuesday citing court officials.

The Portuguese<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/real-madrid-to-appeal-ronaldo-card-zidane-18952"> forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea</a> after being sent off during Real&#39;s 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August&nbsp;13.

As a result, the Spanish Football Federation issued&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;with a $3,543.20&nbsp;fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card.

&quot;Another incomprehensible decision. From injustice to injustice, they will never overthrow me,&quot; Ronaldo&nbsp;posted on Instagram.

The ban ruled&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid&#39;s first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches.

The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September&nbsp;20.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the length of the suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported on Tuesday citing court officials. The Portuguese forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea after being sent off during Real's 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 13. As a result, the Spanish Football Federation issued Ronaldo with a $3,543.20 fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card. "Another incomprehensible decision. From injustice to injustice, they will never overthrow me," Ronaldo posted on Instagram. The ban ruled Ronaldo out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid's first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches. The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September 20.

From injustice to injustice: Ronaldo blasts Spanish football federation over suspension

Iran&#39;s new communications minister said&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;that negotiations were underway <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspended-377000-accounts-last-year-for-trying-to-promote-extremism-13642">with microblogging site Twitter to unblock the service</a>, which has been banned for years despite being used even by the country&#39;s supreme leader.

&quot;(Twitter) has announced that it is prepared to negotiate to resolve problems,&quot; Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi told the Iran daily newspaper.

&quot;Considering the current situation there are grounds for such negotiation and interaction. Twitter is not an immoral environment needing to be blocked,&quot; he added.

The 36-year-old Jahromi became Iran&#39;s youngest-ever minister this week, and the first to be born after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

His selection has been criticised by rights groups over his involvement in surveillance during and after the mass anti-regime protests of 2009.

But Jahromi is also seen as a critic of online censorship in Iran, where sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter remain banned even if millions use them daily through easily available privacy software.

There was no immediate response from Twitter to his comments.

He said officials were also looking at ways to unblock YouTube while still censoring &quot;immoral content&quot; on the site, and that a pilot project was being run, allowing universities to access the site.

Jahromi added that the final decision on unblocking Twitter did not lie with his ministry, but with the Supreme Council for Cyberspace, which includes members of the hardline judiciary.

Twitter was banned at the time of mass anti-regime protests in 2009, that followed allegations of massive rigging in the re-election of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

But despite the ban, the US messaging service is widely used by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has official accounts in several languages, as well as President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Even Ahmadinejad joined the service this year.

Separately, Jahromi rejected allegations he was involved in interrogations during the 2009 protests.

&quot;I wasn&#39;t responsible for surveillance, I was in charge of the technical infrastructure for the surveillance industry, and I consider it an honour,&quot; he said in a meeting with lawmakers this week, according to the Shahrvand newspaper.

Iran's new communications minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi said

Iran's new communications minister said Tuesday that negotiations were underway with microblogging site Twitter to unblock the service, which has been banned for years despite being used even by the country's supreme leader. "(Twitter) has announced that it is prepared to negotiate to resolve problems," Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi told the Iran daily newspaper. "Considering the current situation there are grounds for such negotiation and interaction. Twitter is not an immoral environment needing to be blocked," he added. The 36-year-old Jahromi became Iran's youngest-ever minister this week, and the first to be born after the 1979 Islamic revolution. His selection has been criticised by rights groups over his involvement in surveillance during and after the mass anti-regime protests of 2009. But Jahromi is also seen as a critic of online censorship in Iran, where sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter remain banned even if millions use them daily through easily available privacy software. There was no immediate response from Twitter to his comments. He said officials were also looking at ways to unblock YouTube while still censoring "immoral content" on the site, and that a pilot project was being run, allowing universities to access the site. Jahromi added that the final decision on unblocking Twitter did not lie with his ministry, but with the Supreme Council for Cyberspace, which includes members of the hardline judiciary. Twitter was banned at the time of mass anti-regime protests in 2009, that followed allegations of massive rigging in the re-election of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But despite the ban, the US messaging service is widely used by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has official accounts in several languages, as well as President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Even Ahmadinejad joined the service this year. Separately, Jahromi rejected allegations he was involved in interrogations during the 2009 protests. "I wasn't responsible for surveillance, I was in charge of the technical infrastructure for the surveillance industry, and I consider it an honour," he said in a meeting with lawmakers this week, according to the Shahrvand newspaper.

Twitter is not an immoral environment needing to be blocked, says Iran's communications minister

The Bangladesh government has decided to block more than 500 locally hosted pornography websites.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has forwarded the list to mobile phone operators, international gateway operators, internet service providers, interconnection exchange operators, and other telecom service providers.

MA Hakim, president of the Internet Service Providers Association Bangladesh, confirmed receiving the letter from the BTRC and that, steps were being taken to comply with it.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Initially we have decided to block around 500 websites that contain pornography, obscene pictures and video contents. In the first phase we will go for blocking the locally hosted sites. We are trying to impose some restrictions and trying to create hurdles for random pornographic site browsing, particularly for those who are under 18,&rdquo; said Tarana Halim, state minister for post and telecommunications division.

About 70 to 80 percent of the pornography sites, operated from overseas, would also be blocked in phases, Tarana added.

The Posts and Telecommunications Division committee was formed in November to block access to porn and objectionable contents on the internet from Bangladesh, reports Daily Star.

Tarana had said the ISPs should play an active role in blocking such websites hosted in Bangladesh.

&ldquo;We could not block all the porn sites but if we could block even 80% of them, it would be huge accomplishment for us,&rdquo; she said earlier this month.

(WION)

BTRC has forwarded the list of sites to be banned to different service providers

The Bangladesh government has decided to block more than 500 locally hosted pornography websites. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has forwarded the list to mobile phone operators, international gateway operators, internet service providers, interconnection exchange operators, and other telecom service providers. MA Hakim, president of the Internet Service Providers Association Bangladesh, confirmed receiving the letter from the BTRC and that, steps were being taken to comply with it. “Initially we have decided to block around 500 websites that contain pornography, obscene pictures and video contents. In the first phase we will go for blocking the locally hosted sites. We are trying to impose some restrictions and trying to create hurdles for random pornographic site browsing, particularly for those who are under 18,” said Tarana Halim, state minister for post and telecommunications division. About 70 to 80 percent of the pornography sites, operated from overseas, would also be blocked in phases, Tarana added. The Posts and Telecommunications Division committee was formed in November to block access to porn and objectionable contents on the internet from Bangladesh, reports Daily Star. Tarana had said the ISPs should play an active role in blocking such websites hosted in Bangladesh. “We could not block all the porn sites but if we could block even 80% of them, it would be huge accomplishment for us,” she said earlier this month. (WION)

Bangladesh to ban more than 500 locally hosted porn sites

The burkini, a body-concealing women&rsquo;s swimsuit that fits a conservative Islamic dress code, might have stirred a &nbsp;controversy in France, but on the beaches of North Africa, it has made few waves. 
 
On the coast of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, women are already wearing increasingly modest outfits, &nbsp;but few can afford the full-body costume. 
 
In Zeralda, a seaside resort in Western Algiers, few women dare to wear a swimsuit, let alone a bikini, on public beaches. 
 
&#39;People look at me as if I am Martian&#39; 
 
Hakima, a mathematics teacher in her 40s, wears a burkini in the sea before wrapping up in a large sarong when she gets out. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s more decent,&quot; she says. 
 
&quot;The all-body swimsuit is a solution for practicing Muslim women who like the sea.&quot; 
 
But some women cover up against their will, like Manel Brahimi, a biology student. 
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<h5>The swimsuit was introduced to the country by Moroccans living overseas, says Miloud, a retiree.</h5>
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&quot;I love swimming but if I wear a normal swimsuit, people look at me as if I am a Martian,&quot; she says. 
 
Siham, 24, is also resigned to wearing cycling shorts under her one-piece swimsuit to &quot;avoid being stared at&quot;. 
 
On the beaches of Rabat, swimmers splash around in various outfits including Bermuda shorts, tracksuit pants, leggings, denim shorts, and even suggestive wet T-shirts.&nbsp; 
 
Few wear an actual burkini, a garment that on average costs 500 dirhams (50 euros, $56), outside the budget of most beach-goers in the Moroccan capital. 
 
The swimsuit was introduced to the country by Moroccans living overseas, says Miloud, a retiree. 
 
&quot;They brought the fashion (of the burkini) here this year when they came on holiday to the beaches&quot; in the conservative north of the country, says Miloud. 
 
Another beach-goer, Fadel, sees the outfit as &quot;a story of big money&quot; that &quot;creates business for Islamic fashion stores&quot;. 
 
&quot;But most people don&#39;t care,&quot; he says. Last week, Nice became the latest French seaside resort to ban the burkini after a string of terror attacks. 
 
Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the costume was part of a political project based &quot;on the enslavement of women,&quot; and was &quot;not compatible with the values of France and the republic&quot;. 
 
This month, youths on a beach on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica came to blows with a group of Muslim families, reportedly after a tourist snapped pictures of women bathing in burkinis. 
 
But the swimsuit has sparked no such controversy in Tunisia, says sociologist Abdessatar Sahbani. 
 
&quot;Wearing the burkini, which has increased considerably since the revolution (in 2011), hasn&#39;t caused any problems on the beaches,&quot; he says. 
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<h5>It&#39;s a haven of peace, a discreet place for a Muslim woman,&quot; says Ouahiba Chaturi, a retired air hostess in a two-piece swimsuit.</h5>
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&quot;This summer, Tunisians are much more preoccupied with the economic and security situation.&quot; 
 
But changing social mores have given a boost to beach clubs reserved for women and children, such as the &quot;Marina Club&quot; east of Algiers. 
 
The club&#39;s clientele lounge next to a swimming pool sporting a variety of clothes from bikinis to burkinis, far from the gaze of men. 
 
The club is entirely staffed by women, from waitresses to lifeguards. Many of them are students. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a haven of peace, a discreet place for a Muslim woman,&quot; says Ouahiba Chaturi, a retired air hostess in a two-piece swimsuit. 
 
In addition to the exterior wall, another wall separates the pool from a special section for women who wear the full Islamic veil and don&#39;t want to undress in front of other women. 
 
&quot;They don&#39;t appreciate the presence of young boys in there,&quot; says one client. 
 
She says she was surprised at the comparison between the gaze of a seven-year-old and that of an adult. 
 
&#39;Country&#39;s beaches were always mixed until recently&#39; 
 
In early August, an article in an Algerian newspaper provoked an outcry on social media for claiming that &quot;nudity&quot; on public beaches had turned them into no-go areas for families. 
 
It blasted Algerian women who &quot;wear skimpy swimsuits as if they were on foreign beaches, and walk along the shore displaying their bodies full of tattoos.&quot; 
 
Yet in the 1990s, mixed beaches and swimsuits were the norm on Algeria&#39;s beaches.&nbsp; 
 
Saida, an English teacher, says the country&#39;s beaches were always mixed until recently.&nbsp; 
 
Now, &quot;the walls have been put up between those who can pay to tan on a private beach and those who, by conviction or obligation, swim in an outfit society deems decent,&quot; she says. 
 
Katia Ouhid, who is in her 50s, says she wears the bikini &quot;on principle&quot;. 
 
&quot;I put on weight when I was pregnant, but I refuse to accept the diktat of society,&quot; she says. 
 
&quot;When the Islamists banned women from going to the beach, we didn&#39;t yield. We went with family and friends and we wore our swimsuits.&quot; 
 
Amina, one of her friends, says society has &quot;regressed enormously in terms of individual freedoms,&quot; and says she misses the beaches where girls used to wear swimsuits in shimmering colours.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;All it needs is a sign at the entrance, family beach, modest dress required &quot;, she says. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

On the coast of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, women are already wearing increasingly modest outfits, ?but few can afford the Burkini

The burkini, a body-concealing women’s swimsuit that fits a conservative Islamic dress code, might have stirred a controversy in France, but on the beaches of North Africa, it has made few waves. On the coast of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, women are already wearing increasingly modest outfits, but few can afford the full-body costume. In Zeralda, a seaside resort in Western Algiers, few women dare to wear a swimsuit, let alone a bikini, on public beaches. 'People look at me as if I am Martian' Hakima, a mathematics teacher in her 40s, wears a burkini in the sea before wrapping up in a large sarong when she gets out. "It's more decent," she says. "The all-body swimsuit is a solution for practicing Muslim women who like the sea." But some women cover up against their will, like Manel Brahimi, a biology student. The swimsuit was introduced to the country by Moroccans living overseas, says Miloud, a retiree. "I love swimming but if I wear a normal swimsuit, people look at me as if I am a Martian," she says. Siham, 24, is also resigned to wearing cycling shorts under her one-piece swimsuit to "avoid being stared at". On the beaches of Rabat, swimmers splash around in various outfits including Bermuda shorts, tracksuit pants, leggings, denim shorts, and even suggestive wet T-shirts. Few wear an actual burkini, a garment that on average costs 500 dirhams (50 euros, $56), outside the budget of most beach-goers in the Moroccan capital. The swimsuit was introduced to the country by Moroccans living overseas, says Miloud, a retiree. "They brought the fashion (of the burkini) here this year when they came on holiday to the beaches" in the conservative north of the country, says Miloud. Another beach-goer, Fadel, sees the outfit as "a story of big money" that "creates business for Islamic fashion stores". "But most people don't care," he says. Last week, Nice became the latest French seaside resort to ban the burkini after a string of terror attacks. Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the costume was part of a political project based "on the enslavement of women," and was "not compatible with the values of France and the republic". This month, youths on a beach on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica came to blows with a group of Muslim families, reportedly after a tourist snapped pictures of women bathing in burkinis. But the swimsuit has sparked no such controversy in Tunisia, says sociologist Abdessatar Sahbani. "Wearing the burkini, which has increased considerably since the revolution (in 2011), hasn't caused any problems on the beaches," he says. It's a haven of peace, a discreet place for a Muslim woman," says Ouahiba Chaturi, a retired air hostess in a two-piece swimsuit. "This summer, Tunisians are much more preoccupied with the economic and security situation." But changing social mores have given a boost to beach clubs reserved for women and children, such as the "Marina Club" east of Algiers. The club's clientele lounge next to a swimming pool sporting a variety of clothes from bikinis to burkinis, far from the gaze of men. The club is entirely staffed by women, from waitresses to lifeguards. Many of them are students. "It's a haven of peace, a discreet place for a Muslim woman," says Ouahiba Chaturi, a retired air hostess in a two-piece swimsuit. In addition to the exterior wall, another wall separates the pool from a special section for women who wear the full Islamic veil and don't want to undress in front of other women. "They don't appreciate the presence of young boys in there," says one client. She says she was surprised at the comparison between the gaze of a seven-year-old and that of an adult. 'Country's beaches were always mixed until recently' In early August, an article in an Algerian newspaper provoked an outcry on social media for claiming that "nudity" on public beaches had turned them into no-go areas for families. It blasted Algerian women who "wear skimpy swimsuits as if they were on foreign beaches, and walk along the shore displaying their bodies full of tattoos." Yet in the 1990s, mixed beaches and swimsuits were the norm on Algeria's beaches. Saida, an English teacher, says the country's beaches were always mixed until recently. Now, "the walls have been put up between those who can pay to tan on a private beach and those who, by conviction or obligation, swim in an outfit society deems decent," she says. Katia Ouhid, who is in her 50s, says she wears the bikini "on principle". "I put on weight when I was pregnant, but I refuse to accept the diktat of society," she says. "When the Islamists banned women from going to the beach, we didn't yield. We went with family and friends and we wore our swimsuits." Amina, one of her friends, says society has "regressed enormously in terms of individual freedoms," and says she misses the beaches where girls used to wear swimsuits in shimmering colours. "All it needs is a sign at the entrance, family beach, modest dress required ", she says. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Burkini 'not a big deal' in North Africa

Rowing&#39;s international governing body FISA announced on yesterday that 22 of 28 Russian rowers have been banned from competing in the Rio Games, based on criteria fixed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over state-sponsored doping in Russia. 
 
With just six rowers still eligible, Russia can only compete with one boat in Brazil, a men&#39;s coxless four, FISA said, after the country had originally qualified five boats. 
 
This follows FISA&#39;s announcement on Monday that three Russian rowers - Ivan Balandin, Anastasia Karabelshchikova and Ivan Podshivalov - would be barred from competing in Rio. 
 
Podshivalov and Karabelshchikova are not eligible because of past doping offences for which they served suspensions in 2007 and 2008, FISA said. 
 
FISA said that Balandin was among the 11 rowers whose doping tests were manipulated by the Moscow anti-doping laboratory and the Russian deputy minister of sport, as had been outlined in a damning report by Canadian law professor Richard McLaren published last week. 
 
The 19 rowers declared ineligible yesterday were because of non credible doping controls carried out in Moscow between 2012 and 2016. 
 
Russia&#39;s rowing federation said earlier Tuesday it would be appealing those three cases to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). 
 
And Russian rowing federation president Veniamin But slammed the decision to allow just six rowers to compete as a &quot;humiliation&quot;. 
 
&quot;This is a humiliation. I was in contact with the president of the International Federation and I am in shock, but we won&#39;t stop the battle,&quot; But told the R-Sport agency. 
 
&quot;Our Olympic Committee is holding discussions with the IOC on our behalf.&nbsp;I&#39;m waiting for the outcome of talks between the ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) and the IOC, we continue the battle. I think the final decision will be set out tomorrow.&quot; 
 
On Sunday the IOC ruled against a blanket ban on all Russian competitors in Rio, instead leaving it up to individual sports federations to decide on Russian athletes&#39; eligibility. 
 
(AFP)

Russia can only compete with one boat in Brazil with just six rowers still eligible. The country had originally qualified for five boats

Rowing's international governing body FISA announced on yesterday that 22 of 28 Russian rowers have been banned from competing in the Rio Games, based on criteria fixed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over state-sponsored doping in Russia. With just six rowers still eligible, Russia can only compete with one boat in Brazil, a men's coxless four, FISA said, after the country had originally qualified five boats. This follows FISA's announcement on Monday that three Russian rowers - Ivan Balandin, Anastasia Karabelshchikova and Ivan Podshivalov - would be barred from competing in Rio. Podshivalov and Karabelshchikova are not eligible because of past doping offences for which they served suspensions in 2007 and 2008, FISA said. FISA said that Balandin was among the 11 rowers whose doping tests were manipulated by the Moscow anti-doping laboratory and the Russian deputy minister of sport, as had been outlined in a damning report by Canadian law professor Richard McLaren published last week. The 19 rowers declared ineligible yesterday were because of non credible doping controls carried out in Moscow between 2012 and 2016. Russia's rowing federation said earlier Tuesday it would be appealing those three cases to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). And Russian rowing federation president Veniamin But slammed the decision to allow just six rowers to compete as a "humiliation". "This is a humiliation. I was in contact with the president of the International Federation and I am in shock, but we won't stop the battle," But told the R-Sport agency. "Our Olympic Committee is holding discussions with the IOC on our behalf. I'm waiting for the outcome of talks between the ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) and the IOC, we continue the battle. I think the final decision will be set out tomorrow." On Sunday the IOC ruled against a blanket ban on all Russian competitors in Rio, instead leaving it up to individual sports federations to decide on Russian athletes' eligibility. (AFP)

22 Russian rowers banned from Rio Games

A small group of Russian and English fans briefly scuffled in Lille in the early hours of Wednesday (June 15) morning, after bars and pubs closed in the northern French city where thousands of supporters continue to arrive for the Euro 2016 soccer tournament. 
 
Lille is seen as the next potential Euro 2016 trouble spot as Russia play Slovakia there on Wednesday. England fans are also congregating there ahead of their match against Wales in nearby Lens on Thursday (June 16). 
 
Both teams have been threatened with expulsion from the competition if the violence seen in Marseille last week is repeated. 
 
The brief skirmish between the Russian and English fans was broken up by police. 
 
Authorities in Lille and Lens have ordered alcohol bans running from Tuesday (June 14) to Friday (June 17), officials said.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters) 
 
&nbsp;

They scuffle in Lille despite UEFA warning that they will be disqualified if they do so

A small group of Russian and English fans briefly scuffled in Lille in the early hours of Wednesday (June 15) morning, after bars and pubs closed in the northern French city where thousands of supporters continue to arrive for the Euro 2016 soccer tournament. Lille is seen as the next potential Euro 2016 trouble spot as Russia play Slovakia there on Wednesday. England fans are also congregating there ahead of their match against Wales in nearby Lens on Thursday (June 16). Both teams have been threatened with expulsion from the competition if the violence seen in Marseille last week is repeated. The brief skirmish between the Russian and English fans was broken up by police. Authorities in Lille and Lens have ordered alcohol bans running from Tuesday (June 14) to Friday (June 17), officials said. (Reuters)

Never mind the warning, Russia and England fans go at it again

A blanket ban on Russia at the Rio de Janeiro Games would have had devastating consequences, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Tuesday. 
 
The IOC opted not to ban all Russian athletes from the Rio Olympics after revelations of a wide state-backed doping programme across many sports. Instead, it chose a set of criteria for athletes to meet, including a clean doping past and sufficient testing at international events, that so far has allowed more than 250 out of the original 387 Russian athletes to be cleared for Rio. 
 
Bach, speaking at the IOC session in the Brazilian city, said preventing clean athletes from competing and treating them as &quot;collateral damage&quot; would have been wrong. &quot;This blanket ban of the Russian Olympic Committee has been called by some the &#39;nuclear option&#39; and the innocent athletes would have to be considered as collateral damage,&quot; Bach said. 
 
&quot;Leaving aside that such a comparison is completely out of any proportion when it comes to the rules of sport. Let us just for a moment consider the consequences of a &#39;nuclear option&#39;. The result is death and devastation.&nbsp;The cynical &#39;collateral damage approach&#39; is not what the Olympic Movement stands for.&quot; 
 
Several anti-doping bodies, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as well as those from the United States, Canada and Germany, among others, had called on the IOC to implement a blanket ban on all Russian athletes. They expressed disappointment following the IOC&#39;s decision to allow some Russians to compete and accused the Games&#39; ruling body of lacking the leadership and courage to punish Russia. 
 
&quot;What is not acceptable is the insinuation of some proponents of the blanket ban that those who do not share their opinions are not fighting against doping,&quot; Bach said. &quot;On behalf of all these supporters, I reject this insinuation in the strongest terms.&nbsp;We may disagree how we get there but we all work toward the same goal of protecting clean athletes. Despite these discrepancies, we agree we must not allow such a situation to happen again,&quot; he added. Bach said the doping system needed completely restructuring. 
 
&quot;Engagement and not isolation is the key to build a more robust anti-doping system,&quot; he said. 
 
(Reuters)

Thomas Bach said preventing clean athletes from competing and treating them as 'collateral damage' would have been wrong

A blanket ban on Russia at the Rio de Janeiro Games would have had devastating consequences, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Tuesday. The IOC opted not to ban all Russian athletes from the Rio Olympics after revelations of a wide state-backed doping programme across many sports. Instead, it chose a set of criteria for athletes to meet, including a clean doping past and sufficient testing at international events, that so far has allowed more than 250 out of the original 387 Russian athletes to be cleared for Rio. Bach, speaking at the IOC session in the Brazilian city, said preventing clean athletes from competing and treating them as "collateral damage" would have been wrong. "This blanket ban of the Russian Olympic Committee has been called by some the 'nuclear option' and the innocent athletes would have to be considered as collateral damage," Bach said. "Leaving aside that such a comparison is completely out of any proportion when it comes to the rules of sport. Let us just for a moment consider the consequences of a 'nuclear option'. The result is death and devastation. The cynical 'collateral damage approach' is not what the Olympic Movement stands for." Several anti-doping bodies, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as well as those from the United States, Canada and Germany, among others, had called on the IOC to implement a blanket ban on all Russian athletes. They expressed disappointment following the IOC's decision to allow some Russians to compete and accused the Games' ruling body of lacking the leadership and courage to punish Russia. "What is not acceptable is the insinuation of some proponents of the blanket ban that those who do not share their opinions are not fighting against doping," Bach said. "On behalf of all these supporters, I reject this insinuation in the strongest terms. We may disagree how we get there but we all work toward the same goal of protecting clean athletes. Despite these discrepancies, we agree we must not allow such a situation to happen again," he added. Bach said the doping system needed completely restructuring. "Engagement and not isolation is the key to build a more robust anti-doping system," he said. (Reuters)

IOC president says blanket Rio ban on Russia would have been disastrous

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