The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday the United States had detained a Russian citizen, a day after Moscow arrested the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-demands-immediate-return-of-ex-marine-detained-in-russia-on-spy-charges-mike-pompeo-187922">former US Marine Paul Whelan</a> on suspicion of spying.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/individuals-should-not-be-used-as-pawns-for-diplomatic-leverage-british-foreign-secretary-jeremy-hunt-to-russia-188275">Whelan</a> was taken into custody by Russia's Federal Security Service on December 28. His family have said he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding.

The ministry said the United States detained Russian citizen Dmitry Makarenko on December 29 on the Northern Mariana Islands, a US commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean, and had transferred him to Florida.

"... Makarenko, born in 1979, has arrived on Saipan Island with his wife, underage children and elderly parents. He was detained by FBI personnel at the airport right after his arrival," the ministry said.

The US Embassy in Moscow could not immediately be reached for comment. A State Department spokesman in Washington referred a request for comment to the Department of Justice, which did not immediately respond.

Papers filed in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida show Makarenko was accused in June 2017 by federal prosecutors of conspiring with another man, Vladimir Nevidomy, to export defense articles including night-vision scopes from the United States to Russia without US approval.

Makarenko, who was listed as a resident of Vladivostok, was declared a fugitive from US justice in January 2018. Nevidomy, a resident of Hallandale Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in June 2018 and was sentenced to 26 months in prison, the court papers showed.

The accusations from both sides could further complicate a strained relationship between Moscow and Washington, despite the professed desire of Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to build a personal rapport.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that Washington had asked Moscow to explain Whelan's arrest and would demand his immediate return if it determined his detention is inappropriate.

Britain cautioned Russia on Friday that individuals should not be used as diplomatic pawns. Whelan also holds a British passport.

The Russian ministry said in its statement that Moscow diplomats had not been able to reach Makarenko in Florida and said Washington had yet to explain his detention.

Before Moscow gave details of Makarenko's detention, experts had speculated that Moscow could exchange Whelan for Russian nationals held by Washington.

Commenting on that possibility, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday:

"I see no reasons to raise this issue in context of exchanges. We should undergo all the procedures needed in this situation," Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying.

Whelan's Toronto-based twin brother David Whelan told Reuters on Saturday that US embassy officials met with his sibling on Wednesday and would visit him again next week.

"He seemed as well as can be expected in a Russian jail. He was missing a lot of personal necessities, like toilet paper, that aren't provided," David Whelan said in a telephone interview. "So the State Department has helped us set up an account ... so that he can buy the supplies that he needs."

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday the United States had detained a Russian citizen, a day after Moscow arrested the former US Marine Paul Whelan on suspicion of spying.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday the United States had detained a Russian citizen, a day after Moscow arrested the former US Marine Paul Whelan on suspicion of spying. Whelan was taken into custody by Russia's Federal Security Service on December 28. His family have said he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding. The ministry said the United States detained Russian citizen Dmitry Makarenko on December 29 on the Northern Mariana Islands, a US commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean, and had transferred him to Florida. "... Makarenko, born in 1979, has arrived on Saipan Island with his wife, underage children and elderly parents. He was detained by FBI personnel at the airport right after his arrival," the ministry said. The US Embassy in Moscow could not immediately be reached for comment. A State Department spokesman in Washington referred a request for comment to the Department of Justice, which did not immediately respond. Papers filed in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida show Makarenko was accused in June 2017 by federal prosecutors of conspiring with another man, Vladimir Nevidomy, to export defense articles including night-vision scopes from the United States to Russia without US approval. Makarenko, who was listed as a resident of Vladivostok, was declared a fugitive from US justice in January 2018. Nevidomy, a resident of Hallandale Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in June 2018 and was sentenced to 26 months in prison, the court papers showed. The accusations from both sides could further complicate a strained relationship between Moscow and Washington, despite the professed desire of Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to build a personal rapport. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that Washington had asked Moscow to explain Whelan's arrest and would demand his immediate return if it determined his detention is inappropriate. Britain cautioned Russia on Friday that individuals should not be used as diplomatic pawns. Whelan also holds a British passport. The Russian ministry said in its statement that Moscow diplomats had not been able to reach Makarenko in Florida and said Washington had yet to explain his detention. Before Moscow gave details of Makarenko's detention, experts had speculated that Moscow could exchange Whelan for Russian nationals held by Washington. Commenting on that possibility, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday: "I see no reasons to raise this issue in context of exchanges. We should undergo all the procedures needed in this situation," Interfax news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying. Whelan's Toronto-based twin brother David Whelan told Reuters on Saturday that US embassy officials met with his sibling on Wednesday and would visit him again next week. "He seemed as well as can be expected in a Russian jail. He was missing a lot of personal necessities, like toilet paper, that aren't provided," David Whelan said in a telephone interview. "So the State Department has helped us set up an account ... so that he can buy the supplies that he needs."

Moscow says FBI arrested Russian a day after it detained ex-US Marine

Russia is not willing to exchange Paul Whelan, the former US marine detained in Moscow on suspicion of spying, Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Saturday.

"I see no reasons to raise this issue in context of exchanges. We should undergo all the procedures needed in this situation," Ryabkov said.

Russia is not willing to exchange Paul Whelan, the former US marine detained in Moscow on suspicion of spying, Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Saturday.

Russia is not willing to exchange Paul Whelan, the former US marine detained in Moscow on suspicion of spying, Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Saturday. "I see no reasons to raise this issue in context of exchanges. We should undergo all the procedures needed in this situation," Ryabkov said.

Russia says it is not willing to exchange detained ex-US marine: Report

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday he intends to push forward towards a World War Two peace treaty with Russia, which has been stymied for decades by a territorial row, during a summit in Russia later this month.

Abe, who has signalled he is keen to clinch a deal, will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in their 25th summit for discussions aimed at ending the disagreement over a group of windswept islands seized by Soviet troops in the final days of the war.

"I'll visit Russia later this month and intend to push forward with discussions towards a peace treaty," he told a news conference in the western city of Ise.

There had been "absolutely no progress" on the issue for more than 70 years, he said.

Abe said that, while there were no guarantees of an agreement, the two nations had been cooperating over issues concerning the islands, as well as economically, over the past two years "as never before".

Putin caught Abe off guard in September when, on stage with the Japanese leader at a conference in Vladivostok, he suggested signing a peace treaty by year-end "without any pre-conditions".

Abe later rejected the proposal, repeating Japan's stance that the question of sovereignty must be settled first.

He told reporters after the two met again in Singapore in November they had agreed to speed up negotiations based on a 1956 joint statement in which Moscow agreed to transfer the two smaller islands to Japan after a peace treaty was concluded.

"We both do not want this to drag out into another generation," Abe said on Friday.

Putin may be open to a deal now, expecting that better ties will act as a counter-balance to China and attract more Japanese investment and technology, some experts say.

Others doubt Putin really wants any agreement, partly because a majority of the Russian public is opposed to returning any of the islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and in Russia as the Southern Kurils.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday he intends to push forward towards a World War Two peace treaty with Russia, which has been stymied for decades by a territorial row, during a summit in Russia later this month.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday he intends to push forward towards a World War Two peace treaty with Russia, which has been stymied for decades by a territorial row, during a summit in Russia later this month. Abe, who has signalled he is keen to clinch a deal, will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in their 25th summit for discussions aimed at ending the disagreement over a group of windswept islands seized by Soviet troops in the final days of the war. "I'll visit Russia later this month and intend to push forward with discussions towards a peace treaty," he told a news conference in the western city of Ise. There had been "absolutely no progress" on the issue for more than 70 years, he said. Abe said that, while there were no guarantees of an agreement, the two nations had been cooperating over issues concerning the islands, as well as economically, over the past two years "as never before". Putin caught Abe off guard in September when, on stage with the Japanese leader at a conference in Vladivostok, he suggested signing a peace treaty by year-end "without any pre-conditions". Abe later rejected the proposal, repeating Japan's stance that the question of sovereignty must be settled first. He told reporters after the two met again in Singapore in November they had agreed to speed up negotiations based on a 1956 joint statement in which Moscow agreed to transfer the two smaller islands to Japan after a peace treaty was concluded. "We both do not want this to drag out into another generation," Abe said on Friday. Putin may be open to a deal now, expecting that better ties will act as a counter-balance to China and attract more Japanese investment and technology, some experts say. Others doubt Putin really wants any agreement, partly because a majority of the Russian public is opposed to returning any of the islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and in Russia as the Southern Kurils.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe says he plans to push for peace treaty with Russia

Thirty-seven bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a Russian apartment building that partially collapsed this week after an apparent gas explosion, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday.

The blast in the early hours of December 31 damaged 48 apartments in a 10-storey building in the industrial city of Magnitogorsk, some 1,700 km (1,050 miles) east of Moscow.

The death toll has progressively risen in the past few days as rescuers battle blisteringly cold temperatures to recover people trapped under the rubble.

As of Thursday morning, the bodies of 22 of the 37 dead had been identified, agencies cited the local branch of the emergencies ministries as saying.

Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, has said it is still investigating the exact cause of the blast.

It said no traces of explosives had been found at the site. Initial reports attributed the blast to a gas explosion.

Gas explosions are relatively common in Russia because of ageing infrastructure and poor safety regulations surrounding gas use.

&nbsp;

Thirty-seven bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a Russian apartment building that partially collapsed this week after an apparent gas explosion, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday.

Thirty-seven bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a Russian apartment building that partially collapsed this week after an apparent gas explosion, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday. The blast in the early hours of December 31 damaged 48 apartments in a 10-storey building in the industrial city of Magnitogorsk, some 1,700 km (1,050 miles) east of Moscow. The death toll has progressively risen in the past few days as rescuers battle blisteringly cold temperatures to recover people trapped under the rubble. As of Thursday morning, the bodies of 22 of the 37 dead had been identified, agencies cited the local branch of the emergencies ministries as saying. Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, has said it is still investigating the exact cause of the blast. It said no traces of explosives had been found at the site. Initial reports attributed the blast to a gas explosion. Gas explosions are relatively common in Russia because of ageing infrastructure and poor safety regulations surrounding gas use.

Death toll jumps to 37 in Russian apartment block collapse

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow.

"I am bitterly disappointed that data extraction from the former Moscow Laboratory has not been completed by the date agreed," said WADA president Craig Reedie.

WADA said the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will now consider the next step in the long-running saga at a January 14-15 meeting.

The end-of-year deadline was set in September, when WADA lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for Russian athletes to return to competition across all sports after a report which uncovered a state-sponsored doping programme in Russia.

WADA's confirmation of the missed deadline came as US Anti-Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart described Russia's return to the sports fold "a total joke and an embarrassment".

However, in his New Year message, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach insisted sporting superpower Russia had been sufficiently punished.

"With its suspension from the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Russian Olympic Committee has served its sanction," wrote Bach.

WADA personnel travelled to Russia in December but were unable to extract all of the promised data.

WADA said at the time its team could not complete its mission "due to an issue raised by the Russian authorities that the team's equipment to be used for the data extraction was required to be certified under Russian law".

With WADA waiting and the December 31 deadline looming, RUSADA chief Yury Ganus asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene to stave off another ban that put Russia "on the brink of the abyss".&nbsp;

However, the Kremlin said RUSADA's concerns about new sanctions were "without foundation."

'WADA being played by Russians'

Reedie added on Tuesday: "WADA has been working diligently with the Russian authorities to meet the deadline, which was clearly in the best interest of clean sport. The process agreed by WADA's ExCo in September will now be initiated."

That process will now see the independent Compliance Review Committee meet on January 14 and 15 to examine the developments before a recommendation is made to WADA.

That could lead to RUSADA again being declared non-compliant.

Tygart said Russia missing the deadline should come as no surprise.

"In September, WADA secretly moved the goal posts and reinstated Russia against the wishes of athletes, governments and the public," Tygart said. "In doing this WADA guaranteed Russia would turn over the evidence of its state-supported doping scheme by today.

"No one is surprised this deadline was ignored and it's time for WADA to stop being played by the Russians and immediately declare them non-compliant for failing yet again to meet the deadline."

Last month, the governing body of world athletics (IAAF) said they were maintaining Russia's ban from track and field over the state-backed doping controversy.

Russia's athletics team was barred from the 2016 Rio Olympics and also missed the IAAF World Championships in London a year later.

A number of Russian athletes, however, have been granted permission by the IAAF to compete as neutrals after meeting the exceptional eligibility criteria, essentially demonstrating that they have come through transparent anti-doping testing.

The IOC lifted its ban on Russia at the end of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

Later Tuesday, the athletes commission of the UK Anti-Doping Agency called for Russia to be declared non-compliant.

"The Russian state need to prove unequivocally that they have learned from the biggest doping scandal under WADA's watch," said a statement.

"And that they will be committed to a drug-free, transparent regime across international sport.

"Otherwise WADA..must now declare RUSADA non-compliant."

&nbsp;

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow.

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow. "I am bitterly disappointed that data extraction from the former Moscow Laboratory has not been completed by the date agreed," said WADA president Craig Reedie. WADA said the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) will now consider the next step in the long-running saga at a January 14-15 meeting. The end-of-year deadline was set in September, when WADA lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for Russian athletes to return to competition across all sports after a report which uncovered a state-sponsored doping programme in Russia. WADA's confirmation of the missed deadline came as US Anti-Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart described Russia's return to the sports fold "a total joke and an embarrassment". However, in his New Year message, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach insisted sporting superpower Russia had been sufficiently punished. "With its suspension from the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Russian Olympic Committee has served its sanction," wrote Bach. WADA personnel travelled to Russia in December but were unable to extract all of the promised data. WADA said at the time its team could not complete its mission "due to an issue raised by the Russian authorities that the team's equipment to be used for the data extraction was required to be certified under Russian law". With WADA waiting and the December 31 deadline looming, RUSADA chief Yury Ganus asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene to stave off another ban that put Russia "on the brink of the abyss". However, the Kremlin said RUSADA's concerns about new sanctions were "without foundation." 'WADA being played by Russians' Reedie added on Tuesday: "WADA has been working diligently with the Russian authorities to meet the deadline, which was clearly in the best interest of clean sport. The process agreed by WADA's ExCo in September will now be initiated." That process will now see the independent Compliance Review Committee meet on January 14 and 15 to examine the developments before a recommendation is made to WADA. That could lead to RUSADA again being declared non-compliant. Tygart said Russia missing the deadline should come as no surprise. "In September, WADA secretly moved the goal posts and reinstated Russia against the wishes of athletes, governments and the public," Tygart said. "In doing this WADA guaranteed Russia would turn over the evidence of its state-supported doping scheme by today. "No one is surprised this deadline was ignored and it's time for WADA to stop being played by the Russians and immediately declare them non-compliant for failing yet again to meet the deadline." Last month, the governing body of world athletics (IAAF) said they were maintaining Russia's ban from track and field over the state-backed doping controversy. Russia's athletics team was barred from the 2016 Rio Olympics and also missed the IAAF World Championships in London a year later. A number of Russian athletes, however, have been granted permission by the IAAF to compete as neutrals after meeting the exceptional eligibility criteria, essentially demonstrating that they have come through transparent anti-doping testing. The IOC lifted its ban on Russia at the end of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Later Tuesday, the athletes commission of the UK Anti-Doping Agency called for Russia to be declared non-compliant. "The Russian state need to prove unequivocally that they have learned from the biggest doping scandal under WADA's watch," said a statement. "And that they will be committed to a drug-free, transparent regime across international sport. "Otherwise WADA..must now declare RUSADA non-compliant."

New sanctions loom as WADA confirms Russia misses doping deadline

The United States is demanding the immediate return of a retired US Marine detained by Russia on spying charges and wants an explanation on why he was arrested, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-cooperation-with-israel-over-syria-and-iran-to-continue-187786">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> said on Wednesday.

Speaking in Brasilia the day after<a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/2018-gave-brazil-a-far-right-president-jair-bolsonaro-185048"> Brazil's new president Jair Bolsonaro </a>was inaugurated, Pompeo said the US government hoped to gain consular access to Paul Whelan within the next few hours following his arrest in Moscow.

Pompeo&nbsp;also discussed Venezuela with Brazil's new right-wing government on Wednesday in the context of what he termed a joint-front against authoritarian regimes in Latin America.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Brazil's new Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;named Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua as countries that do not have shared democratic values.

"We have an opportunity to work alongside each other against authoritarian regimes," he said of U.S.-Brazil relations.

The United States is demanding the immediate return of Paul Whelan who was detained by Russia on spying charges and wants an explanation, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The United States is demanding the immediate return of a retired US Marine detained by Russia on spying charges and wants an explanation on why he was arrested, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday. Speaking in Brasilia the day after Brazil's new president Jair Bolsonaro was inaugurated, Pompeo said the US government hoped to gain consular access to Paul Whelan within the next few hours following his arrest in Moscow. Pompeo also discussed Venezuela with Brazil's new right-wing government on Wednesday in the context of what he termed a joint-front against authoritarian regimes in Latin America. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Brazil's new Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, Pompeo named Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua as countries that do not have shared democratic values. "We have an opportunity to work alongside each other against authoritarian regimes," he said of U.S.-Brazil relations.

US demands immediate return of ex-Marine detained in Russia on spy charges: Mike Pompeo

A baby boy has been found alive after 35 hours spent in freezing cold in the rubble of a Russian apartment block that partially collapsed in an explosion, emergency officials reported, calling it a miracle.

The blast, thought to have been caused by a gas leak, damaged 48 apartments in a 10-storey building in the industrial city of Magnitogorsk on Monday, killing at least seven people with 36 people still missing.

Video footage from the local emergency ministry showed a rescuer worker removing the baby dressed in pink socks and putting a blanket around it before he starts running towards an ambulance.

The current temperature in the city of Magnitogorsk, home to one of Russia's largest steel plants in the Urals some 1,700 km (1,050 miles) east of Moscow, is -17 Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit).

The fact that the 11-month-old infant, currently diagnosed with a serious freezer burn and a closed-head injury, was lying in his bed and was wrapped up in layers saved his life, TASS news agency reported, citing a regional emergency centre.

The baby was found when a rescuer heard him crying and "a large-scale operation was immediately organised," Interfax news agency reported, citing emergency officials. His removal was difficult because of unstable debris which posed risks for rescuers.

"Hundreds of people were waiting for the appearance of the injured child from under the rubble like a miracle. And the miracle happened...," the officials were quoted as saying by Interfax. "Tears drew in the eyes of the weatherbeaten rescuers."

The boy's mother is alive and has already arrived to the hospital, Interfax added.

The blast tore through the building in the city of Magnitogorsk, home of one of Russia's largest steel plants, early on Monday morning, a public holiday in Russia, when many residents were asleep. Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova said on Monday that the chances of finding survivors were fading.

There have been several similar incidents in the country in recent years due to ageing infrastructure and poor safety regulations about gas usage.

A baby boy has been found alive after 35 hours spent in freezing cold in the rubble of a Russian apartment block that partially collapsed in an explosion, emergency officials reported, calling it a miracle.

A baby boy has been found alive after 35 hours spent in freezing cold in the rubble of a Russian apartment block that partially collapsed in an explosion, emergency officials reported, calling it a miracle. The blast, thought to have been caused by a gas leak, damaged 48 apartments in a 10-storey building in the industrial city of Magnitogorsk on Monday, killing at least seven people with 36 people still missing. Video footage from the local emergency ministry showed a rescuer worker removing the baby dressed in pink socks and putting a blanket around it before he starts running towards an ambulance. The current temperature in the city of Magnitogorsk, home to one of Russia's largest steel plants in the Urals some 1,700 km (1,050 miles) east of Moscow, is -17 Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit). The fact that the 11-month-old infant, currently diagnosed with a serious freezer burn and a closed-head injury, was lying in his bed and was wrapped up in layers saved his life, TASS news agency reported, citing a regional emergency centre. The baby was found when a rescuer heard him crying and "a large-scale operation was immediately organised," Interfax news agency reported, citing emergency officials. His removal was difficult because of unstable debris which posed risks for rescuers. "Hundreds of people were waiting for the appearance of the injured child from under the rubble like a miracle. And the miracle happened...," the officials were quoted as saying by Interfax. "Tears drew in the eyes of the weatherbeaten rescuers." The boy's mother is alive and has already arrived to the hospital, Interfax added. The blast tore through the building in the city of Magnitogorsk, home of one of Russia's largest steel plants, early on Monday morning, a public holiday in Russia, when many residents were asleep. Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova said on Monday that the chances of finding survivors were fading. There have been several similar incidents in the country in recent years due to ageing infrastructure and poor safety regulations about gas usage.

Baby boy found alive after 35 hours under rubble after Russia blast

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">Bangladesh polls: Voting held in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">peaceful</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553"> manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">call</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553"> for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">re poll</a>

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-diplomats-harassed-after-being-questioned-on-road-now-electricity-cut-for-4-hours-in-peak-winter-187521">Indian diplomats harassed: After being questioned on road, now electricity cut for 4 hours in peak winter</a>

After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by Pakistani security agencies, another incident of harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has come to fore.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-ex-congress-leader-sajjan-kumar-surrenders-before-delhis-karkardooma-court-187501">1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress leader Sajjan Kumar surrenders in Delhi court, to be lodged in Mandoli jail</a>

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/4-dead-dozens-missing-after-gas-explosion-hits-russia-high-rise-187531">4 dead, dozens missing after gas explosion hits Russia high-rise</a>

Four people were killed and nearly 70 unaccounted for after a gas explosion tore through a residential building in Russia on Monday, leaving hundreds without a home in freezing temperatures on New Year's Eve.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/smriti-mandhana-wins-icc-womens-cricketer-of-the-year-187494">India's Smriti Mandhana wins ICC women's cricketer and ODI player of the year</a>

India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year.&nbsp;

Bangladesh polls: Voting held in peaceful manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects call for re poll Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide.

Bangladesh polls: Voting held in peaceful manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects call for re poll Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide. Indian diplomats harassed: After being questioned on road, now electricity cut for 4 hours in peak winter After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by Pakistani security agencies, another incident of harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has come to fore. 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress leader Sajjan Kumar surrenders in Delhi court, to be lodged in Mandoli jail Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. 4 dead, dozens missing after gas explosion hits Russia high-rise Four people were killed and nearly 70 unaccounted for after a gas explosion tore through a residential building in Russia on Monday, leaving hundreds without a home in freezing temperatures on New Year's Eve. India's Smriti Mandhana wins ICC women's cricketer and ODI player of the year India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent new year messages to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner.

Putin, conveying his greetings to the two leaders, also noted that agreements reached during Indo-Russia annual summit in October contributed to strengthening the privileged strategic partnership between the two nations, according to the Russian Embassy here.

In his new year messages to Kovind and Modi, the Russian president emphasised that relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner, the embassy said.

"Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that joint efforts will lead to further growth of mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and greater coordination of efforts on key issues on the regional and global agenda within the UN, BRICS, the SCO, the G20 and other multilateral bodies," it said.

In the annual summit here, India inked a $5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia, notwithstanding US warnings of punitive sanctions against nations doing military transactions with Moscow.

A number of other pacts were also signed following talks between Modi and Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent new year messages to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent new year messages to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner. Putin, conveying his greetings to the two leaders, also noted that agreements reached during Indo-Russia annual summit in October contributed to strengthening the privileged strategic partnership between the two nations, according to the Russian Embassy here. In his new year messages to Kovind and Modi, the Russian president emphasised that relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner, the embassy said. "Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that joint efforts will lead to further growth of mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and greater coordination of efforts on key issues on the regional and global agenda within the UN, BRICS, the SCO, the G20 and other multilateral bodies," it said. In the annual summit here, India inked a $5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia, notwithstanding US warnings of punitive sanctions against nations doing military transactions with Moscow. A number of other pacts were also signed following talks between Modi and Putin.

Indo-Russia talks developing in a dynamic manner: Putin's New Year message to PM Modi

In pics: All decked up, countries gear for New Year celebrations

At a time when modernisation of the Army's armoured corp is moving at a "snail's pace", Pakistan has drawn up an ambitious plan to procure close to 600 battle tanks including T-90 tanks from Russia, primarily to bolster its combat prowess along the border with India, military and intelligence sources said Sunday.

Most of the tanks Pakistan was procuring will be able to hit targets at a range of 3 to 4 km and they are set to deploy some of the tanks along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the sources told PTI.

Apart from battle tanks, Pakistan Army is also procuring 245 150mm SP Mike-10 guns from Italy out of which it has already received 120 guns.

The sources said Pakistan was eyeing to buy from Russia a batch of T-90 battle tanks- the mainstays of the armoured regiments of the Indian Army, and that the move reflects Islamabad's intent to forge a deeper defence engagement with Moscow which has been India's largest and most trusted defence supplier post Independence.

Pakistan has been holding joint military drills with Russia in the last couple of years besides going for defence purchases from it, triggering some concerns in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The sources said as part of the mega plan to significantly revamp its armoured fleet by 2025, Pakistan has decided to procure at least 360 battle tanks globally besides producing 220 tanks indigenously with help from China.

Pakistan Army's move to enhance its armoured corps comes at a time when the Line of Actual Control in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed growing hostilities in the last year. The Indian Army has been strongly retaliating to every unprovoked firing by Pakistani side.

But, when the Indian Army is focused on counter-terror operations, the Pakistan Army was fast reducing its gap with Indian forces in fighting a conventional war, the intelligence sources said.

Military sources said modernisation of the Indian Army's armoured regiments were moving at a "snail's pace" due to procedural delays and the issue is being examined at a very high level of the government.

The Indian Army had drawn up a mega plan to modernise its infantry and armoured corps. However, almost all the procurement projects including the Rs 60,000 crore Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programme are stuck due to a variety of reasons.&nbsp;

At present, India's armoured regiments, comprising mainly T-90, T-72 and Arjuna tanks, have much more superiority over Pakistan, but sources said Islamabad was seriously planning to bridge the gap at the earliest.

As against around 67 armoured regiments of Indian Army, the number of similar regiments in Pakistan Army is around 51, the sources said.

At present, over 70 per cent of the tanks in Pakistan's armoury has the capability to operate during the night which, they said, was a matter of concern.

Besides eyeing to procure T-90 tanks, Pakistan Army is also in the process of inducting Chinese VT-4 tanks as well as Oplod-P tanks from Ukrain, the sources said. Trials for both Oplod and VT-4 tanks have already been conducted by the Pakistan Army.

At present, Pakistan is learnt to have around 17 units of Chinese origin T-59 and T69 tanks, which comprise 30 per cent of its total tank strength, the sources said.&nbsp;

It also has 12 regiments of Al-Zarar tanks, which makes 20 per cent of the tank fleet while Ukrain origin T-80-UD and T-85-UD, as well as upgraded version of T-59 tanks, comprise the rest 50 per cent tank fleet, they said.

"The Pakistan Army is carrying out modernisation of its armoured regiments in a calibrated and time-bound manner which is not the case in India," said an expert, who wished not to be named.

He said it was a matter of concern the way Pakistan was modernising its tank fleet.

The Indian Army has also raised an independent tank brigade which is stationed in Ladakh but it is not enough, the expert said.

At a time when modernisation of the Army's armoured corp is moving at a "snail's pace", Pakistan has drawn up an ambitious plan to procure close to 600 battle tanks including T-90 tanks from Russia, primarily to bolster its combat prowess along the border with India, military and intelligence sources said Sunday.

At a time when modernisation of the Army's armoured corp is moving at a "snail's pace", Pakistan has drawn up an ambitious plan to procure close to 600 battle tanks including T-90 tanks from Russia, primarily to bolster its combat prowess along the border with India, military and intelligence sources said Sunday. Most of the tanks Pakistan was procuring will be able to hit targets at a range of 3 to 4 km and they are set to deploy some of the tanks along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the sources told PTI. Apart from battle tanks, Pakistan Army is also procuring 245 150mm SP Mike-10 guns from Italy out of which it has already received 120 guns. The sources said Pakistan was eyeing to buy from Russia a batch of T-90 battle tanks- the mainstays of the armoured regiments of the Indian Army, and that the move reflects Islamabad's intent to forge a deeper defence engagement with Moscow which has been India's largest and most trusted defence supplier post Independence. Pakistan has been holding joint military drills with Russia in the last couple of years besides going for defence purchases from it, triggering some concerns in New Delhi. The sources said as part of the mega plan to significantly revamp its armoured fleet by 2025, Pakistan has decided to procure at least 360 battle tanks globally besides producing 220 tanks indigenously with help from China. Pakistan Army's move to enhance its armoured corps comes at a time when the Line of Actual Control in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed growing hostilities in the last year. The Indian Army has been strongly retaliating to every unprovoked firing by Pakistani side. But, when the Indian Army is focused on counter-terror operations, the Pakistan Army was fast reducing its gap with Indian forces in fighting a conventional war, the intelligence sources said. Military sources said modernisation of the Indian Army's armoured regiments were moving at a "snail's pace" due to procedural delays and the issue is being examined at a very high level of the government. The Indian Army had drawn up a mega plan to modernise its infantry and armoured corps. However, almost all the procurement projects including the Rs 60,000 crore Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programme are stuck due to a variety of reasons. At present, India's armoured regiments, comprising mainly T-90, T-72 and Arjuna tanks, have much more superiority over Pakistan, but sources said Islamabad was seriously planning to bridge the gap at the earliest. As against around 67 armoured regiments of Indian Army, the number of similar regiments in Pakistan Army is around 51, the sources said. At present, over 70 per cent of the tanks in Pakistan's armoury has the capability to operate during the night which, they said, was a matter of concern. Besides eyeing to procure T-90 tanks, Pakistan Army is also in the process of inducting Chinese VT-4 tanks as well as Oplod-P tanks from Ukrain, the sources said. Trials for both Oplod and VT-4 tanks have already been conducted by the Pakistan Army. At present, Pakistan is learnt to have around 17 units of Chinese origin T-59 and T69 tanks, which comprise 30 per cent of its total tank strength, the sources said. It also has 12 regiments of Al-Zarar tanks, which makes 20 per cent of the tank fleet while Ukrain origin T-80-UD and T-85-UD, as well as upgraded version of T-59 tanks, comprise the rest 50 per cent tank fleet, they said. "The Pakistan Army is carrying out modernisation of its armoured regiments in a calibrated and time-bound manner which is not the case in India," said an expert, who wished not to be named. He said it was a matter of concern the way Pakistan was modernising its tank fleet. The Indian Army has also raised an independent tank brigade which is stationed in Ladakh but it is not enough, the expert said.

Pakistan procuring 600 tanks to strengthen capability along border with India: Intelligence Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-four-time-president-and-global-influencer-185673">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> on Wednesday hailed final tests of a hypersonic missile, which he earlier said would render existing missile defence systems obsolete.&nbsp;

"On my instructions, the Ministry of Defence prepared and conducted a final test of this system. This has just been completed with absolute success," Putin said during a televised meeting with members of the government.

"Russia has a new type of strategic weapon," he said, adding that the intercontinental "Avangard" system would be ready for use from 2019.&nbsp;

The Kremlin told Russian news agencies the test had taken place in far eastern Kamchatka while Putin was at the national defence control centre.

Putin unveiled features of the Avangard during his annual address in March, which he said would be part of a new generation of "invincible" weaponry.

The hypersonic missile could fly at 20 times the speed of sound and manoeuvre up and down, meaning it could breach defence systems, he said at the time.&nbsp;

The final test comes after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-say-trump-plunging-country-into-chaos-with-multiple-crises-186247">US President Donald Trump</a> announced plans to pull out of a key Cold War-era nuclear weapons pact, the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

Putin has laid out plans to develop missiles banned under the deal if the United States abandons it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday hailed final tests of a hypersonic missile, which he earlier said would render existing missile defence systems obsolete.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday hailed final tests of a hypersonic missile, which he earlier said would render existing missile defence systems obsolete. "On my instructions, the Ministry of Defence prepared and conducted a final test of this system. This has just been completed with absolute success," Putin said during a televised meeting with members of the government. "Russia has a new type of strategic weapon," he said, adding that the intercontinental "Avangard" system would be ready for use from 2019. The Kremlin told Russian news agencies the test had taken place in far eastern Kamchatka while Putin was at the national defence control centre. Putin unveiled features of the Avangard during his annual address in March, which he said would be part of a new generation of "invincible" weaponry. The hypersonic missile could fly at 20 times the speed of sound and manoeuvre up and down, meaning it could breach defence systems, he said at the time. The final test comes after US President Donald Trump announced plans to pull out of a key Cold War-era nuclear weapons pact, the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). Putin has laid out plans to develop missiles banned under the deal if the United States abandons it.

Putin hails 'successful' test of new hypersonic missile

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-britain-eu-of-hypocrisy-over-canada-detentions-concerns-186148">China</a> plays a significant and influential role in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-leader-replaces-top-security-chiefs-in-major-shake-up-186004">Afghanistan</a>'s peace process as a good neighbour and world superpower, according to the former Afghan president Hamid Karzai.

Karzai made the remarks during a recent interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in south China's Guangzhou City, where he was attending the 2018 Imperial Springs International Forum earlier this month.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-role-in-afghanistan-peace-process-crucial-pakistan-183213">The peace process in Afghanistan </a>has recently come back into focus after the United States said it is considering a substantial reduction of US troops in Afghanistan, with US President Donald Trump last week dramatically calling for the withdrawal of troops from Syria.

Referring to the recent US-led peace initiative, which saw meetings with the Qatar-based leaders of the Taliban earlier this year, Karzai said he hopes these efforts will succeed and expects some major countries in the region to take parts, such as China and Russia.

"Just recently the United States has launched a new initiative for peace in Afghanistan and we hope it succeeds. But the latest US initiative for peace in Afghanistan will bear fruits only when they fully keep the Afghan people on board, and in charge. And when they genuinely see corporation from major powers who are our neighbours. China for example, is our neighbour, and a superpower in the world. Russia, in the same way, and our neighbours as well. Therefore, a successful US effort for peace will mean Afghanistan doing its part fully and independently and the US seeking the corporation of China. That will bring us peace and I'm sure that if the US extends its hands of corporation to China, China will support it and Russia will support it as well," said Karzai.

Aside from the peace process within Afghanistan, Karzai, who had a 13-year tenure as Afghanistan's leader, thinks China can also play a constructive role in ensuring regional stability by improving the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"China and Pakistan being always friends, we see it as a positive, we see it as good. We want China's friendship with Pakistan to expand, to deepen. We are also a great friend of China and a good neighbour of China. And China has been a tremendous ally and supporter to Afghanistan as well. Therefore, Chinese friendship with Pakistan, we see, as an asset towards positive. And we, for this reason, have been seeking China's participation and contribution to improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and together all the two of us, effectively fight against extremists," said the former president.

Karzai also shared his views about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which he believes is an effective platform for promoting wider corporation within the region.

"The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an effective instrument for stability and corporation in our larger region. And we're glad that all the three major powers of the region — China, Russia, India, are part of it. So is Pakistan, so are countries of central Asia — Turkey as well and Iran. And Afghanistan is an observer. So India's joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we see it as a positive development and we hope that through the cooperative working within this organization, Afghanistan will be one of the first beneficiaries of Shanghai Cooperation Organization," he said.

Karzai was speaking on the sidelines of the Imperial Springs International Forum, which opened in Guangzhou on December 10. The event gathered some 200 former world leaders, renowned scholars and business elites to discuss the theme of advancing reform and opening-up, and promoting win-win cooperation.

China plays a significant and influential role in Afghanistan's peace process as a good neighbour and world superpower, according to the former Afghan president Hamid Karzai.

China plays a significant and influential role in Afghanistan's peace process as a good neighbour and world superpower, according to the former Afghan president Hamid Karzai. Karzai made the remarks during a recent interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in south China's Guangzhou City, where he was attending the 2018 Imperial Springs International Forum earlier this month. The peace process in Afghanistan has recently come back into focus after the United States said it is considering a substantial reduction of US troops in Afghanistan, with US President Donald Trump last week dramatically calling for the withdrawal of troops from Syria. Referring to the recent US-led peace initiative, which saw meetings with the Qatar-based leaders of the Taliban earlier this year, Karzai said he hopes these efforts will succeed and expects some major countries in the region to take parts, such as China and Russia. "Just recently the United States has launched a new initiative for peace in Afghanistan and we hope it succeeds. But the latest US initiative for peace in Afghanistan will bear fruits only when they fully keep the Afghan people on board, and in charge. And when they genuinely see corporation from major powers who are our neighbours. China for example, is our neighbour, and a superpower in the world. Russia, in the same way, and our neighbours as well. Therefore, a successful US effort for peace will mean Afghanistan doing its part fully and independently and the US seeking the corporation of China. That will bring us peace and I'm sure that if the US extends its hands of corporation to China, China will support it and Russia will support it as well," said Karzai. Aside from the peace process within Afghanistan, Karzai, who had a 13-year tenure as Afghanistan's leader, thinks China can also play a constructive role in ensuring regional stability by improving the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. "China and Pakistan being always friends, we see it as a positive, we see it as good. We want China's friendship with Pakistan to expand, to deepen. We are also a great friend of China and a good neighbour of China. And China has been a tremendous ally and supporter to Afghanistan as well. Therefore, Chinese friendship with Pakistan, we see, as an asset towards positive. And we, for this reason, have been seeking China's participation and contribution to improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and together all the two of us, effectively fight against extremists," said the former president. Karzai also shared his views about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which he believes is an effective platform for promoting wider corporation within the region. "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an effective instrument for stability and corporation in our larger region. And we're glad that all the three major powers of the region — China, Russia, India, are part of it. So is Pakistan, so are countries of central Asia — Turkey as well and Iran. And Afghanistan is an observer. So India's joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we see it as a positive development and we hope that through the cooperative working within this organization, Afghanistan will be one of the first beneficiaries of Shanghai Cooperation Organization," he said. Karzai was speaking on the sidelines of the Imperial Springs International Forum, which opened in Guangzhou on December 10. The event gathered some 200 former world leaders, renowned scholars and business elites to discuss the theme of advancing reform and opening-up, and promoting win-win cooperation.

Video: China plays significant role in Afghan peace process, says former president Karzai

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-of-global-conflict-over-nuclear-pact-collapse-185840">Russian rescuers</a> have found eight dead construction workers after a fire in a mine operated by potash maker Uralkali, and one more person remains missing, Interfax news agency reported on Sunday citing investigators.

Nine people were trapped underground by smoke after a fire broke out in the mine in Solikamsk, some 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) northeast of Moscow, on Saturday.

Rescuers have yet to put out the fire, which broke out in a section of the mine that was under construction, and recover the bodies, which lie at a depth of more than 360 metres, Interfax reported.

Russia's mining industry has been plagued by accidents for years. In February 2016, 36 miners and rescue workers died in a coal mine above the Arctic circle.

Russian rescuers have found eight dead construction workers after a fire in a mine operated by potash maker Uralkali, and one more person remains missing, Interfax news agency reported on Sunday citing investigators.

Russian rescuers have found eight dead construction workers after a fire in a mine operated by potash maker Uralkali, and one more person remains missing, Interfax news agency reported on Sunday citing investigators. Nine people were trapped underground by smoke after a fire broke out in the mine in Solikamsk, some 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) northeast of Moscow, on Saturday. Rescuers have yet to put out the fire, which broke out in a section of the mine that was under construction, and recover the bodies, which lie at a depth of more than 360 metres, Interfax reported. Russia's mining industry has been plagued by accidents for years. In February 2016, 36 miners and rescue workers died in a coal mine above the Arctic circle.

Russian rescuers find eight bodies after fire in Uralkali mine

Britain sends royal ship to black sea to help Ukraine

Rising mini Pig mania in Russia

Putin's annual end of year news briefing

The UN Security Council is considering action to push <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-government-rejects-un-probe-on-rohingya-mass-killings--162208">Myanmar to work with the United Nations</a> to address the Rohingya refugee crisis, although China and Russia have so far boycotted talks on a British-drafted resolution, diplomats said on Monday.

The draft resolution aims to put a timeline on Myanmar allowing the return of more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees from neighbouring Bangladesh and addressing accountability, said diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Rohingya have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state since August last year when attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents triggered a military crackdown that the United Nations, the United States, Britain and others described as ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing.

The draft resolution would warn that the 15-member Security Council could consider further steps, including sanctions, if there was not enough progress made by Myanmar, diplomats said. It would also ask UN officials to report back regularly to the council.

It was unclear if or when the draft resolution could be put to a vote. A resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France to pass.

"I think it's inappropriate, untimely and useless," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told Reuters on Monday.

China's UN Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu declined to comment. Myanmar's UN Ambassador Hau Do Suan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The draft was circulated to council members late last month and diplomats said that there had been several rounds of discussions. Russia and China attended an initial meeting, but have not taken part in any further talks, diplomats said.

The text would push Myanmar to implement a memorandum of understanding with the UN development and refugee agencies that Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's government signed in June, as well recommendations made by the Rakhine Advisory Commission that was led by former UN chief Kofi Annan.

The draft resolution does not include referral of the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, diplomats said.

UN Security Council envoys travelled to Bangladesh and Myanmar in late April.

In October, China, backed by Russia, failed to stop a Security Council briefing by the chair of a U.N. inquiry that accused Myanmar's military of genocide against Rohingya Muslims.

Myanmar has rejected the findings of the UN report.

The UN Security Council is considering action to push Myanmar to work with the United Nations to address the Rohingya refugee crisis, although China and Russia have so far boycotted talks on a British-drafted resolution, diplomats said on Monday.

The UN Security Council is considering action to push Myanmar to work with the United Nations to address the Rohingya refugee crisis, although China and Russia have so far boycotted talks on a British-drafted resolution, diplomats said on Monday. The draft resolution aims to put a timeline on Myanmar allowing the return of more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees from neighbouring Bangladesh and addressing accountability, said diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Rohingya have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state since August last year when attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents triggered a military crackdown that the United Nations, the United States, Britain and others described as ethnic cleansing. Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing. The draft resolution would warn that the 15-member Security Council could consider further steps, including sanctions, if there was not enough progress made by Myanmar, diplomats said. It would also ask UN officials to report back regularly to the council. It was unclear if or when the draft resolution could be put to a vote. A resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France to pass. "I think it's inappropriate, untimely and useless," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told Reuters on Monday. China's UN Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu declined to comment. Myanmar's UN Ambassador Hau Do Suan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The draft was circulated to council members late last month and diplomats said that there had been several rounds of discussions. Russia and China attended an initial meeting, but have not taken part in any further talks, diplomats said. The text would push Myanmar to implement a memorandum of understanding with the UN development and refugee agencies that Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's government signed in June, as well recommendations made by the Rakhine Advisory Commission that was led by former UN chief Kofi Annan. The draft resolution does not include referral of the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, diplomats said. UN Security Council envoys travelled to Bangladesh and Myanmar in late April. In October, China, backed by Russia, failed to stop a Security Council briefing by the chair of a U.N. inquiry that accused Myanmar's military of genocide against Rohingya Muslims. Myanmar has rejected the findings of the UN report.

UN Security Council mulls Myanmar action; Russia, China boycott talks

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansari-in-jail-in-pak-for-6-years-crosses-back-over-into-india-185105">Hamid Nihal Ansari, in jail in Pakistan for 6 years, returns to India</a>

Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-did-not-ask-for-urjit-patels-resignation-as-rbi-governor-jaitley-185044">Govt did not ask for Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor: Jaitley</a>

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said Tuesday that the government never sought the resignation of Urjit Patel as governor of the Reserve Bank of India over differences in handling liquidity stress in certain sectors.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/man-united-sacks-manager-jose-mourinho-with-immediate-effect-185047">Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho with immediate effect</a>

Manchester United on Tuesday sacked Jose Mourinho as the club's manager with immediate effect, following Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-election-meddling-kremlin-rejects-new-us-reports-accusation-185064">Kremlin says Russia did not target black US voters</a>

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pm-mahinda-rajapaksa-becomes-sri-lankas-main-opposition-leader-185083">Former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa becomes Sri Lanka's main opposition leader</a>

Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday became Sri Lanka's main opposition leader in Parliament, days after he resigned as prime minister after clinging on to power for nearly two months, amidst the unprecedented political turmoil in the country.

&nbsp;

Hamid Nihal Ansari, in jail in Pakistan for 6 years, returns to India Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm.

Hamid Nihal Ansari, in jail in Pakistan for 6 years, returns to India Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari, who has been in jail in Pakistan for the last six years, crossed back over into India Tuesday evening a little before 6 pm. Govt did not ask for Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor: Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said Tuesday that the government never sought the resignation of Urjit Patel as governor of the Reserve Bank of India over differences in handling liquidity stress in certain sectors. Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho with immediate effect Manchester United on Tuesday sacked Jose Mourinho as the club's manager with immediate effect, following Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool. Kremlin says Russia did not target black US voters The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible. Former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa becomes Sri Lanka's main opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday became Sri Lanka's main opposition leader in Parliament, days after he resigned as prime minister after clinging on to power for nearly two months, amidst the unprecedented political turmoil in the country.

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-could-have-a-very-good-relationship-with-russia--putin-trump-128197">Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote</a> and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible.

According to a new report for the US Senate, the primary goal of Russia's Internet Research Agency (IRA) was to deepen divisions in US society and convince Democrat-favouring liberals -- including Latinos, youths and the LGBTQ community -- not to vote.&nbsp;

The most extensive analysis yet of thousands of IRA ads and posts across social media in 2015-2017 showed an emphasis on provoking the anger of black Americans so that they would stay home on election day.

For example, the IRA-created account "Blacktivist" sent out messages on the Democratic candidate such as: "No lives matter to Hillary Clinton. Only votes matter to Hillary Clinton."

Another IRA account, "Black Matters", posted on Facebook: "Cops kill black kids. Are you sure that your son won't be the next?"

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the report by the Computational Propaganda Project at Oxford University and social media specialists Graphika caused "nothing but incomprehension."

"It voices absolutely general charges and accusations and some of them are absolutely unclear to us," Peskov told reporters on a conference call.

"We are reproached that someone critically thinks of a situation in this or that social sphere in the United States but it is not explained what Russia has to do with it," he said.

He reiterated Russia's long-standing position that any such claims were unfounded.&nbsp;

"The Russian state, the Russian government had and has nothing to do with any interference, especially one that is described in such abstract terms," Peskov added.

The IRA is believed to have been set up by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman close to Putin, as a propaganda tool.&nbsp;

Russia has been accused of manipulating the 2016 US presidential vote through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump.&nbsp;

US investigators are probing alleged collusion between Russian agents and Trump's campaign.&nbsp;

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible.

The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected Washington's accusations that Russia tried to disrupt the 2016 presidential vote and sought to demoralise African-Americans, calling the charges incomprehensible. According to a new report for the US Senate, the primary goal of Russia's Internet Research Agency (IRA) was to deepen divisions in US society and convince Democrat-favouring liberals -- including Latinos, youths and the LGBTQ community -- not to vote. The most extensive analysis yet of thousands of IRA ads and posts across social media in 2015-2017 showed an emphasis on provoking the anger of black Americans so that they would stay home on election day. For example, the IRA-created account "Blacktivist" sent out messages on the Democratic candidate such as: "No lives matter to Hillary Clinton. Only votes matter to Hillary Clinton." Another IRA account, "Black Matters", posted on Facebook: "Cops kill black kids. Are you sure that your son won't be the next?" Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the report by the Computational Propaganda Project at Oxford University and social media specialists Graphika caused "nothing but incomprehension." "It voices absolutely general charges and accusations and some of them are absolutely unclear to us," Peskov told reporters on a conference call. "We are reproached that someone critically thinks of a situation in this or that social sphere in the United States but it is not explained what Russia has to do with it," he said. He reiterated Russia's long-standing position that any such claims were unfounded. "The Russian state, the Russian government had and has nothing to do with any interference, especially one that is described in such abstract terms," Peskov added. The IRA is believed to have been set up by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman close to Putin, as a propaganda tool. Russia has been accused of manipulating the 2016 US presidential vote through a vast propaganda campaign in favour of Donald Trump. US investigators are probing alleged collusion between Russian agents and Trump's campaign.

Kremlin says Russia did not target black US voters

China and Russia have recently joined hands for a controversial experiment to modify the atmosphere.

According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the two countries are testing a technology for possible military application to control the ionosphere.

The report also says that the experiment aims to make changes in the ionosphere, which lies 75-1000km above the earth. Experts believe changes in this layer of atmosphere can potentially disrupt or cut-off communication with satellites, or even modify weather and create natural disasters.

The ionosphere is the last, thinnest part of the atmosphere, where solar ultraviolet radiation breaks up molecules and leaves a haze of electrons and ions.

The report says a total of five experiments were carried out in June. The modified atmospheric zone is more than 500km high over Vasilsursk, a small Russian town in Eastern Europe where Sura, an atmospheric heating facility built by the former Soviet Union's military, is located. The experiment was backed by a Chinese electromagnetic surveillance satellite. The results were reported to be "satisfactory" by the Chinese scientists.

Military forces across the world have for long been in a race to control the ionosphere. The US, after learning of Russia's Sura base, developed the HAARP facility nearly four times that of Sura. And now, China is said to be developing an even larger and more advanced facility in Sanya, Hainan.

According to some critics, the day is not far when these powerful facilities could even affect the operation of human brains. As nations compete for greater control, questions over the ethical use of technology remains unanswered.

China and Russia have recently joined hands for a controversial experiment to modify the atmosphere. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the two countries are testing a technology for possible military application to control the ionosphere.

China and Russia have recently joined hands for a controversial experiment to modify the atmosphere. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the two countries are testing a technology for possible military application to control the ionosphere. The report also says that the experiment aims to make changes in the ionosphere, which lies 75-1000km above the earth. Experts believe changes in this layer of atmosphere can potentially disrupt or cut-off communication with satellites, or even modify weather and create natural disasters. The ionosphere is the last, thinnest part of the atmosphere, where solar ultraviolet radiation breaks up molecules and leaves a haze of electrons and ions. The report says a total of five experiments were carried out in June. The modified atmospheric zone is more than 500km high over Vasilsursk, a small Russian town in Eastern Europe where Sura, an atmospheric heating facility built by the former Soviet Union's military, is located. The experiment was backed by a Chinese electromagnetic surveillance satellite. The results were reported to be "satisfactory" by the Chinese scientists. Military forces across the world have for long been in a race to control the ionosphere. The US, after learning of Russia's Sura base, developed the HAARP facility nearly four times that of Sura. And now, China is said to be developing an even larger and more advanced facility in Sanya, Hainan. According to some critics, the day is not far when these powerful facilities could even affect the operation of human brains. As nations compete for greater control, questions over the ethical use of technology remains unanswered.

China, Russia join hands to modify atmosphere in experiment which has military application: Report

Your complete digital life - including data from your social media accounts, banking and credit card details — can be sold by cybercriminals for less than US $50, scientists say.

While many of us have heard of, or even fallen victim to, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyber-crimes-rose-between-2014-and-2017-government-28660">cybercrimes</a> such as data and identity theft, it seems that relatively few know the value of the information stolen from us.&nbsp;

Scientists from the Kaspersky Lab, a cybersecurity company in Russia, found that while our identity may not be worth a lot in terms of dollars, it is a significant asset to criminals in other ways.

The research uncovered an appetite among cybercriminals for data stolen from popular services - including via social media accounts and remote access to gaming websites.

User confusion about what their data is worth could result in a haphazard approach to security, making it all too easy for thieves to steal data and commit a crime.

Data stolen due to people's lax security may have limited resale value, but can be put to many uses.

This can cause huge problems for an individual victim, who may lose money and their reputation, find themselves being chased for debt that somebody else has incurred in their name, or even suspected of a crime that somebody else has committed using their identity as a cover.

Kaspersky Lab investigated 'Dark Web' markets to find out how much personal data is worth, and how it is used by criminals.&nbsp;

The dark web also referred to as the darknet, is an encrypted portion of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. These networks use the internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorisation to access.

The researchers found that criminals can sell someone's complete digital life for less than US $50; including data from stolen social media accounts, banking details, remote access to servers or desktops, and even data from popular services like Uber, Netflix, and Spotify, as well as gaming websites, dating apps, and porn websites which might store credit card information.

Meanwhile, researchers found that the price paid for a single hacked account is lower, with most selling for about US $1 per account, and with criminals offering up discounts for bulk-buying.

The most common way criminals steal this sort of data in the first place is via spear phishing campaigns or by exploiting a web related security vulnerability in an application's software.

After a successful attack, the criminal gets password dumps which contain a combination of emails and passwords for the hacked services. With many people using the same password for several accounts, attackers might be able to use this information to access accounts on other platforms too.

Some criminals selling data even provide their buyers with a lifetime warranty, so if one account stops working, the buyer will receive a new account for free.

"It is clear that data hacking is a major threat to us all, and this applies at both an individual and societal level because stolen data funds many social evils," said David Jacoby, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab.

"Fortunately, there are steps we can take to prevent it, including by using cybersecurity software and being aware of how much data we are giving away for free - particularly on publicly available social media profiles, or to organisations," said Jacoby.

People can avoid such risks by taking several easy security steps, which should become an integral part of any Internet user's digital life.

To stay safe from phishing, always check that the link address and the sender's email are genuine before clicking anything. A robust security solution will also warn you if you attempt to visit a phishing web page. 
To avoid one data leak harming all your digital identities, never use the same password for several websites or services, researchers said.

Your complete digital life - including data from your social media accounts, banking and credit card details — can be sold by cybercriminals for less than US $50, scientists say.

Your complete digital life - including data from your social media accounts, banking and credit card details — can be sold by cybercriminals for less than US $50, scientists say. While many of us have heard of, or even fallen victim to, cybercrimes such as data and identity theft, it seems that relatively few know the value of the information stolen from us. Scientists from the Kaspersky Lab, a cybersecurity company in Russia, found that while our identity may not be worth a lot in terms of dollars, it is a significant asset to criminals in other ways. The research uncovered an appetite among cybercriminals for data stolen from popular services - including via social media accounts and remote access to gaming websites. User confusion about what their data is worth could result in a haphazard approach to security, making it all too easy for thieves to steal data and commit a crime. Data stolen due to people's lax security may have limited resale value, but can be put to many uses. This can cause huge problems for an individual victim, who may lose money and their reputation, find themselves being chased for debt that somebody else has incurred in their name, or even suspected of a crime that somebody else has committed using their identity as a cover. Kaspersky Lab investigated 'Dark Web' markets to find out how much personal data is worth, and how it is used by criminals. The dark web also referred to as the darknet, is an encrypted portion of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. These networks use the internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorisation to access. The researchers found that criminals can sell someone's complete digital life for less than US $50; including data from stolen social media accounts, banking details, remote access to servers or desktops, and even data from popular services like Uber, Netflix, and Spotify, as well as gaming websites, dating apps, and porn websites which might store credit card information. Meanwhile, researchers found that the price paid for a single hacked account is lower, with most selling for about US $1 per account, and with criminals offering up discounts for bulk-buying. The most common way criminals steal this sort of data in the first place is via spear phishing campaigns or by exploiting a web related security vulnerability in an application's software. After a successful attack, the criminal gets password dumps which contain a combination of emails and passwords for the hacked services. With many people using the same password for several accounts, attackers might be able to use this information to access accounts on other platforms too. Some criminals selling data even provide their buyers with a lifetime warranty, so if one account stops working, the buyer will receive a new account for free. "It is clear that data hacking is a major threat to us all, and this applies at both an individual and societal level because stolen data funds many social evils," said David Jacoby, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab. "Fortunately, there are steps we can take to prevent it, including by using cybersecurity software and being aware of how much data we are giving away for free - particularly on publicly available social media profiles, or to organisations," said Jacoby. People can avoid such risks by taking several easy security steps, which should become an integral part of any Internet user's digital life. To stay safe from phishing, always check that the link address and the sender's email are genuine before clicking anything. A robust security solution will also warn you if you attempt to visit a phishing web page. To avoid one data leak harming all your digital identities, never use the same password for several websites or services, researchers said.

Your digital data could be on sale for less than US $50: Study

Vladimir Putin wants to 'control' rap music in Russia

A "state-of-the-art" robot that appeared in a report on Russia's main TV news channel was revealed by internet users on Wednesday to be a man in a costume.

The Rossiya 24 rolling news channel on Tuesday broadcast footage of what it presented as a dancing, singing robot at a technology forum for school pupils.&nbsp;

"At the forum there's the opportunity to see state-of-the-art robots," the presenter said as the apparent automaton danced on stage.

But images shared online from backstage at the event clearly showed a human inside a robot outfit, through a gap between a bodysuit and a headpiece.

"I'm good at maths but now I want to study art and musical composition," the robot said in a metallic voice as lights on its face flash different colours, the report showed.

"Boris the Robot has already learned to dance, and not badly at that," the reporter said.

Bloggers found the Robot Show website where the "Alyosha Robot" suit, identical to that shown in the news clip, can be purchased.

Late Wednesday, after the clip went viral, Rossiya 24 broadcast an interview with the journalist who made the original report.

"I was absolutely sure everyone would realise it was a costume, like Santa Claus, that this was a project created for children," he said.

A "state-of-the-art" robot that appeared in a report on Russia's main TV news channel was revealed by internet users on Wednesday to be a man in a costume. The Rossiya 24 rolling news channel on Tuesday broadcast footage of what it presented as a dancing, singing robot at a technology forum for school pupils.

A "state-of-the-art" robot that appeared in a report on Russia's main TV news channel was revealed by internet users on Wednesday to be a man in a costume. The Rossiya 24 rolling news channel on Tuesday broadcast footage of what it presented as a dancing, singing robot at a technology forum for school pupils. "At the forum there's the opportunity to see state-of-the-art robots," the presenter said as the apparent automaton danced on stage. But images shared online from backstage at the event clearly showed a human inside a robot outfit, through a gap between a bodysuit and a headpiece. "I'm good at maths but now I want to study art and musical composition," the robot said in a metallic voice as lights on its face flash different colours, the report showed. "Boris the Robot has already learned to dance, and not badly at that," the reporter said. Bloggers found the Robot Show website where the "Alyosha Robot" suit, identical to that shown in the news clip, can be purchased. Late Wednesday, after the clip went viral, Rossiya 24 broadcast an interview with the journalist who made the original report. "I was absolutely sure everyone would realise it was a costume, like Santa Claus, that this was a project created for children," he said.

Robot shown on Russian TV revealed to be man in costume

The United States plans to counter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian economic and political influence in Africa, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-trump-putin-meeting-while-russia-holds-ukraine-ship-john-bolton-183876">US national security adviser John Bolton</a> said on Thursday, calling business practices of the two nations "corrupt" and "predatory."

Washington's No 1 priority will be developing economic ties with the region to create opportunities for American businesses and protecting the independence of African countries along with US national security interests, he said in a speech at the Heritage Foundation.

"Great-power competitors, namely China and Russia, are rapidly expanding their financial and political influence across Africa," Bolton said.

"They are deliberately and aggressively targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the United States."

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaders of the world's two largest economies, have been trying to resolve trade disputes that have roiled markets.

"China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing's wishes and demands. Its investment ventures are riddled with corruption," Bolton said. He had equally harsh words for Russia.

"Across the continent, Russia advances its political and economic relationships with little regard for the rule of law or accountable and transparent governance," he said.

He accused Moscow of selling arms and energy in exchange for votes at the United Nations "that keep strongmen in power, undermine peace and security, and run counter to the best interests of the African people."

Bolton said "predatory practices" by China and Russia stunt economic growth in Africa and threaten nations' economic independence.

He said the United States was developing the "Prosper Africa" initiative to support US investment in Africa and a growing middle class in the region. He gave no details.

Landry Signe, a fellow at the Brookings Institution's Africa Growth Initiative in Washington, welcomed the administration's focus on trade and investment as opposed to security, but wanted details on planned US action.

"The Trump administration's new Africa Strategy reflects a more accurate understanding of the fast-changing dynamics within Africa," he said, "but the strategy doesn't seem sufficient to effectively address the United States' threatened economic, security, and influence interests."

Judd Devermont, director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said release of an Africa strategy was welcome after two years of "conflicting narratives" by the administration.

Devermont said he was disappointed that China dominated Bolton's presentation, which lacked details on US plans.

"China loomed over everything, and loomed over really important issues on trade and investment, and transparency," said Devermont. "We didn't get many details on what the 'Prosper Africa' approach looks like and how it would be resourced. Those should have been the headlines of the strategy."

"We need a greater articulation on what are the sectors that the US government wants to prioritise in Africa for US investment," Devermont said, "They should be transparent with the Africans to explain why certain countries are getting the bulk of the investment."

China's policies in Africa have concerned Washington as the United States seeks to ramp up development finance in the face of China's global ambitions.

In July, the head of the US Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC) said China was saddling poor nations with unsustainable debt through large infrastructure projects that are not economically viable.

Bolton said the American approach contrasted with China's "bait and switch" policies. "The way we do business is much more straightforward."

In October Trump signed legislation overhauling the way the federal government lends money for foreign development, creating a $60 billion agency intended largely to respond to China’s growing influence. The new U.S. International Development Finance Corp combines OPIC and other government development organizations.

Xi's "Belt and Road" initiative, unveiled in 2013, aims to build an infrastructure network connecting China by land and sea to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Bolton said the lack of economic progress in Africa has created a climate conducive to violent conflict and the proliferation of terrorism.

He said the United States has little to show for the billions of dollars it has poured into Africa. He said the administration will work to ensure US aid is used more efficiently and effectively, with investments in health, education, government and fiscal transparency measures and rule of law.

"We will make certain that ALL aid to the region - whether for security, humanitarian, or development needs - advances US interests," he said, adding that Washington will also re-evaluate its support for UN peacekeeping missions.

The United States plans to counter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian economic and political influence in Africa, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday, calling business practices of the two nations "corrupt" and "predatory.

The United States plans to counter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian economic and political influence in Africa, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday, calling business practices of the two nations "corrupt" and "predatory." Washington's No 1 priority will be developing economic ties with the region to create opportunities for American businesses and protecting the independence of African countries along with US national security interests, he said in a speech at the Heritage Foundation. "Great-power competitors, namely China and Russia, are rapidly expanding their financial and political influence across Africa," Bolton said. "They are deliberately and aggressively targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the United States." US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaders of the world's two largest economies, have been trying to resolve trade disputes that have roiled markets. "China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing's wishes and demands. Its investment ventures are riddled with corruption," Bolton said. He had equally harsh words for Russia. "Across the continent, Russia advances its political and economic relationships with little regard for the rule of law or accountable and transparent governance," he said. He accused Moscow of selling arms and energy in exchange for votes at the United Nations "that keep strongmen in power, undermine peace and security, and run counter to the best interests of the African people." Bolton said "predatory practices" by China and Russia stunt economic growth in Africa and threaten nations' economic independence. He said the United States was developing the "Prosper Africa" initiative to support US investment in Africa and a growing middle class in the region. He gave no details. Landry Signe, a fellow at the Brookings Institution's Africa Growth Initiative in Washington, welcomed the administration's focus on trade and investment as opposed to security, but wanted details on planned US action. "The Trump administration's new Africa Strategy reflects a more accurate understanding of the fast-changing dynamics within Africa," he said, "but the strategy doesn't seem sufficient to effectively address the United States' threatened economic, security, and influence interests." Judd Devermont, director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said release of an Africa strategy was welcome after two years of "conflicting narratives" by the administration. Devermont said he was disappointed that China dominated Bolton's presentation, which lacked details on US plans. "China loomed over everything, and loomed over really important issues on trade and investment, and transparency," said Devermont. "We didn't get many details on what the 'Prosper Africa' approach looks like and how it would be resourced. Those should have been the headlines of the strategy." "We need a greater articulation on what are the sectors that the US government wants to prioritise in Africa for US investment," Devermont said, "They should be transparent with the Africans to explain why certain countries are getting the bulk of the investment." China's policies in Africa have concerned Washington as the United States seeks to ramp up development finance in the face of China's global ambitions. In July, the head of the US Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC) said China was saddling poor nations with unsustainable debt through large infrastructure projects that are not economically viable. Bolton said the American approach contrasted with China's "bait and switch" policies. "The way we do business is much more straightforward." In October Trump signed legislation overhauling the way the federal government lends money for foreign development, creating a $60 billion agency intended largely to respond to China’s growing influence. The new U.S. International Development Finance Corp combines OPIC and other government development organizations. Xi's "Belt and Road" initiative, unveiled in 2013, aims to build an infrastructure network connecting China by land and sea to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Bolton said the lack of economic progress in Africa has created a climate conducive to violent conflict and the proliferation of terrorism. He said the United States has little to show for the billions of dollars it has poured into Africa. He said the administration will work to ensure US aid is used more efficiently and effectively, with investments in health, education, government and fiscal transparency measures and rule of law. "We will make certain that ALL aid to the region - whether for security, humanitarian, or development needs - advances US interests," he said, adding that Washington will also re-evaluate its support for UN peacekeeping missions.

US to counter China, Russia influence in Africa: Bolton

A rash of bomb threats were emailed on Thursday to hundreds of businesses, public offices and schools across the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-demands-access-for-us-diplomats-journalists-to-tibet-threatening-to-bar-chinese-officials-183865">United States</a> and Canada demanding payment in cryptocurrency, but none of the threats appeared credible, law enforcement officials said.

One email targeting a St Louis-area middle school was traced by local investigators to an internet protocol, or IP, address in Moscow, the sheriff's office in Lincoln County, Missouri said.

But US government sources speaking on background to Reuters said that such findings were inconclusive and that federal investigators doubted that Russians or the Russian government were involved.

The officials cautioned that such an IP address does not prove it came from Russia because the sender could have electronically laid a false trail to cover up its true origin. They suggested instead that the flurry of emails were part of a widescale digital hoax.

The security scare began shortly before 2 pm EST as police departments in major US cities coast to coast began reporting on Twitter that numerous local businesses had received the menacing emails - awkwardly worded threats to set off a bomb unless a bitcoin payment of $20,000 were received.

Four hours into the security scare, no actual explosives had been found, authorities said. But the threats prompted brief evacuations of a Toronto subway station and a newspaper office in Raleigh, North Carolina. Some public schools and businesses also were evacuated as a precaution.

Lincoln County, Missouri, sheriff's spokesman Lieutenant Andy Binder said authorities bused the students from a middle school receiving one of the threats to another campus as a precaution, but the school was later determined to be safe and classes will resume there on Friday.

Among other cities where bomb threats were reported by authorities were Washington, New York, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Denver, Ottawa, and Calgary, Alberta.

Police at the University of Wisconsin in Madison tweeted an image taken of one email threat found to be circulating that said in part: "Good day. There is an explosive device (lead azide) in the building where your company is conducted. It is assembled according to my guide. It is compact and it is covered up very carefully. It can not damage the structure of the building, but in case of its explosion you will get many wounded people."

The campus police tweet concludes by referring to the emails as "a SCAM happening nationwide."

The FBI and other federal agencies were alerted to the email chains, officials said.

"We are aware of threats being made in cities across the country," Rukelt Dalberis, an FBI spokesman in Los Angeles, told Reuters separately. "We remain in touch with our law enforcement partners. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could represent a threat."

A similar wave of emailed hoax bomb threats in December 2015 prompted officials in Los Angeles to close the city's public school system, which national law enforcement officials later criticized as an overreaction.

Two weeks previously, a married couple inspired by Islamic State had killed 14 people at a California county office building in a shooting rampage.

A teenager with dual Israeli-US citizenship was arrested in Israel in March 2017 for making bomb threats to more than 100 Jewish organizations and Jewish community centers (JCCs) in dozens of US states over several months.

A rash of bomb threats were emailed on Thursday to hundreds of businesses, public offices and schools across the United States and Canada demanding payment in cryptocurrency, but none of the threats appeared credible, law enforcement officials said.

A rash of bomb threats were emailed on Thursday to hundreds of businesses, public offices and schools across the United States and Canada demanding payment in cryptocurrency, but none of the threats appeared credible, law enforcement officials said. One email targeting a St Louis-area middle school was traced by local investigators to an internet protocol, or IP, address in Moscow, the sheriff's office in Lincoln County, Missouri said. But US government sources speaking on background to Reuters said that such findings were inconclusive and that federal investigators doubted that Russians or the Russian government were involved. The officials cautioned that such an IP address does not prove it came from Russia because the sender could have electronically laid a false trail to cover up its true origin. They suggested instead that the flurry of emails were part of a widescale digital hoax. The security scare began shortly before 2 pm EST as police departments in major US cities coast to coast began reporting on Twitter that numerous local businesses had received the menacing emails - awkwardly worded threats to set off a bomb unless a bitcoin payment of $20,000 were received. Four hours into the security scare, no actual explosives had been found, authorities said. But the threats prompted brief evacuations of a Toronto subway station and a newspaper office in Raleigh, North Carolina. Some public schools and businesses also were evacuated as a precaution. Lincoln County, Missouri, sheriff's spokesman Lieutenant Andy Binder said authorities bused the students from a middle school receiving one of the threats to another campus as a precaution, but the school was later determined to be safe and classes will resume there on Friday. Among other cities where bomb threats were reported by authorities were Washington, New York, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Denver, Ottawa, and Calgary, Alberta. Police at the University of Wisconsin in Madison tweeted an image taken of one email threat found to be circulating that said in part: "Good day. There is an explosive device (lead azide) in the building where your company is conducted. It is assembled according to my guide. It is compact and it is covered up very carefully. It can not damage the structure of the building, but in case of its explosion you will get many wounded people." The campus police tweet concludes by referring to the emails as "a SCAM happening nationwide." The FBI and other federal agencies were alerted to the email chains, officials said. "We are aware of threats being made in cities across the country," Rukelt Dalberis, an FBI spokesman in Los Angeles, told Reuters separately. "We remain in touch with our law enforcement partners. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could represent a threat." A similar wave of emailed hoax bomb threats in December 2015 prompted officials in Los Angeles to close the city's public school system, which national law enforcement officials later criticized as an overreaction. Two weeks previously, a married couple inspired by Islamic State had killed 14 people at a California county office building in a shooting rampage. A teenager with dual Israeli-US citizenship was arrested in Israel in March 2017 for making bomb threats to more than 100 Jewish organizations and Jewish community centers (JCCs) in dozens of US states over several months.

Bomb threats demanding bitcoin sweep US, Canada, none found credible

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday.

Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 last month off the coast of Russian-annexed Crimea and accused them of illegally entering Russian waters.

Ukraine has said Russia captured the two small gunboats and one tugboat illegally and accused Moscow of military aggression.

The United States and the European Union have called for the release of the sailors, who are in pretrial detention in Moscow.

Roman Mokryak, the commander of one of the gunboats, told Russian investigators he would not provide any information until his crew was released, his lawyer, Ilya Novikov, said on Wednesday.

"He believes he alone answers for what happens on board, that his crew carried out his orders and that they cannot be held to account," Novikov wrote on Facebook.

Oleh Melnychuk, the captain of the tugboat, has also refused to testify, denying Moscow's accusations and calling himself a prisoner of war, his lawyer Edem Semedlyayev wrote in a separate Facebook post on Wednesday.

No date has been set for the sailors' trial.

Ukraine has said it fears Russia is preparing to attack it, citing an alleged military build-up along its border. Russia denies this and says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is trying to whip up anti-Russian sentiment as part of an election campaign.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and backs, separatists, fighting Kiev's forces in the east of the country.

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday.

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 last month off the coast of Russian-annexed Crimea and accused them of illegally entering Russian waters. Ukraine has said Russia captured the two small gunboats and one tugboat illegally and accused Moscow of military aggression. The United States and the European Union have called for the release of the sailors, who are in pretrial detention in Moscow. Roman Mokryak, the commander of one of the gunboats, told Russian investigators he would not provide any information until his crew was released, his lawyer, Ilya Novikov, said on Wednesday. "He believes he alone answers for what happens on board, that his crew carried out his orders and that they cannot be held to account," Novikov wrote on Facebook. Oleh Melnychuk, the captain of the tugboat, has also refused to testify, denying Moscow's accusations and calling himself a prisoner of war, his lawyer Edem Semedlyayev wrote in a separate Facebook post on Wednesday. No date has been set for the sailors' trial. Ukraine has said it fears Russia is preparing to attack it, citing an alleged military build-up along its border. Russia denies this and says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is trying to whip up anti-Russian sentiment as part of an election campaign. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and backs, separatists, fighting Kiev's forces in the east of the country.

We won't testify: Captured Ukrainian navy captains tell Russia

OPEC and its Russia-led allies agreed on Friday to slash <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-petroleum-minister-says-us-should-stop-interfering-in-opec-affairs-182193">oil production by more than the</a> market had expected despite pressure from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to reduce the price of crude.

The producer club will curb output by 0.8 million barrels per day from January while non-OPEC allies contribute an additional 0.4 million bpd of cuts, Iraqi oil minister Thamer Ghadhban said after OPEC concluded two days of talks in Vienna.

Oil prices jumped about 5 per cent to more than $63 a barrel by 1500 GMT as the combined cut of 1.2 million bpd was larger than the minimum 1 million bpd that the market had expected.

Saudi Arabia, de facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has faced demands from Trump to help the global economy by refraining from cutting supplies.

An output reduction also would provide support to Iran by increasing the price of oil amid attempts by Washington to squeeze the economy of OPEC's third-largest producer.

"We will never address geopolitical issues at OPEC," United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail bin Mohammed al-Mazroui told a news conference.

Russian energy minister Alexander Novak praised the ability of his Saudi counterpart Khalid al-Falih "to find a solution in the most difficult situation", indicating Russia was on board.

The OPEC deal had hung in the balance for two days - first on fears that Russia would cut too little, and later on concerns that Iran, whose crude exports have been depleted by US&nbsp;sanctions, would receive no exemption and block the agreement.

But after hours of talks, Iran gave OPEC the green light and Russia indicated it was ready to cut more.

A meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC producers quickly approved the deal, according to two OPEC sources.

The cut will last for six months from January, Ghadhban said, and take October as the baseline. OPEC and Russian output was lower in October than in November. However, OPEC might not disclose individual output quotas, sources said.

"The OPEC+ cut is fuzzy on details and will likely result in less reduction than the headline figure of 1.2 million bpd," said Bob McNally, president of US-based Rapidan Energy Group.

"President Trump will not be happy to see today’s headlines, but how strongly he reacts depends mainly on whether crude prices rise strongly as a result in coming days and weeks."

Washington added fuel to the fire when US&nbsp;special representative for Iran Brian Hook met Falih in Vienna this week, in an unprecedented development ahead of an OPEC meeting.

Saudi Arabia first denied the Hook-Falih discussion took place but later confirmed it.

"U.S. political pressure is clearly a dominant factor at this OPEC meeting, limiting the scope of Saudi actions to rebalance the market," said Gary Ross, chief executive of Black Gold Investors and a veteran OPEC watcher.

The price of crude has fallen almost a third since October as Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Arab Emirates raised output to offset lower exports from Iran.

The price decline prompted OPEC and Russia to start discussing an output cut, but Russia long resisted any deep reduction.

Novak met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Thursday and returned to the Austrian capital on Friday.

A Russian energy ministry source said Moscow was ready to contribute a cut of around 200,000 bpd - more than the initially suggested figure of 150,000 bpd. An OPEC source later said Russia had agreed to cut by 230,000 bpd.

Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States have been vying for the position of top crude producer in recent years. The United States is not part of any output-limiting initiative due to its anti-trust legislation and fragmented oil industry.

On Thursday, US&nbsp;government figures showed the country had become a net exporter of crude oil and refined products for the first time on record, underscoring how the surge in production has altered the supply equation in world markets.

OPEC and its Russia-led allies agreed on Friday to slash oil production by more than the market had expected despite pressure from US President Donald Trump to reduce the price of crude.

OPEC and its Russia-led allies agreed on Friday to slash oil production by more than the market had expected despite pressure from US President Donald Trump to reduce the price of crude. The producer club will curb output by 0.8 million barrels per day from January while non-OPEC allies contribute an additional 0.4 million bpd of cuts, Iraqi oil minister Thamer Ghadhban said after OPEC concluded two days of talks in Vienna. Oil prices jumped about 5 per cent to more than $63 a barrel by 1500 GMT as the combined cut of 1.2 million bpd was larger than the minimum 1 million bpd that the market had expected. Saudi Arabia, de facto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has faced demands from Trump to help the global economy by refraining from cutting supplies. An output reduction also would provide support to Iran by increasing the price of oil amid attempts by Washington to squeeze the economy of OPEC's third-largest producer. "We will never address geopolitical issues at OPEC," United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail bin Mohammed al-Mazroui told a news conference. Russian energy minister Alexander Novak praised the ability of his Saudi counterpart Khalid al-Falih "to find a solution in the most difficult situation", indicating Russia was on board. The OPEC deal had hung in the balance for two days - first on fears that Russia would cut too little, and later on concerns that Iran, whose crude exports have been depleted by US sanctions, would receive no exemption and block the agreement. But after hours of talks, Iran gave OPEC the green light and Russia indicated it was ready to cut more. A meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC producers quickly approved the deal, according to two OPEC sources. The cut will last for six months from January, Ghadhban said, and take October as the baseline. OPEC and Russian output was lower in October than in November. However, OPEC might not disclose individual output quotas, sources said. "The OPEC+ cut is fuzzy on details and will likely result in less reduction than the headline figure of 1.2 million bpd," said Bob McNally, president of US-based Rapidan Energy Group. "President Trump will not be happy to see today’s headlines, but how strongly he reacts depends mainly on whether crude prices rise strongly as a result in coming days and weeks." Washington added fuel to the fire when US special representative for Iran Brian Hook met Falih in Vienna this week, in an unprecedented development ahead of an OPEC meeting. Saudi Arabia first denied the Hook-Falih discussion took place but later confirmed it. "U.S. political pressure is clearly a dominant factor at this OPEC meeting, limiting the scope of Saudi actions to rebalance the market," said Gary Ross, chief executive of Black Gold Investors and a veteran OPEC watcher. The price of crude has fallen almost a third since October as Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Arab Emirates raised output to offset lower exports from Iran. The price decline prompted OPEC and Russia to start discussing an output cut, but Russia long resisted any deep reduction. Novak met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Thursday and returned to the Austrian capital on Friday. A Russian energy ministry source said Moscow was ready to contribute a cut of around 200,000 bpd - more than the initially suggested figure of 150,000 bpd. An OPEC source later said Russia had agreed to cut by 230,000 bpd. Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States have been vying for the position of top crude producer in recent years. The United States is not part of any output-limiting initiative due to its anti-trust legislation and fragmented oil industry. On Thursday, US government figures showed the country had become a net exporter of crude oil and refined products for the first time on record, underscoring how the surge in production has altered the supply equation in world markets.

OPEC, Russia agree to cut oil production after Vienna talks; prices jump

The Kremlin shrugged off a US call for it to scrap a nuclear-capable missile on Friday, saying it was in compliance with the Cold-War era arms control treaty Washington accuses the missile of violating.

A senior US&nbsp;official said on Thursday that Russia must scrap its 9M729 nuclear-capable cruise missiles and launchers or modify the weapons' range to return to compliance with the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty and avert a US&nbsp;pullout from the pact.

"Russia has not violated, is not violating and remains committed to its obligations under the INF treaty," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about the US call.

The Kremlin shrugged off a US call for it to scrap a nuclear-capable missile on Friday, saying it was in compliance with the Cold-War era arms control treaty Washington accuses the missile of violating.

The Kremlin shrugged off a US call for it to scrap a nuclear-capable missile on Friday, saying it was in compliance with the Cold-War era arms control treaty Washington accuses the missile of violating. A senior US official said on Thursday that Russia must scrap its 9M729 nuclear-capable cruise missiles and launchers or modify the weapons' range to return to compliance with the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty and avert a US pullout from the pact. "Russia has not violated, is not violating and remains committed to its obligations under the INF treaty," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about the US call.

Won't scrap nuclear-capable 9M729 cruise missiles: Russia

&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that the detention of Chinese technology giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada was an example of "arrogant" US&nbsp;policy abroad.

Speaking at a news conference in Milan, Lavrov said the detention showed how Washington imposes its laws beyond its jurisdiction.

Huawei CFO<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-huawei-appoints-chairman-as-acting-cfo-after-meng-wanzhous-arrest-182162"> Meng Wanzhou</a>, 46, who is also the daughter of the company founder, was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757"> arrested on December 1</a> at the request of the United States.

The arrest, revealed by Canadian authorities late on Wednesday, was part of a US&nbsp;investigation into an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US&nbsp;sanctions against Iran, people familiar with the probe told Reuters.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that the detention of Chinese technology giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada was an example of "arrogant" US policy abroad.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that the detention of Chinese technology giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada was an example of "arrogant" US policy abroad. Speaking at a news conference in Milan, Lavrov said the detention showed how Washington imposes its laws beyond its jurisdiction. Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, 46, who is also the daughter of the company founder, was arrested on December 1 at the request of the United States. The arrest, revealed by Canadian authorities late on Wednesday, was part of a US investigation into an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US sanctions against Iran, people familiar with the probe told Reuters.

Detention of Huawei CFO Meng shows US arrogance: Russia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-chopper-case-christian-michel-appears-in-delhi-court-security-tightened-181662">AgustaWestland chopper case: Special court sends Christian Michel to five-day CBI custody</a>

The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-hockey-world-cup-2018-netherlands-vs-germany-181671">As it happened | Hockey World Cup 2018: Full time! Germany beat Netherlands 4-1</a>

It's an end to Germany's fantastic hockey. They have defeated Netherlands 4-1 after lacking 0-1 in the first quarter.

They scored three late goals in the fourth quarter to put up a challenging game and register a win.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-officers-were-fighting-like-kilkenny-cats-says-attorney-general-venugopal-181677">CBI top officers were fighting like '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-officers-were-fighting-like-kilkenny-cats-says-attorney-general-venugopal-181677">kilkenny</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-officers-were-fighting-like-kilkenny-cats-says-attorney-general-venugopal-181677"> cats', says attorney general Venugopal</a>

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the fight between two top officers of the CBI - Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana - in public exposed the premier probe agency to ridicule.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666">Watch: </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666"> gives Russia 60 days to comply with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666"> treaty</a>

The United States warned Russia on Tuesday it will withdraw from a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says breach it within 60 days.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-supports-peace-and-reconciliation-in-afghanistan-imran-khan-tells-us-special-envoy-181702">Pak supports peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan: Imran Khan tells US special envoy</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told America's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Islamabad's abiding interest and he will continue to support peace efforts in the war-torn neighbouring country.

AgustaWestland chopper case: Special court sends Christian Michel to five-day CBI custody The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

AgustaWestland chopper case: Special court sends Christian Michel to five-day CBI custody The Patiala House court on Wednesday granted the investigating agency five-day custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. As it happened | Hockey World Cup 2018: Full time! Germany beat Netherlands 4-1 It's an end to Germany's fantastic hockey. They have defeated Netherlands 4-1 after lacking 0-1 in the first quarter. They scored three late goals in the fourth quarter to put up a challenging game and register a win. CBI top officers were fighting like 'kilkenny cats', says attorney general Venugopal The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the fight between two top officers of the CBI - Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana - in public exposed the premier probe agency to ridicule. Watch: US gives Russia 60 days to comply with nuclear treaty The United States warned Russia on Tuesday it will withdraw from a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says breach it within 60 days. Pak supports peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan: Imran Khan tells US special envoy Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told America's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan are in Islamabad's abiding interest and he will continue to support peace efforts in the war-torn neighbouring country.

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