From Everest's base to earth's lowest elevation at Dead Sea, International Yoga Day celebrated across the globe

The Chandrabhaga beach in Puri district in east Indian state of Odisha has become the first in Asia to get the Blue Flag certification. The certification is given by Denmark-based Federation of Environment Education (FEE) to beaches which are environment-friendly, clean and equipped with amenities of international standards for tourists. The beach was given the honour on World Environment Day on Wednesday. It is situated 30 km from the city of Puri.

Puri beach becomes first in Asia to get Blue Flag tag

Danish Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen addressed members of her party early on Thursday (June 6) after Danes voted to give the opposition a Parliamentary majority, paving the way for her to form a new government as the country's youngest ever Prime Minister.

Danish Social Democrat Frederiksen gives victory speech after ousting PM

Denmark appeared set to become the third Nordic country in a year to form a leftist government as voters in Wednesday`s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/centre-left-looks-set-to-win-denmark-election-on-welfare-pledges-224498">parliamentary election </a>rebelled against austerity measures and dealt a blow to right-wing nationalists.

Danes looked to oust Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in the election, paving the way for an attempt by Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen, 41, to become Denmark`s youngest-ever prime minister as her party led in seats together with the rest of the left-wing opposition.

Following two decades of liberal economic reforms in Denmark, the vote marked a comeback for a Social Democratic Party, which was the main architect behind the cradle-to-grave welfare state when it was the traditional party of power throughout the 20th century.

The leftist opposition bloc got 96 seats against 79 for the ruling Liberal Party and others on the right, the final vote count showed.

The nationalist Danish People`s Party, which has supported Rasmussen`s minority government, appeared to have lost its edge with most mainstream parties backing a tougher stance on immigration. Support for the party plummeted to 8.7 per cent&nbsp;from 21.1 per cent&nbsp;in the 2015 election.&nbsp;

Rasmussen, who has been premier since 2015 and also served from 2009 to 2011, said late on Wednesday that he would announce his government`s resignation to Queen Margrethe on Thursday.

Frederiksen`s promise to increase welfare spending after years of austerity along with her tougher stance on immigration went down well with voters in opinion polls ahead of the vote.

`WELFARE ELECTION`

The Nordic model has been the gold standard for welfare for many left-leaning politicians globally, including US Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who has pointed to Denmark as a model for his vision of an ideal American future.&nbsp;

But ageing populations have prompted Nordic governments to chip away at the cradle-to-grave welfare state.

"This has been a welfare election, and voters` verdict has been completely clear. From now on, we make welfare the top priority in Denmark," Frederiksen said in a speech after the final election result.&nbsp;

Many Danes, who like counterparts in other Nordic states pay some of the highest taxes in the world to underpin their welfare system, worry that further austerity will erode the universal healthcare, education and elderly services long seen as a given.

Denmark, which is home to companies like container shipper Maersk, toymaker Lego and brewer Carlsberg, has seen economic growth above the European Union average in the past decade.

In Finland and Sweden, the Social Democratic parties also formed governments earlier this year.&nbsp;

In Denmark, the Social Democrats remained the biggest party, with support holding at 2015 levels, according to the vote count.

Frederiksen will attempt forming a minority one-party government, she said on Wednesday, but may find it difficult to combine her own party`s tougher immigration policies with the softer stance of most parties on the left.

The Social Democrats have backed tougher legislation, including a ban on wearing the body-covering Islamic burqa and niqab face veil in public, as well as a "jewellery bill" that allows police to seize refugees` valuables to help pay their costs.

The parties Frederiksen will rely on include the Socialist People`s Party and the Social-Liberal Party, the latter which used to be headed by European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. Both parties looked to more than double their support.

Both have campaigned for a more gentle immigration policy and greater efforts to combat climate change, echoing a surge in support for Europe`s Greens at European Union elections last month, surfing a global wave of climate activism.

A new Danish far-right party, `Stram Kurs`, which means Hard Line, that wants Islam banned and hundreds of thousands of Muslims deported, did not gain any seats in parliament.

Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which are part of the Kingdom of Denmark with wide autonomy, each have two of parliament`s 179 seats.

Denmark appeared set to become the third Nordic country in a year to form a leftist government as voters in Wednesday`s parliamentary election rebelled against austerity measures and dealt a blow to right-wing nationalists.

Denmark appeared set to become the third Nordic country in a year to form a leftist government as voters in Wednesday`s parliamentary election rebelled against austerity measures and dealt a blow to right-wing nationalists. Danes looked to oust Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in the election, paving the way for an attempt by Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen, 41, to become Denmark`s youngest-ever prime minister as her party led in seats together with the rest of the left-wing opposition. Following two decades of liberal economic reforms in Denmark, the vote marked a comeback for a Social Democratic Party, which was the main architect behind the cradle-to-grave welfare state when it was the traditional party of power throughout the 20th century. The leftist opposition bloc got 96 seats against 79 for the ruling Liberal Party and others on the right, the final vote count showed. The nationalist Danish People`s Party, which has supported Rasmussen`s minority government, appeared to have lost its edge with most mainstream parties backing a tougher stance on immigration. Support for the party plummeted to 8.7 per cent from 21.1 per cent in the 2015 election. Rasmussen, who has been premier since 2015 and also served from 2009 to 2011, said late on Wednesday that he would announce his government`s resignation to Queen Margrethe on Thursday. Frederiksen`s promise to increase welfare spending after years of austerity along with her tougher stance on immigration went down well with voters in opinion polls ahead of the vote. `WELFARE ELECTION` The Nordic model has been the gold standard for welfare for many left-leaning politicians globally, including US Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who has pointed to Denmark as a model for his vision of an ideal American future. But ageing populations have prompted Nordic governments to chip away at the cradle-to-grave welfare state. "This has been a welfare election, and voters` verdict has been completely clear. From now on, we make welfare the top priority in Denmark," Frederiksen said in a speech after the final election result. Many Danes, who like counterparts in other Nordic states pay some of the highest taxes in the world to underpin their welfare system, worry that further austerity will erode the universal healthcare, education and elderly services long seen as a given. Denmark, which is home to companies like container shipper Maersk, toymaker Lego and brewer Carlsberg, has seen economic growth above the European Union average in the past decade. In Finland and Sweden, the Social Democratic parties also formed governments earlier this year. In Denmark, the Social Democrats remained the biggest party, with support holding at 2015 levels, according to the vote count. Frederiksen will attempt forming a minority one-party government, she said on Wednesday, but may find it difficult to combine her own party`s tougher immigration policies with the softer stance of most parties on the left. The Social Democrats have backed tougher legislation, including a ban on wearing the body-covering Islamic burqa and niqab face veil in public, as well as a "jewellery bill" that allows police to seize refugees` valuables to help pay their costs. The parties Frederiksen will rely on include the Socialist People`s Party and the Social-Liberal Party, the latter which used to be headed by European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. Both parties looked to more than double their support. Both have campaigned for a more gentle immigration policy and greater efforts to combat climate change, echoing a surge in support for Europe`s Greens at European Union elections last month, surfing a global wave of climate activism. A new Danish far-right party, `Stram Kurs`, which means Hard Line, that wants Islam banned and hundreds of thousands of Muslims deported, did not gain any seats in parliament. Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which are part of the Kingdom of Denmark with wide autonomy, each have two of parliament`s 179 seats.

Danish centre-left opposition wins election on welfare pledges

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/arctic-nations-to-meet-amid-tensions-over-environment-resources-216342&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwibwv_zw4niAhUMQo8KHfgHB3sQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0RSXZzBzr0GYhrP-LBD-3g">Denmark's </a>centre-right prime minister, currently governing with the support of an anti-immigration party, on Tuesday called a general election for June 5, with the left-wing opposition leading opinion polls.

"I want to use all of my strength, my capabilities and my experience to continue to lead Denmark. And I ask Danes to re-elect me in the legislative elections to be held on June 5," Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in parliament.

The latest opinion polls credit the opposition left-wing bloc, headed by the Social Democrats, with 54 per cent of voter support, compared to 46 per cent for Rasmussen and his right-wing bloc.

Rasmussen was required to hold legislative elections at the latest by June 17 when his four-year term ends.

The right-wing has struggled in the polls as Danes clamour for a change and, more importantly, amid an erosion of support for the far-right Danish People's Party.

Its longstanding anti-immigration line has been broadly adopted by most political parties across the board in recent years, including the Social Democrats.

Observers suggest that if the Social Democrats were to emerge as the biggest party, they would likely form a minority government that would cooperate with the right-wing bloc on immigration issues and with the left on other questions.

Denmark's centre-right prime minister, currently governing with the support of an anti-immigration party, on Tuesday called a general election for June 5, with the left-wing opposition leading opinion polls.

Denmark's centre-right prime minister, currently governing with the support of an anti-immigration party, on Tuesday called a general election for June 5, with the left-wing opposition leading opinion polls. "I want to use all of my strength, my capabilities and my experience to continue to lead Denmark. And I ask Danes to re-elect me in the legislative elections to be held on June 5," Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in parliament. The latest opinion polls credit the opposition left-wing bloc, headed by the Social Democrats, with 54 per cent of voter support, compared to 46 per cent for Rasmussen and his right-wing bloc. Rasmussen was required to hold legislative elections at the latest by June 17 when his four-year term ends. The right-wing has struggled in the polls as Danes clamour for a change and, more importantly, amid an erosion of support for the far-right Danish People's Party. Its longstanding anti-immigration line has been broadly adopted by most political parties across the board in recent years, including the Social Democrats. Observers suggest that if the Social Democrats were to emerge as the biggest party, they would likely form a minority government that would cooperate with the right-wing bloc on immigration issues and with the left on other questions.

Denmark PM Rasmussen calls election for June 5, immigration in focus

Danish badminton player Joachim Persson has been suspended for 18 months after breaching the sport's code of conduct in relation to betting and irregular match results, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) said on Thursday.

The former world number six was found guilty of four code violations, including failing to report an approach to engage in conduct that would violate the sport's betting rules.

The 35-year-old was also charged with not cooperating with a BWF investigation and not fully disclosing information formally requested by the governing body.

Persson has been banned from playing in tournaments as well as performing any administrative functions in the sport. He was also ordered to pay the BWF $4,500 in costs.

Danish badminton player Joachim Persson has been suspended for 18 months after breaching the sport's code of conduct in relation to betting and irregular match results, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) said on Thursday.

Danish badminton player Joachim Persson has been suspended for 18 months after breaching the sport's code of conduct in relation to betting and irregular match results, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) said on Thursday. The former world number six was found guilty of four code violations, including failing to report an approach to engage in conduct that would violate the sport's betting rules. The 35-year-old was also charged with not cooperating with a BWF investigation and not fully disclosing information formally requested by the governing body. Persson has been banned from playing in tournaments as well as performing any administrative functions in the sport. He was also ordered to pay the BWF $4,500 in costs.

Denmark's Joachim Persson banned over betting violations

The World Bank report on "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ease-of-doing-business-afghanistan-tops-10-economies-improving-the-most-india-ranked-5th-174715">ease of doing business" ranked New Zealand</a>, Singapore and Denmark as the top-3 nations which displayed "well-designed business regulation".

New Zealand was ranked No-2 last year but this year the Kiwis topped the chart bringing down Singapore which slipped one slot to finish as No-2. Denmark, Hong Kong, South Korea, Georgia, Norway, US and UK made up the top-10 list.

"Singapore continues to be the economy with the most business-friendly regulation," the report said.

"The top three economies this year - New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark - exemplify a business-friendly environment," the World Bank report said, highlighting that continuous and focused reform agenda keeps an economy competitive and vigilant, as others also keep improving.

"Two economies that entered the top-20 this year - the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia - have maintained such a reform momentum," it observed.

"The United Arab Emirates is the highest ranking economy in the Middle East and North Africa region, with reforms captured in four areas. Six reforms in Malaysia were measured by Doing Business, resulting in the second highest regional improvement in the ease of doing business score," the report noted.

"The top 20 economies share a number of international good practices. In the area of starting a business, 13 of these economies have at least one procedure that can be completed online in 0.5 days," it said, while adding, "the electricity distribution utilities in all but one of the top 20 economies use automated tools, allowing for faster, more efficient and more secure restoration of service during power outages."

According to the report, regionally, almost 60 per cent of the top 50 economies were from the OECD high-income group, followed by Europe and Central Asia at 24 per cent and East Asia and the Pacific at 12 per cent.

Interestingly, Pakistan climbed two places at 136 from 138 ranked last year.&nbsp;

Doing Business measures the quality of regulation by analysing whether the regulatory infrastructure needed for a transaction to be successfully completed is in place. Doing Business does not measure the quality of the outcome related to that regulation.&nbsp;

Out of the 189 countries listed, Eritrea was ranked last with Libya, South Sudan, Venezuela and the Central African Republic finishing at the bottom.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZJqOFGaTLug" width="560"></iframe>

The World Bank report on "ease of doing business" ranked New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark as the top-3 nations which displayed "well-designed business regulation".

The World Bank report on "ease of doing business" ranked New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark as the top-3 nations which displayed "well-designed business regulation". New Zealand was ranked No-2 last year but this year the Kiwis topped the chart bringing down Singapore which slipped one slot to finish as No-2. Denmark, Hong Kong, South Korea, Georgia, Norway, US and UK made up the top-10 list. "Singapore continues to be the economy with the most business-friendly regulation," the report said. "The top three economies this year - New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark - exemplify a business-friendly environment," the World Bank report said, highlighting that continuous and focused reform agenda keeps an economy competitive and vigilant, as others also keep improving. "Two economies that entered the top-20 this year - the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia - have maintained such a reform momentum," it observed. "The United Arab Emirates is the highest ranking economy in the Middle East and North Africa region, with reforms captured in four areas. Six reforms in Malaysia were measured by Doing Business, resulting in the second highest regional improvement in the ease of doing business score," the report noted. "The top 20 economies share a number of international good practices. In the area of starting a business, 13 of these economies have at least one procedure that can be completed online in 0.5 days," it said, while adding, "the electricity distribution utilities in all but one of the top 20 economies use automated tools, allowing for faster, more efficient and more secure restoration of service during power outages." According to the report, regionally, almost 60 per cent of the top 50 economies were from the OECD high-income group, followed by Europe and Central Asia at 24 per cent and East Asia and the Pacific at 12 per cent. Interestingly, Pakistan climbed two places at 136 from 138 ranked last year. Doing Business measures the quality of regulation by analysing whether the regulatory infrastructure needed for a transaction to be successfully completed is in place. Doing Business does not measure the quality of the outcome related to that regulation. Out of the 189 countries listed, Eritrea was ranked last with Libya, South Sudan, Venezuela and the Central African Republic finishing at the bottom.

'Ease of doing business': New Zealand, Singapore top list; Pakistan ranked 136th

There won't be a Nobel Prize in Literature this year but the Swedish Academy that awards the prestigious prize is still in the limelight.

Jean-Claude Arnault, a French citizen who is a major cultural figure in Sweden, is at the centre of a sex abuse and financial crimes scandal that has tarnished the academy and forced it to take a year off in its deliberations.

The 72-year-old is now on trial in Stockholm, facing two counts of rape of a woman seven years ago. He has denied the charges.

A verdict in his case is expected on Monday, the same day that the 2018 Nobel Prize announcements kick off with the Karolinska Institute announcing who wins the Nobel award in physiology or medicine.&nbsp;

The prosecutor has urged the court to sentence Arnault to three years in prison.

Yet no matter what the verdict for Arnault, the Swedish Academy itself has no guarantee that it will be allowed to keep awarding the literature prize.

Lars Heikensten, the head of the Nobel Foundation, was quoted as warning Friday that if the Swedish Academy does not resolve its tarnished image his agency could decide that another group would be a better host.&nbsp;

He even suggested there could be no Nobel Literature Prize awarded in 2019 either which is counter to the academy's current plan to award both the 2018 and the 2019 literature Nobels next year.

The allegations against Arnault, who ran a major cultural group in Sweden that was closely tied to the Swedish Academy, began in November 2017 when 18 women came forward in a Swedish newspaper with abuse accusations against him.

Arnault is married to a Swedish Academy member, poet Katarina Frostenson, who quit the body in April as tensions escalated.

That month the Swedish Academy said an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations found that "unacceptable behaviour in the form of unwanted intimacy" has taken place within the ranks of the prestigious institution. &nbsp; &nbsp;

But its judgment in handling the accusations was called into question, kicking off a fierce internal debate over how to face up to its flaws that divided the body's 18 members who are appointed for life into hostile camps. Several members either left or disassociated themselves from the secretive academy.

The first woman to lead the academy, former permanent secretary Sara Danius, also quit in April, leading observers to wonder why some of Sweden's most accomplished women appeared to the taking the fall for a man's alleged misconduct.

Many people in the Scandinavian nation, which is known for promoting gender equality, have expressed dismay over the scandal, which has exposed bitter divisions within the academy and led to accusations of patriarchal leanings among some members.

In May, the Swedish Academy postponed the 2018 prize with the intention of awarding it in 2019.

The academy's internal probe eventually led to a police investigation and the trial before the Stockholm District Court.

Arnault also has been suspected of violating century-old Nobel rules by leaking the names of award winners allegedly seven times, starting in 1996.&nbsp;

It remains unclear to whom the names were allegedly disclosed, and it is not known whether that has been investigated.&nbsp;

There won't be a Nobel Prize in Literature this year but the Swedish Academy that awards the prestigious prize is still in the limelight. Jean-Claude Arnault, a French citizen who is a major cultural figure in Sweden, is at the centre of a sex abuse and financial crimes scandal that has tarnished the academy and forced it to take a year off in its deliberations.

There won't be a Nobel Prize in Literature this year but the Swedish Academy that awards the prestigious prize is still in the limelight. Jean-Claude Arnault, a French citizen who is a major cultural figure in Sweden, is at the centre of a sex abuse and financial crimes scandal that has tarnished the academy and forced it to take a year off in its deliberations. The 72-year-old is now on trial in Stockholm, facing two counts of rape of a woman seven years ago. He has denied the charges. A verdict in his case is expected on Monday, the same day that the 2018 Nobel Prize announcements kick off with the Karolinska Institute announcing who wins the Nobel award in physiology or medicine. The prosecutor has urged the court to sentence Arnault to three years in prison. Yet no matter what the verdict for Arnault, the Swedish Academy itself has no guarantee that it will be allowed to keep awarding the literature prize. Lars Heikensten, the head of the Nobel Foundation, was quoted as warning Friday that if the Swedish Academy does not resolve its tarnished image his agency could decide that another group would be a better host. He even suggested there could be no Nobel Literature Prize awarded in 2019 either which is counter to the academy's current plan to award both the 2018 and the 2019 literature Nobels next year. The allegations against Arnault, who ran a major cultural group in Sweden that was closely tied to the Swedish Academy, began in November 2017 when 18 women came forward in a Swedish newspaper with abuse accusations against him. Arnault is married to a Swedish Academy member, poet Katarina Frostenson, who quit the body in April as tensions escalated. That month the Swedish Academy said an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations found that "unacceptable behaviour in the form of unwanted intimacy" has taken place within the ranks of the prestigious institution. But its judgment in handling the accusations was called into question, kicking off a fierce internal debate over how to face up to its flaws that divided the body's 18 members who are appointed for life into hostile camps. Several members either left or disassociated themselves from the secretive academy. The first woman to lead the academy, former permanent secretary Sara Danius, also quit in April, leading observers to wonder why some of Sweden's most accomplished women appeared to the taking the fall for a man's alleged misconduct. Many people in the Scandinavian nation, which is known for promoting gender equality, have expressed dismay over the scandal, which has exposed bitter divisions within the academy and led to accusations of patriarchal leanings among some members. In May, the Swedish Academy postponed the 2018 prize with the intention of awarding it in 2019. The academy's internal probe eventually led to a police investigation and the trial before the Stockholm District Court. Arnault also has been suspected of violating century-old Nobel rules by leaking the names of award winners allegedly seven times, starting in 1996. It remains unclear to whom the names were allegedly disclosed, and it is not known whether that has been investigated.

Group tied to literature prize still under Nobel glare

Danish police said they briefly shut bridges and ferry links to Sweden and Germany on Friday as they hunted for a black Volvo and three people linked to a serious crime, that one newspaper reported was a kidnapping.

Denmark's armed forces said they also took part in the operation, without going into further detail.

Police said they were still looking for the Swedish-registered rental car.

"The vehicle probably contains three persons linked to serious crime," the police said in a statement.

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, quoting unnamed sources, said the operation was linked to a kidnapping in Denmark. Police did not confirm the report.

Earlier on Friday, police briefly shut the Oresund bridge and tunnel - a near 16km (10-mile) road and rail link with Sweden that featured in the TV crime drama 'The Bridge'. Other bridges, ferry services and Copenhagen's main railway station were also temporarily shut.

"In connection with the current investigation, the Copenhagen Police is searching for a black Swedish-registered Volvo V90 with registration number ZBP 546," the police said in a statement.

The Volvo was operated by First Rent A Car in Stockholm, the Swedish car registry showed. The firm did not respond to calls comment.

Danish police said they briefly shut bridges and ferry links to Sweden and Germany on Friday as they hunted for a black Volvo and three people linked to a serious crime, that one newspaper reported was a kidnapping.

Danish police said they briefly shut bridges and ferry links to Sweden and Germany on Friday as they hunted for a black Volvo and three people linked to a serious crime, that one newspaper reported was a kidnapping. Denmark's armed forces said they also took part in the operation, without going into further detail. Police said they were still looking for the Swedish-registered rental car. "The vehicle probably contains three persons linked to serious crime," the police said in a statement. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, quoting unnamed sources, said the operation was linked to a kidnapping in Denmark. Police did not confirm the report. Earlier on Friday, police briefly shut the Oresund bridge and tunnel - a near 16km (10-mile) road and rail link with Sweden that featured in the TV crime drama 'The Bridge'. Other bridges, ferry services and Copenhagen's main railway station were also temporarily shut. "In connection with the current investigation, the Copenhagen Police is searching for a black Swedish-registered Volvo V90 with registration number ZBP 546," the police said in a statement. The Volvo was operated by First Rent A Car in Stockholm, the Swedish car registry showed. The firm did not respond to calls comment.

Denmark shuts links to Sweden and Germany as police hunt car

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

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

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

Denmark bans the wearing of face veils in public

The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world

FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend India's&nbsp;first ever summit with five Nordic countries on April 17.

The five Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will be looking to give fresh impetus to their ties with India.

PM Modi will meet the leaders of the five countries to discuss a range of global issues including trade, investment and environment.

India is co-hosting the summit with Sweden and therefore PM Modi will be received by the king of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf. He will also hold bilateral meetings with the Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and members of business community in Sweden.

India’s trade with Sweden is around 1.8 billion dollars every year and over 170 Swedish companies have invested some 1.4 billion dollars in India over the past two decades. Sweden’s flagship IKEA has just entered the Indian market introducing its unique lifestyle brand to the country. The multinational group is said to be looking at empowering the female workforce in India.

Another almost ritualistic event for PM Modi is to meet the local Indian community. Indians in Sweden feel India can gain from Sweden’s environmental drive, technology and culture.

In 2016-17 alone, India’s trade with the region was of 5.3 billion dollars, while foreign direct investment was of 2.5 billion dollars. The Nordic countries indeed have globally recognised strengths in clean technologies, environmental solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, agriculture infrastructure, skill development and innovation, which constitutes India's top priorities.

The Summit places India as the point of interest for the five nations.

The five Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will be looking to give fresh impetus to their ties with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend India's first ever summit with five Nordic countries on April 17. The five Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will be looking to give fresh impetus to their ties with India. PM Modi will meet the leaders of the five countries to discuss a range of global issues including trade, investment and environment. India is co-hosting the summit with Sweden and therefore PM Modi will be received by the king of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf. He will also hold bilateral meetings with the Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and members of business community in Sweden. India’s trade with Sweden is around 1.8 billion dollars every year and over 170 Swedish companies have invested some 1.4 billion dollars in India over the past two decades. Sweden’s flagship IKEA has just entered the Indian market introducing its unique lifestyle brand to the country. The multinational group is said to be looking at empowering the female workforce in India. Another almost ritualistic event for PM Modi is to meet the local Indian community. Indians in Sweden feel India can gain from Sweden’s environmental drive, technology and culture. In 2016-17 alone, India’s trade with the region was of 5.3 billion dollars, while foreign direct investment was of 2.5 billion dollars. The Nordic countries indeed have globally recognised strengths in clean technologies, environmental solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, agriculture infrastructure, skill development and innovation, which constitutes India's top priorities. The Summit places India as the point of interest for the five nations.

First India-Nordic countries summit: India co-hosting summit with Sweden

Spain&rsquo;s state prosecution service said on Sunday it would seek the arrest of former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont if he travelled from Belgium to Denmark on Monday to attend a debate he is billed to host.

Puigdemont fled to Brussels after his regional government declared independence from Spain on October 27 following a referendum ruled illegal by Spanish authorities, who also sacked his cabinet.

The Spanish Supreme Court issued an international arrest warrant against him but withdrew it in December to avoid the risk of Belgian authorities granting him asylum.

The prosecution service said it would &ldquo;immediately&rdquo; ask the judge overseeing Puigdemont&rsquo;s case to reinstate the warrant and request that Danish authorities arrest him once it confirmed his travel plans.

The University of Copenhagen said on Friday that Puigdemont would attend the event on Monday at its political science department: &ldquo;Catalonia and Europe at a Crossroads for Democracy&nbsp;Debate with Carles Puigdemont.&rdquo;

Puigdemont&rsquo;s lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, told Catalan public radio on Sunday that the risk of his client being arrested in Denmark was &ldquo;quite high&rdquo;, though he also believed Danish authorities would decline to serve any warrant.

Puigdemont fled to Brussels after his regional government declared independence from Spain on October 27 following a referendum ruled illegal by Spanish authorities, who also sacked his cabinet

Spain’s state prosecution service said on Sunday it would seek the arrest of former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont if he travelled from Belgium to Denmark on Monday to attend a debate he is billed to host. Puigdemont fled to Brussels after his regional government declared independence from Spain on October 27 following a referendum ruled illegal by Spanish authorities, who also sacked his cabinet. The Spanish Supreme Court issued an international arrest warrant against him but withdrew it in December to avoid the risk of Belgian authorities granting him asylum. The prosecution service said it would “immediately” ask the judge overseeing Puigdemont’s case to reinstate the warrant and request that Danish authorities arrest him once it confirmed his travel plans. The University of Copenhagen said on Friday that Puigdemont would attend the event on Monday at its political science department: “Catalonia and Europe at a Crossroads for Democracy Debate with Carles Puigdemont.” Puigdemont’s lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, told Catalan public radio on Sunday that the risk of his client being arrested in Denmark was “quite high”, though he also believed Danish authorities would decline to serve any warrant.

Spain to seek ex-Catalan leader's arrest if travels to Denmark

Caroline Wozniacki saved two match points to scrape through to the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday after being 5-1 down in the final set to unheralded Jana Fett.

The number two seed somehow prevailed after a titanic struggle 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 against the little-known Croat on a searing Rod Laver Arena in two hours and 31 minutes.

The Danish former number one teetered on the brink of becoming the latest big-name casualty in the bottom half of a draw that has become the seeds&#39; graveyard when Fett held two match points.

&quot;That was crazy, I don&#39;t how I got back the in the match. She really took her shots, she had nothing to lose,&quot; said Wozniacki

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1-5 down and facing two match points. <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> did not give up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/f6BHNDFfue">pic.twitter.com/f6BHNDFfue</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953501834139717632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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But when in sight of by far the biggest win of her career, the world 119&#39;s nerves got the better of her as Wozniacki reeled off 10 points in a row to spark a winning run of six unanswered games.

&quot;Experience was crucial,&quot; said Wozniacki. &quot;I think she suddenly realised at 5-1 what was happening and I just had to attack and take advantage of it.&quot;

On Monday fifth seed Venus Williams, 10th seed CoCo Vandeweghe and 13th seed and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens all made early exits, meaning the bottom half of the draw is now wide open.

Wozniacki will continue her quest for a first Grand Slam title next against either Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands or American Nicole Gibbs for a place in the last 16.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Caroline Wozniacki defeated Jana Fett, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5

Caroline Wozniacki saved two match points to scrape through to the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday after being 5-1 down in the final set to unheralded Jana Fett. The number two seed somehow prevailed after a titanic struggle 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 against the little-known Croat on a searing Rod Laver Arena in two hours and 31 minutes. The Danish former number one teetered on the brink of becoming the latest big-name casualty in the bottom half of a draw that has become the seeds' graveyard when Fett held two match points. "That was crazy, I don't how I got back the in the match. She really took her shots, she had nothing to lose," said Wozniacki 1-5 down and facing two match points. @CaroWozniacki did not give up. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/f6BHNDFfue — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × But when in sight of by far the biggest win of her career, the world 119's nerves got the better of her as Wozniacki reeled off 10 points in a row to spark a winning run of six unanswered games. "Experience was crucial," said Wozniacki. "I think she suddenly realised at 5-1 what was happening and I just had to attack and take advantage of it." On Monday fifth seed Venus Williams, 10th seed CoCo Vandeweghe and 13th seed and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens all made early exits, meaning the bottom half of the draw is now wide open. Wozniacki will continue her quest for a first Grand Slam title next against either Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands or American Nicole Gibbs for a place in the last 16.

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki foils Jana Fett, enters second round

Olympians PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will aim to continue their winning streak at the Hong Kong Open Super Series as a step on the court to play the second round of women&#39;s singles event here at Kowloon on Thursday.

Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu will clash with Aya Ohori of Japan in the second round of women&#39;s singles after defeating local player YY Leung 21-18, 21-10.

In another match, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal who outwitted Mette Poulsen of Denmark 21-19, 23-21 in the first round of the championship will take on Chen Yufei of China.

In men&#39;s singles, HS Prannoy, the recently crowned national champion, is the flag-bearer of the Indian challenge in the event. Prannoy will face Kuzumasa Kakai of Japan in the second round after he dismantled Yun Hu of Hong Kong 19-21, 21-17, 21-15 in the previous match.

Earlier, Parupalli Kashyap bowed out losing to local player Le Dong Keun 21-15, 9-21, 20-22.

B Sai Praneeth also suffered a major blow as he crashed out of the series after going down 21-8, 21-16 to second-seed Son Wan Ho of Korea.

PV Sindhu will clash with Aya Ohori of Japan in the second round of women's singles after defeating local player YY Leung 21-18, 21-10 whereas Saina Nehwal who outwitted Mette Poulsen of Denmark 21-19, 23-21 in the first round of the championship will take on Chen Yufei of China

Olympians PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will aim to continue their winning streak at the Hong Kong Open Super Series as a step on the court to play the second round of women's singles event here at Kowloon on Thursday. Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu will clash with Aya Ohori of Japan in the second round of women's singles after defeating local player YY Leung 21-18, 21-10. In another match, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal who outwitted Mette Poulsen of Denmark 21-19, 23-21 in the first round of the championship will take on Chen Yufei of China. In men's singles, HS Prannoy, the recently crowned national champion, is the flag-bearer of the Indian challenge in the event. Prannoy will face Kuzumasa Kakai of Japan in the second round after he dismantled Yun Hu of Hong Kong 19-21, 21-17, 21-15 in the previous match. Earlier, Parupalli Kashyap bowed out losing to local player Le Dong Keun 21-15, 9-21, 20-22. B Sai Praneeth also suffered a major blow as he crashed out of the series after going down 21-8, 21-16 to second-seed Son Wan Ho of Korea.

Hong Kong Open: Nehwal, Sindhu aim to continue winning streak

Britain&#39;s vote to leave the European Union fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent on Friday, giving fresh voice to their calls to leave the bloc or its Euro currency. 
 
Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France demanded referendums on membership of the union, while Italy&#39;s 5-Star movement said it would to pursue its own proposal for a vote on the euro. 
 
Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in next year&#39;s parliamentary election. 
 
&quot;I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same,&quot; Wilders told Reuters. &quot;We should have a referendum about a &#39;Nexit&#39; as soon as possible.&quot; 
 
On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War II. 
 
&quot;There is no future any more (for the EU),&quot; Wilders said. 
 
France&#39;s far-right National Front party also called for a French referendum on European Union membership, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda. 
 
Party leader Marine Le Pen celebrated the result by displaying the British flag on her Twitter page. 
 
&quot;Victory for freedom!&quot; she said. &quot;We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries.&quot; Her deputy, Florian Philippot said: &quot;Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit.&quot; 
 
Le Pen said last month that if she won next year&#39;s French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU. 
 
She is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the vote, although polls see her losing the run-off. 
 
Analysts and a few front-runner officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy was partly to blame for holding the party back in the past. But the Brexit vote could help it overcome this, Ifop pollster&#39;s analyst Frederic Dabi said. 
 
OUR TURN 
 
The populist anti-immigration Danish People&#39;s Party (DF), an ally of Denmark&#39;s right-leaning government, also called for a referendum on membership of the European Union. 
 
&quot;I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now,&quot; DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said. 
 
The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance. 
 
Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a &quot;slimmer EU&quot;. 
 
In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats, which has the support of around 17 per cent of voters according to a poll last month, said it would step up pressure for change. 
 
&quot;We demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum,&quot; party leader Jimme Akesson said. 
 
Italy&#39;s second most popular party, the opposition 5-Star Movement described the Brexit vote as a lesson in democracy and promised to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro. 
 
The party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, wants Italy to hold a &quot;consultative&quot; or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone. 
 
&quot;Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen,&quot; said lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Star&#39;s leadership committee. 
 
The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italy&#39;s opposition centre-right, was more outspoken. &quot;Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn,&quot; party leader Matteo Salvini said. 
 
(Reuters)

Dutch, Swedish and French right-wing parties demand independent referendums following Britain's exit from the European Union

Britain's vote to leave the European Union fired up populist eurosceptic parties across the continent on Friday, giving fresh voice to their calls to leave the bloc or its Euro currency. Right-wing and anti-immigrant parties in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France demanded referendums on membership of the union, while Italy's 5-Star movement said it would to pursue its own proposal for a vote on the euro. Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch anti-immigrant PVV party, said he would make a Dutch referendum on EU membership a central theme of his campaign to become prime minister in next year's parliamentary election. "I congratulate the British people for beating the political elite in both London and Brussels and I think we can do the same," Wilders told Reuters. "We should have a referendum about a 'Nexit' as soon as possible." On Thursday, Britons voted to leave the 28-nation EU, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War II. "There is no future any more (for the EU)," Wilders said. France's far-right National Front party also called for a French referendum on European Union membership, cheering a Brexit vote it hopes can boost its eurosceptic agenda. Party leader Marine Le Pen celebrated the result by displaying the British flag on her Twitter page. "Victory for freedom!" she said. "We now need to hold the same referendum in France and in (other) EU countries." Her deputy, Florian Philippot said: "Our turn now #Brexit #Frexit." Le Pen said last month that if she won next year's French presidential election she would immediately start negotiations on a series of sovereignty issues including the single currency. If those failed, she would ask voters to back leaving the EU. She is the front-runner among likely candidates ahead of the vote, although polls see her losing the run-off. Analysts and a few front-runner officials and allies have said its protectionist, anti-euro policy was partly to blame for holding the party back in the past. But the Brexit vote could help it overcome this, Ifop pollster's analyst Frederic Dabi said. OUR TURN The populist anti-immigration Danish People's Party (DF), an ally of Denmark's right-leaning government, also called for a referendum on membership of the European Union. "I believe that the Danes obviously should have a referendum on whether we want to follow Britain or keep things the way we have it now," DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said. The DF is not in government but is one of three parties supporting the one-party administration. Its call for a popular vote was echoed by the head of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance. Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected the calls, but acknowledged that the British vote raised the possibility of a "slimmer EU". In Sweden, the anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats, which has the support of around 17 per cent of voters according to a poll last month, said it would step up pressure for change. "We demand that Sweden immediately starts to renegotiate the (EU) deals we have made and that the Swedish people will be able to speak up about a future EU-membership in a referendum," party leader Jimme Akesson said. Italy's second most popular party, the opposition 5-Star Movement described the Brexit vote as a lesson in democracy and promised to pursue its own proposal for an Italian referendum on the euro. The party, considered a genuine contender for government at the next general election, wants Italy to hold a "consultative" or non-binding referendum on whether to remain in the euro zone. "Whether you like it or not the British people have chosen," said lower house deputy Alessandro Di Battista, a member of 5-Star's leadership committee. The right-wing Northern League, a member of Italy's opposition centre-right, was more outspoken. "Thank you Great Britain, next it is our turn," party leader Matteo Salvini said. (Reuters)

Nexit, Frexit or Italeave? British vote fires up EU's 'Outers'

Amid fears that the eurosceptic Scandinavian country could lose a key ally in Brussels, a Danish daily Berlingske Thursday published an English-language editorial imploring Britain to &quot;please stay&quot; in the EU. 
 
&quot;As a nation, we in Denmark understand your scepticism about the EU, perhaps better than any other country. Three times we voted no -- in 1992, 2000 and 2015 -- but never out,&quot; the right-wing daily wrote. 
 
&quot;Let us stay and fight for pragmatic, better and more sustainable European solutions,&quot; it said, adding that Britain&#39;s voice was needed in the EU to &quot;fight for free trade and (for) breaking down regulation and bureaucracy.&quot; 
 
A cartoon on the paper&#39;s front page showed a door marked with an EU flag slamming shut on a half naked man with a bowler hat and an umbrella, tearing off his Union Jack suit as it closed behind him. 
 
An English translation of the editorial, headlined &quot;Please Stay&quot;, was published on Berlingske&#39;s website. 
 
Reading between the lines 
Pertinently, Denmark has been a reluctant member of the EU since joining in 1973, rejecting the Maastricht Treaty in a 1992 referendum and only saying &quot;yes&quot; the following year after being granted opt-out clauses on the euro, defence, and justice and home affairs. 
 
Danish voters also rejected joining the euro in 2000, and proposals to lift some of the country&#39;s exemptions on EU justice rules were turned down in a referendum in December last year. 
 
Like his British counterpart David Cameron, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen wants to curb European migrants&#39; access to child benefits, but with exports accounting for just over half of the country&#39;s economic output there are few politicians who back leaving the bloc completely.&nbsp; 
 
The eurosceptic Danish People&#39;s Party, one of the government&#39;s main allies in parliament, wants Denmark to obtain further EU opt-outs in case of a Brexit, as it believes Britain would then obtain a &quot;hybrid&quot; agreement with the bloc rather than leave completely. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp; 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

'Let us stay and fight for pragmatic, better and more sustainable European solutions,' says Berlingske's editorial in English

Amid fears that the eurosceptic Scandinavian country could lose a key ally in Brussels, a Danish daily Berlingske Thursday published an English-language editorial imploring Britain to "please stay" in the EU. "As a nation, we in Denmark understand your scepticism about the EU, perhaps better than any other country. Three times we voted no -- in 1992, 2000 and 2015 -- but never out," the right-wing daily wrote. "Let us stay and fight for pragmatic, better and more sustainable European solutions," it said, adding that Britain's voice was needed in the EU to "fight for free trade and (for) breaking down regulation and bureaucracy." A cartoon on the paper's front page showed a door marked with an EU flag slamming shut on a half naked man with a bowler hat and an umbrella, tearing off his Union Jack suit as it closed behind him. An English translation of the editorial, headlined "Please Stay", was published on Berlingske's website. Reading between the lines Pertinently, Denmark has been a reluctant member of the EU since joining in 1973, rejecting the Maastricht Treaty in a 1992 referendum and only saying "yes" the following year after being granted opt-out clauses on the euro, defence, and justice and home affairs. Danish voters also rejected joining the euro in 2000, and proposals to lift some of the country's exemptions on EU justice rules were turned down in a referendum in December last year. Like his British counterpart David Cameron, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen wants to curb European migrants' access to child benefits, but with exports accounting for just over half of the country's economic output there are few politicians who back leaving the bloc completely. The eurosceptic Danish People's Party, one of the government's main allies in parliament, wants Denmark to obtain further EU opt-outs in case of a Brexit, as it believes Britain would then obtain a "hybrid" agreement with the bloc rather than leave completely. (AFP)

Danish daily urges Britain to 'remain'

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