Last week, 29 people died after being administered Pfizer-BioNtech coronavirus vaccine in Norway. Following the incident, the Australian Health Minister has demanded detailed information of the incident on an urgent basis.

Greg Hunt, the Australian minister, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration will ask for "additional information, both from the company, but also from the Norwegian medical regulator".

This statement came after a local Australian media house reported that the Norwegian Medicines Agency (NOMA) has claimed that there is a possibility the deaths could have been caused due to side effects of the vaccination, which can include fever and nausea.

However, it also added that since Norway has been vaccinating the elderly with underlying diseases, it may also have been a huge factor. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/29-dead-in-norway-after-covid-19-vaccination-heres-the-report-357432">WATCH|</a>

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"Therefore it is expected that deaths close to the time of vaccination may occur," the agency said in a statement.

After the deaths, the Norwegian authorities had warned the world against vaccinating the elderly and critically ill population.

Pfizer, on the other hand, has claimed there were no concerns raised in their private investigation of the matter.&nbsp;

"Overall, there were no safety signals of concern identified in our clinical trials, including no signal of serious allergic reactions associated with the vaccine," the pharmaceutical company said in a statement.

As of now, Australia has agreed to buy 10 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Last week, 29 people died after being administered Pfizer-BioNtech coronavirus vaccine in Norway. Following the incident, the Australian Health Minister has demanded detailed information of the incident on an urgent basis.

Last week, 29 people died after being administered Pfizer-BioNtech coronavirus vaccine in Norway. Following the incident, the Australian Health Minister has demanded detailed information of the incident on an urgent basis. Greg Hunt, the Australian minister, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration will ask for "additional information, both from the company, but also from the Norwegian medical regulator". This statement came after a local Australian media house reported that the Norwegian Medicines Agency (NOMA) has claimed that there is a possibility the deaths could have been caused due to side effects of the vaccination, which can include fever and nausea. However, it also added that since Norway has been vaccinating the elderly with underlying diseases, it may also have been a huge factor. WATCH| "Therefore it is expected that deaths close to the time of vaccination may occur," the agency said in a statement. After the deaths, the Norwegian authorities had warned the world against vaccinating the elderly and critically ill population. Pfizer, on the other hand, has claimed there were no concerns raised in their private investigation of the matter. "Overall, there were no safety signals of concern identified in our clinical trials, including no signal of serious allergic reactions associated with the vaccine," the pharmaceutical company said in a statement. As of now, Australia has agreed to buy 10 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Norway: Australia demands information after 29 die following COVID-19 vaccine

After the news broke that 29 elderly patients died in Norway following their immunization with the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine against Covid-19.

29 dead in Norway after COVID-19 vaccination, Here's the report

Norway has issued a tale of caution for the old and terminally ill people who are being administered the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> coronavirus </a>vaccine after 23 people died in the countries shortly after receiving a jab of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a>.

"For those with the most severe frailty, even relatively mild vaccine side effects can have serious consequences,"&nbsp;Norwegian Institute of Public Health cautioned. "For those who have a very short remaining life span anyway, the benefit of the vaccine may be marginal or irrelevant."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-investigating-death-of-two-people-who-received-pfizers-coronavirus-vaccine-354716">Norway investigating death of two people who received Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine</a>

Out of the 23 deaths,&nbsp;13 have been autopsied in which it was revealed that common side effects may have contributed to reactions in&nbsp;vulnerable and elderly people,&nbsp;Norwegian Medicines Agency reported.

The warning, the&nbsp;Norwegian officials said, does not mean that the elderly or the younger generation should avoid getting vaccinated. It is just to voice concern and issue a sound of warning for the ill and vulnerable people to exercise caution while getting vaccinated against the deadly virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-ceo-not-certain-if-coronavirus-vaccine-will-prevent-transmission-347495">Pfizer CEO 'not certain' if coronavirus vaccine will prevent transmission</a>

In the initial investigations it was revealed that almost&nbsp;three-quarters of the affected people were above the age of 80, the regulator claimed in its report.

Vaccine manufacturers, FPfizer-BioNtech, are working with the&nbsp;Norwegian regulator to investigate the deaths and has claimed that "the number of incidents so far is not alarming, and in line with expectations".

As of now, Norway has administered the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine to nearly&nbsp;33,000 people, with priority given to vulnerable, elderly and healthcare workers. Till now, majority people have been administered with the Pfizer vaccine, and a few others with Moderna's similar dose.

Norway has issued a tale of caution for the old and terminally ill people who are being administered the coronavirus vaccine after 23 people died in the countries shortly after receiving a jab of the vaccine.

Norway has issued a tale of caution for the old and terminally ill people who are being administered the coronavirus vaccine after 23 people died in the countries shortly after receiving a jab of the vaccine. "For those with the most severe frailty, even relatively mild vaccine side effects can have serious consequences," Norwegian Institute of Public Health cautioned. "For those who have a very short remaining life span anyway, the benefit of the vaccine may be marginal or irrelevant." Also read| Norway investigating death of two people who received Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine Out of the 23 deaths, 13 have been autopsied in which it was revealed that common side effects may have contributed to reactions in vulnerable and elderly people, Norwegian Medicines Agency reported. The warning, the Norwegian officials said, does not mean that the elderly or the younger generation should avoid getting vaccinated. It is just to voice concern and issue a sound of warning for the ill and vulnerable people to exercise caution while getting vaccinated against the deadly virus. Also read: Pfizer CEO 'not certain' if coronavirus vaccine will prevent transmission In the initial investigations it was revealed that almost three-quarters of the affected people were above the age of 80, the regulator claimed in its report. Vaccine manufacturers, FPfizer-BioNtech, are working with the Norwegian regulator to investigate the deaths and has claimed that "the number of incidents so far is not alarming, and in line with expectations". As of now, Norway has administered the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine to nearly 33,000 people, with priority given to vulnerable, elderly and healthcare workers. Till now, majority people have been administered with the Pfizer vaccine, and a few others with Moderna's similar dose.

Norway: 23 people die after taking coronavirus vaccine; caution raised

The sale of electric cars in Norway overtook those powered by petrol, diesel and hybrid engines last year, with German auto-maker Volkswagen replacing Tesla as the top battery-vehicle producer, new data showed on Tuesday.

Electric cars rise to record 54% market share in Norway in 2020

Norwegian rescue workers gave up hope on Tuesday of finding more survivors from a Dec. 30 landslide that swept away a dozen buildings but vowed to continue the search for three people who are still missing.

Seven men, women and children have so far been found dead after a landslide struck a residential area in the municipality of Gjerdrum, some 30 km (19 miles) north of the capital, Oslo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/death-count-rises-to-7-in-norway-landslide-horror-354412">WATCH|</a>

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"While we no longer have hope of finding survivors, we`re not ending the search," police chief Ida Melbo Oeystese told a news conference.

Police and other rescue workers used dogs, drones and helicopters, including heat-seeking equipment, to search for survivors in the debris.

The landslide and the rescue effort have gripped the Nordic nation of 5.4 million, but with temperatures well below freezing, the hope of finding anyone alive had rapidly faded.

Norwegian rescue workers gave up hope on Tuesday of finding more survivors from a Dec. 30 landslide that swept away a dozen buildings but vowed to continue the search for three people who are still missing.

Norwegian rescue workers gave up hope on Tuesday of finding more survivors from a Dec. 30 landslide that swept away a dozen buildings but vowed to continue the search for three people who are still missing. Seven men, women and children have so far been found dead after a landslide struck a residential area in the municipality of Gjerdrum, some 30 km (19 miles) north of the capital, Oslo. WATCH| × "While we no longer have hope of finding survivors, we`re not ending the search," police chief Ida Melbo Oeystese told a news conference. Police and other rescue workers used dogs, drones and helicopters, including heat-seeking equipment, to search for survivors in the debris. The landslide and the rescue effort have gripped the Nordic nation of 5.4 million, but with temperatures well below freezing, the hope of finding anyone alive had rapidly faded.

Missing people presumed dead after Norway landslide, police chief says

Norway will impose fresh restrictions to prevent a resurgence in the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Sunday, including a nationwide ban on serving alcohol in restaurants and bars and not inviting guests home.

The Nordic country has seen a rise in cases over the past month and now estimates that one sick person infects 1.3 person on average, authorities have said.

"We see more signs of a new wave of infections," Solberg told a news conference, citing Christmas and New Year`s Eve celebrations and the emergence of the more contagious variant of the virus first identified in Britain among the reasons.

So in order not to have an epidemic that is "out of control", Norwegians must suspend their social lives for the next two weeks, Solberg said

Already on Saturday, the government said lectures at universities would be suspended until Jan. 18, with the government asking students to stay home and not return to their campuses during that time.

And on Thursday, Oslo imposed mandatory COVID-19 tests for all people arriving in Norway upon arrival or within 24 hours to stop the spread of the coronavirus variant detected first in Britain.

Small border crossings have been shut as they do not have capacity to have COVID-19 test centres and more military personnel will man the border with Finland in the Arctic.

Norway`s 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was at 113.6 in the week Dec. 21-27, the fourth lowest in Europe behind Iceland, Greece and Finland, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has said.

Norway will impose fresh restrictions to prevent a resurgence in the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Sunday, including a nationwide ban on serving alcohol in restaurants and bars and not inviting guests home.

Norway will impose fresh restrictions to prevent a resurgence in the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Sunday, including a nationwide ban on serving alcohol in restaurants and bars and not inviting guests home. The Nordic country has seen a rise in cases over the past month and now estimates that one sick person infects 1.3 person on average, authorities have said. "We see more signs of a new wave of infections," Solberg told a news conference, citing Christmas and New Year`s Eve celebrations and the emergence of the more contagious variant of the virus first identified in Britain among the reasons. So in order not to have an epidemic that is "out of control", Norwegians must suspend their social lives for the next two weeks, Solberg said Already on Saturday, the government said lectures at universities would be suspended until Jan. 18, with the government asking students to stay home and not return to their campuses during that time. And on Thursday, Oslo imposed mandatory COVID-19 tests for all people arriving in Norway upon arrival or within 24 hours to stop the spread of the coronavirus variant detected first in Britain. Small border crossings have been shut as they do not have capacity to have COVID-19 test centres and more military personnel will man the border with Finland in the Arctic. Norway`s 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was at 113.6 in the week Dec. 21-27, the fourth lowest in Europe behind Iceland, Greece and Finland, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has said.

Norway imposes new restrictions to prevent new wave, says PM

About a thousand people have had to be evacuated from Gjerdrum, which has a population of 5,000, because of fears for the safety of their homes.

Death count rises to 7 in Norway landslide horror

Rescue workers have uncovered a seventh body from a landslide that buried homes in a village near Norway's capital, police said Sunday, with a two-year-old girl and her father among the dead.

The tragedy occurred early on Wednesday when houses were destroyed and shifted hundreds of metres under a torrent of mud in the village of Ask, 25 kilometres (15 miles) northeast of Oslo.

Police spokesman Bjorn Christian Willersrud told journalists they hoped to find more survivors in the landslide zone. "It is still a rescue operation until we decide otherwise," he said.

Earlier Sunday, the head of the rescue operation, Goran Syversen, told reporters: "We are working hard in the depression created by the landslide.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourth-dead-body-found-in-rubbles-after-norways-deadly-landslide-354150">Fourth dead body found in rubbles after Norway's deadly landslide</a>

"We have five teams working at the same time. They are doing very difficult work which is not without risk. Nevertheless, we are making good progress."

Police said the latest body was found near where two others had been recovered, but gave no further details. The teams, backed up by sniffer dogs, helicopters and drones, have now found three bodies on Sunday, one on Saturday and three on Friday.

Local residents left candles near the site of the tragedy.

Five of the recovered victims have been identified, including a woman in her fifties and her 29-year-old son, and a 40-year-old man and his two-year-old daughter.

The first victim to be recovered, on January 1, was a 31-year-old man.

Earlier police published the names of all 10 people, including the two-year-old and a 13-year-old, who went missing on Wednesday.

Ten people were also injured in the landslide, including one seriously who was transferred to Oslo for treatment.

About 1,000 people of the town's population of 5,000 have been evacuated, because of fears for the safety of their homes as the land continues to move.

"It is a completely surreal and terrible situation," one of the evacuees, Olav Gjerdingen, told AFP.

Royal visit

The rescuers received a visit Sunday from King Harald, his wife Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, who lit candles for the victims in a local church.

"I'm having trouble finding something to say, because it's absolutely horrible," the king said after the visit.

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"This terrible event impacts us all. I sympathise with you who are beginning the new year with sadness and uncertainty," he said in a televised statement.

The authorities have banned all aircraft from the disaster area until 3 pm Monday as they conduct aerial searches.

The teams, who are also seeking to rescue family pets, were digging channels in the ground to evacuate casualties.

The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) said the disaster was a "quick clay slide" of approximately 300 by 800 metres (yards).

Quick clay is a sort of clay found in Norway and Sweden that can collapse and turn to fluid when overstressed.

On the recommendations of the NVE, the authorities decided to narrow the evacuation, allowing some local people to return to their homes.

Rescue workers have uncovered a seventh body from a landslide that buried homes in a village near Norway's capital, police said Sunday, with a two-year-old girl and her father among the dead.

Rescue workers have uncovered a seventh body from a landslide that buried homes in a village near Norway's capital, police said Sunday, with a two-year-old girl and her father among the dead. The tragedy occurred early on Wednesday when houses were destroyed and shifted hundreds of metres under a torrent of mud in the village of Ask, 25 kilometres (15 miles) northeast of Oslo. Police spokesman Bjorn Christian Willersrud told journalists they hoped to find more survivors in the landslide zone. "It is still a rescue operation until we decide otherwise," he said. Earlier Sunday, the head of the rescue operation, Goran Syversen, told reporters: "We are working hard in the depression created by the landslide. Also read| Fourth dead body found in rubbles after Norway's deadly landslide "We have five teams working at the same time. They are doing very difficult work which is not without risk. Nevertheless, we are making good progress." Police said the latest body was found near where two others had been recovered, but gave no further details. The teams, backed up by sniffer dogs, helicopters and drones, have now found three bodies on Sunday, one on Saturday and three on Friday. Local residents left candles near the site of the tragedy. Five of the recovered victims have been identified, including a woman in her fifties and her 29-year-old son, and a 40-year-old man and his two-year-old daughter. The first victim to be recovered, on January 1, was a 31-year-old man. Earlier police published the names of all 10 people, including the two-year-old and a 13-year-old, who went missing on Wednesday. Ten people were also injured in the landslide, including one seriously who was transferred to Oslo for treatment. About 1,000 people of the town's population of 5,000 have been evacuated, because of fears for the safety of their homes as the land continues to move. "It is a completely surreal and terrible situation," one of the evacuees, Olav Gjerdingen, told AFP. Royal visit The rescuers received a visit Sunday from King Harald, his wife Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, who lit candles for the victims in a local church. "I'm having trouble finding something to say, because it's absolutely horrible," the king said after the visit. WATCH| × "This terrible event impacts us all. I sympathise with you who are beginning the new year with sadness and uncertainty," he said in a televised statement. The authorities have banned all aircraft from the disaster area until 3 pm Monday as they conduct aerial searches. The teams, who are also seeking to rescue family pets, were digging channels in the ground to evacuate casualties. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) said the disaster was a "quick clay slide" of approximately 300 by 800 metres (yards). Quick clay is a sort of clay found in Norway and Sweden that can collapse and turn to fluid when overstressed. On the recommendations of the NVE, the authorities decided to narrow the evacuation, allowing some local people to return to their homes.

Seventh body found in Norway mudslide, three still missing

After days of extended search operations, rescue workers have found a fourth body after a huge ice landslide buried several homes in the residential area&nbsp;near Norway's capital.

A landslide struck the areas near Oslo on Wednesday morning, burying several houses under a thick layer of snow.

The fourth body was found in the same place as the earlier one. "We have made a new discovery of a dead person. It's in the same area as the third body," said police official Knut Hammer.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-landslide-injures-10-and-leaves-15-missing-353466">&nbsp;Norway Landslide Injures 10 and Leaves 15 Missing</a>

The first dead body was found on Friday and identified as 31-year-old Eirik Grønolen on Saturday. The other three dead bodies have not been identified yet.

Search and rescue operations are still underway as several other locals, including children, have been reported missing after the landslide.

The incident took place on Wednesday when a hillside collapsed, burying several houses under mud, cutting a few others in two parts and also displacing several others miles away from their original location.

A list of names of 10 people was also issued on Friday who have been found and are being treated for the non-life-threatening injuries. On Saturday, local police chief Ida Melbo Oystese also reported that authorities are hoping some people might have survived due to the pockets of air inside partially intact buildings.

Out of a population of nearly 5,000 people, nearly a thousand people were evacuated from the Gjerdrum municipality immediately after the landslide.

After days of extended search operations, rescue workers have found a fourth body after a huge ice landslide buried several homes in the residential area near Norway's capital.

After days of extended search operations, rescue workers have found a fourth body after a huge ice landslide buried several homes in the residential area near Norway's capital. A landslide struck the areas near Oslo on Wednesday morning, burying several houses under a thick layer of snow. The fourth body was found in the same place as the earlier one. "We have made a new discovery of a dead person. It's in the same area as the third body," said police official Knut Hammer. Also read| Norway Landslide Injures 10 and Leaves 15 Missing The first dead body was found on Friday and identified as 31-year-old Eirik Grønolen on Saturday. The other three dead bodies have not been identified yet. Search and rescue operations are still underway as several other locals, including children, have been reported missing after the landslide. The incident took place on Wednesday when a hillside collapsed, burying several houses under mud, cutting a few others in two parts and also displacing several others miles away from their original location. A list of names of 10 people was also issued on Friday who have been found and are being treated for the non-life-threatening injuries. On Saturday, local police chief Ida Melbo Oystese also reported that authorities are hoping some people might have survived due to the pockets of air inside partially intact buildings. Out of a population of nearly 5,000 people, nearly a thousand people were evacuated from the Gjerdrum municipality immediately after the landslide.

Fourth dead body found in rubbles after Norway's deadly landslide

Norway: Several missing after entire hillside collapsed

A landslide in a village about 30 miles northeast of Oslo, Norway, injured at least 10 people and left 15 missing Wednesday, according to local news media.

At least six people in the village of Ask were hospitalized and up to 200 were evacuated, the mayor said, according to Verdens Gang, a Norwegian newspaper. Rescuers were limited in how close they could get to the scene because the slide was ongoing as of Wednesday afternoon.

The landslide destroyed several homes, according to local police.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway, who was at the scene, said on Twitter Wednesday, “It hurts to see how the forces of nature have ravaged Gjerdrum,” the area that includes Ask. “My thoughts go to all those affected by the landslide. Now it is important that the emergency services get their job done.”

Norway’s military was assisting with the rescue operation, according to Dagbladet, a newspaper in Norway. Norwegian People’s Aid, a humanitarian organization, said it had sent nine ambulances and 40 crew members to assist with the operation.

Geir Fjellheim, the manager of Quality Hotel Olavsgaard, said about 300 people who had been evacuated from Ask were staying at the hotel. He said he had been told by police not to provide further details.

Landslides in Norway are relatively rare, but in June, a landslide in the northern part of the country swept at least eight buildings into the sea, causing significant damage but no injuries.

A landslide in a village about 30 miles northeast of Oslo, Norway, injured at least 10 people and left 15 missing Wednesday, according to local news media. At least six people in the village of Ask were hospitalized and up to 200 were evacuated, the mayor said, according to Verdens Gang, a Norwegian newspaper.

A landslide in a village about 30 miles northeast of Oslo, Norway, injured at least 10 people and left 15 missing Wednesday, according to local news media. At least six people in the village of Ask were hospitalized and up to 200 were evacuated, the mayor said, according to Verdens Gang, a Norwegian newspaper. Rescuers were limited in how close they could get to the scene because the slide was ongoing as of Wednesday afternoon. The landslide destroyed several homes, according to local police. Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway, who was at the scene, said on Twitter Wednesday, “It hurts to see how the forces of nature have ravaged Gjerdrum,” the area that includes Ask. “My thoughts go to all those affected by the landslide. Now it is important that the emergency services get their job done.” Norway’s military was assisting with the rescue operation, according to Dagbladet, a newspaper in Norway. Norwegian People’s Aid, a humanitarian organization, said it had sent nine ambulances and 40 crew members to assist with the operation. Geir Fjellheim, the manager of Quality Hotel Olavsgaard, said about 300 people who had been evacuated from Ask were staying at the hotel. He said he had been told by police not to provide further details. Landslides in Norway are relatively rare, but in June, a landslide in the northern part of the country swept at least eight buildings into the sea, causing significant damage but no injuries.

Norway Landslide Injures 10 and Leaves 15 Missing

Norway’s Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an effort, based on the country’s constitutional right to a clean environment, to invalidate licenses for new oil exploration in the Arctic, allowing drilling to continue and signaling to environmental groups that it would not interfere in climate politics.

In its decision, the court ruled 11-4 in favor of the state, a victory for Norway’s formidable oil industry. The court concluded that a set of oil drilling permits in the Arctic, given in 2016, were not in breach of either the Norwegian constitution’s right to a clean environment or the European Convention on Human Rights. The judges said that the right to a clean environment did not bar the government from drilling for offshore oil, and that Norway did not legally carry the responsibility for emissions stemming from oil it has exported.

If the environmental groups had won, then the ruling potentially could have upended petroleum policy in Norway, which has benefited from the oil industry while also setting ambitious climate change goals for itself. Scandinavia is already feeling the effects of climate change: In the last decade alone, warming has produced milder winters, and in a half century, the region’s climate is forecast to move toward that of northern France, experts say.

The four judges who dissented said on Tuesday that a procedural mistake had been made in granting approval, and that the government had failed to assess any potential climate emissions stemming from the oil that would be exported.

The case, which began last month, was the first climate-change litigation to be brought under the environmental provisions of Norway’s constitution, and was among the highest-profile cases in a series of climate-change lawsuits brought by activists in Europe and elsewhere.

The plaintiffs for the case, the activist groups Greenpeace and Nature and Youth Norway, argued that approving oil exploration violates human rights conventions because of its contributions to increased carbon emissions.

A major cause of climate change is the burning of oil and other fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide — a powerful greenhouse gas — into the atmosphere, where it acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and driving global warming.

In 2016, multiple companies were awarded licenses to conduct exploratory drilling in the South and South East Barents Sea, an area of about 77 acres on the Norwegian continental shelf where oil and gas fields have recently been built. Parliament approved opening the area for exploration three years earlier, despite arguments from environmental groups that the oil-exploration plans were not thoroughly researched before being approved.

“The Supreme Court fails today’s young people when they give politicians the power to take from us a secure future,” Therese Hugstmyr Woie, a leader of Nature and Youth, said in a statement. “Now I expect Norwegian youth to set a record in turnout in September (it is election year) and that all adults with a touch of conscience think about climate and the environment in parliamentary elections.”

Frode Pleym, the head of Greenpeace Norway, also said in a statement it was “scary and absurd” that the right to a clean environment could not be used to stop harming Norway’s environment. “The majority in the Supreme Court has totally failed to show its independence from state administration and skips over the fact that researchers say that the climate can no longer tolerate oil,” Pleym said.

The ruling was cause for the Norwegian oil industry to celebrate, said Hans Petter Graver, a professor of law at the University of Oslo.

The decision, he said, rejected “the possibility of using specific cases as an instrument to attack the Norwegian climate policy.” The court ruled that “the effects of global warming are only relevant to the extent that they affect Norway,” he added, excluding the effects of oil exports from consideration.

“This means that Norway can continue building its wealth on oil and gas undisturbed by Norwegian courts,” he said. Graver previously predicted that a victory for the environmental groups could force Norway to phase out activities like oil exploration, which is a cornerstone of its economy.

In all, between 2015 and May 2020, 36 rights-based lawsuits have been brought against states for human rights violations related to climate change, according to the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment.

Jorn Oyrehagen Sunde, a professor of public and international law at the University of Oslo, said that in the wake of the ruling, it would be difficult for groups to raise similar challenges because Norway’s court had narrowed the scope of the constitutional rule protecting environment and climate.

Environmental groups have no more options in the Norwegian legal system, Sunde said, adding the obvious route would be to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, where young activists have already filed a similar suit against 33 countries.

“The court has almost invited environmental and climate cases, and I think that they would welcome such a case,” he said, adding it doesn’t mean environmental groups could easily win.

Norway’s Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an effort, based on the country’s constitutional right to a clean environment, to invalidate licenses for new oil exploration in the Arctic, allowing drilling to continue and signaling to environmental groups that it would not interfere in climate politics.

Norway’s Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an effort, based on the country’s constitutional right to a clean environment, to invalidate licenses for new oil exploration in the Arctic, allowing drilling to continue and signaling to environmental groups that it would not interfere in climate politics. In its decision, the court ruled 11-4 in favor of the state, a victory for Norway’s formidable oil industry. The court concluded that a set of oil drilling permits in the Arctic, given in 2016, were not in breach of either the Norwegian constitution’s right to a clean environment or the European Convention on Human Rights. The judges said that the right to a clean environment did not bar the government from drilling for offshore oil, and that Norway did not legally carry the responsibility for emissions stemming from oil it has exported. If the environmental groups had won, then the ruling potentially could have upended petroleum policy in Norway, which has benefited from the oil industry while also setting ambitious climate change goals for itself. Scandinavia is already feeling the effects of climate change: In the last decade alone, warming has produced milder winters, and in a half century, the region’s climate is forecast to move toward that of northern France, experts say. The four judges who dissented said on Tuesday that a procedural mistake had been made in granting approval, and that the government had failed to assess any potential climate emissions stemming from the oil that would be exported. The case, which began last month, was the first climate-change litigation to be brought under the environmental provisions of Norway’s constitution, and was among the highest-profile cases in a series of climate-change lawsuits brought by activists in Europe and elsewhere. The plaintiffs for the case, the activist groups Greenpeace and Nature and Youth Norway, argued that approving oil exploration violates human rights conventions because of its contributions to increased carbon emissions. A major cause of climate change is the burning of oil and other fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide — a powerful greenhouse gas — into the atmosphere, where it acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and driving global warming. In 2016, multiple companies were awarded licenses to conduct exploratory drilling in the South and South East Barents Sea, an area of about 77 acres on the Norwegian continental shelf where oil and gas fields have recently been built. Parliament approved opening the area for exploration three years earlier, despite arguments from environmental groups that the oil-exploration plans were not thoroughly researched before being approved. “The Supreme Court fails today’s young people when they give politicians the power to take from us a secure future,” Therese Hugstmyr Woie, a leader of Nature and Youth, said in a statement. “Now I expect Norwegian youth to set a record in turnout in September (it is election year) and that all adults with a touch of conscience think about climate and the environment in parliamentary elections.” Frode Pleym, the head of Greenpeace Norway, also said in a statement it was “scary and absurd” that the right to a clean environment could not be used to stop harming Norway’s environment. “The majority in the Supreme Court has totally failed to show its independence from state administration and skips over the fact that researchers say that the climate can no longer tolerate oil,” Pleym said. The ruling was cause for the Norwegian oil industry to celebrate, said Hans Petter Graver, a professor of law at the University of Oslo. The decision, he said, rejected “the possibility of using specific cases as an instrument to attack the Norwegian climate policy.” The court ruled that “the effects of global warming are only relevant to the extent that they affect Norway,” he added, excluding the effects of oil exports from consideration. “This means that Norway can continue building its wealth on oil and gas undisturbed by Norwegian courts,” he said. Graver previously predicted that a victory for the environmental groups could force Norway to phase out activities like oil exploration, which is a cornerstone of its economy. In all, between 2015 and May 2020, 36 rights-based lawsuits have been brought against states for human rights violations related to climate change, according to the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. Jorn Oyrehagen Sunde, a professor of public and international law at the University of Oslo, said that in the wake of the ruling, it would be difficult for groups to raise similar challenges because Norway’s court had narrowed the scope of the constitutional rule protecting environment and climate. Environmental groups have no more options in the Norwegian legal system, Sunde said, adding the obvious route would be to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, where young activists have already filed a similar suit against 33 countries. “The court has almost invited environmental and climate cases, and I think that they would welcome such a case,” he said, adding it doesn’t mean environmental groups could easily win.

Norway’s Supreme Court makes way for more Arctic drilling

UEFA has decided to cancel Norway's Nations League match against Romania after the Norwegian squad failed to travel to Bucharest as a COVID-19 case was found in the squad.

UEFA has decided to cancel Norway's Nations League match against Romania after the Norwegian squad failed to travel to Bucharest as a COVID-19 case was found in the squad. Also read: Nations League: France beat Portugal 1-0 to book finals spot Norway risks a forfeit (3-0 loss) by not fulfilling the match scheduled on Sunday in Romania and there are no available dates in the international calendar to conduct the game. According to UEFA, the case has been sent to its disciplinary committee for a decision. The forfeit will cost Norway as the team is currently level with Austria at the top of their group in second-tier League B. Norway will face Austria due to meet in Vienna on Tuesday in the final round. The group winner gets two rewards: Promotion to the top tier of the next Nations League and a potential place in World Cup qualifying playoffs scheduled in March 2022 to advance to the tournament in Qatar later that year. (Inputs from PTI)

UEFA decides to cancel Norway's match against Romania

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union.

The UK government said its arrangement with the European Free Trade Association — which also includes Iceland and Liechtenstein — would keep "the vast majority" of their trade tariff-free on January 1.

The EFTA countries are outside the EU. Three of them pay to ensure access to the bloc's single market under an overarching partnership called the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland has its own patchwork of deals with the EU.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-is-ready-to-negotiate-but-uk-says-its-meaningless-to-resume-talks-336494">Also read|&nbsp;EU is ready to negotiate. But UK says it's meaningless to resume talks</a>

Britain, after this year, will lie outside the single market but is engaged in tough talks with Brussels for a new trading partnership.

"We have agreed with the EEA-EFTA states that we will put in place a continuity deal to ensure that trade flows continue at the end of the year," a source at the UK's Department for International Trade told AFP.&nbsp;

"This is a temporary arrangement whilst we finalise the more ambitious FTA we are negotiating," the source said, claiming "excellent progress" towards a free trade agreement with the EFTA bloc next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-house-of-lords-rejects-brexit-bill-big-blow-to-boris-johnsons-government-336801">Also read|&nbsp;UK House of Lords rejects Brexit bill; big blow to Boris Johnson’s government</a>

Norway on Wednesday confirmed a temporary trade pact with Britain to take effect on January 1, after the two countries last month agreed a side deal on fishing rights.

Fisheries were one of the main stumbling blocks holding up a UK-EU deal as talks resumed on Thursday. If no deal is done, Britain and the EU will revert to more onerous trading terms governed by the World Trade Organization.

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union.

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union. The UK government said its arrangement with the European Free Trade Association — which also includes Iceland and Liechtenstein — would keep "the vast majority" of their trade tariff-free on January 1. The EFTA countries are outside the EU. Three of them pay to ensure access to the bloc's single market under an overarching partnership called the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland has its own patchwork of deals with the EU. Also read| EU is ready to negotiate. But UK says it's meaningless to resume talks Britain, after this year, will lie outside the single market but is engaged in tough talks with Brussels for a new trading partnership. "We have agreed with the EEA-EFTA states that we will put in place a continuity deal to ensure that trade flows continue at the end of the year," a source at the UK's Department for International Trade told AFP. "This is a temporary arrangement whilst we finalise the more ambitious FTA we are negotiating," the source said, claiming "excellent progress" towards a free trade agreement with the EFTA bloc next year. Also read| UK House of Lords rejects Brexit bill; big blow to Boris Johnson’s government Norway on Wednesday confirmed a temporary trade pact with Britain to take effect on January 1, after the two countries last month agreed a side deal on fishing rights. Fisheries were one of the main stumbling blocks holding up a UK-EU deal as talks resumed on Thursday. If no deal is done, Britain and the EU will revert to more onerous trading terms governed by the World Trade Organization.

UK seals temporary Brexit trade deal with EFTA nations

Norway has accused Russia of launching a cyberattack on the&nbsp;Norwegian parliament in August through which they had targetted the email system of the parliament.

The accusation has been made by&nbsp;the Norwegian foreign minister.&nbsp;“Based on the information available to the government, it is our assessment that Russia stood behind this activity,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Soreide said in a statement on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-proposition-says-russia-over-new-nuclear-agreement-with-us-335093">Also read:&nbsp;Unacceptable proposition, says Russia over new nuclear agreement with US</a>

“The fact that we go out with an attribution is a strong signal … from Norwegian authorities,” Soreide added.

Norway had&nbsp;revealed on September 01 that they had sustained an attack on their parliamentary system in the last week of August during which email accounts&nbsp;of several members of the parliament and employees were hacked.

Whle announcing about the attack, Norway had not issued names of any suspects. However, when investigation revealed Russia's involvement, Norway could not accept such attacks on its democratic institutions and had to take the bold step of publically revealing the information.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-russia-to-hold-latest-nuclear-arms-talks-in-finland-332528">Also read:&nbsp;US and Russia to hold latest nuclear arms talks in Finland</a>

“We cannot accept that parliament is the subject of such attacks,” Soreide said.

These accusations have been denied by the Russian authorities, as per several reports. However, Russia has not yet officially issued a statement.

The countries share a border in the Arctic and have maintained good relations throughout the years, except for since 2014&nbsp;when the relations became a bit strained due to the&nbsp;the Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

Norway has accused Russia of launching a cyberattack on the Norwegian parliament in August through which they had targetted the email system of the parliament. The accusation has been made by the Norwegian foreign minister.

Norway has accused Russia of launching a cyberattack on the Norwegian parliament in August through which they had targetted the email system of the parliament. The accusation has been made by the Norwegian foreign minister. “Based on the information available to the government, it is our assessment that Russia stood behind this activity,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Soreide said in a statement on Tuesday. Also read: Unacceptable proposition, says Russia over new nuclear agreement with US “The fact that we go out with an attribution is a strong signal … from Norwegian authorities,” Soreide added. Norway had revealed on September 01 that they had sustained an attack on their parliamentary system in the last week of August during which email accounts of several members of the parliament and employees were hacked. Whle announcing about the attack, Norway had not issued names of any suspects. However, when investigation revealed Russia's involvement, Norway could not accept such attacks on its democratic institutions and had to take the bold step of publically revealing the information. Also read: US and Russia to hold latest nuclear arms talks in Finland “We cannot accept that parliament is the subject of such attacks,” Soreide said. These accusations have been denied by the Russian authorities, as per several reports. However, Russia has not yet officially issued a statement. The countries share a border in the Arctic and have maintained good relations throughout the years, except for since 2014 when the relations became a bit strained due to the the Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

Russia behind cyberattack on parliament: Norway

Norway has blamed Russia for a cyber-attack on the email system in the Norwegian parliament in August. Watch report.

Cyber-attack on Norway Parliament: Norway says Russia behind the attack

The Nordic country’s ruling party has proposed cutting its famously high “sin” taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and sweets and other consumer goods after the coronavirus lockdown showed how much business is lost every year to Norwegians flocking to neighbouring Sweden to snap up such items at cheaper prices.

Norway to cut sin tax to spur spending: Tax cut to boost sales amid pandemic

Norway’s tipplers and sweet tooths may no longer feel a need to leave the country to stock up on their favourite vices.

The Nordic country's ruling party has proposed cutting its famously high "sin" taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and sweets and other consumer goods after the coronavirus lockdown showed how much business is lost every year to Norwegians flocking to neighbouring Sweden to snap up such items at cheaper prices.

Restrictions on travel between the Nordic neighbours imposed to contain transmissions of the coronavirus triggered a jump in retail sales, especially in regions bordering Sweden.

Norwegian authorities are keen to keep that trade humming to mitigate the economic downturn inflicted by the pandemic, even after any return to the open borders that have prevailed for almost 70 years of economic integration in the Nordic region.

Norway sealed its borders to all non-residents in mid-March before easing movement from June but imposing a 10-day quarantine on those returning from abroad, a rule that continues to deter traditional shopping runs to Sweden.

"The closure of borders because of the coronavirus created a full-scale experiment in what happens when all trade is moved back to Norway," said Vetle Wang Soleim, a Conservative MP on a party committee that presented the tax cut proposal.

Trade from Norwegians buying goods in Sweden plummeted by 99% in the April-June period compared with the year-ago period, Statistics Norway data showed.

Nationwide, retail sales rose 10% in April-July, and 20% or more in some regions bordering Sweden already in March.

The tax cut initiative has been presented as a way to recapture trade lost to Sweden since the pandemic has shown high "sin levies" were not necessarily deterring Norwegians from indulging in booze, cigarettes and chocolates.

"For us now, the most important priority is to move jobs back to Norway. We just prefer them to buy these goods on the Norwegian side of the border," Wang Soleim told Reuters.

Food in Norway is broadly 35% more expensive than in Sweden, and alcohol prices 67% higher, according to Statistics Norway.

In a scenario where cross-border trade stopped indefinitely, Norway would boost revenues from food, drink and other consumer good sales by at least $1.3 billion, according to an analysis by consultancy Menon Economics.

It would also mean 8,200 new jobs and $410 million more in tax revenue on top of the special levies on alcohol, sugar and tobacco, it said.

Cigarettes, soda fly off the racks

In Sarpsborg, an industrial town in Norway's southeast 30 km (19 miles) from the Swedish frontier, staff at the Kiwi supermarket have been scrambling to cope with surging footfall, with sales rocketing by 85% in April-August.

"We are selling much more of everything now - especially minced meat, an extreme amount of soda, cigarettes and snuff tobacco," said store manager Carina Andresen.

"We have always known there were many people who went to shop in Sweden, but not that it was so many, and for so much."

In Halden, a town 12 km from the border, sales at the local wine and liquor store tripled during the summer months compared with last year, with vodka priced at 400 crowns ($42) a litre snapped up by more tourists and holiday cabin owners.

"We also sell much more boxed wine. People don't just buy one or two boxes, but four or five at a time," said store manager Anneli Christiansen, who had to hire four more staff at the start of lockdown in March to handle soaring demand.

"So empty" on Swedish side

Towns on the Swedish side of the border, by contrast are starved of trade these days.

Many shopping malls sprang up in recent decades to cater almost exclusively to Norwegians, but now sit nearly empty.

In the municipality of Aarjaeng, trade with Norway supports about a third of jobs, said municipal board chairman Daniel Schuetzer. "It has been so empty in the area. There is a certain resignation - people wonder how they are going to make ends meet when a large part of your market disappears overnight."

Others worry about future ties between two countries that have placed free movement of people and goods at the core of their relationship, well before much of the rest of Europe did.

Georg Andren, governor of Sweden's Vaermland region, said that companies may be less willing to invest there, and, in the longer term, "what is at stake is the social fabric".

The Norwegian Conservatives' proposed tax cut has elicited broad political support, although their coalition ally the Christian Democrats oppose lowering levies on alcohol.

The rightist opposition Progress Party, which generally backs government budgets, has swung behind the proposal in keeping with its view that Norwegians' heavy tax burden should be eased across the board.

Norway’s tipplers and sweet tooths may no longer feel a need to leave the country to stock up on their favourite vices. The Nordic country's ruling party has proposed cutting its famously high "sin" taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and sweets and other consumer goods after the coronavirus lockdown showed how much business is lost every year to Norwegians flocking to neighbouring Sweden to snap up such items at cheaper prices.

Norway’s tipplers and sweet tooths may no longer feel a need to leave the country to stock up on their favourite vices. The Nordic country's ruling party has proposed cutting its famously high "sin" taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and sweets and other consumer goods after the coronavirus lockdown showed how much business is lost every year to Norwegians flocking to neighbouring Sweden to snap up such items at cheaper prices. Restrictions on travel between the Nordic neighbours imposed to contain transmissions of the coronavirus triggered a jump in retail sales, especially in regions bordering Sweden. Norwegian authorities are keen to keep that trade humming to mitigate the economic downturn inflicted by the pandemic, even after any return to the open borders that have prevailed for almost 70 years of economic integration in the Nordic region. Norway sealed its borders to all non-residents in mid-March before easing movement from June but imposing a 10-day quarantine on those returning from abroad, a rule that continues to deter traditional shopping runs to Sweden. "The closure of borders because of the coronavirus created a full-scale experiment in what happens when all trade is moved back to Norway," said Vetle Wang Soleim, a Conservative MP on a party committee that presented the tax cut proposal. Trade from Norwegians buying goods in Sweden plummeted by 99% in the April-June period compared with the year-ago period, Statistics Norway data showed. Nationwide, retail sales rose 10% in April-July, and 20% or more in some regions bordering Sweden already in March. The tax cut initiative has been presented as a way to recapture trade lost to Sweden since the pandemic has shown high "sin levies" were not necessarily deterring Norwegians from indulging in booze, cigarettes and chocolates. "For us now, the most important priority is to move jobs back to Norway. We just prefer them to buy these goods on the Norwegian side of the border," Wang Soleim told Reuters. Food in Norway is broadly 35% more expensive than in Sweden, and alcohol prices 67% higher, according to Statistics Norway. In a scenario where cross-border trade stopped indefinitely, Norway would boost revenues from food, drink and other consumer good sales by at least $1.3 billion, according to an analysis by consultancy Menon Economics. It would also mean 8,200 new jobs and $410 million more in tax revenue on top of the special levies on alcohol, sugar and tobacco, it said. Cigarettes, soda fly off the racks In Sarpsborg, an industrial town in Norway's southeast 30 km (19 miles) from the Swedish frontier, staff at the Kiwi supermarket have been scrambling to cope with surging footfall, with sales rocketing by 85% in April-August. "We are selling much more of everything now - especially minced meat, an extreme amount of soda, cigarettes and snuff tobacco," said store manager Carina Andresen. "We have always known there were many people who went to shop in Sweden, but not that it was so many, and for so much." In Halden, a town 12 km from the border, sales at the local wine and liquor store tripled during the summer months compared with last year, with vodka priced at 400 crowns ($42) a litre snapped up by more tourists and holiday cabin owners. "We also sell much more boxed wine. People don't just buy one or two boxes, but four or five at a time," said store manager Anneli Christiansen, who had to hire four more staff at the start of lockdown in March to handle soaring demand. "So empty" on Swedish side Towns on the Swedish side of the border, by contrast are starved of trade these days. Many shopping malls sprang up in recent decades to cater almost exclusively to Norwegians, but now sit nearly empty. In the municipality of Aarjaeng, trade with Norway supports about a third of jobs, said municipal board chairman Daniel Schuetzer. "It has been so empty in the area. There is a certain resignation - people wonder how they are going to make ends meet when a large part of your market disappears overnight." Others worry about future ties between two countries that have placed free movement of people and goods at the core of their relationship, well before much of the rest of Europe did. Georg Andren, governor of Sweden's Vaermland region, said that companies may be less willing to invest there, and, in the longer term, "what is at stake is the social fabric". The Norwegian Conservatives' proposed tax cut has elicited broad political support, although their coalition ally the Christian Democrats oppose lowering levies on alcohol. The rightist opposition Progress Party, which generally backs government budgets, has swung behind the proposal in keeping with its view that Norwegians' heavy tax burden should be eased across the board.

Norway to stop 'sin tax' on alcohol, sodas due to travel restrictions amid pandemic

Norway's 83-year-old King Harald V was admitted to the main hospital in Oslo on Friday, the Norwegian palace said&nbsp;without disclosing details of his condition.

The king, who has been on the throne for 29 years, is now on sick leave and Crown Prince Haakon will take over his duties temporarily, the palace said in a brief statement.

Harald ascended the throne upon the death of his father King Olav on January 17, 1991.

A keen yachtsman who has taken part in regattas including the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, King Harald and is seen by Norwegians as a unifying figure.

He has insisted he will not abdicate despite declining health that saw him spend a week in hospital in January after a bout of dizziness.

In the early 2000s, he underwent surgery for bladder cancer and later to repair a heart valve.

The country's first native-born king since the 14th century, he married a commoner as a prince and won hearts in his egalitarian country by leading the mourning in 2011 for the victims of mass killer Anders Behring Breivik.

Norway's 83-year-old King Harald V was admitted to the main hospital in Oslo on Friday, the Norwegian palace said without disclosing details of his condition. The king, who has been on the throne for 29 years, is now on sick leave and Crown Prince Haakon will take over his duties temporarily, the palace said in a brief statement.

Norway's 83-year-old King Harald V was admitted to the main hospital in Oslo on Friday, the Norwegian palace said without disclosing details of his condition. The king, who has been on the throne for 29 years, is now on sick leave and Crown Prince Haakon will take over his duties temporarily, the palace said in a brief statement. Harald ascended the throne upon the death of his father King Olav on January 17, 1991. A keen yachtsman who has taken part in regattas including the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, King Harald and is seen by Norwegians as a unifying figure. He has insisted he will not abdicate despite declining health that saw him spend a week in hospital in January after a bout of dizziness. In the early 2000s, he underwent surgery for bladder cancer and later to repair a heart valve. The country's first native-born king since the 14th century, he married a commoner as a prince and won hearts in his egalitarian country by leading the mourning in 2011 for the victims of mass killer Anders Behring Breivik.

Norway's King Harald V admitted to hospital

Norwegian police on Thursday said that they expelled a foreigner who violated quarantine rules. The police also fined the man $2,240 and the immigration officials banned him reentering the country for two years.

Norwegian police on Thursday said that they expelled a foreigner who violated quarantine rules. The police also fined the man $2,240 and the immigration officials banned him reentering the country for two years. The man was caught breaking quarantine regulations in the western county of More og Romsdal, about a week after arriving from Germany having flown via the Netherlands. According to quarantine rules in the country, travellers arriving from most European countries, including both Germany and the Netherlands, to isolate themselves for 10 days to curb the spread of Covid-19. "We live in a system based on trust. Everyone is asked to do their bit," regional police official Svein Rike told AFP. "In these circumstances, it's important to react firmly when the rules are broken," he explained. Police refused to disclose the man's identity or nationality, saying only that he was not from a country within the European Economic Area (the EU plus Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway). (Inputs from AFP)

Norway bans man for two years over quarantine breach

Norway &amp; Sweden — almost always make it to the top 10 — of the global happiness index. But some recent events — paint a completely different picture of these lands.

Two cities in these two nations witnessed violent protests. Malmo — the third-largest city in Sweden and Oslo — the capital of Norway.

Both saw violent demonstrations over the weekend.

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday. 
 
The rally took place near the parliament building and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests.

And at least 10 people were arrested in southern Sweden and several police officers were injured in the violence which broke out after an anti-Muslim Danish politician was blocked from attending a Quran-burning rally, police said Saturday.

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Protesters threw stones at police and burned tyres on the streets of Malmo late Friday, with violence escalating as the evening wore on, according to police and local media.

The demonstration of about 300 people was connected to an incident earlier in the day in which protesters burned a copy of the Islamic holy book, police spokesman Rickard Lundqvist told Swedish tabloid Expression.

The ones who are protesting, they do not want to adapt to norms that are alien to them.They don't want neighbourhoods that have increasingly become 'Islamicized'.

They link the surge of immigrants to an increase in violent crimes. They are angry with their respective governments. Some have banded together to patrol the streets and protect their neighbourhoods.

Some others have formed vigilante groups and resort to violence to get noticed. This cultural conflict has played out time and again in several different parts of the world.

&nbsp;Sweden and Norway — are just the latest victims. They've long sat in judgment of others on how violent protests are dealt with.

Now they must lead by example on how to uphold the interest of all groups. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Norway & Sweden — almost always make it to the top 10 — of the global happiness index. But some recent events — paint a completely different picture of these lands.

Norway & Sweden — almost always make it to the top 10 — of the global happiness index. But some recent events — paint a completely different picture of these lands. Two cities in these two nations witnessed violent protests. Malmo — the third-largest city in Sweden and Oslo — the capital of Norway. Both saw violent demonstrations over the weekend. Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday. The rally took place near the parliament building and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests. And at least 10 people were arrested in southern Sweden and several police officers were injured in the violence which broke out after an anti-Muslim Danish politician was blocked from attending a Quran-burning rally, police said Saturday. × Protesters threw stones at police and burned tyres on the streets of Malmo late Friday, with violence escalating as the evening wore on, according to police and local media. The demonstration of about 300 people was connected to an incident earlier in the day in which protesters burned a copy of the Islamic holy book, police spokesman Rickard Lundqvist told Swedish tabloid Expression. The ones who are protesting, they do not want to adapt to norms that are alien to them.They don't want neighbourhoods that have increasingly become 'Islamicized'. They link the surge of immigrants to an increase in violent crimes. They are angry with their respective governments. Some have banded together to patrol the streets and protect their neighbourhoods. Some others have formed vigilante groups and resort to violence to get noticed. This cultural conflict has played out time and again in several different parts of the world. Sweden and Norway — are just the latest victims. They've long sat in judgment of others on how violent protests are dealt with. Now they must lead by example on how to uphold the interest of all groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway & Sweden must lead by example on how to uphold the interest of all groups

Norway & Sweden are said to be the most peaceful places in the world. But in recent days, these Nordic countries have witnessed violent protests against alleged 'Islamisation'

Gravitas: Are Norway & Sweden victims of 'Islamisation'?

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. The situation came to a head when a female member of SIAN ripped pages from the Quran and spat on them.

Norway: Anti-Islam protester ripped pages from Muslim holy book

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday.

The rally took place near the parliament building, and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests.

Hundreds of counter-protesters also gathered, banging drums and chanting "No racists in our streets."

News agency NTB reported that a female member of SIAN ripped pages from the Quran and spat on them.

The woman, who has previously been charged and acquitted of hate speech, told counter-protesters: "Look, now I will desecrate the Quran."&nbsp;

Clashes then erupted, with authorities using pepper spray and tear gas to keep the rival groups apart.

Police arrested 29 people, Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported.&nbsp;

The protest in Norway comes in the wake&nbsp;a similar incident in Sweden's Malmo on Friday, where protesters clashed with police after right-wing extremists burned a copy of the Quran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riot-breaks-out-in-southern-sweden-after-anti-islam-actions-323819">Also read |&nbsp;Riot breaks out in southern Sweden after 'anti-Islam' actions</a>

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday. The rally took place near the parliament building, and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests.

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally, organised by the group Stop Islamisation of Norway (SIAN), in capital Oslo on Saturday. The rally took place near the parliament building, and was ended earlier than scheduled owing to the protests. Hundreds of counter-protesters also gathered, banging drums and chanting "No racists in our streets." News agency NTB reported that a female member of SIAN ripped pages from the Quran and spat on them. The woman, who has previously been charged and acquitted of hate speech, told counter-protesters: "Look, now I will desecrate the Quran." Clashes then erupted, with authorities using pepper spray and tear gas to keep the rival groups apart. Police arrested 29 people, Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported. The protest in Norway comes in the wake a similar incident in Sweden's Malmo on Friday, where protesters clashed with police after right-wing extremists burned a copy of the Quran. Also read | Riot breaks out in southern Sweden after 'anti-Islam' actions

Clashes break out at anti-Islam rally in Norway

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on a rare visit to Norway, warned Oslo against granting the Nobel Peace Prize to Hong Kong pro-democracy activists much on the lines of awarding the prize to China's human rights activist Liu Xiaobo and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in the past, causing strains in bilateral ties.

Later, when asked during media interaction on how China would react if the Nobel prize would go to Hong Kong protesters in future, Wang said “I would only say one thing: In the past, today, and in future, China will firmly reject any attempt by anyone to use the Nobel Peace Prize to interfere in China's internal affairs”.

“China is rock firm on this principle.We don't want to see anyone politicise the Nobel Peace Prize,” he added.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-ways-hong-kong-has-changed-under-chinas-security-law-310644">Five ways Hong Kong has changed under China's security law</a>

This year's Nobel peace prize will be announced in Oslo on October 9.

Beginning in early June 2019, Hong Kong was hit by seven straight months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests in which more than 9,000 people were arrested.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-anti-china-clamour-in-the-philippines-323800/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Norway, a close US&nbsp;ally and NATO member, will be a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2011 and 2022. China is one of the five permanent members on the council.

China also sought a speedy conclusion to a free trade deal with Norway.&nbsp;

Talks on a free-trade pact began in 2008, but relations between Oslo and Beijing were frozen from 2010 to 2016 after the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to a Chinese dissident, Liu Xiabao. However, negotiations resumed in 2017.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on a rare visit to Norway, warned Oslo against granting the Nobel Peace Prize to Hong Kong pro-democracy activists much on the lines of awarding the prize to China's human rights activist Liu Xiaobo and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in the past, causing strains in bilateral ties.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on a rare visit to Norway, warned Oslo against granting the Nobel Peace Prize to Hong Kong pro-democracy activists much on the lines of awarding the prize to China's human rights activist Liu Xiaobo and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in the past, causing strains in bilateral ties. Later, when asked during media interaction on how China would react if the Nobel prize would go to Hong Kong protesters in future, Wang said “I would only say one thing: In the past, today, and in future, China will firmly reject any attempt by anyone to use the Nobel Peace Prize to interfere in China's internal affairs”. “China is rock firm on this principle.We don't want to see anyone politicise the Nobel Peace Prize,” he added. Also see: Five ways Hong Kong has changed under China's security law This year's Nobel peace prize will be announced in Oslo on October 9. Beginning in early June 2019, Hong Kong was hit by seven straight months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests in which more than 9,000 people were arrested. Norway, a close US ally and NATO member, will be a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2011 and 2022. China is one of the five permanent members on the council. China also sought a speedy conclusion to a free trade deal with Norway. Talks on a free-trade pact began in 2008, but relations between Oslo and Beijing were frozen from 2010 to 2016 after the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to a Chinese dissident, Liu Xiabao. However, negotiations resumed in 2017.

China warns Norway against granting Nobel Peace Prize to Hong Kong democracy activists

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned Norway against the Nobel Peace Prize by awarding it to Hong Kong protesters. Wang Yi is on a visit to Norway. China condemned granting of Nobel Prize to Dalai Lama.

Chinese FM Wang Yi visits Norway, warns over Nobel Peace Prize

A 38-year-old Dutch man was killed by a polar bear in the Norwegian Arctic Svalbard islands early on Friday, local authorities said, the first such deadly incident in nine years.

The man, who was identified as Johan Jacobus Kootte, was attacked in his tent at a camping site in the pre-dawn hours.

"The bear was shot at by people on site and walked towards the airport, which is nearby," Svalbard Deputy Governor Soelvi Elvedahl said in a statement. "(The bear) was shortly afterwards found dead in the airport`s parking lot."

Halfway between the northern tip of Europe and the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago of snow-capped mountains and glaciers is home to 2,939 people and 975 polar bears, according to Norway`s statistics office and the Norwegian Polar Institute.

In 2011, a polar bear attacked a group of British campers, killing a 17-year-old boy and seriously injuring four others.

Polar bears are a protected species and shooting them is allowed only for self-defence and as a last resort.

Outside Svalbard`s main settlements, people are obliged by law to carry the means to scare the animals away or defend themselves, with authorities recommending they take a gun.

The islands are seeing increased activity, mainly from tourism and scientific research, and encounters between humans and animals are increasing. In addition, the Arctic ice sheet is shrinking, reducing the amount of space polar bear can roam on.

A 38-year-old Dutch man was killed by a polar bear in the Norwegian Arctic Svalbard islands early on Friday, local authorities said, the first such deadly incident in nine years.

A 38-year-old Dutch man was killed by a polar bear in the Norwegian Arctic Svalbard islands early on Friday, local authorities said, the first such deadly incident in nine years. The man, who was identified as Johan Jacobus Kootte, was attacked in his tent at a camping site in the pre-dawn hours. "The bear was shot at by people on site and walked towards the airport, which is nearby," Svalbard Deputy Governor Soelvi Elvedahl said in a statement. "(The bear) was shortly afterwards found dead in the airport`s parking lot." Halfway between the northern tip of Europe and the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago of snow-capped mountains and glaciers is home to 2,939 people and 975 polar bears, according to Norway`s statistics office and the Norwegian Polar Institute. In 2011, a polar bear attacked a group of British campers, killing a 17-year-old boy and seriously injuring four others. Polar bears are a protected species and shooting them is allowed only for self-defence and as a last resort. Outside Svalbard`s main settlements, people are obliged by law to carry the means to scare the animals away or defend themselves, with authorities recommending they take a gun. The islands are seeing increased activity, mainly from tourism and scientific research, and encounters between humans and animals are increasing. In addition, the Arctic ice sheet is shrinking, reducing the amount of space polar bear can roam on.

Polar bear kills Dutch man in Norway's Arctic Svalbard archipelago

Norway's health authorities on Monday suspended an app designed to help trace the spread of the new coronavirus after the national data protection agency said it was too invasive of privacy, reported news agency AFP.

Norway's health authorities on Monday suspended an app designed to help trace the spread of the new coronavirus after the national data protection agency said it was too invasive of privacy, reported news agency AFP. Launched in April, the smartphone app Smittestopp ("Infection stop") was set up to collect movement data to help authorities trace the spread of COVID-19, and inform users if they had been exposed to someone carrying the novel coronavirus. On Friday, the data agency, Datatilsynet, issued a warning that it would stop the Norwegian Institute of Public Health from handling data collected via Smittestopp, the report added. Datatilsynet said the limited spread of coronavirus in Norway, as well the app's limited effectiveness due to the small number of people actually using it, meant the invasion of privacy resulting from its use was disproportionate. Also read: pain to open borders on June 21 to most European visitors, including British Camilla Stoltenberg, the public health institute's director, said she did not agree with that assessment, but the institute would now delete all the app's data and suspend its work. Stoltenberg said this weakened Norway's response to the spread of coronavirus. "The pandemic is not over," she said. Some 600,000 of Norway's 5.4 million inhabitants had been using the app. Norway, where the coronavirus deaths totalled 242 as of last week, is now seeing only a handful of new infection cases a day. (With inputs from AFP)

Norway suspends virus-tracing app following privacy concerns

The man who open fired at a mosque in Norway, after killing his step sister, has been sentenced to jail for 21 years.

In Norway, a far-right&nbsp;Norwegian man shot his&nbsp;Chinese-born stepsister and then open-fired at people in mosque, in a racially motivated act of terrorism.

Philip Manshaus, who is now 22 years old,&nbsp;shot and killed Johanne Zhangjia Ihle-Hansen, his adopted stepsister, in their family home. He then&nbsp;drove to the nearby al-Noor Islamic Centre. He entered the building and open-fired.

He was unsuccessful in injuring anyone at the mosque, as a 65-year-old man tackled the shooter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lockdowns-saved-many-lives-and-easing-them-is-risky-say-scientists-304354">Also read:&nbsp;Lockdowns saved many lives and easing them is risky, say scientists</a>

Philip, in his defense, said he assumed that the Asian-origin adopted sister posed a threat to his family, simply because of her origin.

"He went in with the purpose of killing as many Muslims as possible," judge Annika Lindstroem said.

He was inspired by the New Zealand mosque shooting, which killed more than 50 people. Just like that incident, Philip, too&nbsp;wore a helmet camera to film the mosque shooting. However, unlike New Zealand shooter, he\&nbsp;failed in his attempt to broadcast the attack online.

The court rejected his plea of being declared insane, and went with the word of a psychiatric evaluation which found him fit to stand trial.

The court has also&nbsp;contained a provision that his release can be put off indefinitely should he still be considered a threat to society.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The man who open fired at a mosque in Norway, after killing his step sister, has been sentenced to jail for 21 years. In Norway, a far-right Norwegian man shot his Chinese-born stepsister and then open-fired at people in mosque, in a racially motivated act of terrorism.

The man who open fired at a mosque in Norway, after killing his step sister, has been sentenced to jail for 21 years. In Norway, a far-right Norwegian man shot his Chinese-born stepsister and then open-fired at people in mosque, in a racially motivated act of terrorism. Philip Manshaus, who is now 22 years old, shot and killed Johanne Zhangjia Ihle-Hansen, his adopted stepsister, in their family home. He then drove to the nearby al-Noor Islamic Centre. He entered the building and open-fired. He was unsuccessful in injuring anyone at the mosque, as a 65-year-old man tackled the shooter. Also read: Lockdowns saved many lives and easing them is risky, say scientists Philip, in his defense, said he assumed that the Asian-origin adopted sister posed a threat to his family, simply because of her origin. "He went in with the purpose of killing as many Muslims as possible," judge Annika Lindstroem said. He was inspired by the New Zealand mosque shooting, which killed more than 50 people. Just like that incident, Philip, too wore a helmet camera to film the mosque shooting. However, unlike New Zealand shooter, he\ failed in his attempt to broadcast the attack online. The court rejected his plea of being declared insane, and went with the word of a psychiatric evaluation which found him fit to stand trial. The court has also contained a provision that his release can be put off indefinitely should he still be considered a threat to society. (With inputs from Reuters)

Norway mosque shooter jailed for 21 years under murder and anti-terrorism charges

What is the actual cost of sustaining Europe's royal families?

Singapore aims to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, making a bigger bet on electric cars as part of its efforts to cut greenhouse gases and fight climate change, the finance minister said on Tuesday.

The wealthy city-state of 5.7 million, which is hiking investment in flood defences, joins Norway, Britain and others in setting a target to cut the use of vehicles with combustion engines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-wants-petrol-diesel-vehicles-out-by-2035-proposes-switching-to-hybrid-vehicles-278805">UK wants petrol &amp; diesel vehicles out by 2035, proposes switching to hybrid vehicles</a>

"Our vision is to phase out ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and have all vehicles run on cleaner energy by 2040," Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said in his budget speech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-aerobatic-team-amazes-spectators-at-singapore-airshow-280354">Singapore</a>, which has been criticised by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/musk-hands-over-first-tesla-model-3-electric-cars-to-early-buyers-18373">Tesla </a>CEO <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/musk-hands-over-first-tesla-model-3-electric-cars-to-early-buyers-18373">Elon Musk</a> as not being supportive of electric vehicles, is one of the most expensive places in the world to buy a car and there are few electric vehicles on the roads.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/musk-hands-over-first-tesla-model-3-electric-cars-to-early-buyers-18373">Musk hands over first Tesla Model 3 electric cars to early buyers</a>

In Tuesday's budget, Heng said measures to encourage electric vehicle adoption included a registration fee rebate on purchases of fully electric car and taxis.

The country, an oil-refining hub, will also expand public charging infrastructure to 28,000 points by 2030 from 1,600 now.

"As a low-lying island nation, rising sea levels threatens our very existence," Heng said, adding that he was setting aside a coastal and flood protection fund with an initial injection of S$5 billion.

Last year, the Finance&nbsp;Minister said protecting Singapore against rising sea levels could cost S$100 billion or more over 100 years.

Singapore aims to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, making a bigger bet on electric cars as part of its efforts to cut greenhouse gases and fight climate change, the finance minister said on Tuesday.

Singapore aims to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, making a bigger bet on electric cars as part of its efforts to cut greenhouse gases and fight climate change, the finance minister said on Tuesday. The wealthy city-state of 5.7 million, which is hiking investment in flood defences, joins Norway, Britain and others in setting a target to cut the use of vehicles with combustion engines. Also read: UK wants petrol & diesel vehicles out by 2035, proposes switching to hybrid vehicles "Our vision is to phase out ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and have all vehicles run on cleaner energy by 2040," Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said in his budget speech. Singapore, which has been criticised by Tesla CEO Elon Musk as not being supportive of electric vehicles, is one of the most expensive places in the world to buy a car and there are few electric vehicles on the roads. Also read: Musk hands over first Tesla Model 3 electric cars to early buyers In Tuesday's budget, Heng said measures to encourage electric vehicle adoption included a registration fee rebate on purchases of fully electric car and taxis. The country, an oil-refining hub, will also expand public charging infrastructure to 28,000 points by 2030 from 1,600 now. "As a low-lying island nation, rising sea levels threatens our very existence," Heng said, adding that he was setting aside a coastal and flood protection fund with an initial injection of S$5 billion. Last year, the Finance Minister said protecting Singapore against rising sea levels could cost S$100 billion or more over 100 years.

Singapore aims to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040

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