Sunday is usually a day to relax for most people but a time-off would not even be the last thing on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's mind. The cricketer-turned-politician is on a slippery wicket as he faces a no-confidence vote against him in the National Assembly, the lower house of Pakistan&nbsp;parliament. Imran Khan, the master of reverse swing was often called 'unplayable' by batsmen who faced him during his peak years. But does he have one last trick up his sleeve to hold on to prime ministerial office? Things look difficult but in politics, anything is possible.

How do the numbers stack up?

Pakistan's National Assembly has 342 members. Imran Khan needs support from at least 172 members to save the coalition government led by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. If the ruling coalition had closed ranks well, Imran probably wouldn't have had any reason to worry. But perhaps biggest jolt to his plans of staying in power was given by Muttahida Qaumi Movement- Pakistan (MQM-P) an allied party that chose to jump the ship.

Watch | Pakistan PM continues to put up a brave face despite no political support

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It declared a few days ago that it would vote against the government.

This has left 164 lawmakers with Imran. But with dissident voices coming from within his own party, Imran Khan's position looks shaky right now.

Will the vote take place on Sunday (April 3) for sure?

As per Pakistan's constitution, vote on a no-confidence motion should take place within 7 days after the motion is tabled in the National Assembly.

This means that last permissible day to carry out the vote would be Monday (April 4).

However, Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has already declared that vote on the motion would take place on Sunday (April 3).

What's Imran's gameplan?

Imran has given strict instructions to his party members NOT to attend the voting session of the National Assembly. Even if they do, he has asked them to abstain.

The plan appears to be to make it tough for the opposition to gain support of 172 members rather than to try to sweat himself to gain support himself.

In the run-up to the voting day, Imran Khan has made plenty of allegations, including one of a 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him. As days went by he openly accused the US of trying to interfere in Pakistan's internal matters. He also claimed that he has documentary evidence of this. On Friday, the Pakistan government even lodged a formal protest with the US embassy over this.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-targets-us-again-alleges-efforts-to-oust-him-467741">Pakistan PM Imran Khan targets US again, alleges efforts to oust him</a>

White House has denied trying to create any interference.

There was quite an intrigue worldover when Imran Khan, a sportsman, assumed the prime ministerial office in&nbsp;Pakistan. In preceding years, he was often seen as someone who successfully organised marches, rallies and cornered&nbsp;governments. Things have come full circle it appears.

Last over has begun in this major Pakistan match. Are bets really off?&nbsp;

Sunday is usually a day to relax for most people but a time-off would not even be the last thing on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's mind. The cricketer-turned-politician is on a slippery wicket as he faces a no-confidence vote against him in the National Assembly, the lower house of Pakistan parliament.

Sunday is usually a day to relax for most people but a time-off would not even be the last thing on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's mind. The cricketer-turned-politician is on a slippery wicket as he faces a no-confidence vote against him in the National Assembly, the lower house of Pakistan parliament. Imran Khan, the master of reverse swing was often called 'unplayable' by batsmen who faced him during his peak years. But does he have one last trick up his sleeve to hold on to prime ministerial office? Things look difficult but in politics, anything is possible. How do the numbers stack up? Pakistan's National Assembly has 342 members. Imran Khan needs support from at least 172 members to save the coalition government led by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. If the ruling coalition had closed ranks well, Imran probably wouldn't have had any reason to worry. But perhaps biggest jolt to his plans of staying in power was given by Muttahida Qaumi Movement- Pakistan (MQM-P) an allied party that chose to jump the ship. Watch | Pakistan PM continues to put up a brave face despite no political support × It declared a few days ago that it would vote against the government. This has left 164 lawmakers with Imran. But with dissident voices coming from within his own party, Imran Khan's position looks shaky right now. Will the vote take place on Sunday (April 3) for sure? As per Pakistan's constitution, vote on a no-confidence motion should take place within 7 days after the motion is tabled in the National Assembly. This means that last permissible day to carry out the vote would be Monday (April 4). However, Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has already declared that vote on the motion would take place on Sunday (April 3). What's Imran's gameplan? Imran has given strict instructions to his party members NOT to attend the voting session of the National Assembly. Even if they do, he has asked them to abstain. The plan appears to be to make it tough for the opposition to gain support of 172 members rather than to try to sweat himself to gain support himself. In the run-up to the voting day, Imran Khan has made plenty of allegations, including one of a 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him. As days went by he openly accused the US of trying to interfere in Pakistan's internal matters. He also claimed that he has documentary evidence of this. On Friday, the Pakistan government even lodged a formal protest with the US embassy over this. Also Read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan targets US again, alleges efforts to oust him White House has denied trying to create any interference. There was quite an intrigue worldover when Imran Khan, a sportsman, assumed the prime ministerial office in Pakistan. In preceding years, he was often seen as someone who successfully organised marches, rallies and cornered governments. Things have come full circle it appears. Last over has begun in this major Pakistan match. Are bets really off?

Imran Khan no-trust vote: Last over begins - Will captain-PM deliver on Sunday?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended good wishes to Team Australia, who will be playing in the final of the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup.

PM Modi's statement came during the signing of a massive historic trade deal with Australia aiming to boost economic ties between the two countries.

"I would like to congratulate and wish all the best to Australia's women's team, who will be playing the final of ICC Women's ODI World Cup tomorrow," PM Modi said.

Despite having won 10 of the previous 11 World Cups between them, England and Australia will face off in an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final for the first time in 34 years.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-commentators-in-splits-as-babar-azam-celebrates-century-while-still-on-99-in-2nd-odi-vs-australia-467618">WATCH: Commentators in splits as Babar Azam celebrates century while still on 99 in 2nd ODI vs Australia</a>

The Hagley Oval in Christchurch will play host to the showpiece event of the 2022 tournament as Australia go in search of a record-extending seventh title, while England look to defend their crown.

The two sides started their campaigns together almost a month ago in Hamilton and will end them together, one holding the trophy, the other looking on.

Australia have lost only one World Cup final but it was not too far away from the setting for Sunday's finale.

Back in 2000, just down the road from Christchurch at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, Australia lost the closest final the tournament has ever seen, defeated by New Zealand by just four runs.

That year, England recorded their worst-ever World Cup finish of fifth before fighting back to take the trophy from Australia in 2009.

In doing so, they would go on to have a remarkable year also claiming their first, and only, T20 World Cup as well as an Ashes victory.

It is something that Australia are hoping to match 13 years later, they already hold the T20 trophy having secured that on home soil in 2020 before the Ashes were wrapped up with two games to spare in February, but the one-day World Cup evades them.

Vice-captain Rachael Haynes already has a winner's medal from 2013, and she is well on her way to a competition record, the opening batter sits on 429 runs for the tournament, 27 behind Debbie Hockley of New Zealand's all-time best set in 1997.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mi-vs-rr-ipl-2022-prediction-today-who-will-win-mumbai-indians-vs-rajsthan-royals-match-467604">MI vs RR, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals match</a>

That is not the only record that could be broken on Sunday, Sophie Ecclestone has the chance to surpass Australian Lyn Fullston, whose haul of 23 wickets in 1982 remains the mark to beat.

Ecclestone sits on 20 wickets having taken her maiden international five-wicket haul in the semi-final against South Africa ending on six for 36, the best figures by an England bowler in a World Cup as the 2022 edition continues to be bigger and better than anything we have seen before.

The left-arm spinner is emblematic of England's journey throughout the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 in that she is peaking at exactly the right time.

The 22-year-old started with her worst-ever figures in ODI cricket with no wicket for 77 against the same opponents she will face on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended good wishes to Team Australia, who will be playing in the final of the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup. PM Modi's statement came during the signing of a massive historic trade deal with Australia aiming to boost economic ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended good wishes to Team Australia, who will be playing in the final of the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup. PM Modi's statement came during the signing of a massive historic trade deal with Australia aiming to boost economic ties between the two countries. "I would like to congratulate and wish all the best to Australia's women's team, who will be playing the final of ICC Women's ODI World Cup tomorrow," PM Modi said. Despite having won 10 of the previous 11 World Cups between them, England and Australia will face off in an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final for the first time in 34 years. ALSO READ: WATCH: Commentators in splits as Babar Azam celebrates century while still on 99 in 2nd ODI vs Australia The Hagley Oval in Christchurch will play host to the showpiece event of the 2022 tournament as Australia go in search of a record-extending seventh title, while England look to defend their crown. The two sides started their campaigns together almost a month ago in Hamilton and will end them together, one holding the trophy, the other looking on. Australia have lost only one World Cup final but it was not too far away from the setting for Sunday's finale. Back in 2000, just down the road from Christchurch at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, Australia lost the closest final the tournament has ever seen, defeated by New Zealand by just four runs. That year, England recorded their worst-ever World Cup finish of fifth before fighting back to take the trophy from Australia in 2009. In doing so, they would go on to have a remarkable year also claiming their first, and only, T20 World Cup as well as an Ashes victory. It is something that Australia are hoping to match 13 years later, they already hold the T20 trophy having secured that on home soil in 2020 before the Ashes were wrapped up with two games to spare in February, but the one-day World Cup evades them. Vice-captain Rachael Haynes already has a winner's medal from 2013, and she is well on her way to a competition record, the opening batter sits on 429 runs for the tournament, 27 behind Debbie Hockley of New Zealand's all-time best set in 1997. ALSO READ: MI vs RR, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals match That is not the only record that could be broken on Sunday, Sophie Ecclestone has the chance to surpass Australian Lyn Fullston, whose haul of 23 wickets in 1982 remains the mark to beat. Ecclestone sits on 20 wickets having taken her maiden international five-wicket haul in the semi-final against South Africa ending on six for 36, the best figures by an England bowler in a World Cup as the 2022 edition continues to be bigger and better than anything we have seen before. The left-arm spinner is emblematic of England's journey throughout the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 in that she is peaking at exactly the right time. The 22-year-old started with her worst-ever figures in ODI cricket with no wicket for 77 against the same opponents she will face on Sunday.

India PM Narendra Modi extends best wishes to Team Australia for ICC Women's World Cup final

North Macedonia's surprise win away to Italy in their World Cup playoff semi-final last week set up an unexpected clash against Portugal with the country's Prime Minister offering the squad 500,000 euros ($549,300.00) if they reach the 2022 tournament.

The result shocked the soccer world and derailed a possible clash between the last two European champions Italy and Portugal, who both surprisingly missed out on automatically qualifying from the group stage for the World Cup in Qatar.

After the playoff draw the headlines were all about the expected drama of one of the two soccer powers missing out on the finals with so many top players in their squads and how a likely playoff showdown between them would be full of drama.

But North Macedonia did not follow the script and knocked four-time World Cup winners Italy out of contention.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-begins-talks-over-alternative-proposals-to-biennial-world-cup-plan-466692">FIFA begins talks over alternative proposals to biennial World Cup plan</a>

Portugal meanwhile survived late drama in their playoff semi-final as they beat Turkey 3-1 after visiting striker Burak Yilmaz missed a penalty five minutes from the end that could have forced extra time at Porto’s sold-out Dragao stadium.

Italy did not have such luck in Palermo, losing 1-0 after an added time Aleksandar Trajkovski goal silenced the crowd at the Renzo Barbera stadium who watched in disbelief as the opposing bench ran onto the pitch to celebrate victory with the players.

North Macedonia, who featured at Euro 2020 in their first appearance at a major tournament since the break up of Yugoslavia three decades ago, will now face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in another packed stadium in Porto on Tuesday.

The 50,000 tickets for Tuesday's game at the Dragao stadium were sold out in a few hours amid huge expectations&nbsp;from local fans as Portugal bid for a place at the global tournament.

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski, who last year went to the Vatican to ask Pope Francis to pray for the team, went onto their plane on Sunday to wish the squad goodbye before they left for Porto and promised to reward them if they reach the finals.

BIGGEST ALLY

Macedonia coach Blagoja Milevski's biggest ally as they prepare to face Portugal will probably be the fact that their opponents have no idea what approach his team will take.

"To be honest, we don't really know what to expect next Tuesday," Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva told a news conference on Sunday, explaining that they were surprised at how differently Macedonia played in their previous matches.

Milevski explained their approach before the Italy clash, telling reporters: “Every game is unique, so anything can happen. I don’t have any specific pattern I like to follow.

“Of course, we are not at the same level as Italy yet but we're not here as a fluke and we expect to put in a great performance. I want my players to go out there and enjoy themselves.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/north-macedonia-clash-matter-of-life-and-death-want-hell-breaking-loose-at-stadium-cristiano-ronaldo-466678">North Macedonia clash matter of life and death, want hell breaking loose at stadium: Cristiano Ronaldo</a>

And they did just that as they produced an upset for the ages that surprised the Portuguese as much as Italy.

"I won't lie, we were all expecting it was going to be Italy (in the playoff final)," Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho told a news conference on Saturday.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos is very much aware of the quality of their opponents, pointing out that North Macedonia won four of their last five World Cup qualifiers on the road.

"They won in Germany and in Italy. To say they are weaker is the wrong way of approaching this game," Santos said on Monday.

"We'll face North Macedonia with the same mentality as we would have against Italy. I know it’s the game of their lives, but it's also ours too. We can't afford missing the World Cup."

North Macedonia's surprise win away to Italy in their World Cup playoff semi-final last week set up an unexpected clash against Portugal with the country's Prime Minister offering the squad 500,000 euros ($549,300.

North Macedonia's surprise win away to Italy in their World Cup playoff semi-final last week set up an unexpected clash against Portugal with the country's Prime Minister offering the squad 500,000 euros ($549,300.00) if they reach the 2022 tournament. The result shocked the soccer world and derailed a possible clash between the last two European champions Italy and Portugal, who both surprisingly missed out on automatically qualifying from the group stage for the World Cup in Qatar. After the playoff draw the headlines were all about the expected drama of one of the two soccer powers missing out on the finals with so many top players in their squads and how a likely playoff showdown between them would be full of drama. But North Macedonia did not follow the script and knocked four-time World Cup winners Italy out of contention. ALSO READ: FIFA begins talks over alternative proposals to biennial World Cup plan Portugal meanwhile survived late drama in their playoff semi-final as they beat Turkey 3-1 after visiting striker Burak Yilmaz missed a penalty five minutes from the end that could have forced extra time at Porto’s sold-out Dragao stadium. Italy did not have such luck in Palermo, losing 1-0 after an added time Aleksandar Trajkovski goal silenced the crowd at the Renzo Barbera stadium who watched in disbelief as the opposing bench ran onto the pitch to celebrate victory with the players. North Macedonia, who featured at Euro 2020 in their first appearance at a major tournament since the break up of Yugoslavia three decades ago, will now face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in another packed stadium in Porto on Tuesday. The 50,000 tickets for Tuesday's game at the Dragao stadium were sold out in a few hours amid huge expectations from local fans as Portugal bid for a place at the global tournament. Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski, who last year went to the Vatican to ask Pope Francis to pray for the team, went onto their plane on Sunday to wish the squad goodbye before they left for Porto and promised to reward them if they reach the finals. BIGGEST ALLY Macedonia coach Blagoja Milevski's biggest ally as they prepare to face Portugal will probably be the fact that their opponents have no idea what approach his team will take. "To be honest, we don't really know what to expect next Tuesday," Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva told a news conference on Sunday, explaining that they were surprised at how differently Macedonia played in their previous matches. Milevski explained their approach before the Italy clash, telling reporters: “Every game is unique, so anything can happen. I don’t have any specific pattern I like to follow. “Of course, we are not at the same level as Italy yet but we're not here as a fluke and we expect to put in a great performance. I want my players to go out there and enjoy themselves.” ALSO READ: North Macedonia clash matter of life and death, want hell breaking loose at stadium: Cristiano Ronaldo And they did just that as they produced an upset for the ages that surprised the Portuguese as much as Italy. "I won't lie, we were all expecting it was going to be Italy (in the playoff final)," Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho told a news conference on Saturday. Portugal coach Fernando Santos is very much aware of the quality of their opponents, pointing out that North Macedonia won four of their last five World Cup qualifiers on the road. "They won in Germany and in Italy. To say they are weaker is the wrong way of approaching this game," Santos said on Monday. "We'll face North Macedonia with the same mentality as we would have against Italy. I know it’s the game of their lives, but it's also ours too. We can't afford missing the World Cup."

North Macedonia PM offers 500,000 euros to players if they upset Portugal to reach World Cup finals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated ace shuttler P V Sindhu for winning the Swiss Open, saying her accomplishments inspire the youth of India.

Sindhu clinched her second women's singles title of the season with a straight-game win over Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament at Basel on Sunday.

&nbsp;ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-open-p-v-sindhu-defeats-thailands-busanan-ongbamrungphan-to-clinch-womens-singles-title-465990">Swiss Open: PV Sindhu defeats Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan to clinch women's singles title</a>

Playing her second successive final in the tournament, Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, took 49 minutes to get the better of the fourth-seeded Busanan 21-16 21-8 at the St. Jakobshalle.

Modi tweeted, "Congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 on winning the Swiss Open 2022. Her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours."

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/Pvsindhu1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pvsindhu1</a> on winning the Swiss Open 2022. Her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated ace shuttler P V Sindhu for winning the Swiss Open, saying her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Sindhu clinched her second women's singles title of the season with a straight-game win over Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament at Basel on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated ace shuttler P V Sindhu for winning the Swiss Open, saying her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Sindhu clinched her second women's singles title of the season with a straight-game win over Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament at Basel on Sunday. ALSO READ: Swiss Open: PV Sindhu defeats Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan to clinch women's singles title Playing her second successive final in the tournament, Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist, took 49 minutes to get the better of the fourth-seeded Busanan 21-16 21-8 at the St. Jakobshalle. Modi tweeted, "Congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 on winning the Swiss Open 2022. Her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours." Congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 on winning the Swiss Open 2022. Her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2022 ×

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauds PV Sindhu on winning Swiss Open title, calls her inspiration for youth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded 'people's participation'&nbsp;in the Swacch Bharat Mission for the use of cloth bags instead of polythene in various cities of the country and said that the collective efforts strengthen the spirit of people's participation in the country.

Addressing the 86th edition of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "I came across an inspirational effort in Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. The youth here are running a campaign 'Mission beat plastic'&nbsp;in Ranthambore. Plastic and polythenes have been removed from the forests of Ranthambore. Such collective efforts strengthen the spirit of people's participation in the country and when there is people's participation, we can accomplish the most challenging goals."

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Lauding the efforts of the local people of Visakhapatnam against the single-use plastic with an aim to keep the environment clean as part of the cleanliness drive, PM Modi said that cloth bags are being promoted over the polythene bags in the city.

"In Visakhapatnam, under Swacch Bharat Mission, cloth bags are being promoted over polythene bags. Locals are also running a campaign against single-use plastic to keep the environment clean. They are also creating awareness about segregating waste at home," he said.

"Students of Mumbai's Somaiya College have also made beautification a part of their cleanliness drive. They decorated the wall of Kalyan Railway station with beautiful paintings," PM Modi added.

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The Prime Minister also mentioned the 'Jal Thal'&nbsp;Mission in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar and said that the youth were made 'water ambassadors'&nbsp;to spread awareness about the restoration projects.

"Many transformational changes have been driven by people's movement in the society. Mission 'Jal Thal'&nbsp;is one such drive in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. This is an innovative effort to clean and restore Srinagar's lakes and water bodies. Mission Jal Thal focused on Kaushal Sar and Gil Sar. Along with the people's participation, technology is also being used," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi addresses 86th edition of monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'

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"A campaign is also underway to remove the plastic waste and clean garbage. In the second phase of the mission, old water channels and 19 springs that feed lakes were targeted for restoration. To spread awareness about the restoration project, locals including youth were made 'water ambassadors'. Now the local people are happy to see an increasing number of migratory birds," PM Modi added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded 'people's participation' in the Swacch Bharat Mission for the use of cloth bags instead of polythene in various cities of the country and said that the collective efforts strengthen the spirit of people's participation in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded 'people's participation' in the Swacch Bharat Mission for the use of cloth bags instead of polythene in various cities of the country and said that the collective efforts strengthen the spirit of people's participation in the country. Addressing the 86th edition of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "I came across an inspirational effort in Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. The youth here are running a campaign 'Mission beat plastic' in Ranthambore. Plastic and polythenes have been removed from the forests of Ranthambore. Such collective efforts strengthen the spirit of people's participation in the country and when there is people's participation, we can accomplish the most challenging goals." Also read | Ukrainian president dials Indian PM Modi, seeks political support in UN Security Council Lauding the efforts of the local people of Visakhapatnam against the single-use plastic with an aim to keep the environment clean as part of the cleanliness drive, PM Modi said that cloth bags are being promoted over the polythene bags in the city. "In Visakhapatnam, under Swacch Bharat Mission, cloth bags are being promoted over polythene bags. Locals are also running a campaign against single-use plastic to keep the environment clean. They are also creating awareness about segregating waste at home," he said. "Students of Mumbai's Somaiya College have also made beautification a part of their cleanliness drive. They decorated the wall of Kalyan Railway station with beautiful paintings," PM Modi added. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Indonesia The Prime Minister also mentioned the 'Jal Thal' Mission in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar and said that the youth were made 'water ambassadors' to spread awareness about the restoration projects. "Many transformational changes have been driven by people's movement in the society. Mission 'Jal Thal' is one such drive in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. This is an innovative effort to clean and restore Srinagar's lakes and water bodies. Mission Jal Thal focused on Kaushal Sar and Gil Sar. Along with the people's participation, technology is also being used," he said. Watch | Indian PM Modi addresses 86th edition of monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' "A campaign is also underway to remove the plastic waste and clean garbage. In the second phase of the mission, old water channels and 19 springs that feed lakes were targeted for restoration. To spread awareness about the restoration project, locals including youth were made 'water ambassadors'. Now the local people are happy to see an increasing number of migratory birds," PM Modi added.

Indian PM Modi lauds 'people's participation' in strengthening Swacch Bharat Mission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness after India won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China.

Taking to their Twitter, the Prime Minister Office of India wrote, "It is gladdening to note that India has been chosen to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee Session. I am confident this will be a memorable IOC session and will lead to positive outcomes for world sports."

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The decision confirms India will be hosting this prestigious IOC meeting for the first time since 1983, in what is set to be the start of a new era of engagement between India's youthful population and the Olympic Movement.

An Indian delegation, comprising Nita Ambani, the first woman to be elected as an IOC member from India, and including Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and India's first individual Olympic gold medallist (Beijing 2008, shooting) Abhinav Bindra, presented a compelling case during the 139th IOC Session, held alongside the ongoing Winter Olympics in Beijing.

The session, to be held in the summer of 2023, will be hosted at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-bart-swings-tops-mass-start-brings-first-belgian-winter-gold-in-74-years-454568">Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years</a>

An IOC session is the annual meeting of the members of the IOC, comprising 101 voting members and 45 honorary members.

It discusses and decides on the key activities of the global Olympics movement including adoption or amendment of the Olympic Charter, the election of IOC members and office bearers and election of the host city of the Olympics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness after India won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness after India won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China. Taking to their Twitter, the Prime Minister Office of India wrote, "It is gladdening to note that India has been chosen to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee Session. I am confident this will be a memorable IOC session and will lead to positive outcomes for world sports." ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: United Stated appeal to CAS to award team medals The decision confirms India will be hosting this prestigious IOC meeting for the first time since 1983, in what is set to be the start of a new era of engagement between India's youthful population and the Olympic Movement. An Indian delegation, comprising Nita Ambani, the first woman to be elected as an IOC member from India, and including Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and India's first individual Olympic gold medallist (Beijing 2008, shooting) Abhinav Bindra, presented a compelling case during the 139th IOC Session, held alongside the ongoing Winter Olympics in Beijing. The session, to be held in the summer of 2023, will be hosted at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years An IOC session is the annual meeting of the members of the IOC, comprising 101 voting members and 45 honorary members. It discusses and decides on the key activities of the global Olympics movement including adoption or amendment of the Olympic Charter, the election of IOC members and office bearers and election of the host city of the Olympics.

Will lead to positive outcomes for world sports: PM Narendra Modi on Mumbai hosting 2023 IOC session

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday she felt demonstrations against a COVID-19 vaccine mandate now entering their second week were an "imported" phenomenon, and nothing like anything she had seen before in the country.

Hundreds of protesters continue to occupy lawns in front of the distinctive 'Beehive' parliament for a seventh day, ignoring repeated calls by the police to leave and undaunted by drenching rain over the weekend.

Claiming inspiration from truckers' anti-vaccine mandate demonstrations in Canada, the protesters have also blocked several streets around parliament with their trucks, vans and motorcycles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-australia-vaccination-mandates-protests-gain-in-numbers-452548">New Zealand, Australia vaccination mandates protests gain in numbers</a>

"It feels like an imported protest to me," Ardern told state broadcaster TVNZ in an interview.

"I've seen Trump flags on the forecourt, I've seen Canadian flags on the forecourt," she said, referring to images of former U.S. President Donald Trump carried by some demonstrators as well as the situation in Canada.

Ardern said in a news conference later in the day that the protesters have demanded the government remove all public health COVID-19 measures.

"That means at the very point where we are seeing an increase in cases and an increase in risk to the public health and well-being of New Zealand, they want to see removed the very measures that have kept us safe, well and alive. You'll forgive me if I take a very strong view on that suggestion," Ardern said.

Watch |&nbsp;NZ police arrest protestors outside parliament as protests enter Day 3

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The protests started as a stand against vaccine mandates but have been joined by groups calling for an end to COVID-19 restrictions, rejecting vaccinations, as well as calling attention to other social issues like censorship and rights of the ethnic Maori community. At the protests' peak, thousands of demonstrators were estimated to be involved.

A country of five million people, New Zealand has some of the lowest COVID-19 case numbers in the world, largely due to tough coronavirus border curbs and social restrictions.

Daily Omicron variant cases have been rising, however, nearly touching 1,000 on Monday, as some domestic restrictions were eased this month.

The country's borders, however, are still closed with tens of thousands of expatriate New Zealanders cut off from families.

The High Court on Monday started hearing a case against the government filed by a group representing expatriate New Zealanders which has accused the state of unlawfully denying citizens the right to enter the country.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday she felt demonstrations against a COVID-19 vaccine mandate now entering their second week were an "imported" phenomenon, and nothing like anything she had seen before in the country.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday she felt demonstrations against a COVID-19 vaccine mandate now entering their second week were an "imported" phenomenon, and nothing like anything she had seen before in the country. Hundreds of protesters continue to occupy lawns in front of the distinctive 'Beehive' parliament for a seventh day, ignoring repeated calls by the police to leave and undaunted by drenching rain over the weekend. Claiming inspiration from truckers' anti-vaccine mandate demonstrations in Canada, the protesters have also blocked several streets around parliament with their trucks, vans and motorcycles. Also read | New Zealand, Australia vaccination mandates protests gain in numbers "It feels like an imported protest to me," Ardern told state broadcaster TVNZ in an interview. "I've seen Trump flags on the forecourt, I've seen Canadian flags on the forecourt," she said, referring to images of former U.S. President Donald Trump carried by some demonstrators as well as the situation in Canada. Ardern said in a news conference later in the day that the protesters have demanded the government remove all public health COVID-19 measures. "That means at the very point where we are seeing an increase in cases and an increase in risk to the public health and well-being of New Zealand, they want to see removed the very measures that have kept us safe, well and alive. You'll forgive me if I take a very strong view on that suggestion," Ardern said. Watch | NZ police arrest protestors outside parliament as protests enter Day 3 The protests started as a stand against vaccine mandates but have been joined by groups calling for an end to COVID-19 restrictions, rejecting vaccinations, as well as calling attention to other social issues like censorship and rights of the ethnic Maori community. At the protests' peak, thousands of demonstrators were estimated to be involved. A country of five million people, New Zealand has some of the lowest COVID-19 case numbers in the world, largely due to tough coronavirus border curbs and social restrictions. Daily Omicron variant cases have been rising, however, nearly touching 1,000 on Monday, as some domestic restrictions were eased this month. The country's borders, however, are still closed with tens of thousands of expatriate New Zealanders cut off from families. The High Court on Monday started hearing a case against the government filed by a group representing expatriate New Zealanders which has accused the state of unlawfully denying citizens the right to enter the country.

New Zealand's Ardern labels anti-vaccine mandate protests 'imported' as crowds defy calls to leave

Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's car was targeted by gunfire overnight, local media reported, without specifying whether he had been inside.

The reports were not confirmed by officials.

The prime minister's social media feeds had published nothing on the subject, and spokesman Mohamed Hamouda did not respond to several attempts by AFP to contact him.

A police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that security services had received "no indication of gunfire in Tripoli".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultimatums-threats-from-west-on-ukraine-wont-work-against-russia-says-foreign-minister-452104">Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister</a>

The news came as the wartorn country's parliament, based in eastern Libya hundreds of miles (kilometres) from the capital, prepared to vote on a replacement for Dbeibah.

The premier, who had a mandate to lead the country to elections set for December last year but which were ultimately abandoned, has said he will only cede power to an elected government.

Hours before the reported shooting, Dbeibah had met dozens of supporters who had gathered at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli to protest against the parliament's attempts to remove him.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-jewish-hate-incidents-hit-new-record-high-in-uk-report-452103">Anti-jewish hate incidents hit new record high in UK: Report</a>

Libya has been torn apart by regional, tribal and ideological divisions since the 2011 revolt that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi.&nbsp;

A landmark ceasefire in late 2020 had cleared the way for&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations-led efforts to bring an end to a decade of violence.

Dbeibah's unity government took office in early 2021 but when December 24 elections were cancelled amid deep divisions over their legal basis and several controversial candidates, his rivals charged that his mandate had ended.

The push to remove him has triggered fears of a return to east-west divisions and parallel governments.&nbsp;

Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's car was targeted by gunfire overnight, local media reported, without specifying whether he had been inside. The reports were not confirmed by officials.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's car was targeted by gunfire overnight, local media reported, without specifying whether he had been inside. The reports were not confirmed by officials. The prime minister's social media feeds had published nothing on the subject, and spokesman Mohamed Hamouda did not respond to several attempts by AFP to contact him. A police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that security services had received "no indication of gunfire in Tripoli". Also read | Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister The news came as the wartorn country's parliament, based in eastern Libya hundreds of miles (kilometres) from the capital, prepared to vote on a replacement for Dbeibah. The premier, who had a mandate to lead the country to elections set for December last year but which were ultimately abandoned, has said he will only cede power to an elected government. Hours before the reported shooting, Dbeibah had met dozens of supporters who had gathered at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli to protest against the parliament's attempts to remove him. Also read | Anti-jewish hate incidents hit new record high in UK: Report Libya has been torn apart by regional, tribal and ideological divisions since the 2011 revolt that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi. A landmark ceasefire in late 2020 had cleared the way for United Nations-led efforts to bring an end to a decade of violence. Dbeibah's unity government took office in early 2021 but when December 24 elections were cancelled amid deep divisions over their legal basis and several controversial candidates, his rivals charged that his mandate had ended. The push to remove him has triggered fears of a return to east-west divisions and parallel governments.

Libya media report shooting targeting PM's car

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime&nbsp;minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place&nbsp;on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The visit, which is being looked at as a game changer owing to regional geo-strategic realignments, has greater optical significance. On the agenda of the visit would be bilateral ties, Afghanistan situation, including talks of defence cooperation and commitments to take forward the north-south gas pipeline of length of over 1100 kilometers. Setting up of the pipeline is aimed at facilitating transfer of imported gas from the port city of Karachi to the load center in Pakistani Punjab province.

The visit, which will be held in the second half of February 2022, will be closely watched out by other countries in the region. US President Joe Biden has not held a telephonic discussion with Pakistan PM Imran Khan after the former assumed office. In this light, Imran Khan's Russia visit will be looked at in a possible context of regional re-alignment on the part of the Pakistani government.

Last time an elected Pakistani prime minister visited Russia on a bilateral visit was in March 1999 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In 2003, Pakistani military dictator Pervez Musharraf had visited Russia. In 2011, then Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Russia.

In 2017, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan visited Sochi in Russia to attend a multilateral conference, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO). The last formal bilateral meeting between a Pakistani prime minister and Russian president was held between former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Since then, there have been multiple informal pull-aside meetings between Russian president and Pakistani prime minister at different forums. The two were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit last year in Tajikistan but the meeting was called off due to Covid-19 outbreak in President Putin’s inner circle.&nbsp;

The two have exchanged multiple telephone calls in recent times as well. The Pakistani prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers from his cabinet. Sources say that details of this visit will be released in due course of time by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Relations between Pakistan and Russia in the past had not been at an ideal level following the country’s involvement in collapse of the USSR.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;a new dimension of the relationship was seen when the former Pakistani Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Russia in 2015 and laid another foundation of military diplomacy that eventually lead to be being converted in exchanges of formal diplomatic contacts and high-level visits, including one by the Pakistani National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf in December last year. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov too visited Pakistan in April 2021.

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit, which is being looked at as a game changer owing to regional geo-strategic realignments, has greater optical significance. On the agenda of the visit would be bilateral ties, Afghanistan situation, including talks of defence cooperation and commitments to take forward the north-south gas pipeline of length of over 1100 kilometers. Setting up of the pipeline is aimed at facilitating transfer of imported gas from the port city of Karachi to the load center in Pakistani Punjab province. The visit, which will be held in the second half of February 2022, will be closely watched out by other countries in the region. US President Joe Biden has not held a telephonic discussion with Pakistan PM Imran Khan after the former assumed office. In this light, Imran Khan's Russia visit will be looked at in a possible context of regional re-alignment on the part of the Pakistani government. Last time an elected Pakistani prime minister visited Russia on a bilateral visit was in March 1999 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In 2003, Pakistani military dictator Pervez Musharraf had visited Russia. In 2011, then Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Russia. In 2017, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan visited Sochi in Russia to attend a multilateral conference, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO). The last formal bilateral meeting between a Pakistani prime minister and Russian president was held between former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017. Since then, there have been multiple informal pull-aside meetings between Russian president and Pakistani prime minister at different forums. The two were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit last year in Tajikistan but the meeting was called off due to Covid-19 outbreak in President Putin’s inner circle. The two have exchanged multiple telephone calls in recent times as well. The Pakistani prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers from his cabinet. Sources say that details of this visit will be released in due course of time by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Relations between Pakistan and Russia in the past had not been at an ideal level following the country’s involvement in collapse of the USSR. However, a new dimension of the relationship was seen when the former Pakistani Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Russia in 2015 and laid another foundation of military diplomacy that eventually lead to be being converted in exchanges of formal diplomatic contacts and high-level visits, including one by the Pakistani National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf in December last year. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov too visited Pakistan in April 2021.

In first bilateral visit by a Pak PM, Imran Khan to go to Russia this month

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The adage is much more pronounced in the case of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, whose photo&nbsp;suggesting “not-so-friendly” ties was shared on Twitter.

In the photo&nbsp;shared on Wednesday, General Bajwa was seen seated on a chair next to the prime minister. While in earlier pictures, the all-powerful army chief found his place on sofas.

According to local media, Bajwa was at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the security situation in the region.

During the meeting, professional matters pertaining to the Pakistan Army was discussed, the Prime Minister's Office said on its official Twitter account.&nbsp;

However, more than the meeting, it was the photo of Bajwa and Khan that drew the attention of many.

The twiterrati in Pakistan believe that there is symbolism in the picture and that it exhibits the current equation between the two.

It has been well established that the government runs on the mercy of the army and the ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence agency.

Several opposition parties have dubbed Khan as “puppet PM” and claim that the 2018 election, which saw Khan staking claim to power, was rigged by the Pakistani Army.

But of late, the relationship between Khan and General Bajwa seems to be going on a downward spiral.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-imran-khan-is-my-boss-not-my-friend-says-pak-army-chief-bajwa-428226">‘PM Imran Khan is my boss, not my friend,’ says Pak Army chief Bajwa</a>

The differences began over the appointment of Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as the new director-general of the ISI.

While Anjum, who is favoured by Bajwa, is scheduled to take over as DG (ISI) on November 20, Khan reportedly has been hoping to retain Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, the incumbent ISI chief.

There is also the case of extending Bajwa’s tenure, which is coming to an end on November 28, 2022.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-slips-to-140-in-corruption-index-find-out-about-india-us-others-447355">Pakistan slips to 140 in corruption index; find out about India, US &amp; others</a>

Khan said that he enjoyed an “unprecedented relationship” with the military leadership but had not thought about extending the tenure of Bajwa, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Apart from that, there have been reports that the Army had been in touch with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is presently in London and is facing a slew of charges on various corruption cases back home.

According to a CNN-News18 report, the Army had asked Sharif to come back and that his presence was needed in Pakistan politics.

(With inputs from agencies)

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The adage is much more pronounced in the case of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, whose photo suggesting “not-so-friendly” ties was shared on Twitter.

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The adage is much more pronounced in the case of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, whose photo suggesting “not-so-friendly” ties was shared on Twitter. In the photo shared on Wednesday, General Bajwa was seen seated on a chair next to the prime minister. While in earlier pictures, the all-powerful army chief found his place on sofas. According to local media, Bajwa was at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the security situation in the region. During the meeting, professional matters pertaining to the Pakistan Army was discussed, the Prime Minister's Office said on its official Twitter account. However, more than the meeting, it was the photo of Bajwa and Khan that drew the attention of many. The twiterrati in Pakistan believe that there is symbolism in the picture and that it exhibits the current equation between the two. It has been well established that the government runs on the mercy of the army and the ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Several opposition parties have dubbed Khan as “puppet PM” and claim that the 2018 election, which saw Khan staking claim to power, was rigged by the Pakistani Army. But of late, the relationship between Khan and General Bajwa seems to be going on a downward spiral. Also read | ‘PM Imran Khan is my boss, not my friend,’ says Pak Army chief Bajwa The differences began over the appointment of Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as the new director-general of the ISI. While Anjum, who is favoured by Bajwa, is scheduled to take over as DG (ISI) on November 20, Khan reportedly has been hoping to retain Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, the incumbent ISI chief. There is also the case of extending Bajwa’s tenure, which is coming to an end on November 28, 2022. Also read | Pakistan slips to 140 in corruption index; find out about India, US & others Khan said that he enjoyed an “unprecedented relationship” with the military leadership but had not thought about extending the tenure of Bajwa, the Dawn newspaper reported. Apart from that, there have been reports that the Army had been in touch with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is presently in London and is facing a slew of charges on various corruption cases back home. According to a CNN-News18 report, the Army had asked Sharif to come back and that his presence was needed in Pakistan politics. (With inputs from agencies)

Is all well between Pakistan PM Imran Khan and Army chief Bajwa?

India is celebrating its 73rd&nbsp;Republic Day, a day&nbsp;to honour the prestigious Constitution of India which came into force on January 26,&nbsp;1950. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and plenty of important personalities&nbsp;were involved in the Republic Day parade in the national capital, New Delhi on Wednesday (January 26).

The 73rd R-Day celebrations is all the more special as it&nbsp;falls in the 75th year of Independence. Thus, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi personally wrote to some of the most loved foreign players in India, such as Chris Gayle and Jonty Rhodes. Both Gayle and Rhodes have been immensely loved by the Indians ever since the IPL came into existence in 2008.

PM Modi included Gayle and Rhodes in India's R-Day celebrations and the duo have also reacted to his messages. Gayle wrote on Twitter, "I would like to congratulate India on their 73rd Republic Day. I woke up to a personal message from Prime Minister Modi&nbsp;@narendramodi&nbsp;reaffirming my close personal ties with him and to the people of India. Congratulations from the Universe Boss and nuff love."

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I would like to congratulate India on their 73rd Republic Day. I woke up to a personal message from Prime Minister Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> reaffirming my close personal ties with him and to the people of India. Congratulations from the Universe Boss and nuff love 🇮🇳🇯🇲❤️🙏🏿
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) <a href="https://twitter.com/henrygayle/status/1486159412247302145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-neeraj-chopra-lead-wishes-from-sports-fraternity-as-india-celebrates-73rd-republic-day-447708">Virat Kohli, Neeraj Chopra lead wishes from sports fraternity as India celebrates 73rd Republic Day</a>

On the other hand, Rhodes shared PM Modi's message and replied saying, "Thank you&nbsp;@narendramodi&nbsp;ji for the very kind words. I have indeed grown so much as an individual on every visit to India. My whole family celebrates #RepublicDay with all of India, honouring the importance of a #Constitution that protects the rights of the Indian people #JaiHind."

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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji for the very kind words. I have indeed grown so much as an individual on every visit to India. My whole family celebrates <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a> with all of India, honouring the importance of a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Constitution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Constitution</a> that protects the rights of the Indian people <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> <a href="https://t.co/olovZ8Pgvn">pic.twitter.com/olovZ8Pgvn</a>
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) <a href="https://twitter.com/JontyRhodes8/status/1486190185482174469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/republic-day-parade-haryana-tableau-demonstrates-proactive-sports-promotion-policies-447720">Republic Day parade: Haryana tableau demonstrates proactive sports promotion policies</a>

President of India Ram Nath Kovind had also addressed the nation on the eve of the R-Day celebrations. He told the countrymen in his speech, "My heartiest greetings to all of you, in India and abroad, on the eve of the 73rd&nbsp;Republic Day! It is an occasion to celebrate what is common to us all, our Indian-ness. It was on this day in 1950 that this sacred essence of us all assumed a formal shape. That day, India was established as the largest democratic republic and ‘we the people’ put into effect a Constitution that is an inspired document of our collective vision. The diversity and vibrancy of our democracy is appreciated world-wide. It is this spirit of unity and of being one nation which is celebrated&nbsp;every year&nbsp;as Republic Day. This year’s celebrations may be muted due to the pandemic, but the spirit is as strong as ever."

Many sporting icons of the country -- such as Virat Kohli, Neeraj Chopra, Sania Mirza, Sachin Tendulkar and the likes --&nbsp;have also extended their wishes to the countrymen on the historic day.&nbsp;

India is celebrating its 73rd Republic Day, a day to honour the prestigious Constitution of India which came into force on January 26, 1950. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and plenty of important personalities were involved in the Republic Day parade in the national capital, New Delhi on Wednesday (January 26).

India is celebrating its 73rd Republic Day, a day to honour the prestigious Constitution of India which came into force on January 26, 1950. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and plenty of important personalities were involved in the Republic Day parade in the national capital, New Delhi on Wednesday (January 26). The 73rd R-Day celebrations is all the more special as it falls in the 75th year of Independence. Thus, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi personally wrote to some of the most loved foreign players in India, such as Chris Gayle and Jonty Rhodes. Both Gayle and Rhodes have been immensely loved by the Indians ever since the IPL came into existence in 2008. PM Modi included Gayle and Rhodes in India's R-Day celebrations and the duo have also reacted to his messages. Gayle wrote on Twitter, "I would like to congratulate India on their 73rd Republic Day. I woke up to a personal message from Prime Minister Modi @narendramodi reaffirming my close personal ties with him and to the people of India. Congratulations from the Universe Boss and nuff love." I would like to congratulate India on their 73rd Republic Day. I woke up to a personal message from Prime Minister Modi @narendramodi reaffirming my close personal ties with him and to the people of India. Congratulations from the Universe Boss and nuff love 🇮🇳🇯🇲❤️🙏🏿 — Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) January 26, 2022 × ALSO READ | Virat Kohli, Neeraj Chopra lead wishes from sports fraternity as India celebrates 73rd Republic Day On the other hand, Rhodes shared PM Modi's message and replied saying, "Thank you @narendramodi ji for the very kind words. I have indeed grown so much as an individual on every visit to India. My whole family celebrates #RepublicDay with all of India, honouring the importance of a #Constitution that protects the rights of the Indian people #JaiHind." Thank you @narendramodi ji for the very kind words. I have indeed grown so much as an individual on every visit to India. My whole family celebrates #RepublicDay with all of India, honouring the importance of a #Constitution that protects the rights of the Indian people #JaiHind pic.twitter.com/olovZ8Pgvn — Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) January 26, 2022 × ALSO READ | Republic Day parade: Haryana tableau demonstrates proactive sports promotion policies President of India Ram Nath Kovind had also addressed the nation on the eve of the R-Day celebrations. He told the countrymen in his speech, "My heartiest greetings to all of you, in India and abroad, on the eve of the 73rd Republic Day! It is an occasion to celebrate what is common to us all, our Indian-ness. It was on this day in 1950 that this sacred essence of us all assumed a formal shape. That day, India was established as the largest democratic republic and ‘we the people’ put into effect a Constitution that is an inspired document of our collective vision. The diversity and vibrancy of our democracy is appreciated world-wide. It is this spirit of unity and of being one nation which is celebrated every year as Republic Day. This year’s celebrations may be muted due to the pandemic, but the spirit is as strong as ever." Many sporting icons of the country -- such as Virat Kohli, Neeraj Chopra, Sania Mirza, Sachin Tendulkar and the likes -- have also extended their wishes to the countrymen on the historic day.

Chris Gayle, Jonty Rhodes react after receiving personal message from PM Modi on India's 73rd Republic Day

All is not well in Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan is certainly having a hard time due to numerous issues the country has been facing. &nbsp;

At a time when the PM is cornered, his adviser on accountability and interior, Shahzad Akbar, has announced his resignation on Monday. &nbsp;

The move is being termed by the opposition as a failure to implicate them in fake corruption cases. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-says-inflation-keeps-him-awake-at-night-slams-opposition-for-trying-to-destabilise-his-govt-447065" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM slams opposition for trying to destabilise his government</a>

On Twitter, Akbar said that he had submitted his resignation to the PM but also vowed to continue working for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). &nbsp;

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I have tendered my resignation today to PM as Advisor. I sincerely hope the process of accountability continues under leadership of PM IK as per PTI’s manifesto. I will remain associated with party n keep contributing as member of legal fraternity.
— Mirza Shahzad Akbar (@ShazadAkbar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShazadAkbar/status/1485555179739045891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"I sincerely hope the process of accountability continues under the leadership of PM Imran as per the PTI's manifesto. I will remain associated with the party and keep contributing as a member of the legal fraternity," Akbar said. &nbsp;

Owing to his tall claims at pressers, Akbar is seen as a controversial figure. He had alleged mega corruption by opposition leaders, such as Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-a-first-pakistan-gets-a-female-supreme-court-judge-447052" hreflang="en">In a first, Pakistan gets a female Supreme Court judge</a>

But he failed to get either of them convicted even after keeping them in jail for months in several cases. &nbsp;

Akbar was asked to tender resignation due to lackluster performance, ARY News reported. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

All is not well in Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan is certainly having a hard time due to numerous issues the country has been facing. At a time when the PM is cornered, his adviser on accountability and interior, Shahzad Akbar, has announced his resignation on Monday.

All is not well in Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan is certainly having a hard time due to numerous issues the country has been facing. At a time when the PM is cornered, his adviser on accountability and interior, Shahzad Akbar, has announced his resignation on Monday. The move is being termed by the opposition as a failure to implicate them in fake corruption cases. Also Read: Pakistan PM slams opposition for trying to destabilise his government On Twitter, Akbar said that he had submitted his resignation to the PM but also vowed to continue working for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). I have tendered my resignation today to PM as Advisor. I sincerely hope the process of accountability continues under leadership of PM IK as per PTI’s manifesto. I will remain associated with party n keep contributing as member of legal fraternity. — Mirza Shahzad Akbar (@ShazadAkbar) January 24, 2022 × "I sincerely hope the process of accountability continues under the leadership of PM Imran as per the PTI's manifesto. I will remain associated with the party and keep contributing as a member of the legal fraternity," Akbar said. Owing to his tall claims at pressers, Akbar is seen as a controversial figure. He had alleged mega corruption by opposition leaders, such as Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Also Read: In a first, Pakistan gets a female Supreme Court judge But he failed to get either of them convicted even after keeping them in jail for months in several cases. Akbar was asked to tender resignation due to lackluster performance, ARY News reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s adviser Shahzad Akbar announces resignation

In an interaction with startups,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for innovating 'for India and from India' to scale new milestones. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The interaction was held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Modi interacted with over 150 startups via video conferencing under "Celebrating Innovation Ecosystem" section of the event. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-president-ram-nath-kovind-laud-indian-armys-contributions-towards-national-safety-444926" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind laud Indian Army's contributions towards national safety</a>

"Our startups are changing the rules of the game. I believe that startups are going to be the backbone of New India. Let us innovate for India, innovate from India," the PM said, while interacting with the youngsters from the domain of startups. &nbsp;

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Modi said that India has more than 60,000 startups with 42 unicorns. He also shared the steps taken by the government to free entrepreneurs and innovation from bureaucratic silos. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/general-bipin-rawat-copter-crash-what-is-controlled-flight-into-terrain-444914" hreflang="en">General Bipin Rawat copter crash: What is Controlled Flight into Terrain?</a>

The government has been focusing on three aspects to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem - "Freeing entrepreneurship, innovation from government and bureaucratic silos; setting up institutional mechanisms to promote innovation, and handholding of youth innovators," the Indian leader said. &nbsp;

"India's ranking on the Global Innovation Index is improving because of the programme on innovation started in the country. India was ranked 81 in 2015 and now it is at No. 46," the PM said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an interaction with startups, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for innovating 'for India and from India' to scale new milestones. The interaction was held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

In an interaction with startups, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for innovating 'for India and from India' to scale new milestones. The interaction was held as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Modi interacted with over 150 startups via video conferencing under "Celebrating Innovation Ecosystem" section of the event. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind laud Indian Army's contributions towards national safety "Our startups are changing the rules of the game. I believe that startups are going to be the backbone of New India. Let us innovate for India, innovate from India," the PM said, while interacting with the youngsters from the domain of startups. Modi said that India has more than 60,000 startups with 42 unicorns. He also shared the steps taken by the government to free entrepreneurs and innovation from bureaucratic silos. Also Read: General Bipin Rawat copter crash: What is Controlled Flight into Terrain? The government has been focusing on three aspects to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem - "Freeing entrepreneurship, innovation from government and bureaucratic silos; setting up institutional mechanisms to promote innovation, and handholding of youth innovators," the Indian leader said. "India's ranking on the Global Innovation Index is improving because of the programme on innovation started in the country. India was ranked 81 in 2015 and now it is at No. 46," the PM said. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with startups, calls for innovating 'for India, from India'  

On January 5 (Wednesday), there was a huge outrage when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy was stuck on a flyover in Punjab, for close to 20 minutes, due to farmers' protest. As a result, PM Modi returned to the airport in Bathinda following the lapse. Thus, this led to many reactions across the nation.

Indian badminton star Saina&nbsp;Nehwal also reacted to the development before actor Siddharth -- most famously known for his role in Bollywood cult classis Rang De Basanti -- joined in and left a distasteful comment on her Twitter post. Saina had tweeted saying, "No nation can claim itself to be safe if the security of its own PM gets compromised. I condemn, in the strongest words possible, the cowardly attack on PM Modi by anrachists." To this, the actor replied by saying, "Subtle cock champion of the world Thank God we have protectors of India (sic)."

Siddharth later also issued a clarification, defending his tweet by saying:

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"COCK &amp; BULL" 
 
That's the reference. Reading otherwise is unfair and leading! 
 
Nothing disrespectful was intended, said or insinuated. Period. 🙏🏽
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) <a href="https://twitter.com/Actor_Siddharth/status/1480449534190702594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shuttlers-sai-praneeth-dhruv-rawat-pull-out-of-india-open-after-testing-covid-positive-443434">Shuttlers Sai Praneeth, Dhruv Rawat pull out of India Open after testing COVID positive</a>

Despite Siddharth's clarification on his tweets&nbsp;-- which have been deemed as sexist and derogatory -- the National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged the DGP Maharashtra to look into the matter and take action against the actor.&nbsp;

"The Commission condemns such lewd and inappropriate remarks made by actor Siddharth and requires you, to immediately investigate the matter and register FIR under the aforementioned provision of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Information Technology Act, 2000 along-with other relevant provisions of the law. The Police must take prompt and strict action against such persons using indecent language for women on social media," the Commission said.

The Commission said that Siddharth's comments invited Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code, covering Sexual Harassment and Punishment for Sexual Harassment in addition to Section 67 of The Information Technology Act, 2000 for Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.

For the unversed, even Saina&nbsp;reacted to Siddharth's response.&nbsp;"Ya I’m not sure what he meant. I used to like him as an actor but this was not nice. He can express himself with better words but I guess it’s Twitter and you remain noticed with such words and&nbsp;comments. If the security of the PM of India is an issue then I’m not sure what is secure in the country," the star shuttler said while talking to News18.com

On the other hand, Siddharth remains a firm critic of the Indian government and is vocal on various developments taking place in the country.

On January 5 (Wednesday), there was a huge outrage when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy was stuck on a flyover in Punjab, for close to 20 minutes, due to farmers' protest.

On January 5 (Wednesday), there was a huge outrage when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy was stuck on a flyover in Punjab, for close to 20 minutes, due to farmers' protest. As a result, PM Modi returned to the airport in Bathinda following the lapse. Thus, this led to many reactions across the nation. Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal also reacted to the development before actor Siddharth -- most famously known for his role in Bollywood cult classis Rang De Basanti -- joined in and left a distasteful comment on her Twitter post. Saina had tweeted saying, "No nation can claim itself to be safe if the security of its own PM gets compromised. I condemn, in the strongest words possible, the cowardly attack on PM Modi by anrachists." To this, the actor replied by saying, "Subtle cock champion of the world Thank God we have protectors of India (sic)." Siddharth later also issued a clarification, defending his tweet by saying: "COCK & BULL" That's the reference. Reading otherwise is unfair and leading! Nothing disrespectful was intended, said or insinuated. Period. 🙏🏽 — Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) January 10, 2022 × ALSO READ | Shuttlers Sai Praneeth, Dhruv Rawat pull out of India Open after testing COVID positive Despite Siddharth's clarification on his tweets -- which have been deemed as sexist and derogatory -- the National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged the DGP Maharashtra to look into the matter and take action against the actor. "The Commission condemns such lewd and inappropriate remarks made by actor Siddharth and requires you, to immediately investigate the matter and register FIR under the aforementioned provision of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Information Technology Act, 2000 along-with other relevant provisions of the law. The Police must take prompt and strict action against such persons using indecent language for women on social media," the Commission said. The Commission said that Siddharth's comments invited Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code, covering Sexual Harassment and Punishment for Sexual Harassment in addition to Section 67 of The Information Technology Act, 2000 for Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form. For the unversed, even Saina reacted to Siddharth's response. "Ya I’m not sure what he meant. I used to like him as an actor but this was not nice. He can express himself with better words but I guess it’s Twitter and you remain noticed with such words and comments. If the security of the PM of India is an issue then I’m not sure what is secure in the country," the star shuttler said while talking to News18.com On the other hand, Siddharth remains a firm critic of the Indian government and is vocal on various developments taking place in the country.

Siddharth vs Nehwal: NCW asks DGP Maharashtra to take action as actor defends 'lewd' comments on shuttler

In a string of inaugurations in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for 594-km Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur district on Saturday. &nbsp;

The six-lane expressway will stretch from Bijauli village in Meerut to Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/studying-uks-omicron-trend-experts-warn-india-could-see-14-million-daily-covid-cases-437838" hreflang="en">Studying UK's Omicron trend, experts warn India could see 1.4 million daily Covid cases</a>

The expressway, which can be expanded to eight lanes, will be built at a cost of over Rs 362,300 million. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The state-of-the-art highway will pass through Meerut, Hapur, Amroha, Sambhal, Bulandshahr, Budaun, Unnao, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj districts of the state. &nbsp;

After the work gets completed, it will become the longest expressway in the state of Uttar Pradesh as it will connect the western regions with the eastern ones. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-city-srinagar-freezes-at-minus-6-degrees-hit-by-a-severe-cold-wave-437850" hreflang="en">Indian city Srinagar freezes at minus 6 degrees; hit by a severe cold wave</a>

What is special about this highway is that it will also have a 3.5-km-long air strip, which will prove beneficial in assisting emergency take-off and landing for Indian Air Force planes for security operations. It will be constructed on the expressway in Shahjahanpur. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Not just this, an industrial corridor has also been proposed to be built along the expressway. It will give immense boost to the socio-economic development of the area. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a string of inaugurations in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for 594-km Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur district on Saturday.

In a string of inaugurations in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for 594-km Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur district on Saturday. The six-lane expressway will stretch from Bijauli village in Meerut to Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. Also Read: Studying UK's Omicron trend, experts warn India could see 1.4 million daily Covid cases The expressway, which can be expanded to eight lanes, will be built at a cost of over Rs 362,300 million. The state-of-the-art highway will pass through Meerut, Hapur, Amroha, Sambhal, Bulandshahr, Budaun, Unnao, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj districts of the state. After the work gets completed, it will become the longest expressway in the state of Uttar Pradesh as it will connect the western regions with the eastern ones. Also Read: Indian city Srinagar freezes at minus 6 degrees; hit by a severe cold wave What is special about this highway is that it will also have a 3.5-km-long air strip, which will prove beneficial in assisting emergency take-off and landing for Indian Air Force planes for security operations. It will be constructed on the expressway in Shahjahanpur. Not just this, an industrial corridor has also been proposed to be built along the expressway. It will give immense boost to the socio-economic development of the area. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for 594-km Ganga Expressway

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.

Marin had been drawing flak after it emerged that she had gone out on Saturday hours after her foreign minister&nbsp;Pekka Haavisto tested positive for the virus.

According to Finland’s Covid guidelines, fully vaccinated citizens are not required to self-isolate if they come into contact with a positive person, but it does advise citizens to avoid social contact and undergo testing.

Critiques had slammed the 36-year-old over after a local magazine had published photos of the prime minister attending a Helsinki nightclub with friends on Saturday.

The PM—who has received two doses of COVID-19 shots—initially defended her actions, saying she had followed the advice of her Secretary of State.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-apologises-for-video-but-still-denies-christmas-party-435183">Boris Johnson apologises for video but still denies Christmas party</a>

But in a&nbsp;post on Facebook on Monday, she apologised for her error of judgment and admitted she should have double-checked the measures.

“I should have used better judgment on Saturday evening and checked the instructions I had received a second time,” Marin said, adding that different advice had been sent to her official work telephone.

“For not realising that this was not the way to act, I am very sorry,” she stated.

The Social Democrat leader has since tested negative for COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-heavy-cost-peru-interior-minister-resigns-after-hosting-party-that-breached-covid-rules-426525">A heavy cost: Peru interior minister resigns after hosting party that breached Covid rules</a>

The Seiska magazine said, while citing witnesses, that she stayed at the club until 4 am.

Marin became the world's youngest prime minister when she elected to lead a centre-left coalition with four other parties in 2019.

Since September, infections have been creeping ever higher, with increases of more than 1,000 a day for weeks, reports BBC.

The country has also recorded eight cases of the new Omicron variant, which experts fear may be more transmissible and evade some immunity to Covid.

(With inputs from agencies)

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient. Marin had been drawing flak after it emerged that she had gone out on Saturday hours after her foreign minister Pekka Haavisto tested positive for the virus.

Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient. Marin had been drawing flak after it emerged that she had gone out on Saturday hours after her foreign minister Pekka Haavisto tested positive for the virus. According to Finland’s Covid guidelines, fully vaccinated citizens are not required to self-isolate if they come into contact with a positive person, but it does advise citizens to avoid social contact and undergo testing. Critiques had slammed the 36-year-old over after a local magazine had published photos of the prime minister attending a Helsinki nightclub with friends on Saturday. The PM—who has received two doses of COVID-19 shots—initially defended her actions, saying she had followed the advice of her Secretary of State. Also read | Boris Johnson apologises for video but still denies Christmas party But in a post on Facebook on Monday, she apologised for her error of judgment and admitted she should have double-checked the measures. “I should have used better judgment on Saturday evening and checked the instructions I had received a second time,” Marin said, adding that different advice had been sent to her official work telephone. “For not realising that this was not the way to act, I am very sorry,” she stated. The Social Democrat leader has since tested negative for COVID-19. Also read | A heavy cost: Peru interior minister resigns after hosting party that breached Covid rules The Seiska magazine said, while citing witnesses, that she stayed at the club until 4 am. Marin became the world's youngest prime minister when she elected to lead a centre-left coalition with four other parties in 2019. Since September, infections have been creeping ever higher, with increases of more than 1,000 a day for weeks, reports BBC. The country has also recorded eight cases of the new Omicron variant, which experts fear may be more transmissible and evade some immunity to Covid. (With inputs from agencies)

Finland PM says ‘sorry’ for staying out clubbing after Covid exposure

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders.

According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series.

Apart from that, the Tory Party members are also reportedly unhappy over his key policy decisions such as social care proposals, decision to scale back rail improvements for the north and frustration over the government’s failure to keep its promises on small boats crossing the Channel.

A source from the prime ministers’ office at the Downing Street told the BBC that there was “a lot of concern inside the building about the PM … it’s just not working”, adding that the “cabinet needs to wake up and demand serious changes otherwise it’ll keep getting worse”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/real-lesson-for-me-going-to-peppa-pig-world-twitter-in-splits-over-johnsons-bizarre-speech-431359">'Real lesson for me going to Peppa Pig World': Twitter in splits over Johnson's bizarre speech</a>

Similarly, a former cabinet minister told the Guardian that there was “an accumulation of things building up, really relating to his competence and that is beginning to look very shaky” after a “pretty bad bloody fortnight”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/priti-patel-furious-as-boris-johnson-blocks-public-sexual-harassment-law-419621">Priti Patel furious as Boris Johnson blocks public sexual harassment law</a>

The backlash against Johnson comes after his address to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where was accused of lacking seriousness and professionalism.

During that speech, it was said that Johnson imitated the sound of an accelerating car with sounds like “arum arum aaaaaaaaag”.

He also compared himself to Moses while discussing his plans to help businesses invest in tackling climate change.

&nbsp;“I said to my officials the new 10 commandments were that ‘Thou shalt develop industries like offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear power and carbon capture,” the prime minister said.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders. According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders. According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series. Apart from that, the Tory Party members are also reportedly unhappy over his key policy decisions such as social care proposals, decision to scale back rail improvements for the north and frustration over the government’s failure to keep its promises on small boats crossing the Channel. A source from the prime ministers’ office at the Downing Street told the BBC that there was “a lot of concern inside the building about the PM … it’s just not working”, adding that the “cabinet needs to wake up and demand serious changes otherwise it’ll keep getting worse”. Also read | 'Real lesson for me going to Peppa Pig World': Twitter in splits over Johnson's bizarre speech Similarly, a former cabinet minister told the Guardian that there was “an accumulation of things building up, really relating to his competence and that is beginning to look very shaky” after a “pretty bad bloody fortnight”. Also read | Priti Patel furious as Boris Johnson blocks public sexual harassment law The backlash against Johnson comes after his address to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where was accused of lacking seriousness and professionalism. During that speech, it was said that Johnson imitated the sound of an accelerating car with sounds like “arum arum aaaaaaaaag”. He also compared himself to Moses while discussing his plans to help businesses invest in tackling climate change. “I said to my officials the new 10 commandments were that ‘Thou shalt develop industries like offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear power and carbon capture,” the prime minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

Conservative MPs question UK PM Johnson’s ‘competence’ after ‘rambling’ speech

After the Reserve Bank of India governor warned investors against digital currency, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on Saturday to address the concerns about the virtual currency market.

Indian Prime minister chairs cryptocurrency meet

Iraq’s prime minister survived a drone strike on his home early Sunday, Iraqi officials said, raising fears of wider instability after disputed results in Iraq’s parliamentary elections.

“I am fine, praise be to God, among my people, and I call for calm and restraint from everyone, for the sake of Iraq,” the prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, wrote on Twitter after the predawn attack. In a video appealing for peace, he appeared with his wrist wrapped in what seemed to be a white gauze bandage.

A senior official in the Iraqi Interior Ministry, Maj. Gen. Saad Maan, said on state television that the prime minister’s house in the fortified Green Zone had been targeted by three armed drones.

Iraq’s president, Barham Salih, described the attack as a prelude to a coup, tweeting that “we cannot accept that Iraq will be dragged into chaos and a coup against its constitutional system.”

On Friday, tensions over results of the October&nbsp;10 parliamentary elections came to a head after a clash outside the Green Zone the site of the executed leader Saddam Hussein’s former palace grounds&nbsp; where the US Embassy and many other Western diplomatic missions are. Iraqi security forces used tear gas and live ammunition on militia members protesting the election results after the protesters tried to breach the heavily fortified zone’s barriers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-pm-says-have-identified-perpetrators-of-drone-assassination-attempt-427565">Also read |&nbsp;Iraqi PM says have identified perpetrators of drone assassination attempt</a>

Leaders of Iranian-backed militias&nbsp;to which most of the protesters belong&nbsp;have blamed al-Kadhimi, Iraq’s former intelligence chief, for the use of force that killed at least one person.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of the most powerful Iranian-backed militias, identified the person killed as Abdul Latif al-Khuwayldi, one of its brigade deputy commanders. The Iraqi Health Ministry said that more than 120 other people at the demonstration had been wounded, most of them security forces trying to hold back the protesters.

Iraq’s election commission has yet to announce final results for the nationwide elections held almost a month ago as it wades through fraud accusations. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has emerged as the biggest winner, at the expense of Iranian-backed parties that lost seats. Al-Sadr, whose fighters battled American forces during the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq, is viewed as an Iraqi nationalist with an uneasy relationship with Iran.

Political analysts believe those gains were mostly because of a more sophisticated strategy by the Sadrist organization, taking advantage of a new electoral system, which has an increased number of electoral districts. The United Nations, which had observers at the polls, praised the process. The political wings of the militia groups that lost seats claim they were defrauded.

One of al-Kadhimi’s main goals has been to rein in Iranian-backed militias. After 2014, when many were created to fight the Islamic State group, some of the biggest militias have been integrated into Iraq’s official security forces. Those militia forces, though, only nominally answer to the Iraqi government and some are blamed for continuing attacks on US&nbsp;interests.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack Sunday on the prime minister’s residence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/act-of-terrorism-says-us-after-iraq-prime-minister-escapes-drone-attack-427472">Also read | Act of terrorism, says US after Iraq Prime Minister escapes drone attack</a>

Most analysts saw the attack as a warning to al-Kadhimi and his allies rather than as an assassination attempt. The prime minister has remained in power by balancing Iraqi relations between Iran and the United States, and he is seeking another term.

“What we’ve seen in the past is the use of violence, not necessarily to assassinate, but to warn that, ‘We’re here,’ ” said Renad Mansour, head of the Iraq Initiative at the think tank Chatham House. “I think this would also be a warning perhaps gone wrong because you can gain a bit more popularity and sympathy as the prime minister who survived an assassination attempt.”

The attack, though, significantly complicates efforts to form a government. Such efforts rely on forging alliances among parties, some of them with armed wings, to form the biggest bloc in Parliament.

A US State Department spokesperson, Ned Price, called the strike Sunday an “apparent act of terrorism” that was “directed at the heart of the Iraqi state.”

Although al-Kadhimi said that both he and those who work with him were fine, the Iraqi military command said that several guards were being treated for injuries.

Photographs released on state media of damage to the house showed cracked concrete steps, doors apparently blown off their hinges and what looked like shrapnel holes in the back of a parked vehicle.

Al-Sadr, whose movement has won the highest number of seats of any political bloc in Parliament, described the attack as an attempt to return the country to the control of “nonstate forces to make Iraq live under riots, violence and terrorism.”

Iranian-backed groups that have previously threatened al-Kadhimi condemned the drone strikes.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq, the militia group, which was among those that lost seats in the parliamentary elections, called the strikes an attempt to divert attention from the deadly clash outside the Green Zone on Friday and blamed foreign intelligence agencies.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Saeed Khatibzadeh, expressed relief that the Iraqi prime minister had not been hurt in the attack. In a statement, Khatibzadeh blamed the strikes on an unspecified foreign plot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-prime-minister-escapes-assassination-attempt-after-explosive-laden-drone-targets-his-house-427315">Also read |&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister escapes assassination attempt after explosive-laden drone targets his house</a>

Abu Ali al-Askari, the nom de guerre of one of the leaders of Kitaib Hezbollah, a main Iranian-backed militia, accused al-Kadhimi of playing the role of a victim and said that no one in Iraq considered the Iraqi leader’s home worth losing a drone over.

“If there is anyone who wants to harm this Facebook creature there are many ways that are less costly and more guaranteed to achieve this,” he said in a posting on his Telegram channel.

While the attack has raised fears of growing instability amid Iraq’s political turmoil, the country’s citizens seemed to generally shrug it off. Later Sunday morning, the start of the Iraqi workweek, Baghdad streets were full of the normal rush-hour traffic jams.

Near one of the entrances to the Green Zone, food vendors placed spatchcocked chickens to cook over charcoal grills on crowded sidewalks. Inside a butcher shop, a green parrot perched on a pole greeted customers by chirping out “meenoo” — “who is that” in the Iraqi dialect of Arabic.

“We are used to these incidents,” said Ali al-Hussayni, 50, the shop owner, about the attack on al-Kadhimi. “I am not saying people are not scared at all, but we have seen far worse than this.”

Iraq’s prime minister survived a drone strike on his home early Sunday, Iraqi officials said, raising fears of wider instability after disputed results in Iraq’s parliamentary elections.

Iraq’s prime minister survived a drone strike on his home early Sunday, Iraqi officials said, raising fears of wider instability after disputed results in Iraq’s parliamentary elections. “I am fine, praise be to God, among my people, and I call for calm and restraint from everyone, for the sake of Iraq,” the prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, wrote on Twitter after the predawn attack. In a video appealing for peace, he appeared with his wrist wrapped in what seemed to be a white gauze bandage. A senior official in the Iraqi Interior Ministry, Maj. Gen. Saad Maan, said on state television that the prime minister’s house in the fortified Green Zone had been targeted by three armed drones. Iraq’s president, Barham Salih, described the attack as a prelude to a coup, tweeting that “we cannot accept that Iraq will be dragged into chaos and a coup against its constitutional system.” On Friday, tensions over results of the October 10 parliamentary elections came to a head after a clash outside the Green Zone the site of the executed leader Saddam Hussein’s former palace grounds where the US Embassy and many other Western diplomatic missions are. Iraqi security forces used tear gas and live ammunition on militia members protesting the election results after the protesters tried to breach the heavily fortified zone’s barriers. Also read | Iraqi PM says have identified perpetrators of drone assassination attempt Leaders of Iranian-backed militias to which most of the protesters belong have blamed al-Kadhimi, Iraq’s former intelligence chief, for the use of force that killed at least one person. Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of the most powerful Iranian-backed militias, identified the person killed as Abdul Latif al-Khuwayldi, one of its brigade deputy commanders. The Iraqi Health Ministry said that more than 120 other people at the demonstration had been wounded, most of them security forces trying to hold back the protesters. Iraq’s election commission has yet to announce final results for the nationwide elections held almost a month ago as it wades through fraud accusations. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has emerged as the biggest winner, at the expense of Iranian-backed parties that lost seats. Al-Sadr, whose fighters battled American forces during the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq, is viewed as an Iraqi nationalist with an uneasy relationship with Iran. Political analysts believe those gains were mostly because of a more sophisticated strategy by the Sadrist organization, taking advantage of a new electoral system, which has an increased number of electoral districts. The United Nations, which had observers at the polls, praised the process. The political wings of the militia groups that lost seats claim they were defrauded. One of al-Kadhimi’s main goals has been to rein in Iranian-backed militias. After 2014, when many were created to fight the Islamic State group, some of the biggest militias have been integrated into Iraq’s official security forces. Those militia forces, though, only nominally answer to the Iraqi government and some are blamed for continuing attacks on US interests. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack Sunday on the prime minister’s residence. Also read | Act of terrorism, says US after Iraq Prime Minister escapes drone attack Most analysts saw the attack as a warning to al-Kadhimi and his allies rather than as an assassination attempt. The prime minister has remained in power by balancing Iraqi relations between Iran and the United States, and he is seeking another term. “What we’ve seen in the past is the use of violence, not necessarily to assassinate, but to warn that, ‘We’re here,’ ” said Renad Mansour, head of the Iraq Initiative at the think tank Chatham House. “I think this would also be a warning perhaps gone wrong because you can gain a bit more popularity and sympathy as the prime minister who survived an assassination attempt.” The attack, though, significantly complicates efforts to form a government. Such efforts rely on forging alliances among parties, some of them with armed wings, to form the biggest bloc in Parliament. A US State Department spokesperson, Ned Price, called the strike Sunday an “apparent act of terrorism” that was “directed at the heart of the Iraqi state.” Although al-Kadhimi said that both he and those who work with him were fine, the Iraqi military command said that several guards were being treated for injuries. Photographs released on state media of damage to the house showed cracked concrete steps, doors apparently blown off their hinges and what looked like shrapnel holes in the back of a parked vehicle. Al-Sadr, whose movement has won the highest number of seats of any political bloc in Parliament, described the attack as an attempt to return the country to the control of “nonstate forces to make Iraq live under riots, violence and terrorism.” Iranian-backed groups that have previously threatened al-Kadhimi condemned the drone strikes. Asaib Ahl al-Haq, the militia group, which was among those that lost seats in the parliamentary elections, called the strikes an attempt to divert attention from the deadly clash outside the Green Zone on Friday and blamed foreign intelligence agencies. A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Saeed Khatibzadeh, expressed relief that the Iraqi prime minister had not been hurt in the attack. In a statement, Khatibzadeh blamed the strikes on an unspecified foreign plot. Also read | Iraqi Prime Minister escapes assassination attempt after explosive-laden drone targets his house Abu Ali al-Askari, the nom de guerre of one of the leaders of Kitaib Hezbollah, a main Iranian-backed militia, accused al-Kadhimi of playing the role of a victim and said that no one in Iraq considered the Iraqi leader’s home worth losing a drone over. “If there is anyone who wants to harm this Facebook creature there are many ways that are less costly and more guaranteed to achieve this,” he said in a posting on his Telegram channel. While the attack has raised fears of growing instability amid Iraq’s political turmoil, the country’s citizens seemed to generally shrug it off. Later Sunday morning, the start of the Iraqi workweek, Baghdad streets were full of the normal rush-hour traffic jams. Near one of the entrances to the Green Zone, food vendors placed spatchcocked chickens to cook over charcoal grills on crowded sidewalks. Inside a butcher shop, a green parrot perched on a pole greeted customers by chirping out “meenoo” — “who is that” in the Iraqi dialect of Arabic. “We are used to these incidents,” said Ali al-Hussayni, 50, the shop owner, about the attack on al-Kadhimi. “I am not saying people are not scared at all, but we have seen far worse than this.”

Fears of wider instability in Iraq after attack on Prime Minister’s home

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison lied to President Emmanuel Macron over the cancellation of a submarine building contract in September, said the French leader. &nbsp;

The president also indicated more needs to be done to rebuild trust between the nations. &nbsp;

In Rome for the G20 summit, Macron and Morrison met for the first time since Australia scrapped a submarine deal with France while announcing a new security alliance with the United States and the UK in September. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g-20-nations-agree-to-new-limits-on-coal-burning-power-plants-425676" hreflang="en">G-20 nations agree to new limits on coal-burning power plants</a>

Dubbed as AUKUS, the new security alliance looks to give Australia access to nuclear-powered submarines. This announcement caught France off guard and saw the ambassadors of the country recalled from Washington and Canberra as the leaders of the country made accusations of betrayal. &nbsp;

"I have a lot of respect for your country. I have a lot of respect and a lot of friendship for your people. I just say when we have respect, you have to be true and you have to behave in line and consistently with this value," the French president told a group of Australian reporters, who travelled to cover the G20. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-biden-expresses-disappointment-at-china-and-russias-absence-425707" hreflang="en">G20 Summit: Biden expresses ‘disappointment’ at China and Russia’s absence</a>

Asked if he thought Australian PM lied to him, the president replied, "I don't think, I know." &nbsp;

At a media conference on Sunday in Rome, Morrison later said, he had not lied and that he had previously explained to president that conventional submarines would no longer meet Australia's needs. &nbsp;

"I was very clear that what was going to be provided to us was not going to meet our strategic interests, and there was still a process we were engaged in, and we then engaged in, over the months that followed. And then we communicated to him (Macron) our ultimate decision," Morrison added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison lied to President Emmanuel Macron over the cancellation of a submarine building contract in September, said the French leader.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison lied to President Emmanuel Macron over the cancellation of a submarine building contract in September, said the French leader. The president also indicated more needs to be done to rebuild trust between the nations. In Rome for the G20 summit, Macron and Morrison met for the first time since Australia scrapped a submarine deal with France while announcing a new security alliance with the United States and the UK in September. Also Read: G-20 nations agree to new limits on coal-burning power plants Dubbed as AUKUS, the new security alliance looks to give Australia access to nuclear-powered submarines. This announcement caught France off guard and saw the ambassadors of the country recalled from Washington and Canberra as the leaders of the country made accusations of betrayal. "I have a lot of respect for your country. I have a lot of respect and a lot of friendship for your people. I just say when we have respect, you have to be true and you have to behave in line and consistently with this value," the French president told a group of Australian reporters, who travelled to cover the G20. Also Read | G20 Summit: Biden expresses ‘disappointment’ at China and Russia’s absence Asked if he thought Australian PM lied to him, the president replied, "I don't think, I know." At a media conference on Sunday in Rome, Morrison later said, he had not lied and that he had previously explained to president that conventional submarines would no longer meet Australia's needs. "I was very clear that what was going to be provided to us was not going to meet our strategic interests, and there was still a process we were engaged in, and we then engaged in, over the months that followed. And then we communicated to him (Macron) our ultimate decision," Morrison added. (With inputs from agencies)

AUKUS row: Australian prime minister lied over submarine deal, says French president

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has finally approved the appointment of lieutenant general Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as the new director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Pakistan PM Imran Khan surrenders to will of army, approves new spymaster

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia (17) can marry a person of whatever gender she chooses and she would not have to forfeit her right to the throne.

Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia, 17, is the heir apparent to King Willem-Alexander.

PM Rutte was responding to questions from parliament that were after publishing of a recent book, "Amalia, Duty Calls".

It argued that old laws would appear to exclude the possibility of a same-sex couple on the throne. However, same-sex marriage has been legal in the Netherlands since 2001.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chat-checkouts-dutch-supermarket-makes-an-effort-to-get-rid-of-loneliness-amid-pandemic-419907">'Chat checkouts': Dutch supermarket makes an effort to get rid of loneliness amid pandemic</a>

"The government believes that the heir can also marry a person of the same sex," Rutte wrote in his response to parliament.

"The cabinet therefore does not see that an heir to the throne or the King should abdicate if he/she would like to marry a partner of the same sex."

Also Reads | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-behind-identical-twins-solved-by-dutch-scientists-417122">Mystery behind identical twins solved by Dutch scientists</a>

Royal marriages do need the approval of parliament, however, and members of the royal house have on occasion given up their place in the line of succession, either to marry someone without permission or because they seemed unlikely to obtain it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia (17) can marry a person of whatever gender she chooses and she would not have to forfeit her right to the throne.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia (17) can marry a person of whatever gender she chooses and she would not have to forfeit her right to the throne. Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia, 17, is the heir apparent to King Willem-Alexander. PM Rutte was responding to questions from parliament that were after publishing of a recent book, "Amalia, Duty Calls". It argued that old laws would appear to exclude the possibility of a same-sex couple on the throne. However, same-sex marriage has been legal in the Netherlands since 2001. Also Read | 'Chat checkouts': Dutch supermarket makes an effort to get rid of loneliness amid pandemic "The government believes that the heir can also marry a person of the same sex," Rutte wrote in his response to parliament. "The cabinet therefore does not see that an heir to the throne or the King should abdicate if he/she would like to marry a partner of the same sex." Also Reads | Mystery behind identical twins solved by Dutch scientists Royal marriages do need the approval of parliament, however, and members of the royal house have on occasion given up their place in the line of succession, either to marry someone without permission or because they seemed unlikely to obtain it. (With inputs from agencies)

Game of thrones! Gay marriage of Dutch crown princess won't force her to give up the throne

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Jal Jeevan Mission mobile application- which aims to improve awareness among stakeholders and for greater transparency and accountability of schemes under the initiative.

The Prime Minister said that the Jal Jeevan Mission has been empowering women of the country by saving their time and efforts which was earlier consumed in covering long distances to fetch drinking water.

During an interaction with the Prime Minister, various Gram Panchayat heads and Pani Samitis/ Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC) representatives told PM Modi that through the Jal Jeevan Mission every household in their villages has now a tap connection that provides them with clean drinking water.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister was informed that women in villages now invest their time in educating their children and participating in other activities which generate income.

On the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi PM Modi also launched Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh, where any individual, institution, corporate, or philanthropist, be it in India or abroad, can contribute to help provide tap water connection in every rural household, school, anganwadi centre, ashramshala, and other public institutions.According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister` Office on Friday, nationwide Gram Sabhas on Jal Jeevan Mission will also take place during the day today.

The Gram Sabhas will discuss planning and management of village water supply systems and also work towards long-term water security.Pani Samitis play a key role in planning, implementation, management, operation and maintenance of village water supply systems, thereby providing clean tap water to every household on a regular and long-term basis.

Out of over 6 lakh villages, Pani Samitis/ VWSCs have been constituted in around 3.5 lakh villages. More than 7.1 lakh women have been trained to test the quality of water by using Field Test Kits.

On August 15, 2019, Prime Minister announced the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide clean tap water to every household.

At the time of the launch of the mission, only 3.23 Crore (17 per cent) rural households had a tap water supply.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in the last two years, more than five Crore households have been provided with tap water connections.

As of date, about 8.26 Crore (43 per cent) rural households have a tap water supply in their homes.

Every rural household in 78 districts, 58 thousand Gram Panchayats and 1.16 lakh villages are getting tap water supply.

Till now, tap water supply has been provided in 7.72 lakh (76 per cent) schools and 7.48 lakh (67.5 per cent) anganwadi centres.

To realize the Prime Minister`s vision of `Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas`, and following the `bottom up` approach, Jal Jeevan Mission is implemented in partnership with States with a budget of Rs. 3.60 lakh Crores.Further, Rs. 1.42 lakh Crore has been allocated to PRIs as a tied grant under the 15th Finance Commission for water and sanitation in villages for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Jal Jeevan Mission mobile application- which aims to improve awareness among stakeholders and for greater transparency and accountability of schemes under the initiative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Jal Jeevan Mission mobile application- which aims to improve awareness among stakeholders and for greater transparency and accountability of schemes under the initiative. The Prime Minister said that the Jal Jeevan Mission has been empowering women of the country by saving their time and efforts which was earlier consumed in covering long distances to fetch drinking water. During an interaction with the Prime Minister, various Gram Panchayat heads and Pani Samitis/ Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC) representatives told PM Modi that through the Jal Jeevan Mission every household in their villages has now a tap connection that provides them with clean drinking water. During the interaction, the Prime Minister was informed that women in villages now invest their time in educating their children and participating in other activities which generate income. On the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi PM Modi also launched Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh, where any individual, institution, corporate, or philanthropist, be it in India or abroad, can contribute to help provide tap water connection in every rural household, school, anganwadi centre, ashramshala, and other public institutions.According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister` Office on Friday, nationwide Gram Sabhas on Jal Jeevan Mission will also take place during the day today. The Gram Sabhas will discuss planning and management of village water supply systems and also work towards long-term water security.Pani Samitis play a key role in planning, implementation, management, operation and maintenance of village water supply systems, thereby providing clean tap water to every household on a regular and long-term basis. Out of over 6 lakh villages, Pani Samitis/ VWSCs have been constituted in around 3.5 lakh villages. More than 7.1 lakh women have been trained to test the quality of water by using Field Test Kits. On August 15, 2019, Prime Minister announced the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide clean tap water to every household. At the time of the launch of the mission, only 3.23 Crore (17 per cent) rural households had a tap water supply. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in the last two years, more than five Crore households have been provided with tap water connections. As of date, about 8.26 Crore (43 per cent) rural households have a tap water supply in their homes. Every rural household in 78 districts, 58 thousand Gram Panchayats and 1.16 lakh villages are getting tap water supply. Till now, tap water supply has been provided in 7.72 lakh (76 per cent) schools and 7.48 lakh (67.5 per cent) anganwadi centres. To realize the Prime Minister`s vision of `Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas`, and following the `bottom up` approach, Jal Jeevan Mission is implemented in partnership with States with a budget of Rs. 3.60 lakh Crores.Further, Rs. 1.42 lakh Crore has been allocated to PRIs as a tied grant under the 15th Finance Commission for water and sanitation in villages for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.

PM Modi launches Jal Jeevan Mission app, Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh today

In order to address the twin challenges of climate change and malnutrition, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched 35 crop varieties with special traits, saying that science and technology are being used on priority for solutions to tackle the climate change impact on agriculture.

These special traits crop varieties also include those that address the anti-nutritional factors found in some crops that adversely affect human and animal health.

Stating that climate change is adversely impacting agriculture, Modi said, “Due to climate change, new types of pests, new diseases, epidemics are coming. Due to this, there is a big threat to the health of humans and livestock and crops are also being affected.”

“Intensive research on these aspects is necessary continuously. When science, government and society work together, it gets even better results. This nexus of farmers and scientists will further strengthen the nation to face new challenges,” PM Modi said while addressing the nation via video conferencing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-farmers-stage-nationwide-protests-against-reforms-416365">Indian farmers stage nationwide protests against reforms</a>

The prime minister also interacted with farmers from different states to take stock of how government schemes have benefited them.

During the interaction, the farmers also shared how they adopted new farm and processing techniques even in different terrains.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-international-politics-over-indian-farmers-is-a-dangerous-trend-348199">Why international politics over Indian farmers is a dangerous trend</a>

These special varieties of seeds have been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an autonomous body responsible for co-ordinating agricultural education and research in India.

It has produced the crop varieties, the body stated, with specific features to meet the twin concerns of climate change and malnutrition.

The 35 such crop varieties with ‘drought-tolerant’ characteristics include chickpea, wilt- and early-maturing soybean, disease-resistant rice varieties, and biofortified wheat, pearl millet, maize, and chickpea, quinoa, buckwheat, winged bean, and faba.

(With inputs from agencies)

In order to address the twin challenges of climate change and malnutrition, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched 35 crop varieties with special traits, saying that science and technology are being used on priority for solutions to tackle the climate change impact on agriculture.

In order to address the twin challenges of climate change and malnutrition, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched 35 crop varieties with special traits, saying that science and technology are being used on priority for solutions to tackle the climate change impact on agriculture. These special traits crop varieties also include those that address the anti-nutritional factors found in some crops that adversely affect human and animal health. Stating that climate change is adversely impacting agriculture, Modi said, “Due to climate change, new types of pests, new diseases, epidemics are coming. Due to this, there is a big threat to the health of humans and livestock and crops are also being affected.” “Intensive research on these aspects is necessary continuously. When science, government and society work together, it gets even better results. This nexus of farmers and scientists will further strengthen the nation to face new challenges,” PM Modi said while addressing the nation via video conferencing. Also read | Indian farmers stage nationwide protests against reforms The prime minister also interacted with farmers from different states to take stock of how government schemes have benefited them. During the interaction, the farmers also shared how they adopted new farm and processing techniques even in different terrains. Also read | Why international politics over Indian farmers is a dangerous trend These special varieties of seeds have been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an autonomous body responsible for co-ordinating agricultural education and research in India. It has produced the crop varieties, the body stated, with specific features to meet the twin concerns of climate change and malnutrition. The 35 such crop varieties with ‘drought-tolerant’ characteristics include chickpea, wilt- and early-maturing soybean, disease-resistant rice varieties, and biofortified wheat, pearl millet, maize, and chickpea, quinoa, buckwheat, winged bean, and faba. (With inputs from agencies)

India using scientific solutions to tackle climate change impact on agriculture: PM Modi

In the backdrop of WHO facing criticism over COVID-19 origins prorbe&nbsp;and the World Bank discontinuing its flagship Ease of Doing Business report following alleged irregularities, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pointed to holes in the functioning of the United Nations, saying that the global body must rise up to the occasion and restore its credibility.

Addressing the 76th UN General Assembly, the prime minister, while quoting Indian diplomat Chanakya, said, “When the right action is not taken at the right time, then it is time itself that causes the action to fail.”

“If the United Nations wants to remain relevant. It will need to improve its effectiveness and enhance its reliability," he said.

The prime minister appeared to be referring to a report of independent scrutiny by leading US law firm WilmerHale which showed that China in 2017 manipulated its data to improve its ranking in the Ease of Doing Business index.

The UN’s health agency, World Health Organization, was also criticised for mishandling the COVID-19 outbreak --which first surfaced in China in December 2019-- due to Chinese interference..

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-at-unga-covid-taught-world-that-global-economy-should-be-more-diversified-415901">PM Modi at UNGA: Covid taught world that global economy should be more diversified</a>

Former US president Donald Trump had slammed the WHO as a “puppet” of China and accused it of covering up the start of the outbreak and allowing the virus to spread around the entire world.

Modi said that today, all kinds of questions have been raised about the UN.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-of-a-tea-seller-is-addressing-un-for-fourth-time-pm-modi-hails-strength-of-indian-democracy-415903">Child of a tea seller is addressing UN for fourth time: PM Modi hails strength of Indian democracy</a>

"We have seen such questions being raised, related to the climate crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

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“With regard to the origin of COVID-19 and the ease of doing business rankings, institutions of global governance have damaged the credibility they had built after decades of hard work," he said.

“It is essential that we constantly strengthen the UN, in order to safeguard global order, global laws and global values,” Modi said.

In a veiled reference to China’s military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region, Modi said, “We must protect them from the race for expansion. The international community must speak in one voice to strengthen a rule-based world order... Our oceans are also our shared heritage. That is why, we have to keep in mind that we use ocean resources, not abuse them.”

(With inputs from agencies)

In the backdrop of WHO facing criticism over COVID-19 origins prorbe and the World Bank discontinuing its flagship Ease of Doing Business report following alleged irregularities, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pointed to holes in the functioning of the United Nations, saying that the global body must rise up to the occasion and restore its credibility.

In the backdrop of WHO facing criticism over COVID-19 origins prorbe and the World Bank discontinuing its flagship Ease of Doing Business report following alleged irregularities, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pointed to holes in the functioning of the United Nations, saying that the global body must rise up to the occasion and restore its credibility. Addressing the 76th UN General Assembly, the prime minister, while quoting Indian diplomat Chanakya, said, “When the right action is not taken at the right time, then it is time itself that causes the action to fail.” “If the United Nations wants to remain relevant. It will need to improve its effectiveness and enhance its reliability," he said. The prime minister appeared to be referring to a report of independent scrutiny by leading US law firm WilmerHale which showed that China in 2017 manipulated its data to improve its ranking in the Ease of Doing Business index. The UN’s health agency, World Health Organization, was also criticised for mishandling the COVID-19 outbreak --which first surfaced in China in December 2019-- due to Chinese interference.. Also read | PM Modi at UNGA: Covid taught world that global economy should be more diversified Former US president Donald Trump had slammed the WHO as a “puppet” of China and accused it of covering up the start of the outbreak and allowing the virus to spread around the entire world. Modi said that today, all kinds of questions have been raised about the UN. Also read | Child of a tea seller is addressing UN for fourth time: PM Modi hails strength of Indian democracy "We have seen such questions being raised, related to the climate crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic," he said. #LIVE | Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi speaks at the 76th session of #UNGA #UNGA2021 #UNGA76 #WIONatUNGA https://t.co/sFMXkPrcr6 — WION (@WIONews) September 25, 2021 × “With regard to the origin of COVID-19 and the ease of doing business rankings, institutions of global governance have damaged the credibility they had built after decades of hard work," he said. “It is essential that we constantly strengthen the UN, in order to safeguard global order, global laws and global values,” Modi said. In a veiled reference to China’s military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region, Modi said, “We must protect them from the race for expansion. The international community must speak in one voice to strengthen a rule-based world order... Our oceans are also our shared heritage. That is why, we have to keep in mind that we use ocean resources, not abuse them.” (With inputs from agencies)

Covid origins, Ease of Business report: Modi attacks UN for loss of credibility, without naming China

Suresh Raina recently took up an interesting question as to whom will he vote for the post of the country's Prime Minister between MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar. Raina, who represents the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has played with both Tendulkar and Dhoni throughout his career. The swashbuckling left-hander mentioned that his vote will go to India's former captain Dhoni.

During an interaction with RJ Raunac on his YouTube channel, Raina was asked to give his vote to appoint the prime minister among the two stalwarts. He said, "MS Dhoni. Sachin is also a player, have to give vote to the captain."

When Raina broke into the scene at the international level, Dhoni was senior to him by just one year of experience. On the other hand, Tendulkar was nearly at the start of the last lap of his career at the highest level. Raina and Tendulkar were part of Dhoni-led Indian team which won the 2011 ODI World Cup at home. While the Master Blaster retired from the gentlemen's game in 2013, Raina and Dhoni remained active in international cricket till mid-2020 and retired together on August 15 last year.

Now, both Raina and Dhoni are part of the CSK camp in the UAE ahead of the second and final leg of IPL 2021. CSK are currently at the second spot and will look to go the distance and return with their fourth IPL title.

IPL 14's final leg commences from September 19 in the UAE.

Suresh Raina recently took up an interesting question as to whom will he vote for the post of the country's Prime Minister between MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar.

Suresh Raina recently took up an interesting question as to whom will he vote for the post of the country's Prime Minister between MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar. Raina, who represents the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has played with both Tendulkar and Dhoni throughout his career. The swashbuckling left-hander mentioned that his vote will go to India's former captain Dhoni. During an interaction with RJ Raunac on his YouTube channel, Raina was asked to give his vote to appoint the prime minister among the two stalwarts. He said, "MS Dhoni. Sachin is also a player, have to give vote to the captain." When Raina broke into the scene at the international level, Dhoni was senior to him by just one year of experience. On the other hand, Tendulkar was nearly at the start of the last lap of his career at the highest level. Raina and Tendulkar were part of Dhoni-led Indian team which won the 2011 ODI World Cup at home. While the Master Blaster retired from the gentlemen's game in 2013, Raina and Dhoni remained active in international cricket till mid-2020 and retired together on August 15 last year. Now, both Raina and Dhoni are part of the CSK camp in the UAE ahead of the second and final leg of IPL 2021. CSK are currently at the second spot and will look to go the distance and return with their fourth IPL title. IPL 14's final leg commences from September 19 in the UAE.

MS Dhoni or Sachin Tendulkar? Suresh Raina names whom he will cast his vote for Prime Minister's post

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the White House on July 26, the White House said on Friday. 
 
The visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the two countries and advance bilateral cooperation under a 2008 agreement that governed the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops from Iraq, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. 
 
Psaki listed areas of shared interest, such as energy and health and said Biden looked forward to strengthening cooperation with Iraq on "security issues to include joint efforts to ensure the enduring defeat" of the Islamic State militant group. 
 
Psaki made no reference to Iran, which exercises influence in neighboring Iraq through its close relations with the Baghdad government and by backing Shi'ite militia forces that mount attacks on military facilities hosting US&nbsp;forces. 
 
A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander urged Iraqi Shi'ite militias to step up attacks on US&nbsp;targets during a meeting in Baghdad last week, three militia sources and two Iraqi security sources familiar with the gathering said.

US President Joe Biden will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the White House on July 26, the White House said on Friday. The visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the two countries and advance bilateral cooperation under a 2008 agreement that governed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

US President Joe Biden will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the White House on July 26, the White House said on Friday. The visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the two countries and advance bilateral cooperation under a 2008 agreement that governed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. Psaki listed areas of shared interest, such as energy and health and said Biden looked forward to strengthening cooperation with Iraq on "security issues to include joint efforts to ensure the enduring defeat" of the Islamic State militant group. Psaki made no reference to Iran, which exercises influence in neighboring Iraq through its close relations with the Baghdad government and by backing Shi'ite militia forces that mount attacks on military facilities hosting US forces. A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander urged Iraqi Shi'ite militias to step up attacks on US targets during a meeting in Baghdad last week, three militia sources and two Iraqi security sources familiar with the gathering said.

Biden to host Iraq's prime minister at White House on July 26

Sweden's ousted Prime Minister Stefan Lofven is being asked to acquire support for a government. Swedish parliament speaker Andreas Norlen said on Thursday that he asked Lofven to rally support for a government.

The move came after the leader of Sweden's largest right-wing opposition party, Ulf Kristersson, announced earlier that he was giving up on trying to secure a majority of his own.

"The parliamentary conditions to form a new right-wing government are simply not there," Moderate Party leader Kristersson told a press conference Thursday morning.

As the leader of the largest party, Kristersson was tapped by Norlen on Tuesday.

After Kristersson conceded, Norlen said he had telephoned Lofven "and given him the mission to probe the conditions to form a government that can be tolerated by parliament".

That means Lofven could potentially see a quick return to power after announcing his resignation on Monday.&nbsp; 
"My message remains that the Social Democrats and I are ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the country forward together with other constructive forces," Lofven said in a social media post.

Unholy alliance

An "unholy alliance" of parties, from the Left Party to the far-right Sweden Democrats, teamed up to oust Lofven on June 21.

The confidence motion was filed by the Sweden Democrats after the Left Party, which had previously propped up Lofven's government, said it was planning such a motion itself in a row over housing policy.

The Left Party had been unhappy with a plan to ease rent controls for newly-built homes, a policy which proponents argue is a step towards reforming Sweden's dysfunctional housing market.

Lofven had agreed to the policy to secure the support of two other centre-left parties for his government, as part of a drawn-out struggle to find a workable coalition following inconclusive elections in 2018.

But the Left Party and other critics see any easing of the rent controls as fundamentally at odds with the Swedish social model, and a threat to tenants' rights.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Sweden's ousted Prime Minister Stefan Lofven is being asked to acquire support for a government. Swedish parliament speaker Andreas Norlen said on Thursday that he asked Lofven to rally support for a government.

Sweden's ousted Prime Minister Stefan Lofven is being asked to acquire support for a government. Swedish parliament speaker Andreas Norlen said on Thursday that he asked Lofven to rally support for a government. The move came after the leader of Sweden's largest right-wing opposition party, Ulf Kristersson, announced earlier that he was giving up on trying to secure a majority of his own. "The parliamentary conditions to form a new right-wing government are simply not there," Moderate Party leader Kristersson told a press conference Thursday morning. As the leader of the largest party, Kristersson was tapped by Norlen on Tuesday. After Kristersson conceded, Norlen said he had telephoned Lofven "and given him the mission to probe the conditions to form a government that can be tolerated by parliament". That means Lofven could potentially see a quick return to power after announcing his resignation on Monday. "My message remains that the Social Democrats and I are ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the country forward together with other constructive forces," Lofven said in a social media post. Unholy alliance An "unholy alliance" of parties, from the Left Party to the far-right Sweden Democrats, teamed up to oust Lofven on June 21. The confidence motion was filed by the Sweden Democrats after the Left Party, which had previously propped up Lofven's government, said it was planning such a motion itself in a row over housing policy. The Left Party had been unhappy with a plan to ease rent controls for newly-built homes, a policy which proponents argue is a step towards reforming Sweden's dysfunctional housing market. Lofven had agreed to the policy to secure the support of two other centre-left parties for his government, as part of a drawn-out struggle to find a workable coalition following inconclusive elections in 2018. But the Left Party and other critics see any easing of the rent controls as fundamentally at odds with the Swedish social model, and a threat to tenants' rights. (With inputs from agencies)

Sweden's ousted PM gets feelers to form government again

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli&nbsp;on Thursday wrote a letter to the Supreme Court with 18 points defending his dissolution of parliament.&nbsp;

Defending the move of dissolving the House for the second time, Oli said that there was no possibility of forming an alternative government after the country's president rejected claims by both him and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

PM Oli said forming a government on a party basis is the most basic feature of a parliamentary system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-ravaged-nepal-faces-massive-floods-and-landslides-392039" hreflang="en">Covid-ravaged Nepal faces massive floods and landslides</a>

"A government formation is a political process and it cannot be decided by the Supreme Court. According to Article 76 (5) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister may be appointed only on the basis of party support. The constitution does not allow the court to test which party holds a majority," Oli said in the letter.&nbsp;

"The court cannot appoint the prime minister. Opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba has demanded to be appointed as the prime minister. The court is to interpret the constitution and the law, it cannot play the role of legislature or executive. This is a very political and executive process," the letter added.

As many as 146 lawmakers of the dissolved House of Representatives on May 24 filed a petition against Oli’s May 21 decision to dissolve the House and demanded that Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba be appointed as the Prime Minister.

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Among the 146 lawmakers, 29 lawmakers from Madhav-Kumar Nepal faction signed the petition.&nbsp;

Speaking on the&nbsp;writ petitions, Prime Minister Oli said all the boundaries of party discipline and ethics have been violated by some petitioners.&nbsp;

"No Member of Parliament is exempt from violating party discipline."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-opposition-party-leader-threatens-to-kill-prime-minister-oli-390989" hreflang="en">Nepal’s opposition party leader threatens to kill Prime Minister Oli</a>

Oli has also argued that both the constitution and the Political Parties Act-2017 do not allow members of any party to go against the decisions of their parties.

In the letter, Oli asked what will be the status of his party CPN-UML — ruling or opposition, if Deuba from the opposition Nepali Congress is appointed as the Prime Minister with the support of his party lawmakers.&nbsp;

"A party cannot be a ruling as well as an opposition party at the same time," Oli said.&nbsp;

Following the submission of the writ petition, the Constitutional Bench on June 10 had directed Oli, President Bidya Devi Bhandari, and the council of ministers to present in writing the reasons for dissolving the House.

The next hearing has been scheduled for June 23.&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday wrote a letter to the Supreme Court with 18 points defending his dissolution of parliament. Defending the move of dissolving the House for the second time, Oli said that there was no possibility of forming an alternative government after the country's president rejected claims by both him and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday wrote a letter to the Supreme Court with 18 points defending his dissolution of parliament. Defending the move of dissolving the House for the second time, Oli said that there was no possibility of forming an alternative government after the country's president rejected claims by both him and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba. PM Oli said forming a government on a party basis is the most basic feature of a parliamentary system. Also read | Covid-ravaged Nepal faces massive floods and landslides "A government formation is a political process and it cannot be decided by the Supreme Court. According to Article 76 (5) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister may be appointed only on the basis of party support. The constitution does not allow the court to test which party holds a majority," Oli said in the letter. "The court cannot appoint the prime minister. Opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba has demanded to be appointed as the prime minister. The court is to interpret the constitution and the law, it cannot play the role of legislature or executive. This is a very political and executive process," the letter added. As many as 146 lawmakers of the dissolved House of Representatives on May 24 filed a petition against Oli’s May 21 decision to dissolve the House and demanded that Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba be appointed as the Prime Minister. Also read | Nepal former PM Khanal taken to Delhi’s Apollo Hospital, issues statement Among the 146 lawmakers, 29 lawmakers from Madhav-Kumar Nepal faction signed the petition. Speaking on the writ petitions, Prime Minister Oli said all the boundaries of party discipline and ethics have been violated by some petitioners. "No Member of Parliament is exempt from violating party discipline." Also read | Nepal’s opposition party leader threatens to kill Prime Minister Oli Oli has also argued that both the constitution and the Political Parties Act-2017 do not allow members of any party to go against the decisions of their parties. In the letter, Oli asked what will be the status of his party CPN-UML — ruling or opposition, if Deuba from the opposition Nepali Congress is appointed as the Prime Minister with the support of his party lawmakers. "A party cannot be a ruling as well as an opposition party at the same time," Oli said. Following the submission of the writ petition, the Constitutional Bench on June 10 had directed Oli, President Bidya Devi Bhandari, and the council of ministers to present in writing the reasons for dissolving the House. The next hearing has been scheduled for June 23.

Supreme Court has no right to appoint PM, says Nepal's KP Sharma Oli

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday gave his strongest hint till now that lifting of all coronavirus restrictions would be delayed. Concerns over spread of the new variant is causing the delay.

The Delta variant has caused a surge in Covid cases in Britain, throwing into doubt government plans to ease curbs from June 21.

Johnson said that the spread was a matter of "serious, serious concern". He was speaking on the sidelines of G7 leaders' summit in England.

As per reports, the government&nbsp;may announce a delay of up to four weeks.

Asked if he was less optimistic than he was at the end of May that restrictions could be eased as planned, a downbeat Johnson responded: "Yes, that's certainly fair."

He added that while some data was "still open to question", a formal announcement would come on Monday.

On Friday, the government said the Delta variant was 60 percent more transmissible in households than the variant that forced the country into its last complete lockdown in January.

The research from Public Health England also showed there had been 42,323 identified cases of the Delta variant in the UK, according to data -- up from 29,892 on June 2.

The Alpha variant, first identified in Kent, southeast England, drove a huge surge of Covid cases in January, and hit early in Britain's mass vaccination campaign.

It caused a wave of Covid cases that stretched the state-run National Health Service (NHS) close to breaking point.&nbsp;

Johnson said the current situation was "dramatically different from what it was in either of the first two waves of the pandemic" because of what he called the "effectiveness of the vaccine rollout".

Faced with the Delta variant, the UK has stepped up its vaccine programme, and has now administered nearly 71 million jabs, with over 40 percent of the total population fully vaccinated.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday gave his strongest hint till now that lifting of all coronavirus restrictions would be delayed. Concerns over spread of the new variant is causing the delay.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday gave his strongest hint till now that lifting of all coronavirus restrictions would be delayed. Concerns over spread of the new variant is causing the delay. The Delta variant has caused a surge in Covid cases in Britain, throwing into doubt government plans to ease curbs from June 21. Johnson said that the spread was a matter of "serious, serious concern". He was speaking on the sidelines of G7 leaders' summit in England. As per reports, the government may announce a delay of up to four weeks. Asked if he was less optimistic than he was at the end of May that restrictions could be eased as planned, a downbeat Johnson responded: "Yes, that's certainly fair." He added that while some data was "still open to question", a formal announcement would come on Monday. On Friday, the government said the Delta variant was 60 percent more transmissible in households than the variant that forced the country into its last complete lockdown in January. The research from Public Health England also showed there had been 42,323 identified cases of the Delta variant in the UK, according to data -- up from 29,892 on June 2. The Alpha variant, first identified in Kent, southeast England, drove a huge surge of Covid cases in January, and hit early in Britain's mass vaccination campaign. It caused a wave of Covid cases that stretched the state-run National Health Service (NHS) close to breaking point. Johnson said the current situation was "dramatically different from what it was in either of the first two waves of the pandemic" because of what he called the "effectiveness of the vaccine rollout". Faced with the Delta variant, the UK has stepped up its vaccine programme, and has now administered nearly 71 million jabs, with over 40 percent of the total population fully vaccinated. (With inputs from agencies)

Johnson hints at delay in lifting coronavirus curbs

Criticizing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli-led government, a provincial lawmaker from the opposition Nepali Congress Party, Narottam Baidhya has threatened to kill Prime Minister Oli.&nbsp;

A provincial leader from Bagmati Province in a meeting alleged that Prime Minister is compromising with every aspect of governance and therefore an "assailant like Nathuram Godse" is necessary to save the nation.

“Prime Minister Oli is compromising with every issue and reaching deals to cling on to the power. If Oli is let free this way, the country will collapse. Hence, an assailant like Nathuram Godse is necessary to save the nation,” Baidhya said at the provincial assembly meeting while making a reference to Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse.&nbsp;

Baidhya’s statement has been criticized from all quarters including his own party, Nepali Congress.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, a senior Nepali Congress leader said the party has instructed Baidhya to withdraw the statement and issue an apology to the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

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“It was an emotional error, and he should not have said this. It was not intentional. The leader might have thought that Oli is going too far looking at the recent political developments. I have criticized the leader for his controversial comments and have asked him to apologize to the Prime Minister,” the Nepali Congress leader told WION, who chose to stay anonymous.&nbsp;

When asked if Nepali Congress is planning to take any action against&nbsp;Baidhya, the leader&nbsp;said, “There is no need for an action as Baidhya will issue an apology.”

“CPN-UML is trying to use this against us and will make an issue about it.&nbsp;There is no need for criminal action,” the leader said when asked about the CPN-UML demanding criminal action against Baidhya.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, CPN-UML leader Pradeep Gyawali in a statement said, "The&nbsp;comment made by a member of the Bagmati Province Assembly is highly objectionable. Strongly condemning the statement, our party demands a criminal action.”

Nepali Congress Spokesperson&nbsp;Bishwa Prakash&nbsp;Sharma&nbsp;said that the party will not support such objectionable statements.&nbsp;

Criticizing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli-led government, a provincial lawmaker from the opposition Nepali Congress Party, Narottam Baidhya has threatened to kill Prime Minister Oli.

Criticizing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli-led government, a provincial lawmaker from the opposition Nepali Congress Party, Narottam Baidhya has threatened to kill Prime Minister Oli. A provincial leader from Bagmati Province in a meeting alleged that Prime Minister is compromising with every aspect of governance and therefore an "assailant like Nathuram Godse" is necessary to save the nation. “Prime Minister Oli is compromising with every issue and reaching deals to cling on to the power. If Oli is let free this way, the country will collapse. Hence, an assailant like Nathuram Godse is necessary to save the nation,” Baidhya said at the provincial assembly meeting while making a reference to Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse. Baidhya’s statement has been criticized from all quarters including his own party, Nepali Congress. Speaking to WION, a senior Nepali Congress leader said the party has instructed Baidhya to withdraw the statement and issue an apology to the Prime Minister. Also Read | Pakistan announces budget of $54 billion for next fiscal year “It was an emotional error, and he should not have said this. It was not intentional. The leader might have thought that Oli is going too far looking at the recent political developments. I have criticized the leader for his controversial comments and have asked him to apologize to the Prime Minister,” the Nepali Congress leader told WION, who chose to stay anonymous. When asked if Nepali Congress is planning to take any action against Baidhya, the leader said, “There is no need for an action as Baidhya will issue an apology.” “CPN-UML is trying to use this against us and will make an issue about it. There is no need for criminal action,” the leader said when asked about the CPN-UML demanding criminal action against Baidhya. Meanwhile, CPN-UML leader Pradeep Gyawali in a statement said, "The comment made by a member of the Bagmati Province Assembly is highly objectionable. Strongly condemning the statement, our party demands a criminal action.” Nepali Congress Spokesperson Bishwa Prakash Sharma said that the party will not support such objectionable statements.

Nepal’s opposition party leader threatens to kill Prime Minister Oli

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