The European Parliament declared Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism" on Tuesday for the "brutal and inhumane" acts inflicted by the government and military on Ukraine since the start of the conflict. The resolution was approved during the monthly plenary session in Strasbourg with 494 member states voting in favour, 58 against it and 44 members decided to abstain completely.

It was introduced by European People's Party, Renew Europe and the European Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR) against Russia’s "illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression".

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"The deliberate attacks and atrocities carried out by the Russian Federation against the civilian population of Ukraine, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and other serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law amount to acts of terror against the Ukrainian population and constitute war crimes," the resolution read according to AFP.

"In the light of the above, (the European Parliament) recognises Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and as a state which uses means of terrorism," it further stated.

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The members of the EU parliament also condemned the humanitarian as well as food crisis created by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war all around the world. As a result, they decided to develop a new legal framework to prevent such situation and hold the responsible countries accountable.

Apart from the criticism, the resolution also demanded for a "comprehensive international isolation" of Russia and implementation of sanctions both on the economic as well as political fronts.

"Contacts with its official representatives at all levels (should) be kept to the absolute minimum necessary," lawmakers said while explaining the measures EU have decided to take in the near future.

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The European Parliament declared Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism" on Tuesday for the "brutal and inhumane" acts inflicted by the government and military on Ukraine since the start of the conflict.

The European Parliament declared Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism" on Tuesday for the "brutal and inhumane" acts inflicted by the government and military on Ukraine since the start of the conflict. The resolution was approved during the monthly plenary session in Strasbourg with 494 member states voting in favour, 58 against it and 44 members decided to abstain completely. It was introduced by European People's Party, Renew Europe and the European Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR) against Russia’s "illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression". Also read | UK Supreme Court blocks Scotland from holding second independence referendum "The deliberate attacks and atrocities carried out by the Russian Federation against the civilian population of Ukraine, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and other serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law amount to acts of terror against the Ukrainian population and constitute war crimes," the resolution read according to AFP. "In the light of the above, (the European Parliament) recognises Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and as a state which uses means of terrorism," it further stated. Also read | Virginia: Seven killed in mass shooting at Chesapeake Walmart, shooter among dead, say cops The members of the EU parliament also condemned the humanitarian as well as food crisis created by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war all around the world. As a result, they decided to develop a new legal framework to prevent such situation and hold the responsible countries accountable. Apart from the criticism, the resolution also demanded for a "comprehensive international isolation" of Russia and implementation of sanctions both on the economic as well as political fronts. "Contacts with its official representatives at all levels (should) be kept to the absolute minimum necessary," lawmakers said while explaining the measures EU have decided to take in the near future.

European Union parliament declares Russia 'state sponsor of terrorism'

In what comes as a landmark decision, the European Union Parliament on Tuesday approved new rules that make sure a universal charging port is introduced for electronic gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, cameras, e-readers, earbuds and other devices by 2024.

In what comes as a landmark decision, the European Union Parliament on Tuesday approved new rules that make sure a universal charging port is introduced for electronic gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, cameras, e-readers, earbuds and other devices by 2024. The motion passed with 602 votes in favour and 13 against it. Accordingly, the vote by the EU parliament confirms the previous agreement of making USB-C chargers used by Android-based devices the standard for all of the continent. Succinctly put, all devices in the EU will have to carry the same charging port. Read more: Apple to double iPhone exports from India by next year The move is expected to hurt Apple more than other electronic companies. Reportedly, iPhones are charged from a lightning cable while Android-based devices use USB-C chargers. Apple also has been pushing its proprietary MagSafe charging technology to more and more devices. The ruling was prompted after complaints from both iPhone and Android users had the same theme of having to switch to different chargers whenever switching devices. As reported extensively by WION, the Cupertino-based company, for long, has been panned by users and critics alike for introducing myriad variations that burn a hole in the pocket of consumers. While Apple will have to pivot on its charging slot, it is facing flak for shipping iPhones without a battery charger. Experts have called this practice a 'tie-sale' where Apple obliged the consumer to purchase a second product of its exclusive manufacture which was an abusive and illegal commercial practice. In September, the Brazilian government levied a fine of $2.38 million on Apple and ordered the company to stop selling its iPhones without a battery charger in the South American country. Read more: Ahead of iPhone 14 launch, Brazil suspends sale of iPhones without battery charger, imposes fine (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In a shock to Apple, EU to introduce USB-C chargers for all electronic gadgets by 2024

In America, India's citizenship amendment act was raised during a congressional hearing. Lawmakers in the The European Parliament debated six resolutions against the new law. WION's Palki tells you how India is countering this scrutiny.

Gravitas: CAA raised in Europe and America

Six resolutions, which now have been combined into a single joint motion resolution, were tabled in the European Parliament on Wednesday. Six political groups of members of the European Parliament had moved the resolutions, calling the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) discriminatory and condemning the alleged use of force on protesters.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vote-on-caa-resolution-delayed-in-european-union-parliament-new-delhi-lauds-friends-of-india-277435">European Parliament has postponed the voting </a>to March. Meanwhile, the EU has distanced itself from the developments in the EU Parliament on the 6 draft resolutions.

EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Virginie Battu-Henriksson, told WION, "Opinions expressed by the European Parliament and its members do not represent the official position of the European Union."

The resolution mentions the issue of freedom of expression in India. It warns against increasing nationalism which according to them is fuelling religious intolerance.

The resolutions also raise questions over the exclusion of other minorities - Sri Lankan Tamils, Rohingya Muslims.

How does this resolution affect India?

Even if it is passed, the resolution is not binding on India. However, it does create political pressure on the European Union to take up the matter with New Delhi.

A summit is coming up in March this year and this could figure in engagements between India and the EU.

How is India countering this resolution?

The defence largely centres on the argument that the CAA is a process internal to India. And the fact that it's being debated in the public sphere and the Supreme Court.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla has written to the European Parliament saying it's inappropriate for one legislature to pass judgment on another.

So has vice president Venkaiah Naidu who reiterated that there is no scope for outside interference in the country's internal matters.&nbsp;

Speaking of Interference

Two days ago, a Congressional briefing was held in Washington which was titled 'The Implications of India's Citizenship Law'. A group of human rights and social activists attended this briefing. they alleged that the current dispensation had become an enemy of the people.

They raised the following issues:

1. Religious conversion 
2. Marginalisation of minorities 
3. Stricter punishments for cow slaughter 
4. Aggressive bans on institutions

Moreover, Harrison Akins &nbsp;- a policy analyst addressed the US Congress. He has requested the US government to use targeted sanctions against Indian officials responsible for religious freedom violations.

"The CAA could become a weapon to target millions of Indian Muslims, potentially leading to their disenfranchisement. this represents a significant downward turn in religious freedom that no government, including the united states government, can ignore," he said.

What next

The Modi government's strong global image has clearly come under stress. A massive diplomatic effort will be needed in the coming days to control the narrative and set the record straight.

And to obtain endorsements to India's argument that CAA is a humanitarian gesture.

 
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Six resolutions, which now have been combined into a single joint motion resolution, were tabled in the European Parliament on Wednesday. Six political groups of members of the European Parliament had moved the resolutions, calling the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) discriminatory and condemning the alleged use of force on protesters.

Six resolutions, which now have been combined into a single joint motion resolution, were tabled in the European Parliament on Wednesday. Six political groups of members of the European Parliament had moved the resolutions, calling the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) discriminatory and condemning the alleged use of force on protesters. The European Parliament has postponed the voting to March. Meanwhile, the EU has distanced itself from the developments in the EU Parliament on the 6 draft resolutions. EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Virginie Battu-Henriksson, told WION, "Opinions expressed by the European Parliament and its members do not represent the official position of the European Union." The resolution mentions the issue of freedom of expression in India. It warns against increasing nationalism which according to them is fuelling religious intolerance. The resolutions also raise questions over the exclusion of other minorities - Sri Lankan Tamils, Rohingya Muslims. How does this resolution affect India? Even if it is passed, the resolution is not binding on India. However, it does create political pressure on the European Union to take up the matter with New Delhi. A summit is coming up in March this year and this could figure in engagements between India and the EU. How is India countering this resolution? The defence largely centres on the argument that the CAA is a process internal to India. And the fact that it's being debated in the public sphere and the Supreme Court. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla has written to the European Parliament saying it's inappropriate for one legislature to pass judgment on another. So has vice president Venkaiah Naidu who reiterated that there is no scope for outside interference in the country's internal matters. Speaking of Interference Two days ago, a Congressional briefing was held in Washington which was titled 'The Implications of India's Citizenship Law'. A group of human rights and social activists attended this briefing. they alleged that the current dispensation had become an enemy of the people. They raised the following issues: 1. Religious conversion 2. Marginalisation of minorities 3. Stricter punishments for cow slaughter 4. Aggressive bans on institutions Moreover, Harrison Akins - a policy analyst addressed the US Congress. He has requested the US government to use targeted sanctions against Indian officials responsible for religious freedom violations. "The CAA could become a weapon to target millions of Indian Muslims, potentially leading to their disenfranchisement. this represents a significant downward turn in religious freedom that no government, including the united states government, can ignore," he said. What next The Modi government's strong global image has clearly come under stress. A massive diplomatic effort will be needed in the coming days to control the narrative and set the record straight. And to obtain endorsements to India's argument that CAA is a humanitarian gesture.

Anti-CAA resolution in European Parliament: What it means for India?

China on Friday slammed the European Union parliament after it passed a resolution calling for targeted sanctions against the country's officials over the treatment of Uighur minority.

While addressing a regular press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang said, EU should "abandon their double standards on counter-terrorism" and called to stop "interfering in China's internal affairs".

"The people of Xinjiang and the Chinese people have a greater right to speak (about the situation in Xinjiang) than those who are far away in Europe, who have never been to Xinjiang," Shuang added.

China has faced international condemnation for rounding up an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in internment camps in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

On Thursday, the European Union Parliament approved a resolution condemning the mass incarceration of Uighurs minority.

Members of European Parliament called for "targeted sanctions and freeze assets, if deemed appropriate and effective, against the Chinese officials responsible for severe repression of basic rights in Xinjiang" in the resolution.

They also said that China's human rights record had worsened in the past year, and called for the Chinese government to "immediately end the practice of arbitrary detentions without any charge, trial or conviction".

(With inputs from agencies)

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China on Friday slammed the European Union parliament after it passed a resolution calling for targeted sanctions against the country's officials over the treatment of Uighur minority.

China on Friday slammed the European Union parliament after it passed a resolution calling for targeted sanctions against the country's officials over the treatment of Uighur minority. While addressing a regular press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang said, EU should "abandon their double standards on counter-terrorism" and called to stop "interfering in China's internal affairs". "The people of Xinjiang and the Chinese people have a greater right to speak (about the situation in Xinjiang) than those who are far away in Europe, who have never been to Xinjiang," Shuang added. China has faced international condemnation for rounding up an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in internment camps in the northwestern region of Xinjiang. On Thursday, the European Union Parliament approved a resolution condemning the mass incarceration of Uighurs minority. Members of European Parliament called for "targeted sanctions and freeze assets, if deemed appropriate and effective, against the Chinese officials responsible for severe repression of basic rights in Xinjiang" in the resolution. They also said that China's human rights record had worsened in the past year, and called for the Chinese government to "immediately end the practice of arbitrary detentions without any charge, trial or conviction". (With inputs from agencies)

'EU should abandon their double standards': China slams European Union Parliament over  Uighur sanctions resolution

Hungarian residents woke up on Monday to hear that Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling Fidesz party won 13 of the country's 21 seats in the European Union parliament, one seat more than in the 2014 vote.

Orban's party wins 13 seats in EU Parliament