A popular pro-democracy clothing chain in Hong Kong said on Thursday that it will shut stores by end of 2022 citing reluctance of landlords to renew leases. Complaints leading to investigations from various government departments have also been mentioned.

Chickeeduck, Originally a children's clothes chain, became famous for selling protest-themed items. These included shirts that made funny puns of pro-democracy slogans.

It gained popularity among democracy activists last year when owner Herbert Chow refused a request from his landlord to remove a statue of a protester in helmet, gas mask and goggles. The shop moved to a new location where the statue is still up.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-authorities-begin-hunting-wild-boars-amid-public-safety-fears-430307">Hong Kong: Authorities begin hunting wild boars amid public safety fears</a>

In early May, national security police cordoned off the area of a Chickeeduck shop and searched its premises with a warrant, with police saying they responded to complains from the public. This month, authorities ordered one of the shops to remove a bronze statue of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo outside the entrance, saying it obstructed the street.

"Chickeeduck has been experiencing disturbance from evil forces in the past 18 months," Chow said in a statement.

"We have never given up on voicing out against injustice and will never consider backing off. However, the feasibility of the business going forward is now in question and we are thinking of wiser and more sustainable strategies for the company."

The government's Security Bureau and the Hong Kong police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-statue-sculptor-requests-immunity-from-hong-kong-security-law-428835">Tiananmen statue sculptor requests immunity from Hong Kong security law</a>

Chow did not elaborate on the future strategy after his 32-year-old company's "exit" from the Hong Kong market, but said the firm planned to continue as a "brand for Hong Kongers."

Chickeeduck has sold shirts that read "Liberate Sausages, Vegetables of our time" and "Five meatballs, no sauce left" – puns echoing slogans of mass 2019 demonstrations: "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time" and "Five demands, not one less."

The "Liberate Hong Kong" slogan was "capable of inciting secession," a major offence under the city's national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, a judge ruled earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

A popular pro-democracy clothing chain in Hong Kong said on Thursday that it will shut stores by end of 2022 citing reluctance of landlords to renew leases. Complaints leading to investigations from various government departments have also been mentioned.

A popular pro-democracy clothing chain in Hong Kong said on Thursday that it will shut stores by end of 2022 citing reluctance of landlords to renew leases. Complaints leading to investigations from various government departments have also been mentioned. Chickeeduck, Originally a children's clothes chain, became famous for selling protest-themed items. These included shirts that made funny puns of pro-democracy slogans. It gained popularity among democracy activists last year when owner Herbert Chow refused a request from his landlord to remove a statue of a protester in helmet, gas mask and goggles. The shop moved to a new location where the statue is still up. Also Read | Hong Kong: Authorities begin hunting wild boars amid public safety fears In early May, national security police cordoned off the area of a Chickeeduck shop and searched its premises with a warrant, with police saying they responded to complains from the public. This month, authorities ordered one of the shops to remove a bronze statue of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo outside the entrance, saying it obstructed the street. "Chickeeduck has been experiencing disturbance from evil forces in the past 18 months," Chow said in a statement. "We have never given up on voicing out against injustice and will never consider backing off. However, the feasibility of the business going forward is now in question and we are thinking of wiser and more sustainable strategies for the company." The government's Security Bureau and the Hong Kong police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Also Read | Tiananmen statue sculptor requests immunity from Hong Kong security law Chow did not elaborate on the future strategy after his 32-year-old company's "exit" from the Hong Kong market, but said the firm planned to continue as a "brand for Hong Kongers." Chickeeduck has sold shirts that read "Liberate Sausages, Vegetables of our time" and "Five meatballs, no sauce left" – puns echoing slogans of mass 2019 demonstrations: "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time" and "Five demands, not one less." The "Liberate Hong Kong" slogan was "capable of inciting secession," a major offence under the city's national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, a judge ruled earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's pro-democracy clothes shop to shut due to 'evil forces'

A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain. Lee Cheuk yan, the pro-democracy activist, made a defiant speech at the time of his sentencing at Hong Kong court. He defended his decision to take part in a banned Tiananmen vigil held in Hong Kong last year.

Lee Cheuk-yan is one of eight &nbsp;pro-democracy figures on trial for joining the vigil.

"We are all followers of Gandhi's idea of non-violent struggle, hoping to bring democratic reforms to Hong Kong," he said, occasionally choking back sobs.

"Now that I am imprisoned as Gandhi was, I will learn to be as fearless as Gandhi was."

The veteran activist and labour rights organiser said he had "no regrets" about defying the police ban.

"If I must go to jail to affirm my will, then so be it," Lee said at the close of his speech.

Lee (64) was in Beijing during the 1989 crackdown against democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. He later became a leader of the Hong Kong Alliance

-- the group which organised huge candlelight vigils in the city each June to remember those killed.

For years Hong Kong was the one place in China where what happened in 1989 could still be publicly remembered. 
But China is currently remoulding the business hub in its own authoritarian image after huge and often violent democracy protests two years ago.

Commemorating Tiananmen has been effectively outlawed by a new national security law designed to crush dissent. 
The Hong Kong Alliance disbanded earlier this year after some of its key leaders were charged with subversion under the security law while a Tiananmen museum the group ran was raided by police.

More than 150 people have been arrested under the security law -- mostly for their political beliefs and speech -- and around half are being prosecuted.

Six of the eight defendants on trial for last year's Tiananmen vigil were already in jail before proceedings began, including Lee.

Three defendants -- jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the alliance's vice chair Chow Hang-tung and journalist-turned activist Gwyneth Ho -- have pleaded not guilty.

The trial verdicts and sentencing will be handed down next month.

(With inputs from agencies)

A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain.

A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain. Lee Cheuk yan, the pro-democracy activist, made a defiant speech at the time of his sentencing at Hong Kong court. He defended his decision to take part in a banned Tiananmen vigil held in Hong Kong last year. Lee Cheuk-yan is one of eight pro-democracy figures on trial for joining the vigil. "We are all followers of Gandhi's idea of non-violent struggle, hoping to bring democratic reforms to Hong Kong," he said, occasionally choking back sobs. "Now that I am imprisoned as Gandhi was, I will learn to be as fearless as Gandhi was." The veteran activist and labour rights organiser said he had "no regrets" about defying the police ban. "If I must go to jail to affirm my will, then so be it," Lee said at the close of his speech. Lee (64) was in Beijing during the 1989 crackdown against democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. He later became a leader of the Hong Kong Alliance -- the group which organised huge candlelight vigils in the city each June to remember those killed. For years Hong Kong was the one place in China where what happened in 1989 could still be publicly remembered. But China is currently remoulding the business hub in its own authoritarian image after huge and often violent democracy protests two years ago. Commemorating Tiananmen has been effectively outlawed by a new national security law designed to crush dissent. The Hong Kong Alliance disbanded earlier this year after some of its key leaders were charged with subversion under the security law while a Tiananmen museum the group ran was raided by police. More than 150 people have been arrested under the security law -- mostly for their political beliefs and speech -- and around half are being prosecuted. Six of the eight defendants on trial for last year's Tiananmen vigil were already in jail before proceedings began, including Lee. Three defendants -- jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the alliance's vice chair Chow Hang-tung and journalist-turned activist Gwyneth Ho -- have pleaded not guilty. The trial verdicts and sentencing will be handed down next month. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Pro-democracy Tiananmen vigil leader invokes Gandhi at sentencing

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington.

China&nbsp;claims Taiwan as part of its mainland, and had repeatedly asked the US not to play role in Taiwan’s independence. Media reports about the virtual summit of Biden with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday said the latter warned the US against "playing with fire", or crossing "the red line" on Taiwan. Official statements from either side is awaited.

While the official list is yet to be released by the government, US news outlet Politico had recently compiled a <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000017c-ec87-df97-a9ff-fcffee940000">list</a> of potential invitees for the Democracy summit, in which Taiwan’s name has been included among over 100 countries or governments.

Taiwanese media quoted its foreign ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou as saying that the island&nbsp;had been in talks with the US about the invitation and was “looking forward to share its democratic experience.”

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-raises-taiwan-issue-during-virtual-meet-xi-warns-dont-play-with-fire-429694">&nbsp;Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire'</a>

More than 20 relevant Taiwanese ministries and committees and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy have actively taken stock of the progress of democracy and human rights-related work in recent years and have initiated a number of relevant projects, Taiwan news outlet Liberty Times quoted Ou as saying.

Ou further thanked the US government for reiterating its support for Taiwan’s democracy and said the foreign ministry will continue to coordinate with its American counterparts, according to the report.

The agenda for the Democracy Summit, which is scheduled to take place virtually from December 9-10, has not been finalised.

The event is part of Biden’s foreign policy which seeks to put the United States back into the global leadership to meet the authoritarian forces, led by China and Russia.

Much of the planning process is confidential, according to a report in Politico. All current plans are tentative, it said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-raises-taiwan-issue-during-virtual-meet-xi-warns-dont-play-with-fire-429694">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insisting-china-play-by-the-rules-of-the-road-biden-xi-virtual-summit-seeks-to-settle-tense-relationship-429637">Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship</a>

Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island off the southeast coast of China, has been one of the flashpoints of US-China relations.

Beijing claims that the province is part of the mainland, with Chinese leaders threatening to take it by force if it makes any moves toward formal independence.

In recent years, China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan, with a&nbsp;record number of planes intruding&nbsp;into the island's air defence identification zone in early October.

US has repeatedly expressed support to Taiwan and had described China’s military activities as “aggression”.

Earlier in the day, during an online meet, President Joe Biden again raked up the issue of Taiwan, saying that opposes “unilateral efforts” to change the status quo or undermine peace across Taiwan—a remark not taken well by China.

According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence would be “like playing with fire”.

“Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to rely on the US for independence,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua.

(With inputs from agencies)

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington.

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington. China claims Taiwan as part of its mainland, and had repeatedly asked the US not to play role in Taiwan’s independence. Media reports about the virtual summit of Biden with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday said the latter warned the US against "playing with fire", or crossing "the red line" on Taiwan. Official statements from either side is awaited. While the official list is yet to be released by the government, US news outlet Politico had recently compiled a list of potential invitees for the Democracy summit, in which Taiwan’s name has been included among over 100 countries or governments. Taiwanese media quoted its foreign ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou as saying that the island had been in talks with the US about the invitation and was “looking forward to share its democratic experience.” Also read | Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire' More than 20 relevant Taiwanese ministries and committees and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy have actively taken stock of the progress of democracy and human rights-related work in recent years and have initiated a number of relevant projects, Taiwan news outlet Liberty Times quoted Ou as saying. Ou further thanked the US government for reiterating its support for Taiwan’s democracy and said the foreign ministry will continue to coordinate with its American counterparts, according to the report. The agenda for the Democracy Summit, which is scheduled to take place virtually from December 9-10, has not been finalised. The event is part of Biden’s foreign policy which seeks to put the United States back into the global leadership to meet the authoritarian forces, led by China and Russia. Much of the planning process is confidential, according to a report in Politico. All current plans are tentative, it said. Also read | Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island off the southeast coast of China, has been one of the flashpoints of US-China relations. Beijing claims that the province is part of the mainland, with Chinese leaders threatening to take it by force if it makes any moves toward formal independence. In recent years, China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan, with a record number of planes intruding into the island's air defence identification zone in early October. US has repeatedly expressed support to Taiwan and had described China’s military activities as “aggression”. Earlier in the day, during an online meet, President Joe Biden again raked up the issue of Taiwan, saying that opposes “unilateral efforts” to change the status quo or undermine peace across Taiwan—a remark not taken well by China. According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence would be “like playing with fire”. “Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to rely on the US for independence,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua. (With inputs from agencies)

Another flashpoint? Reports that Taiwan is among invitee list of US ‘Democracy Summit’ could rile China

UK Foreign Minister Elizabeth Truss on Saturday said her country and India believed in freedom and democracy and can make the world safer and prosperous.

She was speaking here at a reception held on HMS Defender where industrialists from the UK and India met.

 
Countries like the UK and India believe in freedom and democracy and can make the world safer and prosperous.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-ensure-afghan-territory-is-not-used-to-attack-any-country-say-jaishankar-uk-counterpart-423172">Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart</a>

That is the mission of UK and India too," she said, adding that the two countries were working on a new trade deal in the areas of economy, defence, trade and climate.

India is the second largest investor in the UK and I want to see more UK investment in India. The UK has the third highest number of unicorns while India has the third highest number of start ups. If we bring our resources and assets together, we can do much more. I met the Indian finance minister and foreign minister and talked about how to deepen our partnership in areas like technology,&nbsp;she said.

The UK-India economic relationship is already strong with bilateral trade of over 18bn in 2020, supporting nearly half a million jobs in each other's economies, an official from the media department of the British High Commissioner said.

The official said the prime ministers of the two nations have set a target to double the value of UK-India trade by 2030, and have also declared their shared intent to begin negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of this year.

UK Foreign Minister Elizabeth Truss on Saturday said her country and India believed in freedom and democracy and can make the world safer and prosperous. She was speaking here at a reception held on HMS Defender where industrialists from the UK and India met.

UK Foreign Minister Elizabeth Truss on Saturday said her country and India believed in freedom and democracy and can make the world safer and prosperous. She was speaking here at a reception held on HMS Defender where industrialists from the UK and India met. Countries like the UK and India believe in freedom and democracy and can make the world safer and prosperous. Also Read | Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart That is the mission of UK and India too," she said, adding that the two countries were working on a new trade deal in the areas of economy, defence, trade and climate. India is the second largest investor in the UK and I want to see more UK investment in India. The UK has the third highest number of unicorns while India has the third highest number of start ups. If we bring our resources and assets together, we can do much more. I met the Indian finance minister and foreign minister and talked about how to deepen our partnership in areas like technology, she said. The UK-India economic relationship is already strong with bilateral trade of over 18bn in 2020, supporting nearly half a million jobs in each other's economies, an official from the media department of the British High Commissioner said. The official said the prime ministers of the two nations have set a target to double the value of UK-India trade by 2030, and have also declared their shared intent to begin negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of this year.

India, UK democracies can make world safer, prosperous: British foreign minister

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting.

Claims of takover by the machines have been made before. Years like 1984 have come and gone but the calamity seems far away. However, such situations appear more and more conceivable with every advancement in tech.

Now, an ex-Kremlin mastermind Vladislav Surkov has predicted that next 100 years will see advent of 'humanless democracies'. Machines will control everything and humans will increasingly get relegated to sidelines.

Surkov's significance in Russian politics can be gauged by the fact that he was assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself till 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-catch-unexpected-radio-signals-from-distant-stars-420244">Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars</a>

In his piece written for the publication publication ‘Actual Comment', Surkov says that in next 100 years, internet will take a form of direct democracy. There will no longer be a need to elect a government. Instead, anyone who wants to can vote on a proposed legislation.

“For example, if you need another law on beekeeping, everyone who cares – beekeepers, honey enthusiasts, beauticians, pharmacists, people who have been stung by bees, people with allergies, lawyers, hive and smokehouse manufacturers, beeophiles and bee-haters, as well as those who always care about everything – can all directly participate in its drafting, introduction, discussion and adoption,” says Surkov as quoted by Russia Today.

There is no parliament in this scheme. In its place are communication tools, algorithms and moderators.”

Surkov paints a scary picture saying that people will be slowly removed from such a process and that machines will eliminate the human factor. He says that humans will have more and more comfort but will have less and less say in how things are run.&nbsp;

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting.

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting. Claims of takover by the machines have been made before. Years like 1984 have come and gone but the calamity seems far away. However, such situations appear more and more conceivable with every advancement in tech. Now, an ex-Kremlin mastermind Vladislav Surkov has predicted that next 100 years will see advent of 'humanless democracies'. Machines will control everything and humans will increasingly get relegated to sidelines. Surkov's significance in Russian politics can be gauged by the fact that he was assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself till 2020. Also Read | Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars In his piece written for the publication publication ‘Actual Comment', Surkov says that in next 100 years, internet will take a form of direct democracy. There will no longer be a need to elect a government. Instead, anyone who wants to can vote on a proposed legislation. “For example, if you need another law on beekeeping, everyone who cares – beekeepers, honey enthusiasts, beauticians, pharmacists, people who have been stung by bees, people with allergies, lawyers, hive and smokehouse manufacturers, beeophiles and bee-haters, as well as those who always care about everything – can all directly participate in its drafting, introduction, discussion and adoption,” says Surkov as quoted by Russia Today. There is no parliament in this scheme. In its place are communication tools, algorithms and moderators.” Surkov paints a scary picture saying that people will be slowly removed from such a process and that machines will eliminate the human factor. He says that humans will have more and more comfort but will have less and less say in how things are run.

Scary! Ex-Kremlin mastermind predicts formation of 'humanless democracies'

On Tuesday, a Facebook whistleblower told US senators that the social media juggernaut promotes divisiveness, hurts children, and urgently needs to be controlled, prompting promises that Congress will take long-delayed action.

Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee who disclosed reams of internal information to authorities and The Wall Street Journal, testified on Capitol Hill, fueling one of the company's most serious crises yet.&nbsp; 
 
Watch: How Facebook algorithm harms children

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-facebook-algorithm-harms-children-418497/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-speech-for-profit-facebook-whistleblower-reveals-identity-418061">Also read: Hate speech for profit: Facebook whistleblower reveals identity</a> 
 
Here are top quotes from Former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen's testimony:

&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">I believe that Facebook's products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">Congressional action is needed. They won't solve this crisis without your help. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">The company intentionally hides vital information from the public, from the US government and from governments around the world. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">There is no one currently holding Mark (Zuckerberg, the Facebook chief executive) to account. The buck stops with Mark." 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">Yesterday we saw Facebook taken off the internet. I don’t know why it went down, but I know that for more than five hours, Facebook wasn’t used to deepen divides, destabilise democracies and make young girls and women feel bad about their bodies.</li>
</ol>

Haugen, a 37-year-old data scientist from Iowa, has worked for businesses like as Google and Pinterest, but she told CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday that Facebook was "significantly worse" than anything she had ever seen. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/mark-zuckerberg-loses-7-billion-in-hours-as-facebook-plunges-418427">Also read | Mark Zuckerberg loses $7 billion in hours as Facebook plunges</a>

Nick Clegg, Facebook's vice president of policy and global affairs, fiercely denied that its platforms are "poison" for adolescents, only days after a heated, hours-long congressional session in which US legislators questioned the firm on its influence on young users' mental health.

Late Monday, Facebook blamed the outage on changes to router configurations that coordinate network traffic between its data centres.&nbsp;

For years, US legislators have vowed to regulate Facebook and other social media platforms in response to complaints that the internet companies violate privacy, serve as a platform for hazardous disinformation, and harm the well-being of young people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Tuesday, a Facebook whistleblower told US senators that the social media juggernaut promotes divisiveness, hurts children, and urgently needs to be controlled, prompting promises that Congress will take long-delayed action.

On Tuesday, a Facebook whistleblower told US senators that the social media juggernaut promotes divisiveness, hurts children, and urgently needs to be controlled, prompting promises that Congress will take long-delayed action. Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee who disclosed reams of internal information to authorities and The Wall Street Journal, testified on Capitol Hill, fueling one of the company's most serious crises yet. Watch: How Facebook algorithm harms children Also read: Hate speech for profit: Facebook whistleblower reveals identity Here are top quotes from Former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen's testimony: I believe that Facebook's products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy. Congressional action is needed. They won't solve this crisis without your help. The company intentionally hides vital information from the public, from the US government and from governments around the world. There is no one currently holding Mark (Zuckerberg, the Facebook chief executive) to account. The buck stops with Mark." Yesterday we saw Facebook taken off the internet. I don’t know why it went down, but I know that for more than five hours, Facebook wasn’t used to deepen divides, destabilise democracies and make young girls and women feel bad about their bodies. Haugen, a 37-year-old data scientist from Iowa, has worked for businesses like as Google and Pinterest, but she told CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday that Facebook was "significantly worse" than anything she had ever seen. Also read | Mark Zuckerberg loses $7 billion in hours as Facebook plunges Nick Clegg, Facebook's vice president of policy and global affairs, fiercely denied that its platforms are "poison" for adolescents, only days after a heated, hours-long congressional session in which US legislators questioned the firm on its influence on young users' mental health. Late Monday, Facebook blamed the outage on changes to router configurations that coordinate network traffic between its data centres. For years, US legislators have vowed to regulate Facebook and other social media platforms in response to complaints that the internet companies violate privacy, serve as a platform for hazardous disinformation, and harm the well-being of young people. (With inputs from agencies)

'Facebook weakens our democracy, harms kids': Top quotes from whistleblower Frances Haugen’s testimony

On September 15, the world will commemorate the International Day of Democracy, which takes place in the midst of massive worldwide challenges for democracies.

Not least, the United States' costly withdrawal from Afghanistan has cast doubt on the West's role in advancing liberal democracy around the world.&nbsp;

The Universal Declaration on Democracy, which was issued on September 15, 1997 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organisation of national parliaments, gave birth to the International Day of Democracy.

In the years that followed, Qatar was at the forefront of attempts to promote an International Day of Democracy.

Finally, on November 8, 2007, the UNGA created the day when it passed a resolution titled "Support by the United Nations system of nations' efforts to develop and consolidate new or restored democracies" by consensus.&nbsp;

"International Day of Democracy gives an opportunity to examine the state of democracy throughout the world," according to the United Nations.

"Democracy is a process as well as a goal, and the ideal of democracy can only be realised with the full participation of the world community."&nbsp;

The major purpose of the International Day of Democracy is to encourage everyone, including governments, to protect human rights and participate meaningfully in democracy.

The International Day of Democracy is a day commemorated to educate the public about pressing issues, organise political will and resources to address global issues, and celebrate humanity's achievements.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On September 15, the world will commemorate the International Day of Democracy, which takes place in the midst of massive worldwide challenges for democracies. Not least, the United States' costly withdrawal from Afghanistan has cast doubt on the West's role in advancing liberal democracy around the world.

On September 15, the world will commemorate the International Day of Democracy, which takes place in the midst of massive worldwide challenges for democracies. Not least, the United States' costly withdrawal from Afghanistan has cast doubt on the West's role in advancing liberal democracy around the world. The Universal Declaration on Democracy, which was issued on September 15, 1997 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organisation of national parliaments, gave birth to the International Day of Democracy. In the years that followed, Qatar was at the forefront of attempts to promote an International Day of Democracy. Finally, on November 8, 2007, the UNGA created the day when it passed a resolution titled "Support by the United Nations system of nations' efforts to develop and consolidate new or restored democracies" by consensus. "International Day of Democracy gives an opportunity to examine the state of democracy throughout the world," according to the United Nations. "Democracy is a process as well as a goal, and the ideal of democracy can only be realised with the full participation of the world community." The major purpose of the International Day of Democracy is to encourage everyone, including governments, to protect human rights and participate meaningfully in democracy. The International Day of Democracy is a day commemorated to educate the public about pressing issues, organise political will and resources to address global issues, and celebrate humanity's achievements. (With inputs from agencies)

International Day of Democracy 2021: Learn about its history and significance

In a recent video that has emerged on the internet, Taliban militants&nbsp;can be seen laughing after a journalist asked a question pertaining to democracy and female politicians in the country.&nbsp;

Uploaded on Twitter by author David Patrikarakos, the video shows a female journalist, asking Taliban&nbsp;members if they would be willing to accept democratic governance that voted in female politicians.&nbsp;

"Stop filming. Stop it. It made me laugh," replied one of the members.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Taliban collapses with laughter as journalist asks if they would be willing to accept democratic governance that voted in female politicians - and then tells camera to stop filming. “It made me laugh” he says.<a href="https://t.co/km0s1Lkzx5">pic.twitter.com/km0s1Lkzx5</a>
— David Patrikarakos (@dpatrikarakos) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpatrikarakos/status/1427567411692244992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Courtesy: Twitter/@dpatrikarakos

Meanwhile, after the fall of Kabul, in the first indication of the Taliban's&nbsp;concessions concerning women's rights, the group said that it was fine with women receiving primary and higher education which includes attending university.

Women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university. We have announced this policy at international conferences, the Moscow conference and here at the Doha conference (on Afghanistan)," said Suhail Shaheen, Taliban spokesperson for its political office in Doha

Under the militants' hardline 1996-2001 rule, girls' schools were closed, women were prevented from travelling and working, and women were forced to wear an all-covering burqa in public.

Shaheen also indicated that burqa will not be compulsory for women but a hijab would be.

"The burqa is not the only hijab (headscarf) that (can) be observed, there is different types of hijab not limited to burqa," Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the group's political office in Doha, told Britain's Sky News.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals

In a recent video that has emerged on the internet, Taliban militants can be seen laughing after a journalist asked a question pertaining to democracy and female politicians in the country.

In a recent video that has emerged on the internet, Taliban militants can be seen laughing after a journalist asked a question pertaining to democracy and female politicians in the country. Uploaded on Twitter by author David Patrikarakos, the video shows a female journalist, asking Taliban members if they would be willing to accept democratic governance that voted in female politicians. "Stop filming. Stop it. It made me laugh," replied one of the members. Taliban collapses with laughter as journalist asks if they would be willing to accept democratic governance that voted in female politicians - and then tells camera to stop filming. “It made me laugh” he says.pic.twitter.com/km0s1Lkzx5 — David Patrikarakos (@dpatrikarakos) August 17, 2021 × Courtesy: Twitter/@dpatrikarakos Meanwhile, after the fall of Kabul, in the first indication of the Taliban's concessions concerning women's rights, the group said that it was fine with women receiving primary and higher education which includes attending university. Women "can get education from primary to higher education -- that means university. We have announced this policy at international conferences, the Moscow conference and here at the Doha conference (on Afghanistan)," said Suhail Shaheen, Taliban spokesperson for its political office in Doha Under the militants' hardline 1996-2001 rule, girls' schools were closed, women were prevented from travelling and working, and women were forced to wear an all-covering burqa in public. Shaheen also indicated that burqa will not be compulsory for women but a hijab would be. "The burqa is not the only hijab (headscarf) that (can) be observed, there is different types of hijab not limited to burqa," Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the group's political office in Doha, told Britain's Sky News. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these visuals

Watch: Taliban members break into laughter when asked about democracy and female politicians

Chinese state media has threatened to make an example of the British warship in the South China Sea. But with the alliance of democracies growing stronger, is Beijing punching above its weight? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: China warns UK warship in South China Sea

The sacking of Tunisia's leaders by President Kais Saied is the latest step along a bumpy road to democracy since 2010. Watch the Timeline of Tunisia through a decade of struggling democracy.

Timeline of Tunisia's democracy since 2010

Hong Kong’s outspoken pro-democracy publication Apple Daily announced its closure on Wednesday. The newspaper added&nbsp;that its final edition would be published “no later than Saturday” after it received&nbsp;confirmation from the&nbsp;board.

Recently, police froze Apple Daily's&nbsp;accounts and arrested staff members under the new security law, forcing the publication to cease operations.

"Due to the current circumstances prevailing in Hong Kong, Apple Daily in its print form will come to an end no later than the last edition on Saturday 26 June 2021 and the digital version will no longer be accessible no later than 11:59pm on Saturday 26 June 2021," AFP cited the paper's board as saying in a statement.

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Another arrest on the same day for Apple Daily

On the same day, the lead editorial writer of Apple Daily was arrested under the security law. Just a few days earlier, five executives of the Daily were arrested by the police. According to AFP, the man who wrote columns for Apple Daily under the pseudonym Li Ping was arrested "on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security".

Apple Daily said that Li Peng was one of its top columnists and the lead writer of their editorials. Over the last five years, he had written nearly 800 commentaries. The last one published on Tuesday focused on academic freedoms in mainland China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-apple-daily-columnist-under-security-law-393292" hreflang="en">Hong Kong police arrest Apple Daily columnist under security law</a>

The publication has stood against Beijing for the longest time - reporting on China’s authoritarian leaders and extending support to Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.

Apple Daily: A witch hunt by Beijing?

Apple Daily’s owner Jimmy Lai is currently in jail and was among the first to be charged under the security law which was imposed in Hong Kong after 2019’s huge democracy protests.

Last Thursday, Apple Daily’s office was raided by 500 police officers for articles and articles that could invite sanctions from China. Five executives of the newspaper including chief editor Ryan Law and CEO Cheung Kim-hung were arrested for allegedly “colluding with foreign forces”. They were officially charged on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hong-kong-leader-lam-says-action-against-apple-daily-does-not-target-press-freedom-393069" hreflang="en">Hong Kong leader Lam says action against Apple Daily does not target press freedom</a>

In addition, asserts worth $2.3 million (HK $1.8 million) owned by Apple Daily were frozen using the security law, without which the newspaper couldn’t have continued publishing. 
 
The security law was imposed on Hong Kong in June 2020 and allows authorities to freeze assets of any people or companies that are seen as a security threat without a court order.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/we-must-press-on-two-apple-daily-executives-charged-in-hong-kong-under-chinas-security-law-392392" hreflang="en">'We must press on': Two Apple Daily executives charged in Hong Kong under China's security law</a>

Hong Kong’s outspoken pro-democracy publication Apple Daily announced its closure on Wednesday. The newspaper added that its final edition would be published “no later than Saturday” after it received confirmation from the board.

Hong Kong’s outspoken pro-democracy publication Apple Daily announced its closure on Wednesday. The newspaper added that its final edition would be published “no later than Saturday” after it received confirmation from the board. Recently, police froze Apple Daily's accounts and arrested staff members under the new security law, forcing the publication to cease operations. "Due to the current circumstances prevailing in Hong Kong, Apple Daily in its print form will come to an end no later than the last edition on Saturday 26 June 2021 and the digital version will no longer be accessible no later than 11:59pm on Saturday 26 June 2021," AFP cited the paper's board as saying in a statement. Another arrest on the same day for Apple Daily On the same day, the lead editorial writer of Apple Daily was arrested under the security law. Just a few days earlier, five executives of the Daily were arrested by the police. According to AFP, the man who wrote columns for Apple Daily under the pseudonym Li Ping was arrested "on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security". Apple Daily said that Li Peng was one of its top columnists and the lead writer of their editorials. Over the last five years, he had written nearly 800 commentaries. The last one published on Tuesday focused on academic freedoms in mainland China. Also read: Hong Kong police arrest Apple Daily columnist under security law The publication has stood against Beijing for the longest time - reporting on China’s authoritarian leaders and extending support to Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. Apple Daily: A witch hunt by Beijing? Apple Daily’s owner Jimmy Lai is currently in jail and was among the first to be charged under the security law which was imposed in Hong Kong after 2019’s huge democracy protests. Last Thursday, Apple Daily’s office was raided by 500 police officers for articles and articles that could invite sanctions from China. Five executives of the newspaper including chief editor Ryan Law and CEO Cheung Kim-hung were arrested for allegedly “colluding with foreign forces”. They were officially charged on Saturday. Also read: Hong Kong leader Lam says action against Apple Daily does not target press freedom In addition, asserts worth $2.3 million (HK $1.8 million) owned by Apple Daily were frozen using the security law, without which the newspaper couldn’t have continued publishing. The security law was imposed on Hong Kong in June 2020 and allows authorities to freeze assets of any people or companies that are seen as a security threat without a court order. Also read: 'We must press on': Two Apple Daily executives charged in Hong Kong under China's security law

Under pressure, Hong Kong's pro-democracy publication Apple Daily announces closure

Thursday was a major day for Hong Kong as office of&nbsp;prominent pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily was raided by police. About 500 police officers swooped-in on Apple Daily, one of the prominent news outlet that has fiercely guarded its pro-democracy stance and has criticised China's heavy-handed responses that stifled liberties in the financial hub.

Apple Daily has been around for 26 years and has been fiercest pro-democracy voice in Hong Kong. On Thursday, the police officers arrested five executives of Apple Daily, seized computers and journalistic material

Apple Daily's journey&nbsp;

It was founded in 1995 "as a newspaper for Hong Kong people" by Jimmy Lai, a billionaire mogul who had fled to the city from the mainland as a penniless child, and amassed a fortune selling clothes.

Lai had not been especially political until the events of June 4, 1989, when he and many other Hong Kongers watched in horror as China sent tanks and troops to crush democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

In the ensuing years he became increasingly outspoken -- often using especially colourful language to describe China's leaders -- and his clothing brand Giordano soon found itself in trouble with mainland authorities.

So Lai sold up and ploughed the proceeds into a new endeavour -- founding a media empire.

The emergence of Apple Daily coincided with Hong Kong's return by Britain to China in 1997.

As many Hong Kongers fretted about their future freedoms, Apple Daily became the voice of the city's pro-democracy, Beijing-sceptical wing.

National Security Law

Hong Kong's controversial National Security Law was passed in June 2020. Critics have termed it 'The end of Hong Kong'. It is feared that the law would be used by China to end Hong Kong's limited autonomy.

Hong Kong was a British colony and its was handed over to China under assurances of 'One country, two systems' in 1997. Since then, Hong Kongers have enjoyed greater degree of freedoms than the mainland Chinese.

However, the National Security Law, which was passed after strong pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong threatens to end the autonomy.

The law, Jimmy Lai and Apple Daily

Beijing's imposition of a sweeping national security law last year radically changed the paper's fortunes. 
Lai, 73, was among the first high-profile democracy activists arrested under the law.

He was jailed for attending protests, and faces a national security charge of collusion that could land him a life sentence.

In an interview with AFP almost exactly a year ago, shortly before the law came in, he predicted it would be used to silence his newspaper.

"Whatever we write, whatever we say, can be subversion, can be sedition," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thursday was a major day for Hong Kong as office of prominent pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily was raided by police. About 500 police officers swooped-in on Apple Daily, one of the prominent news outlet that has fiercely guarded its pro-democracy stance and has criticised China's heavy-handed responses that stifled liberties in the financial hub.

Thursday was a major day for Hong Kong as office of prominent pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily was raided by police. About 500 police officers swooped-in on Apple Daily, one of the prominent news outlet that has fiercely guarded its pro-democracy stance and has criticised China's heavy-handed responses that stifled liberties in the financial hub. Apple Daily has been around for 26 years and has been fiercest pro-democracy voice in Hong Kong. On Thursday, the police officers arrested five executives of Apple Daily, seized computers and journalistic material Apple Daily's journey It was founded in 1995 "as a newspaper for Hong Kong people" by Jimmy Lai, a billionaire mogul who had fled to the city from the mainland as a penniless child, and amassed a fortune selling clothes. Lai had not been especially political until the events of June 4, 1989, when he and many other Hong Kongers watched in horror as China sent tanks and troops to crush democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. In the ensuing years he became increasingly outspoken -- often using especially colourful language to describe China's leaders -- and his clothing brand Giordano soon found itself in trouble with mainland authorities. So Lai sold up and ploughed the proceeds into a new endeavour -- founding a media empire. The emergence of Apple Daily coincided with Hong Kong's return by Britain to China in 1997. As many Hong Kongers fretted about their future freedoms, Apple Daily became the voice of the city's pro-democracy, Beijing-sceptical wing. National Security Law Hong Kong's controversial National Security Law was passed in June 2020. Critics have termed it 'The end of Hong Kong'. It is feared that the law would be used by China to end Hong Kong's limited autonomy. Hong Kong was a British colony and its was handed over to China under assurances of 'One country, two systems' in 1997. Since then, Hong Kongers have enjoyed greater degree of freedoms than the mainland Chinese. However, the National Security Law, which was passed after strong pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong threatens to end the autonomy. The law, Jimmy Lai and Apple Daily Beijing's imposition of a sweeping national security law last year radically changed the paper's fortunes. Lai, 73, was among the first high-profile democracy activists arrested under the law. He was jailed for attending protests, and faces a national security charge of collusion that could land him a life sentence. In an interview with AFP almost exactly a year ago, shortly before the law came in, he predicted it would be used to silence his newspaper. "Whatever we write, whatever we say, can be subversion, can be sedition," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: Why Apple Daily is being raided in Hong Kong

Agnes Chow hails from a generation of Hong Kong democracy activists who cut their teeth in politics as teenagers and are now being steadily silenced by China.

The 24-year-old, one of the democracy movement's most recognizable faces, served just under seven months behind bars for her role in an "unlawful assembly" outside the city's police headquarters during 2019's huge and often violent democracy protests.

She was jailed alongside two other well-known youth activists, Joshua Wong and Ivan Lam. She entered the fraught world of Hong Kong's politics early.

Chow has described growing up in an apolitical Catholic household.

But at the age of 15, she joined the youth-led movement protesting against plans to implement "moral and national education" in public schools.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-democracy-activist-agnes-chow-released-from-prison-390942">Also Read |&nbsp;Hong Kong democracy activist Agnes Chow released from prison</a>

Students feared the plan would herald the kind of heavily censored education seen on China's mainland.

They staged huge sit-ins and the plan was eventually shelved in a rare example of protest forcing a Hong Kong government climbdown.

It was during those demonstrations she met fellow teen activist Wong.

Two years later, Wong, Chow, and other students were key figures in the "Umbrella Movement" -- 79 days of sit-ins and rallies sparked by Beijing's refusal to make good on its promise to one day grant Hong Kongers universal suffrage.

The protests were peaceful, but not successful.

Yet, a whole new generation of opposition politicians was forged in those rallies.

They would go on to become a major thorn in the side of Beijing as it tried to tighten its grip on the semi-autonomous financial hub, which was increasingly chafing under Chinese Communist Party rule.

Chow helped found the now-disbanded pro-democracy party Demosisto alongside Wong, Nathan Law, and other young political leaders.

She gave up a British passport to stand for Hong Kong's partially elected legislature, only to be barred from standing because her party advocated "self-determination".

Since then it has become common for authorities to disqualify politicians for the views they hold.

A new law passed last month will vet anyone standing for public office for their political loyalty, a campaign Beijing has called "Patriots rule Hong Kong".

One of Chow's most successful roles has been bringing international attention to the city's democracy movement, aided by fluency in English, Cantonese, and Japanese. She built a huge social media following in Japan in particular.

Her Twitter account, which primarily publishes in Japanese, has more than half a million followers. Chow may not be free for long.

She was one of the first opposition politicians to be arrested under Beijing's new security law -- for allegedly "colluding with foreign forces" by campaigning for sanctions. She has not yet been charged.&nbsp;

But if prosecutors take that step, she will almost certainly be denied bail and sent back to custody.

More than 100 people, including some of the city's most prominent democracy activists, have been arrested under the new law. 
Most of those charged are denied bail and those who are convicted face up to life in jail.

Agnes Chow hails from a generation of Hong Kong democracy activists who cut their teeth in politics as teenagers and are now being steadily silenced by China. The 24-year-old, one of the democracy movement's most recognizable faces, served just under seven months behind bars for her role in an "unlawful assembly" outside the city's police headquarters during 2019's huge and often violent democracy protests.

Agnes Chow hails from a generation of Hong Kong democracy activists who cut their teeth in politics as teenagers and are now being steadily silenced by China. The 24-year-old, one of the democracy movement's most recognizable faces, served just under seven months behind bars for her role in an "unlawful assembly" outside the city's police headquarters during 2019's huge and often violent democracy protests. She was jailed alongside two other well-known youth activists, Joshua Wong and Ivan Lam. She entered the fraught world of Hong Kong's politics early. Chow has described growing up in an apolitical Catholic household. But at the age of 15, she joined the youth-led movement protesting against plans to implement "moral and national education" in public schools. Also Read | Hong Kong democracy activist Agnes Chow released from prison Students feared the plan would herald the kind of heavily censored education seen on China's mainland. They staged huge sit-ins and the plan was eventually shelved in a rare example of protest forcing a Hong Kong government climbdown. It was during those demonstrations she met fellow teen activist Wong. Two years later, Wong, Chow, and other students were key figures in the "Umbrella Movement" -- 79 days of sit-ins and rallies sparked by Beijing's refusal to make good on its promise to one day grant Hong Kongers universal suffrage. The protests were peaceful, but not successful. Yet, a whole new generation of opposition politicians was forged in those rallies. They would go on to become a major thorn in the side of Beijing as it tried to tighten its grip on the semi-autonomous financial hub, which was increasingly chafing under Chinese Communist Party rule. Chow helped found the now-disbanded pro-democracy party Demosisto alongside Wong, Nathan Law, and other young political leaders. She gave up a British passport to stand for Hong Kong's partially elected legislature, only to be barred from standing because her party advocated "self-determination". Since then it has become common for authorities to disqualify politicians for the views they hold. A new law passed last month will vet anyone standing for public office for their political loyalty, a campaign Beijing has called "Patriots rule Hong Kong". One of Chow's most successful roles has been bringing international attention to the city's democracy movement, aided by fluency in English, Cantonese, and Japanese. She built a huge social media following in Japan in particular. Her Twitter account, which primarily publishes in Japanese, has more than half a million followers. Chow may not be free for long. She was one of the first opposition politicians to be arrested under Beijing's new security law -- for allegedly "colluding with foreign forces" by campaigning for sanctions. She has not yet been charged. But if prosecutors take that step, she will almost certainly be denied bail and sent back to custody. More than 100 people, including some of the city's most prominent democracy activists, have been arrested under the new law. Most of those charged are denied bail and those who are convicted face up to life in jail.

Agnes Chow: From teen activist to jailed Hong Kong democracy leader

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Central American governments to do more to help contain illegal immigration and voiced concerns about the health of local democracy and human rights during a visit to the region on Tuesday. 
 
Speaking at a joint news conference with Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado, Blinken said the United States wanted to hear from its partners in the region about their shared commitment to managing migratory pressures. 
 
"Good governance is crucial for confronting the challenges and seizing the opportunities of this moment, and yet we meet at a moment when democracy and human rights are being undermined in many parts of the region," Blinken told reporters. 
 
Blinken cited erosion of judicial independence, crackdowns on independent media and NGOs, as well as the suppression of anti-corruption efforts to illustrate his point, noting that the United States had also suffered its own setbacks. 
 
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden has been under pressure to reduce a sharp increase in undocumented immigration at the US-Mexico border since taking office in January. 
 
Regional cooperation to address the issue was now more important than ever, said Blinken, who travelled to Costa Rica, to hold talks with leaders from Central America and Mexico. 
 
Many immigrants stopped at the US&nbsp;border are from three violent and impoverished Central American countries, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, which Washington has pledged aid in return for commitments to improve local governance. 
 
That drive has been clouded by concern about graft, cronyism, signs of authoritarianism and efforts to block the appointment of judges with track records of tackling corruption. 
 
The United States has promised to help poorer countries in the fight against COVID-19 with vaccines, and Blinken said the government would in the next week or so set out plans for how millions of doses would be distributed. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Central American governments to do more to help contain illegal immigration and voiced concerns about the health of local democracy and human rights during a visit to the region on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Central American governments to do more to help contain illegal immigration and voiced concerns about the health of local democracy and human rights during a visit to the region on Tuesday. Speaking at a joint news conference with Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado, Blinken said the United States wanted to hear from its partners in the region about their shared commitment to managing migratory pressures. "Good governance is crucial for confronting the challenges and seizing the opportunities of this moment, and yet we meet at a moment when democracy and human rights are being undermined in many parts of the region," Blinken told reporters. Blinken cited erosion of judicial independence, crackdowns on independent media and NGOs, as well as the suppression of anti-corruption efforts to illustrate his point, noting that the United States had also suffered its own setbacks. US President Joe Biden has been under pressure to reduce a sharp increase in undocumented immigration at the US-Mexico border since taking office in January. Regional cooperation to address the issue was now more important than ever, said Blinken, who travelled to Costa Rica, to hold talks with leaders from Central America and Mexico. Many immigrants stopped at the US border are from three violent and impoverished Central American countries, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, which Washington has pledged aid in return for commitments to improve local governance. That drive has been clouded by concern about graft, cronyism, signs of authoritarianism and efforts to block the appointment of judges with track records of tackling corruption. The United States has promised to help poorer countries in the fight against COVID-19 with vaccines, and Blinken said the government would in the next week or so set out plans for how millions of doses would be distributed. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken asks Central America's help on migrants, flags democracy concerns

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday termed a voting bill in Texas an attack on democracy. Texas is the next Republican-led state seeking to restrict voting for people of colour. Biden said that Texas is now joining Georgia and Florida in attempting to limit “the sacred right to vote”.

"It's part of an&nbsp;assault&nbsp;on democracy&nbsp;that&nbsp;we’ve seen far too often this year -- and often&nbsp;disproportionately targeting&nbsp;Black and Brown Americans”, Biden announced in a statement.&nbsp;

Currently, final draft of the legislation is circulating at the Texas legislature. Many restrictive measures include a ban on drive-in voting, voting via mail, and limiting the hours of voting on election day.

Many claim that the law may help in making the voting process more secure but critics believe the law will make voting more difficult for Black, Latinos and other people of colour in the US who vote for Democrats.

New laws by Republicans are aimed at limiting election fraud, claims of which were spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump, who lost the election to Joe Biden and was unable to provide any evidence of a so-called “stolen election”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/senate-confirms-geneticist-lander-as-biden-science-adviser-388190" hreflang="en">Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser &nbsp;</a>

Since the election, many Republican-led states have initiated bills aimed at making voting more restrictive. Georgia was traditionally considered a Republican state but voted for Biden this time. In March, it became one of the first states to adopt a voting law.

Biden also urged Congress to pass two bills that were designed to protect and favour people’s right to vote without much restrictions. But the slim majority of Democrats in the legislature has prevented the bills from seeing passage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/biden-budget-sets-aside-750-million-for-solarwinds-response-388143" hreflang="en">Biden budget sets aside $750 million for SolarWinds response</a>

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday termed a voting bill in Texas an attack on democracy. Texas is the next Republican-led state seeking to restrict voting for people of colour.

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday termed a voting bill in Texas an attack on democracy. Texas is the next Republican-led state seeking to restrict voting for people of colour. Biden said that Texas is now joining Georgia and Florida in attempting to limit “the sacred right to vote”. "It's part of an assault on democracy that we’ve seen far too often this year -- and often disproportionately targeting Black and Brown Americans”, Biden announced in a statement. Currently, final draft of the legislation is circulating at the Texas legislature. Many restrictive measures include a ban on drive-in voting, voting via mail, and limiting the hours of voting on election day. Many claim that the law may help in making the voting process more secure but critics believe the law will make voting more difficult for Black, Latinos and other people of colour in the US who vote for Democrats. New laws by Republicans are aimed at limiting election fraud, claims of which were spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump, who lost the election to Joe Biden and was unable to provide any evidence of a so-called “stolen election”. Also read: Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser Since the election, many Republican-led states have initiated bills aimed at making voting more restrictive. Georgia was traditionally considered a Republican state but voted for Biden this time. In March, it became one of the first states to adopt a voting law. Biden also urged Congress to pass two bills that were designed to protect and favour people’s right to vote without much restrictions. But the slim majority of Democrats in the legislature has prevented the bills from seeing passage. Also read: Biden budget sets aside $750 million for SolarWinds response

Joe Biden terms new Texas voting bill an 'attack on democracy'

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said.&nbsp;

Protesters&nbsp;changed route for the first time since marches resumed in February in order to avoid police roadblocks.&nbsp;

"Whatever you do, we will not stop,"&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;shouted, addressing a massive police presence in the centre of the capital.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Algeria detains leading opposition figure">Algeria detains leading opposition figure</a>

Some held pictures of prisoners of conscience -- opposition and Hirak activists -- demanding their release.&nbsp;

"Repression only strengthens the will to fight and cements the solidarity of those subjected to it," other signs read.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CNLD prisoners' rights group says over 70 people are currently imprisoned in connection to the Hirak or cases related to freedom of expression, and that some detainees have begun hunger strikes to protest their conditions.&nbsp;

Police used force to break up last Friday's rally in Algiers and made several arrests. Most of those detained have since been released.&nbsp;

Amnesty International on Friday called on&nbsp;Algerian&nbsp;authorities to "allow for peaceful protests&nbsp;without resorting to&nbsp;force&nbsp;and other punitive measures&nbsp;unnecessarily".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"All those detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released and have all charges against them dropped," said Amna Guellali, Amnesty's regional deputy director.&nbsp;

"The police forces'&nbsp;heavy-handed response to brave&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;taking part in the&nbsp;Hirak&nbsp;movement exemplifies why&nbsp;people across Algeria are calling for political reform," she added in a statement. "The&nbsp;use of&nbsp;unlawful&nbsp;force and&nbsp;arbitrary&nbsp;detentions&nbsp;is&nbsp;unacceptable."

The Hirak protest movement was sparked over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office.&nbsp;

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962.&nbsp;

Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;have returned to the&nbsp;streets&nbsp;since February as the movement regains momentum.&nbsp;

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak pro-democracy movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said.

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak pro-democracy movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said. Protesters changed route for the first time since marches resumed in February in order to avoid police roadblocks. "Whatever you do, we will not stop," protesters shouted, addressing a massive police presence in the centre of the capital. Also read | Algeria detains leading opposition figure Some held pictures of prisoners of conscience -- opposition and Hirak activists -- demanding their release. "Repression only strengthens the will to fight and cements the solidarity of those subjected to it," other signs read. The CNLD prisoners' rights group says over 70 people are currently imprisoned in connection to the Hirak or cases related to freedom of expression, and that some detainees have begun hunger strikes to protest their conditions. Police used force to break up last Friday's rally in Algiers and made several arrests. Most of those detained have since been released. Amnesty International on Friday called on Algerian authorities to "allow for peaceful protests without resorting to force and other punitive measures unnecessarily". "All those detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released and have all charges against them dropped," said Amna Guellali, Amnesty's regional deputy director. "The police forces' heavy-handed response to brave protesters taking part in the Hirak movement exemplifies why people across Algeria are calling for political reform," she added in a statement. "The use of unlawful force and arbitrary detentions is unacceptable." The Hirak protest movement was sparked over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office. The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but protesters have returned to the streets since February as the movement regains momentum.

Algerian pro-democracy protesters hit streets

The United States of America has marketted itself as the guardian of democracy. But as it has turned out, much of the world sees them as threat to democracy, even a bigger one than China and Russia.

This assessment is based on a worldwide poll on democracy. It is done every year by the Alliance of Democracies Foundation. This time they polled around 50,000 people from 53 countries.

They were asked a range of questions like how they rank freedom of speech or the influence of big tech and social media.

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But the most striking question was about threats to democracy. 44 per cent of the respondents said USA was the biggest threat to democracy. 38 per cent name China, and 28 per cent named Russia.

This doesn't make sense at first glance. But things fall into place when it becomes clear that the poll was not about internal democracy but global democracy.

Let's consider America's chequered past with Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Vietnam. These are the countries the US invaded and destabilised.

US is the larger power in comparison to China and Russia. They have limited spheres of influence as compared to the US.

So in a global survey it is natural for more people to fear the US. But that doesn't mean the US is off the hook.

This survey is a reality check for Washington. They want to be the chief guardian of democracy. But with a negative rating of 44 per cent that's a difficult claim.

So is there any silver lining for America? There is.

A large chunk of the negative ratings came from Russia and China. Two of America's biggest rivals. And compared to last year,&nbsp;USA's ratings have improved.&nbsp;

So this survey should serve as a lesson. Democracy is not anyone's monopoly. The US is a democracy. But so are Germany, India, Japan and dozens of other countries. Each of them follows their own system.

This is what America finds hard to accept. It believes that democracy is what happens in Washington.

What does the survey have to say about this?

81 per cent of respondents endorsed democracy. They say it's the best form of government, despite everything. But 44 per cent of them also trashed the US.&nbsp;

So the bottom line is this. The world wants democracy. But not the democracy dictated by the US

What's more interesting about the findings is that some businesses have also featured in them: the big tech.

48 per cent people view tech companies as a threat to democracy. In the US that figure is almost 62 per cent.

People fear tech giants, more than curbs on free speech.

This is ironic as tech firms always use the argument of free speech to block regulation. Turns out, they are the bigger villain. And everyone knows that.

So the US, tech giants and China appear to be the big threat to democracy. But one indicator ranked higher than these three. And it's not something anyone would guess easily. It's economic inequality.

64 per cent of people called it the biggest threat to democracy. This is linked to the ongoing Wuhan virus pandemic.

It has put millions of people out of jobs. In 2020 70 per cent of people were happy with their government's pandemic response.

This was in both&nbsp;democracies and non-democracies. But one year later,&nbsp;democracies have fallen to 51 per cent. Looking at China would make this clearer.

China ignored human rights, consulted no one on lockdowns. And punished people who dissented. Decision-making appears easier in autocracies.

So what are the big takeaways from this survey?

Number one, America is not judge and jury. The star-spangled banner is not the chorus for democracy.

Number two, this is not an endorsement of either China or Russia. Their human rights records speak for themselves.

Number three, don't trust everything you see in a poll.

In this one, 71 per cent Chinese said they had the right amount of democracy.

If the right amount is none, then yes, they are right.

But the biggest takeaway is thisL:&nbsp;Democracy works. And we don't need superpowers or big corporations to defend it.

The United States of America has marketted itself as the guardian of democracy. But as it has turned out, much of the world sees them as threat to democracy, even a bigger one than China and Russia.

The United States of America has marketted itself as the guardian of democracy. But as it has turned out, much of the world sees them as threat to democracy, even a bigger one than China and Russia. This assessment is based on a worldwide poll on democracy. It is done every year by the Alliance of Democracies Foundation. This time they polled around 50,000 people from 53 countries. They were asked a range of questions like how they rank freedom of speech or the influence of big tech and social media. × But the most striking question was about threats to democracy. 44 per cent of the respondents said USA was the biggest threat to democracy. 38 per cent name China, and 28 per cent named Russia. This doesn't make sense at first glance. But things fall into place when it becomes clear that the poll was not about internal democracy but global democracy. Let's consider America's chequered past with Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Vietnam. These are the countries the US invaded and destabilised. US is the larger power in comparison to China and Russia. They have limited spheres of influence as compared to the US. So in a global survey it is natural for more people to fear the US. But that doesn't mean the US is off the hook. This survey is a reality check for Washington. They want to be the chief guardian of democracy. But with a negative rating of 44 per cent that's a difficult claim. So is there any silver lining for America? There is. A large chunk of the negative ratings came from Russia and China. Two of America's biggest rivals. And compared to last year, USA's ratings have improved. So this survey should serve as a lesson. Democracy is not anyone's monopoly. The US is a democracy. But so are Germany, India, Japan and dozens of other countries. Each of them follows their own system. This is what America finds hard to accept. It believes that democracy is what happens in Washington. What does the survey have to say about this? 81 per cent of respondents endorsed democracy. They say it's the best form of government, despite everything. But 44 per cent of them also trashed the US. So the bottom line is this. The world wants democracy. But not the democracy dictated by the US What's more interesting about the findings is that some businesses have also featured in them: the big tech. 48 per cent people view tech companies as a threat to democracy. In the US that figure is almost 62 per cent. People fear tech giants, more than curbs on free speech. This is ironic as tech firms always use the argument of free speech to block regulation. Turns out, they are the bigger villain. And everyone knows that. So the US, tech giants and China appear to be the big threat to democracy. But one indicator ranked higher than these three. And it's not something anyone would guess easily. It's economic inequality. 64 per cent of people called it the biggest threat to democracy. This is linked to the ongoing Wuhan virus pandemic. It has put millions of people out of jobs. In 2020 70 per cent of people were happy with their government's pandemic response. This was in both democracies and non-democracies. But one year later, democracies have fallen to 51 per cent. Looking at China would make this clearer. China ignored human rights, consulted no one on lockdowns. And punished people who dissented. Decision-making appears easier in autocracies. So what are the big takeaways from this survey? Number one, America is not judge and jury. The star-spangled banner is not the chorus for democracy. Number two, this is not an endorsement of either China or Russia. Their human rights records speak for themselves. Number three, don't trust everything you see in a poll. In this one, 71 per cent Chinese said they had the right amount of democracy. If the right amount is none, then yes, they are right. But the biggest takeaway is thisL: Democracy works. And we don't need superpowers or big corporations to defend it.

Worldwide poll shows most respondents think US is threat to democracy

Poland is at risk of becoming “undemocratic”,&nbsp;human rights chief Adam Bodnar recently said. Bodnar criticised the European Union for its slow response to the violations of law under the current Polish government.

In conversation with news agency AFP, Bodnar said that the people in power are "trying to incapacitate or take over additional power mechanisms one by one". A recent ruling from the Constitutional Court in the country ordered him to quit his post within weeks.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/women-in-poland-struggle-to-find-doctors-to-help-them-372218/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Currently, the Law and Justice (PiS) party is in power in the country where it has remained since 2015. According to the 44-year-old law professor, the party is marginalising the parliament’s role, while adding that it had “brought to heel the Constitutional Court, the prosecutor’s office, public media” along with certain “judicial institutions”.

For the last few years, the European Commission has attempted to bring Poland back in line with what it considers democratic ideals.

According to Bodnar, the EU had made some strong executive decisions that improved the realties on ground in Poland, but noted a shift since Ursula von der Leyen became the Commission’s president in 2019.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/poland-assemble-warsaw-residents-organise-biggest-protest-against-abortion-rules-339234" hreflang="en">Poland assemble: Warsaw residents organise biggest protest against abortion rules</a>

"I get the sense that there has been this constant search for a supposed compromise, consensus and dialogue with the Polish government... which hasn't really accomplished anything," he told AFP.

"Meanwhile the government used that time to introduce and solidify changes and to increasingly strive toward pushing the boundaries regarding the subordination of the judiciary," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/poland-media-outlets-observe-blackout-to-protest-new-ad-tax-362641" hreflang="en">Poland: Media outlets observe blackout to protest new ad tax</a>

The PiS has accused Bodnar of being biased and favouring the opposition. According to the party, its reforms are necessary to stop corruption in the country and to eliminate remnants of communism from its judicial system.

(With inputs from agencies)

Poland is at risk of becoming “undemocratic”, human rights chief Adam Bodnar recently said. Bodnar criticised the European Union for its slow response to the violations of law under the current Polish government.

Poland is at risk of becoming “undemocratic”, human rights chief Adam Bodnar recently said. Bodnar criticised the European Union for its slow response to the violations of law under the current Polish government. In conversation with news agency AFP, Bodnar said that the people in power are "trying to incapacitate or take over additional power mechanisms one by one". A recent ruling from the Constitutional Court in the country ordered him to quit his post within weeks. Currently, the Law and Justice (PiS) party is in power in the country where it has remained since 2015. According to the 44-year-old law professor, the party is marginalising the parliament’s role, while adding that it had “brought to heel the Constitutional Court, the prosecutor’s office, public media” along with certain “judicial institutions”. For the last few years, the European Commission has attempted to bring Poland back in line with what it considers democratic ideals. According to Bodnar, the EU had made some strong executive decisions that improved the realties on ground in Poland, but noted a shift since Ursula von der Leyen became the Commission’s president in 2019. In pics: Poland assemble: Warsaw residents organise biggest protest against abortion rules "I get the sense that there has been this constant search for a supposed compromise, consensus and dialogue with the Polish government... which hasn't really accomplished anything," he told AFP. "Meanwhile the government used that time to introduce and solidify changes and to increasingly strive toward pushing the boundaries regarding the subordination of the judiciary," he added. Also read: Poland: Media outlets observe blackout to protest new ad tax The PiS has accused Bodnar of being biased and favouring the opposition. According to the party, its reforms are necessary to stop corruption in the country and to eliminate remnants of communism from its judicial system. (With inputs from agencies)

Poland is becoming 'undemocratic', warns human rights chief who was recently ordered to quit

India condemns the use of violence in Myanmar and calls for the restoration of democracy.

"The rule of law should prevail in Myanmar", says India

Mohamed Bazoum sworn-in after the attempted coup, marking the first democratic peaceful transfer of power in the country. Dozens of foreign dignitaries attended the ceremony.

Niger gets new president: Mohamed Bazoum sworn-in after attempted coup

At the end of a winding answer Thursday about competing with China and about his relationship with Xi Jinping, a man he said does not have a democratic “bone in his body,” President Joe Biden offered up a revealing assessment of one of America’s most pressing challenges.

“This is a battle between the utility of democracies in the 21st century and autocracies,” he told reporters at his first news conference as president. “We’ve got to prove democracy works.”

China’s president, Xi, Biden said bluntly, was “a smart, smart guy” who shared with President Vladimir Putin of Russia a belief that “autocracy is the wave of the future and democracy can’t function” in the complexities of the modern world.

Among the biggest tasks of his presidency, Biden seemed to be arguing, is to prove anew to a skeptical world that both American democracy and its model of democratic capitalism still works — and that it is superior to the very different system Xi is ruthlessly enforcing at home as he tries to extend China’s influence around the world.

For a president barely 10 weeks into office, casting the United States as confronting a global struggle with the Chinese model has some clear political benefits. One of the few issues that unites Democrats and Republicans is the need to compete head-on with Beijing. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said Monday that the Chinese have already taken notice.

“They recognize in many ways that we are now finally awakened to the challenge,” he said this week at the Atlantic Council. “And I would call it a bipartisan awakening.”

Biden’s aides say his view of the Chinese challenge is not solely one of foreign policy. He plans to make full use of the fear of Beijing’s ambitions as he introduces his infrastructure initiative next week.

There will be hundreds of billions of dollars for technologies and projects that the Chinese are also pouring cash into, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and 5G networks, as well as big breakthroughs in electric cars and synthetic biotechnology.

On Friday, Biden said he suggested to Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain that the big Western democracies work together to counter China’s ambitious efforts to build better trade routes around the world, a project called the Belt and Road Initiative. The project is one of China’s main instruments for influencing nations in its economic orbit by investing in ports, rail lines, roads and other infrastructure in Asia, Africa and Europe.

“We talked about China and the competition they’re engaging in in the Belt and Road Initiative,” Biden said. “And I suggested we should have, essentially, a similar initiative coming from the democratic states, helping those communities around the world.”

There is a striking similarity between Biden’s list and Xi’s “Made in China 2025” initiative — which was first announced six years ago as an effort to make China largely independent of Western suppliers for critical technology.

At the core of Biden’s infrastructure and supply-chain initiatives is an effort — parts of which began in the Trump years — to ensure the West is not dependent on Chinese technology. It is a battle that blossomed over Huawei, the maker of next-generation communications networks, but has now spread to fears that Chinese apps like TikTok could be a pathway for attacks on American infrastructure.

“China is outinvesting us by a long shot,” Biden said, previewing his argument, “because their plan is to own that future.”

It is a time-tested approach: President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, to spur a military and civilian space race, and President John F. Kennedy picked up on the theme in setting the goal for landing a man on the moon.

A decade ago, President Barack Obama used his State of the Union address to call for a “Sputnik moment” of public investment, also using China as a spur, but the effort fell flat.

Yet for all the unanimity around the China challenge, it is far from clear whether Biden’s political strategy will work.

Republicans object to both the huge government spending in the Biden plan and to the overhang of debt it would create. And there seems bound to be a rerun of the arguments, dating to the 1980s, over whether a federal “industrial policy” — where taxpayer dollars are poured directly into technologies in which the United States judges it must stay ahead — that creates a competitive advantage for America makes sense or just squelches the innovations of Silicon Valley.

No matter how that plays out, Biden is casting the United States’ current competition in very different terms than his predecessors did. “Look, I predict to you,” he said, “your children or grandchildren are going to be doing their doctoral thesis on the issue of who succeeded: autocracy or democracy? Because that is what is at stake, not just China.”

Most notable was what was missing. There was no talk of American “exceptionalism,” just a shorter-term assurance that “on my watch,” China would not reach its overall goal “to become the leading country in the world, the wealthiest country in the world, and the most powerful country in the world.”

Biden was also careful not to make Cold War analogies; in fact, he noted that what was missing now was much of an ideological contest. (“You don’t have Russia talking about communism anymore,” he noted.) He has always said he would cooperate with adversaries, and on Friday he invited Xi and Putin to a virtual climate summit meeting he is hosting in April. He speaks of competition, not containment.

“I see stiff competition with China,” Biden said, over everything from chips to national values, which he added was the key to his two-hour conversation with Xi. And that, he said, meant pushing back on China’s stripping of rights in Hong Kong or on its harsh repression of Muslim minorities.

“The moment a president walks away from that, as the last one did,” he said, taking a dig at former President Donald Trump, “is the moment we begin to lose our legitimacy around the world.”

Still, Biden’s discussion of an open contest between two similarly sized superpowers was a significant change for U.S. presidents.

A quarter-century ago, President Bill Clinton would make the case — oftentimes, during visits to Beijing — that the arrival of the internet would force China to embrace an more American-style democracy. Clearly, that did not work out.

President George W. Bush stressed areas where Chinese and American interests overlapped — counterterrorism and North Korea were the two he mentioned the most — but never cast China as a technological equal. Obama would always say the United States “welcomes the rise of China” and recognized that it could not contain the country if it wanted to, so it would be foolish to try.

And Trump spent three years imposing tariffs and insisting he would cut the deal of the century with China, and one year castigating it as the exporter of the coronavirus, while his secretary of state at the time, Mike Pompeo, insisted that over time, the Communist Party would collapse.

Now, Biden’s team says it is assembling a strategy built more around competition than containment.

“I don’t think China is on a mission to export its model abroad and undermine democracy abroad,” said Thomas J. Christensen, a Columbia professor and former State Department official dealing with China during the Bush administration. “But I do think they are on a mission to defend their model from criticism and defend single-party authoritarian rule.”

Christensen published an essay this week in Foreign Affairs titled, “There Will Not Be a New Cold War,” arguing that American allies were “too economically dependent on China to adopt entirely hostile policies,” and that the United States’ advantage was that it had allies and partners who ranked among the greatest technological powers in the world.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken seemed to acknowledge that this week when, on a visit to Brussels, he assured the Europeans that he would not force them to make an “us or them choice.”

The Biden camp’s calculation seems to be that it is more important to hold allies together than to ensure that each one cuts off its dependency on Chinese technology or investment.

The problem will come, as Blinken notes, as China lashes out at those who criticize its actions at home, in the South China Sea, or against Taiwan. “When one of us is coerced,” he said, “we should respond as allies and work together to reduce our vulnerability by ensuring our economies are more integrated with each other.” Which sounds a lot like creating opposing camps.

At the end of a winding answer Thursday about competing with China and about his relationship with Xi Jinping, a man he said does not have a democratic “bone in his body,” President Joe Biden offered up a revealing assessment of one of America’s most pressing challenges.

At the end of a winding answer Thursday about competing with China and about his relationship with Xi Jinping, a man he said does not have a democratic “bone in his body,” President Joe Biden offered up a revealing assessment of one of America’s most pressing challenges. “This is a battle between the utility of democracies in the 21st century and autocracies,” he told reporters at his first news conference as president. “We’ve got to prove democracy works.” China’s president, Xi, Biden said bluntly, was “a smart, smart guy” who shared with President Vladimir Putin of Russia a belief that “autocracy is the wave of the future and democracy can’t function” in the complexities of the modern world. Among the biggest tasks of his presidency, Biden seemed to be arguing, is to prove anew to a skeptical world that both American democracy and its model of democratic capitalism still works — and that it is superior to the very different system Xi is ruthlessly enforcing at home as he tries to extend China’s influence around the world. For a president barely 10 weeks into office, casting the United States as confronting a global struggle with the Chinese model has some clear political benefits. One of the few issues that unites Democrats and Republicans is the need to compete head-on with Beijing. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said Monday that the Chinese have already taken notice. “They recognize in many ways that we are now finally awakened to the challenge,” he said this week at the Atlantic Council. “And I would call it a bipartisan awakening.” Biden’s aides say his view of the Chinese challenge is not solely one of foreign policy. He plans to make full use of the fear of Beijing’s ambitions as he introduces his infrastructure initiative next week. There will be hundreds of billions of dollars for technologies and projects that the Chinese are also pouring cash into, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and 5G networks, as well as big breakthroughs in electric cars and synthetic biotechnology. On Friday, Biden said he suggested to Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain that the big Western democracies work together to counter China’s ambitious efforts to build better trade routes around the world, a project called the Belt and Road Initiative. The project is one of China’s main instruments for influencing nations in its economic orbit by investing in ports, rail lines, roads and other infrastructure in Asia, Africa and Europe. “We talked about China and the competition they’re engaging in in the Belt and Road Initiative,” Biden said. “And I suggested we should have, essentially, a similar initiative coming from the democratic states, helping those communities around the world.” There is a striking similarity between Biden’s list and Xi’s “Made in China 2025” initiative — which was first announced six years ago as an effort to make China largely independent of Western suppliers for critical technology. At the core of Biden’s infrastructure and supply-chain initiatives is an effort — parts of which began in the Trump years — to ensure the West is not dependent on Chinese technology. It is a battle that blossomed over Huawei, the maker of next-generation communications networks, but has now spread to fears that Chinese apps like TikTok could be a pathway for attacks on American infrastructure. “China is outinvesting us by a long shot,” Biden said, previewing his argument, “because their plan is to own that future.” It is a time-tested approach: President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, to spur a military and civilian space race, and President John F. Kennedy picked up on the theme in setting the goal for landing a man on the moon. A decade ago, President Barack Obama used his State of the Union address to call for a “Sputnik moment” of public investment, also using China as a spur, but the effort fell flat. Yet for all the unanimity around the China challenge, it is far from clear whether Biden’s political strategy will work. Republicans object to both the huge government spending in the Biden plan and to the overhang of debt it would create. And there seems bound to be a rerun of the arguments, dating to the 1980s, over whether a federal “industrial policy” — where taxpayer dollars are poured directly into technologies in which the United States judges it must stay ahead — that creates a competitive advantage for America makes sense or just squelches the innovations of Silicon Valley. No matter how that plays out, Biden is casting the United States’ current competition in very different terms than his predecessors did. “Look, I predict to you,” he said, “your children or grandchildren are going to be doing their doctoral thesis on the issue of who succeeded: autocracy or democracy? Because that is what is at stake, not just China.” Most notable was what was missing. There was no talk of American “exceptionalism,” just a shorter-term assurance that “on my watch,” China would not reach its overall goal “to become the leading country in the world, the wealthiest country in the world, and the most powerful country in the world.” Biden was also careful not to make Cold War analogies; in fact, he noted that what was missing now was much of an ideological contest. (“You don’t have Russia talking about communism anymore,” he noted.) He has always said he would cooperate with adversaries, and on Friday he invited Xi and Putin to a virtual climate summit meeting he is hosting in April. He speaks of competition, not containment. “I see stiff competition with China,” Biden said, over everything from chips to national values, which he added was the key to his two-hour conversation with Xi. And that, he said, meant pushing back on China’s stripping of rights in Hong Kong or on its harsh repression of Muslim minorities. “The moment a president walks away from that, as the last one did,” he said, taking a dig at former President Donald Trump, “is the moment we begin to lose our legitimacy around the world.” Still, Biden’s discussion of an open contest between two similarly sized superpowers was a significant change for U.S. presidents. A quarter-century ago, President Bill Clinton would make the case — oftentimes, during visits to Beijing — that the arrival of the internet would force China to embrace an more American-style democracy. Clearly, that did not work out. President George W. Bush stressed areas where Chinese and American interests overlapped — counterterrorism and North Korea were the two he mentioned the most — but never cast China as a technological equal. Obama would always say the United States “welcomes the rise of China” and recognized that it could not contain the country if it wanted to, so it would be foolish to try. And Trump spent three years imposing tariffs and insisting he would cut the deal of the century with China, and one year castigating it as the exporter of the coronavirus, while his secretary of state at the time, Mike Pompeo, insisted that over time, the Communist Party would collapse. Now, Biden’s team says it is assembling a strategy built more around competition than containment. “I don’t think China is on a mission to export its model abroad and undermine democracy abroad,” said Thomas J. Christensen, a Columbia professor and former State Department official dealing with China during the Bush administration. “But I do think they are on a mission to defend their model from criticism and defend single-party authoritarian rule.” Christensen published an essay this week in Foreign Affairs titled, “There Will Not Be a New Cold War,” arguing that American allies were “too economically dependent on China to adopt entirely hostile policies,” and that the United States’ advantage was that it had allies and partners who ranked among the greatest technological powers in the world. Secretary of State Antony Blinken seemed to acknowledge that this week when, on a visit to Brussels, he assured the Europeans that he would not force them to make an “us or them choice.” The Biden camp’s calculation seems to be that it is more important to hold allies together than to ensure that each one cuts off its dependency on Chinese technology or investment. The problem will come, as Blinken notes, as China lashes out at those who criticize its actions at home, in the South China Sea, or against Taiwan. “When one of us is coerced,” he said, “we should respond as allies and work together to reduce our vulnerability by ensuring our economies are more integrated with each other.” Which sounds a lot like creating opposing camps.

Biden defines his underlying challenge with China: ‘Prove democracy works’

Eight Hong Kong democracy activists detained in China last year for illegally crossing the border were due back in the city on Monday after completing jail terms, in a case that drew international attention and concern over their treatment.&nbsp;

They were among 12 activists whose boat was intercepted at sea by mainland authorities in August 2020 allegedly en route to the democratic island of Taiwan.&nbsp;

All had faced charges in Hong Kong over the pro-democracy protest movement and are expected to be taken directly into custody on their return.&nbsp;

Among the eight is Andy Li, arrested under a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the Asian financial hub in June 2020 that critics say is aimed at crushing dissent.&nbsp;

In December, a Chinese court sentenced 10 of the 12 to between seven months and three years in jail. Defendants Tang Kai-yin and Quinn Moon, who were sentenced to three and two years, respectively, remain in Shenzhen.&nbsp;

Two minors, who were among the 12, pleaded guilty to illegally crossing the border and were returned to Hong Kong in December.&nbsp;

During the detention of the 12 in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, mainland authorities denied their families and lawyers access, insisting they be represented by officially appointed lawyers, provoking criticism from rights groups.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy activists began fleeing Hong Kong for democratic Taiwan from the early months of the protests in 2019, most of them legally by air, but some by boat, activists in Taipei have said.&nbsp;

Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the guarantee of freedoms not seen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and assembly.&nbsp;

Democracy activists complain that Communist Party rulers in Beijing are whittling away at those freedoms, a charge China rejects.&nbsp;

Since Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong, scores of democracy campaigners have been arrested, some elected legislators have been disqualified and others have fled overseas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Eight Hong Kong democracy activists detained in China last year for illegally crossing the border were due back in the city on Monday after completing jail terms, in a case that drew international attention and concern over their treatment.

Eight Hong Kong democracy activists detained in China last year for illegally crossing the border were due back in the city on Monday after completing jail terms, in a case that drew international attention and concern over their treatment. They were among 12 activists whose boat was intercepted at sea by mainland authorities in August 2020 allegedly en route to the democratic island of Taiwan. All had faced charges in Hong Kong over the pro-democracy protest movement and are expected to be taken directly into custody on their return. Among the eight is Andy Li, arrested under a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the Asian financial hub in June 2020 that critics say is aimed at crushing dissent. In December, a Chinese court sentenced 10 of the 12 to between seven months and three years in jail. Defendants Tang Kai-yin and Quinn Moon, who were sentenced to three and two years, respectively, remain in Shenzhen. Two minors, who were among the 12, pleaded guilty to illegally crossing the border and were returned to Hong Kong in December. During the detention of the 12 in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, mainland authorities denied their families and lawyers access, insisting they be represented by officially appointed lawyers, provoking criticism from rights groups. Pro-democracy activists began fleeing Hong Kong for democratic Taiwan from the early months of the protests in 2019, most of them legally by air, but some by boat, activists in Taipei have said. Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the guarantee of freedoms not seen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and assembly. Democracy activists complain that Communist Party rulers in Beijing are whittling away at those freedoms, a charge China rejects. Since Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong, scores of democracy campaigners have been arrested, some elected legislators have been disqualified and others have fled overseas. (With inputs from agencies)

Eight Hong Kong democracy activists set to return from China after jail terms 

US Vice President Kamala Harris made her debut at the United Nations on Tuesday, telling a meeting on gender equality that democracy fundamentally depends on the empowerment of women and that democracy globally is increasingly 'under great strain'.&nbsp;

The United States would work to improve both, Harris said in a video statement to the 65th Commission on the Status of Women.&nbsp;

"Democracy requires constant vigilance, constant improvement. It is a work in progress. And today, we know that democracy is increasingly under great strain," said the first female vice president of the United States.&nbsp;

"The status of democracy also depends fundamentally on the empowerment of women. Not only because the exclusion of women in decision-making is a marker of a flawed democracy, but because the participation of women strengthens democracy," she said.&nbsp;

Harris said that President Joe Biden's administration would&nbsp;revitalise&nbsp;Washington's partnership with UN Women - a UN body dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.&nbsp;

Under former US President Donald Trump's administration, the United States led a push at the United Nations against the promotion of women's sexual and reproductive rights and health because it sees that as code for abortion. It opposed such language in UN resolutions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US Vice President Kamala Harris made her debut at the United Nations on Tuesday, telling a meeting on gender equality that democracy fundamentally depends on the empowerment of women and that democracy globally is increasingly 'under great strain'.

US Vice President Kamala Harris made her debut at the United Nations on Tuesday, telling a meeting on gender equality that democracy fundamentally depends on the empowerment of women and that democracy globally is increasingly 'under great strain'. The United States would work to improve both, Harris said in a video statement to the 65th Commission on the Status of Women. "Democracy requires constant vigilance, constant improvement. It is a work in progress. And today, we know that democracy is increasingly under great strain," said the first female vice president of the United States. "The status of democracy also depends fundamentally on the empowerment of women. Not only because the exclusion of women in decision-making is a marker of a flawed democracy, but because the participation of women strengthens democracy," she said. Harris said that President Joe Biden's administration would revitalise Washington's partnership with UN Women - a UN body dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Under former US President Donald Trump's administration, the United States led a push at the United Nations against the promotion of women's sexual and reproductive rights and health because it sees that as code for abortion. It opposed such language in UN resolutions. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris makes UN debut, pledges to fight for women, democracy 

People's Republic of China has approved the changes to the new electoral system of Hong Kong while the United States condemns Beijing's move to which it says China is continuing its assault on democracy.

China approves Hong Kong's revamped electoral process while US condemns

As the Political crisis escalates and pro-democracy activist holds a fresh demonstration. United nation security council has held a closed-door meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in Myanmar.

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar sends out a Strong Appeal

Myanmar's neighbours pressed its ruling military on Tuesday to release ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and cease what Singapore called the disastrous use of lethal force against opponents of their February 1 coup and work out a solution to the crisis.&nbsp;

The calls from fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) came as Myanmar police again opened fire to disperse crowds after weeks of demonstrations against military rule. Several people were wounded, witnesses said.&nbsp;

ASEAN foreign ministers held talks with a representative of the junta in a video call two days after the bloodiest day of unrest since the military overthrew Suu Kyi's elected government.&nbsp;

At least 21 people have been killed since the coup, which Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in an interview with the BBC was a 'tragic' step back for Myanmar.&nbsp;

The foreign minister of Indonesia, which has been pushing a regional diplomatic effort, urged Myanmar to 'open its doors' to the ASEAN bloc to resolve the escalating tension.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, the minister, Retno Marsudi, called for the release of political detainees and for the restoration of democracy, while pledging that ASEAN countries would not break their pledge of not interfering in each other's affairs.&nbsp;

"Restoring democracy back on track must be pursued," Retno said.&nbsp;

"Indonesia underlines that the will, the interest and the voices of the people of Myanmar must be respected."&nbsp;

ASEAN groups Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.&nbsp;

The bloc's effort to engage with Myanmar's military has been criticised by supporters of democracy, with a committee of ousted Myanmar lawmakers declaring the junta a terrorist group and saying ASEAN's engagement would give it legitimacy.&nbsp;

Sa Sa, the committee's anointed envoy to the United Nations, said ASEAN should have no dealings with "this illegitimate military-led regime".&nbsp;

Myanmar's neighbours pressed its ruling military on Tuesday to release ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and cease what Singapore called the disastrous use of lethal force against opponents of their February 1 coup and work out a solution to the crisis.

Myanmar's neighbours pressed its ruling military on Tuesday to release ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and cease what Singapore called the disastrous use of lethal force against opponents of their February 1 coup and work out a solution to the crisis. The calls from fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) came as Myanmar police again opened fire to disperse crowds after weeks of demonstrations against military rule. Several people were wounded, witnesses said. ASEAN foreign ministers held talks with a representative of the junta in a video call two days after the bloodiest day of unrest since the military overthrew Suu Kyi's elected government. At least 21 people have been killed since the coup, which Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in an interview with the BBC was a 'tragic' step back for Myanmar. The foreign minister of Indonesia, which has been pushing a regional diplomatic effort, urged Myanmar to 'open its doors' to the ASEAN bloc to resolve the escalating tension. Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, the minister, Retno Marsudi, called for the release of political detainees and for the restoration of democracy, while pledging that ASEAN countries would not break their pledge of not interfering in each other's affairs. "Restoring democracy back on track must be pursued," Retno said. "Indonesia underlines that the will, the interest and the voices of the people of Myanmar must be respected." ASEAN groups Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. The bloc's effort to engage with Myanmar's military has been criticised by supporters of democracy, with a committee of ousted Myanmar lawmakers declaring the junta a terrorist group and saying ASEAN's engagement would give it legitimacy. Sa Sa, the committee's anointed envoy to the United Nations, said ASEAN should have no dealings with "this illegitimate military-led regime".

Myanmar's neighbours press for restoration of democracy, Suu Kyi's release  

The Mongolian Ambassador to India Gonching Ganbold has said that his countries ties to India are based on 3 Ds--Dharma, Democracy and Development and as both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this month, the "relationship has grown in forms and content".&nbsp;

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ganbold said, "India is known in Mongolia as Bharat and the land of Lord Buddha. Each and every Mongolian has very high regard for India."

As part of diplomatic year celebrations, both countries earlier this month released a joint commemorative stamp. Last year, PM Modi and the Mongolian President virtually inaugurated the statue of Buddha which Ambassador Ganbold said, is "a spiritual investment and revival of our national identity.”. Ambassador Ganbold knows Hindi well.

India is helping build an oil refinery in the country, which will help Mongolia save foreign exchange and also have far-reaching economic benefits. In fact, India is training 22 Mongolian engineers at the Indian Institute of mines who will work at the refinery.&nbsp;

WION: This year marks the 65th anniversary of ties, so what is being planned. 
 
Gonching Ganbold: Sabse phley mai WION ke dwara apney Bhartiya doston ko namaskar karna chahta hun. Ye 65th varsh ganth hai aupachaarik sabandhon ki, mai apko dhanyavad karna chahta hun, apne&nbsp;doston&nbsp;ko hardhik namaskar karna chahta hun. 
 
Yes, you have pointed outright, our relations are marking 65th anniversary this month of the official establishment which is based on aged long bonds, historical, spiritual, cultural links that bind our 2 nations. Ever since the teaching of Lord Buddha had prevailed in the Steppes of Mongolia, we became to learn of India. India is known in Mongolia as Bharat and the land of Lord Buddha. Each and every Mongolian has a very high regard for India. Based on the spiritual ties, our cultural-historic links have grown up. You know, a lot of places in Delhi, those have names which are thought-provoking--Mongolpuri, Mongolbad. That could give me the idea that our relationship had to be deep routed and then we have a lot of cultural links. Last July, the President of India, had released the sutras of Mongol Kanjur, which are collections of Lord Buddha's teaching. PM Modi visited Mongolia in 2015, and then he also gave a sampling of Lord Buddha Banyan tree which was greatly appreciated by Mongolian Buddhists. This shows how close we are, spiritually, culturally. This year we mark our 65th anniversary, our links and ties are bond for years, centuries. Our diplomatic relation is based on aged long ancient traditional relations.

 
WION: What kind of current engagement is on, we saw PM visiting, defence minister's visit as well. 
 
Gonching Ganbold: I would link to define the relations in "D"s--Dharma, democracy, development. Dharma, we mentioned. It aged long ties, which we have common links, democracy is our common values. Like India, is the largest democracy, we also a democracy in Asia. We adopted our new democratic constitution in which Indian Parliamentarian have given us support, and worked together with us in drafting in 1992. Then we working in the field of development. This is also unleashing, new areas, and brought our relationship to new heights. Our relationship is very vast, and it is wide in range, comprising a lot of areas. Though this time of the pandemic, the relationship has grown in forms and content. Dr Jaishankar met with our cabinet minister, earlier this year, and then they chalked out together what they will do this year on 65th anniversary. We recently, 2 weeks back had inter govt commission meeting that summed up, what we have done in the last year or so, and what we have planned in the coming months and years.

WION: The Oil refinery is a key infrastructure project India is engaging on if you can give a status. 
 
Gonching Ganbold: One part of our relationship is developing. Oil refinery is one of the big projects between our 2 governments. Mongolia exports crude oil, imports petroleum products which we spent a lot of foreign exchange. The refinery will help save foreign exchange and build up indigenous production of oil, new jobs and I believe will create a new wave of industrialization in Mongolia. Govt of India and Mongolia had done a large number of surveys, where the soft loan will be utilized efficient way, then we came to a conclusion on oil refinery. We have announced the tenders and project also started and engineers India ltd became a leading player in the project and then sub-contractors were selected. Construction work going on in full swing, Mongolian govt also built up railways, 27KM, and high power electricity grid, 22KM and housing construction for 550 employees- workers, not only physical infrastructure. We have started training our engineers in India. This year we had 22 engineers from Mongolia to India, who will work in the refinery and underwent training in the Indian Institute of mines. So, the project is moving ahead on all fronts--physical, intellectual. I find this project will become leverage in expanding our economic exchange.

WION: Both countries are focusing on cultural engagement as well. 
 
Gonching Ganbold: Last year we inaugurated the huge statue of Lord Buddha and his 2 disciples from here in Delhi. PM Modi, together with my President inaugurated virtually, that statute inauguration became indeed a spiritual investment and revival of our national identity. Through Buddhism, we reviving our identity. Then we also had a conference bilaterally in which 11 Asian Buddhist countries also took part and that is samwad--Dialogue. At this time of terrorism, radicalism, compassionate teaching of Lord Buddha is becoming important. So both of our countries share common spiritual links, it will become another area in which we can work together, and prevailing of soft power. The teaching of Lord Buddha have been complied in sutras, Kanjur and has been printed in various places, including India. President of India also presented new publications of Kanjurs sutras to Mongolian people on 4th July and that event is an indication of the importance govt of India attaches to its relations to Mongolia. I as an envoy of Mongolia appreciate this, its big respect and attachment.

WION: Amidst the Covid crisis, how both countries are working together? 
 
Gonching Ganbold: Covid related situation creating new normal, and it also not only causing challenge but also created an opportunity. 2 weeks back we had our joint commission meeting in which our ministers also discussed in details where and how we can work effectively for the instance pharma industry in India is highly developed and products good quality and cost-effective. In this field we can work, Bharat biotech doing remarkable work. Govt of India has indicated that it will support Mongolia in this regard. Mongolia is unfortunately not left aloof from the challenge. We have witnessed the first local transmission, so far we have some 810 cases, out of which 450 are imported, and the situation not very easy and we also working with our friends to obtain this vaccine and other pharmaceuticals. Discussions going on with India and we find it very helpful. This situation created new opportunities, though it is physically impossible to exchange visits and talks, we spoke virtually. 2 weeks back we had a joint commission meeting and previously our 2 foreign ministers also had telephonic exchanges and covered a lot of issues of our bilateral relations. In the past, we worked to arrange special flights. So far we have arranged 4 special flights, some students from here left for Mongolia and engineers from Indian companies went to Mongolia to construct the project. Last we arranged special consignments of IT equipment so that they can be used to set up cyber centres. So these trying times created problems, but at the same time, they also created promising opportunities. The cyber outsourcing and training centres will be established in Mongolia so that Mongolian youth can be trained. Physical distance has become shrunk. A few years back, I used to say India is far due to geography, but closer to our hearts but now it is not only closer to hearts but becoming very easier to communicate. In the ancient past, people used to travel on horseback, foot, but thanks to IT advancement it is becoming handy to communicate.

The Mongolian Ambassador to India Gonching Ganbold has said that his countries ties to India are based on 3 Ds--Dharma, Democracy and Development and as both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this month, the "relationship has grown in forms and content".

The Mongolian Ambassador to India Gonching Ganbold has said that his countries ties to India are based on 3 Ds--Dharma, Democracy and Development and as both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this month, the "relationship has grown in forms and content". Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ganbold said, "India is known in Mongolia as Bharat and the land of Lord Buddha. Each and every Mongolian has very high regard for India." As part of diplomatic year celebrations, both countries earlier this month released a joint commemorative stamp. Last year, PM Modi and the Mongolian President virtually inaugurated the statue of Buddha which Ambassador Ganbold said, is "a spiritual investment and revival of our national identity.”. Ambassador Ganbold knows Hindi well. India is helping build an oil refinery in the country, which will help Mongolia save foreign exchange and also have far-reaching economic benefits. In fact, India is training 22 Mongolian engineers at the Indian Institute of mines who will work at the refinery. WION: This year marks the 65th anniversary of ties, so what is being planned. Gonching Ganbold: Sabse phley mai WION ke dwara apney Bhartiya doston ko namaskar karna chahta hun. Ye 65th varsh ganth hai aupachaarik sabandhon ki, mai apko dhanyavad karna chahta hun, apne doston ko hardhik namaskar karna chahta hun. Yes, you have pointed outright, our relations are marking 65th anniversary this month of the official establishment which is based on aged long bonds, historical, spiritual, cultural links that bind our 2 nations. Ever since the teaching of Lord Buddha had prevailed in the Steppes of Mongolia, we became to learn of India. India is known in Mongolia as Bharat and the land of Lord Buddha. Each and every Mongolian has a very high regard for India. Based on the spiritual ties, our cultural-historic links have grown up. You know, a lot of places in Delhi, those have names which are thought-provoking--Mongolpuri, Mongolbad. That could give me the idea that our relationship had to be deep routed and then we have a lot of cultural links. Last July, the President of India, had released the sutras of Mongol Kanjur, which are collections of Lord Buddha's teaching. PM Modi visited Mongolia in 2015, and then he also gave a sampling of Lord Buddha Banyan tree which was greatly appreciated by Mongolian Buddhists. This shows how close we are, spiritually, culturally. This year we mark our 65th anniversary, our links and ties are bond for years, centuries. Our diplomatic relation is based on aged long ancient traditional relations. WION: What kind of current engagement is on, we saw PM visiting, defence minister's visit as well. Gonching Ganbold: I would link to define the relations in "D"s--Dharma, democracy, development. Dharma, we mentioned. It aged long ties, which we have common links, democracy is our common values. Like India, is the largest democracy, we also a democracy in Asia. We adopted our new democratic constitution in which Indian Parliamentarian have given us support, and worked together with us in drafting in 1992. Then we working in the field of development. This is also unleashing, new areas, and brought our relationship to new heights. Our relationship is very vast, and it is wide in range, comprising a lot of areas. Though this time of the pandemic, the relationship has grown in forms and content. Dr Jaishankar met with our cabinet minister, earlier this year, and then they chalked out together what they will do this year on 65th anniversary. We recently, 2 weeks back had inter govt commission meeting that summed up, what we have done in the last year or so, and what we have planned in the coming months and years. WION: The Oil refinery is a key infrastructure project India is engaging on if you can give a status. Gonching Ganbold: One part of our relationship is developing. Oil refinery is one of the big projects between our 2 governments. Mongolia exports crude oil, imports petroleum products which we spent a lot of foreign exchange. The refinery will help save foreign exchange and build up indigenous production of oil, new jobs and I believe will create a new wave of industrialization in Mongolia. Govt of India and Mongolia had done a large number of surveys, where the soft loan will be utilized efficient way, then we came to a conclusion on oil refinery. We have announced the tenders and project also started and engineers India ltd became a leading player in the project and then sub-contractors were selected. Construction work going on in full swing, Mongolian govt also built up railways, 27KM, and high power electricity grid, 22KM and housing construction for 550 employees- workers, not only physical infrastructure. We have started training our engineers in India. This year we had 22 engineers from Mongolia to India, who will work in the refinery and underwent training in the Indian Institute of mines. So, the project is moving ahead on all fronts--physical, intellectual. I find this project will become leverage in expanding our economic exchange. WION: Both countries are focusing on cultural engagement as well. Gonching Ganbold: Last year we inaugurated the huge statue of Lord Buddha and his 2 disciples from here in Delhi. PM Modi, together with my President inaugurated virtually, that statute inauguration became indeed a spiritual investment and revival of our national identity. Through Buddhism, we reviving our identity. Then we also had a conference bilaterally in which 11 Asian Buddhist countries also took part and that is samwad--Dialogue. At this time of terrorism, radicalism, compassionate teaching of Lord Buddha is becoming important. So both of our countries share common spiritual links, it will become another area in which we can work together, and prevailing of soft power. The teaching of Lord Buddha have been complied in sutras, Kanjur and has been printed in various places, including India. President of India also presented new publications of Kanjurs sutras to Mongolian people on 4th July and that event is an indication of the importance govt of India attaches to its relations to Mongolia. I as an envoy of Mongolia appreciate this, its big respect and attachment. WION: Amidst the Covid crisis, how both countries are working together? Gonching Ganbold: Covid related situation creating new normal, and it also not only causing challenge but also created an opportunity. 2 weeks back we had our joint commission meeting in which our ministers also discussed in details where and how we can work effectively for the instance pharma industry in India is highly developed and products good quality and cost-effective. In this field we can work, Bharat biotech doing remarkable work. Govt of India has indicated that it will support Mongolia in this regard. Mongolia is unfortunately not left aloof from the challenge. We have witnessed the first local transmission, so far we have some 810 cases, out of which 450 are imported, and the situation not very easy and we also working with our friends to obtain this vaccine and other pharmaceuticals. Discussions going on with India and we find it very helpful. This situation created new opportunities, though it is physically impossible to exchange visits and talks, we spoke virtually. 2 weeks back we had a joint commission meeting and previously our 2 foreign ministers also had telephonic exchanges and covered a lot of issues of our bilateral relations. In the past, we worked to arrange special flights. So far we have arranged 4 special flights, some students from here left for Mongolia and engineers from Indian companies went to Mongolia to construct the project. Last we arranged special consignments of IT equipment so that they can be used to set up cyber centres. So these trying times created problems, but at the same time, they also created promising opportunities. The cyber outsourcing and training centres will be established in Mongolia so that Mongolian youth can be trained. Physical distance has become shrunk. A few years back, I used to say India is far due to geography, but closer to our hearts but now it is not only closer to hearts but becoming very easier to communicate. In the ancient past, people used to travel on horseback, foot, but thanks to IT advancement it is becoming handy to communicate.

Dharma, democracy & development, key pillars of ties with India: Mongolian envoy

10 years since the Arab spring, why are countries that fought for dignity & democracy far from it? Is the fault in our understanding of what an uprising can achieve? WION's Palki Sharma tells you why to strengthen democracy, you must strengthen institutions.

Gravitas Plus: The Arab Spring at 10 years

US Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe calls china the greatest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since world war-II. Ratcliffe condemns china in Wall Street Journal opinion piece.

US intelligence chief calls China greatest threat to democracy

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators said on Wednesday that they were resigning en-masse after Hong Kong government's move to expel four legislators in the exercise of the new powers given to it by China. These 15 lawmakers made this announcement in a press conference just hours after four legislators were expelled. China has given Hong Kong powers to disqualify politicians that are deemed to be a threat to national security. The resolution was passed by China on Thursday.

The resignations are the latest blow to the city's beleaguered pro-democracy movement, which has been under sustained attack since China imposed a sweeping national security law, including arrests for social media posts and activists fleeing overseas.

"We, from the pro-democracy camp, will stand with our colleagues. We will resign en masse," Wu Chi-wai, convener of the 15 remaining pro-democracy legislators, told a press conference.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Hong Kong government ousted four pro-democracy members minutes after one of China's top lawmaking committees ruled that authorities in the semi-autonomous city could remove any legislator deemed a threat to national security without going through the courts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-ousts-four-pro-democracy-lawmakers-for-endangering-security-342326">Hong Kong ousts four pro-democracy lawmakers for 'endangering security'</a> 
 
Hong Kong's leader is chosen by pro-Beijing committees, but half of its legislature's 70 seats are directly elected, offering the city's 7.5 million residents a rare chance to have their voices heard at the ballot box.

The mass resignation will leave the legislature composed almost entirely of those toeing Beijing's line.

The inability of Hong Kongers to elect their leaders and all of their lawmakers has been at the heart of swelling opposition to Beijing's rule that sparked months of huge and often violent protests last year.

China passed the security law in June to quell the protests, describing it as a "sword" hanging over the head of its critics.

(With AFP inputs)

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators said on Wednesday that they were resigning en-masse after Hong Kong government's move to expel four legislators in the exercise of the new powers given to it by China.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators said on Wednesday that they were resigning en-masse after Hong Kong government's move to expel four legislators in the exercise of the new powers given to it by China. These 15 lawmakers made this announcement in a press conference just hours after four legislators were expelled. China has given Hong Kong powers to disqualify politicians that are deemed to be a threat to national security. The resolution was passed by China on Thursday. The resignations are the latest blow to the city's beleaguered pro-democracy movement, which has been under sustained attack since China imposed a sweeping national security law, including arrests for social media posts and activists fleeing overseas. "We, from the pro-democracy camp, will stand with our colleagues. We will resign en masse," Wu Chi-wai, convener of the 15 remaining pro-democracy legislators, told a press conference. Earlier on Wednesday, the Hong Kong government ousted four pro-democracy members minutes after one of China's top lawmaking committees ruled that authorities in the semi-autonomous city could remove any legislator deemed a threat to national security without going through the courts. Also Read | Hong Kong ousts four pro-democracy lawmakers for 'endangering security' Hong Kong's leader is chosen by pro-Beijing committees, but half of its legislature's 70 seats are directly elected, offering the city's 7.5 million residents a rare chance to have their voices heard at the ballot box. The mass resignation will leave the legislature composed almost entirely of those toeing Beijing's line. The inability of Hong Kongers to elect their leaders and all of their lawmakers has been at the heart of swelling opposition to Beijing's rule that sparked months of huge and often violent protests last year. China passed the security law in June to quell the protests, describing it as a "sword" hanging over the head of its critics. (With AFP inputs)

Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers resign en masse to protest expulsion of four colleagues

A recent democracy report by the Swedish V-Dem Institute -- which deplores and regrets the decline in democracy globally -- has primarily warned that India “is on the verge of losing its status as a democracy". One of the factors reponsible for this decline -- and not collapse, the report mentions, is severe shrinking of civil society."

Some intellectual trespassing between political philosophy and the social sciences have, to this end, helped entrepreneur and author Atul Khanna decipher the singlemost reason behind this -- the old form bureaucracy, which stands to break the backbone of Indian polity.

In an exclusive conversation with wionews.com, Atul Khanna spoke about how he fostered the idea of a new India in his book 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha | 600 million bright and young; free and trapped', and his passion for rebuilding the country.

"We are being governed with unsharpened, old tools. The direction of change in the 21st century is uniquely programmed in a way that we should be champions, and not victims. These tools are making the 600 million odd people hungry, under-performing, and victims. We are giving premiums to 60-year-old people who are more interested in getting their pensions and playing safe. We have to get the rid of the 'ambassador car' (read: an old-fashioned model of car). India is a leadership-obsessed country, and we have to realise that we are just changing the driver of the car from time to time but the car will keep functioning the way it has always," Khanna told wionews.com.

The author of the book further said, "My book is about all this. It is about the governance of the country, and not about the political system. My book also has solutions in its later half. It gives structural solutions to India's problems.

"'Between Me and You' is in three parts -- 'what needs to change' makes the first part. The second is about assuming the change howsoever dramatic and revolutionary it may seem. 'What this changes would mean' makes for the third part."

The title 'Between Me and You' sounds somewhat a fictional account, but Khanna begs to differ.

He told wionews.com: "Rather than writing a boring civic lesson on how a system should function, I wanted to draw a larger audience. So the style of the book became its title."

So what are the tools that India needs to get rid of or adopt in order to pave its way back to development?

Khanna said, "First and foremost... We have to have a transferable vote. We also need a mixed model of voting where the elected leader comes via a transferable vote -- so that there are no political cartels. And the leader is elected by the people directly.

"In India, parties, unlike in other nations, are not governed by the Constitution. So nobody comes to know who get the ticket and why."

Notably, with the Single Transferable Vote, the strength of the parties matches the strength of their support in the country, and representatives have a strong local link.

Under the system, areas elect a small team of representatives, such as four or five. These representatives reflect the diversity of opinions in the area.

On election day, voters number a list of candidates. Their favourite as number one, their second favourite number two, and so on. Voters can put numbers next to as many or as few candidates as they like. Parties will often stand more than one candidate in each area.

The numbers tell the people counting to move your vote if your favourite candidate has enough votes already or stands no chance of winning.

To get elected, a candidate needs a set amount of votes, known as the quota. The people counting the votes work out the quota based on the number of vacancies and the number of votes cast.

Each voter has one vote. Once the counting has finished, any candidate who has more number ones than the quota is elected. But, rather than ignore extra votes a candidate received after the amount they need to win, these votes move to each voter’s second favourite candidate.

If no one reaches the quota, then the people counting the vote remove the least popular candidate. People who voted for them have their votes moved to their second favourite candidate. This process continues until every vacancy is filled.

With the implementation of such system in India, the cartelisation of district votes, Khanna said, would go away. This would also kill dynasty politics, he added.

Khanna, however, said he is not against the son or the daughter succeeding the parent in politics. But, he said, "it should not happen in a system which is loaded in their favour."

In his book, Atul Khanna has also mentioned about the vice of rote learning. He told wionews.com: "You cannot decide if or not a person is eligible for a profession based on a two-hour long exam. Their should be an aptitude test as well. These exams thrive on scarcity -- of skills and talent.

"People often say to me I am a dreamer. Because these things sound so dreamy and far-fetched. But these ought to be done anyway."

They do. In all honesty. But the author has an interesting take on this.

Khanna said, "Would you rather have seed that take a long time to grow into a tree? Or a soil without any seeds?

"There is a complete lack of societal ideas in the society, particularly in India. And I am striving to bring them on through my book. I don't know if I'll be able to see it in my lifetime. But I'll strive so that somebody sees in their lifetime."

BUREAUCRACY -- THE BIGGEST HURDLE

Khanna further summarised his entire book in one simple sentence -- "it's the bureaucracy that is standing in the way of people getting jobs, not any government."

"Look at the larger picture, the government has to fight elections every five years. What do these bureaucrats do? Bureaucracy is blocking the growth of the nation," he added.

The author then went ahead to explain in detail the 'better' half of the title of his book 'Flight to Societal Moksha'. He said, "Personal 'moksha' (read: salvation) has made people too selfish. The point I have stressed in my book is what we need to do to achieve 'societal moksha'; what we need to do to make the society better.

"Mediocrity finishes you. The larger vision of the society has changed to security. People want life-long incomes, life-long security. But nobody thinks about entrepreneurship. Social equity and rewards for entrepreneurship are totally missing from India."

"We have to work doubly, triply hard now so that we survive as a democracy. Being called a developing nation is a self-certificate. We have to save ourselves from being the laughing stock. We have to work, and entrepreneurship, and better opportunities to create it, is the only way," Atul Khanna added.

So what is so different about his book 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha'?

"In my book, not only have I written about the problems, but also solutions. I have clearly said that the politicians are not bad; it's the political system that makes them that is the culprit. I have also written about the structural changes that need to be made for the 'societal moksha'. My books mentions what needs to be done; why and how. And also, who needs to do it," the author said.

Printed in black and white pages, the 300-page 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha' was published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing. It serves as a detailed analytical account of the Constitution. Author Atul Khanna also provides a set of suggestions to improve and upgrade the Constitution.

'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha | 600 million bright and young; free and trapped' is available on amazon.in.

A recent democracy report by the Swedish V-Dem Institute -- which deplores and regrets the decline in democracy globally -- has primarily warned that India “is on the verge of losing its status as a democracy".

A recent democracy report by the Swedish V-Dem Institute -- which deplores and regrets the decline in democracy globally -- has primarily warned that India “is on the verge of losing its status as a democracy". One of the factors reponsible for this decline -- and not collapse, the report mentions, is severe shrinking of civil society." Some intellectual trespassing between political philosophy and the social sciences have, to this end, helped entrepreneur and author Atul Khanna decipher the singlemost reason behind this -- the old form bureaucracy, which stands to break the backbone of Indian polity. In an exclusive conversation with wionews.com, Atul Khanna spoke about how he fostered the idea of a new India in his book 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha | 600 million bright and young; free and trapped', and his passion for rebuilding the country. "We are being governed with unsharpened, old tools. The direction of change in the 21st century is uniquely programmed in a way that we should be champions, and not victims. These tools are making the 600 million odd people hungry, under-performing, and victims. We are giving premiums to 60-year-old people who are more interested in getting their pensions and playing safe. We have to get the rid of the 'ambassador car' (read: an old-fashioned model of car). India is a leadership-obsessed country, and we have to realise that we are just changing the driver of the car from time to time but the car will keep functioning the way it has always," Khanna told wionews.com. The author of the book further said, "My book is about all this. It is about the governance of the country, and not about the political system. My book also has solutions in its later half. It gives structural solutions to India's problems. "'Between Me and You' is in three parts -- 'what needs to change' makes the first part. The second is about assuming the change howsoever dramatic and revolutionary it may seem. 'What this changes would mean' makes for the third part." The title 'Between Me and You' sounds somewhat a fictional account, but Khanna begs to differ. He told wionews.com: "Rather than writing a boring civic lesson on how a system should function, I wanted to draw a larger audience. So the style of the book became its title." So what are the tools that India needs to get rid of or adopt in order to pave its way back to development? Khanna said, "First and foremost... We have to have a transferable vote. We also need a mixed model of voting where the elected leader comes via a transferable vote -- so that there are no political cartels. And the leader is elected by the people directly. "In India, parties, unlike in other nations, are not governed by the Constitution. So nobody comes to know who get the ticket and why." Notably, with the Single Transferable Vote, the strength of the parties matches the strength of their support in the country, and representatives have a strong local link. Under the system, areas elect a small team of representatives, such as four or five. These representatives reflect the diversity of opinions in the area. On election day, voters number a list of candidates. Their favourite as number one, their second favourite number two, and so on. Voters can put numbers next to as many or as few candidates as they like. Parties will often stand more than one candidate in each area. The numbers tell the people counting to move your vote if your favourite candidate has enough votes already or stands no chance of winning. To get elected, a candidate needs a set amount of votes, known as the quota. The people counting the votes work out the quota based on the number of vacancies and the number of votes cast. Each voter has one vote. Once the counting has finished, any candidate who has more number ones than the quota is elected. But, rather than ignore extra votes a candidate received after the amount they need to win, these votes move to each voter’s second favourite candidate. If no one reaches the quota, then the people counting the vote remove the least popular candidate. People who voted for them have their votes moved to their second favourite candidate. This process continues until every vacancy is filled. With the implementation of such system in India, the cartelisation of district votes, Khanna said, would go away. This would also kill dynasty politics, he added. Khanna, however, said he is not against the son or the daughter succeeding the parent in politics. But, he said, "it should not happen in a system which is loaded in their favour." In his book, Atul Khanna has also mentioned about the vice of rote learning. He told wionews.com: "You cannot decide if or not a person is eligible for a profession based on a two-hour long exam. Their should be an aptitude test as well. These exams thrive on scarcity -- of skills and talent. "People often say to me I am a dreamer. Because these things sound so dreamy and far-fetched. But these ought to be done anyway." They do. In all honesty. But the author has an interesting take on this. Khanna said, "Would you rather have seed that take a long time to grow into a tree? Or a soil without any seeds? "There is a complete lack of societal ideas in the society, particularly in India. And I am striving to bring them on through my book. I don't know if I'll be able to see it in my lifetime. But I'll strive so that somebody sees in their lifetime." BUREAUCRACY -- THE BIGGEST HURDLE Khanna further summarised his entire book in one simple sentence -- "it's the bureaucracy that is standing in the way of people getting jobs, not any government." "Look at the larger picture, the government has to fight elections every five years. What do these bureaucrats do? Bureaucracy is blocking the growth of the nation," he added. The author then went ahead to explain in detail the 'better' half of the title of his book 'Flight to Societal Moksha'. He said, "Personal 'moksha' (read: salvation) has made people too selfish. The point I have stressed in my book is what we need to do to achieve 'societal moksha'; what we need to do to make the society better. "Mediocrity finishes you. The larger vision of the society has changed to security. People want life-long incomes, life-long security. But nobody thinks about entrepreneurship. Social equity and rewards for entrepreneurship are totally missing from India." "We have to work doubly, triply hard now so that we survive as a democracy. Being called a developing nation is a self-certificate. We have to save ourselves from being the laughing stock. We have to work, and entrepreneurship, and better opportunities to create it, is the only way," Atul Khanna added. So what is so different about his book 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha'? "In my book, not only have I written about the problems, but also solutions. I have clearly said that the politicians are not bad; it's the political system that makes them that is the culprit. I have also written about the structural changes that need to be made for the 'societal moksha'. My books mentions what needs to be done; why and how. And also, who needs to do it," the author said. Printed in black and white pages, the 300-page 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha' was published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing. It serves as a detailed analytical account of the Constitution. Author Atul Khanna also provides a set of suggestions to improve and upgrade the Constitution. 'Between You and Me: Flight to Societal Moksha | 600 million bright and young; free and trapped' is available on amazon.in.

'Between You and Me' author Atul Khanna speaks about bureaucracy in India, 'societal moksha'

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