At least five people have been killed and several have been injured in a bow and arrow attack in Norway.

Refusing to rule out terrorism as a motive, the police said that a 37-year-old Danish was arrested as the suspect for the attack.

It took place in the&nbsp;Kongsberg area that has a population of 28,000 and is only 68 km from Norway's capital Oslo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violent-clashes-reported-as-pandemic-restrictions-are-lifted-in-norway-416427">Also read |&nbsp;Violent clashes reported as pandemic restrictions are lifted in Norway</a>

The police issued a statement saying ''We decided to confirm this information because many rumours were circulating on social networks about the perpetrator of the attack, some [implicating] people who have no connection with these serious acts.''

Prime Minister Erna Solberg said ''I understand that many people are afraid, but it's important to emphasise that the police are now in control.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-utoya-massacre-norway-marks-decade-since-worst-post-war-attack-399688">Also see |&nbsp;The Utoya massacre: Norway marks decade since worst post-war attack</a>

This is the worst death toll in any attack in Norway since 2011. The country rarely experiences such violence.

An extremist called Anders Behring Brevik had killed 77 people 10 years ago in Norway's worst massacre since World War II.

He had set off a bomb in Oslo next to the office of the country's prime minister and went on a shooting spree at Utoya's summer camp.

At least five people have been killed and several have been injured in a bow and arrow attack in Norway. Refusing to rule out terrorism as a motive, the police said that a 37-year-old Danish was arrested as the suspect for the attack.

At least five people have been killed and several have been injured in a bow and arrow attack in Norway. Refusing to rule out terrorism as a motive, the police said that a 37-year-old Danish was arrested as the suspect for the attack. It took place in the Kongsberg area that has a population of 28,000 and is only 68 km from Norway's capital Oslo. Also read | Violent clashes reported as pandemic restrictions are lifted in Norway The police issued a statement saying ''We decided to confirm this information because many rumours were circulating on social networks about the perpetrator of the attack, some [implicating] people who have no connection with these serious acts.'' Prime Minister Erna Solberg said ''I understand that many people are afraid, but it's important to emphasise that the police are now in control.'' Also see | The Utoya massacre: Norway marks decade since worst post-war attack This is the worst death toll in any attack in Norway since 2011. The country rarely experiences such violence. An extremist called Anders Behring Brevik had killed 77 people 10 years ago in Norway's worst massacre since World War II. He had set off a bomb in Oslo next to the office of the country's prime minister and went on a shooting spree at Utoya's summer camp.

Norway: Police says several people killed in bow and arrow attack

Oslo's world best library 'Deichman Bjørvika', now open to public

Britain on Friday powered up the world's longest subsea electricity cable with Norway in order to share hydro and wind power, amid ongoing turmoil in the UK energy market.

National Grid, which distributes energy to UK homes and businesses, said the 1.6-billion-euro ($1.9-billion) North Sea Link will start commercial operations on Friday.&nbsp;

"The UK and Norway are now able to share renewable energy for the first time," the company added in a statement.

This marked a "major milestone" in Britain's target to reach net zero carbon emissions.

The cable's maximum capacity will initially stand at 700 megawatts, but will be increased to 1,400 MW over three months.

NSL will eventually provide enough clean electricity to power 1.4 million homes.

The 720-kilometre-long (447-mile-long) NSL is a joint venture with Norwegian power grid operator Statnett.

The cable links Blyth in northeast England with Kvilldal in southwestern Norway.

All but four kilometres of the cable are underwater.&nbsp;

"When wind generation is high and electricity demand low in Britain, NSL will enable renewable power to be exported from the UK, conserving water in Norway's reservoirs," National Grid added in the statement.

"When demand is high in Britain and there is low wind generation, hydro power can be imported from Norway, helping to ensure secure, affordable and sustainable electricity supplies for UK consumers."

Britain, which will host the COP26 United Nations climate summit in Glasgow in November, aims to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

Friday's news comes as the British domestic energy sector buckles under record high natural gas prices.

That has sparked fears of rocketing household energy bills during the upcoming peak-demand northern hemisphere winter.

Almost 2.0 million UK consumers have seen their domestic energy suppliers go bust in recent weeks as a result of the spiking cost of gas.

Britain is particularly exposed to Europe's ongoing energy crisis because of its reliance on natural gas to generate electricity. 
&nbsp;

Britain on Friday powered up the world's longest subsea electricity cable with Norway in order to share hydro and wind power, amid ongoing turmoil in the UK energy market.

Britain on Friday powered up the world's longest subsea electricity cable with Norway in order to share hydro and wind power, amid ongoing turmoil in the UK energy market. National Grid, which distributes energy to UK homes and businesses, said the 1.6-billion-euro ($1.9-billion) North Sea Link will start commercial operations on Friday. "The UK and Norway are now able to share renewable energy for the first time," the company added in a statement. This marked a "major milestone" in Britain's target to reach net zero carbon emissions. The cable's maximum capacity will initially stand at 700 megawatts, but will be increased to 1,400 MW over three months. NSL will eventually provide enough clean electricity to power 1.4 million homes. The 720-kilometre-long (447-mile-long) NSL is a joint venture with Norwegian power grid operator Statnett. The cable links Blyth in northeast England with Kvilldal in southwestern Norway. All but four kilometres of the cable are underwater. "When wind generation is high and electricity demand low in Britain, NSL will enable renewable power to be exported from the UK, conserving water in Norway's reservoirs," National Grid added in the statement. "When demand is high in Britain and there is low wind generation, hydro power can be imported from Norway, helping to ensure secure, affordable and sustainable electricity supplies for UK consumers." Britain, which will host the COP26 United Nations climate summit in Glasgow in November, aims to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Friday's news comes as the British domestic energy sector buckles under record high natural gas prices. That has sparked fears of rocketing household energy bills during the upcoming peak-demand northern hemisphere winter. Almost 2.0 million UK consumers have seen their domestic energy suppliers go bust in recent weeks as a result of the spiking cost of gas. Britain is particularly exposed to Europe's ongoing energy crisis because of its reliance on natural gas to generate electricity.

UK starts up subsea renewable power link to Norway

The north sea oil was discovered off the coast of Norway in the 1960s. The findings changed the country's prospects- making it one of the world's largest oil exporters. More than 60 years later calls to shut down the industry have been growing. Can Norway's prominent petroleum industry survive this criticism?

Oil sector faces uncertain future as Norway heads to the polls

On Sunday, dozens of violent incidents occurred in Norway as a result of the government's rapid removal of all COVID-19 limitations.

Norway declared on Friday that all pandemic restrictions would be lifted on Saturday.

At least 50 fights or disruptions broke out throughout the evening as people gathered in the streets to celebrate.

According to Norwegian media, police were dispatched to a number of instances, including a guy wielding a machete on a bus in Oslo.&nbsp;

The Norwegian government stated on Friday that most of the remaining coronavirus restrictions would be lifted on Saturday, resuming normalcy in the 5.3 million-strong country.&nbsp;

"It has been 561 days since we introduced the toughest measures in Norway in peacetime," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Friday at a news conference. "Now the time has come to return to a normal daily life."

Hundreds of Norwegians took part in rowdy celebrations that began on Saturday afternoon and lasted until the early hours of Sunday.

Unrest was recorded in various locations, including the southern city of Bergen and the central city of Trondheim, according to police, but the situation in Oslo was the worst.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Sunday, dozens of violent incidents occurred in Norway as a result of the government's rapid removal of all COVID-19 limitations. Norway declared on Friday that all pandemic restrictions would be lifted on Saturday.

On Sunday, dozens of violent incidents occurred in Norway as a result of the government's rapid removal of all COVID-19 limitations. Norway declared on Friday that all pandemic restrictions would be lifted on Saturday. At least 50 fights or disruptions broke out throughout the evening as people gathered in the streets to celebrate. According to Norwegian media, police were dispatched to a number of instances, including a guy wielding a machete on a bus in Oslo. The Norwegian government stated on Friday that most of the remaining coronavirus restrictions would be lifted on Saturday, resuming normalcy in the 5.3 million-strong country. "It has been 561 days since we introduced the toughest measures in Norway in peacetime," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Friday at a news conference. "Now the time has come to return to a normal daily life." Hundreds of Norwegians took part in rowdy celebrations that began on Saturday afternoon and lasted until the early hours of Sunday. Unrest was recorded in various locations, including the southern city of Bergen and the central city of Trondheim, according to police, but the situation in Oslo was the worst. (With inputs from agencies)

Violent clashes reported as pandemic restrictions are lifted in Norway

Norwegian telecom firm Telenor is selling its Myanmar operations to avoid European Union sanctions after "continued pressure" from Myanmar's military junta to activate intercept surveillance technology, the company's Asia head told Reuters.

Telenor&nbsp;announced in July it would sell its Myanmar unit to Lebanese investment firm M1 Group for $105 million, prompting an outcry from activists in the country who have been relying on its services for communications.

A Reuters investigation in May found telecom and internet service providers in Myanmar had been secretly ordered in the months before the junta's Feb. 1 coup to install invasive technology that would allow the army to freely eavesdrop on the communications of citizens.

"Since the military took over, it's been clear for us that our presence will require Telenor Myanmar to activate intercept equipment and technology for the use of Myanmar authorities," Asia head Jørgen Rostrup said in an interview.

Allowing the activation of the intercept technology would break the 2018 EU arms embargo against the Southeast Asian country, the executive added, stressing the need for legal or regulatory safeguards in Myanmar to protect human rights.

"Telenor Myanmar has not activated the equipment as of yet and will not do so voluntarily," he said. He declined to comment on whether the intercept technology had been installed at Telenor's operations in Myanmar.

Rostrup's comments represent the first time Telenor has addressed the impact of the intercept on its strategy since the junta seized power.

A spokesman for the Myanmar military did not answer calls for comment. Norway's industry ministry declined to comment, saying the sale of the unit was a decision for Telenor's board and management to make.

Many governments allow for what are commonly called 'lawful intercepts' to be used by law enforcement agencies to catch criminals. But in most democratic countries and even some authoritarian regimes, the technology is not ordinarily employed without any kind of legal process, cybersecurity experts say.

Myanmar activists have called for Telenor to halt or delay the sale. But Rostrup said Telenor felt it had no choice but to withdraw from the country as respecting the EU embargo meant it could not ensure the safety of its employees and allowing the intercept to be activated would be "a complete breach of our values and principles".

Reuters reported in July that senior executives at major telecommunications firms in Myanmar have been told by the junta that they must seek special authorisation to leave the country. The travel ban was followed by a second order instructing telecom firms to fully activate the intercept.

Telenor declined to comment on the travel ban.

Rostrup said Telenor had chosen M1 after finding it had "no direct relationships with authorities or the military in Myanmar".

The deal was submitted to Myanmar authorities for regulatory review recently, he said, adding that the process is expected to take 60 days.

Myanmar rights group told Reuters they believe the telecom is not doing enough.

"Telenor is trying to skirt its human rights responsibilities," said Justice for Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung.

"Telenor must cancel the sale and come up with an exit strategy that does not risk the lives of the many Myanmar people who are struggling against the junta".

Prior to the coup, Telenor had been one of the largest foreign investors in the country with its Myanmar operations accounting for 7 per cent&nbsp;of its total earnings last year. It wrote off its $783 million investment in its Myanmar unit in May.

Norwegian telecom firm Telenor is selling its Myanmar operations to avoid European Union sanctions after "continued pressure" from Myanmar's military junta to activate intercept surveillance technology, the company's Asia head told Reuters.

Norwegian telecom firm Telenor is selling its Myanmar operations to avoid European Union sanctions after "continued pressure" from Myanmar's military junta to activate intercept surveillance technology, the company's Asia head told Reuters. Telenor announced in July it would sell its Myanmar unit to Lebanese investment firm M1 Group for $105 million, prompting an outcry from activists in the country who have been relying on its services for communications. A Reuters investigation in May found telecom and internet service providers in Myanmar had been secretly ordered in the months before the junta's Feb. 1 coup to install invasive technology that would allow the army to freely eavesdrop on the communications of citizens. "Since the military took over, it's been clear for us that our presence will require Telenor Myanmar to activate intercept equipment and technology for the use of Myanmar authorities," Asia head Jørgen Rostrup said in an interview. Allowing the activation of the intercept technology would break the 2018 EU arms embargo against the Southeast Asian country, the executive added, stressing the need for legal or regulatory safeguards in Myanmar to protect human rights. "Telenor Myanmar has not activated the equipment as of yet and will not do so voluntarily," he said. He declined to comment on whether the intercept technology had been installed at Telenor's operations in Myanmar. Rostrup's comments represent the first time Telenor has addressed the impact of the intercept on its strategy since the junta seized power. A spokesman for the Myanmar military did not answer calls for comment. Norway's industry ministry declined to comment, saying the sale of the unit was a decision for Telenor's board and management to make. Many governments allow for what are commonly called 'lawful intercepts' to be used by law enforcement agencies to catch criminals. But in most democratic countries and even some authoritarian regimes, the technology is not ordinarily employed without any kind of legal process, cybersecurity experts say. Myanmar activists have called for Telenor to halt or delay the sale. But Rostrup said Telenor felt it had no choice but to withdraw from the country as respecting the EU embargo meant it could not ensure the safety of its employees and allowing the intercept to be activated would be "a complete breach of our values and principles". Reuters reported in July that senior executives at major telecommunications firms in Myanmar have been told by the junta that they must seek special authorisation to leave the country. The travel ban was followed by a second order instructing telecom firms to fully activate the intercept. Telenor declined to comment on the travel ban. Rostrup said Telenor had chosen M1 after finding it had "no direct relationships with authorities or the military in Myanmar". The deal was submitted to Myanmar authorities for regulatory review recently, he said, adding that the process is expected to take 60 days. Myanmar rights group told Reuters they believe the telecom is not doing enough. "Telenor is trying to skirt its human rights responsibilities," said Justice for Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung. "Telenor must cancel the sale and come up with an exit strategy that does not risk the lives of the many Myanmar people who are struggling against the junta". Prior to the coup, Telenor had been one of the largest foreign investors in the country with its Myanmar operations accounting for 7 per cent of its total earnings last year. It wrote off its $783 million investment in its Myanmar unit in May.

Norway's Telenor says Myanmar unit sale plan followed junta's pressure on surveillance tech

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country.&nbsp;

The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold.&nbsp;

Norway gradually began peeling back restrictions just before the summer as vaccines were rolled out and the number of new infections fell.

Originally, the government had said it hoped to enter the fourth and final phase of the reopening in July. But that has been pushed back several times, most recently in mid-August, because of concerns over how well the virus was being contained.

"A further reopening now leads to an increased risk of spread," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We don't want to take that risk when there is so little time left before all adults have had the opportunity to protect themselves with the vaccine," she added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-protest-in-afghanistans-herat-over-right-to-education-work-410216">Also read |&nbsp;Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work</a>

Solberg said she was aiming for a return to normal life "at the end of September" when she hoped about 90 percent of the adult population will have been vaccinated.&nbsp;

That figure was 71.9 percent on Wednesday, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, while 89.1 percent of adults had received a first dose.

The government has also opened vaccines to people aged 12 to 15, who can now get a single dose.&nbsp;

Vaccine have until now been available only to people aged 16 and over.

The number of infections in the country has risen sharply in recent days, reaching record highs.&nbsp;

The rise is blamed in part on the Delta variant, which has taken hold among young people in particular as the school year began last month.&nbsp;

Among the restrictions that will remain in place is a cap on the size of gatherings, which is 5,000 people indoors and 10,000 outdoors.&nbsp;

The announcement comes ahead of parliamentary elections on September 13 in Norway, where polls suggest a victory for the opposition even though the current government is generally praised for its handling of the health crisis.

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country. The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold.

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country. The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold. Norway gradually began peeling back restrictions just before the summer as vaccines were rolled out and the number of new infections fell. Originally, the government had said it hoped to enter the fourth and final phase of the reopening in July. But that has been pushed back several times, most recently in mid-August, because of concerns over how well the virus was being contained. "A further reopening now leads to an increased risk of spread," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters on Thursday. "We don't want to take that risk when there is so little time left before all adults have had the opportunity to protect themselves with the vaccine," she added. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work Solberg said she was aiming for a return to normal life "at the end of September" when she hoped about 90 percent of the adult population will have been vaccinated. That figure was 71.9 percent on Wednesday, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, while 89.1 percent of adults had received a first dose. The government has also opened vaccines to people aged 12 to 15, who can now get a single dose. Vaccine have until now been available only to people aged 16 and over. The number of infections in the country has risen sharply in recent days, reaching record highs. The rise is blamed in part on the Delta variant, which has taken hold among young people in particular as the school year began last month. Among the restrictions that will remain in place is a cap on the size of gatherings, which is 5,000 people indoors and 10,000 outdoors. The announcement comes ahead of parliamentary elections on September 13 in Norway, where polls suggest a victory for the opposition even though the current government is generally praised for its handling of the health crisis.

Norway postpones reopening as COVID-19 cases mount

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy". Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Hans Jacob said,"point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards" and to develop opportunities with India, Norweigan govt in 2019 developed an India strategy because "India is becoming more important for Norway." Amid the 2nd wave of COVID pandemic, Norway had sent assistance to India and both countries have been cooperating to deal with the pandemic. He said, "India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway...working to provide and distribute vaccines". The Norwegian government announced a contribution of 20 million Norwegian Kroners (2.4 mn USD) towards COVID relief in India amid the covid crisis. The support was used to scale up ambulance services, blood donation services, and medical helplines.

Norway's envoy Hans Jacob bats for strong ties with India; says focus on ocean, climate

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy".

Speaking to our WION's Sidhant Sibal, Hans Jacob said, "point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards" and to develop opportunities with India, Norweigan government&nbsp;in 2019 developed an India strategy because "India is becoming more important for Norway".

Amid the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid pandemic</a>, Norway had sent assistance to India and both countries have been cooperating to deal with the pandemic. "India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway...working to provide and distribute vaccines," he said.

Norwegian government announced a contribution of 20 million Norwegian Kroners (2.4 mn USD) towards Covid relief in India amid the covid crisis. The support was used to scale up ambulance services, blood donation services, and medical helplines. Here is the full interview:

WION:&nbsp;How did Norway reach out to India amid the Covid crisis and how are both the countries cooperating? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Both Norway and India have been quite hard hit by the pandemic; it has hit globally. India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway consistently for more than 20 years has been working to provide and distribute vaccines to developing countries through the GAVI cooperation, also COVAX which is providing vaccines through multilateral channels.

We actually have a co-chairship in the accelerating activities against Covid. Those are some of the backdrops. When second wave hit because then we already, from our side, from the embassy's side reallocated funds from other health programmes like the mother health programme to the covid crisis. We also reallocated resources from other programmes and additional resources from Norway to the tune of 8 million Kroners. Also, Norweigan businesses took up the challenge, felt the need to show solidarity and presence where they had activity, and provided about 12 million Kroners in contributions. That is part of the picture. When it comes to COVAX, we have committed five&nbsp;million doses and 141 million dollars, that is the total. That is back of the backdrop, two countries having an important role in combating the pandemic.

WION: Can Indians go to Norway right now?&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund:&nbsp;To&nbsp;be quite frank, just now, it is very difficult. Norway has been very strict in allowing travellers, not just for foreigners but also for us. We have restrictions on going back and forth. We have a plan to lift that, and you may access if you have family, relations and now we prepared for students who are supposed to start in universities this Autumn. We hope we can remove restrictions as soon as possible, but for time being it is quite regulated. That is a problem because Indians are the biggest work immigrant group in Norway outside the EU and those are very important in Norwegian high-tech industries. We have a highly competent workforce from India helping us develop our economy which we are very grateful.&nbsp;

WION: What is the India Norway green cooperation and how is your country taking a lead on dealing with climate change? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: In spite of the pandemic, we have been able to enhance our cooperation with India. In October last year, we were able to hold a government meeting — joint commission digitally going through a huge area of the field of cooperation. The minister of external affairs summed it up in a very nice way: our partnership is green clean and human-centric. That brings us our priorities in that respect:&nbsp;ocean, climate, and energy. When it comes to energy, it is hydroelectric power, wind power, and the Norweigan investment fund for developing countries just invested 100 million dollars in rooftop solar in India.

What we, in the embassy, are focusing&nbsp;on is hydrogen, since this is a very rapidly developing field that is very promising and Norway has a century-old tradition in the production and know-how. India has defined hydrogen as one of the areas that they will get priority to provide clean energy. For instance, Norwegian company Greenstat and India's Indian Oil are establishing center for excellence for Hydrogen and we are going to have an international climate summit linked to hydrogen in September organised by PHDCC. So, we have clear emphasis on green, clean and renewable energy. There is&nbsp;huge potential in that area and our priority number one is oceans.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;India will host a maritime meet at the United Nations Security Council with PM Modi addressing it.&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We really appreciate that India took the initiative during its presidency to put emphasis on maritime security. So this is a theme that deserved to be discussed and we hope there will be a result which we can use as a building block to improve maritime security in all its aspects. In that process, we are discussing what we can do with MEA, the Ministry of shipping. We have not been on it security-wise as a direct economic part of it. The blue economy and we were able to have a task force on blue economy meet in June. We were actually able to further our projects on cooperating on integrated oceans management which means how you actually, wisely use your blue resources. We have been pushing when it comes to plastics and ship recycling for which India has a huge capacity and Norway has a huge fleet that needs to be recycled, and needs to be done in a sustainable and green manner. Research is an important part of cooperation — ocean and arctic research where we have very close relations.

WION: How do you see the developments on Afghanistan?&nbsp; 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We are very concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. Norway has been engaged in Afghanistan for 20 years, diplomatically with development aid and militarily. We have been able to work consistently for a political and peaceful solution and we will continue to do that. In this respect, contact with India has been crucial. We faced difficulties. A number of developments happened that we don't have control over but we need to continue the dialogue and cooperation to push for a peaceful political solution in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

WION: What is your government's view about China? 
Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Noway is a country far away from India and China. The big picture is that you have the growing importance of both China and India, the point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards. This can be challenging with stronger and more assertive China and it can also create opportunities. To develop those opportunities, it is one of the reasons the Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because India is becoming more important for Norway. Since we need to actually relate more to India and that is my task, my mandate is to implement that strategy for improved relations and improved cooperation in areas I have mentioned —oceans, climate, energy — but also to rule of law, democracy. In this respect, our cooperation in security council is very important and we really appreciate it.&nbsp;

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy".

Pitching for strong ties with India, Norway's envoy to Delhi Hans Jacob Frydenlund has highlighted how both countries are working on oceans, climate, and "a clear emphasis on green and clean and renewable energy". Speaking to our WION's Sidhant Sibal, Hans Jacob said, "point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards" and to develop opportunities with India, Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because "India is becoming more important for Norway". Amid the second wave of Covid pandemic, Norway had sent assistance to India and both countries have been cooperating to deal with the pandemic. "India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway...working to provide and distribute vaccines," he said. Norwegian government announced a contribution of 20 million Norwegian Kroners (2.4 mn USD) towards Covid relief in India amid the covid crisis. The support was used to scale up ambulance services, blood donation services, and medical helplines. Here is the full interview: WION: How did Norway reach out to India amid the Covid crisis and how are both the countries cooperating? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Both Norway and India have been quite hard hit by the pandemic; it has hit globally. India and Norway have an important role when it comes to combating the pandemic. India has an important role as a vaccine producer and Norway consistently for more than 20 years has been working to provide and distribute vaccines to developing countries through the GAVI cooperation, also COVAX which is providing vaccines through multilateral channels. We actually have a co-chairship in the accelerating activities against Covid. Those are some of the backdrops. When second wave hit because then we already, from our side, from the embassy's side reallocated funds from other health programmes like the mother health programme to the covid crisis. We also reallocated resources from other programmes and additional resources from Norway to the tune of 8 million Kroners. Also, Norweigan businesses took up the challenge, felt the need to show solidarity and presence where they had activity, and provided about 12 million Kroners in contributions. That is part of the picture. When it comes to COVAX, we have committed five million doses and 141 million dollars, that is the total. That is back of the backdrop, two countries having an important role in combating the pandemic. WION: Can Indians go to Norway right now? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: To be quite frank, just now, it is very difficult. Norway has been very strict in allowing travellers, not just for foreigners but also for us. We have restrictions on going back and forth. We have a plan to lift that, and you may access if you have family, relations and now we prepared for students who are supposed to start in universities this Autumn. We hope we can remove restrictions as soon as possible, but for time being it is quite regulated. That is a problem because Indians are the biggest work immigrant group in Norway outside the EU and those are very important in Norwegian high-tech industries. We have a highly competent workforce from India helping us develop our economy which we are very grateful. WION: What is the India Norway green cooperation and how is your country taking a lead on dealing with climate change? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: In spite of the pandemic, we have been able to enhance our cooperation with India. In October last year, we were able to hold a government meeting — joint commission digitally going through a huge area of the field of cooperation. The minister of external affairs summed it up in a very nice way: our partnership is green clean and human-centric. That brings us our priorities in that respect: ocean, climate, and energy. When it comes to energy, it is hydroelectric power, wind power, and the Norweigan investment fund for developing countries just invested 100 million dollars in rooftop solar in India. What we, in the embassy, are focusing on is hydrogen, since this is a very rapidly developing field that is very promising and Norway has a century-old tradition in the production and know-how. India has defined hydrogen as one of the areas that they will get priority to provide clean energy. For instance, Norwegian company Greenstat and India's Indian Oil are establishing center for excellence for Hydrogen and we are going to have an international climate summit linked to hydrogen in September organised by PHDCC. So, we have clear emphasis on green, clean and renewable energy. There is huge potential in that area and our priority number one is oceans. WION: India will host a maritime meet at the United Nations Security Council with PM Modi addressing it. Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We really appreciate that India took the initiative during its presidency to put emphasis on maritime security. So this is a theme that deserved to be discussed and we hope there will be a result which we can use as a building block to improve maritime security in all its aspects. In that process, we are discussing what we can do with MEA, the Ministry of shipping. We have not been on it security-wise as a direct economic part of it. The blue economy and we were able to have a task force on blue economy meet in June. We were actually able to further our projects on cooperating on integrated oceans management which means how you actually, wisely use your blue resources. We have been pushing when it comes to plastics and ship recycling for which India has a huge capacity and Norway has a huge fleet that needs to be recycled, and needs to be done in a sustainable and green manner. Research is an important part of cooperation — ocean and arctic research where we have very close relations. WION: How do you see the developments on Afghanistan? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: We are very concerned about the developments in Afghanistan. Norway has been engaged in Afghanistan for 20 years, diplomatically with development aid and militarily. We have been able to work consistently for a political and peaceful solution and we will continue to do that. In this respect, contact with India has been crucial. We faced difficulties. A number of developments happened that we don't have control over but we need to continue the dialogue and cooperation to push for a peaceful political solution in Afghanistan. WION: What is your government's view about China? Hans Jacob Frydenlund: Noway is a country far away from India and China. The big picture is that you have the growing importance of both China and India, the point of gravity in international politics is moving eastwards. This can be challenging with stronger and more assertive China and it can also create opportunities. To develop those opportunities, it is one of the reasons the Norweigan government in 2019 developed an India strategy because India is becoming more important for Norway. Since we need to actually relate more to India and that is my task, my mandate is to implement that strategy for improved relations and improved cooperation in areas I have mentioned —oceans, climate, energy — but also to rule of law, democracy. In this respect, our cooperation in security council is very important and we really appreciate it.

Norway's envoy Hans Jacob bats for strong ties with India; says focus on ocean, clean energy

A&nbsp;large&nbsp;meteor illuminated the night sky in&nbsp;Norway early on&nbsp;Sunday morning.&nbsp;At least some of it seems to have also come rumbling down near Oslo, the capital of the country.&nbsp;

Steinar Midtskogen, a spokesperson for Norwegian Meteor Network, told CNN, “The meteor lit up the sky for a brief time as if broad daylight just after 1 am.”&nbsp;

In an email, Midtskogen said,&nbsp;"A minute later or more a loud rumbling sound could be heard over a large area, perhaps up to 100 km away from where the meteor was seen straight overhead."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Remnants of bolid over Oslo (July 25, 2021, 01:09 CEST). Sound came more than 3 minutes later) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bolid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bolid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Norway?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Norway</a> <a href="https://t.co/qwzzTSdAqa">pic.twitter.com/qwzzTSdAqa</a>
— Tomas Mikoviny (@slowbrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/slowbrain/status/1419074936694509571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Some people, who were&nbsp;close to the meteor's path, also&nbsp;felt&nbsp;a shock wave, Midtskogen&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

"Doors and hatches were blown open and there were gusts of wind. No damage has been reported, though," Midtskogen said.&nbsp;

The meteor&nbsp;seems to have fallen&nbsp;at a&nbsp;distance&nbsp;of&nbsp;around&nbsp;24 km&nbsp;from&nbsp;Oslo,&nbsp;the&nbsp;expert said.&nbsp;

The spokesperson said as the&nbsp;meteors over Norway are not uncommon,&nbsp;the network has a number of cameras continuously monitoring the sky.&nbsp;

The meteor seems to have&nbsp;fallen in Lier as per&nbsp;preliminary analysis of videos from the cameras, he said.&nbsp;

A large meteor illuminated the night sky in Norway early on Sunday morning. At least some of it seems to have also come rumbling down near Oslo, the capital of the country.

A large meteor illuminated the night sky in Norway early on Sunday morning. At least some of it seems to have also come rumbling down near Oslo, the capital of the country. Steinar Midtskogen, a spokesperson for Norwegian Meteor Network, told CNN, “The meteor lit up the sky for a brief time as if broad daylight just after 1 am.” In an email, Midtskogen said, "A minute later or more a loud rumbling sound could be heard over a large area, perhaps up to 100 km away from where the meteor was seen straight overhead." Remnants of bolid over Oslo (July 25, 2021, 01:09 CEST). Sound came more than 3 minutes later) #meteor #bolid #Norway pic.twitter.com/qwzzTSdAqa — Tomas Mikoviny (@slowbrain) July 24, 2021 × Some people, who were close to the meteor's path, also felt a shock wave, Midtskogen added. "Doors and hatches were blown open and there were gusts of wind. No damage has been reported, though," Midtskogen said. The meteor seems to have fallen at a distance of around 24 km from Oslo, the expert said. The spokesperson said as the meteors over Norway are not uncommon, the network has a number of cameras continuously monitoring the sky. The meteor seems to have fallen in Lier as per preliminary analysis of videos from the cameras, he said.

Night sky gets illuminated by large meteor in Norway 

Church bells rang out across Norway on Thursday to mark 10 years since Anders Behring Breivik, a far right extremist, killed 77 people, most of them teenagers at a youth camp. 
 
In a solemn speech that capped a day of remembrance, King Harald said Norway must teach future generations about the events of July 22, 2011. 
 
Breivik, a white supremacist, who wanted to bring about a fascist revolution through violent means, detonated a car bomb outside the prime minister's office in Oslo, killing eight, before driving to Utoeya island and shooting 69 people at a Labour Party youth camp. 
 
"Certain dates are written into our country's story as defining days. Days, which in different ways, have contributed to making us who we are today," the king said at a televised memorial concert. 
 
The nation owed it to all those killed, to their relatives and to itself to pass on the lessons of July 22 to future generations, he added. 
 
"At the same time, we must acknowledge that we as a society have not done nearly enough to see, to help, to carry the burden together - and to counteract the dark forces." 
 
Events started outside what was once the prime minister`s office - now still an empty shell. People passing by beyond the secured perimeter stopped to listen and some hugged as the names of the victims were read out. 
 
"It hurts to think back to that dark day in July ten years ago. Today, we mourn together. Today, we remember the 77 that never came home," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said at that event. 
 
Breivik, 42, is serving a 21-year sentence, which can be prolonged indefinitely if he is deemed a continued threat to society. 
 
Debate over the attacks has shifted over the years. Survivors, many of whom were teenagers at the time, are now determined to confront the far-right ideology which was a catalyst for the attack. 
 
This is a departure from Norway's response at the time, which emphasised unity and consensus.

Church bells rang out across Norway on Thursday to mark 10 years since Anders Behring Breivik, a far right extremist, killed 77 people, most of them teenagers at a youth camp.

Church bells rang out across Norway on Thursday to mark 10 years since Anders Behring Breivik, a far right extremist, killed 77 people, most of them teenagers at a youth camp. In a solemn speech that capped a day of remembrance, King Harald said Norway must teach future generations about the events of July 22, 2011. Breivik, a white supremacist, who wanted to bring about a fascist revolution through violent means, detonated a car bomb outside the prime minister's office in Oslo, killing eight, before driving to Utoeya island and shooting 69 people at a Labour Party youth camp. "Certain dates are written into our country's story as defining days. Days, which in different ways, have contributed to making us who we are today," the king said at a televised memorial concert. The nation owed it to all those killed, to their relatives and to itself to pass on the lessons of July 22 to future generations, he added. "At the same time, we must acknowledge that we as a society have not done nearly enough to see, to help, to carry the burden together - and to counteract the dark forces." Events started outside what was once the prime minister`s office - now still an empty shell. People passing by beyond the secured perimeter stopped to listen and some hugged as the names of the victims were read out. "It hurts to think back to that dark day in July ten years ago. Today, we mourn together. Today, we remember the 77 that never came home," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said at that event. Breivik, 42, is serving a 21-year sentence, which can be prolonged indefinitely if he is deemed a continued threat to society. Debate over the attacks has shifted over the years. Survivors, many of whom were teenagers at the time, are now determined to confront the far-right ideology which was a catalyst for the attack. This is a departure from Norway's response at the time, which emphasised unity and consensus.

Bells toll in Norway to mark 10 years since neo-Nazi Breivik killed 77

Norway on Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of the worst massacre in its modern history, as church bells toll for the 77 people murdered by neo-Nazi Anders Behring Breivik.

The Scandinavian nation had been mostly spared from extremist violence until July 22, 2011, when Breivik set off a bomb in Oslo that killed eight people before going on a shooting spree at a summer camp for left-wing youths on the island of Utoya. &nbsp;

"I was 16 years old and I couldn't decide which funerals to go to because there were so many," said Astrid Eide Hoem, a survivor who has since become head of the Labour Party's youth league (AUF), which organised the camp.

"I had never lost anyone close to me before, but also now, being in my mid-20s, I think about what would have become of them, the job they might have had, the children..."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/colombia-is-home-to-20-of-all-butterfly-species-in-the-world-study-finds-393385">Also read |&nbsp;Colombia is home to 20% of all butterfly species in the world, study finds</a>

A morning memorial ceremony at the government headquarters, church masses and another ceremony on Utoya in the afternoon, will mark the anniversary. At noon (1000 GMT), church bells nationwide will ring.

Shortly after the attacks, the then-Labour Party prime minister and current NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg promised to respond with "more democracy" and "more humanity".

'Driving force'

But 10 years on, many of the survivors of Utoya feel that Norway still has not truly faced up to the ideology that drove Breivik.&nbsp;

"The far-right ideas that inspired the attack are still a driving force for right-wing extremists at home and abroad," the Norwegian intelligence service (PST) warned this week.

Breivik's actions had inspired several violent attacks over the past decade, the PST said, including those targeting mosques in New Zealand's&nbsp;Christchurch and Oslo.

On Tuesday, vandals scrawled "Breivik was right" on a memorial for Benjamin Hermansen, who was killed by neo-Nazis in 2001 in what was billed as Norway's "first racist crime".

Prime Minister Erna Solberg said she grew "sad and angry" when she heard of the vandalism.

In 2012, Breivik, then 42, was sentenced to 21 years in prison. His sentence can be extended indefinitely and the extremist will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.&nbsp;

A year earlier, Breivik had disguised himself as a police officer and planted the car bomb that shattered the government headquarters in Oslo and killed eight people.

He then made his way to Utoya, where he hunted down his 69 other victims, most of them teenagers.

For many of the survivors, the psychological trauma remains an open wound.&nbsp;

A third were still suffering last year from major disorders, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and headaches, a recent paper by the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies found.&nbsp;

"When you've been through something like this, you don't go back to being the person you were," Eide Hoem said.

"I have trouble sleeping, I'm afraid, and I think I'll have to live with this all my life," she added.&nbsp;

Elin L'Estrange, another survivor, told AFP: "If someone today tells me that they want me dead, I take it very seriously."&nbsp;

Norway on Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of the worst massacre in its modern history, as church bells toll for the 77 people murdered by neo-Nazi Anders Behring Breivik.

Norway on Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of the worst massacre in its modern history, as church bells toll for the 77 people murdered by neo-Nazi Anders Behring Breivik. The Scandinavian nation had been mostly spared from extremist violence until July 22, 2011, when Breivik set off a bomb in Oslo that killed eight people before going on a shooting spree at a summer camp for left-wing youths on the island of Utoya. "I was 16 years old and I couldn't decide which funerals to go to because there were so many," said Astrid Eide Hoem, a survivor who has since become head of the Labour Party's youth league (AUF), which organised the camp. "I had never lost anyone close to me before, but also now, being in my mid-20s, I think about what would have become of them, the job they might have had, the children..." Also read | Colombia is home to 20% of all butterfly species in the world, study finds A morning memorial ceremony at the government headquarters, church masses and another ceremony on Utoya in the afternoon, will mark the anniversary. At noon (1000 GMT), church bells nationwide will ring. Shortly after the attacks, the then-Labour Party prime minister and current NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg promised to respond with "more democracy" and "more humanity". 'Driving force' But 10 years on, many of the survivors of Utoya feel that Norway still has not truly faced up to the ideology that drove Breivik. "The far-right ideas that inspired the attack are still a driving force for right-wing extremists at home and abroad," the Norwegian intelligence service (PST) warned this week. Breivik's actions had inspired several violent attacks over the past decade, the PST said, including those targeting mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch and Oslo. On Tuesday, vandals scrawled "Breivik was right" on a memorial for Benjamin Hermansen, who was killed by neo-Nazis in 2001 in what was billed as Norway's "first racist crime". Prime Minister Erna Solberg said she grew "sad and angry" when she heard of the vandalism. In 2012, Breivik, then 42, was sentenced to 21 years in prison. His sentence can be extended indefinitely and the extremist will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. A year earlier, Breivik had disguised himself as a police officer and planted the car bomb that shattered the government headquarters in Oslo and killed eight people. He then made his way to Utoya, where he hunted down his 69 other victims, most of them teenagers. For many of the survivors, the psychological trauma remains an open wound. A third were still suffering last year from major disorders, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and headaches, a recent paper by the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies found. "When you've been through something like this, you don't go back to being the person you were," Eide Hoem said. "I have trouble sleeping, I'm afraid, and I think I'll have to live with this all my life," she added. Elin L'Estrange, another survivor, told AFP: "If someone today tells me that they want me dead, I take it very seriously."

Norway marks 10 years since massacre by neo-Nazi

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The Utoya massacre: Norway marks decade since worst post-war attack

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-to-send-216000-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-doses-to-iceland-and-sweden-379409">Norway</a> on Monday decided to delay reopening efforts over fears of a "fourth wave" among the unvaccinated groups.

The government decided to push back the restrictions until the end of July and the beginning of August with the Delta variant affecting large parts of the population.

"There is a risk that the Delta variant will cause a fourth wave of infection in the unvaccinated part of the population, among those who have only received one dose or are in vulnerable groups," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-warns-europe-against-a-new-wave-of-covid-19-as-cases-rise-again-395249/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the government has eased the lockdown allowing people to attend outdoor and indoor events if they can provide negative COVID-19 test results and proof of vaccination.

According to Norwegian health officials, 37 per cent of adults have been fully vaccinated and two-thirds of the population has received the first dose.&nbsp;

The country has also allowed quarantine-free travel for several European countries including France and Italy. Last month the government allowed people to receive 20 guests at home with bars and restaurants&nbsp;allowed to remain open post-midnight.

The Norwegian prime minister had highlighted "uncertainty linked to mutations" while stating that the infection situation was "still unpredictable" in several parts of the world.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-is-far-from-over-pm-johnson-unveils-plan-to-ease-virus-curbs-in-england-396057">Britain</a> announced it was set to remove all restrictions from July 19 with British PM Johnson asserting that majority of those&nbsp;hospitalised&nbsp;recently were people who weren't vaccinated.

Norway has so far recorded 130,000 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic took hold last year along with 790 fatalities.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Norway on Monday decided to delay reopening efforts over fears of a "fourth wave" among the unvaccinated groups. The government decided to push back the restrictions until the end of July and the beginning of August with the Delta variant affecting large parts of the population.

Norway on Monday decided to delay reopening efforts over fears of a "fourth wave" among the unvaccinated groups. The government decided to push back the restrictions until the end of July and the beginning of August with the Delta variant affecting large parts of the population. "There is a risk that the Delta variant will cause a fourth wave of infection in the unvaccinated part of the population, among those who have only received one dose or are in vulnerable groups," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said. Watch: However, the government has eased the lockdown allowing people to attend outdoor and indoor events if they can provide negative COVID-19 test results and proof of vaccination. According to Norwegian health officials, 37 per cent of adults have been fully vaccinated and two-thirds of the population has received the first dose. The country has also allowed quarantine-free travel for several European countries including France and Italy. Last month the government allowed people to receive 20 guests at home with bars and restaurants allowed to remain open post-midnight. The Norwegian prime minister had highlighted "uncertainty linked to mutations" while stating that the infection situation was "still unpredictable" in several parts of the world. Meanwhile, Britain announced it was set to remove all restrictions from July 19 with British PM Johnson asserting that majority of those hospitalised recently were people who weren't vaccinated. Norway has so far recorded 130,000 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic took hold last year along with 790 fatalities. (With inputs from Agencies)

Norway delays reopening over 'fourth wave' fears

The Norwegian government has summoned a top US embassy official in Oslo in order to lodge an official protest against claims that Washington had spied on Norwegian and other European leaders.

Norway summons top US embassy official in Oslo over spying claims

Spying on allies ‘unacceptable,’ Norway tells US as Oslo

They haven't been allowed to have each other over to their homes for a year now because of Covid. So come rain or shine, two 73-year-old&nbsp;Swedish&nbsp;twins&nbsp;have met every Saturday, each on their side of the border, on a bridge that links Norway and Sweden.

Every week, Ola and Pontus Berglund each keep well behind a thin, yet impassable line on the ground, toting camping chairs, thermoses, sandwiches, and plenty of good cheer.

"We're not allowed to cross the border. I have to stay one metre (yard) away on my side and he has to stay back one metre on his side," Ola explains, the little Norwegian and&nbsp;Swedish&nbsp;flags they've attached to the bridge fluttering in the wind.

"So basically there has to be two metres between us," he says, pushing his chair back, suddenly aware that he is too close.

At his feet, painted on the road, is a simple white line, the words "Norge" and "Sverige" on either side.

The pandemic has put a halt to the identical&nbsp;twins' weekly visits to each other's homes.

Ola lives in Halden, in southeastern Norway, where he moved almost 40 years ago for love, while Pontus lives a half-hour drive away in the southwestern&nbsp;Swedish&nbsp;town of Stromstad.

Instead, they come together here, at a more or less respectful distance, on the old Svinesund bridge that straddles a fjord between the two countries.

They've celebrated their 72nd and 73rd birthdays this way on April 20.

"It's very strange but it's become a need, a pressing need, because we used to see each other every week and we wanted to continue that," says Pontus from the&nbsp;Swedish&nbsp;side.

"The pandemic hasn't stopped us from seeing each other and for us, that's a victory."

While the local restrictions have changed over the months as the virus situation has evolved, the border has remained closed.

The closure has angered Norwegians, many of whom own summer homes in Sweden, where life is cheaper, to such an extent that they sued the Norwegian state to get it to lift the mandatory quarantine required when they return home.

'A little party'&nbsp;

The few motorists who use the bridge usually smile or wave at the two grey-bearded gents sitting in their chairs.

Ola, a former nursing assistant who now spends his time making scenery for a theatre, and Pontus, an artist and amateur ornithologist, have become local celebrities, with some people driving up to five hours just to take their photograph.

"That's not very important to us. The important thing to us is to be able to get together and talk about whatever we want," says Ola, sporting a red bow tie "because it's May 1st".

From their privileged perch, the two have, on occasion, found themselves in the role of benevolent smugglers, like the day when they delivered a puppy born in Sweden to its new family in Norway.&nbsp;

That's their fondest memory, they say.

In more than a year, they've only missed their weekly rendezvous three times, because of stubborn police who wouldn't let them onto the bridge.

Otherwise, they've kept to their schedule through blizzards or heatwaves, simply dressing for the weather.

Before the vaccination rollout, many elderly reported feeling a sense of isolation during the pandemic, as a result of having to shield themselves from the virus.

"Each meeting has been a little party," says Pontus, who is divorced. "For me who lives alone, it's really important to see Ola. Without that I'd be depressed."&nbsp;

Does he miss hugging his brother?

"Yes," he says with a contagious laugh.

"So sometimes I hug myself -- since we're identical."&nbsp;

They haven't been allowed to have each other over to their homes for a year now because of Covid. So come rain or shine, two 73-year-old Swedish twins have met every Saturday, each on their side of the border, on a bridge that links Norway and Sweden.

They haven't been allowed to have each other over to their homes for a year now because of Covid. So come rain or shine, two 73-year-old Swedish twins have met every Saturday, each on their side of the border, on a bridge that links Norway and Sweden. Every week, Ola and Pontus Berglund each keep well behind a thin, yet impassable line on the ground, toting camping chairs, thermoses, sandwiches, and plenty of good cheer. "We're not allowed to cross the border. I have to stay one metre (yard) away on my side and he has to stay back one metre on his side," Ola explains, the little Norwegian and Swedish flags they've attached to the bridge fluttering in the wind. "So basically there has to be two metres between us," he says, pushing his chair back, suddenly aware that he is too close. At his feet, painted on the road, is a simple white line, the words "Norge" and "Sverige" on either side. The pandemic has put a halt to the identical twins' weekly visits to each other's homes. Ola lives in Halden, in southeastern Norway, where he moved almost 40 years ago for love, while Pontus lives a half-hour drive away in the southwestern Swedish town of Stromstad. Instead, they come together here, at a more or less respectful distance, on the old Svinesund bridge that straddles a fjord between the two countries. They've celebrated their 72nd and 73rd birthdays this way on April 20. "It's very strange but it's become a need, a pressing need, because we used to see each other every week and we wanted to continue that," says Pontus from the Swedish side. "The pandemic hasn't stopped us from seeing each other and for us, that's a victory." While the local restrictions have changed over the months as the virus situation has evolved, the border has remained closed. The closure has angered Norwegians, many of whom own summer homes in Sweden, where life is cheaper, to such an extent that they sued the Norwegian state to get it to lift the mandatory quarantine required when they return home. 'A little party' The few motorists who use the bridge usually smile or wave at the two grey-bearded gents sitting in their chairs. Ola, a former nursing assistant who now spends his time making scenery for a theatre, and Pontus, an artist and amateur ornithologist, have become local celebrities, with some people driving up to five hours just to take their photograph. "That's not very important to us. The important thing to us is to be able to get together and talk about whatever we want," says Ola, sporting a red bow tie "because it's May 1st". From their privileged perch, the two have, on occasion, found themselves in the role of benevolent smugglers, like the day when they delivered a puppy born in Sweden to its new family in Norway. That's their fondest memory, they say. In more than a year, they've only missed their weekly rendezvous three times, because of stubborn police who wouldn't let them onto the bridge. Otherwise, they've kept to their schedule through blizzards or heatwaves, simply dressing for the weather. Before the vaccination rollout, many elderly reported feeling a sense of isolation during the pandemic, as a result of having to shield themselves from the virus. "Each meeting has been a little party," says Pontus, who is divorced. "For me who lives alone, it's really important to see Ola. Without that I'd be depressed." Does he miss hugging his brother? "Yes," he says with a contagious laugh. "So sometimes I hug myself -- since we're identical."

Border divides, and unites, Swedish twins separated by Covid

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice.&nbsp;

"I'm happy that the vaccines we have in stock can be put to use even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in Norway," Health Minister Bent Hoie said in a statement.

The doses are currently stored in Norwegian fridges and have to be used before their expiry dates in June and July.

Sweden will receive 200,000 shots and Iceland 16,000 under the expectation they will return the favour at some point.

"If we do resume the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will get the doses back as soon as we ask," Hoie said. 
Like neighbouring Denmark, Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab on March 11 in order to examine rare but potentially severe side effects, including blood clots.

Five cases of severe thrombosis, including three fatal, were recorded in Norway. These individuals had received AstraZeneca jabs. The deaths were registered among relatively young people who were otherwise in good condition. One other person died of a brain haemorrhage.

On April 15, Norway's government ignored a recommendation from the Institute of Public Health to drop the AstraZeneca jab for good, saying it wanted more time to decide.

Oslo has therefore set up a committee of Norwegian and international experts tasked with studying all of the risks linked to the AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines, which is also suspected of causing blood clots. Both are both based on adenovirus vector technology.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice.

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice. "I'm happy that the vaccines we have in stock can be put to use even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in Norway," Health Minister Bent Hoie said in a statement. The doses are currently stored in Norwegian fridges and have to be used before their expiry dates in June and July. Sweden will receive 200,000 shots and Iceland 16,000 under the expectation they will return the favour at some point. "If we do resume the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will get the doses back as soon as we ask," Hoie said. Like neighbouring Denmark, Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab on March 11 in order to examine rare but potentially severe side effects, including blood clots. Five cases of severe thrombosis, including three fatal, were recorded in Norway. These individuals had received AstraZeneca jabs. The deaths were registered among relatively young people who were otherwise in good condition. One other person died of a brain haemorrhage. On April 15, Norway's government ignored a recommendation from the Institute of Public Health to drop the AstraZeneca jab for good, saying it wanted more time to decide. Oslo has therefore set up a committee of Norwegian and international experts tasked with studying all of the risks linked to the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, which is also suspected of causing blood clots. Both are both based on adenovirus vector technology. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway to send 216,000 AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses to Iceland and Sweden

Norway's main opposition Labour Party on Friday rejected a government plan to decriminalise the personal use of drugs in small quantities, saying the measure could incite young people to experiment with narcotics.

Under the centre-right coalition government's proposal submitted in February, both the possession and use of small quantities of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis, would no longer have been punishable under the criminal code, but users would still have had to seek help.

The ruling party however needed backing from the opposition in parliament in order for the bill to be approved.

Although the Labour Party is in principal in favour of doing away with penalties for heavy drug users, it is against decriminalising drug use for the wider population.

Proponents of the bill argued that criminal prosecution of drug users can be counterproductive as it deters those with abuse problems from seeking help, makes it more difficult for relatives to detect problems and stigmatises an already vulnerable demographic.

Although the bill was rejected on Friday, negotiations could still lead to a different text decriminalising heavy drug use being adopted.

Despite having one of the highest living standards in Europe, Norway — and other Nordic countries — have seen higher numbers of drug-related deaths per capita than the rest of Europe.

In recent years, 260 people have died annually from a drug overdose in Norway, according to a report published last year by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Norway's main opposition Labour Party on Friday rejected a government plan to decriminalise the personal use of drugs in small quantities, saying the measure could incite young people to experiment with narcotics.

Norway's main opposition Labour Party on Friday rejected a government plan to decriminalise the personal use of drugs in small quantities, saying the measure could incite young people to experiment with narcotics. Under the centre-right coalition government's proposal submitted in February, both the possession and use of small quantities of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis, would no longer have been punishable under the criminal code, but users would still have had to seek help. The ruling party however needed backing from the opposition in parliament in order for the bill to be approved. Although the Labour Party is in principal in favour of doing away with penalties for heavy drug users, it is against decriminalising drug use for the wider population. Proponents of the bill argued that criminal prosecution of drug users can be counterproductive as it deters those with abuse problems from seeking help, makes it more difficult for relatives to detect problems and stigmatises an already vulnerable demographic. Although the bill was rejected on Friday, negotiations could still lead to a different text decriminalising heavy drug use being adopted. Despite having one of the highest living standards in Europe, Norway — and other Nordic countries — have seen higher numbers of drug-related deaths per capita than the rest of Europe. In recent years, 260 people have died annually from a drug overdose in Norway, according to a report published last year by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Norway opposition torpedoes plan to decriminalise drug use

Brazil must demonstrate it can reduce the ongoing deforestation in the Amazon before Norway will resume payments in support of preserving the world`s largest rainforest, the Norwegian environment minister told Reuters. 
 
Norway worked closely with Brazil to protect the vulnerable ecosystem between 2008 and 2018, paying $1.2 billion into the Amazon Fund, which pays Brazil to prevent, monitor and combat deforestation. Oslo has by far been the biggest donor. 
 
But rainforest destruction has surged since Brazil`s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January 2019, weakening enforcement and calling for development of the Amazon, and also changing the fund`s governance. 
 
Still, Brazil earlier this month sought $1 billion in aid over a 12-month period from countries including the United States and Norway to help reduce deforestation by between 30% and 40%. 
 
Oslo, which in 2019 froze funds worth more than 5 billion Norwegian crowns ($585 million), said talks with Brazil were ongoing. 
 
"The conditions for a reopening and making these funds available is that deforestation decreases substantially and that agreement is reached regarding the governance structure of the Amazon Fund," Norway`s Minister of Climate and Environment Sveinung Rotevatn said. 
 
He also recently spoke with Brazil`s Minister of Environment Ricardo Salles. 
 
"I noted that he says he wants to strengthen the police efforts against illegal deforestation. These are measures that have had a great effect in the past, and which can also be decisive in the time to come," Rotevatn said. 
 
In addition to a rich biodiversity, tropical forests soak up heat-trapping carbon dioxide, making their preservation vital to the combat of man-made climate change. 
 
Deforestation in Brazil`s Amazon rainforest declined overall in the first quarter of 2021, preliminary data showed last week, but the measures are uncertain and experts also point to a concerning jump in destruction in March. 
 
Despite the freezing of funds, Norway is contributing a limited amount of some 50 million crowns for upholding the law in the Amazon under a previously launched project. 
 
"We stand ready to further support this work when we see reduced deforestation and a display of political will on the Brazilian side," Rotevatn said. 
 
Bolsonaro is among the 40 world leaders invited to US&nbsp;President Joe Biden`s April 22-23 summit on climate change.

Brazil must demonstrate it can reduce the ongoing deforestation in the Amazon before Norway will resume payments in support of preserving the world`s largest rainforest, the Norwegian environment minister told Reuters.

Brazil must demonstrate it can reduce the ongoing deforestation in the Amazon before Norway will resume payments in support of preserving the world`s largest rainforest, the Norwegian environment minister told Reuters. Norway worked closely with Brazil to protect the vulnerable ecosystem between 2008 and 2018, paying $1.2 billion into the Amazon Fund, which pays Brazil to prevent, monitor and combat deforestation. Oslo has by far been the biggest donor. But rainforest destruction has surged since Brazil`s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January 2019, weakening enforcement and calling for development of the Amazon, and also changing the fund`s governance. Still, Brazil earlier this month sought $1 billion in aid over a 12-month period from countries including the United States and Norway to help reduce deforestation by between 30% and 40%. Oslo, which in 2019 froze funds worth more than 5 billion Norwegian crowns ($585 million), said talks with Brazil were ongoing. "The conditions for a reopening and making these funds available is that deforestation decreases substantially and that agreement is reached regarding the governance structure of the Amazon Fund," Norway`s Minister of Climate and Environment Sveinung Rotevatn said. He also recently spoke with Brazil`s Minister of Environment Ricardo Salles. "I noted that he says he wants to strengthen the police efforts against illegal deforestation. These are measures that have had a great effect in the past, and which can also be decisive in the time to come," Rotevatn said. In addition to a rich biodiversity, tropical forests soak up heat-trapping carbon dioxide, making their preservation vital to the combat of man-made climate change. Deforestation in Brazil`s Amazon rainforest declined overall in the first quarter of 2021, preliminary data showed last week, but the measures are uncertain and experts also point to a concerning jump in destruction in March. Despite the freezing of funds, Norway is contributing a limited amount of some 50 million crowns for upholding the law in the Amazon under a previously launched project. "We stand ready to further support this work when we see reduced deforestation and a display of political will on the Brazilian side," Rotevatn said. Bolsonaro is among the 40 world leaders invited to US President Joe Biden`s April 22-23 summit on climate change.

Brazil must show Amazon protection is working, top donor Norway says

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg is being probed after reports emerged that she along with her family violated the coronavirus restrictions, police confirmed on Friday.&nbsp;

"Against the background of information that has surfaced through the press, together with the prime minister's own statements, police have decided to initiate an investigation tied to a potential breach of the infectious disease regulation," police in a statement said as reported by news agency AFP.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-probes-blood-clot-cases-after-astrazeneca-vaccine-suspension-370309">Norway probes blood clot cases after AstraZeneca vaccine suspension</a>

"The matter will then be evaluated by the prosecution authority in reference to a potential legal sanction," it added.&nbsp;

Solberg has agreed to her violations in a post after public broadcaster NRK reported on Thursday that the Norwegian prime minister with her family gathered in the ski resort town of Geilo for her 60th birthday on February 25.&nbsp;

"I am sorry that my family and I have broken the corona regulations, that should never have happened. We of course should have followed all the recommendations, as I have asked you to do," she wrote in the Facebook post.&nbsp;

"I understand those who get angry and disappointed over this. I have made a mistake and for that I want to say I'm sorry."

 
&nbsp;

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg is being probed after reports emerged that she along with her family violated the coronavirus restrictions, police confirmed on Friday.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg is being probed after reports emerged that she along with her family violated the coronavirus restrictions, police confirmed on Friday. "Against the background of information that has surfaced through the press, together with the prime minister's own statements, police have decided to initiate an investigation tied to a potential breach of the infectious disease regulation," police in a statement said as reported by news agency AFP. Also read | Norway probes blood clot cases after AstraZeneca vaccine suspension "The matter will then be evaluated by the prosecution authority in reference to a potential legal sanction," it added. Solberg has agreed to her violations in a post after public broadcaster NRK reported on Thursday that the Norwegian prime minister with her family gathered in the ski resort town of Geilo for her 60th birthday on February 25. "I am sorry that my family and I have broken the corona regulations, that should never have happened. We of course should have followed all the recommendations, as I have asked you to do," she wrote in the Facebook post. "I understand those who get angry and disappointed over this. I have made a mistake and for that I want to say I'm sorry."

Probe begins after Norwegian PM violates Covid-19 regulations for birthday celebrations

Norwegian health officials reported three more cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in younger people who received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab, but said they could not yet say they were vaccine-related.

The Norwegian Medicines Agency said similar incidents had been reported in other European countries.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation said no causal link had been established between the vaccine and blood clotting after Denmark, Norway and Iceland on Thursday temporarily suspended the use of the vaccine over concerns about patients developing post-jab blood clots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/excellent-vaccine-who-backs-use-of-astrazenecas-coronavirus-vaccine-369954">Also read |&nbsp;'Excellent vaccine': WHO backs use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine</a>

A number of other countries have also suspended use of vaccines from one batch. The manufacturer and Europe's medicines watchdog have meanwhile insisted that the vaccine is safe.

Denmark was first to announce its suspension, although it stressed that the move was precautionary, and that "it has not been determined, at the time being, that there is a link between the vaccine and the blood clots".

On Saturday, the Norwegian Medicines Agency said it had "received several adverse event reports about younger vaccinated people with bleeding under the skin (tiny dots and /or larger blue patches) after coronavirus vaccination.

"This is serious and can be a sign of reduced blood platelet counts," it added.

Geir Bukholm, director of Infection Control and Environmental Health at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health,&nbsp;said that following the decision to suspend the jab, it was now "the Norwegian Medicines Agency's role to follow up on these suspected side effects and take the necessary measures".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-allergy-side-effect-of-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-eu-drug-regulator-370029">Also read |&nbsp;Severe allergy side-effect of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine: EU drug regulator</a>

AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish company which developed the vaccine with Oxford University, has, on its part, defended the safety of its product.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;India will carry out a deeper review of post-vaccination side effects from the AstraZeneca shot next week although no cases of blood clots have been reported so far, an official told AFP Saturday.

"We are looking at all the adverse events, particularly serious adverse events like deaths and hospitalisation. We will come back if we find anything of concern," N.K. Arora, a member of India's national task force on Covid-19, told AFP.

India has given at least 28 million shots in its vast vaccination programme, most of them AstraZeneca's which are produced at the Serum Institute of India.

New Delhi has also gifted and allowed exports of millions of these jabs to around 70 countries over the last few weeks as a part of its vaccine diplomacy.

(with inputs from AFP)

Norwegian health officials reported three more cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in younger people who received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab, but said they could not yet say they were vaccine-related.

Norwegian health officials reported three more cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in younger people who received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab, but said they could not yet say they were vaccine-related. The Norwegian Medicines Agency said similar incidents had been reported in other European countries. The World Health Organisation said no causal link had been established between the vaccine and blood clotting after Denmark, Norway and Iceland on Thursday temporarily suspended the use of the vaccine over concerns about patients developing post-jab blood clots. Also read | 'Excellent vaccine': WHO backs use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine A number of other countries have also suspended use of vaccines from one batch. The manufacturer and Europe's medicines watchdog have meanwhile insisted that the vaccine is safe. Denmark was first to announce its suspension, although it stressed that the move was precautionary, and that "it has not been determined, at the time being, that there is a link between the vaccine and the blood clots". On Saturday, the Norwegian Medicines Agency said it had "received several adverse event reports about younger vaccinated people with bleeding under the skin (tiny dots and /or larger blue patches) after coronavirus vaccination. "This is serious and can be a sign of reduced blood platelet counts," it added. Geir Bukholm, director of Infection Control and Environmental Health at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, said that following the decision to suspend the jab, it was now "the Norwegian Medicines Agency's role to follow up on these suspected side effects and take the necessary measures". Also read | Severe allergy side-effect of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine: EU drug regulator AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish company which developed the vaccine with Oxford University, has, on its part, defended the safety of its product. Meanwhile, India will carry out a deeper review of post-vaccination side effects from the AstraZeneca shot next week although no cases of blood clots have been reported so far, an official told AFP Saturday. "We are looking at all the adverse events, particularly serious adverse events like deaths and hospitalisation. We will come back if we find anything of concern," N.K. Arora, a member of India's national task force on Covid-19, told AFP. India has given at least 28 million shots in its vast vaccination programme, most of them AstraZeneca's which are produced at the Serum Institute of India. New Delhi has also gifted and allowed exports of millions of these jabs to around 70 countries over the last few weeks as a part of its vaccine diplomacy. (with inputs from AFP)

Norway probes blood clot cases after AstraZeneca vaccine suspension

Norway's parliament has been hacked for the second time in just under six months. Government officials admitted that hackers have infiltrated the Norwegian Parliament’s computer systems and extracted data.

Norway's parliament hacked for second time

Norway has suspended the sale of a Norwegian engine maker owned by Rolls-Royce Holdings to a Russian-controlled company while it assesses the security implications for the country’s navy and the civilian sector.

Norway halts Rolls-Royce asset sale on security grounds

They have been living under strict confinement measures for months, but soon the second shot of a life-saving vaccine will let them go outside and get back to their normal lives.

While it sounds like a familiar story, in this case their normal lives involve sliding about on their bellies, frolicking in icy water and catching fish in their mouths.

Twenty-nine gentoo penguins at Norway's Bergen Aquarium have had a tarp stretched over their pen since early December after cases of a highly infectious bird flu strain, H5N8, were detected in the country.

"Because of this, the Food Health Authority introduced a curfew: all birds in captivity must be kept under a roof," aquarium director Aslak Sverdrup told AFP on Thursday.&nbsp;

But the end is in sight, with the arrival of bird flu vaccine doses.

The oldest and most fragile had their first shot on Wednesday, followed by the younger penguins on Thursday, the aquarium said.

Among the freshly immunised is "Erna", named for Prime Minister Erna Solberg who once had a summer job at the aquarium, a tourist attraction in the western city where she was born.

Once the second vaccine dose has been administered in a month's time, the birds will be able to see the sky again.

"The fact that penguins are being vaccinated now is pure coincidence, totally independent of the coronavirus, but it shows that vaccines are important, even more so today," Sverdrup said.

In the wild, gentoo penguins live on the other side of the Earth, in Antarctica.

None at the Bergen Aquarium caught the flu, and while the disease can be devastating for birds, transmission to humans is rare.

They have been living under strict confinement measures for months, but soon the second shot of a life-saving vaccine will let them go outside and get back to their normal lives.

They have been living under strict confinement measures for months, but soon the second shot of a life-saving vaccine will let them go outside and get back to their normal lives. While it sounds like a familiar story, in this case their normal lives involve sliding about on their bellies, frolicking in icy water and catching fish in their mouths. Twenty-nine gentoo penguins at Norway's Bergen Aquarium have had a tarp stretched over their pen since early December after cases of a highly infectious bird flu strain, H5N8, were detected in the country. "Because of this, the Food Health Authority introduced a curfew: all birds in captivity must be kept under a roof," aquarium director Aslak Sverdrup told AFP on Thursday. But the end is in sight, with the arrival of bird flu vaccine doses. The oldest and most fragile had their first shot on Wednesday, followed by the younger penguins on Thursday, the aquarium said. Among the freshly immunised is "Erna", named for Prime Minister Erna Solberg who once had a summer job at the aquarium, a tourist attraction in the western city where she was born. Once the second vaccine dose has been administered in a month's time, the birds will be able to see the sky again. "The fact that penguins are being vaccinated now is pure coincidence, totally independent of the coronavirus, but it shows that vaccines are important, even more so today," Sverdrup said. In the wild, gentoo penguins live on the other side of the Earth, in Antarctica. None at the Bergen Aquarium caught the flu, and while the disease can be devastating for birds, transmission to humans is rare.

Norway penguins get vaccinated, isolation nearly over

The people in Norway enjoy skiing, but the Coronavirus pandemic has canceled all skiing plans and if that was not enough climate change is also affected the winter. So the Norwegians recreated the path in a snowy park..

Norwegians find new recreation path in a snowy park

As US military is intensifying its focus on the strategically important Arctic region, President Joe Biden is deploying&nbsp;Air Force B-1 bombers to Norway to express to Russia's Vladimir Putin that America will defend allies if Russia shows aggression in the Arctic.

In a first-of-its-kind deployment for the huge, swing-wing bombers, four US Air Force B-1 bombers and approximately 200 personnel from Dyess Air Force in Texas are being deployed to Orland Air Base in Norway. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-slams-bidens-very-aggressive-rhetoric-361553">Also read | Kremlin slams Biden's 'very aggressive rhetoric'</a>

CNN reported that within three weeks, missions will begin in the Arctic Circle and in international airspace off of Russia's northwest coast. 
 
Watch |&nbsp;Days of the US 'rolling over' are gone: Biden warns China, Russia in first diplomatic speech

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/days-of-us-rolling-over-gone-biden-warns-china-russia-in-first-diplomatic-speech-361607/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Operational readiness and our ability to support allies and partners and respond with speed is critical to combined success,” Gen Jeff Harrigian, the commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, was quoted as saying in the statement. “We value the enduring partnership we have with Norway and look forward to future opportunities to bolster our collective defense.”

“While details of specific missions or numbers of events are not discussed as part of routine operational security standards, US Air Forces in Europe routinely host a variety of U.S. aircraft and units across the theater in support of USEUCOM objectives,” the statement read. 
 
B-1 Lancer squadron is a supersonic variable-sweep wing, heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. It is commonly called the "Bone" (from "B-One").[1] It is one of three strategic bombers in the US Air Force fleet as of 2020, the other two being the B-2 Spirit and the B-52 Stratofortress. 
 
Earlier on February 5, US President Joe Biden confronted China and Russia over authoritarianism and human rights abuses among other issues as he voiced out his foreign policy approach.

"American leadership must meet this new moment of advancing authoritarianism, including the growing ambitions of China to rival the United States and the determination of Russia to damage and disrupt our democracy. We must meet the new moment ... accelerating global challenges from the pandemic to the climate crisis to nuclear proliferation," the US president had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As US military is intensifying its focus on the strategically important Arctic region, President Joe Biden is deploying Air Force B-1 bombers to Norway to express to Russia's Vladimir Putin that America will defend allies if Russia shows aggression in the Arctic.

As US military is intensifying its focus on the strategically important Arctic region, President Joe Biden is deploying Air Force B-1 bombers to Norway to express to Russia's Vladimir Putin that America will defend allies if Russia shows aggression in the Arctic. In a first-of-its-kind deployment for the huge, swing-wing bombers, four US Air Force B-1 bombers and approximately 200 personnel from Dyess Air Force in Texas are being deployed to Orland Air Base in Norway. Also read | Kremlin slams Biden's 'very aggressive rhetoric' CNN reported that within three weeks, missions will begin in the Arctic Circle and in international airspace off of Russia's northwest coast. Watch | Days of the US 'rolling over' are gone: Biden warns China, Russia in first diplomatic speech “Operational readiness and our ability to support allies and partners and respond with speed is critical to combined success,” Gen Jeff Harrigian, the commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, was quoted as saying in the statement. “We value the enduring partnership we have with Norway and look forward to future opportunities to bolster our collective defense.” “While details of specific missions or numbers of events are not discussed as part of routine operational security standards, US Air Forces in Europe routinely host a variety of U.S. aircraft and units across the theater in support of USEUCOM objectives,” the statement read. B-1 Lancer squadron is a supersonic variable-sweep wing, heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. It is commonly called the "Bone" (from "B-One").[1] It is one of three strategic bombers in the US Air Force fleet as of 2020, the other two being the B-2 Spirit and the B-52 Stratofortress. Earlier on February 5, US President Joe Biden confronted China and Russia over authoritarianism and human rights abuses among other issues as he voiced out his foreign policy approach. "American leadership must meet this new moment of advancing authoritarianism, including the growing ambitions of China to rival the United States and the determination of Russia to damage and disrupt our democracy. We must meet the new moment ... accelerating global challenges from the pandemic to the climate crisis to nuclear proliferation," the US president had said. (With inputs from agencies)

In message to Vladimir Putin, Biden deploys B-1 bombers to Norway

In the recently released Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Democracy Index report, Norway has taken the top spot, while Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada have made it to the top five.&nbsp;

The report, which is titled "Democracy in sickness and in health?", looks to provide a snapshot of the current state of democracy worldwide for 167 countries.&nbsp;

Out of 167 countries, the Democracy Index has classified 23 countries as full democracies, 52 as flawed democracies, 35 as hybrid regimes and 57 as authoritarian regimes.&nbsp;

In 2020 Democracy Index's global ranking, India is ranked (53) higher than most of its neighbouring countries. Among India's neighbours, Sri Lanka, at 68th rank, has been classified as a flawed democracy, Bangladesh (76), Bhutan (84) and Pakistan (105) have been classified in the 'hybrid regime' category. Afghanistan has been ranked 139th and classified as an 'authoritarian regime' in the index.&nbsp;

The EIU report looks at the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on freedom and democracy around the world.&nbsp;

The Asia and Australasia region includes top-scoring New Zealand, which retained its fourth position in the global ranking (out of 167 countries), and persistent laggard North Korea at the bottom of the global ranking in 167th place, the EIU said in a statement.&nbsp;

The region’s overall score fell in 2020, but it now has five “full democracies” with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan moving up the rankings compared with 2019.&nbsp;

Australia retains its “full democracy” status and high ranking (9th).&nbsp;

Despite these upgrades, Asia’s average regional score deteriorated to its lowest level since 2013 as official measures taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic led to some of the most severe constraints on individual freedoms and civil liberties in the world, the EIU said.&nbsp;

China, Singapore and others went much further than the rest of the world in tracking and policing their citizens and locking them down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it said.&nbsp;

By contrast, European governments were slow to act, some health systems came close to collapse and public trust in government declined, Hoey added.&nbsp;

The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) is the world's leading resource for economic and business research, forecasting and analysis, a statement said.&nbsp;

In the recently released Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Democracy Index report, Norway has taken the top spot, while Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada have made it to the top five.

In the recently released Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Democracy Index report, Norway has taken the top spot, while Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada have made it to the top five. The report, which is titled "Democracy in sickness and in health?", looks to provide a snapshot of the current state of democracy worldwide for 167 countries. Out of 167 countries, the Democracy Index has classified 23 countries as full democracies, 52 as flawed democracies, 35 as hybrid regimes and 57 as authoritarian regimes. In 2020 Democracy Index's global ranking, India is ranked (53) higher than most of its neighbouring countries. Among India's neighbours, Sri Lanka, at 68th rank, has been classified as a flawed democracy, Bangladesh (76), Bhutan (84) and Pakistan (105) have been classified in the 'hybrid regime' category. Afghanistan has been ranked 139th and classified as an 'authoritarian regime' in the index. The EIU report looks at the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on freedom and democracy around the world. The Asia and Australasia region includes top-scoring New Zealand, which retained its fourth position in the global ranking (out of 167 countries), and persistent laggard North Korea at the bottom of the global ranking in 167th place, the EIU said in a statement. The region’s overall score fell in 2020, but it now has five “full democracies” with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan moving up the rankings compared with 2019. Australia retains its “full democracy” status and high ranking (9th). Despite these upgrades, Asia’s average regional score deteriorated to its lowest level since 2013 as official measures taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic led to some of the most severe constraints on individual freedoms and civil liberties in the world, the EIU said. China, Singapore and others went much further than the rest of the world in tracking and policing their citizens and locking them down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it said. By contrast, European governments were slow to act, some health systems came close to collapse and public trust in government declined, Hoey added. The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) is the world's leading resource for economic and business research, forecasting and analysis, a statement said.

Norway tops EIU's Democracy Index, Pakistan takes 105th spot

Smartphone dating app Grindr faces a record 100-million-kroner (9.6-million-euro) fine in Norway for illegally sharing user data with third parties, the Norwegian Data Protection Authority said on Tuesday.

Grindr, which claims to be "the world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people", is accused of sharing its users' GPS coordinates, user profile data and the fact that the user is on Grindr, for marketing purposes.

"Our preliminary conclusion is that Grindr has shared user data to a number of third parties without legal basis," Data Protection Authority director general Bjorn Erik Thon said in a statement.

According to the authority, this violates the European Union's GDPR, or data protection rules, on valid consent that were introduced in May 2018.

The authority therefore decided to notify Grindr that it will be fined around 10 percent of its global turnover, or about $10 million, an unprecedented fine in the Nordic country.

The Norwegian Consumer Council, which had filed the initial legal complaint against Grindr, hailed the announcement as a "historic victory for privacy."

Grindr has until February 15 to challenge the decision.

The wrongdoing it is accused of took place before April 2020, when the app changed its user consent terms.

In January 2020, the Norwegian Consumer Council filed legal complaints against Grindr and five other apps, including Twitter-controlled MoPub, for violating personal data protection rules.

The other complaints are still being examined, the Data Protection Authority said.

Smartphone dating app Grindr faces a record 100-million-kroner (9.6-million-euro) fine in Norway for illegally sharing user data with third parties, the Norwegian Data Protection Authority said on Tuesday.

Smartphone dating app Grindr faces a record 100-million-kroner (9.6-million-euro) fine in Norway for illegally sharing user data with third parties, the Norwegian Data Protection Authority said on Tuesday. Grindr, which claims to be "the world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people", is accused of sharing its users' GPS coordinates, user profile data and the fact that the user is on Grindr, for marketing purposes. "Our preliminary conclusion is that Grindr has shared user data to a number of third parties without legal basis," Data Protection Authority director general Bjorn Erik Thon said in a statement. According to the authority, this violates the European Union's GDPR, or data protection rules, on valid consent that were introduced in May 2018. The authority therefore decided to notify Grindr that it will be fined around 10 percent of its global turnover, or about $10 million, an unprecedented fine in the Nordic country. The Norwegian Consumer Council, which had filed the initial legal complaint against Grindr, hailed the announcement as a "historic victory for privacy." Grindr has until February 15 to challenge the decision. The wrongdoing it is accused of took place before April 2020, when the app changed its user consent terms. In January 2020, the Norwegian Consumer Council filed legal complaints against Grindr and five other apps, including Twitter-controlled MoPub, for violating personal data protection rules. The other complaints are still being examined, the Data Protection Authority said.

Grindr faces USD 10mn fine in Norway for illegal data sharing

Norway on Monday said that there had no link between Pfizer-BioNTech's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccine </a>and post-vaccination deaths in the country.

According to the data, from the time Norway began its vaccination campaign at the end of December, the country has seen 33 deaths among elderly population who have received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/29-dead-in-norway-after-covid-19-vaccination-heres-the-report-357432/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Camilla Stoltenberg, the director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Camilla Stoltenberg told reporters that of the 13 cases analysed so far, the causes of the people who died were "advanced age", "serious illnesses" and frailty.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-108-year-old-woman-receives-coronavirus-vaccine-357575">Italy: 108-year-old woman receives coronavirus vaccine</a>

"It is important to remember that on average about 45 people die every day at nursing homes in Norway, so it's not given that this represents any excess mortality or that they are related to the vaccines," Stoltenberg, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

However, Norway has asked doctors to consider individually whether patients who are frail or terminally ill should receive the vaccine or not as is done in other nations.&nbsp;

"It's not impossible that some of those who have gotten the vaccine are so frail that maybe you should have reconsidered and not given them the vaccine, because they are so sick that they might have become worse from the normal side effects as the body reacts and builds up immunity," she said.&nbsp;

Last week, the Norwegian Medicines Agency said that normal side effects from messenger RNA vaccines, which includes fever and nausea "may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients".&nbsp;

Several countries, including Norway's neighbours, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland have reported deaths after receiving jabs but no direct links have been established yet.&nbsp;

On Monday Pfizer and BioNTech told AFP they were "working with the Norwegian Medicines Agency to gather all the relevant information". 
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Norway on Monday said that there had no link between Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine and post-vaccination deaths in the country. According to the data, from the time Norway began its vaccination campaign at the end of December, the country has seen 33 deaths among elderly population who have received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

Norway on Monday said that there had no link between Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine and post-vaccination deaths in the country. According to the data, from the time Norway began its vaccination campaign at the end of December, the country has seen 33 deaths among elderly population who have received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. Watch | Camilla Stoltenberg, the director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Camilla Stoltenberg told reporters that of the 13 cases analysed so far, the causes of the people who died were "advanced age", "serious illnesses" and frailty. Also read | Italy: 108-year-old woman receives coronavirus vaccine "It is important to remember that on average about 45 people die every day at nursing homes in Norway, so it's not given that this represents any excess mortality or that they are related to the vaccines," Stoltenberg, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. However, Norway has asked doctors to consider individually whether patients who are frail or terminally ill should receive the vaccine or not as is done in other nations. "It's not impossible that some of those who have gotten the vaccine are so frail that maybe you should have reconsidered and not given them the vaccine, because they are so sick that they might have become worse from the normal side effects as the body reacts and builds up immunity," she said. Last week, the Norwegian Medicines Agency said that normal side effects from messenger RNA vaccines, which includes fever and nausea "may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients". Several countries, including Norway's neighbours, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland have reported deaths after receiving jabs but no direct links have been established yet. On Monday Pfizer and BioNTech told AFP they were "working with the Norwegian Medicines Agency to gather all the relevant information".

No link between Covid-19 vaccine and post-inoculation deaths: Norway

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