In a bid to promote Hindi in Iceland, India supported Hindi Chair will be established in the University of Iceland. The move was announced during the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind who was in the country as part of his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-community-forging-deep-people-to-people-ties-with-iceland-kovind-248718"> three-nation Europe tour</a> of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-ram-nath-kovind-embarks-on-9-day-visit-to-iceland-switzerland-slovenia-248529">Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia</a>.

During the press statements, President Kovind said, "I am also happy to announce that all formalities for the commencement of India supported Hindi Chair at the University of Iceland have been completed and the teaching of Hindi language will begin shortly."

Climate change was one of the keys during President's visit with India inviting Iceland to join International Solar Alliance led to promote solar energy worldwide.

Speaking on the theme "India-Iceland for a Greener Planet” at the University of Iceland in capital Reykjavik, President highlighted New Delhi Climate strategy and said, "India is now the world’s fastest-growing major economy and we require a huge expansion of our energy production. But we are doing it in a sustainable manner. Even as we grow, we are on course to meet our commitments under the Paris Agreement."

Lauding Iceland's commitments towards climate change, he said, "Iceland's green growth is a remarkable story. You are pioneers in energy and resource efficiency. Your people have found new ways to work with available resources and then innovatively scale them up too."

At the ceremonial reception for the Indian president, Iceland's Guðni Th. Jóhannesson also referred to India's Chandrayaan-2 mission. He told the children present in the event to welcome President Kovind, "You know India has a mission, like a space mission, trying to land on the moon".

Anti-terror collaboration and trade were other key focus with New Delhi thanking Iceland for its support and solidarity in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.

During the visit, three agreements were exchanged--on fisheries collaboration, cultural cooperation and visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passport.

In a bid to promote Hindi in Iceland, India supported Hindi Chair will be established in the University of Iceland. The move was announced during the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind who was in the country as part of his three-nation Europe tour of Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia.

In a bid to promote Hindi in Iceland, India supported Hindi Chair will be established in the University of Iceland. The move was announced during the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind who was in the country as part of his three-nation Europe tour of Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia. During the press statements, President Kovind said, "I am also happy to announce that all formalities for the commencement of India supported Hindi Chair at the University of Iceland have been completed and the teaching of Hindi language will begin shortly." Climate change was one of the keys during President's visit with India inviting Iceland to join International Solar Alliance led to promote solar energy worldwide. Speaking on the theme "India-Iceland for a Greener Planet” at the University of Iceland in capital Reykjavik, President highlighted New Delhi Climate strategy and said, "India is now the world’s fastest-growing major economy and we require a huge expansion of our energy production. But we are doing it in a sustainable manner. Even as we grow, we are on course to meet our commitments under the Paris Agreement." Lauding Iceland's commitments towards climate change, he said, "Iceland's green growth is a remarkable story. You are pioneers in energy and resource efficiency. Your people have found new ways to work with available resources and then innovatively scale them up too." At the ceremonial reception for the Indian president, Iceland's Guðni Th. Jóhannesson also referred to India's Chandrayaan-2 mission. He told the children present in the event to welcome President Kovind, "You know India has a mission, like a space mission, trying to land on the moon". Anti-terror collaboration and trade were other key focus with New Delhi thanking Iceland for its support and solidarity in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. During the visit, three agreements were exchanged--on fisheries collaboration, cultural cooperation and visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passport.

President Kovind announces Hindi Chair in Iceland University to promote the language

Zimbabwe's former colonial ruler Britain said Zimbabweans had "suffered for too long" under former president Robert Mugabe, who died Friday. "We express our condolences to those who mourn Robert Mugabe's death.

Zimbabwe's former colonial ruler Britain said Zimbabweans had "suffered for too long" under former president Robert Mugabe, who died Friday. "We express our condolences to those who mourn Robert Mugabe's death. However, Zimbabweans suffered for too long as a result of Mugabe's autocratic role," the foreign ministry said in a statement. It noted "mixed emotions" in Zimbabwe at the death of Mugabe, adding, "We hope that in this new era, Zimbabwe can continue to be set on a more democratic and prosperous path." Mugabe won the 1980 elections at the end of a black nationalist guerrilla war against white-minority rule in the rebel colony of Rhodesia. Peter Hain, a leading anti-apartheid campaigner, told AFP he was "elated" at the time. "It was a huge moment in history when he became president in a landslide and all of us cheered him on at the time." But he said Mugabe then "betrayed all of those values of justice and human rights and democracy under the freedom struggle and became a corrupt dictator". In 2000, Mugabe's supporters violently took over white-owned farms a watershed moment in relations between the West and their protege. Zimbabwe was suspended in 2002 from the Commonwealth, a grouping of former British colonies, and pulled out voluntarily in 2003. Last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa applied to rejoin the Commonwealth after ousting Mugabe.

Zimbabweans 'suffered for too long' under Mugabe: UK

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday.

According to the source, a 13-member delegation will accompany the Afghan leader.

The visit will come as Washington and the Taliban movement are making attempts to agree on a peace deal, under which US forces will withdraw from the country, while all the parties involved have concerns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday. According to the source, a 13-member delegation will accompany the Afghan leader. The visit will come as Washington and the Taliban movement are making attempts to agree on a peace deal, under which US forces will withdraw from the country, while all the parties involved have concerns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to hold talks with Trump on September 7 in Washington: Report

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role.

Tokayev took over the oil-rich former Soviet republic this year when his predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned after nearly three decades in power, and some groups have urged him to dismantle the highly centralised political system.

"I am convinced that Kazakhstan must remain a presidential republic, but the parliament will assume a worthy role in the political system," Tokayev said at a meeting with opposition activists and public figures picked by his government to join a newly-established National Council of Public Confidence.

Tokayev said he wanted to boost political competition by amending electoral laws and give the parliament a bigger say in major decisions.

The Nur Otan party led by Nazarbayev holds more than 80 seats in the 107-seat lower house of parliament, which mostly rubberstamps legislation drafted by the government. The next parliamentary election is due next year.

Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva is the speaker of parliament's upper house.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role. Tokayev took over the oil-rich former Soviet republic this year when his predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned after nearly three decades in power, and some groups have urged him to dismantle the highly centralised political system. "I am convinced that Kazakhstan must remain a presidential republic, but the parliament will assume a worthy role in the political system," Tokayev said at a meeting with opposition activists and public figures picked by his government to join a newly-established National Council of Public Confidence. Tokayev said he wanted to boost political competition by amending electoral laws and give the parliament a bigger say in major decisions. The Nur Otan party led by Nazarbayev holds more than 80 seats in the 107-seat lower house of parliament, which mostly rubberstamps legislation drafted by the government. The next parliamentary election is due next year. Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva is the speaker of parliament's upper house.

Kazakh President rejects calls for parliamentary republic

Argentine authorities and Interpol detained on Friday a&nbsp;businessman&nbsp;who was at the&nbsp;centre&nbsp;of a&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;corruption&nbsp;scandal&nbsp;in 2004 that hurt the reputation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexican-president-hints-at-migration-concessions-to-defuse-us-trade-spat-223536">Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador</a>, who at the time was Mexico City's mayor and is now the nation's president.

The detained Argentine&nbsp;businessman&nbsp;Carlos Ahumada was filmed in 2004 giving bundles of money to Lopez Obrador's main ally in the City Council, Rene Bejarano.

Support for Lopez Obrador at the time was battered by the graft&nbsp;scandal.

Ahumada was detained at the request of&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;authorities and a process to extradite him to Mexico will begin immediately, the&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;attorney general's office (FGR) said in a statement.

The FGR said it suspects Ahumada of committing tax fraud of around 1.47 million pesos ($74,910).&nbsp;

In 2004, investigators wanted to question him over an alleged $3 million in missing public funds.

Lopez Obrador, who took office in December, has made fighting corruption a cornerstone of his administration.

Argentine authorities and Interpol detained on Friday a businessman who was at the centre of a Mexican corruption scandal in 2004 that hurt the reputation of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who at the time was Mexico City's mayor and is now the nation's president.

Argentine authorities and Interpol detained on Friday a businessman who was at the centre of a Mexican corruption scandal in 2004 that hurt the reputation of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who at the time was Mexico City's mayor and is now the nation's president. The detained Argentine businessman Carlos Ahumada was filmed in 2004 giving bundles of money to Lopez Obrador's main ally in the City Council, Rene Bejarano. Support for Lopez Obrador at the time was battered by the graft scandal. Ahumada was detained at the request of Mexican authorities and a process to extradite him to Mexico will begin immediately, the Mexican attorney general's office (FGR) said in a statement. The FGR said it suspects Ahumada of committing tax fraud of around 1.47 million pesos ($74,910). In 2004, investigators wanted to question him over an alleged $3 million in missing public funds. Lopez Obrador, who took office in December, has made fighting corruption a cornerstone of his administration.

Argentina detains businessman at the center of a Mexican corruption scandal

Former president Pranab Mukherjee was honoured with India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna by President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday.

Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contribution to Indian politics.&nbsp;

Mukherjee's life-long political career spanned about five decades, during which he held various key posts in the Congress as well as in the governments led by Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh.

The 83-year-old served as India's 13th President from 2012-2017, but prior to his election to the post, Mukherjee also served as the Union Finance Minister from 2009 to 2012.

As Finance Minister, Mukherjee signed the letter appointing Manmohan Singh as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Born on December 11, 1935, in a Bengali family in Mirati, a village in Birbhum district in West Bengal, Mukherjee completed his Masters in Political Science and History and LLB degree from University of Calcutta.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee was honoured with India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna by President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday. Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contribution to Indian politics.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee was honoured with India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna by President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday. Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contribution to Indian politics. Mukherjee's life-long political career spanned about five decades, during which he held various key posts in the Congress as well as in the governments led by Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh. The 83-year-old served as India's 13th President from 2012-2017, but prior to his election to the post, Mukherjee also served as the Union Finance Minister from 2009 to 2012. As Finance Minister, Mukherjee signed the letter appointing Manmohan Singh as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Born on December 11, 1935, in a Bengali family in Mirati, a village in Birbhum district in West Bengal, Mukherjee completed his Masters in Political Science and History and LLB degree from University of Calcutta.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee receives Bharat Ratna

Pakistan has gone into a huddle over the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir. A joint session of the Pakistani parliament has been summoned by Pak President Dr Arif Alvi.&nbsp;

This session will be held on Tuesday at 11 am with the prime agenda of the scrapping of article 370 by the Indian government.

The PM Narendra Modi government today revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has also summoned a meeting of the corps commanders.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that they will raise the issue of India's decision with the United States.

Qureshi tweeted saying that they intend to highlight the issue of scrapping Article 370 at a meet with the US delegation.&nbsp;

US diplomat Alice Wells will also be in Pakistan today. Wells is the Trump administration’s point-person for south and central Asia.

Pakistan has gone into a huddle over the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir. A joint session of the Pakistani parliament has been summoned by Pak President Dr Arif Alvi.

Pakistan has gone into a huddle over the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir. A joint session of the Pakistani parliament has been summoned by Pak President Dr Arif Alvi. This session will be held on Tuesday at 11 am with the prime agenda of the scrapping of article 370 by the Indian government. The PM Narendra Modi government today revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has also summoned a meeting of the corps commanders. Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that they will raise the issue of India's decision with the United States. Qureshi tweeted saying that they intend to highlight the issue of scrapping Article 370 at a meet with the US delegation. US diplomat Alice Wells will also be in Pakistan today. Wells is the Trump administration’s point-person for south and central Asia.

Article 370 scrapped: Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi summons joint session of Parliament

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday.

Mystery has surrounded the status of Andriy Bogdan, the head of the presidential administration, since Thursday evening.

The local news agency Interfax Ukraine had reported Bogdan's resignation but later retracted the story.

His appointment was controversial.

He was previously a lawyer for Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most powerful tycoons, whose business ties to Zelensky have been under scrutiny since the start of Zelenskiy's election campaign this year.

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the existence of a letter of resignation of the chief of his staff," a statement on the presidential website said. "The head of the state clarified that he had not signed the letter yet"."

A comedian with no prior political experience, Zelensky won the presidential election in April by a landslide on promises to fight corruption and transform Ukrainian politics.

But he has come under the spotlight for his business ties to Kolomoisky, who is one of Ukraine's richest men and who has been at loggerheads with the authorities over control of PrivatBank, the country's largest bank.

Zelensky has repeatedly pushed back against suggestions that he would take Kolomoisky's side in the PrivatBank dispute.

"We -- all the key people who came with me -- agreed from the beginning that we would write letters of resignations," the statement quoted Zelensky as saying.

"If society or the President feels that one or the other person cannot cope with the tasks set by Ukraine, then at any moment, this person... will resign".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday. Mystery has surrounded the status of Andriy Bogdan, the head of the presidential administration, since Thursday evening. The local news agency Interfax Ukraine had reported Bogdan's resignation but later retracted the story. His appointment was controversial. He was previously a lawyer for Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most powerful tycoons, whose business ties to Zelensky have been under scrutiny since the start of Zelenskiy's election campaign this year. "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the existence of a letter of resignation of the chief of his staff," a statement on the presidential website said. "The head of the state clarified that he had not signed the letter yet"." A comedian with no prior political experience, Zelensky won the presidential election in April by a landslide on promises to fight corruption and transform Ukrainian politics. But he has come under the spotlight for his business ties to Kolomoisky, who is one of Ukraine's richest men and who has been at loggerheads with the authorities over control of PrivatBank, the country's largest bank. Zelensky has repeatedly pushed back against suggestions that he would take Kolomoisky's side in the PrivatBank dispute. "We -- all the key people who came with me -- agreed from the beginning that we would write letters of resignations," the statement quoted Zelensky as saying. "If society or the President feels that one or the other person cannot cope with the tasks set by Ukraine, then at any moment, this person... will resign".

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's staff chief tries to quit after two months

U.S President Donald Trump prone to gaffles, bloopers. Trump has been accused of peddling fake news. Trump lied in front of Pak PM Imran Khan during the meet that Modi asked him to mediate on Kashmir. Even U.S analyst also slams Trump for his blunder. Watch this video to know more.

U.S President Donald Trump called out for 'Fake News'

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has achieved initial progress as a new-type multilateral development bank over the past three and half years since its establishment, and entered the stage of stable development, its president Jin Liqun said

AIIB has entered stage of stable development: president

Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president, collapsed and died while on trial in a Cairo courtroom on Monday, six years after the military ousted him in tumultuous circumstances that pushed Egypt back to autocratic rule.

Egypt's former president Mohamed Morsi has died in court

After three days of voting, Egyptians approved a constitutional referendum that will allow Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to remain in office until 2030. watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on The West Asia post, every Friday at 8:30 pm, only on WION, World Is One.

The West Asia Post: Al-Sisi wins referendum to extend rule

After three days of voting, Egyptians approved a constitutional referendum that will allow Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to remain in office until 2030. watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on The West Asia post, every Friday at 8:30 pm, only on WION, world is one.

Living in Gaza is not easy for human beings, let alone animals. it's high time they move to safer habitats. watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on the West Asia Post, every Friday at 8:30 pm, only on WION, world is one.

The West Asia Post: Animals evacuated from Gaza's last zoo

A reggae artist has returned from self-imposed exile in the United States to his native Sudan to perform for thousands of fans in Khartoum in the wake of the removal from power and imprisonment of longtime President Omar al-Bashir.

Sudan musician returns home after al-Bashir ouster

Indonesians began voting in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-indonesia-prepares-for-april-17th-polls-211011">world's biggest single-day election</a> on Wednesday as polling stations opened across the sprawling equatorial archipelago following a six-month campaign to choose a new president and parliament.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-election-the-people-issues-and-preparations-210870">eight-hour vote across a country</a> that stretches more than 5,000 km (3,000 miles) from its western to eastern tips is both a Herculean logistical feat and testimony to the resilience of democracy two decades after authoritarianism was defeated.

President Joko Widodo, a furniture businessman who entered politics 14 years ago as a small-city mayor, is seeking re-election against former general Prabowo Subianto, whom he narrowly defeated in the last election, in 2014.

The economy dominated the hard-fought campaign, though the rise of political Islam loomed over the contest in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

Most opinion polls give Widodo a double-digit lead, but the opposition says the race is much closer and Prabowo told a news conference late on Tuesday that he expected to win with 63 per cent of the vote.

Voting began first in the far-flung eastern province of Papua, which is two hours ahead of Jakarta, the capital.

Ballot papers were delivered with security escorts to remote regions of the country by plane, speedboat, canoe and horseback. Two speedboats have been deployed as mobile polling stations for residents on the Thousand Islands chain north of Jakarta.

A tornado in East Java late on Tuesday destroyed two village polling stations and cut power to two others, forcing the authorities to move voting to safer areas, the domestic news agency Antara reported.

More than 10,000 people have volunteered to crowd-source election results posted at polling stations in a real-time bid to thwart attempts at fraud.

However, the opposition has already alleged voter list irregularities that could affect millions and has vowed legal or "people power" action if its concerns are ignored.

Several videos appeared online last week apparently showing thousands of voting papers stuffed in bags at a warehouse in neighbouring Malaysia, with many apparently already marked.

The country's election supervisory board has recommended a re-vote for Indonesians in Malaysia and in Australia, where several hundred registered voters were still standing in line after the polls closed there on Saturday. A decision will be taken by the elections commission.

"Even though there have been obstacles and anomalies, I believe, at the end of it, we cannot contain the will of the people," Prabowo said on the eve of the vote.

An unexpected win for the challenger could trigger a brief sell-off in financial markets that have priced in a Widodo victory, analysts say.

"Should Prabowo win, this would literally be the end of opinion polling in Indonesia ... and a major, major upset," said Marcus Mietzner, associate professor at Australian National University. "The question is what the margin of victory will be," he said, predicting Widodo's re-election.

A win for Widodo with 52-55 per cent of the vote would be the "sweet spot" said a senior government official close to the president, adding that this would spur him to continue and even accelerate economic reforms.

'GAME OF THRONES'

Poll-related hashtags trended on Twitter in Indonesia during a three-day quiet period in the run-up to voting day.

Social media users compared the presidential race to the HBO series "Game of Thrones" - with one online meme showing Widodo sitting on its coveted Iron Throne.

Widodo touted his record on deregulation and improving infrastructure, calling it a first step to tackling inequality and poverty in Southeast Asia's biggest economy.

A moderate Muslim from central Java, Widodo had to burnish his Islamic credentials after smear campaigns and hoax stories accused him of being anti-Islam, a communist or too close to China, all politically damaging in Indonesia. He picked Islamic cleric Ma'ruf Amin, 76, as his running mate.

Prabowo, a former special forces commander who has links to some hardline Islamist groups, and his running mate, business entrepreneur Sandiaga Uno, say they will boost the economy by slashing taxes and focussing on infrastructure.

QUICK COUNTS

Nearly 350,000 police and soldiers will join 1.6 million paramilitary officers stationed across the country of 17,000 islands to safeguard the vote.

More than 192 million people are eligible to cast ballots in national and regional legislative elections being contested by more than 245,000 candidates.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (2200 GMT on Tuesday) in the east and will close at 1 p.m. (0600 GMT) in the west.

Voters will have five paper ballots for president, vice president, and national and regional legislative candidates.

Unofficial "quick counts", based on samples from polling stations, will be released hours after voting ends. The winning presidential candidate could be known by late on Wednesday.

Official results will be announced in May. Any disputes can be taken to the Constitutional Court where a nine-judge panel will have 14 days to rule on them.

 
&nbsp;

Indonesians began voting in the world's biggest single-day election on Wednesday as polling stations opened across the sprawling equatorial archipelago following a six-month campaign to choose a new president and parliament.

Indonesians began voting in the world's biggest single-day election on Wednesday as polling stations opened across the sprawling equatorial archipelago following a six-month campaign to choose a new president and parliament. The eight-hour vote across a country that stretches more than 5,000 km (3,000 miles) from its western to eastern tips is both a Herculean logistical feat and testimony to the resilience of democracy two decades after authoritarianism was defeated. President Joko Widodo, a furniture businessman who entered politics 14 years ago as a small-city mayor, is seeking re-election against former general Prabowo Subianto, whom he narrowly defeated in the last election, in 2014. The economy dominated the hard-fought campaign, though the rise of political Islam loomed over the contest in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. Most opinion polls give Widodo a double-digit lead, but the opposition says the race is much closer and Prabowo told a news conference late on Tuesday that he expected to win with 63 per cent of the vote. Voting began first in the far-flung eastern province of Papua, which is two hours ahead of Jakarta, the capital. Ballot papers were delivered with security escorts to remote regions of the country by plane, speedboat, canoe and horseback. Two speedboats have been deployed as mobile polling stations for residents on the Thousand Islands chain north of Jakarta. A tornado in East Java late on Tuesday destroyed two village polling stations and cut power to two others, forcing the authorities to move voting to safer areas, the domestic news agency Antara reported. More than 10,000 people have volunteered to crowd-source election results posted at polling stations in a real-time bid to thwart attempts at fraud. However, the opposition has already alleged voter list irregularities that could affect millions and has vowed legal or "people power" action if its concerns are ignored. Several videos appeared online last week apparently showing thousands of voting papers stuffed in bags at a warehouse in neighbouring Malaysia, with many apparently already marked. The country's election supervisory board has recommended a re-vote for Indonesians in Malaysia and in Australia, where several hundred registered voters were still standing in line after the polls closed there on Saturday. A decision will be taken by the elections commission. "Even though there have been obstacles and anomalies, I believe, at the end of it, we cannot contain the will of the people," Prabowo said on the eve of the vote. An unexpected win for the challenger could trigger a brief sell-off in financial markets that have priced in a Widodo victory, analysts say. "Should Prabowo win, this would literally be the end of opinion polling in Indonesia ... and a major, major upset," said Marcus Mietzner, associate professor at Australian National University. "The question is what the margin of victory will be," he said, predicting Widodo's re-election. A win for Widodo with 52-55 per cent of the vote would be the "sweet spot" said a senior government official close to the president, adding that this would spur him to continue and even accelerate economic reforms. 'GAME OF THRONES' Poll-related hashtags trended on Twitter in Indonesia during a three-day quiet period in the run-up to voting day. Social media users compared the presidential race to the HBO series "Game of Thrones" - with one online meme showing Widodo sitting on its coveted Iron Throne. Widodo touted his record on deregulation and improving infrastructure, calling it a first step to tackling inequality and poverty in Southeast Asia's biggest economy. A moderate Muslim from central Java, Widodo had to burnish his Islamic credentials after smear campaigns and hoax stories accused him of being anti-Islam, a communist or too close to China, all politically damaging in Indonesia. He picked Islamic cleric Ma'ruf Amin, 76, as his running mate. Prabowo, a former special forces commander who has links to some hardline Islamist groups, and his running mate, business entrepreneur Sandiaga Uno, say they will boost the economy by slashing taxes and focussing on infrastructure. QUICK COUNTS Nearly 350,000 police and soldiers will join 1.6 million paramilitary officers stationed across the country of 17,000 islands to safeguard the vote. More than 192 million people are eligible to cast ballots in national and regional legislative elections being contested by more than 245,000 candidates. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (2200 GMT on Tuesday) in the east and will close at 1 p.m. (0600 GMT) in the west. Voters will have five paper ballots for president, vice president, and national and regional legislative candidates. Unofficial "quick counts", based on samples from polling stations, will be released hours after voting ends. The winning presidential candidate could be known by late on Wednesday. Official results will be announced in May. Any disputes can be taken to the Constitutional Court where a nine-judge panel will have 14 days to rule on them.

In world's biggest one-day election, Indonesia votes for its president

A row erupted on Friday after several former army officers denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind in which concerns were raised by over 150 veterans over 'politicization' of the armed forces. Watch video to know more

India Election Watch: Mysterious Veterans letter to President raises uproar

Algeria's president might resign this week

Afghanistan on Sunday got officially connected with India via the Chabahar port in Iran, a port in which India's has invested heavily. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was in the city of Zaranj in the western province of Nimroz and along with Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar led a ceremony in which Afghan goods were sent to Chabahar to be shipped to India. Also present during occasion were ambassadors of Iran, Turkey and diplomats of Indonesia and Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

Speaking at the flagging off ceremony, Afghan President said, "Afghanistan is no more a landlocked country", according to Afghan news agency Tolo news.

He announced that an elite unit from Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security(NDS) which is the Afghan intelligence agency will be deployed to protect the route that leads to Chabahar from Nimruz to ensure the safe flow of goods while meeting provincial council members in the province.&nbsp;

He also said that the people of Nimruz play a substantial role in guaranteeing export and import of goods from Afghanistan to Chabahar and beyond.

The export consignment, loaded in 23 trucks consisted of Afghan carpets, dry fruits, cotton, talc, stones and other items weighing 570 tonnes.&nbsp;

Speaking from Nimroz Indian envoy Vinay Kumar told WION that it was "a landmark event to provide access for the Afghan exporters to the large Indian market to build on the success of air corridor which has already helped increase Afghan exports to India by more than forty per cent."

Afghanistan has a huge trade surplus with India, the only such surplus for Afghans with any country. Bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan has seen a quantum jump of over 40% in 2018-19, crossing US dollar 1 billion. Afghan exports to India stood at US dollars 740 million last year.&nbsp;

The development comes days before Iran will organise Chabahar day. It will take place on 26th February and will be a business event to attract investment for the port. Secretary of the Shipping ministry of India will lead the Indian delegation with industry chamber CII taking a strong business delegation of 30 Indian companies.

The Chabahar project is a major connectivity program which will help India connect not only with landlocked Afghanistan but also central Asia. The project is also part of the international north-south corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow via Iran and Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

India has already established shipping links with the port with Indian ships going there every 2 weeks from 3 Indian ports--Mumbai, Kandla and Mundra. Commercial operations at the port began on 30th December 2018 with India formally taking over operations of a part of the Shahid Beheshti Port on 24th December 2018.

Afghanistan on Sunday got officially connected with India via the Chabahar port in Iran, a port in which India's has invested heavily. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was in the city of Zaranj in the western province of Nimroz and along with Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar led a ceremony in which Afghan goods were sent to Chabahar to be shipped to India.

Afghanistan on Sunday got officially connected with India via the Chabahar port in Iran, a port in which India's has invested heavily. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was in the city of Zaranj in the western province of Nimroz and along with Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar led a ceremony in which Afghan goods were sent to Chabahar to be shipped to India. Also present during occasion were ambassadors of Iran, Turkey and diplomats of Indonesia and Kazakhstan. Speaking at the flagging off ceremony, Afghan President said, "Afghanistan is no more a landlocked country", according to Afghan news agency Tolo news. He announced that an elite unit from Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security(NDS) which is the Afghan intelligence agency will be deployed to protect the route that leads to Chabahar from Nimruz to ensure the safe flow of goods while meeting provincial council members in the province. He also said that the people of Nimruz play a substantial role in guaranteeing export and import of goods from Afghanistan to Chabahar and beyond. The export consignment, loaded in 23 trucks consisted of Afghan carpets, dry fruits, cotton, talc, stones and other items weighing 570 tonnes. Speaking from Nimroz Indian envoy Vinay Kumar told WION that it was "a landmark event to provide access for the Afghan exporters to the large Indian market to build on the success of air corridor which has already helped increase Afghan exports to India by more than forty per cent." Afghanistan has a huge trade surplus with India, the only such surplus for Afghans with any country. Bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan has seen a quantum jump of over 40% in 2018-19, crossing US dollar 1 billion. Afghan exports to India stood at US dollars 740 million last year. The development comes days before Iran will organise Chabahar day. It will take place on 26th February and will be a business event to attract investment for the port. Secretary of the Shipping ministry of India will lead the Indian delegation with industry chamber CII taking a strong business delegation of 30 Indian companies. The Chabahar project is a major connectivity program which will help India connect not only with landlocked Afghanistan but also central Asia. The project is also part of the international north-south corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow via Iran and Azerbaijan. India has already established shipping links with the port with Indian ships going there every 2 weeks from 3 Indian ports--Mumbai, Kandla and Mundra. Commercial operations at the port began on 30th December 2018 with India formally taking over operations of a part of the Shahid Beheshti Port on 24th December 2018.

Chabahar port opens for Afghan goods as Afghanistan President says will deploy security to safeguard the route

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-plans-to-get-oil-money-from-us-fund-195717">Venezuela's state-run oil company</a> PDVSA is telling customers of its joint ventures to deposit oil sales proceeds in an account recently opened at Russia's Gazprombank AO, according to sources and an internal document seen by Reuters on Saturday.

PDVSA's move comes after the United States imposed tough, new financial sanctions on January 28 aimed at blocking Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's access to the country's oil revenue.

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">interim president Juan Guaido</a> said recently that a fund would be established to accept proceeds from sales of Venezuelan oil.

The United States and dozens of other countries have recognized Guaido as the nation's legitimate head of state. Maduro has denounced Guaido as a US puppet seeking to foment a coup.

PDVSA also has begun pressing its foreign partners holding stakes in joint ventures in its key Orinoco Belt producing area to formally decide whether they will continue with the projects, according to two sources with knowledge of the talks.

The joint venture partners include Norway's Equinor ASA, US-based Chevron Corp and France's Total SA.

"We would like to make formal your knowledge of new banking instructions to make payments in US dollars or euros," wrote PDVSA's finance vice president, Fernando De Quintal, in a letter dated February 8 to the PDVSA unit that supervises its joint ventures.

Even after the first round of financial sanctions in 2017, PDVSA's joint ventures managed to maintain bank accounts in the United States and Europe to receive proceeds from oil sales. They also used correspondent banks in the United States and Europe to shift money to PDVSA's accounts in China.

State-run PDVSA several weeks ago informed customers of the new banking instructions and has begun moving the accounts of its joint ventures, which can export crude separately. The decision was made amid tension with some of its partners, which have withdrawn staff from Caracas since US sanctions were imposed in January.

The sanctions gave US oil companies working in Venezuela, including Chevron and oil service firms Halliburton Co, General Electric Co's Baker Hughes and Schlumberger NV, a deadline to halt all operations in the South American country. The European Union has encouraged member countries to recognize a new temporary government led by Guaido until new elections can be held. Europe also has said it could impose financial sanctions to bar Maduro from having access to oil revenue coming from the region.

Maduro has overseen an economic collapse in the oil-rich OPEC country that has left many Venezuelans malnourished and struggling to find medicine, sparking the exodus of an estimated 3 million Venezuelans.

Sanctions designed to deprive Maduro of oil revenue have left an armada of loaded oil tankers off Venezuela's coasts that have not been discharged by PDVSA's customers due to payment issues. The bottleneck has caused problems for PDVSA to continue producing and refining oil without imported diluents and components.

PDVSA also ordered its Petrocedeno joint venture with Equinor and Total to halt extra-heavy oil output and upgrading due to a lack of naphtha needed to make the production exportable, as the sanctions prohibit US suppliers of the fuel from exporting to Venezuela. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA is telling customers of its joint ventures to deposit oil sales proceeds in an account recently opened at Russia's Gazprombank AO, according to sources and an internal document seen by Reuters on Saturday.

Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA is telling customers of its joint ventures to deposit oil sales proceeds in an account recently opened at Russia's Gazprombank AO, according to sources and an internal document seen by Reuters on Saturday. PDVSA's move comes after the United States imposed tough, new financial sanctions on January 28 aimed at blocking Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's access to the country's oil revenue. Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido said recently that a fund would be established to accept proceeds from sales of Venezuelan oil. The United States and dozens of other countries have recognized Guaido as the nation's legitimate head of state. Maduro has denounced Guaido as a US puppet seeking to foment a coup. PDVSA also has begun pressing its foreign partners holding stakes in joint ventures in its key Orinoco Belt producing area to formally decide whether they will continue with the projects, according to two sources with knowledge of the talks. The joint venture partners include Norway's Equinor ASA, US-based Chevron Corp and France's Total SA. "We would like to make formal your knowledge of new banking instructions to make payments in US dollars or euros," wrote PDVSA's finance vice president, Fernando De Quintal, in a letter dated February 8 to the PDVSA unit that supervises its joint ventures. Even after the first round of financial sanctions in 2017, PDVSA's joint ventures managed to maintain bank accounts in the United States and Europe to receive proceeds from oil sales. They also used correspondent banks in the United States and Europe to shift money to PDVSA's accounts in China. State-run PDVSA several weeks ago informed customers of the new banking instructions and has begun moving the accounts of its joint ventures, which can export crude separately. The decision was made amid tension with some of its partners, which have withdrawn staff from Caracas since US sanctions were imposed in January. The sanctions gave US oil companies working in Venezuela, including Chevron and oil service firms Halliburton Co, General Electric Co's Baker Hughes and Schlumberger NV, a deadline to halt all operations in the South American country. The European Union has encouraged member countries to recognize a new temporary government led by Guaido until new elections can be held. Europe also has said it could impose financial sanctions to bar Maduro from having access to oil revenue coming from the region. Maduro has overseen an economic collapse in the oil-rich OPEC country that has left many Venezuelans malnourished and struggling to find medicine, sparking the exodus of an estimated 3 million Venezuelans. Sanctions designed to deprive Maduro of oil revenue have left an armada of loaded oil tankers off Venezuela's coasts that have not been discharged by PDVSA's customers due to payment issues. The bottleneck has caused problems for PDVSA to continue producing and refining oil without imported diluents and components. PDVSA also ordered its Petrocedeno joint venture with Equinor and Total to halt extra-heavy oil output and upgrading due to a lack of naphtha needed to make the production exportable, as the sanctions prohibit US suppliers of the fuel from exporting to Venezuela.

Venezuela tells customers to deposit proceeds of oil sales in Russian bank: Documents, sources

Sri Lanka's president said Wednesday that a 42-year moratorium on capital punishment will end within two months <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/activists-decry-sri-lankan-presidents-praise-for-dutertes-drugs-war-191336">with the hanging of drug convicts.</a>

Maithripala Sirisena told parliament he was committed to bringing back the death penalty for drug offenders, months after vowing a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime inspired by a similar crackdown in the Philippines.

"I hope to carry out the first hanging within a month or two," he said. "I appeal to human rights organisations not to try to pressure us on this decision."

Criminals in Sri Lanka are regularly given death sentences for murder, rape and drug-related crimes but until now their punishments have been commuted to life jail.

Following a visit to the Philippines last month, Sirisena said he wanted to copy President Rodrigo Duterte's strongarm tactics in dealing with illegal drugs.

Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale said Tuesday that administrative procedures for the execution of five drug convicts had been completed and Sirisena now only had to sign death warrants.

The president did not say how many would be involved in the first hangings.

But prison officials said Tuesday that authorities were still trying to fill a vacancy for a hangman, despite placing advertisements for the position last year offering a salary of 35,000 rupees ($200) a month.

While Sri Lanka's last execution was more than four decades ago, an executioner was in the post until his retirement in 2014. Three replacements since have quit after short stints at the unused gallows.

Sri Lanka's president said Wednesday that a 42-year moratorium on capital punishment will end within two months with the hanging of drug convicts. Maithripala Sirisena told parliament he was committed to bringing back the death penalty for drug offenders, months after vowing a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime inspired by a similar crackdown in the Philippines.

Sri Lanka's president said Wednesday that a 42-year moratorium on capital punishment will end within two months with the hanging of drug convicts. Maithripala Sirisena told parliament he was committed to bringing back the death penalty for drug offenders, months after vowing a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime inspired by a similar crackdown in the Philippines. "I hope to carry out the first hanging within a month or two," he said. "I appeal to human rights organisations not to try to pressure us on this decision." Criminals in Sri Lanka are regularly given death sentences for murder, rape and drug-related crimes but until now their punishments have been commuted to life jail. Following a visit to the Philippines last month, Sirisena said he wanted to copy President Rodrigo Duterte's strongarm tactics in dealing with illegal drugs. Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale said Tuesday that administrative procedures for the execution of five drug convicts had been completed and Sirisena now only had to sign death warrants. The president did not say how many would be involved in the first hangings. But prison officials said Tuesday that authorities were still trying to fill a vacancy for a hangman, despite placing advertisements for the position last year offering a salary of 35,000 rupees ($200) a month. While Sri Lanka's last execution was more than four decades ago, an executioner was in the post until his retirement in 2014. Three replacements since have quit after short stints at the unused gallows.

Sri Lanka to resume executions within two months: Sirisena

Egyptian lawmakers on Sunday tabled proposed constitutional changes that would allow President <a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-putin-gives-president-sisi-a-ride-around-f-1-circuit-in-sochi-172062">Abdel Fattah al-Sisi </a>to extend his rule beyond 2022, legislators said.

The bill submitted to speaker Ali Abdel Aal calls for several amendments to the constitution, including on the duration of presidential mandates currently limited to two four-year terms.

The lawmakers who put forward the amendments hope to extend the length of mandates to two six-year terms, which they say would allow Sisi to run for the presidency two more times after his second term expires in 2022.

That could see the former military chief ruling over Egypt until 2034.&nbsp;

The parliament's website said speaker Abdel Aal had received a "request from a fifth of the elected representatives (120 deputies out of the total 596) to amend certain articles of the constitution".&nbsp;

That number fulfils the quorum required for such a request.

A statement published later on the parliament's website outlined seven amendments that it said would address "severe deficiencies in determining the presidency term".

Terms would become six years instead of four years since the current term length "isn't quite reasonable given the reality and the country's and region's circumstances", it said.

The revisions were aimed at supporting the parliamentary representation of women, youths, Christians, people with special needs and Egyptians in the diaspora, it added.

They would include "the establishment of the second chamber of parliament... and the creation of the post of vice president to assist the president in his duties," said the statement.

The bill was submitted by the majority pro-government Support Egypt coalition along with some independents, said Mustafa Bakri, one of the lawmakers who favour the change.

Jean Talaat, another Sisi backer said, "the amendments concern fewer than 10 articles of the constitution, including on the duration of the presidential term for its extension to six years".

The establishment of a lower house would see a return to a bicameral parliamentary system.&nbsp;

That chamber was removed in the 2012 constitution, a year after the uprising that toppled long-time president Hosni Mubarak.

Another amendment would see the reinstatement of an information ministry, a portfolio that was abolished in 2014.

Sisi was elected for the first time in 2014, after ousting his predecessor, the Islamist Mohamed Morsi. The former army head was re-elected in 2018 with an official 97 per cent of the vote.

The vast majority of the current parliament supports the Sisi government, with only around 10 lawmakers making up the opposition. 
&nbsp;

Egyptian lawmakers on Sunday tabled proposed constitutional changes that would allow President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to extend his rule beyond 2022, legislators said.

Egyptian lawmakers on Sunday tabled proposed constitutional changes that would allow President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to extend his rule beyond 2022, legislators said. The bill submitted to speaker Ali Abdel Aal calls for several amendments to the constitution, including on the duration of presidential mandates currently limited to two four-year terms. The lawmakers who put forward the amendments hope to extend the length of mandates to two six-year terms, which they say would allow Sisi to run for the presidency two more times after his second term expires in 2022. That could see the former military chief ruling over Egypt until 2034. The parliament's website said speaker Abdel Aal had received a "request from a fifth of the elected representatives (120 deputies out of the total 596) to amend certain articles of the constitution". That number fulfils the quorum required for such a request. A statement published later on the parliament's website outlined seven amendments that it said would address "severe deficiencies in determining the presidency term". Terms would become six years instead of four years since the current term length "isn't quite reasonable given the reality and the country's and region's circumstances", it said. The revisions were aimed at supporting the parliamentary representation of women, youths, Christians, people with special needs and Egyptians in the diaspora, it added. They would include "the establishment of the second chamber of parliament... and the creation of the post of vice president to assist the president in his duties," said the statement. The bill was submitted by the majority pro-government Support Egypt coalition along with some independents, said Mustafa Bakri, one of the lawmakers who favour the change. Jean Talaat, another Sisi backer said, "the amendments concern fewer than 10 articles of the constitution, including on the duration of the presidential term for its extension to six years". The establishment of a lower house would see a return to a bicameral parliamentary system. That chamber was removed in the 2012 constitution, a year after the uprising that toppled long-time president Hosni Mubarak. Another amendment would see the reinstatement of an information ministry, a portfolio that was abolished in 2014. Sisi was elected for the first time in 2014, after ousting his predecessor, the Islamist Mohamed Morsi. The former army head was re-elected in 2018 with an official 97 per cent of the vote. The vast majority of the current parliament supports the Sisi government, with only around 10 lawmakers making up the opposition.

Egypt MPs table law amendment to extend President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rule

&nbsp;Nilambar Acharya, Nepal's former law minister, has been appointed as the country's ambassador to India, a position that was vacant since October 2017.&nbsp;

The position of the Nepalese ambassador to India was vacant for more than a year after Deep Kumar Upadhyay resigned to join politics.&nbsp;

President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday administered an oath of office to Acharya at the Rashtrapati Bhawan at Sheetal Niwas.&nbsp;

Bhandari congratulated Acharya for being an ambassador to a very close neighbour of Nepal.

Acharya is the first Nepalese ambassador to take an oath of office and secrecy from the president under a new provision.

Earlier, ambassadors were administered an oath of office by Supreme Court chief justice. 
&nbsp; 
A Moscow University graduate, Acharya was initially left-leaning but later joined the Nepali Congress party.&nbsp;

He was minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Labour and Social Welfare in the interim government of 1990.&nbsp;

Foreign policy experts here say that Acharya faces huge challenges as he takes up his diplomatic assignment next month as the first envoy to New Delhi since the 2015 blockade after of the promulgation of the new Constitution in Nepal that had strained bilateral ties, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Nepal had blamed India for the blockade. India has denied the allegations, stating the shortage of essential supplies was caused by the unrest in the country due to Madheshi protests.

Nilambar Acharya, Nepal's former law minister, has been appointed as the country's ambassador to India, a position that was vacant since October 2017. The position of the Nepalese ambassador to India was vacant for more than a year after Deep Kumar Upadhyay resigned to join politics.

Nilambar Acharya, Nepal's former law minister, has been appointed as the country's ambassador to India, a position that was vacant since October 2017. The position of the Nepalese ambassador to India was vacant for more than a year after Deep Kumar Upadhyay resigned to join politics. President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday administered an oath of office to Acharya at the Rashtrapati Bhawan at Sheetal Niwas. Bhandari congratulated Acharya for being an ambassador to a very close neighbour of Nepal. Acharya is the first Nepalese ambassador to take an oath of office and secrecy from the president under a new provision. Earlier, ambassadors were administered an oath of office by Supreme Court chief justice. A Moscow University graduate, Acharya was initially left-leaning but later joined the Nepali Congress party. He was minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Labour and Social Welfare in the interim government of 1990. Foreign policy experts here say that Acharya faces huge challenges as he takes up his diplomatic assignment next month as the first envoy to New Delhi since the 2015 blockade after of the promulgation of the new Constitution in Nepal that had strained bilateral ties, The Kathmandu Post reported. Nepal had blamed India for the blockade. India has denied the allegations, stating the shortage of essential supplies was caused by the unrest in the country due to Madheshi protests.

Nilambar Acharya appointed Nepal's envoy to India

A helicopter carrying Nigeria's Vice President crash-landed on Saturday en route to a political campaign two weeks before an election, but he survived the incident in central Kogi state unharmed, saying later he was safe and sound.

Nigerian go to the polls on February 16 to elect a new president in an election where the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy have been touring the country to woo voters for a second term in office.

A video on the Twitter account of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, showed him cheering to supporters after the incident. He posted: "We are safe and sound!"

The cause of the accident was not immediately clear. Spokesman Laolu Akande said the vice president was continuing his engagements in Kogi state.

"VP Osinbajo's chopper crash lands in Kabba, but he and the entire crew is safe," the spokesman tweeted.

Nigeria's airlines are plagued by problems - delays, cancellations and fuel shortages that are almost expected from domestic passengers. However, safety records have been improving in recent years.

Political party candidates have been campaigning across the country to market their plans on how they intend to lead one of Africa's top economies over the next four years, with the key issues being corruption, security and the economy.

Buhari is hoping his anti-corruption agenda can win him a second term while the main opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar has said he would consider an amnesty for corruption suspects and privatise the state-owned oil company NNPC.

A helicopter carrying Nigeria's Vice President crash-landed on Saturday en route to a political campaign two weeks before an election, but he survived the incident in central Kogi state unharmed, saying later he was safe and sound.

A helicopter carrying Nigeria's Vice President crash-landed on Saturday en route to a political campaign two weeks before an election, but he survived the incident in central Kogi state unharmed, saying later he was safe and sound. Nigerian go to the polls on February 16 to elect a new president in an election where the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy have been touring the country to woo voters for a second term in office. A video on the Twitter account of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, showed him cheering to supporters after the incident. He posted: "We are safe and sound!" The cause of the accident was not immediately clear. Spokesman Laolu Akande said the vice president was continuing his engagements in Kogi state. "VP Osinbajo's chopper crash lands in Kabba, but he and the entire crew is safe," the spokesman tweeted. Nigeria's airlines are plagued by problems - delays, cancellations and fuel shortages that are almost expected from domestic passengers. However, safety records have been improving in recent years. Political party candidates have been campaigning across the country to market their plans on how they intend to lead one of Africa's top economies over the next four years, with the key issues being corruption, security and the economy. Buhari is hoping his anti-corruption agenda can win him a second term while the main opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar has said he would consider an amnesty for corruption suspects and privatise the state-owned oil company NNPC.

Nigeria vice president survives chopper crash weeks before election

Salvadorans will vote in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, with an energetic former mayor campaigning as an anti-corruption outsider set to win the top job and end decades of a two-party system.

Nayib Bukele, 37, has capitalized on the anti-establishment feeling sweeping elections across the region and further afield, as voters seek an alternative to traditional parties.

Since the end of its bloody civil war in 1992, El Salvador has been governed by just two parties: ruling leftists the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), and its rival, the conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA).

Though he describes himself as from the left and was expelled from the FMLN, Bukele has formed a coalition with parties including a right-wing one who together has just 11 seats in the legislature.

Pollster Mitofsky said in a January poll that Bukele had 57 per cent of voter support, while a poll by Gallup showed him with 42 per cent. Both polls show ARENA's Carlos Calleja in second place.

If no candidate wins more than 50 per cent of Sunday's vote, two candidates will pass into a runoff to be held in March.

El Salvador's next president will face US President Donald Trump's verbal attacks against Central American governments for not doing enough to prevent migration and have to manage American backlash to recently-established diplomatic relations with China.

The new government will also have to try to kickstart a sluggish economy, combat corruption and tackle one of the highest rates of homicide in the world.

"Nayib is an excellent person and the proposals he has are pretty excellent," said Maria Amaya, a 42-year-old housewife who said she previously voted for the FMLN.

"We're fed up of so much corruption, the Front (FMLN) and ARENA had their time to do something and they didn't."

ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE

Bukele, who was mayor of San Salvador between 2015 to 2018, has said he wants to create an international anti-corruption commission with the support of the United Nations, following similar schemes in Guatemala and Honduras.

"We'll create a (commission) ... so that the corrupt can't hide where they always hide, instead they'll have to give back what they stole," Bukele said in January.

The country of 6 million people ranked 105 in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index, alongside Brazil, which elected far-right Jair Bolsonaro last year on a similar anti-corruption platform.

Bukele, who slicks back his hair and often sports a backward baseball cap, has a large social media following, uses Facebook Live for official announcements, and challenges opponents on Twitter.

Growing up, Bukele's relatively wealthy family were sympathetic to the FMLN, the former leftist guerrilla army that became a political party at the end of El Salvador's civil war in 1992.

But Bukele has turned away from Latin America's traditional left, branding Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega as well as conservative Honduran Juan Orlando Hernandez dictators.

"A dictator is a dictator, on the "right" or the "left"," Bukele wrote in a tweet last week.

Salvadorans will vote in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, with an energetic former mayor campaigning as an anti-corruption outsider set to win the top job and end decades of a two-party system.

Salvadorans will vote in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, with an energetic former mayor campaigning as an anti-corruption outsider set to win the top job and end decades of a two-party system. Nayib Bukele, 37, has capitalized on the anti-establishment feeling sweeping elections across the region and further afield, as voters seek an alternative to traditional parties. Since the end of its bloody civil war in 1992, El Salvador has been governed by just two parties: ruling leftists the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), and its rival, the conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA). Though he describes himself as from the left and was expelled from the FMLN, Bukele has formed a coalition with parties including a right-wing one who together has just 11 seats in the legislature. Pollster Mitofsky said in a January poll that Bukele had 57 per cent of voter support, while a poll by Gallup showed him with 42 per cent. Both polls show ARENA's Carlos Calleja in second place. If no candidate wins more than 50 per cent of Sunday's vote, two candidates will pass into a runoff to be held in March. El Salvador's next president will face US President Donald Trump's verbal attacks against Central American governments for not doing enough to prevent migration and have to manage American backlash to recently-established diplomatic relations with China. The new government will also have to try to kickstart a sluggish economy, combat corruption and tackle one of the highest rates of homicide in the world. "Nayib is an excellent person and the proposals he has are pretty excellent," said Maria Amaya, a 42-year-old housewife who said she previously voted for the FMLN. "We're fed up of so much corruption, the Front (FMLN) and ARENA had their time to do something and they didn't." ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE Bukele, who was mayor of San Salvador between 2015 to 2018, has said he wants to create an international anti-corruption commission with the support of the United Nations, following similar schemes in Guatemala and Honduras. "We'll create a (commission) ... so that the corrupt can't hide where they always hide, instead they'll have to give back what they stole," Bukele said in January. The country of 6 million people ranked 105 in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index, alongside Brazil, which elected far-right Jair Bolsonaro last year on a similar anti-corruption platform. Bukele, who slicks back his hair and often sports a backward baseball cap, has a large social media following, uses Facebook Live for official announcements, and challenges opponents on Twitter. Growing up, Bukele's relatively wealthy family were sympathetic to the FMLN, the former leftist guerrilla army that became a political party at the end of El Salvador's civil war in 1992. But Bukele has turned away from Latin America's traditional left, branding Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega as well as conservative Honduran Juan Orlando Hernandez dictators. "A dictator is a dictator, on the "right" or the "left"," Bukele wrote in a tweet last week.

El Salvador votes for new president, with anti-corruption outsider in lead

Algeria's ruling coalition on Saturday named President Abdelaziz Bouteflika as its candidate for April polls, although the ailing incumbent has yet to officially confirm he will run.

"The parties of the presidential coalition nominate Abdelaziz Bouteflika for the upcoming presidential elections," the four coalition partners said in a statement.&nbsp;

The meeting was attended by Mouad Bouchareb, speaker of the lower house of parliament and coordinator of Bouteflika's National Liberation Front, as well as by Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, head of the National Rally for Democracy.

The leader of the Rally for Hope in Algeria party Amar Ghoul and Amara Benyounes, who heads the Popular Algerian Movement, also attended.&nbsp;

In power since 1999, 81-year-old Bouteflika uses a wheelchair and has rarely been seen in public since a stroke in 2013.&nbsp;

For the last presidential election in 2014, Bouteflika only declared his intention to run a few days ahead of the deadline.

Prime Minister Ouyahia has said "there is no doubt" the president will seek a fifth term on April 18.&nbsp;

Ouyahia said earlier this week that Bouteflika's health was not "an obstacle" to performing his duties as president. &nbsp;

Presidential candidates have until March 3 at midnight (2300 GMT) to submit their applications.&nbsp;

Retired general Ali Ghediri, 64, was the first to announce his candidacy after the presidency set the election date.

Algeria's main Islamist party, the Movement for the Society of Peace, will also take part in the poll, backing its candidate Dr Abderrazak Makri.

The country's oldest opposition party, the Front of Socialist Forces, announced on January 25 that it would not field a candidate and called for an "active, intensive and peaceful boycott" of the ballot.

On Friday, the secular Rally for Culture and Democracy party said it would also boycott due to its objection to a fifth term for the ailing Bouteflika.

Algeria's ruling coalition on Saturday named President Abdelaziz Bouteflika as its candidate for April polls, although the ailing incumbent has yet to officially confirm he will run.

Algeria's ruling coalition on Saturday named President Abdelaziz Bouteflika as its candidate for April polls, although the ailing incumbent has yet to officially confirm he will run. "The parties of the presidential coalition nominate Abdelaziz Bouteflika for the upcoming presidential elections," the four coalition partners said in a statement. The meeting was attended by Mouad Bouchareb, speaker of the lower house of parliament and coordinator of Bouteflika's National Liberation Front, as well as by Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, head of the National Rally for Democracy. The leader of the Rally for Hope in Algeria party Amar Ghoul and Amara Benyounes, who heads the Popular Algerian Movement, also attended. In power since 1999, 81-year-old Bouteflika uses a wheelchair and has rarely been seen in public since a stroke in 2013. For the last presidential election in 2014, Bouteflika only declared his intention to run a few days ahead of the deadline. Prime Minister Ouyahia has said "there is no doubt" the president will seek a fifth term on April 18. Ouyahia said earlier this week that Bouteflika's health was not "an obstacle" to performing his duties as president. Presidential candidates have until March 3 at midnight (2300 GMT) to submit their applications. Retired general Ali Ghediri, 64, was the first to announce his candidacy after the presidency set the election date. Algeria's main Islamist party, the Movement for the Society of Peace, will also take part in the poll, backing its candidate Dr Abderrazak Makri. The country's oldest opposition party, the Front of Socialist Forces, announced on January 25 that it would not field a candidate and called for an "active, intensive and peaceful boycott" of the ballot. On Friday, the secular Rally for Culture and Democracy party said it would also boycott due to its objection to a fifth term for the ailing Bouteflika.

Algeria ruling coalition backs Bouteflika for April poll

Belgium has agreed to take in former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo following his acquittal at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a foreign ministry spokesman told AFP Saturday.

But under the terms of his release, he has to remain in a host country until the tribunal rules on whether to grant the prosecutors' request for a new trial.

He is also forbidden from contacting witnesses in the case and speaking publicly about it.

"In response to a request from the International Criminal Court, Belgium has agreed to take in Laurent Gbagbo," said spokesman Karl Lagatie.

"That is also part of the framework of our support for international criminal jurisdictions," he added.

Shock acquittal&nbsp;

The ICC finally freed Gbagbo on Friday after his shock acquittal last month on charges of crimes against humanity.

He and his aide Charles Ble Goude were cleared on January 15 over the wave of violence after disputed elections in the west African nation in 2010.

His release was also on condition that he stay in whichever host state accepted him until the court decided whether to let a new trial go ahead.

Defence lawyers had argued for the two men's immediate and unconditional release.

Under further conditions, Gbagbo also had to surrender his travel documents, report weekly, avoid contacting witnesses in Ivory Coast and refrain from making public statements about the case, the court documents said.

According to Belgian press reports, Gbagbo's second wife, 47-year-old Nady Bamba, lives in Belgium.&nbsp;

Gbagbo, now 73, was the first former head of state ever to stand trial at the ICC.

More than 3,000 people died on both sides after Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to his internationally backed-rival — and now-president — Alassane Ouattara.

He had been held by the ICC in the Netherlands since 2011.

The ICC's unwillingness to let Gbagbo return to Ivory Coast may be because of the country's refusal to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ivory-coast-ex-first-lady-simone-gbagbo-freed-after-amnesty-157974">surrender Gbagbo's wife Simone</a>, despite an outstanding ICC warrant for her arrest.

She was convicted and jailed by the courts there in 2015, but Ouattara granted her an amnesty last year, allow her release after seven years in detention.

Gbagbo's release comes at a particularly tense time in Ivory Coast.

With presidential elections due in 2020, Ouattara has not said whether or not he will run for a second term, and the coalition he formed with Henri Konan Bedie, his former ally against Gbagbo, has collapsed.

Belgium has agreed to take in former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo following his acquittal at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a foreign ministry spokesman told AFP Saturday.

Belgium has agreed to take in former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo following his acquittal at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a foreign ministry spokesman told AFP Saturday. But under the terms of his release, he has to remain in a host country until the tribunal rules on whether to grant the prosecutors' request for a new trial. He is also forbidden from contacting witnesses in the case and speaking publicly about it. "In response to a request from the International Criminal Court, Belgium has agreed to take in Laurent Gbagbo," said spokesman Karl Lagatie. "That is also part of the framework of our support for international criminal jurisdictions," he added. Shock acquittal The ICC finally freed Gbagbo on Friday after his shock acquittal last month on charges of crimes against humanity. He and his aide Charles Ble Goude were cleared on January 15 over the wave of violence after disputed elections in the west African nation in 2010. His release was also on condition that he stay in whichever host state accepted him until the court decided whether to let a new trial go ahead. Defence lawyers had argued for the two men's immediate and unconditional release. Under further conditions, Gbagbo also had to surrender his travel documents, report weekly, avoid contacting witnesses in Ivory Coast and refrain from making public statements about the case, the court documents said. According to Belgian press reports, Gbagbo's second wife, 47-year-old Nady Bamba, lives in Belgium. Gbagbo, now 73, was the first former head of state ever to stand trial at the ICC. More than 3,000 people died on both sides after Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to his internationally backed-rival — and now-president — Alassane Ouattara. He had been held by the ICC in the Netherlands since 2011. The ICC's unwillingness to let Gbagbo return to Ivory Coast may be because of the country's refusal to surrender Gbagbo's wife Simone, despite an outstanding ICC warrant for her arrest. She was convicted and jailed by the courts there in 2015, but Ouattara granted her an amnesty last year, allow her release after seven years in detention. Gbagbo's release comes at a particularly tense time in Ivory Coast. With presidential elections due in 2020, Ouattara has not said whether or not he will run for a second term, and the coalition he formed with Henri Konan Bedie, his former ally against Gbagbo, has collapsed.

Belgium to take in ex-Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo

&nbsp;Democratic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-democratic-representative-tulsi-gabbard-says-she-will-run-for-president-in-2020-189711">presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard</a> has alleged that she had become a victim of "religious bigotry" and some media outlets were targeting her and accusing her supporters, who have Hindu names, of being Hindu nationalists.

Gabbard, the first Hindu<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/news-brief-big-stories-of-the-day-189741"> elected to the US Congress</a>, wrote an op-ed for the Religious News Services on Sunday, describing the campaign against her, supporters and donors as "profiling and targeting of Hindu Americans and ascribing to them motives without any basis".

The 37-year-old had on January 11 announced that she would be running for the White House in 2020.

In the hard-hitting piece, Gabbard pointed out to the accusation against her of being a Hindu nationalist. "Tomorrow will it be Muslim or Jewish Americans? Japanese, Hispanic or African Americans?" she asked.

"My meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's democratically elected leader, have been highlighted as 'proof' of this and portrayed as somehow being out of the ordinary or somehow suspect, even though President (Barack) Obama, Secretary (Hillary) Clinton, President (Donald) Trump and many of my colleagues in Congress have met with and worked with him," Gabbard said.

"I am proud to be the first Hindu-American to have been elected to Congress, and now, the first Hindu-American to run for president," the four-term Democratic lawmaker from Hawaii said.&nbsp;

"And, while the headlines covering my announcement could have celebrated this historic first, maybe even informed Americans at large about the world's third-largest religion, some have instead fomented suspicion, fear, and religious bigotry about not only me but also my supporters," Gabbard said.

Gabbard said India was one of America's closest allies in Asia and is a country of growing importance in a critical region of the world.

"The strategic partnership between our two countries has been a priority for several decades now. To question my commitment to my country, while not questioning non-Hindu leaders, creates a double standard that can only be rooted in one thing: 'religious bigotry'. I am Hindu and they are not," Gabbard said.

She referred to the attack against her in the past by political opponents. "Religious bigotry and attempt to foment fear of Hindus and other minority religions persist. During my 2012 and 2014 elections, my Republican opponent stated publicly that a Hindu should not be allowed to serve in the US Congress and that Hinduism is incompatible with the US Constitution," she said.

In the 2016 race for Congress, her Republican opponent said repeatedly that a vote for her was a vote for the devil because of her religion, Gabbard wrote.

"Republicans like Ben Carson said in 2016 that a Muslim-American would be unqualified to serve as president. Democratic Senators have recently grilled and opposed Republican judicial nominees because of their connection to Catholicism," she alleged.

These actions and attitudes not only undermine the Constitution but also incite fear and force people into the shadows because of their religion, Gabbard said.

Gabbard said after her 2012 election, she made a personal decision to take "my congressional oath of office on the supreme yoga/Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna's teachings have provided wisdom and spiritual solace to me throughout my life, including when I was serving our country in the Middle East during the Iraq war."

"Those who are trying to foment anti-Hindu sentiment expose the dark underbelly of religious bigotry in politics and must be called out. To advocate voting for or against someone based on religion, race, or gender is simply un-American," she said.

Gabbard had last September refused to be the chairperson of the World Hindu Congress in Chicago, citing her differences with its organisers who were seen close to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has alleged that she had become a victim of "religious bigotry" and some media outlets were targeting her and accusing her supporters, who have Hindu names, of being Hindu nationalists.

Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has alleged that she had become a victim of "religious bigotry" and some media outlets were targeting her and accusing her supporters, who have Hindu names, of being Hindu nationalists. Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the US Congress, wrote an op-ed for the Religious News Services on Sunday, describing the campaign against her, supporters and donors as "profiling and targeting of Hindu Americans and ascribing to them motives without any basis". The 37-year-old had on January 11 announced that she would be running for the White House in 2020. In the hard-hitting piece, Gabbard pointed out to the accusation against her of being a Hindu nationalist. "Tomorrow will it be Muslim or Jewish Americans? Japanese, Hispanic or African Americans?" she asked. "My meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's democratically elected leader, have been highlighted as 'proof' of this and portrayed as somehow being out of the ordinary or somehow suspect, even though President (Barack) Obama, Secretary (Hillary) Clinton, President (Donald) Trump and many of my colleagues in Congress have met with and worked with him," Gabbard said. "I am proud to be the first Hindu-American to have been elected to Congress, and now, the first Hindu-American to run for president," the four-term Democratic lawmaker from Hawaii said. "And, while the headlines covering my announcement could have celebrated this historic first, maybe even informed Americans at large about the world's third-largest religion, some have instead fomented suspicion, fear, and religious bigotry about not only me but also my supporters," Gabbard said. Gabbard said India was one of America's closest allies in Asia and is a country of growing importance in a critical region of the world. "The strategic partnership between our two countries has been a priority for several decades now. To question my commitment to my country, while not questioning non-Hindu leaders, creates a double standard that can only be rooted in one thing: 'religious bigotry'. I am Hindu and they are not," Gabbard said. She referred to the attack against her in the past by political opponents. "Religious bigotry and attempt to foment fear of Hindus and other minority religions persist. During my 2012 and 2014 elections, my Republican opponent stated publicly that a Hindu should not be allowed to serve in the US Congress and that Hinduism is incompatible with the US Constitution," she said. In the 2016 race for Congress, her Republican opponent said repeatedly that a vote for her was a vote for the devil because of her religion, Gabbard wrote. "Republicans like Ben Carson said in 2016 that a Muslim-American would be unqualified to serve as president. Democratic Senators have recently grilled and opposed Republican judicial nominees because of their connection to Catholicism," she alleged. These actions and attitudes not only undermine the Constitution but also incite fear and force people into the shadows because of their religion, Gabbard said. Gabbard said after her 2012 election, she made a personal decision to take "my congressional oath of office on the supreme yoga/Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna's teachings have provided wisdom and spiritual solace to me throughout my life, including when I was serving our country in the Middle East during the Iraq war." "Those who are trying to foment anti-Hindu sentiment expose the dark underbelly of religious bigotry in politics and must be called out. To advocate voting for or against someone based on religion, race, or gender is simply un-American," she said. Gabbard had last September refused to be the chairperson of the World Hindu Congress in Chicago, citing her differences with its organisers who were seen close to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Proud to be first Hindu-American to run for US president: Tulsi Gabbard

Indian envoy to China, Vikram Misri, called on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and they took stock of "positive developments" since the 2018 Wuhan summit between <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-support-congress-if-next-prime-minister-is-from-their-party-aap-leader-192364&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi6wMvjs4bgAhXFto8KHVSaDTgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3oQVPh4et2CaNeT71ii0Ty">Prime Minister</a> Narendra Modi and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj25rrPs4bgAhWEfisKHaiPDPoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1oXY0ysVc8rMi_lwDQh8in">President</a> Xi Jinping, the Indian Embassy said here Thursday.&nbsp;

Misri, who took charge early this month, called on Kong on Tuesday.

The meeting between Misri and Kong was termed as a "courtesy call" by the Indian officials here.

"They took stock of positive developments since Wuhan Informal Summit and also exchanged views on further strengthening of India-China relations," the Embassy tweeted.

Modi and Xi met at Wuhan in April last year in the first informal summit between the two leaders. It was conceived by both sides following the 2017 military standoff at Doklam which ratchet up tensions between the two countries.

Since the summit, the two countries steadily normalised relations with intensified dialogue on various fronts including the military and trade.

 
India's Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan also concluded his two-day tour to China on Tuesday.

He held talks with Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen and Zhang Jiwen, Chinese Vice Minister of General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to enhance Indian exports to China to reduce over USD 57 billion trade deficit.

Indian envoy to China, Vikram Misri, called on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and they took stock of "positive developments" since the 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, the Indian Embassy said here Thursday.

Indian envoy to China, Vikram Misri, called on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and they took stock of "positive developments" since the 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, the Indian Embassy said here Thursday. Misri, who took charge early this month, called on Kong on Tuesday. The meeting between Misri and Kong was termed as a "courtesy call" by the Indian officials here. "They took stock of positive developments since Wuhan Informal Summit and also exchanged views on further strengthening of India-China relations," the Embassy tweeted. Modi and Xi met at Wuhan in April last year in the first informal summit between the two leaders. It was conceived by both sides following the 2017 military standoff at Doklam which ratchet up tensions between the two countries. Since the summit, the two countries steadily normalised relations with intensified dialogue on various fronts including the military and trade. India's Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan also concluded his two-day tour to China on Tuesday. He held talks with Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen and Zhang Jiwen, Chinese Vice Minister of General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to enhance Indian exports to China to reduce over USD 57 billion trade deficit.

India, China review progress of ties post Wuhan summit

A white high school student seen with classmates appearing to confront a Native American Vietnam veteran near the Lincoln Memorial issued a statement on Sunday that video of the incident that went viral gives a false impression that the teens were instigators.

Nick Sandmann, a student from the private, all-male Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky, is seen in the video standing face to face with the Indian activist, Nathan Phillips, staring at him with a smile, while Phillips sings and plays the drum.

The footage, shared online by organizers of an indigenous people's march that took place in Washington on Friday before the incident, shows a group of fellow Covington students surrounding Phillips apparently mocking him.

Phillips recounted in a separate video that he heard the students chanting "build that wall," during the encounter.&nbsp;

The students, many wearing baseball caps emblazoned with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cardi-b-slams-donald-trump-amid-government-shutdown-191062&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi29KH0pv7fAhWKF3IKHQvyBvoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ZxvSrbliPCQFxFY8xlkI4">President Donald Trump</a>'s "Make America Great Again" slogan, were in the nation's capital the same day for an anti-abortion rally.

The footage sparked outrage on social media and led the high school to issue a statement condemning the students' actions and promising an investigation.

But Sandmann, whose statement was tweeted by CNN anchor Jake Tapper late on Sunday, insisted the video was misinterpreted, leading to "outright lies being spread about my family and me."

He denied acting with any disrespect toward Phillips.

According to Sandmann, his group was waiting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for their bus back to Kentucky when four African American protesters nearby began shouting racially charged insults at them.

With permission from their teacher chaperones, the students responded by shouting "school spirit" chants to "drown out the hateful comments" directed at them.

In the midst of this interaction, Sandmann said, he noticed that a Native American protester - since identified as Phillips - "began playing his drum as he waded into the crowd, which parted for him."

"He locked eyes with me and approached me, coming within inches of my face. He played his drum the entire time he was in my face," Sandmann recalled.

"I never interacted with this protester. I did not speak to him. I did not make any hand gestures or other aggressive moves," Sandmann wrote, adding that he was "startled and confused" as to why Phillips approached him.

Sandmann said he reasoned that by remaining "motionless and calm" he hoped to defuse the situation.

His account was reinforced, at least in part, by a New York Times report on Sunday quoting Phillips, 64, as acknowledging he had approached the crowd of students in a bid to ease racial tensions that had flared between the mostly white teens and the African American protesters.

"I stepped in between to pray," said Phillips, an elder of Nebraska's Omaha tribe and a well-known activist who was among those leading the Standing Rock protests in 2016-2017 against the construction of an oil pipeline in North Dakota.

Phillips could not be reached by Reuters for comment over the weekend. 
&nbsp;

A white high school student seen with classmates appearing to confront a Native American Vietnam veteran near the Lincoln Memorial issued a statement on Sunday that video of the incident that went viral gives a false impression that the teens were instigators.

A white high school student seen with classmates appearing to confront a Native American Vietnam veteran near the Lincoln Memorial issued a statement on Sunday that video of the incident that went viral gives a false impression that the teens were instigators. Nick Sandmann, a student from the private, all-male Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky, is seen in the video standing face to face with the Indian activist, Nathan Phillips, staring at him with a smile, while Phillips sings and plays the drum. The footage, shared online by organizers of an indigenous people's march that took place in Washington on Friday before the incident, shows a group of fellow Covington students surrounding Phillips apparently mocking him. Phillips recounted in a separate video that he heard the students chanting "build that wall," during the encounter. The students, many wearing baseball caps emblazoned with President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, were in the nation's capital the same day for an anti-abortion rally. The footage sparked outrage on social media and led the high school to issue a statement condemning the students' actions and promising an investigation. But Sandmann, whose statement was tweeted by CNN anchor Jake Tapper late on Sunday, insisted the video was misinterpreted, leading to "outright lies being spread about my family and me." He denied acting with any disrespect toward Phillips. According to Sandmann, his group was waiting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for their bus back to Kentucky when four African American protesters nearby began shouting racially charged insults at them. With permission from their teacher chaperones, the students responded by shouting "school spirit" chants to "drown out the hateful comments" directed at them. In the midst of this interaction, Sandmann said, he noticed that a Native American protester - since identified as Phillips - "began playing his drum as he waded into the crowd, which parted for him." "He locked eyes with me and approached me, coming within inches of my face. He played his drum the entire time he was in my face," Sandmann recalled. "I never interacted with this protester. I did not speak to him. I did not make any hand gestures or other aggressive moves," Sandmann wrote, adding that he was "startled and confused" as to why Phillips approached him. Sandmann said he reasoned that by remaining "motionless and calm" he hoped to defuse the situation. His account was reinforced, at least in part, by a New York Times report on Sunday quoting Phillips, 64, as acknowledging he had approached the crowd of students in a bid to ease racial tensions that had flared between the mostly white teens and the African American protesters. "I stepped in between to pray," said Phillips, an elder of Nebraska's Omaha tribe and a well-known activist who was among those leading the Standing Rock protests in 2016-2017 against the construction of an oil pipeline in North Dakota. Phillips could not be reached by Reuters for comment over the weekend.

Student in Trump hat denies mocking Native American activist

The makers of Kangana Ranaut starrer 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' on Friday held a special screening of the forthcoming film for President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

On the occasion, President Kovind felicitated the cast and crew of the film.

"President Kovind watched a special screening of the film 'Manikarnika', based on the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre; felicitated the cast and crew of the film," read a post from the official Twitter handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
President Kovind watched a special screening of the film 'Manikarnika', based on the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre; felicitated the cast and crew of the film. <a href="https://t.co/o1AwNwz9av">pic.twitter.com/o1AwNwz9av</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1086280793486327808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also present at the screening were senior BJP leader LK Advani and CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi.

The film, which also stars Atul Kulkarni, Jisshu Sengupta and Danny Denzongpa, is slated to hit the big screens on January 25.

The makers of Kangana Ranaut starrer 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' on Friday held a special screening of the forthcoming film for President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

The makers of Kangana Ranaut starrer 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' on Friday held a special screening of the forthcoming film for President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi. On the occasion, President Kovind felicitated the cast and crew of the film. "President Kovind watched a special screening of the film 'Manikarnika', based on the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre; felicitated the cast and crew of the film," read a post from the official Twitter handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Kovind watched a special screening of the film 'Manikarnika', based on the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre; felicitated the cast and crew of the film. pic.twitter.com/o1AwNwz9av — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 18, 2019 × Also present at the screening were senior BJP leader LK Advani and CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi. The film, which also stars Atul Kulkarni, Jisshu Sengupta and Danny Denzongpa, is slated to hit the big screens on January 25.

President Kovind felicitates cast of 'Manikarnika' at special screening

president

President, News on President, stories on President, articles on President, President stories at Wion, President news, President latest news