&nbsp;A leak of data from a leading Swiss bank has revealed information about 600 accounts linked to 1400 Pakistani citizens, media reports said on Sunday. Account-holders include several key politicians and generals, including the ex-ISI chief, General Akhtar Abdur Rahman Khan, according to data leaked from Credit Suisse, an investment banking firm registered in Switzerland.

A report published in The New York Times said Khan helped funnel billions of dollars in cash and other aid from the United States and other countries to the mujahedeen in Afghanistan to support their fight against the Soviet Union.The Saudi Arabian and US funding for mujahideen fighters battling Russia's presence in Afghanistan went to the American Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Swiss bank account, the Dawn newspaper reported, citing an Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) report.

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"The end recipient in the process was Pakistan`s Inter-Services Intelligence group (ISI), [at the time] led by Akhtar," the publication quoting the report said.The average maximum balance in accounts held by Pakistanis was 4.42 million Swiss francs, The News International newspaper reported. The Pakistani publication further noted that several politically exposed persons didn't mention these accounts which they opened at a time when they were holders of public office, in their assets declaration submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan eyes citizens' gold to boost foreign exchange reserves

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-eyes-citizens-gold-to-boost-foreign-exchange-reserves-454981/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The latest leaks follow the so-called Panama Papers in 2016, the Paradise Papers in 2017 and the Pandora Papers of last year. A self-described whistle-blower leaked data on more than 18,000 bank accounts, collectively holding more than $100 billion, to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, reported The New York Times. Further revelations are expected in the upcoming days, as more information about the leak becomes public. Earlier in January, Pakistan ranked 140 out of 180 on Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2021 by Transparency International, losing 16 spots over the previous year.

A leak of data from a leading Swiss bank has revealed information about 600 accounts linked to 1400 Pakistani citizens, media reports said on Sunday. Account-holders include several key politicians and generals, including the ex-ISI chief, General Akhtar Abdur Rahman Khan, according to data leaked from Credit Suisse, an investment banking firm registered in Switzerland.

A leak of data from a leading Swiss bank has revealed information about 600 accounts linked to 1400 Pakistani citizens, media reports said on Sunday. Account-holders include several key politicians and generals, including the ex-ISI chief, General Akhtar Abdur Rahman Khan, according to data leaked from Credit Suisse, an investment banking firm registered in Switzerland. A report published in The New York Times said Khan helped funnel billions of dollars in cash and other aid from the United States and other countries to the mujahedeen in Afghanistan to support their fight against the Soviet Union.The Saudi Arabian and US funding for mujahideen fighters battling Russia's presence in Afghanistan went to the American Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Swiss bank account, the Dawn newspaper reported, citing an Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) report. Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces flak over new laws 'to silence media, Opposition' "The end recipient in the process was Pakistan`s Inter-Services Intelligence group (ISI), [at the time] led by Akhtar," the publication quoting the report said.The average maximum balance in accounts held by Pakistanis was 4.42 million Swiss francs, The News International newspaper reported. The Pakistani publication further noted that several politically exposed persons didn't mention these accounts which they opened at a time when they were holders of public office, in their assets declaration submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan. Watch | Pakistan eyes citizens' gold to boost foreign exchange reserves The latest leaks follow the so-called Panama Papers in 2016, the Paradise Papers in 2017 and the Pandora Papers of last year. A self-described whistle-blower leaked data on more than 18,000 bank accounts, collectively holding more than $100 billion, to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, reported The New York Times. Further revelations are expected in the upcoming days, as more information about the leak becomes public. Earlier in January, Pakistan ranked 140 out of 180 on Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2021 by Transparency International, losing 16 spots over the previous year.

Billions of dollars stashed by Pakistani generals, officials in Swiss bank: Reports

Credit Suisse, which is a global investment bank and financial services firm based in Switzerland, on Sunday (February 20) said that it "strongly rejects" allegations of wrongdoing. Credit Suisse is apparently Switzerland's second-largest lender. &nbsp;

Multiple media outlets have published results of investigations into a leak of data on thousands of accounts held there in previous decades.&nbsp;

The documents termed "Suisse Secrets" have been published by Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). It is an international investigation into one of the world's wealthiest and most important banks.&nbsp;

The documents have been compiled after more than 163 journalists from 48 media outlets in 39 countries across the world spent months analysing bank account information leaked from Credit Suisse.&nbsp;

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OCCRP stated that the leak included more than 18,000 accounts that held in excess of $100 billion at their peak. It is the only known leak of a major Swiss bank's client data to journalists.&nbsp;

The reports mentioned that the leaked data was provided to the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung by an anonymous source more than a year ago and the data includes information about more than 18,000 Credit Suisse accounts and 30,000 account holders.&nbsp;

The investigative report, as published by several media out claims to have found evidence that some of the accounts show trails of involvement in serious crimes such as money laundering or drug trafficking.&nbsp;

The report states that the Suisse Secrets project investigates these account holders, whose exploitation of Swiss banking secrecy is a "prime example of how the international financial industry enables theft and corruption".&nbsp;

"Given Credit Suisse's numerous pledges to reform its due diligence practices over the years, the project highlights the need for increased accountability in this sector," a part of the OCCRP report noted. v

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Meanwhile, the Swiss bank has rejected the allegations. In a statement, it said, "The matters presented are predominantly historical, in some cases dating back as far as the 1940s, and the accounts of these matters are based on partial, inaccurate, or selective information taken out of context."&nbsp;

Credit Suisse further said that it had reviewed accounts that were likely related to the investigative report. "Approximately 90% of the reviewed accounts are today closed or were in the process of closure prior to receipt of the press inquiries, of which over 60% were closed before 2015," it said.&nbsp;

Credit Suisse also said that it was "deeply aware of its responsibility to clients and the financial system as a whole to ensure that the highest standards of conduct are upheld".&nbsp;

It said, "These media allegations appear to be a concerted effort to discredit not only the bank but the Swiss financial market-place as a whole, which has undergone significant changes over the last several years."&nbsp;

Credit Suisse, which is a global investment bank and financial services firm based in Switzerland, on Sunday (February 20) said that it "strongly rejects" allegations of wrongdoing.

Credit Suisse, which is a global investment bank and financial services firm based in Switzerland, on Sunday (February 20) said that it "strongly rejects" allegations of wrongdoing. Credit Suisse is apparently Switzerland's second-largest lender. Multiple media outlets have published results of investigations into a leak of data on thousands of accounts held there in previous decades. The documents termed "Suisse Secrets" have been published by Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). It is an international investigation into one of the world's wealthiest and most important banks. The documents have been compiled after more than 163 journalists from 48 media outlets in 39 countries across the world spent months analysing bank account information leaked from Credit Suisse. ALSO READ | US plans to cut ties with targeted Russian banks if Ukraine is invaded: Sources OCCRP stated that the leak included more than 18,000 accounts that held in excess of $100 billion at their peak. It is the only known leak of a major Swiss bank's client data to journalists. The reports mentioned that the leaked data was provided to the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung by an anonymous source more than a year ago and the data includes information about more than 18,000 Credit Suisse accounts and 30,000 account holders. The investigative report, as published by several media out claims to have found evidence that some of the accounts show trails of involvement in serious crimes such as money laundering or drug trafficking. The report states that the Suisse Secrets project investigates these account holders, whose exploitation of Swiss banking secrecy is a "prime example of how the international financial industry enables theft and corruption". "Given Credit Suisse's numerous pledges to reform its due diligence practices over the years, the project highlights the need for increased accountability in this sector," a part of the OCCRP report noted. v ALSO READ | These are the 3 Indian cities with the most millionaire households Meanwhile, the Swiss bank has rejected the allegations. In a statement, it said, "The matters presented are predominantly historical, in some cases dating back as far as the 1940s, and the accounts of these matters are based on partial, inaccurate, or selective information taken out of context." Credit Suisse further said that it had reviewed accounts that were likely related to the investigative report. "Approximately 90% of the reviewed accounts are today closed or were in the process of closure prior to receipt of the press inquiries, of which over 60% were closed before 2015," it said. Credit Suisse also said that it was "deeply aware of its responsibility to clients and the financial system as a whole to ensure that the highest standards of conduct are upheld". It said, "These media allegations appear to be a concerted effort to discredit not only the bank but the Swiss financial market-place as a whole, which has undergone significant changes over the last several years."

'Suisse Secrets': Switzerland based bank denies wrongdoing after massive data leak shows trails of dirty money

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish.

Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.67, a comfortable 1.05 ahead of compatriot Wendy Holdener. Italy's Federica Brignone finished in the bronze medal position.

Shiffrin was a strong favourite, even after her ill-fated performances at these Games, but for the third time here had the letters DNF - Did Not Finish -- next to her name.

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She was well placed as fifth fastest after the morning's downhill leg but, returning to the Ice River course where she had skied out in both the giant slalom and slalom, Shiffrin missed a gate and incredibly skied off the course yet again.

"I didn’t make it to the finish again, and like 60 percent of my DNF rate has happened at this Olympic Games," said the American who came into the Games as the star of the sport and the great American medal hope.

"I didn’t feel pressure there. I mean there is always pressure but I just felt loose and relaxed and like I knew my plan, focused and good skiing - I was doing it and it still didn’t work. That is what it is," she said.

The six-times world champion has had 47 World Cup victories in slalom but that experience has counted for precious little in Beijing.

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"47 different times I had this feeling - the right balance of intensity, focus, the feeling I had on my skis - it always worked.

"It was always good, fast skiing but I never had an issue not finishing and especially not that early. So it is just a little bit of a mind-boggling event I guess".

Shiffrin won gold in giant slalom at Pyeongchang 2018 after winning the slalom title at Sochi 2014. She also claimed the silver medal in the combined four years ago.

BELOW EXPECTATIONS

The 26-year-old has competed in every individual event in Beijing but her results have been way below all expectations. She was only able to complete the speed events, finishing ninth in the super-G and 18th in the downhill.

But while Americans scratch their heads over Shiffrin's sudden loss of form, the Swiss are basking in their domination of the sport.

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Gisin's victory produced the fifth gold for the Swiss team at these Games and the second medal for both Gisin and Holdener.

"Four years ago I did it with my downhill and this time I did it with my slalom. It's a pity that Mikaela did not finish, I would love to have battled for gold with her," said Gisin

"I didn't think I could put a slalom run together like this after these three weeks, it was so intense."

Three of the Swiss Alpine team's golds have been for women and the country's Alpine medal tally in Beijing stands at nine in total, including a bronze in super-G for Gisin while Holdener finished third in slalom.

The pair had both medalled in the combined in Pyeongchang with Holdener taking bronze as Gisin triumphed.

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Czech Ester Ledecka finished fourth, narrowly missing out on an Alpine medal to go with her snowboard gold in the parallel giant slalom.

Four years ago, Ledecka made history when she became the first athlete to win gold in both her snowboard event and Alpine, where she won in super-G.

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish. Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish. Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.67, a comfortable 1.05 ahead of compatriot Wendy Holdener. Italy's Federica Brignone finished in the bronze medal position. Shiffrin was a strong favourite, even after her ill-fated performances at these Games, but for the third time here had the letters DNF - Did Not Finish -- next to her name. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Sweden's Sandra Naeslund wins women's ski cross final, takes home gold She was well placed as fifth fastest after the morning's downhill leg but, returning to the Ice River course where she had skied out in both the giant slalom and slalom, Shiffrin missed a gate and incredibly skied off the course yet again. "I didn’t make it to the finish again, and like 60 percent of my DNF rate has happened at this Olympic Games," said the American who came into the Games as the star of the sport and the great American medal hope. "I didn’t feel pressure there. I mean there is always pressure but I just felt loose and relaxed and like I knew my plan, focused and good skiing - I was doing it and it still didn’t work. That is what it is," she said. The six-times world champion has had 47 World Cup victories in slalom but that experience has counted for precious little in Beijing. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Canada reclaims gold medal, U.S. settles for silver in ice hockey "47 different times I had this feeling - the right balance of intensity, focus, the feeling I had on my skis - it always worked. "It was always good, fast skiing but I never had an issue not finishing and especially not that early. So it is just a little bit of a mind-boggling event I guess". Shiffrin won gold in giant slalom at Pyeongchang 2018 after winning the slalom title at Sochi 2014. She also claimed the silver medal in the combined four years ago. BELOW EXPECTATIONS The 26-year-old has competed in every individual event in Beijing but her results have been way below all expectations. She was only able to complete the speed events, finishing ninth in the super-G and 18th in the downhill. But while Americans scratch their heads over Shiffrin's sudden loss of form, the Swiss are basking in their domination of the sport. ALSO READ: Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal Gisin's victory produced the fifth gold for the Swiss team at these Games and the second medal for both Gisin and Holdener. "Four years ago I did it with my downhill and this time I did it with my slalom. It's a pity that Mikaela did not finish, I would love to have battled for gold with her," said Gisin "I didn't think I could put a slalom run together like this after these three weeks, it was so intense." Three of the Swiss Alpine team's golds have been for women and the country's Alpine medal tally in Beijing stands at nine in total, including a bronze in super-G for Gisin while Holdener finished third in slalom. The pair had both medalled in the combined in Pyeongchang with Holdener taking bronze as Gisin triumphed. ALSO READ: American sprinter Richardson's case 'different' from Kamila Valieva's: International Olympic Committee Czech Ester Ledecka finished fourth, narrowly missing out on an Alpine medal to go with her snowboard gold in the parallel giant slalom. Four years ago, Ledecka made history when she became the first athlete to win gold in both her snowboard event and Alpine, where she won in super-G.

Beijing Olympics: Swiss skier Michelle Gisin retains gold as Mikaela Shiffrin fails again in Alpine skiing

Voters in Switzerland have overwhelmingly rejected the ban on animal testing. Only about 20.9% of voters said yes to the ban in a referendum.

Medical experiments on Animals: Voters in Switzerland overwhelmingly reject ban on animal testing

The Swiss tobacco industry employs at least 11,000 people. However, 56% of people in Switzerland have voted to ban Tobacco advertisements.

56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements

&nbsp;The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man.

While many countries have long banned cigarette advertising, it has lived on in Switzerland, where loose regulations on the sale and marketing of tobacco products make the country an outlier in much of the Western world. The ads adorn billboards on city streets, are shown in movie theaters, and are ubiquitous at sports and cultural events like Montreux’s famed jazz festival.

But this weekend, much of that may start to fade away as Swiss voters decide whether to place restrictions on tobacco ads that would effectively ban them in public spaces.

The initiative, which is expected to pass in a referendum, according to polls conducted by Swiss media outlets, has been endorsed by health advocates who cite findings by bodies like the World Health Organization that the ads encourage young people to smoke and make it harder for smokers to quit.

“We want to protect young people and ensure tobacco prevention efforts are not undermined through advertising,” said Hans Stöckli, who is president of the committee behind the initiative.

The initiative has unsurprisingly been opposed by the tobacco industry, but also by the government, which has maintained unfashionably friendly relationships with tobacco companies that have set up regional and even global headquarters in Switzerland. A majority of members of Parliament have also come out against it. Many of them say jobs will be lost if the referendum passes, since cigarettes rank with chocolate and cheese as some of the country’s leading exports.

If voters approve the initiative, advertising for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, would no longer be allowed in places or on websites that are accessible to those under 18.

Even though it would not be a blanket ban, it would nonetheless represent a significant change. Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe that has not introduced a nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco-related products to minors. Although some parts of the country ban sales to children under the ages of 18 or 16, others have no minimum age, and in many places young people can be seen puffing away in public.

Switzerland has been unable to ratify the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, despite signing it in 2004, because of its insufficient restrictions on sponsorship and advertising. The United States has also not ratified the convention.

Stöckli said that even if voters approve the new legislation, Switzerland would still lag behind other countries on regulating tobacco. He said advocates had focused on protecting children and young people, instead of a blanket ban, to improve the chances of the law passing.

“It was a compromise,” he said, adding that he would keep pushing for tighter regulations and higher taxes on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine extracted from tobacco.

Switzerland has long courted multinational tobacco companies. Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco International have their international headquarters in the country, and British American Tobacco also has a strong presence. The sector employs about 4,500 people in Switzerland, according to the government, including in the production of high-tar cigarettes that are illegal to produce or sell in the European Union.

The referendum Sunday came out of a 2015 proposal by the Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive branch, for a Tobacco Products Act that would ban the sale of tobacco to minors nationwide and restrict advertising. Parliament eventually approved an amended bill that would leave most advertising intact.

In response to the weakening of the legislation, a group made up of more than 40 health organizations launched an initiative to make it tougher, and assembled the necessary signatures needed to put it to the voters.

If Swiss voters reject the initiative Sunday, the amended bill will come into effect without the broad restrictions on ads.

The initiative also includes restrictions on offering discounted or free tobacco products and on industry sponsorship of events that are accessible to minors.

Despite strong support from civil society organizations, the initiative has faced a lot of opposition from politicians in Switzerland.

Mike Egger, a member of the Swiss People’s Party and co-president of a group formed to encourage people to reject the initiative, said the proposed advertising restrictions were against Switzerland’s liberal values.

“The initiative calls for a ban on advertising a legal product,” he said.

Egger said that the harmful effects of smoking were well known in Switzerland, and that tobacco packaging already included warnings. Cigarette packs carry both written warnings and the gruesome pictures of diseased body parts that have become common in many countries.

“I trust that citizens can themselves decide whether they want to consume tobacco products or not, and there is no need for a superstate that regulates the sector more strongly,” he said.

Anti-smoking advocates have also accused the Federal Council of cozying up to the tobacco industry. They pointed to a statement in which the council said that the initiative was welcome from a public health perspective, but that it “had to weigh the public health interests against those of the economy” and supported limiting “advertising to an extent that is acceptable to the tobacco industry.”

In the statement, the council acknowledged that almost half of smokers started the habit as a minor, and that tobacco use was responsible for around 15% of the nation’s deaths.

Pascal Diethelm, an anti-tobacco campaigner and a proponent of the initiative, said the declaration by the Federal Council was shocking.

“This is smoking-gun proof that the government has put the tobacco control policy, which is a public health policy, under the tutelage of the tobacco industry,” he said.

“I don’t see any other country in the world which has done that,” said Diethelm, pointing to the council’s rejection of the initiative despite its acknowledgment that an advertising ban would not only benefit children, but also adults, and reduce the high costs associated with smoking.

Martin Kuonen, director of Swiss Cigarette, an association that includes Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco and British American Tobacco, said the tobacco industry was “fully in favor of the protection of minors” and agreed with the idea of setting a minimum age for buying its products.

But Kuonen said the tougher legislation proposed by the initiative went too far. “It is a de facto advertising ban,” he said, because children can potentially be exposed to advertisements anywhere. He said the industry strongly opposed this, as “adults will indirectly also be affected.”

Kuonen said that if the public votes in favor of the initiative, the tobacco companies “will have to think twice about whether they want to continue investing in Switzerland.”

But Diethelm said he doubted the industry would seriously consider uprooting and moving elsewhere.

“Where should they go?” he said. “I don’t see any decently governed country that would want them.”

The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man.

The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man. While many countries have long banned cigarette advertising, it has lived on in Switzerland, where loose regulations on the sale and marketing of tobacco products make the country an outlier in much of the Western world. The ads adorn billboards on city streets, are shown in movie theaters, and are ubiquitous at sports and cultural events like Montreux’s famed jazz festival. But this weekend, much of that may start to fade away as Swiss voters decide whether to place restrictions on tobacco ads that would effectively ban them in public spaces. The initiative, which is expected to pass in a referendum, according to polls conducted by Swiss media outlets, has been endorsed by health advocates who cite findings by bodies like the World Health Organization that the ads encourage young people to smoke and make it harder for smokers to quit. “We want to protect young people and ensure tobacco prevention efforts are not undermined through advertising,” said Hans Stöckli, who is president of the committee behind the initiative. The initiative has unsurprisingly been opposed by the tobacco industry, but also by the government, which has maintained unfashionably friendly relationships with tobacco companies that have set up regional and even global headquarters in Switzerland. A majority of members of Parliament have also come out against it. Many of them say jobs will be lost if the referendum passes, since cigarettes rank with chocolate and cheese as some of the country’s leading exports. If voters approve the initiative, advertising for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, would no longer be allowed in places or on websites that are accessible to those under 18. Even though it would not be a blanket ban, it would nonetheless represent a significant change. Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe that has not introduced a nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco-related products to minors. Although some parts of the country ban sales to children under the ages of 18 or 16, others have no minimum age, and in many places young people can be seen puffing away in public. Switzerland has been unable to ratify the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, despite signing it in 2004, because of its insufficient restrictions on sponsorship and advertising. The United States has also not ratified the convention. Stöckli said that even if voters approve the new legislation, Switzerland would still lag behind other countries on regulating tobacco. He said advocates had focused on protecting children and young people, instead of a blanket ban, to improve the chances of the law passing. “It was a compromise,” he said, adding that he would keep pushing for tighter regulations and higher taxes on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine extracted from tobacco. Switzerland has long courted multinational tobacco companies. Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco International have their international headquarters in the country, and British American Tobacco also has a strong presence. The sector employs about 4,500 people in Switzerland, according to the government, including in the production of high-tar cigarettes that are illegal to produce or sell in the European Union. The referendum Sunday came out of a 2015 proposal by the Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive branch, for a Tobacco Products Act that would ban the sale of tobacco to minors nationwide and restrict advertising. Parliament eventually approved an amended bill that would leave most advertising intact. In response to the weakening of the legislation, a group made up of more than 40 health organizations launched an initiative to make it tougher, and assembled the necessary signatures needed to put it to the voters. If Swiss voters reject the initiative Sunday, the amended bill will come into effect without the broad restrictions on ads. The initiative also includes restrictions on offering discounted or free tobacco products and on industry sponsorship of events that are accessible to minors. Despite strong support from civil society organizations, the initiative has faced a lot of opposition from politicians in Switzerland. Mike Egger, a member of the Swiss People’s Party and co-president of a group formed to encourage people to reject the initiative, said the proposed advertising restrictions were against Switzerland’s liberal values. “The initiative calls for a ban on advertising a legal product,” he said. Egger said that the harmful effects of smoking were well known in Switzerland, and that tobacco packaging already included warnings. Cigarette packs carry both written warnings and the gruesome pictures of diseased body parts that have become common in many countries. “I trust that citizens can themselves decide whether they want to consume tobacco products or not, and there is no need for a superstate that regulates the sector more strongly,” he said. Anti-smoking advocates have also accused the Federal Council of cozying up to the tobacco industry. They pointed to a statement in which the council said that the initiative was welcome from a public health perspective, but that it “had to weigh the public health interests against those of the economy” and supported limiting “advertising to an extent that is acceptable to the tobacco industry.” In the statement, the council acknowledged that almost half of smokers started the habit as a minor, and that tobacco use was responsible for around 15% of the nation’s deaths. Pascal Diethelm, an anti-tobacco campaigner and a proponent of the initiative, said the declaration by the Federal Council was shocking. “This is smoking-gun proof that the government has put the tobacco control policy, which is a public health policy, under the tutelage of the tobacco industry,” he said. “I don’t see any other country in the world which has done that,” said Diethelm, pointing to the council’s rejection of the initiative despite its acknowledgment that an advertising ban would not only benefit children, but also adults, and reduce the high costs associated with smoking. Martin Kuonen, director of Swiss Cigarette, an association that includes Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco and British American Tobacco, said the tobacco industry was “fully in favor of the protection of minors” and agreed with the idea of setting a minimum age for buying its products. But Kuonen said the tougher legislation proposed by the initiative went too far. “It is a de facto advertising ban,” he said, because children can potentially be exposed to advertisements anywhere. He said the industry strongly opposed this, as “adults will indirectly also be affected.” Kuonen said that if the public votes in favor of the initiative, the tobacco companies “will have to think twice about whether they want to continue investing in Switzerland.” But Diethelm said he doubted the industry would seriously consider uprooting and moving elsewhere. “Where should they go?” he said. “I don’t see any decently governed country that would want them.”

Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban

A region in Switzerland will vote on Sunday whether non-human primates should be accorded some of the fundamental rights that are enjoyed by humans.

The northern province of Basel-Stadt will decide whether to amend its constitution so that the primates can enjoy the ‘right to life’ and “mental and physical integrity” under the region’s law.

The referendum has been piloted by the animal rights group, Sentience, under Switzerland’s direct democracy system.

The plea has gathered over 100,000 signatures, following which it would be put for a popular vote. The referendum is slated to begin on February 13, 2022.

Once the quota was reached, local media reports stated that the city authorities immediately appealed to Switzerland’s Supreme Court to stop the referendum, saying that it went against federal law.

But the complaint was dismissed in 2020 on the basis that cantons in Switzerland are allowed to go further in their protection than federal law does.

“This will mark the first time worldwide that people can vote on fundamental rights for non-human animals,” AFP quoted the group as saying.

Basel-based Sentience says primates are highly intelligent and maintain an active social life, and feel pain, grief and compassion.

However, they cannot defend themselves against interventions in their lives — so humans need to take responsibility and grant them rights, says Sentience’s website.

Basel-Stadt is known to host one of the best zoos in Europe. The group says some 150 primates live in the canton, which borders France and Germany.

(With inputs from agencies)

A region in Switzerland will vote on Sunday whether non-human primates should be accorded some of the fundamental rights that are enjoyed by humans. The northern province of Basel-Stadt will decide whether to amend its constitution so that the primates can enjoy the ‘right to life’ and “mental and physical integrity” under the region’s law.

A region in Switzerland will vote on Sunday whether non-human primates should be accorded some of the fundamental rights that are enjoyed by humans. The northern province of Basel-Stadt will decide whether to amend its constitution so that the primates can enjoy the ‘right to life’ and “mental and physical integrity” under the region’s law. The referendum has been piloted by the animal rights group, Sentience, under Switzerland’s direct democracy system. The plea has gathered over 100,000 signatures, following which it would be put for a popular vote. The referendum is slated to begin on February 13, 2022. Once the quota was reached, local media reports stated that the city authorities immediately appealed to Switzerland’s Supreme Court to stop the referendum, saying that it went against federal law. But the complaint was dismissed in 2020 on the basis that cantons in Switzerland are allowed to go further in their protection than federal law does. “This will mark the first time worldwide that people can vote on fundamental rights for non-human animals,” AFP quoted the group as saying. Basel-based Sentience says primates are highly intelligent and maintain an active social life, and feel pain, grief and compassion. However, they cannot defend themselves against interventions in their lives — so humans need to take responsibility and grant them rights, says Sentience’s website. Basel-Stadt is known to host one of the best zoos in Europe. The group says some 150 primates live in the canton, which borders France and Germany. (With inputs from agencies)

This Swizz region is trying to pass law for primates to enjoy 'human' rights

India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motor has bought Switzerland’s largest electric bike company Swiss e-Mobility Group (SEMG); it is Switzerland’s largest electric bike company.

TVS acquires 75% in Swiss e-bike player

Although most people are aware of the saying "time is money," few consider it to be a legitimate substitute for cash, and even fewer have utilised it as such.

While time used to be donated on a voluntary basis or as part of a mutual support agreement among neighbours or friends, technology has made time banking a reality.

For the first time, a huge number of individuals can track their time accurately and quickly, turning it into a money that can be banked and exchanged for desired goods and services.&nbsp;

Swiss citizens can save their time and put it to better use later by depositing it in banks.The Swiss Ministry of Health created the Time Bank concept as an old-age assistance programme.

Under the 'time bank' scheme, people save time and volunteer to look after the elderly who require assistance and the number of hours they spend with or caring for seniors is deposited in their individual social security account.

When the volunteer reaches the age when he or she wants support.He or she can take advantage of the "time bank."

He or she will be looked after by a volunteer.

In 2018, a panel of the National Human Rights Commission recommended that India adopt the "time bank" scheme.&nbsp; 
 
Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/swiss-citizens-can-now-deposit-their-time-in-bank-heres-how-442313/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

What is the scheme?

Time Bank is a barter system that allows people to "deposit" and "withdraw" their time based on their abilities and needs.

This ideology is both basic and noble in its vision, and it is founded on altruistic principles that date back to a simpler era.&nbsp;

How does it work?

The concept of time banking is straightforward.A time-based service is provided by one individual or entity to another entity.

This service could include IT services, consultations, babysitting, hairdressing, gardening, construction, tutoring, or any other time-consuming job.

A time bank is used to track the amount of time spent providing the service.

When time-based units collect in the time bank, they can be used to buy time-based services from other people.&nbsp;

Which countries have begun to implement this system?

Aside from Switzerland, the UK has adopted the 'time bank' plan, and Singapore is considering doing likewise.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Although most people are aware of the saying "time is money," few consider it to be a legitimate substitute for cash, and even fewer have utilised it as such. While time used to be donated on a voluntary basis or as part of a mutual support agreement among neighbours or friends, technology has made time banking a reality.

Although most people are aware of the saying "time is money," few consider it to be a legitimate substitute for cash, and even fewer have utilised it as such. While time used to be donated on a voluntary basis or as part of a mutual support agreement among neighbours or friends, technology has made time banking a reality. For the first time, a huge number of individuals can track their time accurately and quickly, turning it into a money that can be banked and exchanged for desired goods and services. Swiss citizens can save their time and put it to better use later by depositing it in banks.The Swiss Ministry of Health created the Time Bank concept as an old-age assistance programme. Under the 'time bank' scheme, people save time and volunteer to look after the elderly who require assistance and the number of hours they spend with or caring for seniors is deposited in their individual social security account. When the volunteer reaches the age when he or she wants support.He or she can take advantage of the "time bank." He or she will be looked after by a volunteer. In 2018, a panel of the National Human Rights Commission recommended that India adopt the "time bank" scheme. Watch | What is the scheme? Time Bank is a barter system that allows people to "deposit" and "withdraw" their time based on their abilities and needs. This ideology is both basic and noble in its vision, and it is founded on altruistic principles that date back to a simpler era. How does it work? The concept of time banking is straightforward.A time-based service is provided by one individual or entity to another entity. This service could include IT services, consultations, babysitting, hairdressing, gardening, construction, tutoring, or any other time-consuming job. A time bank is used to track the amount of time spent providing the service. When time-based units collect in the time bank, they can be used to buy time-based services from other people. Which countries have begun to implement this system? Aside from Switzerland, the UK has adopted the 'time bank' plan, and Singapore is considering doing likewise. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | 'Time is money': People in Switzerland can actually deposit their time in banks

People in Switzerland will be able to legally change gender by a visit to the civil registry office from January&nbsp;1, putting the country at the forefront of Europe's gender self-identification movement.

Switzerland joins Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and Norway as one of the few countries on the continent that allow a person to legally change gender without hormone therapy, medical diagnosis or further evaluation or bureaucratic steps.

Under the new rules written into Switzerland's civil code, anyone aged 16 and above who is not under legal guardianship will be able to adjust their gender and legal name by self-declaration at the civil registry office. Younger people and those under adult protection will require guardian consent.

This marks a change from the current set of regionally prescribed standards in Switzerland, which often require a certificate from a medical professional confirming an individual's transgender identity.

Some cantons - semi-autonomous regions in federal Switzerland - also require a person to undergo hormone treatment or anatomical transition in order to legally change gender, while, for a name change, proof could be required that the new name has already been unofficially in use for several years.

Switzerland, long known as socially conservative in the main, voted in September to legalise civil marriage.&nbsp;

With the new gender change rules, Switzerland joins just two dozen countries worldwide aiming to decouple gender choice from medical procedures.

While some other European nations including Denmark, Greece and France have removed the requirement of medical procedures, including sex reassignment surgery, sterilisation or psychiatric evaluation, their rules require further steps or conditions.

People in Switzerland will be able to legally change gender by a visit to the civil registry office from January 1, putting the country at the forefront of Europe's gender self-identification movement.

People in Switzerland will be able to legally change gender by a visit to the civil registry office from January 1, putting the country at the forefront of Europe's gender self-identification movement. Switzerland joins Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and Norway as one of the few countries on the continent that allow a person to legally change gender without hormone therapy, medical diagnosis or further evaluation or bureaucratic steps. Under the new rules written into Switzerland's civil code, anyone aged 16 and above who is not under legal guardianship will be able to adjust their gender and legal name by self-declaration at the civil registry office. Younger people and those under adult protection will require guardian consent. This marks a change from the current set of regionally prescribed standards in Switzerland, which often require a certificate from a medical professional confirming an individual's transgender identity. Some cantons - semi-autonomous regions in federal Switzerland - also require a person to undergo hormone treatment or anatomical transition in order to legally change gender, while, for a name change, proof could be required that the new name has already been unofficially in use for several years. Switzerland, long known as socially conservative in the main, voted in September to legalise civil marriage. With the new gender change rules, Switzerland joins just two dozen countries worldwide aiming to decouple gender choice from medical procedures. While some other European nations including Denmark, Greece and France have removed the requirement of medical procedures, including sex reassignment surgery, sterilisation or psychiatric evaluation, their rules require further steps or conditions.

Switzerland simplifies legal gender transition

An ice cave formed naturally on a high-altitude glacier in the Swiss Alps delighted nature lovers and photographers.

Bluish cave formed naturally in Switzerland | Glacier

WION brings you a quick round-up of all latest news on surge of coronavirus pandemic across the world, stay tuned for all latest developments.

Covid News | Switzerland tightens covid curbs, Denmark imposes new restrictions and more

A science exhibition seems to be breaking stereotypes in Switzerland. It seems to be spreading the word that gender diversity and homosexuality are not immoral or unnatural, as per a media report. &nbsp;

The 'Queer — Diversity is in our nature' exhibition, which is being held till March 2023, at the Bern Museum in Switzerland's capital, is encouraging tolerance and openness. &nbsp;

This exhibition looks to show the diversity of gender and sexual orientation within humans and other animals, the report said on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-extremely-rare-deep-sea-sighting-of-giant-phantom-jellyfish-with-bizarre-ribbon-like-mouth-arms-436003" hreflang="en">Watch: Extremely rare deep-sea sighting of giant phantom jellyfish, with bizarre ribbon-like mouth arms</a>

The exhibition displays biological studies to confront contemporary debates on homosexuality to bridge nature with society. It also includes the finding that same-sex relationships have been witnessed in over 1,500 species. &nbsp;

Christian Kropf, biologist, University of Bern's Institute of Ecology and Evolution and scientific curator of the exhibition, said that same-sex relationships are an everyday occurrence in nature. They also generate social cohesion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/faster-than-usain-bolt-study-reveals-theropod-dinosaurs-could-run-really-fast-435905" hreflang="en">Faster than Usain Bolt? Study reveals Theropod dinosaurs could run really fast</a>

"Many people think that homosexuality and being queer are marginal and perverse phenomena. They say they are unnatural. But this is nonsense!" Kropf said. &nbsp;

European rams and male bottlenose dolphins are best examples of species, who are capable of forming lasting same-sex relationships, Kropf added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A science exhibition seems to be breaking stereotypes in Switzerland. It seems to be spreading the word that gender diversity and homosexuality are not immoral or unnatural, as per a media report.

A science exhibition seems to be breaking stereotypes in Switzerland. It seems to be spreading the word that gender diversity and homosexuality are not immoral or unnatural, as per a media report. The 'Queer — Diversity is in our nature' exhibition, which is being held till March 2023, at the Bern Museum in Switzerland's capital, is encouraging tolerance and openness. This exhibition looks to show the diversity of gender and sexual orientation within humans and other animals, the report said on Friday. Also Read: Watch: Extremely rare deep-sea sighting of giant phantom jellyfish, with bizarre ribbon-like mouth arms The exhibition displays biological studies to confront contemporary debates on homosexuality to bridge nature with society. It also includes the finding that same-sex relationships have been witnessed in over 1,500 species. Christian Kropf, biologist, University of Bern's Institute of Ecology and Evolution and scientific curator of the exhibition, said that same-sex relationships are an everyday occurrence in nature. They also generate social cohesion. Also Read: Faster than Usain Bolt? Study reveals Theropod dinosaurs could run really fast "Many people think that homosexuality and being queer are marginal and perverse phenomena. They say they are unnatural. But this is nonsense!" Kropf said. European rams and male bottlenose dolphins are best examples of species, who are capable of forming lasting same-sex relationships, Kropf added. (With inputs from agencies)

Science exhibition fights humans’ 'unnatural' homophobia in Switzerland

Switzerland has legalised a 'Suicide Machine'. The device promises a 'painless death' within a minute. Assisted Suicide has been legal in the country since 1942. The 'Sarco Pod' is aimed at making the process easier. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute

Switzerland has legalised a 'Suicide Machine'. The device promises a 'painless death' within a minute. Assisted Suicide has been legal in the country since 1942, the 'Sarco Pod' is aimed at making the process easier.

Switzerland: 'Sarco Pod'- A device to make suicide 'painless'

The impact of food waste on climate emission is an increasing concern for many especially ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow. In Switzerland, a community association is linking orchards, volunteers to ensure that more apples find their way into the food chain.

Community in Switzerland harvest unpicked apples as food waste affects climate change

The impact of food waste on climate emissions is an increasing concern for many ahead of COP26. In Switzerland, a community association is linking orchards, volunteers and fruit presses, to ensure many more apples find their way into the food chain.

Volunteers help harvest to avoid food waste in Switzerland

Thousands came together in the streets on Bern to protest the introduction of Covid certificates that are being rolled out to curb the spread of virus.

Massive crowds flooded the capital city of Switzerland expressing anger over the measures adopted by authorities to curb spread of Covid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-marathon-postponed-as-covid-19-cases-surge-in-china-423521">Wuhan marathon postponed as COVID-19 cases surge in China</a>

Since September 13, Covid certificates that prove that the individual has been vaccinated, or proof that the person has recovered from Covid or a negative PCR test have been made compulsory to gain access to any public space.

Locals dressed in costumes and gathered on streets to ask the government to rollback the Covid certificates. The protestors claimed the community should be able to follow the traditional Swiss values.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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🇨🇭 Switzerland - Bern [Oct 23, 2021] 
 
Massive protest in the capital city of Switzerland against the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreenPass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreenPass</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Freiheit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Freiheit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoGreenPass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoGreenPass</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bern2310?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bern2310</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bern</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoVaccinePassports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoVaccinePassports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnoughIsEnough?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnoughIsEnough</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NonAuPassSanitaire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NonAuPassSanitaire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zertifikat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zertifikat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Demo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Demo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vaccinatieplicht?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vaccinatieplicht</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeenQR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeenQR</a> <a href="https://t.co/FdbPG4hvgM">pic.twitter.com/FdbPG4hvgM</a>
— 🍌 BMedia 🇳🇱 (@BananaMediaQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/BananaMediaQ/status/1451887225122209797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Unlike earlier protests, this demonstration was completely peaceful and non-violent. The protest was approved by the local authorities. Even though authorities were present at the streets, the demonstrators expressed their anger in form of slogans and chants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-highest-covid-cases-on-saturday-since-mid-may-423440">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-highest-covid-cases-on-saturday-since-mid-may-423440/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Local media claimed that the authorities had allowed the demonstrators to gather to make sure that the protest don’t get violent.

Early in&nbsp;October, police and demonstrators had clashed violently. Local police officers have had deploy water cannons to disperse several unauthorised protests.

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Grande manifestation contre le pass sanitaire devant le Palais Fédéral à Berne en Suisse alors que le peuple suisse doit se prononcer par référendum le 28 novembre sur l'avenir de la Loi covid-19. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bern2310?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bern2310</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/manifs23octobre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#manifs23octobre</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoGreenPass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoGreenPass</a> <a href="https://t.co/BPTIyYjk3X">pic.twitter.com/BPTIyYjk3X</a>
— Anonyme Citoyen (@AnonymeCitoyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnonymeCitoyen/status/1451937850115637255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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You would think the media would cover three months of protests in Switzerland against COVID law but no. 
 
Bern, Switzerland today <a href="https://t.co/4QqCtCCsJH">pic.twitter.com/4QqCtCCsJH</a>
— Aaron Ginn (@aginnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/aginnt/status/1451958885686808578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The protests are happening a few days before the citizens will get a chance to vote in favour of or against the controversial Covid certificates.

Switzerland has been able to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus, but the government wants to ensure that more people get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Thousands came together in the streets on Bern to protest the introduction of Covid certificates that are being rolled out to curb the spread of virus. Massive crowds flooded the capital city of Switzerland expressing anger over the measures adopted by authorities to curb spread of Covid.

Thousands came together in the streets on Bern to protest the introduction of Covid certificates that are being rolled out to curb the spread of virus. Massive crowds flooded the capital city of Switzerland expressing anger over the measures adopted by authorities to curb spread of Covid. Also read | Wuhan marathon postponed as COVID-19 cases surge in China Since September 13, Covid certificates that prove that the individual has been vaccinated, or proof that the person has recovered from Covid or a negative PCR test have been made compulsory to gain access to any public space. Locals dressed in costumes and gathered on streets to ask the government to rollback the Covid certificates. The protestors claimed the community should be able to follow the traditional Swiss values. 🇨🇭 Switzerland - Bern [Oct 23, 2021] Massive protest in the capital city of Switzerland against the #GreenPass. #Freiheit #NoGreenPass #bern2310 #Bern #NoVaccinePassports #EnoughIsEnough #NonAuPassSanitaire #Zertifikat #Demo #vaccinatieplicht #GeenQR pic.twitter.com/FdbPG4hvgM — 🍌 BMedia 🇳🇱 (@BananaMediaQ) October 23, 2021 × Unlike earlier protests, this demonstration was completely peaceful and non-violent. The protest was approved by the local authorities. Even though authorities were present at the streets, the demonstrators expressed their anger in form of slogans and chants. WATCH | Local media claimed that the authorities had allowed the demonstrators to gather to make sure that the protest don’t get violent. Early in October, police and demonstrators had clashed violently. Local police officers have had deploy water cannons to disperse several unauthorised protests. Grande manifestation contre le pass sanitaire devant le Palais Fédéral à Berne en Suisse alors que le peuple suisse doit se prononcer par référendum le 28 novembre sur l'avenir de la Loi covid-19. #Bern2310 #manifs23octobre #NoGreenPass pic.twitter.com/BPTIyYjk3X — Anonyme Citoyen (@AnonymeCitoyen) October 23, 2021 × You would think the media would cover three months of protests in Switzerland against COVID law but no. Bern, Switzerland today pic.twitter.com/4QqCtCCsJH — Aaron Ginn (@aginnt) October 23, 2021 × The protests are happening a few days before the citizens will get a chance to vote in favour of or against the controversial Covid certificates. Switzerland has been able to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus, but the government wants to ensure that more people get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Watch: Thousands of Swiss locals protest against Covid vaccine certificates

The Indian government has received the third set of Swiss bank account information from Switzerland.

This was done, as part of an annual exercise, under which the European nation shared details of nearly 33 lakh financial accounts with 96 nations.

On the condition of anonymity, officials revealed that the details relate mostly to businessmen, including NRI's now settled in several South-East Asian countries as well as in the US, the UK and even some African and South American countries.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pandora-papers-leak-anil-ambani-sachin-tendulkar-jackie-shroff-named-check-list-of-other-high-profile-indian-names-418066">Pandora papers leak: Anil Ambani, Sachin Tendulkar, Jackie Shroff named, check list of other high-profile Indian names</a>

The Indian authorities were provided with information regarding many individuals and companies with accounts in Swiss financial institutions.

According to experts, the Automatic Exchange Of Information (AEOI) data received by India has been quite useful for establishing a strong prosecution case against those who have any unaccounted wealth, as it provides entire details of deposits and transfers as well as of all earnings, including through investments in securities and other assets.

The exchanged details include identification, account and financial information, including name, address, country of residence and tax identification number, as well as information concerning the reporting financial institution, account balance and capital income.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandora-papers-largest-leak-of-offshore-data-in-history-explained-417996">Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained</a>

Tax authorities use the exchanged information to verify whether taxpayers have correctly reported their financial accounts on their tax returns.

While the information about contributions to non-profit organisations and other such foundations, as also details on investments in digital currencies still remain out of bounds from the AEOI framework; for the first time this year, Switzerland has also agreed to share information about foreigners' real estate holdings there.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/switzerland-to-share-information-on-real-estate-assets-owned-by-indian-nationals-412701">Switzerland to share information on real estate assets owned by Indian nationals</a>

This is seen as a major milestone in the Indian government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad, as authorities will now be able to investigate tax liabilities as well as earnings associated with flats, apartments, condos, etc. owned by Indians in Switzerland.

Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) also reported on Monday that 10 more countries - Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Dominica, Ghana, Lebanon, Macau, Pakistan, Qatar, Samoa and Vanuatu, were involved in the exchange of information this year.

Watch | In 2015, Swiss bank released list of dormant A/Cs, mostly A/Cs linked to the Indians

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/in-2015-swiss-bank-released-list-of-dormant-acs-mostly-acs-linked-to-the-indians-261221/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The exchange took place last month and the next set of information would be shared by Switzerland in September 2022.

With this, Switzerland is seeking to reposition itself as a key global financial centre while dispelling the long-standing perception that the Swiss banking system is a safe haven for large amounts of black money.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government has received the third set of Swiss bank account information from Switzerland. This was done, as part of an annual exercise, under which the European nation shared details of nearly 33 lakh financial accounts with 96 nations.

The Indian government has received the third set of Swiss bank account information from Switzerland. This was done, as part of an annual exercise, under which the European nation shared details of nearly 33 lakh financial accounts with 96 nations. On the condition of anonymity, officials revealed that the details relate mostly to businessmen, including NRI's now settled in several South-East Asian countries as well as in the US, the UK and even some African and South American countries. Also read | Pandora papers leak: Anil Ambani, Sachin Tendulkar, Jackie Shroff named, check list of other high-profile Indian names The Indian authorities were provided with information regarding many individuals and companies with accounts in Swiss financial institutions. According to experts, the Automatic Exchange Of Information (AEOI) data received by India has been quite useful for establishing a strong prosecution case against those who have any unaccounted wealth, as it provides entire details of deposits and transfers as well as of all earnings, including through investments in securities and other assets. The exchanged details include identification, account and financial information, including name, address, country of residence and tax identification number, as well as information concerning the reporting financial institution, account balance and capital income. Also Read | Pandora Papers: Largest leak of offshore data in history explained Tax authorities use the exchanged information to verify whether taxpayers have correctly reported their financial accounts on their tax returns. While the information about contributions to non-profit organisations and other such foundations, as also details on investments in digital currencies still remain out of bounds from the AEOI framework; for the first time this year, Switzerland has also agreed to share information about foreigners' real estate holdings there. Also read | Switzerland to share information on real estate assets owned by Indian nationals This is seen as a major milestone in the Indian government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad, as authorities will now be able to investigate tax liabilities as well as earnings associated with flats, apartments, condos, etc. owned by Indians in Switzerland. Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) also reported on Monday that 10 more countries - Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Dominica, Ghana, Lebanon, Macau, Pakistan, Qatar, Samoa and Vanuatu, were involved in the exchange of information this year. Watch | In 2015, Swiss bank released list of dormant A/Cs, mostly A/Cs linked to the Indians The exchange took place last month and the next set of information would be shared by Switzerland in September 2022. With this, Switzerland is seeking to reposition itself as a key global financial centre while dispelling the long-standing perception that the Swiss banking system is a safe haven for large amounts of black money. (With inputs from agencies)

India gets third set of Swiss bank details; mostly businessmen, NRIs

In a bid to combat a surge in COVID-19 infections, Switzerland has imposed new rules. But the swiss are not happy. Thousands marched on the streets of Geneva demonstrating against the government's efforts to tackle COVID-19.

Switzerland imposes new rules to combat a surge in COVID-19

Several countries had started offering incentives to the people who were coming ahead to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. However, Switzerland has come up with an even better idea.<o:p></o:p>

The Swiss government has started offering incentives to people who successfully bring their friends, neighbours, work colleagues and family members to get vaccinated.<o:p></o:p>

"Everyone can help to convince a friend, neighbor, work colleague or family member of the benefits of vaccination," the government said, noting that this kind of "cooperation of the population should be rewarded."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-surpasses-700000-covid-deaths-as-california-schools-make-vaccines-compulsory-417519">US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory</a>

<o:p></o:p>

From now on, any person who comes to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus will be asked to name one person who motivated them to get vaccinated. The named person will automatically be sent a gift certificate of $53.68 (50 Swiss francs).<o:p></o:p>

These gift certificates can be used in cinemas, restaurants and other entertainment venues listed by the local governments.<o:p></o:p>

The aim behind this new initiative is to make sure that more citizens come forward to get vaccinated. As of now, 58 per cent of the population of Switzerland has been fully vaccinated, which makes it one of the slowest inoculation drives in western Europe.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/british-citizens-arriving-in-india-to-face-a-mandatory-10-day-quarantine-417428">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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While the Covid cases have been declining in the country, the government is worried about the possibility of another surge in cases due to the deadly Delta variant. As of now, majority of the people in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Covid hospitals are people who had not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

The Swiss government has allocated $161.59 million (150 million francs) only for these Covid gift certificate offers. <o:p></o:p>

Officials are planning to announce a national vaccination week in which nearly 170 mobile vaccination hubs will be set up all around the country that will help people find a vaccine centre easily.<o:p></o:p>

Several countries had started offering incentives to the people who were coming ahead to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. However, Switzerland has come up with an even better idea.

Several countries had started offering incentives to the people who were coming ahead to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. However, Switzerland has come up with an even better idea. The Swiss government has started offering incentives to people who successfully bring their friends, neighbours, work colleagues and family members to get vaccinated. "Everyone can help to convince a friend, neighbor, work colleague or family member of the benefits of vaccination," the government said, noting that this kind of "cooperation of the population should be rewarded." Also read | US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory From now on, any person who comes to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus will be asked to name one person who motivated them to get vaccinated. The named person will automatically be sent a gift certificate of $53.68 (50 Swiss francs). These gift certificates can be used in cinemas, restaurants and other entertainment venues listed by the local governments. The aim behind this new initiative is to make sure that more citizens come forward to get vaccinated. As of now, 58 per cent of the population of Switzerland has been fully vaccinated, which makes it one of the slowest inoculation drives in western Europe. WATCH | While the Covid cases have been declining in the country, the government is worried about the possibility of another surge in cases due to the deadly Delta variant. As of now, majority of the people in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Covid hospitals are people who had not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus. The Swiss government has allocated $161.59 million (150 million francs) only for these Covid gift certificate offers. Officials are planning to announce a national vaccination week in which nearly 170 mobile vaccination hubs will be set up all around the country that will help people find a vaccine centre easily.

'Bring a friend, get rewarded': Swiss nationals to get gifts for bringing friends for Covid jabs

Switzerland&nbsp;agreed to&nbsp;legalise civil&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;and the right to adopt children for&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;couples by a&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;two-thirds&nbsp;majority&nbsp;in a referendum on Sunday, making it one of the last countries in Western Europe to&nbsp;legalise gay&nbsp;marriage.

According to results provided by the Swiss federal chancellery, 64.1% of voters voted in favour of&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;in the nationwide referendum that was conducted under&nbsp;Switzerland's system of direct democracy.

"We are very happy and relieved," said Antonia Hauswirth of the national committee "Marriage&nbsp;for All", adding supporters would celebrate in&nbsp;Switzerland's capital Bern on Sunday.

Amnesty International said in a statement that opening civil&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;to&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;couples was a "milestone for equality".

However, Monika Rueegger of&nbsp;Switzerland's right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) and member of the referendum committee "No to&nbsp;Marriage&nbsp;for All" said she was disappointed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-tayyip-erdogan-says-turkey-intends-to-buy-more-russian-defence-systems-416211">Also read |&nbsp;President Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey intends to buy more Russian defence systems</a>

"This was not about love and feelings, it was about children's welfare. Children and fathers are the losers here," she told Reuters.

The amended law will&nbsp;make&nbsp;it possible for&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;couples to get married, and to adopt children unrelated to them. Married lesbian couples will also be allowed to have children through sperm donation, currently&nbsp;legal&nbsp;only for married heterosexual couples.

It will also&nbsp;make&nbsp;it easier for foreign spouses of a Swiss individual to get citizenship.

Swiss Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told a media briefing the new rules would likely come into force on July 1 next year.

In a separate referendum, 64.9% of Swiss voters rejected a proposal to introduce a capital gains tax.

Switzerland agreed to legalise civil marriage and the right to adopt children for same-sex couples by a nearly two-thirds majority in a referendum on Sunday, making it one of the last countries in Western Europe to legalise gay marriage.

Switzerland agreed to legalise civil marriage and the right to adopt children for same-sex couples by a nearly two-thirds majority in a referendum on Sunday, making it one of the last countries in Western Europe to legalise gay marriage. According to results provided by the Swiss federal chancellery, 64.1% of voters voted in favour of same-sex marriage in the nationwide referendum that was conducted under Switzerland's system of direct democracy. "We are very happy and relieved," said Antonia Hauswirth of the national committee "Marriage for All", adding supporters would celebrate in Switzerland's capital Bern on Sunday. Amnesty International said in a statement that opening civil marriage to same-sex couples was a "milestone for equality". However, Monika Rueegger of Switzerland's right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) and member of the referendum committee "No to Marriage for All" said she was disappointed. Also read | President Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey intends to buy more Russian defence systems "This was not about love and feelings, it was about children's welfare. Children and fathers are the losers here," she told Reuters. The amended law will make it possible for same-sex couples to get married, and to adopt children unrelated to them. Married lesbian couples will also be allowed to have children through sperm donation, currently legal only for married heterosexual couples. It will also make it easier for foreign spouses of a Swiss individual to get citizenship. Swiss Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told a media briefing the new rules would likely come into force on July 1 next year. In a separate referendum, 64.9% of Swiss voters rejected a proposal to introduce a capital gains tax.

Switzerland votes to make same-sex marriage legal by near two-thirds majority

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes.

Protesters holding signs reading "11 minutes are 11 minues too many" protested in front of the Swiss Appeals Court in Basel.

The sentence was reduced by the court citing the duration of the sexual assault, which it said "only" lasted 11 minutes, and the fact that the victim was not severely hurt.&nbsp;

In the case from last year, the woman was raped following a nightout at a nightclub. The assault took place in her apartment in Basel, northwest Switzerland. A 33-year-old Portuguese man and his 17-year-old companion were the culprits in the February 2020 incident.&nbsp;

In August, the 33-year-old was found guilty of rape, while the teenager has not been formally convicted and&nbsp;is still awaiting a juvenile court decision on his case.&nbsp;

Basel Social Democrats' vice president, Marcel Columb, tweeted that the rapist's sentence was already short and that the lessened jail time sent a wrong message to victims of sexual abuse.

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4 Jahre waren ja schon mild, doch nun auch noch eine Mitschuld aufgedrückt zu kriegen wegen dem Verhalten gegenüber einer unbeteiligten Person, ist unerträglich. 
Was für ein Zeichen für alle Opfer sexualisierter Gewalt. <a href="https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo">https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo</a>
— Marcel Colomb (@MarcelColomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcelColomb/status/1421363434298429441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The court, presided over by&nbsp;Judge Liselotte Henz, opted to sentence the rapist to three years instead of four years and three months.&nbsp;

According to the judge, the perpetrator had a "medium" degree of fault in the incident.

Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten reported that the judge commented on an incident in which the victim may have been making out with another man in the nightclub,&nbsp;and said the victim gave off certain signals and was "playing with fire".

According to the newspaper, the defendant might be released on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The reduced sentence was met with widespread criticism.

In a statement,&nbsp;the Swiss feminist organisation Frauenstreik Basel said violence against a person comes from the perpetrator alone and is "humiliating" and "violent" no matter how long it lasts.

&nbsp;

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes.

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes. Protesters holding signs reading "11 minutes are 11 minues too many" protested in front of the Swiss Appeals Court in Basel. The sentence was reduced by the court citing the duration of the sexual assault, which it said "only" lasted 11 minutes, and the fact that the victim was not severely hurt. In the case from last year, the woman was raped following a nightout at a nightclub. The assault took place in her apartment in Basel, northwest Switzerland. A 33-year-old Portuguese man and his 17-year-old companion were the culprits in the February 2020 incident. In August, the 33-year-old was found guilty of rape, while the teenager has not been formally convicted and is still awaiting a juvenile court decision on his case. Basel Social Democrats' vice president, Marcel Columb, tweeted that the rapist's sentence was already short and that the lessened jail time sent a wrong message to victims of sexual abuse. 4 Jahre waren ja schon mild, doch nun auch noch eine Mitschuld aufgedrückt zu kriegen wegen dem Verhalten gegenüber einer unbeteiligten Person, ist unerträglich. Was für ein Zeichen für alle Opfer sexualisierter Gewalt. https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo — Marcel Colomb (@MarcelColomb) July 31, 2021 × The court, presided over by Judge Liselotte Henz, opted to sentence the rapist to three years instead of four years and three months. According to the judge, the perpetrator had a "medium" degree of fault in the incident. Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten reported that the judge commented on an incident in which the victim may have been making out with another man in the nightclub, and said the victim gave off certain signals and was "playing with fire". According to the newspaper, the defendant might be released on Wednesday. The reduced sentence was met with widespread criticism. In a statement, the Swiss feminist organisation Frauenstreik Basel said violence against a person comes from the perpetrator alone and is "humiliating" and "violent" no matter how long it lasts.

Rape took ‘only 11 minutes’: Swiss court cuts jail term for culprit, women protest

Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic said his team could leave the European Championship with their heads high after being eliminated by Spain on penalty kicks in the quarter-finals on Friday in St. Petersburg.

An equalizer by captain Xherdan Shaqiri in the second half cancelled an early own goal and sent the teams to overtime, but two of the Swiss penalty kicks were stopped and one missed the target. Switzerland beat France on penalties in the round of 16.

"All these players were the heroes of the night. They would have deserved to go to the semi-finals," Petkovic told a news conference. "I cannot complain and I take my hat off to the team."

Petkovic said he could not blame Ruben Vargas for hitting his penalty over the bar in the shootout, saying instead that his player had demonstrated mental strength by even taking a spot-kick after such a long and grueling match.

Manuel Akanji's and Fabian Schar's penalty kicks were both stopped by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.

"We had to spend all our power and energy, and our energy ran out a little," said Petkovic.

"Penalty kicks are a lottery and we lost it."

Petkovic said he had not properly seen the tackle in the 77th minute that led to the red card against Remo Freuler - who had an assist for the Switzerland equaliser - but thought it had looked more like a minor foul.

Freuler slid to win the ball back but caught Gerard Moreno in the process.

"I question it a little bit, to be honest," Petkovic said. "He (Freuler) maybe touched him a little."

Spain will face the winner of the quarter-final between Belgium and Italy in London on July 6.

Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic said his team could leave the European Championship with their heads high after being eliminated by Spain on penalty kicks in the quarter-finals on Friday in St.

Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic said his team could leave the European Championship with their heads high after being eliminated by Spain on penalty kicks in the quarter-finals on Friday in St. Petersburg. An equalizer by captain Xherdan Shaqiri in the second half cancelled an early own goal and sent the teams to overtime, but two of the Swiss penalty kicks were stopped and one missed the target. Switzerland beat France on penalties in the round of 16. "All these players were the heroes of the night. They would have deserved to go to the semi-finals," Petkovic told a news conference. "I cannot complain and I take my hat off to the team." Petkovic said he could not blame Ruben Vargas for hitting his penalty over the bar in the shootout, saying instead that his player had demonstrated mental strength by even taking a spot-kick after such a long and grueling match. Manuel Akanji's and Fabian Schar's penalty kicks were both stopped by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. "We had to spend all our power and energy, and our energy ran out a little," said Petkovic. "Penalty kicks are a lottery and we lost it." Petkovic said he had not properly seen the tackle in the 77th minute that led to the red card against Remo Freuler - who had an assist for the Switzerland equaliser - but thought it had looked more like a minor foul. Freuler slid to win the ball back but caught Gerard Moreno in the process. "I question it a little bit, to be honest," Petkovic said. "He (Freuler) maybe touched him a little." Spain will face the winner of the quarter-final between Belgium and Italy in London on July 6.

Euro 2020: Switzerland exit Euro with heads high, says manager Vladimir Petkovic

Spain made minimal changes for their Euro 2020 quarter-final with Switzerland on Friday as coach Luis Enrique restored leftback Jordi Alba and centreback Pau Torres to the side while keeping the same shape as in the 5-3 win over Croatia. 
 
Alba and Pau replaced Jose Gaya and Eric Garcia respectively. 
 
The coach kept faith in keeper Unai Simon after his gaffe to let in a backpass from Pedri against Croatia and had little reason to mess with his front three of Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia, who all scored in the epic victory. 
 
Switzerland made only one change from the team which staged the shock of the tournament to come from 3-1 down to beat world champions France on penalties. Holding midfielder Denis Zakaria replaced the suspended Granit Xhaka, who produced an inspired performance in the comeback. 
 
Spain are looking to reach their first semi-final in a major tournament since winning Euro 2012 while Switzerland are playing their first quarter-final since hosting the 1954 World Cup and their first last-eight match in a Euros. 
 
Switzerland: Yann Sommer; Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Steven Zuber, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Xherdan Shaqiri (captain); Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic 
 
Spain: Unai Simon; Cesar Azpilicueta, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets (captain), Koke, Pedri; Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata

Spain made minimal changes for their Euro 2020 quarter-final with Switzerland on Friday as coach Luis Enrique restored leftback Jordi Alba and centreback Pau Torres to the side while keeping the same shape as in the 5-3 win over Croatia.

Spain made minimal changes for their Euro 2020 quarter-final with Switzerland on Friday as coach Luis Enrique restored leftback Jordi Alba and centreback Pau Torres to the side while keeping the same shape as in the 5-3 win over Croatia. Alba and Pau replaced Jose Gaya and Eric Garcia respectively. The coach kept faith in keeper Unai Simon after his gaffe to let in a backpass from Pedri against Croatia and had little reason to mess with his front three of Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia, who all scored in the epic victory. Switzerland made only one change from the team which staged the shock of the tournament to come from 3-1 down to beat world champions France on penalties. Holding midfielder Denis Zakaria replaced the suspended Granit Xhaka, who produced an inspired performance in the comeback. Spain are looking to reach their first semi-final in a major tournament since winning Euro 2012 while Switzerland are playing their first quarter-final since hosting the 1954 World Cup and their first last-eight match in a Euros. Switzerland: Yann Sommer; Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Steven Zuber, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Xherdan Shaqiri (captain); Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic Spain: Unai Simon; Cesar Azpilicueta, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets (captain), Koke, Pedri; Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata

Euro 2020-Few changes for Spain and Switzerland in quarter-final clash

The UEFA Euro 2020 is back with a bunch of significant quarterfinal apparatuses this end of the week as Spain takes on Sweden at the Krestovsky Stadium on Friday. The two groups won exhausting take-out challenges recently and should burrow profound to traverse this match.&nbsp;

Switzerland pulled off the resentment of the competition so exceptionally far as they paralyzed France in a penalty shoot-out to arrive at the quarterfinals. Switzerland can sneak up all of a sudden on their day and will require a comparative exhibition to get to the following phase of Euro 2020.&nbsp;

Spain began their Euro 2020 mission in a disappointing fashion yet has figured out how to bob back and score ten goals in two games. They pulled off a splendid 5-3 triumph against Croatia in their last game.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-unai-simon-tortured-by-error-but-appreciates-team-mates-solidarity-394934" hreflang="en">Euro 2020: Unai Simon 'tortured' by error but appreciates team mates' solidarity</a>

<h2>Head-to-Head</h2>

Spain have a great record against Switzerland and have won 16 matches out of an aggregate of 22 games played between the two teams. Switzerland have overseen only one triumph against Spain and should work out of their skins this end of the week.&nbsp;

The last meeting between the two groups occurred in the UEFA Nations League last year and finished in a 1-1 draw.&nbsp;

<h2>Switzerland vs. Spain&nbsp;</h2>

Switzerland have additionally been in great goalscoring structure at Euro 2020 and has scored three goals in every one of their last two games. The dark horses had never scored multiple goals in a Euro match before this year and may well make more history this end of the week.&nbsp;

Granit Xhaka got his subsequent yellow card against France this week and his suspension will come as a significant hit to Switzerland's fortunes. Denis Zakaria will probably supplant the Swiss star.

Switzerland possible&nbsp;XI: Yann Sommer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Kevin Mbabu, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Steven Zuber, Xherdan Shaqiri, Haris Seferovic, Breel Embolo.

After low-scoring matches, their initial two matches at Euro 2020, Spain have at long last discovered their rhythm and turned into the first team to score five goals in two successive matches. Cesar Azpilicueta and Eric Garcia are likely to get the nod over Marcos Llorente and Pau Torres to feature at the back, while there are not expected to be any alterations to the midfield three.

With his thrilling strike in additional time against Croatia, Alvaro Morata joined Fernando Torres as Spain's most productive goalscorer at the Euros with five strikes.

Spain possible XI: Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, Pablo Sarabia.

The UEFA Euro 2020 is back with a bunch of significant quarterfinal apparatuses this end of the week as Spain takes on Sweden at the Krestovsky Stadium on Friday.

The UEFA Euro 2020 is back with a bunch of significant quarterfinal apparatuses this end of the week as Spain takes on Sweden at the Krestovsky Stadium on Friday. The two groups won exhausting take-out challenges recently and should burrow profound to traverse this match. Switzerland pulled off the resentment of the competition so exceptionally far as they paralyzed France in a penalty shoot-out to arrive at the quarterfinals. Switzerland can sneak up all of a sudden on their day and will require a comparative exhibition to get to the following phase of Euro 2020. Spain began their Euro 2020 mission in a disappointing fashion yet has figured out how to bob back and score ten goals in two games. They pulled off a splendid 5-3 triumph against Croatia in their last game. ALSO READ: Euro 2020: Unai Simon 'tortured' by error but appreciates team mates' solidarity Head-to-Head Spain have a great record against Switzerland and have won 16 matches out of an aggregate of 22 games played between the two teams. Switzerland have overseen only one triumph against Spain and should work out of their skins this end of the week. The last meeting between the two groups occurred in the UEFA Nations League last year and finished in a 1-1 draw. Switzerland vs. Spain Switzerland have additionally been in great goalscoring structure at Euro 2020 and has scored three goals in every one of their last two games. The dark horses had never scored multiple goals in a Euro match before this year and may well make more history this end of the week. Granit Xhaka got his subsequent yellow card against France this week and his suspension will come as a significant hit to Switzerland's fortunes. Denis Zakaria will probably supplant the Swiss star. Switzerland possible XI: Yann Sommer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Kevin Mbabu, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Steven Zuber, Xherdan Shaqiri, Haris Seferovic, Breel Embolo. After low-scoring matches, their initial two matches at Euro 2020, Spain have at long last discovered their rhythm and turned into the first team to score five goals in two successive matches. Cesar Azpilicueta and Eric Garcia are likely to get the nod over Marcos Llorente and Pau Torres to feature at the back, while there are not expected to be any alterations to the midfield three. With his thrilling strike in additional time against Croatia, Alvaro Morata joined Fernando Torres as Spain's most productive goalscorer at the Euros with five strikes. Spain possible XI: Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, Pablo Sarabia.

Euro 2020: Quarter-finals swing into action as Spain takes on Switzerland

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain.

On a memorable evening for Swiss&nbsp;football, the so-called Nati repeatedly beat the odds, coming from 3-1 down with two goals in the final five minutes to force extra time and eventually penalties.

It was Switzerland's first knockout stage victory at a tournament since 1938 and the first time they have made the last eight since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. They will next face Spain on Friday in St Petersburg.

"Honestly I am still in shock," said Sommer, who became the most capped Swiss keeper with 65 international appearances.

"We showed courage, heart, we left everything out there. When you come back from two goals down against the world champions it is just unbelievable, and then to win on penalties, I could not be prouder of the way we did it."

France, who had started with an unusual three-man defense and lacked any real bite upfront in the first half, looked to be heading for victory when Karim Benzema struck twice in two minutes early in the second half.

He latched on to Mbappe's through ball in the 57th minute to cancel out Switzerland's first-half lead from Haris Seferovic's header.

Benzema then headed home from near the goal-line two minutes later to take his tournament tally to four as France grabbed control of the game only minutes after the Swiss missed a 55th-minute penalty and the chance to go 2-0 up when Hugo Lloris saved Ricardo Rodriguez's spot-kick.

SWISS COMEBACK

By the time Paul Pogba curled a sensational shot into the top corner in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 for France, who had reverted to a four-man backline in the second half, few believed the momentum could shift once more.

"Nobody believed in us anymore at that stage," Sommer said. "But before the game, we had said no matter what happens in the game, it doesn’t matter if we’re down, or if things are going well, we play until the end.

"We felt France had become a bit complacent and maybe thought they had already won it. So we used that to our advantage."

Seferovic sneaked into the box again to head in his second goal with five minutes left and substitute Mario Gavranovic beat Lloris to snatch a 90th-minute equalizer and force extra time after France substitute Kingsley Coman's drive hit the bar.

Olivier Giroud twice came close for France having come off the bench but the game was to be resolved on penalties where Sommer swatted Mbappe's spot-kick away after five Swiss players had scored to earn their first-ever tournament shootout win.

The result means France coach Didier Deschamps will miss out on becoming the first man to win World Cup and Euro titles both as a player and a coach.

"It is my responsibility and I told the players that I assume it," Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, said of the shock loss.

"When France wins merit goes always to the players. When things are less good then it is my responsibility. But that's the way sport is. You have to accept it even if it hurts."

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain.

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain. On a memorable evening for Swiss football, the so-called Nati repeatedly beat the odds, coming from 3-1 down with two goals in the final five minutes to force extra time and eventually penalties. It was Switzerland's first knockout stage victory at a tournament since 1938 and the first time they have made the last eight since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. They will next face Spain on Friday in St Petersburg. "Honestly I am still in shock," said Sommer, who became the most capped Swiss keeper with 65 international appearances. "We showed courage, heart, we left everything out there. When you come back from two goals down against the world champions it is just unbelievable, and then to win on penalties, I could not be prouder of the way we did it." France, who had started with an unusual three-man defense and lacked any real bite upfront in the first half, looked to be heading for victory when Karim Benzema struck twice in two minutes early in the second half. He latched on to Mbappe's through ball in the 57th minute to cancel out Switzerland's first-half lead from Haris Seferovic's header. Benzema then headed home from near the goal-line two minutes later to take his tournament tally to four as France grabbed control of the game only minutes after the Swiss missed a 55th-minute penalty and the chance to go 2-0 up when Hugo Lloris saved Ricardo Rodriguez's spot-kick. SWISS COMEBACK By the time Paul Pogba curled a sensational shot into the top corner in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 for France, who had reverted to a four-man backline in the second half, few believed the momentum could shift once more. "Nobody believed in us anymore at that stage," Sommer said. "But before the game, we had said no matter what happens in the game, it doesn’t matter if we’re down, or if things are going well, we play until the end. "We felt France had become a bit complacent and maybe thought they had already won it. So we used that to our advantage." Seferovic sneaked into the box again to head in his second goal with five minutes left and substitute Mario Gavranovic beat Lloris to snatch a 90th-minute equalizer and force extra time after France substitute Kingsley Coman's drive hit the bar. Olivier Giroud twice came close for France having come off the bench but the game was to be resolved on penalties where Sommer swatted Mbappe's spot-kick away after five Swiss players had scored to earn their first-ever tournament shootout win. The result means France coach Didier Deschamps will miss out on becoming the first man to win World Cup and Euro titles both as a player and a coach. "It is my responsibility and I told the players that I assume it," Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, said of the shock loss. "When France wins merit goes always to the players. When things are less good then it is my responsibility. But that's the way sport is. You have to accept it even if it hurts."

Euro 2020: Switzerland beat France on penalties to reach Euro 2020 last eight

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options.

The French qualified less convincingly than initially expected after drawing 2-2 against Portugal in their final group game, having won one of three Group F games.

France left-back Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off with a knee injury after the first half and remains doubtful against Switzerland.

His replacement Lucas Digne is also nursing a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be fit for Monday, forcing potential changes to Deschamps' defensive plans.

Digne's replacement in the game against Portugal, midfielder Adrien Rabiot, has himself been dealing with a nagging ankle injury since the end of the season and is not yet at 100%.

To make matters worse, Thomas Lemar suffered a leg injury and Marcus Thuram hurt his right thigh in training on Thursday, hobbling off the pitch with the support of medical staff.

France is already without Ousmane Dembele after the forward had to be taken off injured in their second group game against Hungary. Dembele has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and will require knee surgery.

But despite the injuries, France remains the clear favourites for the game against the Swiss.

Deschamps, attempting to become the first man to win World Cups and Euros both as player and coach, maybe struggling with fit defenders but he has won back a striker.

Karim Benzema, who was recalled to the national team for the tournament after a nearly six-year absence, scored twice against Portugal.

The French have also never lost to the Swiss in a competitive game. While they are very familiar with the latter stages of a tournament, their opponents have not reached a quarter-final of a major tournament in 67 years, ever since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted.

Switzerland qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

"Anything can happen in a tournament," said Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez. "We are fit and ready. We have to be compact in defense and use our few chances. We know the French have a fantastic bench as well."

"We will give it all we have. We have already trained penalties and almost everyone scored," he smiled.

The winners will play the winners of the Round of 16 ties between Spain and Croatia.

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options.

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options. The French qualified less convincingly than initially expected after drawing 2-2 against Portugal in their final group game, having won one of three Group F games. France left-back Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off with a knee injury after the first half and remains doubtful against Switzerland. His replacement Lucas Digne is also nursing a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be fit for Monday, forcing potential changes to Deschamps' defensive plans. Digne's replacement in the game against Portugal, midfielder Adrien Rabiot, has himself been dealing with a nagging ankle injury since the end of the season and is not yet at 100%. To make matters worse, Thomas Lemar suffered a leg injury and Marcus Thuram hurt his right thigh in training on Thursday, hobbling off the pitch with the support of medical staff. France is already without Ousmane Dembele after the forward had to be taken off injured in their second group game against Hungary. Dembele has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and will require knee surgery. But despite the injuries, France remains the clear favourites for the game against the Swiss. Deschamps, attempting to become the first man to win World Cups and Euros both as player and coach, maybe struggling with fit defenders but he has won back a striker. Karim Benzema, who was recalled to the national team for the tournament after a nearly six-year absence, scored twice against Portugal. The French have also never lost to the Swiss in a competitive game. While they are very familiar with the latter stages of a tournament, their opponents have not reached a quarter-final of a major tournament in 67 years, ever since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. Switzerland qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. "Anything can happen in a tournament," said Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez. "We are fit and ready. We have to be compact in defense and use our few chances. We know the French have a fantastic bench as well." "We will give it all we have. We have already trained penalties and almost everyone scored," he smiled. The winners will play the winners of the Round of 16 ties between Spain and Croatia.

Football: Injuries pile up for France ahead of Switzerland clash

Some 12% of all Swiss banknotes in circulation are kept by people at home as stores of value, according to the study.

Stashed cash doesn't affect Swiss monetary policy

A&nbsp;Liberian&nbsp;rebel commander was sentenced in Switzerland to 20 years in jail on Friday for rape, killings and an act of cannibalism, in one of the first-ever convictions over the West African country's civil war.

The case was also Switzerland's first war crimes trial in a civilian court. It involved 46-year-old Alieu Kosiah who went by the nom de guerre "bluff boy" in the rebel faction ULIMO that fought former President Charles Taylor's army in the 1990s.

Kosiah faced 25 charges including one where he was accused of eating slices of a man's heart. He was convicted of that and all but four of the other counts, documents from the Swiss Federal Court showed.

He was arrested in 2014 in Switzerland, where he had been living as a permanent resident. A 2011 Swiss law allows prosecution for serious crimes committed anywhere, under the principle of universal jurisdiction.

A plaintiff in the case who testified that Kosiah ordered his brother's murder urged other&nbsp;Liberians to come forward as witnesses and secure more convictions.

"If you set an example, the other guys will be afraid," he said in a statement via the NGO Civitas Maxima that represented him. He asked not to be named in media reports for fear of reprisals.

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Liberia has ignored pressure to prosecute crimes from its back-to-back wars between 1989-2003, in which thousands of child soldiers became bound up in power tussles exacerbated by ethnic rivalry.

Human Rights Watch called Friday's sentencing a "landmark".

"Switzerland’s efforts on this case should help mobilize wider accountability in Liberia as this shows that these crimes can be prosecuted. I see this as an opportunity," the group's Elise Keppler said.

DEPORTATION, COMPENSATION

Activists in the&nbsp;Liberian&nbsp;capital Monrovia celebrated the verdict. "This will serve as a deterrent for others around the world. I think justice has taken its course," said Dan Sayeh, a civil society campaigner.

Kosiah had denied all the charges and told the court he was a minor when first recruited into the conflict. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on the sentence.

Kosiah was cleared on Friday of attempted murder of a civilian, accessory to the murder of a civilian, an order to loot and recruitment of a child soldier.

The court said that the 20-year sentence was the maximum it was allowed to give under Swiss law.

"No mitigating circumstances were taken into account in the sentencing. Deportation from Switzerland was also ordered for a period of 15 years," it said. Kosiah was also ordered to pay compensation to seven plaintiffs, it added.

It was not immediately clear when the deportation would occur. The roughly 6-1/2 years that Kosiah has already served in pre-trial detention will count towards the sentence, the court papers showed.

Charles Taylor was sentenced for war crimes in 2012, but only for acts in neighbouring Sierra Leone. His son, Chuckie, was sentenced for torture in Liberia by a U.S. court in 2009.

A Liberian rebel commander was sentenced in Switzerland to 20 years in jail on Friday for rape, killings and an act of cannibalism, in one of the first-ever convictions over the West African country's civil war.

A Liberian rebel commander was sentenced in Switzerland to 20 years in jail on Friday for rape, killings and an act of cannibalism, in one of the first-ever convictions over the West African country's civil war. The case was also Switzerland's first war crimes trial in a civilian court. It involved 46-year-old Alieu Kosiah who went by the nom de guerre "bluff boy" in the rebel faction ULIMO that fought former President Charles Taylor's army in the 1990s. Kosiah faced 25 charges including one where he was accused of eating slices of a man's heart. He was convicted of that and all but four of the other counts, documents from the Swiss Federal Court showed. He was arrested in 2014 in Switzerland, where he had been living as a permanent resident. A 2011 Swiss law allows prosecution for serious crimes committed anywhere, under the principle of universal jurisdiction. A plaintiff in the case who testified that Kosiah ordered his brother's murder urged other Liberians to come forward as witnesses and secure more convictions. "If you set an example, the other guys will be afraid," he said in a statement via the NGO Civitas Maxima that represented him. He asked not to be named in media reports for fear of reprisals. Also Read | Palestinians cancel deal for near-expired COVID-19 vaccines from Israel Liberia has ignored pressure to prosecute crimes from its back-to-back wars between 1989-2003, in which thousands of child soldiers became bound up in power tussles exacerbated by ethnic rivalry. Human Rights Watch called Friday's sentencing a "landmark". "Switzerland’s efforts on this case should help mobilize wider accountability in Liberia as this shows that these crimes can be prosecuted. I see this as an opportunity," the group's Elise Keppler said. DEPORTATION, COMPENSATION Activists in the Liberian capital Monrovia celebrated the verdict. "This will serve as a deterrent for others around the world. I think justice has taken its course," said Dan Sayeh, a civil society campaigner. Kosiah had denied all the charges and told the court he was a minor when first recruited into the conflict. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on the sentence. Kosiah was cleared on Friday of attempted murder of a civilian, accessory to the murder of a civilian, an order to loot and recruitment of a child soldier. The court said that the 20-year sentence was the maximum it was allowed to give under Swiss law. "No mitigating circumstances were taken into account in the sentencing. Deportation from Switzerland was also ordered for a period of 15 years," it said. Kosiah was also ordered to pay compensation to seven plaintiffs, it added. It was not immediately clear when the deportation would occur. The roughly 6-1/2 years that Kosiah has already served in pre-trial detention will count towards the sentence, the court papers showed. Charles Taylor was sentenced for war crimes in 2012, but only for acts in neighbouring Sierra Leone. His son, Chuckie, was sentenced for torture in Liberia by a U.S. court in 2009.

Liberian rebel sentenced in Switzerland for war crimes, cannibalism

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