England bounced back from their first tournament qualifying defeat for ten&nbsp;years with a 6-0 thrashing of toothless Bulgaria on Monday in a Euro 2020 Group A clash marred by racist incidents in the first half that stopped the game.

The match at the Vasil Levski stadium was temporarily halted by the referee in the first half under a three-step <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-trust-uefa-to-deal-with-racist-abuse-southgate-255129">UEFA protocol</a> to tackle racist abuse from the crowd.

Racist chanting was heard from the stands and reported by England players to manager Gareth Southgate, with the referee informed and a public announcement made on two occasions.

"The officials were onto everything very quickly," said Southgate. "We reported everything very quickly when we heard things."

"I explained to the players that if anything else did happen in the second half we would be coming off. We all saw the second half was calmer and that allowed our players to do their talking with the football."

Most of the Bulgaria players and coach Krasimir Balakov said they had not heard any abuse of the England team.

"It's a very delicate subject," Balakov told reporters. "I do not think there is a single person in Bulgaria who would say that racism is something pleasant."

"But at the same time, it is very strange how this topic is interpreted in football. I have heard absolutely nothing (during the game)."

On the pitch, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling both netted twice after Marcus Rashford got the opener and captain Harry Kane finished off the rout, Bulgaria's heaviest home defeat, as the visitors recovered from a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-says-englands-defeat-to-czech-republic-is-a-wakeup-call-255480"> 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic</a> on Friday.

England, who moved closer to a place at Euro 2020, are top of the group with 15 points from six games, three ahead of the Czechs and four in front of Kosovo who beat Montenegro 2-0.

England debutant Tyrone Mings was an early victim of racist abuse, turning towards the fans when chants were aimed in his direction. Croatian referee Ivan Bebek stopped the game in the 28th minute after Raheem Sterling was a target for abuse.

A public announcement condemned the racist abuse before stating that the match would be abandoned if it continued.

The game was stopped again in the 43rd minute but resumed after the referee consulted England manager Gareth Southgate.

A group of black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were making right-wing salutes, were moved from an area behind the dugout with home team captain Ivelin Popov trying to appeal to the supporters in a heated discussion at halftime.

Popov did not even go to the dressing room, attempting to explain to fans that their behaviour was unacceptable.

European soccer governing body UEFA had ordered the Bulgarian Football Union to partially close the Vasil Levski national stadium for England's visit after supporters were found guilty of racist behaviour in matches earlier this year.

On the pitch, Barkley struck twice after Rashford score in the seventh minute as Southgate’s side highlighted the gap in quality with the hosts before Sterling netted before halftime.

England’s victory was rounded off by Sterling's second goal midway through the second half and a cool finish from Kane five minutes from the end against bottom side Bulgaria.

"We have no class," coach Krasimir Balakov said of his side. "I understand all the people who have bought tickets and wanted something different, but against this England team, with this dynamic, and with these players that cost millions...".

The game was being played in front of a reduced crowd after UEFA ordered a partial stadium closure due to racist behaviour by Bulgarian supporters in June's qualifiers against the Czechs and Kosovo.

Racism was a major talking point ahead of the game, with England striker Tammy Abraham indicating last week that the players could act as a group and leave the pitch if subjected to abuse.

Bulgarian supporters made monkey chants at visiting black players when England last travelled to Sofia for a European qualifier in 2011, prompting UEFA to fine the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) 40,000 euros.&nbsp;

England bounced back from their first tournament qualifying defeat for ten years with a 6-0 thrashing of toothless Bulgaria on Monday in a Euro 2020 Group A clash marred by racist incidents in the first half that stopped the game.

England bounced back from their first tournament qualifying defeat for ten years with a 6-0 thrashing of toothless Bulgaria on Monday in a Euro 2020 Group A clash marred by racist incidents in the first half that stopped the game. The match at the Vasil Levski stadium was temporarily halted by the referee in the first half under a three-step UEFA protocol to tackle racist abuse from the crowd. Racist chanting was heard from the stands and reported by England players to manager Gareth Southgate, with the referee informed and a public announcement made on two occasions. "The officials were onto everything very quickly," said Southgate. "We reported everything very quickly when we heard things." "I explained to the players that if anything else did happen in the second half we would be coming off. We all saw the second half was calmer and that allowed our players to do their talking with the football." Most of the Bulgaria players and coach Krasimir Balakov said they had not heard any abuse of the England team. "It's a very delicate subject," Balakov told reporters. "I do not think there is a single person in Bulgaria who would say that racism is something pleasant." "But at the same time, it is very strange how this topic is interpreted in football. I have heard absolutely nothing (during the game)." On the pitch, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling both netted twice after Marcus Rashford got the opener and captain Harry Kane finished off the rout, Bulgaria's heaviest home defeat, as the visitors recovered from a 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic on Friday. England, who moved closer to a place at Euro 2020, are top of the group with 15 points from six games, three ahead of the Czechs and four in front of Kosovo who beat Montenegro 2-0. England debutant Tyrone Mings was an early victim of racist abuse, turning towards the fans when chants were aimed in his direction. Croatian referee Ivan Bebek stopped the game in the 28th minute after Raheem Sterling was a target for abuse. A public announcement condemned the racist abuse before stating that the match would be abandoned if it continued. The game was stopped again in the 43rd minute but resumed after the referee consulted England manager Gareth Southgate. A group of black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were making right-wing salutes, were moved from an area behind the dugout with home team captain Ivelin Popov trying to appeal to the supporters in a heated discussion at halftime. Popov did not even go to the dressing room, attempting to explain to fans that their behaviour was unacceptable. European soccer governing body UEFA had ordered the Bulgarian Football Union to partially close the Vasil Levski national stadium for England's visit after supporters were found guilty of racist behaviour in matches earlier this year. On the pitch, Barkley struck twice after Rashford score in the seventh minute as Southgate’s side highlighted the gap in quality with the hosts before Sterling netted before halftime. England’s victory was rounded off by Sterling's second goal midway through the second half and a cool finish from Kane five minutes from the end against bottom side Bulgaria. "We have no class," coach Krasimir Balakov said of his side. "I understand all the people who have bought tickets and wanted something different, but against this England team, with this dynamic, and with these players that cost millions...". The game was being played in front of a reduced crowd after UEFA ordered a partial stadium closure due to racist behaviour by Bulgarian supporters in June's qualifiers against the Czechs and Kosovo. Racism was a major talking point ahead of the game, with England striker Tammy Abraham indicating last week that the players could act as a group and leave the pitch if subjected to abuse. Bulgarian supporters made monkey chants at visiting black players when England last travelled to Sofia for a European qualifier in 2011, prompting UEFA to fine the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) 40,000 euros.

Euro 2020 qualifier: England thrash Bulgaria as first half halted over racist chants

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football's governing body UEFA for failing to abandon Monday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-bulgaria-after-game-halted-over-racist-abuse-255998">Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria</a> after England's black players were subjected to monkey chants.

The game was twice halted in the first half, first when England manager Gareth Southgate informed the UEFA delegate about incidents and a public announcement was made.

The abuse continued and the Group A match, which England went on to win 6-0, was again temporarily suspended by the referee under a three-step UEFA protocol for tackling abuse.

UEFA said it would announce possible disciplinary proceedings later on Tuesday or on Wednesday once it had received full reports from match officials.

Around 50 black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were seen making Nazi salutes, left the stadium before halftime and the second half was completed without further stoppages.

Kick It Out said it was "sickened by the disgusting racist abuse" and suggested UEFA should have taken stronger action.

"We are encouraged that the protocol was initially enforced by the match officials, but UEFA must explain why players weren't sent to the dressing room during Step Two, as is clearly stated in the rules," a statement read.

"TV footage also clearly shows that racist abuse continued in the second half, so it is unacceptable that Step Three was not enforced. This match should have been abandoned by the officials.

"It's now time for UEFA to step up and show some leadership. For far too long, they have consistently failed to take effective action."

The first step of UEFA's protocol was enacted after 28 minutes when England defender Tyrone Mings was subjected to abuse and an announcement was made calling on supporters to stop using racist chants.

The second step, according to UEFA's protocol, is for the players to be sent to the dressing rooms for a specified period.

This was never implemented in Sofia although UEFA said there had been a discussion with the England bench after the second incident and they had agreed to continue as it was so close to halftime.

Step three, according to UEFA, is "after consultation, abandon the match if the discriminatory behaviour still does not cease or breaks out again."

UEFA is yet to comment officially on the incidents.

The threat of racism had dominated the buildup to the game and part of the stadium was empty after UEFA punished Bulgaria for racist behaviour by fans during June's qualifiers against the Czechs and Kosovo.

Bulgarian supporters also made monkey chants at visiting black players when England last travelled to Sofia for a European qualifier in 2011, prompting UEFA to fine the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) $44,072.

Kick It Out said the punishments were futile.

"The fact Bulgaria are already hosting this game with a partial stadium closure for racist abuse shows that UEFA's sanctions are not fit for purpose," it said.

"There can be no more pitiful fines or short stadium bans. If UEFA care at all about tackling discrimination -&nbsp;and if the Equal Game campaign means anything -&nbsp;then points deductions and tournament expulsion must follow."

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football's governing body UEFA for failing to abandon Monday's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria after England's black players were subjected to monkey chants.

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football's governing body UEFA for failing to abandon Monday's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria after England's black players were subjected to monkey chants. The game was twice halted in the first half, first when England manager Gareth Southgate informed the UEFA delegate about incidents and a public announcement was made. The abuse continued and the Group A match, which England went on to win 6-0, was again temporarily suspended by the referee under a three-step UEFA protocol for tackling abuse. UEFA said it would announce possible disciplinary proceedings later on Tuesday or on Wednesday once it had received full reports from match officials. Around 50 black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were seen making Nazi salutes, left the stadium before halftime and the second half was completed without further stoppages. Kick It Out said it was "sickened by the disgusting racist abuse" and suggested UEFA should have taken stronger action. "We are encouraged that the protocol was initially enforced by the match officials, but UEFA must explain why players weren't sent to the dressing room during Step Two, as is clearly stated in the rules," a statement read. "TV footage also clearly shows that racist abuse continued in the second half, so it is unacceptable that Step Three was not enforced. This match should have been abandoned by the officials. "It's now time for UEFA to step up and show some leadership. For far too long, they have consistently failed to take effective action." The first step of UEFA's protocol was enacted after 28 minutes when England defender Tyrone Mings was subjected to abuse and an announcement was made calling on supporters to stop using racist chants. The second step, according to UEFA's protocol, is for the players to be sent to the dressing rooms for a specified period. This was never implemented in Sofia although UEFA said there had been a discussion with the England bench after the second incident and they had agreed to continue as it was so close to halftime. Step three, according to UEFA, is "after consultation, abandon the match if the discriminatory behaviour still does not cease or breaks out again." UEFA is yet to comment officially on the incidents. The threat of racism had dominated the buildup to the game and part of the stadium was empty after UEFA punished Bulgaria for racist behaviour by fans during June's qualifiers against the Czechs and Kosovo. Bulgarian supporters also made monkey chants at visiting black players when England last travelled to Sofia for a European qualifier in 2011, prompting UEFA to fine the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) $44,072. Kick It Out said the punishments were futile. "The fact Bulgaria are already hosting this game with a partial stadium closure for racist abuse shows that UEFA's sanctions are not fit for purpose," it said. "There can be no more pitiful fines or short stadium bans. If UEFA care at all about tackling discrimination - and if the Equal Game campaign means anything - then points deductions and tournament expulsion must follow."

Euro 2020 qualifier: Anti-racism body says England game should have been abandoned

Some 2,500 white-clad followers of the Universal White Brotherhood society gathered next to a glacial lake high in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains on Monday (August 19) to celebrate their divine new year.

Pilgrims dance in cosmic energy ritual in Bulgaria

Mariana Krasteva, a 55-year old engineer, is one of more than four million Bulgarians, whose personal data was stolen in the country's biggest-ever cyber breach, leaving her fearful of what fraudsters might do with the information.

Prosecutors have charged the owner of a cybersecurity company and two of his employees with cyber-terrorism over the hacking of the country's tax agency and the theft of the personal and financial records of nearly every working adult.

The three men have denied wrongdoing.

The breach was made public on July 15, after an email with a link to the leaked data was sent to local media, calling the country's cybersecurity "a joke".

The leak has deeply unsettled many in the Balkan country of 7 million, one of the poorest and most corrupt European Union member states.

"What if someone claimed ownership of my apartment? I have to live in constant fear of what may happen," Krasteva said.

Officials have apologised to Bulgarians over the breach but have also admitted the government has to invest more in software and pay more to protect public data.

"Bulgaria spends too little on cybersecurity - we spend about 5 million levs ($2.85 million) per year, which is nothing," deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev said.

The tax agency has told citizens there was no immediate risk from fraudsters and has produced a search tool, where people can check whether their records were compromised, but it does not say exactly what was leaked.

The tax agency said the leaked data was fragmented and not sufficient for eventual fraud. It has told banks to be extra vigilant and urged people not to change their ID cards.

Krasteva, however, feels she needs to have new documents to avoid eventual abuse or fraud. "This means spending a lot of time and money," she says.

Mariana Krasteva, a 55-year old engineer, is one of more than four million Bulgarians, whose personal data was stolen in the country's biggest-ever cyber breach, leaving her fearful of what fraudsters might do with the information.

Mariana Krasteva, a 55-year old engineer, is one of more than four million Bulgarians, whose personal data was stolen in the country's biggest-ever cyber breach, leaving her fearful of what fraudsters might do with the information. Prosecutors have charged the owner of a cybersecurity company and two of his employees with cyber-terrorism over the hacking of the country's tax agency and the theft of the personal and financial records of nearly every working adult. The three men have denied wrongdoing. The breach was made public on July 15, after an email with a link to the leaked data was sent to local media, calling the country's cybersecurity "a joke". The leak has deeply unsettled many in the Balkan country of 7 million, one of the poorest and most corrupt European Union member states. "What if someone claimed ownership of my apartment? I have to live in constant fear of what may happen," Krasteva said. Officials have apologised to Bulgarians over the breach but have also admitted the government has to invest more in software and pay more to protect public data. "Bulgaria spends too little on cybersecurity - we spend about 5 million levs ($2.85 million) per year, which is nothing," deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev said. The tax agency has told citizens there was no immediate risk from fraudsters and has produced a search tool, where people can check whether their records were compromised, but it does not say exactly what was leaked. The tax agency said the leaked data was fragmented and not sufficient for eventual fraud. It has told banks to be extra vigilant and urged people not to change their ID cards. Krasteva, however, feels she needs to have new documents to avoid eventual abuse or fraud. "This means spending a lot of time and money," she says.

'I live in constant fear': Bulgaria data breach victim

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/conservatives-want-catholic-bishops-to-declare-pope-a-heretic-215114/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjz6pudrf_hAhXW7HMBHQi2AyYQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw013zMXsctwzVKczLRsGicQ">Pope Francis</a> starts a trip on Sunday to Bulgaria and North Macedonia where he will have to tread carefully because of sensitive relations with the dominant Eastern Orthodox Church in the two Balkan countries where Catholics are a tiny minority.

Bulgaria, a country of 7.1 million people, is home to just 58,000 Catholics, while North Macedonia, with a population of 2 million, has just 15,000 Catholics, less than some single neighbourhood parishes in Rome.

One purpose of the three-day trip is to improve relations with the Orthodox churches as part of the Vatican`s push for eventual unity between the Eastern and Western branches of Christianity that split in 1054.

But that task is delicate because Orthodox churches in both countries are caught up in their own internal conflicts, which have spilled over into official relations with Catholics.

Bulgarian Orthodox leaders have ordered clergy not to take part in prayers or services with the pope, saying its laws do not permit it.

But the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-appeals-for-evacuation-of-refugees-in-libya-camps-214149&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLw9Hhrf_hAhUQ148KHXxkDOMQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3T-UE8u0Cr0fRA6xq2He47">pope </a>will meet Orthodox Patriarch Neophyte and visit an Orthodox cathedral in Sofia.

"Receiving the pope but not praying with him is a contradiction in terms," said Tamara Grdzelidze, professor of Ecumenical Theology and visiting fellow at St. Michael`s College at the University of Toronto.

She suggested that the choice was due to internal disputes among Bulgarians.

A statement from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church last month explaining its position emphasised that the invitation for the pope`s visit was made by state authorities, suggesting it had been given only a secondary role in the planning.

DIFFICULT DIALOGUE&nbsp;

Bulgaria`s Orthodox community is one of the most hardline in relations with the Catholic Church.

It is the only Orthodox community that has boycotted the most recent meetings of the official Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and also boycotted the 2016 Pan-Orthodox Council, citing differences on preparatory texts.

The Orthodox world considers North Macedonia`s Church to be in a state of schism since it declared itself autocephalous, or independent, from the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Apparently in an effort not to upset other Orthodox Churches, the pope will not be meeting privately with North Macedonian Orthodox Primate Stephen.

It will be only the second visit by a pope to Bulgaria - Pope John Paul visited in 2002.

It is the first by a pope to North Macedonia and comes just three months after its name was changed from Macedonia, ending a decades-old dispute with Greece and opening the way for the ex-Yugoslav republic to join the European Union and NATO.

"It`s a big political gesture on the part of the pope towards countries that have struggled to open themselves up&nbsp;both religiously and politically after the fall of communism and the Socialist bloc," Grdzelidze told Reuters.

"It could also be an encouragement for the local Catholic churches, despite their size, to be more active in contributing to public life and introducing Western values while not being in contrast to the Orthodox," said Grdzelidze, a former Georgian ambassador to the Vatican.

Francis is most eagerly awaited in Rakovski, Bulgaria`s largest predominantly Roman Catholic town.

"It is a great joy, a great spiritual experience, a feast of faith for the whole community here in Rakovski as well as for the whole country," said Sister Elka Staneva, a nun who has been preparing local children to receive their first communion from the pope.

He will spend Tuesday in the North Macedonian capital of Skopje, where the late Mother Teresa was born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu to Albanian parents in 1910 when it was still part of the Ottoman Empire.

Known as the "saint of the gutters" for her work among the poor in India, she died in 1997 and was officially made a saint by Pope Francis in 2016.

He is due to visit her memorial and meet poor people helped by the order of nuns founded by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Pope Francis starts a trip on Sunday to Bulgaria and North Macedonia where he will have to tread carefully because of sensitive relations with the dominant Eastern Orthodox Church in the two Balkan countries where Catholics are a tiny minority.

Pope Francis starts a trip on Sunday to Bulgaria and North Macedonia where he will have to tread carefully because of sensitive relations with the dominant Eastern Orthodox Church in the two Balkan countries where Catholics are a tiny minority. Bulgaria, a country of 7.1 million people, is home to just 58,000 Catholics, while North Macedonia, with a population of 2 million, has just 15,000 Catholics, less than some single neighbourhood parishes in Rome. One purpose of the three-day trip is to improve relations with the Orthodox churches as part of the Vatican`s push for eventual unity between the Eastern and Western branches of Christianity that split in 1054. But that task is delicate because Orthodox churches in both countries are caught up in their own internal conflicts, which have spilled over into official relations with Catholics. Bulgarian Orthodox leaders have ordered clergy not to take part in prayers or services with the pope, saying its laws do not permit it. But the pope will meet Orthodox Patriarch Neophyte and visit an Orthodox cathedral in Sofia. "Receiving the pope but not praying with him is a contradiction in terms," said Tamara Grdzelidze, professor of Ecumenical Theology and visiting fellow at St. Michael`s College at the University of Toronto. She suggested that the choice was due to internal disputes among Bulgarians. A statement from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church last month explaining its position emphasised that the invitation for the pope`s visit was made by state authorities, suggesting it had been given only a secondary role in the planning. DIFFICULT DIALOGUE Bulgaria`s Orthodox community is one of the most hardline in relations with the Catholic Church. It is the only Orthodox community that has boycotted the most recent meetings of the official Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and also boycotted the 2016 Pan-Orthodox Council, citing differences on preparatory texts. The Orthodox world considers North Macedonia`s Church to be in a state of schism since it declared itself autocephalous, or independent, from the Serbian Orthodox Church. Apparently in an effort not to upset other Orthodox Churches, the pope will not be meeting privately with North Macedonian Orthodox Primate Stephen. It will be only the second visit by a pope to Bulgaria - Pope John Paul visited in 2002. It is the first by a pope to North Macedonia and comes just three months after its name was changed from Macedonia, ending a decades-old dispute with Greece and opening the way for the ex-Yugoslav republic to join the European Union and NATO. "It`s a big political gesture on the part of the pope towards countries that have struggled to open themselves up both religiously and politically after the fall of communism and the Socialist bloc," Grdzelidze told Reuters. "It could also be an encouragement for the local Catholic churches, despite their size, to be more active in contributing to public life and introducing Western values while not being in contrast to the Orthodox," said Grdzelidze, a former Georgian ambassador to the Vatican. Francis is most eagerly awaited in Rakovski, Bulgaria`s largest predominantly Roman Catholic town. "It is a great joy, a great spiritual experience, a feast of faith for the whole community here in Rakovski as well as for the whole country," said Sister Elka Staneva, a nun who has been preparing local children to receive their first communion from the pope. He will spend Tuesday in the North Macedonian capital of Skopje, where the late Mother Teresa was born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu to Albanian parents in 1910 when it was still part of the Ottoman Empire. Known as the "saint of the gutters" for her work among the poor in India, she died in 1997 and was officially made a saint by Pope Francis in 2016. He is due to visit her memorial and meet poor people helped by the order of nuns founded by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Pope Francis on sensitive trip to Orthodox Bulgaria and North Macedonia

Bulgaria midfielder Todor Nedelev scored a dubious late penalty to help them earn a 1-1 home draw in their opening Euro 2020 Group A qualifier against Montenegro on Friday.

The penalty was awarded in the 82nd minute for a foul by Montenegro substitute Vladimir Jovovic on Stanislav Kostov but television replays showed the incident happened outside the penalty area.

Stefan Mugosa opened the scoring when he curled in a brilliant left-foot shot five minutes after the break that gave Bulgaria keeper Nikolay Mihaylov no chance having beaten Vasil Bozhikov and Petar Zanev by putting the ball through their legs.

Bulgaria were unable to get into their stride for most of the second half but 17-year-old debutant Martin Minchev almost secured a late win when he shot just wide.

Bulgaria visit Kosovo on Monday when Montenegro will host England. Gareth Southgate's side face Czech Republic later on Friday.

Bulgaria midfielder Todor Nedelev scored a dubious late penalty to help them earn a 1-1 home draw in their opening Euro 2020 Group A qualifier against Montenegro on Friday.

Bulgaria midfielder Todor Nedelev scored a dubious late penalty to help them earn a 1-1 home draw in their opening Euro 2020 Group A qualifier against Montenegro on Friday. The penalty was awarded in the 82nd minute for a foul by Montenegro substitute Vladimir Jovovic on Stanislav Kostov but television replays showed the incident happened outside the penalty area. Stefan Mugosa opened the scoring when he curled in a brilliant left-foot shot five minutes after the break that gave Bulgaria keeper Nikolay Mihaylov no chance having beaten Vasil Bozhikov and Petar Zanev by putting the ball through their legs. Bulgaria were unable to get into their stride for most of the second half but 17-year-old debutant Martin Minchev almost secured a late win when he shot just wide. Bulgaria visit Kosovo on Monday when Montenegro will host England. Gareth Southgate's side face Czech Republic later on Friday.

Controversial penalty earns Bulgaria draw against Montenegro

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria,&nbsp;met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Swaraj's trip is&nbsp;first ever of an Indian external affairs minister to the Balkan nation.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Straight to work! 
 
Foreign Minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bulgaria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bulgaria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EZaharievaMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EZaharievaMFA</a> welcomed EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ahead of the delegation level talks in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sofia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sofia</a>. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century. <a href="https://t.co/jA9Zw12bss">pic.twitter.com/jA9Zw12bss</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1096821973689217025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

"Preparing ground for expanding relationship. EAM @SushmaSwaraj held constructive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister &amp; Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA. Discussed a range of bilateral themes in economy, agriculture, health &amp; pharma, IT, S &amp;T, tourism &amp; culture," he said in another tweet.

Swaraj's visit is a follow-up to the state visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Bulgaria in September last year.&nbsp;

She will also interact with the Indian community and Friends of India in Sofia during the visit.&nbsp;

The external affairs minister is on a three-nation tour. She will&nbsp;visit Morocco from February 17-18 and Spain from February 18-19.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria, met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria, met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health. Swaraj's trip is first ever of an Indian external affairs minister to the Balkan nation. Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century. pic.twitter.com/jA9Zw12bss — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 16, 2019 × "Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. "Preparing ground for expanding relationship. EAM @SushmaSwaraj held constructive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA. Discussed a range of bilateral themes in economy, agriculture, health & pharma, IT, S &T, tourism & culture," he said in another tweet. Swaraj's visit is a follow-up to the state visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Bulgaria in September last year. She will also interact with the Indian community and Friends of India in Sofia during the visit. The external affairs minister is on a three-nation tour. She will visit Morocco from February 17-18 and Spain from February 18-19.

Sushma Swaraj discusses range of bilateral issues with Bulgarian counterpart

Britain and Bulgaria are investigating a possible third suspect in the Salisbury chemical attack who has also been linked to a 2015 poisoning in Bulgaria, the British ambassador to Sofia said Monday.

Emma Hopkins made the comments after talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and chief prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov.

"We will continue in close partnership together with a joint team looking into the factual underpinning of these allegations," Hopkins said at a televised news conference.

A report published last week by the investigative website Bellingcat identified a hitherto unknown possible third suspect in last year's attack in the English city of Salisbury on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter.

Both had to be hospitalised after being exposed to the highly toxic nerve agent Novichok in an attack the British government says was "almost certainly" approved by the Russian state.

According to Bellingcat, the possible new suspect is a Russian military intelligence officer known under the alias "Sergey Fedotov".

The site said Fedotov had arrived in Britain two days before the Skripals were poisoned and could have been involved in the attack.

'Insecticide used'

Bellingcat has already used open-source techniques to identify two Russian military intelligence officers, Anatoly Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin, accused by Britain of carrying out the attack.

Despite Russian denials that they were involved, both men are now the subject of EU sanctions.

Bellingcat also argues that "Fedotov" may have been involved in the poisoning of Bulgarian arms manufacturer Emiliyan Gebrev, his son and a company executive in 2015.

Following Bellingcat's report and others in Bulgarian media, the prosecutor Tsatsarov on Monday said that "Fedotov" had travelled to Bulgaria three times in 2015; in February, again in April -- arriving shortly before Gebrev's poisoning -- and finally in May.

Tsatsarov said that the 2015 poisoning was "most probably" carried out using the insecticide Chlorpyrifos, traces of which were found on the coffee machine in Gebrev's home.

Gebrev collapsed at a reception he was hosting in Sofia on 28 April 2015 and fell into a coma. His son and one of his company executives were also treated for poisoning symptoms although all three recovered.

Tsatsarov said the probe into the Gebrev poisoning had been reopened in October 2018, and that the British authorities had "been provided with full access to all the documents and materials on this case".

Bulgarian media reports said Gebrev could have been targeted by Russia for exporting arms to Ukraine.

"European partners take very seriously allegations in relation to activities on European jurisdiction of Russian intelligence officers," Hopkins said. The Skripal case had given the UK experience of investigating such allegations, she added.

The Salisbury attack, the first offensive use of chemical weapons in Europe since World War II, caused an international outcry and prompted a mass expulsion of Russian diplomats by Western nations -- but not by Bulgaria.

While Skripal and his daughter survived the attack, a British woman died last June after her partner picked up a discarded perfume bottle that investigators believe was used to carry the Novichok.

Britain and Bulgaria are investigating a possible third suspect in the Salisbury chemical attack who has also been linked to a 2015 poisoning in Bulgaria, the British ambassador to Sofia said Monday.

Britain and Bulgaria are investigating a possible third suspect in the Salisbury chemical attack who has also been linked to a 2015 poisoning in Bulgaria, the British ambassador to Sofia said Monday. Emma Hopkins made the comments after talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and chief prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov. "We will continue in close partnership together with a joint team looking into the factual underpinning of these allegations," Hopkins said at a televised news conference. A report published last week by the investigative website Bellingcat identified a hitherto unknown possible third suspect in last year's attack in the English city of Salisbury on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. Both had to be hospitalised after being exposed to the highly toxic nerve agent Novichok in an attack the British government says was "almost certainly" approved by the Russian state. According to Bellingcat, the possible new suspect is a Russian military intelligence officer known under the alias "Sergey Fedotov". The site said Fedotov had arrived in Britain two days before the Skripals were poisoned and could have been involved in the attack. 'Insecticide used' Bellingcat has already used open-source techniques to identify two Russian military intelligence officers, Anatoly Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin, accused by Britain of carrying out the attack. Despite Russian denials that they were involved, both men are now the subject of EU sanctions. Bellingcat also argues that "Fedotov" may have been involved in the poisoning of Bulgarian arms manufacturer Emiliyan Gebrev, his son and a company executive in 2015. Following Bellingcat's report and others in Bulgarian media, the prosecutor Tsatsarov on Monday said that "Fedotov" had travelled to Bulgaria three times in 2015; in February, again in April -- arriving shortly before Gebrev's poisoning -- and finally in May. Tsatsarov said that the 2015 poisoning was "most probably" carried out using the insecticide Chlorpyrifos, traces of which were found on the coffee machine in Gebrev's home. Gebrev collapsed at a reception he was hosting in Sofia on 28 April 2015 and fell into a coma. His son and one of his company executives were also treated for poisoning symptoms although all three recovered. Tsatsarov said the probe into the Gebrev poisoning had been reopened in October 2018, and that the British authorities had "been provided with full access to all the documents and materials on this case". Bulgarian media reports said Gebrev could have been targeted by Russia for exporting arms to Ukraine. "European partners take very seriously allegations in relation to activities on European jurisdiction of Russian intelligence officers," Hopkins said. The Skripal case had given the UK experience of investigating such allegations, she added. The Salisbury attack, the first offensive use of chemical weapons in Europe since World War II, caused an international outcry and prompted a mass expulsion of Russian diplomats by Western nations -- but not by Bulgaria. While Skripal and his daughter survived the attack, a British woman died last June after her partner picked up a discarded perfume bottle that investigators believe was used to carry the Novichok.

Britain and Bulgaria to probe report of new Skripal suspect

The Bulgarian government has asked the European Union (EU) for an extra 80 million euros ($90 million) to beef up its border control on the influx of refugees.

The EU had reportedly allocated 150 million euros ($170 million) for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/germany-arrests-suspect-over-killing-of-bulgarian-journalist-170693">Bulgaria</a> to consolidate its border control.

Bulgaria said strengthening its border control will also boost the security of the EU's external border.

Ivo Tsekov, a professor on Balkan international relations of Sofia University, said an influx of refugees into Bulgaria is an issue that concerns both Bulgaria and the EU.

"Obviously, there has been a huge influx of people including in the last couple of years, coming from the Middle East, mostly fleeing from Syria but also from central Asia or North Africa. And at some point, this has become an issue for Bulgaria because we need to properly establish certain protocols, if you will, as to who enters Bulgaria and thereby into the European Union. And in that sense, the question is much bigger than only about Bulgaria. It's about the European Union security and about the European Union external borders," said Teskov.

Since the European migrant crisis began in 2015, a large number of refugees have tried to reach western and northern European nations by way of Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian government has asked the European Union (EU) for an extra 80 million euros ($90 million) to beef up its border control on the influx of refugees. The EU had reportedly allocated 150 million euros ($170 million) for Bulgaria to consolidate its border control.

The Bulgarian government has asked the European Union (EU) for an extra 80 million euros ($90 million) to beef up its border control on the influx of refugees. The EU had reportedly allocated 150 million euros ($170 million) for Bulgaria to consolidate its border control. Bulgaria said strengthening its border control will also boost the security of the EU's external border. Ivo Tsekov, a professor on Balkan international relations of Sofia University, said an influx of refugees into Bulgaria is an issue that concerns both Bulgaria and the EU. "Obviously, there has been a huge influx of people including in the last couple of years, coming from the Middle East, mostly fleeing from Syria but also from central Asia or North Africa. And at some point, this has become an issue for Bulgaria because we need to properly establish certain protocols, if you will, as to who enters Bulgaria and thereby into the European Union. And in that sense, the question is much bigger than only about Bulgaria. It's about the European Union security and about the European Union external borders," said Teskov. Since the European migrant crisis began in 2015, a large number of refugees have tried to reach western and northern European nations by way of Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria.

Bulgaria requests EU for 80 million euros more for border control

German police have arrested a man suspected of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-detains-suspect-over-murder-of-journalist-source-170462">rape and murder of Bulgarian television journalist </a>Viktoria Marinova, Bulgarian officials said Wednesday.

But Bulgarian prosecutors said that, at least for now, the killing does not appear linked to her work as a journalist.&nbsp;

The body of 30-year-old Marinova -- who presented a current affairs talk programme called "Detector" for the small TVN television channel -- was discovered on a riverside path in the northern Bulgarian town of Ruse on Saturday.

Authorities said she died from blows to the head and suffocation. She was also raped.

The Bulgarian suspect was picked up late Tuesday at the request of Bulgarian authorities, Interior Minister Mladen Marinov told a news conference.

"We have enough proof linking this person to the scene of the crime," he said.

German police confirmed a 20-year-old man was arrested in the town of Stade near Hamburg on suspicion of raping, robbing and killing Marinova. 
A German police statement said that the process of extraditing the man to Bulgaria had begun and that a request had been filed with the relevant regional court.

Such procedures under the European arrest warrant can take anything from a few days up to several weeks to complete.

Bulgaria's chief prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov named the suspect as Severin Krasimirov, born in 1997, and said he was already sought in connection with another rape and murder.

"At this stage, we do not believe that the murder is linked" to Marinova's work, Tsatsarov said. "But we are continuing to look at all hypotheses."

"The evidence that we have at this stage leads us to believe it was a spontaneous attack to sexually abuse the victim."

Politically motivated?

The attack has shocked the country and drawn international condemnation amid speculation the murder could be linked to Marinova's work as a journalist.&nbsp;

An episode of her programme aired on September 30 featured interviews with two investigative journalists from Bulgaria and Romania who had been working on corruption allegations.

She is the third journalist to be murdered in Europe in the past 12 months after Jan Kuciak in Slovakia in February and Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta in October 2017.

However, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov lashed out at international bodies and rights groups which had been quick to assume a political motive behind the murder.&nbsp;

"In just three days, I've read monstrous things about Bulgaria. None of them true," he told the news conference.&nbsp;

"We, as a country, did not deserve to be smeared like this... while everyone has been working (to solve the crime) not 100, but 1,000 percent."

European Commission vice president Frans Timmermans had been among the first to suspect a political motive.

"Shocked by the horrendous murder of Victoria Marinova. Again a courageous journalist falls in the fight for truth and against corruption," he tweeted Sunday, not long after the news of the murder broke.&nbsp;

And the UN's cultural agency, UNESCO, similarly said that "attacks on journalists erode the fundamental human right to freedom of expression and its corollaries, press freedom and free access to information."

Bulgaria is regarded as a laggard in the EU in terms of press freedom, ranking 111th out of 180 countries, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Widespread corruption, shady media ownership and suspected collusion between journalists, politicians and oligarchs have made objective reporting a constant obstacle course, according to RSF.

Candlelight vigils

The Bulgaria-based Association of European Journalists said reporters from small regional and local media are under particular pressure and even face threats from local businessmen and politicians, often leading to self-censorship.

But a number of experts in Bulgaria were more sceptical about a political motive, arguing that Marinova was not an investigative journalist and the way the killing was carried out did not fit in with such a scenario.

Violence against women has also been widespread in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee rights group said 19 women have already been killed in the country so far this year as a result of abuse.&nbsp;

Several hundred people, many in tears, attended a vigil in Ruse on Monday, lighting candles and laying flowers in front of a portrait of Marinova. A similar tribute was held in Sofia.

German police have arrested a man suspected of the rape and murder of Bulgarian television journalist Viktoria Marinova, Bulgarian officials said Wednesday. But Bulgarian prosecutors said that, at least for now, the killing does not appear linked to her work as a journalist.

German police have arrested a man suspected of the rape and murder of Bulgarian television journalist Viktoria Marinova, Bulgarian officials said Wednesday. But Bulgarian prosecutors said that, at least for now, the killing does not appear linked to her work as a journalist. The body of 30-year-old Marinova -- who presented a current affairs talk programme called "Detector" for the small TVN television channel -- was discovered on a riverside path in the northern Bulgarian town of Ruse on Saturday. Authorities said she died from blows to the head and suffocation. She was also raped. The Bulgarian suspect was picked up late Tuesday at the request of Bulgarian authorities, Interior Minister Mladen Marinov told a news conference. "We have enough proof linking this person to the scene of the crime," he said. German police confirmed a 20-year-old man was arrested in the town of Stade near Hamburg on suspicion of raping, robbing and killing Marinova. A German police statement said that the process of extraditing the man to Bulgaria had begun and that a request had been filed with the relevant regional court. Such procedures under the European arrest warrant can take anything from a few days up to several weeks to complete. Bulgaria's chief prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov named the suspect as Severin Krasimirov, born in 1997, and said he was already sought in connection with another rape and murder. "At this stage, we do not believe that the murder is linked" to Marinova's work, Tsatsarov said. "But we are continuing to look at all hypotheses." "The evidence that we have at this stage leads us to believe it was a spontaneous attack to sexually abuse the victim." Politically motivated? The attack has shocked the country and drawn international condemnation amid speculation the murder could be linked to Marinova's work as a journalist. An episode of her programme aired on September 30 featured interviews with two investigative journalists from Bulgaria and Romania who had been working on corruption allegations. She is the third journalist to be murdered in Europe in the past 12 months after Jan Kuciak in Slovakia in February and Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta in October 2017. However, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov lashed out at international bodies and rights groups which had been quick to assume a political motive behind the murder. "In just three days, I've read monstrous things about Bulgaria. None of them true," he told the news conference. "We, as a country, did not deserve to be smeared like this... while everyone has been working (to solve the crime) not 100, but 1,000 percent." European Commission vice president Frans Timmermans had been among the first to suspect a political motive. "Shocked by the horrendous murder of Victoria Marinova. Again a courageous journalist falls in the fight for truth and against corruption," he tweeted Sunday, not long after the news of the murder broke. And the UN's cultural agency, UNESCO, similarly said that "attacks on journalists erode the fundamental human right to freedom of expression and its corollaries, press freedom and free access to information." Bulgaria is regarded as a laggard in the EU in terms of press freedom, ranking 111th out of 180 countries, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Widespread corruption, shady media ownership and suspected collusion between journalists, politicians and oligarchs have made objective reporting a constant obstacle course, according to RSF. Candlelight vigils The Bulgaria-based Association of European Journalists said reporters from small regional and local media are under particular pressure and even face threats from local businessmen and politicians, often leading to self-censorship. But a number of experts in Bulgaria were more sceptical about a political motive, arguing that Marinova was not an investigative journalist and the way the killing was carried out did not fit in with such a scenario. Violence against women has also been widespread in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee rights group said 19 women have already been killed in the country so far this year as a result of abuse. Several hundred people, many in tears, attended a vigil in Ruse on Monday, lighting candles and laying flowers in front of a portrait of Marinova. A similar tribute was held in Sofia.

Germany arrests suspect over killing of Bulgarian journalist

Bulgaria is interested in joint unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production with Israel, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said&nbsp;on Wednesday.

"I do hope that all the peace agreements are signed. But also here I would like to broach the topic of Hi-tech and the possibility of maybe partnering up and manufacturing together products in the area of defence, Hi-tech in the area of defence. Especially maybe focusing on this new state of the art, weapons or means of facilitating defence and mainly the drones," Borisov told reporters before meeting his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies.

UAVs accounted for 2 percent of Israel's defence sales in 2017, according to government data released last month. Total defence sales in 2017 were valued at $9.2 billion.

Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies

Bulgaria is interested in joint unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production with Israel, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said on Wednesday. "I do hope that all the peace agreements are signed. But also here I would like to broach the topic of Hi-tech and the possibility of maybe partnering up and manufacturing together products in the area of defence, Hi-tech in the area of defence. Especially maybe focusing on this new state of the art, weapons or means of facilitating defence and mainly the drones," Borisov told reporters before meeting his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies. UAVs accounted for 2 percent of Israel's defence sales in 2017, according to government data released last month. Total defence sales in 2017 were valued at $9.2 billion.

Bulgaria PM suggests joint drone manufacture with Israel

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan is back in scrutiny after her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahira-khan-caught-smoking-again-internet-divided-in-reactions-127042">video smoking at an event in Pakistan</a> became viral recently. She also shot up on social media for her amazing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-mahira-khans-gig-on-bollywood-hits-127234">dance performance at a friend’s function</a> in which she incidentally dances on Bollywood hit numbers. But there’s one more thing she became a hot talking point for -- and it’s Ranbir Kapoor’s visit to London.&nbsp;

It was earlier reported that while Ranbir Kapoor was coming back to India from Bulgaria after wrapping the shooting schedule for Brahmastra with co-star Alia Bhatt (with whom he has been romantically linked too), he took a detour and stopped at London. Everyone’s best guess was, visiting Mahira Khan who was incidentally in London at the same time.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/entertainment-mahira-khan-reacts-to-the-javed-shiekh-viral-kiss-video-calls-it-silly-stuff-33795">Also Read:&nbsp;Mahira Khan reacts to the Javed Shiekh viral kiss video calls it 'silly stuff'</a>

It is now revealed that Ranbir Kapoor did not stop in London to meet the Pakistani actress but for some personal work. Also, Mahira was not in London by the time Ranbir reached and had already left for her home country, Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ranbir-kapoor-mahira-khan-caught-in-new-york-twitter-explodes-20507">Ranbir Kapoor and Mahira Khan were linked when their pictures smoking together in New York</a> outside Mahira’s hotel went viral. Mahira was clicked smoking with Ranbir, wearing a backless white coloured dress that didn’t sit well with most Pakistanis who thought she went against the country’s culture.&nbsp;

At that time when the issue was in its heat, Ranbir issued a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/very-unfair-the-way-shes-being-judged-ranbir-kapoor-breaks-silence-on-pics-with-mahira-khan-20567">statement </a>that read: "I've gotten to know Mahira in a personal capacity over the last few months. She is somebody who I admire and respect, for her achievements and even more for the person she is. It is very unfair the way she is being judged and spoken about. What is also said is the inequality in judgment just because she is a woman. I request you to stop the negativity and move on with your beautiful god gifted lives. Peace and Love." He further added, "PS: Both smoking and hate are injurious to health." <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahira-khan-reacts-on-her-leaked-photos-with-ranbir-kapoor-i-understand-where-all-the-criticsm-came-from-23713">This is how Mahira reacted.&nbsp;</a> 
&nbsp;

It was earlier reported that Ranbir Kapoor especially took a detour on his way to India from Bulgaria, to meet Pakistani actress Mahira Khan in London.

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan is back in scrutiny after her video smoking at an event in Pakistan became viral recently. She also shot up on social media for her amazing dance performance at a friend’s function in which she incidentally dances on Bollywood hit numbers. But there’s one more thing she became a hot talking point for -- and it’s Ranbir Kapoor’s visit to London. It was earlier reported that while Ranbir Kapoor was coming back to India from Bulgaria after wrapping the shooting schedule for Brahmastra with co-star Alia Bhatt (with whom he has been romantically linked too), he took a detour and stopped at London. Everyone’s best guess was, visiting Mahira Khan who was incidentally in London at the same time. Also Read: Mahira Khan reacts to the Javed Shiekh viral kiss video calls it 'silly stuff' It is now revealed that Ranbir Kapoor did not stop in London to meet the Pakistani actress but for some personal work. Also, Mahira was not in London by the time Ranbir reached and had already left for her home country, Pakistan. Ranbir Kapoor and Mahira Khan were linked when their pictures smoking together in New York outside Mahira’s hotel went viral. Mahira was clicked smoking with Ranbir, wearing a backless white coloured dress that didn’t sit well with most Pakistanis who thought she went against the country’s culture. At that time when the issue was in its heat, Ranbir issued a statement that read: "I've gotten to know Mahira in a personal capacity over the last few months. She is somebody who I admire and respect, for her achievements and even more for the person she is. It is very unfair the way she is being judged and spoken about. What is also said is the inequality in judgment just because she is a woman. I request you to stop the negativity and move on with your beautiful god gifted lives. Peace and Love." He further added, "PS: Both smoking and hate are injurious to health." This is how Mahira reacted.

This is the real reason why Ranbir Kapoor stopped in London and not Pakistani actress Mahira Khan!

Alia Bhatt got injured recently while shooting an action sequence on the sets of Brahmastra in Bulgaria. The actress has been advised to take rest, states a report in DNA.&nbsp; 
 
The actress has been in Bulgaria for the past month shooting for Ayan Mukherji&#39;s film with Ranbir Kapoor and Mouni Roy. The actress will not be able to shoot for 15 days and might fly back to Mumbai. She has reportedly hurt her right shoulder and arm. 
 
&ldquo;The team was shooting for a scene when Alia fell and hurt herself. She has injured her right shoulder and arm. There&rsquo;s a clot in her arm, so she has been advised bed rest. She is in a lot of pain. Her right arm is bandaged and held up in a sling, so she can&rsquo;t exert it or her shoulder for the next 15 days,&quot; the paper quoted a source as saying. 
 
The &#39;Brahmastra&#39; team was supposed to wrap up the shoot in Bulgaria and return to Mumbai by end of March. But Alia&#39;s injury has stalled the shoot and the team is now looking for other alternatives.&nbsp; 
&ldquo;In the current scenario, Alia can&rsquo;t film any stunt sequences. She can only shoot for close-up scenes and the team is checking if they would need any right now, &quot; a source told DNA. 
 
&#39;Brahmastra&#39; is Ayan Mukherji&#39;s ambitious adventure fantasy film. The maker plans to make three films in the series. The film will bring Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir and Alia together for the first time and is slated to release on Independence Day, August 15, 2019. It is being produced by Karan Johar.

The actress hurt her right shoulder and arm and has been advised to take rest.

Alia Bhatt got injured recently while shooting an action sequence on the sets of Brahmastra in Bulgaria. The actress has been advised to take rest, states a report in DNA. The actress has been in Bulgaria for the past month shooting for Ayan Mukherji's film with Ranbir Kapoor and Mouni Roy. The actress will not be able to shoot for 15 days and might fly back to Mumbai. She has reportedly hurt her right shoulder and arm. “The team was shooting for a scene when Alia fell and hurt herself. She has injured her right shoulder and arm. There’s a clot in her arm, so she has been advised bed rest. She is in a lot of pain. Her right arm is bandaged and held up in a sling, so she can’t exert it or her shoulder for the next 15 days," the paper quoted a source as saying. The 'Brahmastra' team was supposed to wrap up the shoot in Bulgaria and return to Mumbai by end of March. But Alia's injury has stalled the shoot and the team is now looking for other alternatives. “In the current scenario, Alia can’t film any stunt sequences. She can only shoot for close-up scenes and the team is checking if they would need any right now, " a source told DNA. 'Brahmastra' is Ayan Mukherji's ambitious adventure fantasy film. The maker plans to make three films in the series. The film will bring Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir and Alia together for the first time and is slated to release on Independence Day, August 15, 2019. It is being produced by Karan Johar.

Alia gets injured on the sets of 'Brahmastra' in Bulgaria, may return to Mumbai soon

Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom had to be content with a silver medal after going down in the final of the 69th Strandja Memorial boxing tournament for men and women here today.

Mary Kom (48kg), who came into the event in pursuit of a third consecutive gold medal after the Asian championships and the India Open, lost to Bulgaria&#39;s Sevda Asenova.

Also settling for a silver was Seema Poonia (+81kg), who went down to Russia&#39;s Anna Ivanova, done in by her rival&#39;s sheer power.

It was a stunning result for Mary Kom, who dominated the bout against the local favourite. The Olympic bronze-medallist Indian was the one initiating any attack for most of the bout.

In fact, she quite literally chased Asenova, who was content with occasional touches and back-paddling evasively. One such chase for getting a punch across by Mary Kom, led to the boxers tumbling over each other.

It came as quite a surprise when the judges ruled in the Asenova&#39;s favour, leaving the Indian corner shocked.

In contrast, Seema was up against a power-puncher in Ivanova and was found wanting. Ivanova was also quicker of the two and stuck to hitting straight.

Such was the Russian&#39;s dominance that even a warning in the final round for bending had no bearing on the final outcome.

The Indian women boxers thus finished the event with two silver and four bronze medals. The bronze-medallist were Meena Kumari Devi (54kg), L Sarita Devi (60kg), Saweety Boora (75kg) and Bhagyabati Kachari (81kg).

Mary Kom lost to Bulgaria's Sevda Asenova

Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom had to be content with a silver medal after going down in the final of the 69th Strandja Memorial boxing tournament for men and women here today. Mary Kom (48kg), who came into the event in pursuit of a third consecutive gold medal after the Asian championships and the India Open, lost to Bulgaria's Sevda Asenova. Also settling for a silver was Seema Poonia (+81kg), who went down to Russia's Anna Ivanova, done in by her rival's sheer power. It was a stunning result for Mary Kom, who dominated the bout against the local favourite. The Olympic bronze-medallist Indian was the one initiating any attack for most of the bout. In fact, she quite literally chased Asenova, who was content with occasional touches and back-paddling evasively. One such chase for getting a punch across by Mary Kom, led to the boxers tumbling over each other. It came as quite a surprise when the judges ruled in the Asenova's favour, leaving the Indian corner shocked. In contrast, Seema was up against a power-puncher in Ivanova and was found wanting. Ivanova was also quicker of the two and stuck to hitting straight. Such was the Russian's dominance that even a warning in the final round for bending had no bearing on the final outcome. The Indian women boxers thus finished the event with two silver and four bronze medals. The bronze-medallist were Meena Kumari Devi (54kg), L Sarita Devi (60kg), Saweety Boora (75kg) and Bhagyabati Kachari (81kg).

Mary Kom, Seema settle for silver at Strandja Memorial boxing

Bulgaria said Wednesday that an aircraft taking its prime minister and former king to Saudi Arabia was denied permission by Iran to enter its airspace, forcing them to fly via Iraq.

&quot;The refusal is inexplicable,&quot; Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva was quoted by Bulgarian media as saying from Riyadh a day after the incident.

She said Iran&#39;s ambassador in Sofia has been summoned for an explanation. Iran had initially given the flight permission before it took off, she said.

The plane was carrying former king Simeon Saxe Coburg, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, Zaharieva and four other ministers.

It was the first visit by a Bulgarian prime minister to Saudi Arabia since the former communist country, now a member of the European Union, and the kingdom established relations 20 years ago.

Borisov was due to be received on Wednesday by King Salman and by the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, under whom relations with Iran have deteriorated dramatically.

An aircraft taking its prime minister and former king to Saudi Arabia was denied permission by Iran to enter its airspace, forcing them to fly via Iraq

Bulgaria said Wednesday that an aircraft taking its prime minister and former king to Saudi Arabia was denied permission by Iran to enter its airspace, forcing them to fly via Iraq. "The refusal is inexplicable," Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva was quoted by Bulgarian media as saying from Riyadh a day after the incident. She said Iran's ambassador in Sofia has been summoned for an explanation. Iran had initially given the flight permission before it took off, she said. The plane was carrying former king Simeon Saxe Coburg, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, Zaharieva and four other ministers. It was the first visit by a Bulgarian prime minister to Saudi Arabia since the former communist country, now a member of the European Union, and the kingdom established relations 20 years ago. Borisov was due to be received on Wednesday by King Salman and by the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, under whom relations with Iran have deteriorated dramatically.

Iran denies Bulgaria PM entry into airspace

The European Union&#39;s budget commissioner and the last-minute candidate for the United Nations secretary-general Kristalina Georgieva&nbsp;said she has strong credentials to lead the UN and is as ready as any other candidate who has been in the race for months.&nbsp;

Gerogieva was a last-minute entrant in the race to succeed Ban Ki-moon, who steps down at the end of the year after serving two five-year terms.&nbsp;

Bulgaria&nbsp;on Wednesday switched its support from UNESCO chief Irina Bokova to Kristalina Georgieva as its candidate for UN secretary-general, potentially shaking up the race.&nbsp;

&quot;I hope to be judged on merits, not on the duration on the campaign trail,&quot; Georgieva told AFP in an interview on Friday.

&quot;I&#39;m a latecomer not by choice, but by necessity. The Bulgarian government has invited me to join the race now,&quot; said Georgieva.&nbsp;

Georgieva will go before the UN General Assembly for a two-hour question-and-answer session on Monday.

Giorgieva emphasised on the importance of having a woman security general for a job that has been represented by eight men.&nbsp;

Georgieva rose to the ranks of vice-president and corporate secretary in 2008 in the World Bank. She also held the position of European Commissioner for humanitarian aid from 2010 to 2014. A media-savvy person, she even mobilised Europeans to respond to world humanitarian crises including in Syria and Yemen.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Bulgaria?on Wednesday switched its support from UNESCO chief Irina Bokova to Kristalina Georgieva as its candidate for UN secretary-general

The European Union's budget commissioner and the last-minute candidate for the United Nations secretary-general Kristalina Georgieva said she has strong credentials to lead the UN and is as ready as any other candidate who has been in the race for months. Gerogieva was a last-minute entrant in the race to succeed Ban Ki-moon, who steps down at the end of the year after serving two five-year terms. Bulgaria on Wednesday switched its support from UNESCO chief Irina Bokova to Kristalina Georgieva as its candidate for UN secretary-general, potentially shaking up the race. "I hope to be judged on merits, not on the duration on the campaign trail," Georgieva told AFP in an interview on Friday. "I'm a latecomer not by choice, but by necessity. The Bulgarian government has invited me to join the race now," said Georgieva. Georgieva will go before the UN General Assembly for a two-hour question-and-answer session on Monday. Giorgieva emphasised on the importance of having a woman security general for a job that has been represented by eight men. Georgieva rose to the ranks of vice-president and corporate secretary in 2008 in the World Bank. She also held the position of European Commissioner for humanitarian aid from 2010 to 2014. A media-savvy person, she even mobilised Europeans to respond to world humanitarian crises including in Syria and Yemen. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Bulgaria's Georgieva shakes up United Nations general-secretary race

Carcasses of dolphins are washing up on Bulgaria&#39;s Black Sea beaches at a higher than normal rate, with a record 108 dead animals discovered this year, local authorities said on Thursday. 
 
The cause of the deaths has yet to be determined, said enviroment minister Ivelina Vasileva, after collecting information by regional centres, adding that 77 of the dead dolphins were found in the southern part of the country&#39;s Black Sea coast. 
 
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borissov today called for a special meeting with conservation organisations to try to find a solution to the record number of deaths. He said on his official Facebook page that steps are being taken to ban fishing in areas populated by the protected species. 
 
The number of dead dolphins in 2016 is significantly higher than the 56 found last year and the previous record of 74 in 2012.&nbsp;Media reports of dead dolphins on Bulgarian beaches have been rife in recent years. In spite of repeated allegations, often with finger-pointing at fishermen, the cause has yet to be established conclusively. 
 
There are three species of dolphins in the Black Sea off Bulgaria: the short-beaked common dolphin, the harbour porpoise and the common bottlenose dolphin. The dolphin population along Bulgaria&#39;s black sea coast is about 15,000, according to environment ministry data. 
 
The penalty for killing a dolphin is a fine of up to 20,000 Levs ($11,270), and imprisonment for up to five years. 
 
(Reuters)

Alarmingly, 108 dead dolphins were found here in 2016, much more than the previous high of 74

Carcasses of dolphins are washing up on Bulgaria's Black Sea beaches at a higher than normal rate, with a record 108 dead animals discovered this year, local authorities said on Thursday. The cause of the deaths has yet to be determined, said enviroment minister Ivelina Vasileva, after collecting information by regional centres, adding that 77 of the dead dolphins were found in the southern part of the country's Black Sea coast. Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borissov today called for a special meeting with conservation organisations to try to find a solution to the record number of deaths. He said on his official Facebook page that steps are being taken to ban fishing in areas populated by the protected species. The number of dead dolphins in 2016 is significantly higher than the 56 found last year and the previous record of 74 in 2012. Media reports of dead dolphins on Bulgarian beaches have been rife in recent years. In spite of repeated allegations, often with finger-pointing at fishermen, the cause has yet to be established conclusively. There are three species of dolphins in the Black Sea off Bulgaria: the short-beaked common dolphin, the harbour porpoise and the common bottlenose dolphin. The dolphin population along Bulgaria's black sea coast is about 15,000, according to environment ministry data. The penalty for killing a dolphin is a fine of up to 20,000 Levs ($11,270), and imprisonment for up to five years. (Reuters)

Record number of dolphin carcasses wash up on Bulgaria's coast

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