Switzerland's competition commission (WEKO) on Tuesday said Apple Inc has agreed to make a technical fix to prevent the automatic launch of its Apple Pay from disrupting rival Swiss payment app TWINT.

"Apple has committed to provide TWINT with the technical capability to suppress the automatic launch of Apple Pay during the payment process with the TWINT app," WEKO said, adding it was ending a preliminary probe against Apple following the pact.

In a separate case, WEKO is investigating Swiss financial companies including Credit Suisse and UBS over a suspected boycott of mobile payment solutions such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Switzerland's competition commission (WEKO) on Tuesday said Apple Inc has agreed to make a technical fix to prevent the automatic launch of its Apple Pay from disrupting rival Swiss payment app TWINT.

Switzerland's competition commission (WEKO) on Tuesday said Apple Inc has agreed to make a technical fix to prevent the automatic launch of its Apple Pay from disrupting rival Swiss payment app TWINT. "Apple has committed to provide TWINT with the technical capability to suppress the automatic launch of Apple Pay during the payment process with the TWINT app," WEKO said, adding it was ending a preliminary probe against Apple following the pact. In a separate case, WEKO is investigating Swiss financial companies including Credit Suisse and UBS over a suspected boycott of mobile payment solutions such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Apple pledges to fix disruptions to rival payment app TWINT: Switzerland

Credit Suisse on Wednesday announced a share buyback of up to 1.5 billion Swiss francs ($1.51 billion) in 2019 and plans to increase its dividend by at least 5 per cent from 2019 onward, confirming its strategy as it wraps up a three-year revamp under Chief Executive Tidjane Thiam.

"The actions taken during the restructuring mean the bank is now more resilient in the face of market turbulence," Thiam said in a statement ahead of the bank's investor day.

"As a result of known actions that are under our control, we expect to achieve at least a 10 per cent return on tangible equity in 2019."

Switzerland's second-biggest bank last year announced new 2019 and 2020 yield targets and a plan to distribute half of net profit to shareholders primarily through share buybacks or special dividends, saying it had made strong progress in its ambitions to become a leading wealth manager with strong investment banking capabilities.

Credit Suisse on Wednesday announced a share buyback of up to 1.5 billion Swiss francs ($1.51 billion) in 2019 and plans to increase its dividend by at least 5 per cent from 2019 onward, confirming its strategy as it wraps up a three-year revamp under Chief Executive Tidjane Thiam.

Credit Suisse on Wednesday announced a share buyback of up to 1.5 billion Swiss francs ($1.51 billion) in 2019 and plans to increase its dividend by at least 5 per cent from 2019 onward, confirming its strategy as it wraps up a three-year revamp under Chief Executive Tidjane Thiam. "The actions taken during the restructuring mean the bank is now more resilient in the face of market turbulence," Thiam said in a statement ahead of the bank's investor day. "As a result of known actions that are under our control, we expect to achieve at least a 10 per cent return on tangible equity in 2019." Switzerland's second-biggest bank last year announced new 2019 and 2020 yield targets and a plan to distribute half of net profit to shareholders primarily through share buybacks or special dividends, saying it had made strong progress in its ambitions to become a leading wealth manager with strong investment banking capabilities.

Credit Suisse announces 1-1.5 billion share buyback

WION Gravitas: Swiss voters reject initiative to end cow horn removal

Watch: WION Gravitas, 26th November, 2018

Six people, including children, died when a fire broke out in an apartment building in the northwestern Swiss town of Solothurn overnight, local police said Monday.

"There were more than 20 people in the building. Most were evacuated by the fire brigade, but for six people, including children, the help came too late," Solothurn police said in a statement.

"They died on the spot."

An AFP photographer said all of the apartments in the building, in the centre of town, looked blackened by fire.

Many of those evacuated had been hospitalised, according to media reports.

Police said it remained unclear what had sparked the fire.

"A resident noticed smoke at 2:10 am in the stairwell and sounded the alarm," the statement said, adding that dozens of firefighters, along with police, ambulances and other rescue services were immediately dispatched to the building.

Speaking to the 20Minutes online news site, a neighbour said he had heard screams of people stuck in the building and had seen a child being resuscitated by emergency workers.

Another witness, who was evacuated from his apartment, said some of his neighbours had panicked.

According to the initial findings, the fire originated on one of the lower floors, allowing smoke to spread through the building.

The neighbouring building was also evacuated "as a precaution", police said, adding however that those residents were able to return homes before morning.

Six people, including children, died when a fire broke out in an apartment building in the northwestern Swiss town of Solothurn overnight, local police said Monday.

Six people, including children, died when a fire broke out in an apartment building in the northwestern Swiss town of Solothurn overnight, local police said Monday. "There were more than 20 people in the building. Most were evacuated by the fire brigade, but for six people, including children, the help came too late," Solothurn police said in a statement. "They died on the spot." An AFP photographer said all of the apartments in the building, in the centre of town, looked blackened by fire. Many of those evacuated had been hospitalised, according to media reports. Police said it remained unclear what had sparked the fire. "A resident noticed smoke at 2:10 am in the stairwell and sounded the alarm," the statement said, adding that dozens of firefighters, along with police, ambulances and other rescue services were immediately dispatched to the building. Speaking to the 20Minutes online news site, a neighbour said he had heard screams of people stuck in the building and had seen a child being resuscitated by emergency workers. Another witness, who was evacuated from his apartment, said some of his neighbours had panicked. According to the initial findings, the fire originated on one of the lower floors, allowing smoke to spread through the building. The neighbouring building was also evacuated "as a precaution", police said, adding however that those residents were able to return homes before morning.

Six dead including children in apartment building fire in Switzerland: Police

Swiss voters look set to reject a proposal to subsidise farmers who let the horns on their cows and goats grow rather than removing them, Swiss broadcaster SRF said on Sunday.

The initiative to preserve "the dignity of livestock" was led by farmer Armin Capaul, who has sparked a national debate on animal rights following a campaign which began nine years ago after he "listened" to his herd.

Preliminary results after the polls closed showed 53 per cent against with 47 per cent in favour, SRF reported.

Three-quarters of Swiss cows, a national symbol and tourist attraction, are dehorned or genetically hornless. Calves are dehorned with a red-hot iron which causes smoke and a burning odour in a procedure critics say causes pain.

The government had opposed the motion, which would have enshrined subsidies into the constitution, but agricultural workers were split, with even the Swiss farmers` union refraining from giving a recommendation to its 52,000 members.

Capaul collected more than 100,000 signatures to trigger a national vote after years of political lobbying failed. His supporters liken the dehorning to castrating cats or dogs and argue it is a safety issue for other animals and farmers.

The Swiss government opposed Capaul`s move to get a 190 Swiss franc ($191.65) annual subsidy per horned animal for farmers, saying it would drain up to 30 million francs from its 3 billion franc annual agricultural budget.

"When you look at them they always hold their head high and are proud. When you remove the horns, they are sad," Capaul, a bearded 66-year-old, told Reuters last week on his small farm in northwestern Switzerland.

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Swiss voters look set to reject a proposal to subsidise farmers who let the horns on their cows and goats grow rather than removing them, Swiss broadcaster SRF said on Sunday.

Swiss voters look set to reject a proposal to subsidise farmers who let the horns on their cows and goats grow rather than removing them, Swiss broadcaster SRF said on Sunday. The initiative to preserve "the dignity of livestock" was led by farmer Armin Capaul, who has sparked a national debate on animal rights following a campaign which began nine years ago after he "listened" to his herd. Preliminary results after the polls closed showed 53 per cent against with 47 per cent in favour, SRF reported. Three-quarters of Swiss cows, a national symbol and tourist attraction, are dehorned or genetically hornless. Calves are dehorned with a red-hot iron which causes smoke and a burning odour in a procedure critics say causes pain. The government had opposed the motion, which would have enshrined subsidies into the constitution, but agricultural workers were split, with even the Swiss farmers` union refraining from giving a recommendation to its 52,000 members. Capaul collected more than 100,000 signatures to trigger a national vote after years of political lobbying failed. His supporters liken the dehorning to castrating cats or dogs and argue it is a safety issue for other animals and farmers. The Swiss government opposed Capaul`s move to get a 190 Swiss franc ($191.65) annual subsidy per horned animal for farmers, saying it would drain up to 30 million francs from its 3 billion franc annual agricultural budget. "When you look at them they always hold their head high and are proud. When you remove the horns, they are sad," Capaul, a bearded 66-year-old, told Reuters last week on his small farm in northwestern Switzerland.

Swiss voters reject initiative to end cow horn removal

Switzerland votes this Sunday on an issue of national importance that has divided the Alpine country - whether to subsidise farmers who let their cows' and goats' horns grow naturally.

The referendum on preserving the "dignity of livestock" was initiated by farmer Armin Capaul, 66, a self-described rebel. He says that "listening" to his cows inspired his nine-year campaign for cash to fund the extra grazing space horned animals need and which he hopes will reduce dehorning.

"We must respect cows as they are. Leave them their horns. When you look at them they always hold their head high and are proud. When you remove the horns, they are sad," he said from his small farm in northwestern Switzerland.

Three-quarters of Swiss cows, who are a national symbol and tourist attraction, are dehorned or genetically hornless.

Capaul, who says horns help cows communicate and regulate their body temperature, wants a 190 Swiss franc ($191.65) annual subsidy per horned animal for farmers.

When political lobbying failed, he collected over 100,000 signatures to trigger a national vote.

The latest poll says the vote is too close to call.

His campaign is likely to garner support from those who oppose dehorning - burning a sedated calf's horn buds with a red-hot iron. Critics say it is painful and unnatural but supporters liken it to castrating cats or dogs and argue it is a safety issue.

"In Switzerland, cows have never been talked about as much as now," said Capaul, a distinctive figure with a long grey beard and hand-knitted red hat, whose alternative approach has made him a media star and a household name.

His campaign is opposed by the government, which says it would drain up to 30 million francs from its 3 billion franc annual agricultural budget, and is a burden on the constitution.

"In Switzerland it's usual for issues to be brought to the people for a vote - every important question or less important question," Swiss Economy Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann said.

Some farmers are opposed.

"Our current system in the stable has advantages, the cows get along better with each other. If cows have horns, the danger of injuries to the animals and humans is greater," said Stefan Gilgen, whose 48 cows provide 1,000 litres of milk daily to Swiss dairy Emmi AG.

"Each farm should decide for itself. We have other problems in agriculture."

In Vaud canton, Reuters watched veterinarian Jean-Marie Surer dehorn three calves, anaesthetising each one before the procedure that causes smoke and a burning odour.

"Using a very hot iron for seven seconds, I burned the skin and blood vessels which irrigate the horn bud, so it won`t grow," Surer said as he applied disinfectant.

"It is painless, they didn't move even an ear."

Switzerland votes this Sunday on an issue of national importance that has divided the Alpine country - whether to subsidise farmers who let their cows' and goats' horns grow naturally.

Switzerland votes this Sunday on an issue of national importance that has divided the Alpine country - whether to subsidise farmers who let their cows' and goats' horns grow naturally. The referendum on preserving the "dignity of livestock" was initiated by farmer Armin Capaul, 66, a self-described rebel. He says that "listening" to his cows inspired his nine-year campaign for cash to fund the extra grazing space horned animals need and which he hopes will reduce dehorning. "We must respect cows as they are. Leave them their horns. When you look at them they always hold their head high and are proud. When you remove the horns, they are sad," he said from his small farm in northwestern Switzerland. Three-quarters of Swiss cows, who are a national symbol and tourist attraction, are dehorned or genetically hornless. Capaul, who says horns help cows communicate and regulate their body temperature, wants a 190 Swiss franc ($191.65) annual subsidy per horned animal for farmers. When political lobbying failed, he collected over 100,000 signatures to trigger a national vote. The latest poll says the vote is too close to call. His campaign is likely to garner support from those who oppose dehorning - burning a sedated calf's horn buds with a red-hot iron. Critics say it is painful and unnatural but supporters liken it to castrating cats or dogs and argue it is a safety issue. "In Switzerland, cows have never been talked about as much as now," said Capaul, a distinctive figure with a long grey beard and hand-knitted red hat, whose alternative approach has made him a media star and a household name. His campaign is opposed by the government, which says it would drain up to 30 million francs from its 3 billion franc annual agricultural budget, and is a burden on the constitution. "In Switzerland it's usual for issues to be brought to the people for a vote - every important question or less important question," Swiss Economy Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann said. Some farmers are opposed. "Our current system in the stable has advantages, the cows get along better with each other. If cows have horns, the danger of injuries to the animals and humans is greater," said Stefan Gilgen, whose 48 cows provide 1,000 litres of milk daily to Swiss dairy Emmi AG. "Each farm should decide for itself. We have other problems in agriculture." In Vaud canton, Reuters watched veterinarian Jean-Marie Surer dehorn three calves, anaesthetising each one before the procedure that causes smoke and a burning odour. "Using a very hot iron for seven seconds, I burned the skin and blood vessels which irrigate the horn bud, so it won`t grow," Surer said as he applied disinfectant. "It is painless, they didn't move even an ear."

Cows with or without horns? Swiss to vote on Sunday

Why Switzerland is voting on cows ?

Romelu Lukaku scored twice to earn Belgium a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League on Friday, lifting the mood in the country after a week marred by match-fixing allegations.

Belgium's second win in the group means they have won 11 of their last 12 matches, the only blemish being the World Cup semi-final defeat by France in July.

Lukaku broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, finding himself unmarked on the right as Thomas Meunier set him up for a left-foot shot that squeezed under the body of Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

But the Belgian defence were caught ball watching with about 15 minutes left as Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick was headed back into the danger zone by Nico Elvedi and finished off from close range by substitute Mario Gavranovic.

Belgium defender Vincent Kompany went close with a headed opportunity from a corner and Lukaku blasted over from close range after being set up by substitute Nacer Chadli.

But the Manchester United striker made amends with the 84th- minute winner at the end of a flowing move which involved captain Eden Hazard and a deft pass from Dries Mertens to set Lukaku up for another left-foot finish.

Lukaku’s double, which lifted him to 45 goals in 78 internationals, ensured a bright end to a bad week for Belgian football in which 19 people, including two referees, soccer agents and the coach of champions Club Bruges, were charged on Friday with fraud or match-fixing.

Belgium play the Netherlands in a friendly in Brussels on Tuesday while the Swiss go to Iceland for their next Nations League game on Monday.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice to earn Belgium a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League on Friday, lifting the mood in the country after a week marred by match-fixing allegations.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice to earn Belgium a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League on Friday, lifting the mood in the country after a week marred by match-fixing allegations. Belgium's second win in the group means they have won 11 of their last 12 matches, the only blemish being the World Cup semi-final defeat by France in July. Lukaku broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, finding himself unmarked on the right as Thomas Meunier set him up for a left-foot shot that squeezed under the body of Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. But the Belgian defence were caught ball watching with about 15 minutes left as Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick was headed back into the danger zone by Nico Elvedi and finished off from close range by substitute Mario Gavranovic. Belgium defender Vincent Kompany went close with a headed opportunity from a corner and Lukaku blasted over from close range after being set up by substitute Nacer Chadli. But the Manchester United striker made amends with the 84th- minute winner at the end of a flowing move which involved captain Eden Hazard and a deft pass from Dries Mertens to set Lukaku up for another left-foot finish. Lukaku’s double, which lifted him to 45 goals in 78 internationals, ensured a bright end to a bad week for Belgian football in which 19 people, including two referees, soccer agents and the coach of champions Club Bruges, were charged on Friday with fraud or match-fixing. Belgium play the Netherlands in a friendly in Brussels on Tuesday while the Swiss go to Iceland for their next Nations League game on Monday.

Romelu Lukaku scores twice as Belgium beat Switzerland 2-1

Spain goalkeeper David de Gea's error led to his side drawing 1-1 at home to Switzerland in a World Cup warm-up friendly match on Sunday.

Though the hosts dominated the game in starting but failed to make their superior possession count.

Real Sociedad Alvaro Odriozola scored his first international goal with an impressive volley to give the 2010 World Cup winners the lead in the 29th minute.

Switzerland full back Ricardo Rodriguez tucked into an empty net to level in the 62nd after an uncharacteristically sloppy piece of goalkeeping from De Gea, who failed to hold a weak shot from Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Spain travel to their World Cup base in Krasnodar next week and will play their final warm-up game in the Russian city against Tunisia on Saturday, before meeting European champions Portugal in a mouth-watering Group B opener in Sochi on June 15.

Switzerland host Japan on Friday before meeting five-times winners Brazil in their first World Cup Group E game on June 17 in Rostov.

Though the hosts dominated the game in starting but failed to make their superior possession count.

Spain goalkeeper David de Gea's error led to his side drawing 1-1 at home to Switzerland in a World Cup warm-up friendly match on Sunday. Though the hosts dominated the game in starting but failed to make their superior possession count. Real Sociedad Alvaro Odriozola scored his first international goal with an impressive volley to give the 2010 World Cup winners the lead in the 29th minute. Switzerland full back Ricardo Rodriguez tucked into an empty net to level in the 62nd after an uncharacteristically sloppy piece of goalkeeping from De Gea, who failed to hold a weak shot from Stephan Lichtsteiner. Spain travel to their World Cup base in Krasnodar next week and will play their final warm-up game in the Russian city against Tunisia on Saturday, before meeting European champions Portugal in a mouth-watering Group B opener in Sochi on June 15. Switzerland host Japan on Friday before meeting five-times winners Brazil in their first World Cup Group E game on June 17 in Rostov.

Spain held by Switzerland after De Gea error in World Cup friendlies

Switzerland usually arrive at major tournaments with modest ambitions but with one of the finest generations of players the country has produced reaching its peak, expectations are much higher at this World Cup.

The squad is brimming with players based in Europe's top leagues and those such as Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka are all in their mid-20s with a World Cup and European championship behind them.

Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago which tapped into the potential offered by second-generation immigrants, many from the former Yugoslavia.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic, who himself boasts a Yugoslav league winners' medal from his playing days with FK Sarajevo, has tried to establish a new attitude in the team, telling them they are no longer "little Switzerland" and must look to dominate matches.

The old defensive tactics which bored fans rigid at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups have been thrown out of the window.

The Swiss have jumped to sixth in the FIFA rankings, lost only one of 12 matches in the qualifying campaign and recently enjoyed a 6-0 thumping of fellow World Cup qualifiers against Panama.

For all the optimism though, doubts linger.

Apart from Portugal, the Swiss have not faced any of the world's leading teams since Euro 2016, a tournament where they never quite lived up to their billing and went out in the last 16 to Poland.

Some players have suffered a loss of form.

Schaer has fallen out of favour at Deportivo Coruna, Shaqiri has suffered relegation with Stoke City in the English Premier League and Xhaka, who runs the Swiss midfield, has been made the scapegoat for Arsenal's failings.

The biggest problem lies in attack where none of the potential forwards have had a good season at club level, with first-choice Haris Seferovic relegated to a substitute's role at Benfica.

Seferovic was even booed off the field when he was substituted in the playoff against Northern Ireland -- a very rare reaction from a Swiss crowd.

The Swiss have reached the last 16 at their last two major tournaments but have not made the quarter-finals since the 1954 World Cup, which the country hosted.

An awkward draw has somewhat dampened hopes that they could take that extra step this time around.

With Brazil expected to top their group, the Swiss will battle Costa Rica and Serbia for second place, which would likely bring a last-16 encounter with defending champions Germany.

Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago

Switzerland usually arrive at major tournaments with modest ambitions but with one of the finest generations of players the country has produced reaching its peak, expectations are much higher at this World Cup. The squad is brimming with players based in Europe's top leagues and those such as Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka are all in their mid-20s with a World Cup and European championship behind them. Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago which tapped into the potential offered by second-generation immigrants, many from the former Yugoslavia. Coach Vladimir Petkovic, who himself boasts a Yugoslav league winners' medal from his playing days with FK Sarajevo, has tried to establish a new attitude in the team, telling them they are no longer "little Switzerland" and must look to dominate matches. The old defensive tactics which bored fans rigid at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups have been thrown out of the window. The Swiss have jumped to sixth in the FIFA rankings, lost only one of 12 matches in the qualifying campaign and recently enjoyed a 6-0 thumping of fellow World Cup qualifiers against Panama. For all the optimism though, doubts linger. Apart from Portugal, the Swiss have not faced any of the world's leading teams since Euro 2016, a tournament where they never quite lived up to their billing and went out in the last 16 to Poland. Some players have suffered a loss of form. Schaer has fallen out of favour at Deportivo Coruna, Shaqiri has suffered relegation with Stoke City in the English Premier League and Xhaka, who runs the Swiss midfield, has been made the scapegoat for Arsenal's failings. The biggest problem lies in attack where none of the potential forwards have had a good season at club level, with first-choice Haris Seferovic relegated to a substitute's role at Benfica. Seferovic was even booed off the field when he was substituted in the playoff against Northern Ireland -- a very rare reaction from a Swiss crowd. The Swiss have reached the last 16 at their last two major tournaments but have not made the quarter-finals since the 1954 World Cup, which the country hosted. An awkward draw has somewhat dampened hopes that they could take that extra step this time around. With Brazil expected to top their group, the Swiss will battle Costa Rica and Serbia for second place, which would likely bring a last-16 encounter with defending champions Germany.

FIFA 2018: Switzerland rely on young talents with a mix of experience for football World Cup

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FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

Australian academic David Goodall left for Switzerland today to end his life. Goodall turned 104 last month and made just one wish, to end his life.

In a video released by Reuters, Goodall notes that he enjoyed his life until he was 90 years old after which he didn't. &nbsp

"I greatly regret having reached that age," Goodall said.

Goodall will receive voluntary euthanasia at a clinic in Basel, Switzerland. His home state, Western Australia, identifies voluntary euthanasia as illegal.

The state of Victoria became first in Australia to legalise assisted dying last year limiting the provision to only terminally ill.

Goodall's family supports his decision and respects his choice to end his life.&nbsp

"He's lived a really good 104 years, and so whatever happens, whatever choices are made, they're up to him," Goodall's daughter Karen noted.&nbsp

Born in London, the United Kingdom on April 4, 1914, David William Goodall AM was an honorary research associate at Edith Cowan University until recently.&nbsp

Goodall moved to Australian in 1948 and lived as an academic, botanist and ecologist studying the development of numerical methods in ecology, particularly the study of vegetation.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp

Goodall will receive voluntary euthanasia at a clinic in Basel, Switzerland

Australian academic David Goodall left for Switzerland today to end his life. Goodall turned 104 last month and made just one wish, to end his life. In a video released by Reuters, Goodall notes that he enjoyed his life until he was 90 years old after which he didn't. "I greatly regret having reached that age," Goodall said. Goodall will receive voluntary euthanasia at a clinic in Basel, Switzerland. His home state, Western Australia, identifies voluntary euthanasia as illegal. The state of Victoria became first in Australia to legalise assisted dying last year limiting the provision to only terminally ill. Goodall's family supports his decision and respects his choice to end his life. "He's lived a really good 104 years, and so whatever happens, whatever choices are made, they're up to him," Goodall's daughter Karen noted. Born in London, the United Kingdom on April 4, 1914, David William Goodall AM was an honorary research associate at Edith Cowan University until recently. Goodall moved to Australian in 1948 and lived as an academic, botanist and ecologist studying the development of numerical methods in ecology, particularly the study of vegetation. (With inputs from Reuters)

Australian academic David Goodall leaves for Switzerland to end his life

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Christine Schraner Burgener of Switzerland as his new special envoy to Myanmar.

Until her appointment, Burgener was the Ambassador of Switzerland to Germany since 2015. Burgener has over 25 years of experience in diplomacy having served in various high-level government positions in the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.&nbsp;

From 2009 to 2015, she served as Ambassador to Thailand and led efforts to mediate between the two sides in the violence that erupted in Thailand in 2010.&nbsp;

Burgener has also served as Deputy Director of the Directorate of International Law, with the rank of Ambassador, and Head of the International Law, Human Rights, and International Humanitarian Law Division in the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2009.

Previously, veteran Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar had served as the special adviser to the secretary-general on Myanmar, under Ban Ki-moon's tenure.&nbsp;

The announcement of Burgener's appointment comes as the Security Council sends a mission to Iraq, Bangladesh, and Myanmar from April 26 to May 2.&nbsp;

Peru, President of the Security Council for the month of April, Kuwait, and the United States of America will co-lead the visit to Iraq.&nbsp;

Peru, Kuwait and the United Kingdom will co-lead the visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar.&nbsp;

Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric had told reporters that the UN hopes the visits will help "refocus the attention of the international community on the plight of the Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh and the continuous need to fund the humanitarian operations.?

Since August 2017, nearly 700,000 minority Muslim Rohingyas have fled violence in Myanmar across the border into Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, joining several hundred thousand more that were already settled there in overcrowded camps.&nbsp;

Guterres has said about 150,000 Rohingya refugees, who fled from Myanmar into crowded camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar are living in flood-prone areas and must be relocated ahead of the coming rainy season.&nbsp;

Previously, veteran Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar had served as the special adviser to the secretary-general on Myanmar, under Ban Ki-moon's tenure

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Christine Schraner Burgener of Switzerland as his new special envoy to Myanmar. Until her appointment, Burgener was the Ambassador of Switzerland to Germany since 2015. Burgener has over 25 years of experience in diplomacy having served in various high-level government positions in the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. From 2009 to 2015, she served as Ambassador to Thailand and led efforts to mediate between the two sides in the violence that erupted in Thailand in 2010. Burgener has also served as Deputy Director of the Directorate of International Law, with the rank of Ambassador, and Head of the International Law, Human Rights, and International Humanitarian Law Division in the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2009. Previously, veteran Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar had served as the special adviser to the secretary-general on Myanmar, under Ban Ki-moon's tenure. The announcement of Burgener's appointment comes as the Security Council sends a mission to Iraq, Bangladesh, and Myanmar from April 26 to May 2. Peru, President of the Security Council for the month of April, Kuwait, and the United States of America will co-lead the visit to Iraq. Peru, Kuwait and the United Kingdom will co-lead the visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric had told reporters that the UN hopes the visits will help "refocus the attention of the international community on the plight of the Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh and the continuous need to fund the humanitarian operations.? Since August 2017, nearly 700,000 minority Muslim Rohingyas have fled violence in Myanmar across the border into Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, joining several hundred thousand more that were already settled there in overcrowded camps. Guterres has said about 150,000 Rohingya refugees, who fled from Myanmar into crowded camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar are living in flood-prone areas and must be relocated ahead of the coming rainy season.

UN chief appoints Christine Burgener of Switzerland as special envoy to Myanmar

Speaking at the 37th session of UN human rights council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, India&#39;s Permanent Mission has lashed at Pakistan for sheltering UN-designated terrorists.

Calling Pakistan a failed state, Kumam said, &quot;In gross violation of UN Security Council resolution 1267, the UN designated terrorists like Hafiz Mohammed Saeed are freely operating with State support, and the UN designated entities are being politically mainstreamed in Pakistan.&quot;

She also highlighted&nbsp;the depressing state of minorities in the country, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing of political dissidents by Pakistan security forces.&nbsp;

She said &quot;We urge the Council to call on Pakistan to stop targeting political dissidents and legitimate criticism in Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to stop torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing, including that of journalists and activists by its security agencies. Pakistan should also prosecute all perpetrators of such crimes&quot;.

She also took on Pakistan for its continued support to cross-border terrorism in India.

&quot;We await credible action by the Government of Pakistan to bring all those involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 Pathankot and Uri attacks to justice,&quot; she said.

Thrashing Pakistan for its lecture to India about the protection of human rights, she said, &quot;Even as terrorists thrive in Pakistan and roam its streets with impunity, we have heard it lecture about the protection of human rights in India.

The World does not need lessons on democracy and human rights from a country whose own situation is charitably described as a failed state&quot;.

(With inputs from ANI)

Calling Pakistan a failed state India's Permanent Mission said, 'In gross violation of UN Security Council resolution 1267, the UN designated terrorists like Hafiz Mohammed Saeed are freely operating with State support, and the UN designated entities are being politically mainstreamed in Pak'

Speaking at the 37th session of UN human rights council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, India's Permanent Mission has lashed at Pakistan for sheltering UN-designated terrorists. Calling Pakistan a failed state, Kumam said, "In gross violation of UN Security Council resolution 1267, the UN designated terrorists like Hafiz Mohammed Saeed are freely operating with State support, and the UN designated entities are being politically mainstreamed in Pakistan." She also highlighted the depressing state of minorities in the country, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing of political dissidents by Pakistan security forces. She said "We urge the Council to call on Pakistan to stop targeting political dissidents and legitimate criticism in Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to stop torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing, including that of journalists and activists by its security agencies. Pakistan should also prosecute all perpetrators of such crimes". She also took on Pakistan for its continued support to cross-border terrorism in India. "We await credible action by the Government of Pakistan to bring all those involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 Pathankot and Uri attacks to justice," she said. Thrashing Pakistan for its lecture to India about the protection of human rights, she said, "Even as terrorists thrive in Pakistan and roam its streets with impunity, we have heard it lecture about the protection of human rights in India. The World does not need lessons on democracy and human rights from a country whose own situation is charitably described as a failed state". (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan harbours UN designate terrorists: India slams Pakistan at UNHRC

Canada&#39;s Justin Kripps and Germany&#39;s Francesco Friedrich won gold medals after a dramatic dead-heat in the men&#39;s Olympic two-man bobsleigh.

Latvia&#39;s Oskars Melbardis took bronze behind the Canadian and German crews who were involved in the first dead-heat in the event since Nagano in 1998.

Ahead of the final run at the Olympic Sliding Centre, the fastest five pilots were separated by less than a quarter of a second in blisteringly quick conditions due to low temperatures.

Kripps, who tops the world bobsleigh driver rankings, had run three good heats, consistently placing first or second, and he needed to pull out another one to secure his first Olympic gold medal.

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19FEB Bobsleigh -2-man 
2/19 봅슬레이 - 남자 2인승 
 
Gold???? Canada / KRIPPS Justin &amp; KOPACZ Alexander 
Gold???? Germany / FRIEDRICH Francesco &amp; MARGIS Thorsten 
Bronze???? Latvia / MELBARDIS Oskars &amp; STRENGA Janis 
 
Congratulations! 축하합니다???? <a href="https://t.co/JxcxYCTrTh">pic.twitter.com/JxcxYCTrTh</a>
&mdash; PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) <a href="https://twitter.com/pyeongchang2018/status/965587750983380992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Four-times world champion Friedrich set the fastest time but Kripps, in the final run of the competition, exactly matched his mark of three minutes 16.86 seconds.

&quot;It&#39;s great. It&#39;s two more people who are as happy as we are,&quot; Kripps told reporters. &quot;They&#39;re amazing competitors, we&#39;ve been friends and rivals for years so I couldn&#39;t be happier.&quot;

Germany equalled Switzerland&#39;s Olympic record of five golds in the event.

&nbsp;

Germany equalled Switzerland's Olympic record of five golds in the event

Canada's Justin Kripps and Germany's Francesco Friedrich won gold medals after a dramatic dead-heat in the men's Olympic two-man bobsleigh. Latvia's Oskars Melbardis took bronze behind the Canadian and German crews who were involved in the first dead-heat in the event since Nagano in 1998. Ahead of the final run at the Olympic Sliding Centre, the fastest five pilots were separated by less than a quarter of a second in blisteringly quick conditions due to low temperatures. Kripps, who tops the world bobsleigh driver rankings, had run three good heats, consistently placing first or second, and he needed to pull out another one to secure his first Olympic gold medal. 19FEB Bobsleigh -2-man 2/19 봅슬레이 - 남자 2인승 Gold???? Canada / KRIPPS Justin & KOPACZ Alexander Gold???? Germany / FRIEDRICH Francesco & MARGIS Thorsten Bronze???? Latvia / MELBARDIS Oskars & STRENGA Janis Congratulations! 축하합니다???? pic.twitter.com/JxcxYCTrTh — PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) February 19, 2018 × Four-times world champion Friedrich set the fastest time but Kripps, in the final run of the competition, exactly matched his mark of three minutes 16.86 seconds. "It's great. It's two more people who are as happy as we are," Kripps told reporters. "They're amazing competitors, we've been friends and rivals for years so I couldn't be happier." Germany equalled Switzerland's Olympic record of five golds in the event.

Bobsleigh: Canada, Germany in golden dead-heat

Two Swiss athletes contracted the highly contagious norovirus that has sickened scores of people at the Pyeongchang Olympics, officials said Friday, the first competitors known to have fallen ill with the bug.

The Swiss Olympic team did not name the two athletes, but Swiss media RTS said it was the freestyle skiers, Fabian Boesch and Elias Ambuehl.

They were not staying at the Olympic Village, the team said in a statement, and are no longer showing symptoms of the illness.

The Swiss team hopes they will recover sufficiently to take part in the Games.

More than 200 people at the Games -- mostly security staff -- have fallen sick with the virus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

&nbsp;

The Swiss Olympic team did not name the two athletes but report says it was the freestyle skiers, Fabian Boesch and Elias Ambuehl

Two Swiss athletes contracted the highly contagious norovirus that has sickened scores of people at the Pyeongchang Olympics, officials said Friday, the first competitors known to have fallen ill with the bug. The Swiss Olympic team did not name the two athletes, but Swiss media RTS said it was the freestyle skiers, Fabian Boesch and Elias Ambuehl. They were not staying at the Olympic Village, the team said in a statement, and are no longer showing symptoms of the illness. The Swiss team hopes they will recover sufficiently to take part in the Games. More than 200 people at the Games -- mostly security staff -- have fallen sick with the virus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

2 Swiss athletes sick with norovirus at Winter Olympics

Pitching India as an investment destination at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told world leaders and global CEOs that the country has replaced the infamous bureaucratic red tape with a red carpet for businesses.

Hard selling India as an investment destination at the WEF, Modi said the government is following the principle of reform, perform and transform.

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The world applauds 1.3 bn people of India at the <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davos</a> appreciating the remarkable transformation in improving the business climate. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> interacting with the top global CEOs at the International Business Council event. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a> <a href="https://t.co/AfvfarnKGS">pic.twitter.com/AfvfarnKGS</a>
&mdash; Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/955795946369179648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;We have made it easier to invest in India, manufacture in India and work in India. We have decided to uproot licence and permit Raj. We are replacing red tape with red carpet,&quot; he added.

Stating that hundreds of reforms have been carried out by the central and state governments, the prime minister said 1,400 archaic laws that were becoming roadblocks in India&#39;s growth have been removed and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been implemented, among others.

Inclusive development is key to all government programmes, whether it is Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao or Direct Benefit Transfer through digital infrastructure, he said.

Speaking in Hindi, PM Modi showcased the ease of doing business in India to world leaders and global CEOs, also calling for countries to unite to tackle what he called the three big challenges that the world faces - &quot;climate change, terrorism and a threat to globalisation with powers of protectionism rising.&quot;

PM Modi said the government is following the principle of reform, perform and transform

Pitching India as an investment destination at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told world leaders and global CEOs that the country has replaced the infamous bureaucratic red tape with a red carpet for businesses. Hard selling India as an investment destination at the WEF, Modi said the government is following the principle of reform, perform and transform. The world applauds 1.3 bn people of India at the @wef in #Davos appreciating the remarkable transformation in improving the business climate. PM @narendramodi interacting with the top global CEOs at the International Business Council event. #IndiaMeansBusiness pic.twitter.com/AfvfarnKGS — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 23, 2018 × "We have made it easier to invest in India, manufacture in India and work in India. We have decided to uproot licence and permit Raj. We are replacing red tape with red carpet," he added. Stating that hundreds of reforms have been carried out by the central and state governments, the prime minister said 1,400 archaic laws that were becoming roadblocks in India's growth have been removed and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been implemented, among others. Inclusive development is key to all government programmes, whether it is Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao or Direct Benefit Transfer through digital infrastructure, he said. Speaking in Hindi, PM Modi showcased the ease of doing business in India to world leaders and global CEOs, also calling for countries to unite to tackle what he called the three big challenges that the world faces - "climate change, terrorism and a threat to globalisation with powers of protectionism rising."

India replacing 'red tape' with 'red carpet': PM Modi at Davos

With e-commerce growing, Chinese giant Alibaba&#39;s chief Jack Ma on Wednesday predicted the future will be about &#39;made on the internet&#39; and not labels like &#39;made in China&#39; or &#39;made in America&#39;.

Speaking at a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on &#39;Enabling e-commerce: Small enterprises, global players&#39;, Ma said in the future, every young person and small business will be able to buy, sell, pay and travel globally.

&quot;This is the trend - no one can stop it,&quot; he said.

The session discussed how e-commerce could give small businesses access to global markets that were once reserved for multinationals, yet just 7 per cent of global e-commerce trade takes place across borders.

It explored how new digital policies could break down barriers to international e-commerce and support the next generation of entrepreneurs to rise.

Jack Ma said that even without a perfect logistics system, payments system or blockchain, e-commerce has grown remarkably.

Alibaba would be the 21st largest economy in the world if it were a country, he said. Imagine what will happen when those challenges are solved, he added.

In the same session, WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo said governments still have rules and regulations that apply to 20th century trade.

&quot;That&#39;s going to disappear,&quot; he averred.

Jack Ma predicted that in the future there will be no &#39;made in China&#39;, &#39;made in America&#39;, or &#39;made in Peru&#39;.

&quot;It&#39;s going to be &#39;made on the internet&#39;,&quot; he said.

The Alibaba founder was speaking at a session at the World Economic Forum on 'Enabling e-commerce: Small enterprises, global players'.

With e-commerce growing, Chinese giant Alibaba's chief Jack Ma on Wednesday predicted the future will be about 'made on the internet' and not labels like 'made in China' or 'made in America'. Speaking at a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on 'Enabling e-commerce: Small enterprises, global players', Ma said in the future, every young person and small business will be able to buy, sell, pay and travel globally. "This is the trend - no one can stop it," he said. The session discussed how e-commerce could give small businesses access to global markets that were once reserved for multinationals, yet just 7 per cent of global e-commerce trade takes place across borders. It explored how new digital policies could break down barriers to international e-commerce and support the next generation of entrepreneurs to rise. Jack Ma said that even without a perfect logistics system, payments system or blockchain, e-commerce has grown remarkably. Alibaba would be the 21st largest economy in the world if it were a country, he said. Imagine what will happen when those challenges are solved, he added. In the same session, WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo said governments still have rules and regulations that apply to 20th century trade. "That's going to disappear," he averred. Jack Ma predicted that in the future there will be no 'made in China', 'made in America', or 'made in Peru'. "It's going to be 'made on the internet'," he said.

Forget 'made in China', future will be about 'made on Internet': Jack Ma in Davos

Harry Potter was an unheard name, tweeting was done only by birds and Amazon referred to dense forests in 1997, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today to stress upon the changes the world has seen in the past 20 years.

Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted.

Speaking mostly in Hindi, Modi thanked WEF and the Swiss government for the reception accorded to him.

He also recalled that when Deve Gowda came here in 1997, the theme of the WEF summit was building a networked society. That theme now looks centuries-old as the world today is about big data and so many other new developments, the prime minister said.

Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name.

&quot;Also, chess players did not have any big fear of the computer while Google was not there in cyberspace and Amazon of that time was about dense forests. Tweeting was done by birds at that time and not by humans,&quot; he said.

Modi, however, said at that time also, Davos was ahead of its time and was known for WEF. It is ahead of the times today as well with the theme of &#39;Creating a shared future in a fractured world&#39;.

&quot;The world is changing fast today and there are new and serious challenges related to peace and security and various other matters.

&quot;We believe in linking people, not bending them or breaking them. But the challenges the world faces are as numerous as they are daunting.

&quot;Mountains of data are getting created and there is a race to control those as the feeling is that the one who gets control of this data would rule the world,&quot; he said.

Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted

Harry Potter was an unheard name, tweeting was done only by birds and Amazon referred to dense forests in 1997, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today to stress upon the changes the world has seen in the past 20 years. Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted. Speaking mostly in Hindi, Modi thanked WEF and the Swiss government for the reception accorded to him. He also recalled that when Deve Gowda came here in 1997, the theme of the WEF summit was building a networked society. That theme now looks centuries-old as the world today is about big data and so many other new developments, the prime minister said. Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name. "Also, chess players did not have any big fear of the computer while Google was not there in cyberspace and Amazon of that time was about dense forests. Tweeting was done by birds at that time and not by humans," he said. Modi, however, said at that time also, Davos was ahead of its time and was known for WEF. It is ahead of the times today as well with the theme of 'Creating a shared future in a fractured world'. "The world is changing fast today and there are new and serious challenges related to peace and security and various other matters. "We believe in linking people, not bending them or breaking them. But the challenges the world faces are as numerous as they are daunting. "Mountains of data are getting created and there is a race to control those as the feeling is that the one who gets control of this data would rule the world," he said.

When tweeting was done by birds and Amazon was a jungle: Modi recalls 1997

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.

Here are the highlights from his speech:

&#39;Climate change is huge threat to our civilization&#39;

Climate change is the first major threat to human civilization right now, Snow in the Arctic is melting, many islands are sinking or are about to sink.

Glaciers are receding, the Arctic ice is melting, islands are going underwater or are about to. Heat and cold, excessive rain and drought - effects of extreme weather are seen everywhere. Even here, we are seeing the highest snowfall in 20 years.

We should have shed our divisions and united to tackle the challenge, but we must ask honestly if we have done so. Everyone says climate emissions must be reduced, But how many developed countries reach out to developing nations with the technology required to do so?&nbsp;

Terrorism second major challenge

Continuing his speech at the World Economic Forum, PM Modi listed terrorism and protectionism as the other two major challenges to human civilization. &ldquo;Terrorism is a big threat but an even bigger threat is when you give definitions like good terrorism and bad terrorism,&rdquo; said the PM.

Protectionism

The recent wave of trade protectionism, in which governments raise barriers to free trade between nations, is &quot;worrisome,&quot;.

Data is real wealth

&quot;Today, data is a real wealth and it is being said that whoever acquires and controls the data will have hegemony in the future. The global flow of data is creating big opportunities as well as challenges,&quot; Prime Minister Modi said.

He added that technology-driven transformation has been deeply affecting people&#39;s way of thinking, working, international groups, politics, and economy.He made this remark while underlining the importance of technology in today&#39;s era.

Talking about social media, Prime Minister Modi said, &quot;The example of breaking, addition, and twisting of technology is being seen in the form of social media.&quot;

Appeal of globalisation fading

Many societies &amp; countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that globalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can&#39;t be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation is fading.

India proud of its democracy, diversity

PM Modi in his keynote speech at the World Economic Forum summit in Davos said that the country takes pride in its democracy and diversity. &ldquo;We in India are proud of our democracy and diversity. For a society with diverse religions, cultures, languages, attires and cuisines, democracy is not just a political system but a way of living,&rdquo; the PM said.

Modi also said that his government&rsquo;s motto is &lsquo;development for all&rsquo;.

&ldquo;In 2014 after 30 years, the 600 crore Indians provided the complete majority to any political party to form govt at the centre. We took the resolution for the development of everyone and not just a specific group. Our motto is &lsquo;Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas&rsquo;,&rdquo; the PM said.

People in India have welcomed the change

Change in India&#39;s ranking is an indicator that the people in India have warmly welcomed the change in policies as the road to a better future for them.

 
Come to India for wealth, wellness and peace

&quot;If you want wellness with wealth, come to India... If you want health and wholeness of life, come to India... If you want prosperity and peace, come to India... You are always welcome, said PM Modi as he summmed up his address at the plenary session of World Economic Forum in Davos.

PM Modi's was the opening speech of this year's World Economic Forum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years. Here are the highlights from his speech: 'Climate change is huge threat to our civilization' Climate change is the first major threat to human civilization right now, Snow in the Arctic is melting, many islands are sinking or are about to sink. Glaciers are receding, the Arctic ice is melting, islands are going underwater or are about to. Heat and cold, excessive rain and drought - effects of extreme weather are seen everywhere. Even here, we are seeing the highest snowfall in 20 years. We should have shed our divisions and united to tackle the challenge, but we must ask honestly if we have done so. Everyone says climate emissions must be reduced, But how many developed countries reach out to developing nations with the technology required to do so? Terrorism second major challenge Continuing his speech at the World Economic Forum, PM Modi listed terrorism and protectionism as the other two major challenges to human civilization. “Terrorism is a big threat but an even bigger threat is when you give definitions like good terrorism and bad terrorism,” said the PM. Protectionism The recent wave of trade protectionism, in which governments raise barriers to free trade between nations, is "worrisome,". Data is real wealth "Today, data is a real wealth and it is being said that whoever acquires and controls the data will have hegemony in the future. The global flow of data is creating big opportunities as well as challenges," Prime Minister Modi said. He added that technology-driven transformation has been deeply affecting people's way of thinking, working, international groups, politics, and economy.He made this remark while underlining the importance of technology in today's era. Talking about social media, Prime Minister Modi said, "The example of breaking, addition, and twisting of technology is being seen in the form of social media." Appeal of globalisation fading Many societies & countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that globalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can't be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation is fading. India proud of its democracy, diversity PM Modi in his keynote speech at the World Economic Forum summit in Davos said that the country takes pride in its democracy and diversity. “We in India are proud of our democracy and diversity. For a society with diverse religions, cultures, languages, attires and cuisines, democracy is not just a political system but a way of living,” the PM said. Modi also said that his government’s motto is ‘development for all’. “In 2014 after 30 years, the 600 crore Indians provided the complete majority to any political party to form govt at the centre. We took the resolution for the development of everyone and not just a specific group. Our motto is ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’,” the PM said. People in India have welcomed the change Change in India's ranking is an indicator that the people in India have warmly welcomed the change in policies as the road to a better future for them. Come to India for wealth, wellness and peace "If you want wellness with wealth, come to India... If you want health and wholeness of life, come to India... If you want prosperity and peace, come to India... You are always welcome, said PM Modi as he summmed up his address at the plenary session of World Economic Forum in Davos.

Highlights: PM Narendra Modi's big India pitch at Davos

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-visit-short-focussed-davos-visit-sign-that-we-engage-with-world-government-30066">visit to Davos</a> in Switzerland for the Word Economic Forum (WEF) is an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform.

&quot;Davos is a major platform in the financial world. Many business leaders gather there to deliberate upon the economic future of the world. India is the centre of attraction for the entire world. There are two reasons for that. First, our GDP is growing at a fast pace - and this has been accepted by leading agencies like the World Bank, Moody&#39;s etc. Second, due to our strong democratic values. It&#39;s a unique combination of both in India. And that&#39;s what has evoked everyone&#39;s interest. So it&#39;s an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform like WEF in Davos,&quot; PM Modi said in an exclusive interview with Zee News.

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-governments-only-agenda-for-budget-is-development-pm-modi-to-zee-news-30099">My government&#39;s only agenda for Budget is development, PM Modi tells Zee News</a>

Apart from being a big market, India also has the advantage of demographic dividend, he added.

&quot;India is an economic powerhouse. The world wants to connect with us. The world wants to hear directly from the horse&#39;s mouth about India&#39;s policies and potential. And I feel proud to present before them the success story of 125 crore Indians, their achievements and progress,&quot; the Prime Minister said.

He also hailed the increase in foreign investment in India. &quot;Before 2014, the world didn&#39;t care about what India had to say. But after we came to power in 2014, the situation had changed completely. For the first time in 30 years, India had a government with full majority. This was noticed by the entire world. They are accepting us as a leader now. That&#39;s because we have done well on domestic front. From day one, my government&#39;s focus has been on good governance, transparency, and this has given us results. India&#39;s ranking in ease of doing business jumped from 142 to 100. This resonated across the world,&quot; PM Modi said.

PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wefdavos-modi-to-address-opening-plenary-trump-on-final-day-29950">address the opening plenary</a>. On the sidelines of the high-profile event, Modi will hold a number of important bilateral meetings with various world leaders.

He wll be the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in two decades after H D Devegowda who visited Davos in 1997.

Apart from his political engagements, PM Modi will also be there at a dinner on January 22 which will be attended by CEOs of 60 companies. These 60 companies are across 26 different sectors.

Among those attending the dinner will be the heads of Airbus group, Hitachi group, BAE Systems, IBM, and the Carlyle group.

PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and give the opening plenary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his visit to Davos in Switzerland for the Word Economic Forum (WEF) is an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform. "Davos is a major platform in the financial world. Many business leaders gather there to deliberate upon the economic future of the world. India is the centre of attraction for the entire world. There are two reasons for that. First, our GDP is growing at a fast pace - and this has been accepted by leading agencies like the World Bank, Moody's etc. Second, due to our strong democratic values. It's a unique combination of both in India. And that's what has evoked everyone's interest. So it's an opportunity for India to showcase itself on a global platform like WEF in Davos," PM Modi said in an exclusive interview with Zee News. Also Read: My government's only agenda for Budget is development, PM Modi tells Zee News Apart from being a big market, India also has the advantage of demographic dividend, he added. "India is an economic powerhouse. The world wants to connect with us. The world wants to hear directly from the horse's mouth about India's policies and potential. And I feel proud to present before them the success story of 125 crore Indians, their achievements and progress," the Prime Minister said. He also hailed the increase in foreign investment in India. "Before 2014, the world didn't care about what India had to say. But after we came to power in 2014, the situation had changed completely. For the first time in 30 years, India had a government with full majority. This was noticed by the entire world. They are accepting us as a leader now. That's because we have done well on domestic front. From day one, my government's focus has been on good governance, transparency, and this has given us results. India's ranking in ease of doing business jumped from 142 to 100. This resonated across the world," PM Modi said. PM Modi, accompanied by six Union ministers, will be in Davos on January 22-23 and address the opening plenary. On the sidelines of the high-profile event, Modi will hold a number of important bilateral meetings with various world leaders. He wll be the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in two decades after H D Devegowda who visited Davos in 1997. Apart from his political engagements, PM Modi will also be there at a dinner on January 22 which will be attended by CEOs of 60 companies. These 60 companies are across 26 different sectors. Among those attending the dinner will be the heads of Airbus group, Hitachi group, BAE Systems, IBM, and the Carlyle group.

Proud to present India's success story at Davos: PM Modi to Zee News

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-davos-highlights-of-his-speech-at-wef-30514" target="_blank">Highlights: PM Narendra Modi&#39;s big India pitch at Davos</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-launches-operation-bhima-against-pak-rangers-along-loc-30509" target="_blank">BSF launches &#39;Operation Bhima&#39; against Pak Rangers along LoC</a>

BSF launched &quot;Operation Bhima&quot; against<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-pm-says-committed-to-seizing-charities-run-by-hafiz-saeed-30454">&nbsp;Pakistan Rangers even as firing&nbsp;</a>stopped along the Line of Control(LoC) today. Reports said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-firing-positions-fuel-dump-destroyed-in-retaliation-bsf-30385">Pakistan Army chief met Pakistani&nbsp;</a>Rangers as India&#39;s border security force(BSF) released a video on Monday and informed about the planned firing on Pakistan&#39;s post.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank">Sensex closes above 36,000 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank">mark</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank"> at all-time high</a>

The BSE Sensex on Tuesday BSE Sensex breached the 36,000 level mark to end at an all-time high at 36, 140 after the International Monetary Fund said India would regain the title as the world&#39;s fastest growing major economy in 2018-19.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-womens-inclusion-in-economy-imf-chief-lagarde-30519" target="_blank">India should focus on women&#39;s inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde</a>

IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-lok-sabha-maharashtra-elections-could-be-held-in-2018-30484" target="_blank">Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018</a>

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Highlights: PM Narendra Modi's big India pitch at Davos Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years. BSF launches 'Operation Bhima' against Pak Rangers along LoC BSF launched "Operation Bhima" against Pakistan Rangers even as firing stopped along the Line of Control(LoC) today. Reports said Pakistan Army chief met Pakistani Rangers as India's border security force(BSF) released a video on Monday and informed about the planned firing on Pakistan's post. Sensex closes above 36,000 mark at all-time high The BSE Sensex on Tuesday BSE Sensex breached the 36,000 level mark to end at an all-time high at 36, 140 after the International Monetary Fund said India would regain the title as the world's fastest growing major economy in 2018-19. India should focus on women's inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy. Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018 Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.

WION Evening News brief, January 23, 2018

One of the top lawyers in the booming cryptocurrency industry says the legal structure he helped set up to raise funds for new virtual currencies is &quot;old, inflexible and stupid&quot; and may no longer be fit for purpose.

The Swiss lawyer&#39;s comments come as regulators around the world increase their scrutiny of initial coin offerings (ICOs), the digital fundraisers that precede a currency&#39;s launch.

There is also growing scrutiny from investors. The Zug-based Tezos Foundation is facing US&nbsp;class-action lawsuits from those who say they were misled and defrauded in its ICO.

Luka Mueller&#39;s MME law firm helped set up foundations in Switzerland for Tezos and some of the world&#39;s biggest ICOs, including those of Bancor and Ethereum. Many foundations applied for non-profit tax status. The money raised in the ICO is treated as a donation that may not be returned.

Regulators in the United States, the UK, and elsewhere are looking at whether an ICO should have similar investor protection to an initial public offering (IPO) for a company.

Mueller told Reuters cryptocurrency groups involving US&nbsp;participants or gaining backing from investors should set up companies instead of the Swiss foundations he helped popularize.

&quot;If you structure your token sale in a way that it would look like an initial public offering, then even if you launch a (blockchain) protocol, the foundation is maybe not suitable,&quot; he said.

&quot;If...the background is more an investor environment rather than a technical environment, yes, do all the registrations. If you want to sell it, if you want to be active and actively promoting it in the US, apply US&nbsp;law.&quot;

He said a foundation could still work for ICOs if a project is of interest mainly to technical experts rather than investors.

Bitcoin, the best-known cryptocurrency, exploded in value since it was launched in 2009. Its price increased from less than a cent in early 2010 to a record shy of $20,000 in December 2017.

The coins use encryption and a blockchain transaction database enabling fast and anonymous transfer of funds without centralized payment systems.

ICOs skyrocketed in 2017, reaching nearly $3 billion through September. Switzerland attracted around a quarter of the world&#39;s ICOs with nearly $650 million raised there in the first nine months of 2017, according to data compiled by cryptocurrency research firm Smith + Crown.

Blockchain groups have set up foundations in the Swiss &quot;Crypto Valley,&quot; but the model has also loosely been exported elsewhere including to the Seychelles, Mauritius and Singapore.

Tezos aims to be a blockchain that&#39;s more reliable than the ones behind bitcoin and ether. Its foundation raised $232 million last July.

It is now facing at least half a dozen class-action lawsuits in the United States. The plaintiffs are seeking a refund as well as damages.

They made non-refundable donations and expected to receive tokens called Tezzies when the network launched. But a former board member said the project is in a state of paralysis because of the lawsuits and a dispute between the developers and the foundation&#39;s president. The network has not yet launched.

Tezos Foundation officials have declined to comment on the lawsuits. An attorney for the founders, Kathleen and Arthur Breitman, said of the first lawsuit that is was without merit and that the couple would aggressively defend themselves.

Under MME&#39;s guidelines, tokens become property with an enforceable right once the blockchain launches and the token receives a spot on the first block. Before the launch contributors have no such rights.

Mueller said the foundation structure his team helped bring to cryptocurrency groups was initially conceived as a means to ensure funds were used for a set purpose and to protect developers from any liability over the project&#39;s success.

&quot;It&#39;s a concept of a donation, from which it is clear you donate,&quot; Mueller said. &quot;You donate into a structure and you donate to a team and to their idea.&quot;

By MME&#39;s definition, the developers behind the tokens are not liable for the projects and there is no counterparty to sue.

The Zug-based Tezos Foundation is facing US class-action lawsuits from those who say they were misled and defrauded in its ICO

One of the top lawyers in the booming cryptocurrency industry says the legal structure he helped set up to raise funds for new virtual currencies is "old, inflexible and stupid" and may no longer be fit for purpose. The Swiss lawyer's comments come as regulators around the world increase their scrutiny of initial coin offerings (ICOs), the digital fundraisers that precede a currency's launch. There is also growing scrutiny from investors. The Zug-based Tezos Foundation is facing US class-action lawsuits from those who say they were misled and defrauded in its ICO. Luka Mueller's MME law firm helped set up foundations in Switzerland for Tezos and some of the world's biggest ICOs, including those of Bancor and Ethereum. Many foundations applied for non-profit tax status. The money raised in the ICO is treated as a donation that may not be returned. Regulators in the United States, the UK, and elsewhere are looking at whether an ICO should have similar investor protection to an initial public offering (IPO) for a company. Mueller told Reuters cryptocurrency groups involving US participants or gaining backing from investors should set up companies instead of the Swiss foundations he helped popularize. "If you structure your token sale in a way that it would look like an initial public offering, then even if you launch a (blockchain) protocol, the foundation is maybe not suitable," he said. "If...the background is more an investor environment rather than a technical environment, yes, do all the registrations. If you want to sell it, if you want to be active and actively promoting it in the US, apply US law." He said a foundation could still work for ICOs if a project is of interest mainly to technical experts rather than investors. Bitcoin, the best-known cryptocurrency, exploded in value since it was launched in 2009. Its price increased from less than a cent in early 2010 to a record shy of $20,000 in December 2017. The coins use encryption and a blockchain transaction database enabling fast and anonymous transfer of funds without centralized payment systems. ICOs skyrocketed in 2017, reaching nearly $3 billion through September. Switzerland attracted around a quarter of the world's ICOs with nearly $650 million raised there in the first nine months of 2017, according to data compiled by cryptocurrency research firm Smith + Crown. Blockchain groups have set up foundations in the Swiss "Crypto Valley," but the model has also loosely been exported elsewhere including to the Seychelles, Mauritius and Singapore. Tezos aims to be a blockchain that's more reliable than the ones behind bitcoin and ether. Its foundation raised $232 million last July. It is now facing at least half a dozen class-action lawsuits in the United States. The plaintiffs are seeking a refund as well as damages. They made non-refundable donations and expected to receive tokens called Tezzies when the network launched. But a former board member said the project is in a state of paralysis because of the lawsuits and a dispute between the developers and the foundation's president. The network has not yet launched. Tezos Foundation officials have declined to comment on the lawsuits. An attorney for the founders, Kathleen and Arthur Breitman, said of the first lawsuit that is was without merit and that the couple would aggressively defend themselves. Under MME's guidelines, tokens become property with an enforceable right once the blockchain launches and the token receives a spot on the first block. Before the launch contributors have no such rights. Mueller said the foundation structure his team helped bring to cryptocurrency groups was initially conceived as a means to ensure funds were used for a set purpose and to protect developers from any liability over the project's success. "It's a concept of a donation, from which it is clear you donate," Mueller said. "You donate into a structure and you donate to a team and to their idea." By MME's definition, the developers behind the tokens are not liable for the projects and there is no counterparty to sue.

Swiss bitcoin foundation model old, inflexible and stupid: Top cryptocurrency lawyer

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