Online fashion retailer, ASOS made a blunder when it mistakenly printed 17,000 of its bags with a typo on them.

Their slogan, &lsquo;discover fashion online&rsquo;, had the word &lsquo;onilne&rsquo; instead of &lsquo;online&rsquo;.

However, they owned up to this mistake and tweeted a picture of the plastic bag on Twitter alongside the caption, &ldquo;Ok, so we *may* have printed 17,000 bags with a typo.&quot;

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re calling it a limited edition,&rdquo; they further wrote.

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Ok, so we *may* have printed 17,000 bags with a typo. We&rsquo;re calling it a limited edition. <a href="https://t.co/wTpKNid4V5">pic.twitter.com/wTpKNid4V5</a>
&mdash; ASOS (@ASOS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASOS/status/976401027468537856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Since posting the image, it has received more than 46,000 likes and 7,000 retweets while fans of the retailer have flooded it with comments.

ASOS shoppers seemed impressed by the company&#39;s honesty and sense of humor about what could&#39;ve been a pretty embarrassing moment, with many joking on Twitter. &nbsp;

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Glad you&#39;re a fan Melissa, we all make mistakes eh?
&mdash; ASOS (@ASOS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASOS/status/976537474905333760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Along with the humorous attitude, I appreciate that they are not landfilling something that is perfectly functional to &quot;protect their brand.&quot;
&mdash; S (@IntDesgnrBoston) <a href="https://twitter.com/IntDesgnrBoston/status/976554411177775105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I work in fashion as well....I think we&#39;ve had our share of typos like &quot;shite shirt&quot; instead of &quot;white shirt&quot; ???????? <a href="https://t.co/yWVI4bPqTc">pic.twitter.com/yWVI4bPqTc</a>
&mdash; Michelle Lauritzen (@MELauritzen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MELauritzen/status/976416055387197440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Online fashion retailer, ASOS made a blunder when it mistakenly printed 17,000 of its bags with a typo on them

Online fashion retailer, ASOS made a blunder when it mistakenly printed 17,000 of its bags with a typo on them. Their slogan, ‘discover fashion online’, had the word ‘onilne’ instead of ‘online’. However, they owned up to this mistake and tweeted a picture of the plastic bag on Twitter alongside the caption, “Ok, so we *may* have printed 17,000 bags with a typo." “We’re calling it a limited edition,” they further wrote. Ok, so we *may* have printed 17,000 bags with a typo. We’re calling it a limited edition. pic.twitter.com/wTpKNid4V5 — ASOS (@ASOS) March 21, 2018 × Since posting the image, it has received more than 46,000 likes and 7,000 retweets while fans of the retailer have flooded it with comments. ASOS shoppers seemed impressed by the company's honesty and sense of humor about what could've been a pretty embarrassing moment, with many joking on Twitter. Glad you're a fan Melissa, we all make mistakes eh? — ASOS (@ASOS) March 21, 2018 × Along with the humorous attitude, I appreciate that they are not landfilling something that is perfectly functional to "protect their brand." — S (@IntDesgnrBoston) March 21, 2018 × I work in fashion as well....I think we've had our share of typos like "shite shirt" instead of "white shirt" ???????? pic.twitter.com/yWVI4bPqTc — Michelle Lauritzen (@MELauritzen) March 21, 2018 ×

Major fashion retailer prints 17,000 bags with typo

A British parliamentary committee on Tuesday summoned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to answer questions on the fake news as authorities step up efforts to determine whether data has been improperly used to influence elections, reports said.

The European Parliament also invited Zuckerberg to speak following revelations that a firm working for Donald Trump&#39;s US presidential campaign harvested data on 50 million users.&nbsp;

The parliament and the European Commission, the 28-nation EU executive, have already called for an urgent probe into the scandal.

Data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica harvested private information from more than 50 million Facebook users in developing techniques to support President Donald Trump&#39;s 2016 election campaign, the New York Times and London&#39;s Observer reported on Saturday.

The newspapers, which cited former Cambridge Analytica employees, associates and documents, said the data breach was one of the largest in the history of Facebook Inc.

Facebook on Friday said it was suspending Cambridge Analytica after finding data privacy policies had been violated.

The European Parliament also invited Zuckerberg to speak following revelations that a firm working for Donald Trump's US presidential campaign harvested data on 50 million users.

A British parliamentary committee on Tuesday summoned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to answer questions on the fake news as authorities step up efforts to determine whether data has been improperly used to influence elections, reports said. The European Parliament also invited Zuckerberg to speak following revelations that a firm working for Donald Trump's US presidential campaign harvested data on 50 million users. The parliament and the European Commission, the 28-nation EU executive, have already called for an urgent probe into the scandal. Data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica harvested private information from more than 50 million Facebook users in developing techniques to support President Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign, the New York Times and London's Observer reported on Saturday. The newspapers, which cited former Cambridge Analytica employees, associates and documents, said the data breach was one of the largest in the history of Facebook Inc. Facebook on Friday said it was suspending Cambridge Analytica after finding data privacy policies had been violated.

Mark Zuckerberg Summoned by House Panel in UK; stock slides

The suspended chief executive of Cambridge Analytica said in a secretly recorded video broadcast on Tuesday that his UK-based political consultancy&rsquo;s online campaign played a decisive role in US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s 2016 election victory.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-data-row-uk-mps-ask-mark-zuckerberg-to-give-evidence-36531" target="_blank">Facebook data row &mdash; UK MPs ask Mark Zuckerberg to give evidence</a>

His comments, which could not be verified, are potentially a further problem for Facebook Inc as it faces lawmakers&rsquo; scrutiny in the United States and Europe over Cambridge Analytica&rsquo;s improper use of 50 million Facebook users&rsquo; personal data to target voters.

The social media network&rsquo;s shares fell for a second day, closing down 2.5 percent, as investors worried that its dealings with Cambridge Analytica might damage its reputation, deter advertisers and invite restrictive regulation. The company has lost $60 billion (&pound;42.9 billion) of its stock market value over the last two days.

Cambridge Analytica&rsquo;s board of directors suspended CEO Alexander Nix on Tuesday, shortly before the second part of British broadcaster Channel 4&rsquo;s expose of the firm&rsquo;s methods.

In the program, Nix describes questionable practices used to influence foreign elections and said his firm did all the research, analytics and targeting of voters for Trump&rsquo;s digital and TV campaigns. He also boasts he met Trump when he was the Republican presidential candidate &ldquo;many times.&rdquo;

Nix&rsquo;s comments &ldquo;do not represent the values or operations of the firm and his suspension reflects the seriousness with which we view this violation,&rdquo; Cambridge Analytica said in a statement on Tuesday.

Brad Parscale, the 2016 Trump campaign&rsquo;s main digital adviser who dealt regularly with Cambridge Analytica, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Nix&rsquo;s claims.&nbsp;

Jared Kushner, Trump&rsquo;s son-in-law and now a senior adviser, oversaw the Trump campaign&rsquo;s digital operations. One former Trump adviser said Kushner brought Cambridge Analytica into the 2016 campaign effort. Kushner&rsquo;s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. law bans foreigners from making contributions or spending money on behalf of a U.S. election campaign but it was not illegal for the Trump campaign to retain Cambridge Analytica&rsquo;s services, according to Bradley Smith, a former Republican member of the U.S. Federal Election Commission.

&ldquo;The fact that they are a British company doesn&rsquo;t add anything to the analysis unless they were giving their services away for free or charging below-market rates,&rdquo; said Smith, now a professor at the Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio.&nbsp;

FTC REVIEW, LAWSUIT

US&nbsp;and European lawmakers have demanded an explanation of how Cambridge Analytica gained access to user data in 2014 and why Facebook failed to inform its users, raising broader industry questions about consumer privacy.

Facebook said it had been told by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the leading U.S. consumer regulator, that it would receive a letter this week with questions about the data acquired by Cambridge Analytica. It said it had no indication of a formal investigation.

&ldquo;The entire company is outraged we were deceived,&rdquo; Facebook said in a statement on Tuesday. &ldquo;We are committed to vigorously enforcing our policies to protect people&rsquo;s information and will take whatever steps are required to see that this happens.&rdquo;

The FTC is reviewing whether Facebook violated a 2011 consent decree it reached with the authority over its privacy practices, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters.

If the FTC finds Facebook violated terms of the consent decree, it has the power to fine the company thousands of dollars a day per violation, which could add up to billions of dollars.&nbsp;

Facebook was also hit on Tuesday in a San Francisco court by the first of what could be many lawsuits by shareholders claiming to suffer losses because the company misled them about its ability to protect user data. The company could also soon face lawsuits on behalf of users whose personal information was exposed.

Facebook and its peers Alphabet Inc&rsquo;s Google and Twitter already face a backlash from users and lawmakers over their role during the U.S. presidential election by allowing the spread of false information that might have swayed voters toward Trump.

Fear of increased regulation hurt other social media firms on Tuesday. Shares of Snap Inc fell 2.5 percent and Twitter Inc fell more than 10 percent.

FOREIGN INFLUENCE

US&nbsp;Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called on Tuesday for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify in Congress. Congressional staff said the company would brief U.S. Senate and House aides on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A Congressional official said House Intelligence Committee Democrats plan to interview Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher Wylie. The committee interviewed Nix by video teleconference, according to the Congressional official, but a transcript of that interview has not yet been made public.

The Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting a long-term investigation of alleged Russian interference in U.S. politics and a detailed examination of U.S. election security precautions, would carry out its own inquiry of Cambridge Analytica, a Congressional official with direct knowledge of the investigation said.

The White House said it welcomed inquiries, and that the President believes that Americans&rsquo; privacy should be protected.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

In Britain, the Information Commissioner&rsquo;s Office, an independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, was seeking a warrant from a judge to search the offices of London-based Cambridge Analytica. It was unclear late on Tuesday whether it had obtained it.&nbsp;

Created in 2013, Cambridge Analytica markets itself as a source of consumer research, targeted advertising and other data-related services to both political and corporate clients.

According to the New York Times, it was launched with $15 million in backing from billionaire Republican donor Robert Mercer and a name chosen by the-then future Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon.

Facebook says the data were harvested by a British academic, Aleksandr Kogan, who created an app on the platform that was downloaded by 270,000 people, providing access not only to their own personal data but also their friends&rsquo;.

Facebook said Kogan then violated its policies by passing the data to Cambridge Analytica. Facebook has since suspended both the consulting firm and SCL (Strategic Communication Laboratories), a government and military contractor.

Facebook said it had been told that the data were destroyed. Kogan was not immediately reachable for comment.

Cambridge Analytica has denied all the media claims and said it deleted the data after learning the information did not adhere to data protection rules.&nbsp;

Cambridge Analytica’s board of directors suspended CEO Alexander Nix on Tuesday, shortly before the second part of British broadcaster Channel 4’s expose of the firm’s methods

The suspended chief executive of Cambridge Analytica said in a secretly recorded video broadcast on Tuesday that his UK-based political consultancy’s online campaign played a decisive role in US President Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory. Also read: Facebook data row — UK MPs ask Mark Zuckerberg to give evidence His comments, which could not be verified, are potentially a further problem for Facebook Inc as it faces lawmakers’ scrutiny in the United States and Europe over Cambridge Analytica’s improper use of 50 million Facebook users’ personal data to target voters. The social media network’s shares fell for a second day, closing down 2.5 percent, as investors worried that its dealings with Cambridge Analytica might damage its reputation, deter advertisers and invite restrictive regulation. The company has lost $60 billion (£42.9 billion) of its stock market value over the last two days. Cambridge Analytica’s board of directors suspended CEO Alexander Nix on Tuesday, shortly before the second part of British broadcaster Channel 4’s expose of the firm’s methods. In the program, Nix describes questionable practices used to influence foreign elections and said his firm did all the research, analytics and targeting of voters for Trump’s digital and TV campaigns. He also boasts he met Trump when he was the Republican presidential candidate “many times.” Nix’s comments “do not represent the values or operations of the firm and his suspension reflects the seriousness with which we view this violation,” Cambridge Analytica said in a statement on Tuesday. Brad Parscale, the 2016 Trump campaign’s main digital adviser who dealt regularly with Cambridge Analytica, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Nix’s claims. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and now a senior adviser, oversaw the Trump campaign’s digital operations. One former Trump adviser said Kushner brought Cambridge Analytica into the 2016 campaign effort. Kushner’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. law bans foreigners from making contributions or spending money on behalf of a U.S. election campaign but it was not illegal for the Trump campaign to retain Cambridge Analytica’s services, according to Bradley Smith, a former Republican member of the U.S. Federal Election Commission. “The fact that they are a British company doesn’t add anything to the analysis unless they were giving their services away for free or charging below-market rates,” said Smith, now a professor at the Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. FTC REVIEW, LAWSUIT US and European lawmakers have demanded an explanation of how Cambridge Analytica gained access to user data in 2014 and why Facebook failed to inform its users, raising broader industry questions about consumer privacy. Facebook said it had been told by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the leading U.S. consumer regulator, that it would receive a letter this week with questions about the data acquired by Cambridge Analytica. It said it had no indication of a formal investigation. “The entire company is outraged we were deceived,” Facebook said in a statement on Tuesday. “We are committed to vigorously enforcing our policies to protect people’s information and will take whatever steps are required to see that this happens.” The FTC is reviewing whether Facebook violated a 2011 consent decree it reached with the authority over its privacy practices, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters. If the FTC finds Facebook violated terms of the consent decree, it has the power to fine the company thousands of dollars a day per violation, which could add up to billions of dollars. Facebook was also hit on Tuesday in a San Francisco court by the first of what could be many lawsuits by shareholders claiming to suffer losses because the company misled them about its ability to protect user data. The company could also soon face lawsuits on behalf of users whose personal information was exposed. Facebook and its peers Alphabet Inc’s Google and Twitter already face a backlash from users and lawmakers over their role during the U.S. presidential election by allowing the spread of false information that might have swayed voters toward Trump. Fear of increased regulation hurt other social media firms on Tuesday. Shares of Snap Inc fell 2.5 percent and Twitter Inc fell more than 10 percent. FOREIGN INFLUENCE US Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called on Tuesday for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify in Congress. Congressional staff said the company would brief U.S. Senate and House aides on Wednesday. A Congressional official said House Intelligence Committee Democrats plan to interview Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher Wylie. The committee interviewed Nix by video teleconference, according to the Congressional official, but a transcript of that interview has not yet been made public. The Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting a long-term investigation of alleged Russian interference in U.S. politics and a detailed examination of U.S. election security precautions, would carry out its own inquiry of Cambridge Analytica, a Congressional official with direct knowledge of the investigation said. The White House said it welcomed inquiries, and that the President believes that Americans’ privacy should be protected. PERSONAL INFORMATION In Britain, the Information Commissioner’s Office, an independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, was seeking a warrant from a judge to search the offices of London-based Cambridge Analytica. It was unclear late on Tuesday whether it had obtained it. Created in 2013, Cambridge Analytica markets itself as a source of consumer research, targeted advertising and other data-related services to both political and corporate clients. According to the New York Times, it was launched with $15 million in backing from billionaire Republican donor Robert Mercer and a name chosen by the-then future Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon. Facebook says the data were harvested by a British academic, Aleksandr Kogan, who created an app on the platform that was downloaded by 270,000 people, providing access not only to their own personal data but also their friends’. Facebook said Kogan then violated its policies by passing the data to Cambridge Analytica. Facebook has since suspended both the consulting firm and SCL (Strategic Communication Laboratories), a government and military contractor. Facebook said it had been told that the data were destroyed. Kogan was not immediately reachable for comment. Cambridge Analytica has denied all the media claims and said it deleted the data after learning the information did not adhere to data protection rules.

Suspended Cambridge Analytica CEO claims influence on US election, Facebook questioned

Facebook&#39;s CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been asked to appear before a British parliamentary committee. Zuckerberg has been asked to clarify claims that suggest that millions of users&#39; data was harvested for use in political campaigns.

Damian Collins, chairman of the House of Commons digital, culture, media and sports committee, wrote to Zuckerberg asking for his own account of &quot;this catastrophic failure of process&quot;.&nbsp;

Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook has been slammed on various occasions in the past for failing to maintain user privacy, but this time social media giant finds itself amid a scandal of much bigger proportion.

The company has come under fire over revelations that UK-based data analysis firm Cambridge Analytica harvested and misused data of 50 million users to help US President Donald Trump win the 2016 election.&nbsp;

According to reports, US, UK regulators and authorities have initiated a probe into the case; a judgment is likely to be out once the investigation is done.&nbsp;

Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook has been slammed on various occasions in the past for failing to maintain user privacy

Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been asked to appear before a British parliamentary committee. Zuckerberg has been asked to clarify claims that suggest that millions of users' data was harvested for use in political campaigns. Damian Collins, chairman of the House of Commons digital, culture, media and sports committee, wrote to Zuckerberg asking for his own account of "this catastrophic failure of process". Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook has been slammed on various occasions in the past for failing to maintain user privacy, but this time social media giant finds itself amid a scandal of much bigger proportion. The company has come under fire over revelations that UK-based data analysis firm Cambridge Analytica harvested and misused data of 50 million users to help US President Donald Trump win the 2016 election. According to reports, US, UK regulators and authorities have initiated a probe into the case; a judgment is likely to be out once the investigation is done.

Facebook data row: UK MPs ask Mark Zuckerberg to give evidence

The Kremlin said on Monday that London would either have to back up its assertions that Russia was behind the poisoning of a former spy and his daughter in Britain with evidence or apologise &quot;sooner or later.&quot;

Earlier, Kremlin said that UK&#39;s accusations that Putin ordered the Salisbury nerve agent attack were &ldquo;shocking and unforgivable&rdquo;.

Britain had accused Russia of being responsible for the use of a Soviet-era nerve agent called Novichok which was used to poison Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters that Britain&#39;s allegations were &quot;difficult to explain... groundless and slanderous&quot;.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said repeatedly that Moscow would retaliate soon for the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats by Theresa May.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Peskov repeated denials that Russia had ordered the attack on Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent, and his daughter, Yulia, in Salisbury.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Any references to our president is nothing other than shocking and unforgivable from the point of view of diplomatic behaviour,&rdquo; he said.

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday rubbished claims that Russia poisoned a former spy in Britain, on the eve of international chemical weapons experts heading to Britain to probe the attack.

&quot;It&#39;s complete drivel, rubbish, nonsense that somebody in Russia would allow themselves to do such a thing ahead of elections and the World Cup,&quot; Putin told supporters after winning a fourth term as president.

&quot;We have destroyed all chemical weapons,&quot; he added, rejecting Britain&#39;s claim that only Moscow could be behind the nerve agent attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

Putin said Russia is &quot;ready to take part in the investigation&quot;, although earlier on Sunday British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson accused the Russians of &quot;smug sarcasm and denial&quot; in response to the accusations.

Earlier, Kremlin said that UK's accusations that Putin ordered the Salisbury nerve agent attack were 'shocking and unforgivable'

The Kremlin said on Monday that London would either have to back up its assertions that Russia was behind the poisoning of a former spy and his daughter in Britain with evidence or apologise "sooner or later." Earlier, Kremlin said that UK's accusations that Putin ordered the Salisbury nerve agent attack were “shocking and unforgivable”. Britain had accused Russia of being responsible for the use of a Soviet-era nerve agent called Novichok which was used to poison Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters that Britain's allegations were "difficult to explain... groundless and slanderous". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said repeatedly that Moscow would retaliate soon for the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats by Theresa May. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Peskov repeated denials that Russia had ordered the attack on Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent, and his daughter, Yulia, in Salisbury. “Any references to our president is nothing other than shocking and unforgivable from the point of view of diplomatic behaviour,” he said. President Vladimir Putin on Sunday rubbished claims that Russia poisoned a former spy in Britain, on the eve of international chemical weapons experts heading to Britain to probe the attack. "It's complete drivel, rubbish, nonsense that somebody in Russia would allow themselves to do such a thing ahead of elections and the World Cup," Putin told supporters after winning a fourth term as president. "We have destroyed all chemical weapons," he added, rejecting Britain's claim that only Moscow could be behind the nerve agent attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Putin said Russia is "ready to take part in the investigation", although earlier on Sunday British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson accused the Russians of "smug sarcasm and denial" in response to the accusations.

Kremlin asks UK for evidence on spy attack allegations

International chemical weapons experts were due to arrive in Britain Monday to collect samples of a nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy as London accused Moscow of stockpiling the toxin used in the attack.

The poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury on March 4 has triggered a crisis with Britain and Russia expelling diplomats in tit-for-tat measures.

London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack which left the Skripals in critical condition after exposure to a nerve agent.

Technical experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will visit Britain on Monday to collect samples of the toxin, which London says is a Soviet-designed military grade nerve agent called Novichok.

&quot;These will then be despatched to highly-reputable international laboratories selected by the OPCW for testing with results expected to take a minimum of two weeks,&quot; Britain&#39;s Foreign Office said in a statement.

President Vladimir Putin has rejected allegations Russia was behind the attack.

&quot;It&#39;s complete drivel, rubbish, nonsense that somebody in Russia would allow themselves to do such a thing ahead of elections and the World Cup,&quot; Putin told supporters Sunday after winning a fourth term as president.

&quot;We have destroyed all chemical weapons,&quot; he said, adding that Russia was ready to take part in the investigation.

Putin&#39;s comments came after British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson accused Russia of stockpiling the nerve agent used in the attack.

&quot;We actually have evidence within the last 10 years that Russia has not only been investigating the delivery of nerve agents for the purposes of assassination, but has also been creating and stockpiling Novichok,&quot; Johnson told the BBC&#39;s Andrew Marr Show.

&#39;Sarcasm and denial&#39; 
Johnson said Britain would target wealth linked to the Kremlin in response to the poisoning of the former Russian double agent.

&quot;Where people have obtained wealth by corruption and where we can see a link with the Kremlin, with Vladimir Putin, it may be possible to have unexplained wealth orders and other sanctions on those individuals,&quot; he said.

Johnson said the government was considering something similar to the US &quot;Magnitsky Act&quot; which was adopted in 2012 to punish Russian officials accused of human rights violations.

The act imposed a visa ban and froze the assets of Russian officials implicated in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, a tax fraud whistleblower who died in Russian custody in 2009.

Johnson accused the Russians of &quot;smug sarcasm and denial&quot; in response to the accusations, and said the international community was behind Britain.

Moscow&#39;s &quot;malign, disruptive behaviour&quot; internationally was the reason why allies were &quot;inclined not to give Russia the benefit of the doubt,&quot; he added.

Johnson is expected to brief his EU counterparts on the case at a meeting of foreign ministers and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Monday.

Russia&#39;s ambassador to the European Union, Vladimir Chizhov, has also insisted Moscow &quot;had nothing to do&quot; with the attack and appeared to suggest that Britain itself may have been the source of the chemical agent.&nbsp;

&quot;When you have a nerve agent, you check it against certain samples you have in your laboratories,&quot; he said Saturday.

&quot;And Porton Down, as we now all know, is the largest military facility in the UK that has been dealing with chemical weapons research -- and it&#39;s actually only eight miles from Salisbury.&quot;

Johnson called the accusation &quot;satirical&quot;, adding it was &quot;not the response of a country that really believes itself it to be innocent.&quot;

London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack which left former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yuliya in critical condition after exposure to a nerve agent

International chemical weapons experts were due to arrive in Britain Monday to collect samples of a nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy as London accused Moscow of stockpiling the toxin used in the attack. The poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury on March 4 has triggered a crisis with Britain and Russia expelling diplomats in tit-for-tat measures. London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack which left the Skripals in critical condition after exposure to a nerve agent. Technical experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will visit Britain on Monday to collect samples of the toxin, which London says is a Soviet-designed military grade nerve agent called Novichok. "These will then be despatched to highly-reputable international laboratories selected by the OPCW for testing with results expected to take a minimum of two weeks," Britain's Foreign Office said in a statement. President Vladimir Putin has rejected allegations Russia was behind the attack. "It's complete drivel, rubbish, nonsense that somebody in Russia would allow themselves to do such a thing ahead of elections and the World Cup," Putin told supporters Sunday after winning a fourth term as president. "We have destroyed all chemical weapons," he said, adding that Russia was ready to take part in the investigation. Putin's comments came after British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson accused Russia of stockpiling the nerve agent used in the attack. "We actually have evidence within the last 10 years that Russia has not only been investigating the delivery of nerve agents for the purposes of assassination, but has also been creating and stockpiling Novichok," Johnson told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show. 'Sarcasm and denial' Johnson said Britain would target wealth linked to the Kremlin in response to the poisoning of the former Russian double agent. "Where people have obtained wealth by corruption and where we can see a link with the Kremlin, with Vladimir Putin, it may be possible to have unexplained wealth orders and other sanctions on those individuals," he said. Johnson said the government was considering something similar to the US "Magnitsky Act" which was adopted in 2012 to punish Russian officials accused of human rights violations. The act imposed a visa ban and froze the assets of Russian officials implicated in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, a tax fraud whistleblower who died in Russian custody in 2009. Johnson accused the Russians of "smug sarcasm and denial" in response to the accusations, and said the international community was behind Britain. Moscow's "malign, disruptive behaviour" internationally was the reason why allies were "inclined not to give Russia the benefit of the doubt," he added. Johnson is expected to brief his EU counterparts on the case at a meeting of foreign ministers and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Monday. Russia's ambassador to the European Union, Vladimir Chizhov, has also insisted Moscow "had nothing to do" with the attack and appeared to suggest that Britain itself may have been the source of the chemical agent. "When you have a nerve agent, you check it against certain samples you have in your laboratories," he said Saturday. "And Porton Down, as we now all know, is the largest military facility in the UK that has been dealing with chemical weapons research -- and it's actually only eight miles from Salisbury." Johnson called the accusation "satirical", adding it was "not the response of a country that really believes itself it to be innocent."

Chemical weapons experts head to Britain in Russia spy case

Chaos broke out after a man drove into a pub in Gravesend, UK. The incident took place on Saturday night after the man was reportedly not allowed an entry inside the pub.&nbsp;

Locals report of a car being driven right into a nightclub here. Some say that the man was asked to leave the venue after which the accident happened.&nbsp;

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GRAVESEND: Reports of a car having been driven into the outer area of Blake&rsquo;s nightclub by someone after allegedly not being allowed in. Also reports of a fight. <a href="https://t.co/tY2qju9xEU">pic.twitter.com/tY2qju9xEU</a>
&mdash; Kent 999s (@Kent_999s) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kent_999s/status/975170598749040640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Online footage of the accident available on social media shows a car inside a marquee at Blake&rsquo;s nightclub on Queen Street.

Reports suggest a man arrested and few injured in the accident.&nbsp;

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GRAVESEND update: Police say that at least 13 people were injured when a Suzuki Vitara was driven into Blake&rsquo;s nightclub on Queen Street last night. Some people suffered broken bones. Police believe that some injured people left the scene. A man (21) was arrested. <a href="https://t.co/hGXMyhd8Fl">pic.twitter.com/hGXMyhd8Fl</a>
&mdash; Kent 999s (@Kent_999s) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kent_999s/status/975311511198601216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Reports suggest a man arrested and few injured in the accident

Chaos broke out after a man drove into a pub in Gravesend, UK. The incident took place on Saturday night after the man was reportedly not allowed an entry inside the pub. Locals report of a car being driven right into a nightclub here. Some say that the man was asked to leave the venue after which the accident happened. GRAVESEND: Reports of a car having been driven into the outer area of Blake’s nightclub by someone after allegedly not being allowed in. Also reports of a fight. pic.twitter.com/tY2qju9xEU — Kent 999s (@Kent_999s) March 18, 2018 × Online footage of the accident available on social media shows a car inside a marquee at Blake’s nightclub on Queen Street. Reports suggest a man arrested and few injured in the accident. GRAVESEND update: Police say that at least 13 people were injured when a Suzuki Vitara was driven into Blake’s nightclub on Queen Street last night. Some people suffered broken bones. Police believe that some injured people left the scene. A man (21) was arrested. pic.twitter.com/hGXMyhd8Fl — Kent 999s (@Kent_999s) March 18, 2018 ×

UK: Man drives car into nightclub after entry denied

A UK laboratory could be the source of the nerve agent used on a former Russian double agent in the English city of Salisbury, Russia&#39;s EU ambassador suggested in an interview aired on BBC&#39;s Andrew Marr on Sunday.&nbsp;

&quot;When you have a nerve agent or whatever, you check it against certain samples that you retain in your laboratories. And Porton Down, as we now all know, is the largest military facility in the United Kingdom that has been dealing with chemical weapons research. And it&#39;s actually only eight miles from Salisbury,&quot; Vladimir Chizhov told Marr in an interview conducted in Brussels on Friday (March 16).

When asked if he was suggesting that Porton Down was responsible for this nerve agent, Chizhov said: &quot;I don&#39;t know. I don&#39;t have any evidence of anything having been used.&quot;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-furious-as-britain-blames-putin-for-ex-spy-attack-36103">Kremlin furious as Britain blames Putin for ex-spy attack </a>

Britain has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack in Salisbury which left former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33, critically ill in hospital.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday expelled<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-says-russia-responsible-for-attack-on-ex-spy-in-uk-35826"> 23 diplomats</a> and suspended high-level contacts with Russia including for the World Cup, saying her government found Moscow &quot;culpable&quot; of a nerve agent attack on a former spy.

The left-wing leader has drawn criticism from his own MPs for failing to fully back the Conservative government, which said Moscow was &quot;culpable&quot; for the March 4 attack. President Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday, faced a midnight deadline to explain to Britain how a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union was used to strike down a former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence.

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-labour-leader-suggests-mafia-like-groups-behind-spy-attack-36046">UK Labour leader suggests &#39;mafia-like groups&#39; behind spy attack</a>

Britain braced for a showdown with Russia on Wednesday after a midnight deadline set by Prime Minister Theresa May expired without an explanation from Moscow about how a Soviet-era nerve toxin was used to strike down a former Russian double agent.

Britain has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack in Salisbury which left former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33, critically ill in hospital

A UK laboratory could be the source of the nerve agent used on a former Russian double agent in the English city of Salisbury, Russia's EU ambassador suggested in an interview aired on BBC's Andrew Marr on Sunday. "When you have a nerve agent or whatever, you check it against certain samples that you retain in your laboratories. And Porton Down, as we now all know, is the largest military facility in the United Kingdom that has been dealing with chemical weapons research. And it's actually only eight miles from Salisbury," Vladimir Chizhov told Marr in an interview conducted in Brussels on Friday (March 16). When asked if he was suggesting that Porton Down was responsible for this nerve agent, Chizhov said: "I don't know. I don't have any evidence of anything having been used." Also read: Kremlin furious as Britain blames Putin for ex-spy attack Britain has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack in Salisbury which left former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33, critically ill in hospital. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday expelled 23 diplomats and suspended high-level contacts with Russia including for the World Cup, saying her government found Moscow "culpable" of a nerve agent attack on a former spy. The left-wing leader has drawn criticism from his own MPs for failing to fully back the Conservative government, which said Moscow was "culpable" for the March 4 attack. President Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday, faced a midnight deadline to explain to Britain how a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union was used to strike down a former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence. Also read: UK Labour leader suggests 'mafia-like groups' behind spy attack Britain braced for a showdown with Russia on Wednesday after a midnight deadline set by Prime Minister Theresa May expired without an explanation from Moscow about how a Soviet-era nerve toxin was used to strike down a former Russian double agent.

UK lab could be source of toxin used on former spy: Russia EU ambassador

Britain&#39;s banks, energy and water companies are all said to be on high alert against the threat of a possible Russian cyber-attack amid an escalating diplomatic row between the two countries over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent on British soil.

Fears that Moscow could target Britain&#39;s critical national infrastructure came as Russia&#39;s ambassador to the European Union (EU) suggested a UK research laboratory could be the source of the deadly nerve agent used in the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

&quot;When you have a nerve agent or whatever, you check it against certain samples that you retain in your laboratories. And Porton Down, as we now all know, is the largest military facility in the United Kingdom that has been dealing with chemical weapons research. And it&#39;s actually only eight miles from Salisbury,&quot; Vladimir Chizhov told the BBC.

He stressed that Russia had &quot;nothing to do&quot;&nbsp;with the poisoning and that it did not stockpile the poison. Chizhov&#39;s comments came as a Russian foreign ministry spokesperson also tried to lay the blame on Britain, saying the UK was one of the most likely sources of the nerve agent, along with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden or possibly the US.

Meanwhile, officers from Britain&#39;s Special Branch of intelligence and security services are investigating death threats against another Russian dissident living in the UK, who has received a series of threatening emails linking his fate to Skripal.

Valery Morozov, 63, who claimed political asylum in the UK after blowing the whistle on Kremlin corruption, received a series of emails last week, warning: &quot;They came for Sergei, they will come for you.&quot;

According to &#39;The Sunday Times&#39;, Morozov received threats from an anonymous encrypted email address and immediately reported them to Surrey police. When he did not reply, Morozov received a second email, warning: &quot;Do you not care what will happen to you? Waiting for your confirmation.&quot;

Scotland Yard has issued a renewed appeal for information from anyone who may have seen a burgundy red BMW owned by 66-year-old Skripal, the former Russian spy who was found unconscious on March 4 in Salisbury along with his daughter, Yulia. The pair remain critical but stable in hospital.

British Prime Minister Theresa May informed Parliament earlier this week that the poison has been identified as being part of a group of military-grade nerve agents known as Novichok developed by the former Soviet Union.

Soon after she announced the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats identified as &quot;undeclared intelligence officers&quot;, the Kremlin expelled the same number based in Russia and also announced the closure of the British Consulate-General in St Petersburg as well as the British Council in Moscow.

Today, the UK government said that independent investigators from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will arrive in Britain tomorrow to kick off their investigation into the nerve agent used in the attempted assassinations of the Skripals.

The team from The Hague will meet with officials from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Porton Down and the police to discuss the process for collecting samples, including environmental ones.

The Foreign Secretary (Boris Johnson) revealed this morning that we have information indicating that within the last decade, Russia has investigated ways of delivering nerve agents likely for assassination.

&quot;And part of this programme has involved producing and stockpiling quantities of Novichok. This is a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention,&quot;&nbsp;a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) statement said.

The results of the OPCW investigation are expected to take a minimum of two weeks.

Meanwhile, Johnson is set to meet his EU counterparts and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for talks in Brussels tomorrow to deliberate on joint action against Russia.&nbsp;

Britain's banks, energy and water companies are all said to be on high alert against the threat of a possible Russian cyber-attack

Britain's banks, energy and water companies are all said to be on high alert against the threat of a possible Russian cyber-attack amid an escalating diplomatic row between the two countries over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent on British soil. Fears that Moscow could target Britain's critical national infrastructure came as Russia's ambassador to the European Union (EU) suggested a UK research laboratory could be the source of the deadly nerve agent used in the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. "When you have a nerve agent or whatever, you check it against certain samples that you retain in your laboratories. And Porton Down, as we now all know, is the largest military facility in the United Kingdom that has been dealing with chemical weapons research. And it's actually only eight miles from Salisbury," Vladimir Chizhov told the BBC. He stressed that Russia had "nothing to do" with the poisoning and that it did not stockpile the poison. Chizhov's comments came as a Russian foreign ministry spokesperson also tried to lay the blame on Britain, saying the UK was one of the most likely sources of the nerve agent, along with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden or possibly the US. Meanwhile, officers from Britain's Special Branch of intelligence and security services are investigating death threats against another Russian dissident living in the UK, who has received a series of threatening emails linking his fate to Skripal. Valery Morozov, 63, who claimed political asylum in the UK after blowing the whistle on Kremlin corruption, received a series of emails last week, warning: "They came for Sergei, they will come for you." According to 'The Sunday Times', Morozov received threats from an anonymous encrypted email address and immediately reported them to Surrey police. When he did not reply, Morozov received a second email, warning: "Do you not care what will happen to you? Waiting for your confirmation." Scotland Yard has issued a renewed appeal for information from anyone who may have seen a burgundy red BMW owned by 66-year-old Skripal, the former Russian spy who was found unconscious on March 4 in Salisbury along with his daughter, Yulia. The pair remain critical but stable in hospital. British Prime Minister Theresa May informed Parliament earlier this week that the poison has been identified as being part of a group of military-grade nerve agents known as Novichok developed by the former Soviet Union. Soon after she announced the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats identified as "undeclared intelligence officers", the Kremlin expelled the same number based in Russia and also announced the closure of the British Consulate-General in St Petersburg as well as the British Council in Moscow. Today, the UK government said that independent investigators from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will arrive in Britain tomorrow to kick off their investigation into the nerve agent used in the attempted assassinations of the Skripals. The team from The Hague will meet with officials from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Porton Down and the police to discuss the process for collecting samples, including environmental ones. The Foreign Secretary (Boris Johnson) revealed this morning that we have information indicating that within the last decade, Russia has investigated ways of delivering nerve agents likely for assassination. "And part of this programme has involved producing and stockpiling quantities of Novichok. This is a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention," a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) statement said. The results of the OPCW investigation are expected to take a minimum of two weeks. Meanwhile, Johnson is set to meet his EU counterparts and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for talks in Brussels tomorrow to deliberate on joint action against Russia.

UK on high alert against Russian cyber-attack threat

Britain&#39;s opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday suggested &quot;mafia-like groups&quot; in Russia could have been responsible for the nerve attack on a former double agent.

He said that the Russian state targeted Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury. 
&quot;Either this was a crime authored by the Russian state; or that state has allowed these deadly toxins to slip out of the control it has an obligation to exercise,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;If the latter, a connection to Russian mafia-like groups that have been allowed to gain a toehold in Britain cannot be excluded.&quot; 
He added: &quot;To rush way ahead of the evidence being gathered by the police, in a fevered parliamentary atmosphere, serves neither justice nor our national security.&quot;

The left-wing leader has drawn criticism from his own MPs for failing to fully back the Conservative government, which said Moscow was &quot;culpable&quot; for the March 4 attack. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-faces-midnight-deadline-to-explain-nerve-attack-on-former-spy-to-uk-35654">President Vladimir Putin</a>, on Tuesday, faced a midnight deadline to explain to Britain how a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union was used to strike down a former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence.

Corbyn condemned the &quot;barbaric&quot; incident, which left Skripal and his daughter in a critical condition and also injured a police officer.

He said Labour was &quot;no supporter of the Putin regime&quot;, but &quot;that does not mean we should resign ourselves to a &#39;new Cold War&#39; of escalating arms spending, proxy conflicts across the globe and a McCarthyite intolerance of dissent&quot;.

Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, have been in hospital in a critical condition since March 4 when they were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southern English cathedral city of Salisbury.

Prime Minister Theresa May said it was &quot;highly likely&quot; Moscow was to blame after Britain identified the substance as part of the Novichok group of nerve agents which were developed by the Soviet military during the 1970s and 1980s.

Britain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-russia-brace-for-showdown-as-deadline-expires-for-nerve-attack-explanation-35763">braced for a showdown</a> with Russia on Wednesday after a midnight deadline set by Prime Minister Theresa May expired without an explanation from Moscow about how a Soviet-era nerve toxin was used to strike down a former Russian double agent.

Britain's opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that the Russian state targeted Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury

Britain's opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday suggested "mafia-like groups" in Russia could have been responsible for the nerve attack on a former double agent. He said that the Russian state targeted Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury. "Either this was a crime authored by the Russian state; or that state has allowed these deadly toxins to slip out of the control it has an obligation to exercise," he said. "If the latter, a connection to Russian mafia-like groups that have been allowed to gain a toehold in Britain cannot be excluded." He added: "To rush way ahead of the evidence being gathered by the police, in a fevered parliamentary atmosphere, serves neither justice nor our national security." The left-wing leader has drawn criticism from his own MPs for failing to fully back the Conservative government, which said Moscow was "culpable" for the March 4 attack. President Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday, faced a midnight deadline to explain to Britain how a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union was used to strike down a former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence. Corbyn condemned the "barbaric" incident, which left Skripal and his daughter in a critical condition and also injured a police officer. He said Labour was "no supporter of the Putin regime", but "that does not mean we should resign ourselves to a 'new Cold War' of escalating arms spending, proxy conflicts across the globe and a McCarthyite intolerance of dissent". Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, have been in hospital in a critical condition since March 4 when they were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southern English cathedral city of Salisbury. Prime Minister Theresa May said it was "highly likely" Moscow was to blame after Britain identified the substance as part of the Novichok group of nerve agents which were developed by the Soviet military during the 1970s and 1980s. Britain braced for a showdown with Russia on Wednesday after a midnight deadline set by Prime Minister Theresa May expired without an explanation from Moscow about how a Soviet-era nerve toxin was used to strike down a former Russian double agent.

UK Labour leader suggests 'mafia-like groups' behind spy attack

British scientist Professor Stephen Hawking has passed away, a family spokesman confirmed today.

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The 76-year-old legendary scientist&nbsp;made breakthrough contribution and exploration in the areas of theoretical cosmology. He focused on the evolution of the universe as governed by the laws of general relativity.

Also known for his extensive work in the study of black holes,&nbsp;Professor Stephen Hawking made watershed contributions in facilitating a better understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe.

Some of his most notable and significant breakthroughs in the world of physics are listed below:

-- Cosmological singularity theorems, showing the inevitability of the Big Bang and a beginning in time.&nbsp;

-- Black hole horizons and uniqueness and discovering the event horizon.

-- Black hole radiation and laws of thermodynamics.

-- Quantum fluctuations as primordial seeds for large-scale structure.

-- He also proved that quiescent black holes must be axisymmetric.

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Sad to hear of the passing of scientist Stephen Hawking. His brilliant mind made our world and our universe a less mysterious place. And his courage and resilience will remain an inspiration for generations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/973777063600680961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Professor Stephen William Hawking was born on 8th January 1942 in Oxford, United Kingdom. In 1974 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). Hawking was also announced as one of the winners of the Fundamental Physics Prize, one of the most prestigious awards&nbsp;in the field of science.

Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset of a slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease is known to damage motor system in the body and is alternatively known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig&#39;s disease

According to reports, Hawking passed away peacefully at his residence in Cambridge, UK.&nbsp;

Professor Hawking&#39;s children, Lucy, Robert and Tim released a statement expressing their deep sadness.

&quot;He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world. He once said, &#39;It would not be much of a universe if it wasn&#39;t home to the people you love.&#39; We will miss him forever,&quot; the statement read.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to reports, Hawking passed away peacefully at his residence in Cambridge, UK

British scientist Professor Stephen Hawking has passed away, a family spokesman confirmed today. × The 76-year-old legendary scientist made breakthrough contribution and exploration in the areas of theoretical cosmology. He focused on the evolution of the universe as governed by the laws of general relativity. Also known for his extensive work in the study of black holes, Professor Stephen Hawking made watershed contributions in facilitating a better understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe. Some of his most notable and significant breakthroughs in the world of physics are listed below: -- Cosmological singularity theorems, showing the inevitability of the Big Bang and a beginning in time. -- Black hole horizons and uniqueness and discovering the event horizon. -- Black hole radiation and laws of thermodynamics. -- Quantum fluctuations as primordial seeds for large-scale structure. -- He also proved that quiescent black holes must be axisymmetric. Sad to hear of the passing of scientist Stephen Hawking. His brilliant mind made our world and our universe a less mysterious place. And his courage and resilience will remain an inspiration for generations #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 14, 2018 × Professor Stephen William Hawking was born on 8th January 1942 in Oxford, United Kingdom. In 1974 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). Hawking was also announced as one of the winners of the Fundamental Physics Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of science. Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset of a slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease is known to damage motor system in the body and is alternatively known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig's disease According to reports, Hawking passed away peacefully at his residence in Cambridge, UK. Professor Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim released a statement expressing their deep sadness. "He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world. He once said, 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.' We will miss him forever," the statement read.

Video: Legendary scientist Stephen Hawking dies at 76

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			Prime Minister Theresa May&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;paid tribute to world-renowned British scientist Stephen Hawking as &quot;a brilliant and extraordinary mind&quot; whose legacy &quot;will not be forgotten&quot; after his death at the age of 76.

			 
			May wrote on her Twitter page that Hawking was &quot;one of the great scientists of his generation&quot;, adding that &quot;his courage, humour and determination to get the most from life was an inspiration&quot;.
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May wrote on her Twitter page that Hawking was "one of the great scientists of his generation", adding that "his courage, humour and determination to get the most from life was an inspiration"

Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday paid tribute to world-renowned British scientist Stephen Hawking as "a brilliant and extraordinary mind" whose legacy "will not be forgotten" after his death at the age of 76. May wrote on her Twitter page that Hawking was "one of the great scientists of his generation", adding that "his courage, humour and determination to get the most from life was an inspiration".

UK's May hails Hawking as 'brilliant and extraordinary mind'

Russia warned Britain on Tuesday to expect reprisals if it announces sanctions over the poisoning of a former double agent, as the US and other allies joined London in demanding answers on how a Soviet-designed nerve agent was used in the attack.

British Prime Minister Theresa May says Russia was &quot;highly likely&quot; to be behind the attack, giving Moscow until midnight Tuesday to provide answers on the March 4 poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

In Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted &quot;Russia is not guilty&quot;, saying it was ready to cooperate with Britain but complaining that its request for samples of the nerve agent had been rejected.

The Russian embassy said it had formally demanded the government allow a joint investigation, saying &quot;without that, there can be no sense in any statements from London&quot;.

In the first sign of the practical implications of the growing diplomatic crisis, Russia threatened to bar all British media if British authorities banned the Kremlin-backed RT broadcaster.

British regulator Ofcom has warned it could review RT&#39;s licence if Russia were found to have been responsible for the attack on Skripal, who came to Britain in a 2010 spy swap.

The United States, NATO and the European Union have all backed Britain in its stand-off with Moscow, following what is believed to be the first nerve agent attack in Europe since World War II.

In a phone call with May on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said Russia must &quot;provide unambiguous answers&quot;.

The two leaders &quot;agreed on the need for consequences for those who use these heinous weapons in flagrant violation of international norms&quot;, the White House said.

Allies back Britain&nbsp;

May on Monday gave Moscow an ultimatum to explain whether Skripal&#39;s attempted murder was a state-sponsored attack, or whether it had &quot;lost control&quot; of the nerve agent.

She demanded Moscow disclose details of the development of the Novichok nerve agents programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

But addressing OPCW, Russian ambassador Alexander Shulgin accused British officials of launching &quot;vicious attacks&quot; against Moscow and &quot;fomenting hysteria&quot;.

Pharmacology experts said Novichok, a broad category of more than 100 nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union during the late stages of the Cold War, was &quot;more dangerous and sophisticated&quot; than sarin or VX.

May will gather her National Security Council on Wednesday morning &quot;to discuss the response from Russia&quot;, and will then give a statement to MPs, her spokesman said.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson attempted to rally support on Tuesday by calling his counterparts and vowing that if Russian was responsible, &quot;this would be further reckless behaviour which threatens the international community and requires an international response,&quot; according to a Foreign Office statement.

Canadian ambassador Timothy Edwards told the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the two scenarios outlined by May were &quot;deeply troubling&quot;.

European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said the EU was united in &quot;unwavering&quot; solidarity, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was taking the British accusation &quot;extremely seriously&quot;.

French President Emmanuel Macron said for his part the attack was &quot;unacceptable&quot; and &quot;reaffirmed France&#39;s commitment to fighting impunity when it comes to chemical weapons use,&quot; his office said.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the incident was &quot;of great concern&quot; amid reports that Britain was consulting NATO allies about possibly invoking its Article 5 principle of common defence.

They will not recover

Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, remain in critical condition in hospital after being found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southwestern city of Salisbury on March 4.

May said Moscow had previously produced a group of nerve agents known as Novichok, had a history of state-sponsored assassinations and viewed defectors such as Skripal as legitimate targets.

Vil Mirzayanov, a chemist who worked on the Novichok programme and now lives in the United States, said the nerve agent&#39;s effects were &quot;brutal&quot;.

&quot;These people are gone -- the man and his daughter. Even if they survive they will not recover,&quot; the 83-year-old told The Telegraph newspaper.

A policeman was also taken ill, and police revealed Tuesday that 35 people were assessed at the time, all but one of whom were swiftly released. That person is being monitored as an outpatient.

The case has prompted comparisons with the 2006 radiation poisoning of former spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, which a British public inquiry blamed on Russia.

In a further twist, former senior Russian executive Nikolai Glushkov, linked to late Kremlin opponent Boris Berezovsky, was found dead in London in unexplained circumstances, British and Russian media reported.

British Prime Minister Theresa May says Russia was 'highly likely' to be behind the attack, giving Moscow until midnight Tuesday to provide answers

Russia warned Britain on Tuesday to expect reprisals if it announces sanctions over the poisoning of a former double agent, as the US and other allies joined London in demanding answers on how a Soviet-designed nerve agent was used in the attack. British Prime Minister Theresa May says Russia was "highly likely" to be behind the attack, giving Moscow until midnight Tuesday to provide answers on the March 4 poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. In Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted "Russia is not guilty", saying it was ready to cooperate with Britain but complaining that its request for samples of the nerve agent had been rejected. The Russian embassy said it had formally demanded the government allow a joint investigation, saying "without that, there can be no sense in any statements from London". In the first sign of the practical implications of the growing diplomatic crisis, Russia threatened to bar all British media if British authorities banned the Kremlin-backed RT broadcaster. British regulator Ofcom has warned it could review RT's licence if Russia were found to have been responsible for the attack on Skripal, who came to Britain in a 2010 spy swap. The United States, NATO and the European Union have all backed Britain in its stand-off with Moscow, following what is believed to be the first nerve agent attack in Europe since World War II. In a phone call with May on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said Russia must "provide unambiguous answers". The two leaders "agreed on the need for consequences for those who use these heinous weapons in flagrant violation of international norms", the White House said. Allies back Britain May on Monday gave Moscow an ultimatum to explain whether Skripal's attempted murder was a state-sponsored attack, or whether it had "lost control" of the nerve agent. She demanded Moscow disclose details of the development of the Novichok nerve agents programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). But addressing OPCW, Russian ambassador Alexander Shulgin accused British officials of launching "vicious attacks" against Moscow and "fomenting hysteria". Pharmacology experts said Novichok, a broad category of more than 100 nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union during the late stages of the Cold War, was "more dangerous and sophisticated" than sarin or VX. May will gather her National Security Council on Wednesday morning "to discuss the response from Russia", and will then give a statement to MPs, her spokesman said. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson attempted to rally support on Tuesday by calling his counterparts and vowing that if Russian was responsible, "this would be further reckless behaviour which threatens the international community and requires an international response," according to a Foreign Office statement. Canadian ambassador Timothy Edwards told the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the two scenarios outlined by May were "deeply troubling". European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said the EU was united in "unwavering" solidarity, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was taking the British accusation "extremely seriously". French President Emmanuel Macron said for his part the attack was "unacceptable" and "reaffirmed France's commitment to fighting impunity when it comes to chemical weapons use," his office said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the incident was "of great concern" amid reports that Britain was consulting NATO allies about possibly invoking its Article 5 principle of common defence. They will not recover Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, remain in critical condition in hospital after being found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southwestern city of Salisbury on March 4. May said Moscow had previously produced a group of nerve agents known as Novichok, had a history of state-sponsored assassinations and viewed defectors such as Skripal as legitimate targets. Vil Mirzayanov, a chemist who worked on the Novichok programme and now lives in the United States, said the nerve agent's effects were "brutal". "These people are gone -- the man and his daughter. Even if they survive they will not recover," the 83-year-old told The Telegraph newspaper. A policeman was also taken ill, and police revealed Tuesday that 35 people were assessed at the time, all but one of whom were swiftly released. That person is being monitored as an outpatient. The case has prompted comparisons with the 2006 radiation poisoning of former spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, which a British public inquiry blamed on Russia. In a further twist, former senior Russian executive Nikolai Glushkov, linked to late Kremlin opponent Boris Berezovsky, was found dead in London in unexplained circumstances, British and Russian media reported.

Russia warns of reprisals if UK acts over spy attack

United States President Donald Trump has on Tuesday backed the British Government&#39;s theory which holds Russia responsible for the poison attack that left a former Russian double agent and his daughter comatose on a park bench last week.

&quot;It sounds to me like it would be Russia, based on all the evidence they have. It sounds to me like they believe it was Russia and I would certainly take that finding as fact,&quot; CNN reported Trump as telling reporters outside the White House.

Trump further underscored that &quot;As soon as we get the facts straight, if we agree with them, we will condemn Russia or whoever it may be.&quot;

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday stated that it was &quot;highly likely&quot; Russia was to blame for the attack.

In a strongly worded statement to the House of Commons May said the &quot;military grade&quot; nerve agent used in the attack had been identified as Novichok, a substance developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

In a move that is likely to plunge the UK-Russia ties to a new low, the British Prime Minister has demanded a response from the Russian government by the end of Tuesday, making it clear &quot;Should there be no credible response, we will conclude that this action amounts to an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom.&quot;

Dismissing May&#39;s comments Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, told CNN, &quot;This is a circus show in the British Parliament. The conclusion is obvious.&quot;

Retired military intelligence officer Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury city centre on March 4.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday stated that it was 'highly likely' Russia was to blame for the attack

United States President Donald Trump has on Tuesday backed the British Government's theory which holds Russia responsible for the poison attack that left a former Russian double agent and his daughter comatose on a park bench last week. "It sounds to me like it would be Russia, based on all the evidence they have. It sounds to me like they believe it was Russia and I would certainly take that finding as fact," CNN reported Trump as telling reporters outside the White House. Trump further underscored that "As soon as we get the facts straight, if we agree with them, we will condemn Russia or whoever it may be." British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday stated that it was "highly likely" Russia was to blame for the attack. In a strongly worded statement to the House of Commons May said the "military grade" nerve agent used in the attack had been identified as Novichok, a substance developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. In a move that is likely to plunge the UK-Russia ties to a new low, the British Prime Minister has demanded a response from the Russian government by the end of Tuesday, making it clear "Should there be no credible response, we will conclude that this action amounts to an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom." Dismissing May's comments Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, told CNN, "This is a circus show in the British Parliament. The conclusion is obvious." Retired military intelligence officer Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury city centre on March 4.

Ex-spy poisoning: Trump backs UK

Russia today rejected Britain&#39;s demand that Moscow provide an explanation over the poisoning of an ex-double agent and said London should provide Moscow with access to the nerve agent.

&quot;Before giving ultimatums it&#39;s better to honour your own obligations on international law,&quot; Lavrov told reporters, referring to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Russia&#39;s top diplomat said that Britain should have sent Moscow an official request about the substance used on its soil.

Lavrov said Russia had not received such a request and also demanded to be given access to the Russian-made nerve agent used to poison former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

&quot;Through an official note we had demanded access to this substance,&quot; Lavrov said, adding that Russia also asked to be informed about the investigation. &quot;Our requests have been denied.&quot;

&quot;If the procedures stipulated by the convention will be implemented I assure you that Russia will fulfil its obligations,&quot; Lavrov said.

He insisted that Moscow was not to blame for the poisoning of the former agent said it was ready to cooperate with London.

&quot;Russia is not guilty. Russia is ready to cooperate according to the Chemical Weapons Convention, if Britain takes the trouble and condescends to carry out its international obligations according to the same document,&quot; Lavrov told a press conference.

Separately, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, Maria Zakharova, said the ministry had summoned the British ambassador, Laurie Bristow, amid the escalating poisoning row.(AFP)

&nbsp;

'Before giving ultimatums it's better to honour your own obligations on international law,' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters

Russia today rejected Britain's demand that Moscow provide an explanation over the poisoning of an ex-double agent and said London should provide Moscow with access to the nerve agent. "Before giving ultimatums it's better to honour your own obligations on international law," Lavrov told reporters, referring to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Russia's top diplomat said that Britain should have sent Moscow an official request about the substance used on its soil. Lavrov said Russia had not received such a request and also demanded to be given access to the Russian-made nerve agent used to poison former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. "Through an official note we had demanded access to this substance," Lavrov said, adding that Russia also asked to be informed about the investigation. "Our requests have been denied." "If the procedures stipulated by the convention will be implemented I assure you that Russia will fulfil its obligations," Lavrov said. He insisted that Moscow was not to blame for the poisoning of the former agent said it was ready to cooperate with London. "Russia is not guilty. Russia is ready to cooperate according to the Chemical Weapons Convention, if Britain takes the trouble and condescends to carry out its international obligations according to the same document," Lavrov told a press conference. Separately, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, Maria Zakharova, said the ministry had summoned the British ambassador, Laurie Bristow, amid the escalating poisoning row.(AFP)

Ex-Russian spy's poisoning in UK: Russia rejects Britain's ultimatum, wants access to nerve agent

President Vladimir Putin faces a midnight deadline to explain to Britain how a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union was used to strike down a former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence.

Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, have been in hospital in a critical condition since March 4 when they were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southern English cathedral city of Salisbury.

Prime Minister Theresa May said it was &quot;highly likely&quot; Moscow was to blame after Britain identified the substance as part of the Novichok group of nerve agents which were developed by the Soviet military during the 1970s and 1980s.

&quot;It is now clear that Mr Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia,&quot; May said.&nbsp;

&quot;Either this was a direct act by the Russian state against our country. Or the Russian government lost control of this potentially catastrophically damaging nerve agent and allowed it to get into the hands of others.&quot;

May gave Putin, who faces a presidential election on March 18, until end of Tuesday to explain what happened or face what she said were &quot;much more extensive&quot; measures against the $1.5 trillion Russian economy.

The Russian ambassador, Alexander Yakovenko, was summoned to the Foreign Office and given until the end of Tuesday to provide an explanation. Russia has denied any role in the attack on Skripal and his daughter.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States had &quot;full confidence&quot; in Britain&#39;s assessment that Russia was likely responsible. US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has not yet publicly commented on the attack.

Earlier, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the United States stood by Britain, calling it America&#39;s &quot;closest ally,&quot; but she stopped short of blaming Russia for the attack.&nbsp;

The European Union also said it would stand by Britain, which is due to leave the bloc in just over a year&#39;s time. May spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, who Downing Street said condemned the attack and offered his solidarity with Britain.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the use of any nerve agent was horrendous and completely unacceptable.

Nerve agent&nbsp;

Russia said May&#39;s allegations were politically motivated.

&quot;It is a circus show in the British parliament,&quot; the TASS news agency quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying. &quot;The conclusion is obvious: It&#39;s another political information campaign, based on a provocation.&quot;

May said Russia had shown a pattern of aggression including the annexation of Crimea and the murder of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, who died in 2006 after drinking green tea laced with radioactive polonium-210.&nbsp;

A British public inquiry found the killing of Litvinenko had probably been approved by Putin and carried out by two Russians, Dmitry Kovtun and Andrei Lugovoy - a former KGB bodyguard who later became a member of the Russian parliament.

Both denied responsibility, as did Moscow.

Putin, who took over as Kremlin chief from Boris Yeltsin on the last day of 1999, has denied allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election and says the West has repeatedly tried to undermine Russian interests.

Skripal betrayed dozens of Russian agents to British intelligence before his arrest in Moscow in 2004. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2006, and in 2010 was given refuge in Britain after being exchanged for Russian spies.&nbsp;

Since emerging from the John le Carre world of high espionage and betrayal, Skripal lived modestly in Salisbury and kept out of the spotlight until he was found unconscious on Sunday.

Novichok agents are believed to be five to 10 times more lethal than the more commonly known VX and Sarin. They cause a slowing of the heart and restriction of the airways, leading to death by asphyxiation, University of Reading pharmacology professor Gary Stephens said.

Russian state television said Skripal had been recruited by the British when working as Russia&#39;s military attache in Spain and that he had handed over 20,000 pages of secret documents to MI6, Britain&#39;s foreign spy service.

A British policeman who was one of the first to attend to the stricken spy was also affected by the nerve agent. He is now conscious in a serious but stable condition, police said. 
&nbsp;

Russia said May's allegations were politically motivated

President Vladimir Putin faces a midnight deadline to explain to Britain how a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union was used to strike down a former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence. Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, have been in hospital in a critical condition since March 4 when they were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southern English cathedral city of Salisbury. Prime Minister Theresa May said it was "highly likely" Moscow was to blame after Britain identified the substance as part of the Novichok group of nerve agents which were developed by the Soviet military during the 1970s and 1980s. "It is now clear that Mr Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia," May said. "Either this was a direct act by the Russian state against our country. Or the Russian government lost control of this potentially catastrophically damaging nerve agent and allowed it to get into the hands of others." May gave Putin, who faces a presidential election on March 18, until end of Tuesday to explain what happened or face what she said were "much more extensive" measures against the $1.5 trillion Russian economy. The Russian ambassador, Alexander Yakovenko, was summoned to the Foreign Office and given until the end of Tuesday to provide an explanation. Russia has denied any role in the attack on Skripal and his daughter. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States had "full confidence" in Britain's assessment that Russia was likely responsible. US President Donald Trump has not yet publicly commented on the attack. Earlier, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the United States stood by Britain, calling it America's "closest ally," but she stopped short of blaming Russia for the attack. The European Union also said it would stand by Britain, which is due to leave the bloc in just over a year's time. May spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, who Downing Street said condemned the attack and offered his solidarity with Britain. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the use of any nerve agent was horrendous and completely unacceptable. Nerve agent Russia said May's allegations were politically motivated. "It is a circus show in the British parliament," the TASS news agency quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying. "The conclusion is obvious: It's another political information campaign, based on a provocation." May said Russia had shown a pattern of aggression including the annexation of Crimea and the murder of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, who died in 2006 after drinking green tea laced with radioactive polonium-210. A British public inquiry found the killing of Litvinenko had probably been approved by Putin and carried out by two Russians, Dmitry Kovtun and Andrei Lugovoy - a former KGB bodyguard who later became a member of the Russian parliament. Both denied responsibility, as did Moscow. Putin, who took over as Kremlin chief from Boris Yeltsin on the last day of 1999, has denied allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 US presidential election and says the West has repeatedly tried to undermine Russian interests. Skripal betrayed dozens of Russian agents to British intelligence before his arrest in Moscow in 2004. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2006, and in 2010 was given refuge in Britain after being exchanged for Russian spies. Since emerging from the John le Carre world of high espionage and betrayal, Skripal lived modestly in Salisbury and kept out of the spotlight until he was found unconscious on Sunday. Novichok agents are believed to be five to 10 times more lethal than the more commonly known VX and Sarin. They cause a slowing of the heart and restriction of the airways, leading to death by asphyxiation, University of Reading pharmacology professor Gary Stephens said. Russian state television said Skripal had been recruited by the British when working as Russia's military attache in Spain and that he had handed over 20,000 pages of secret documents to MI6, Britain's foreign spy service. A British policeman who was one of the first to attend to the stricken spy was also affected by the nerve agent. He is now conscious in a serious but stable condition, police said.

Putin faces midnight deadline to explain nerve attack on former spy to UK

US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, backed United Kingdom&#39;s assessment that suggests Russia&#39;s involvement in alleged nerve attack in the UK. Tillerson lashed out at Russia &nbsp;calling it &ldquo;an irresponsible force of instability in the world.&rdquo;

Tillerson said the United States had &quot;full confidence&quot; in Britain&#39;s assessment that Russia was likely responsible.

&quot;We agree that those responsible - both those who committed the crime and those who ordered it - must face appropriately serious consequences,&quot; he noted in a statement.&nbsp;

Tillerson also expressed solidarity with the UK over the matter.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the incident and stated the possibility of Russia&#39;s involvement in the attack.&nbsp;

May, on Monday, said it was &quot;highly likely&quot; that Moscow was responsible for the poisoning in England of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter using a military-grade nerve agent.

&quot;Should there be no credible response, we will conclude that this action amounts to an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom,&quot; she said, calling the attack a &quot;reckless and despicable act&quot;.

The Russian government has denied the allegations.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Russian government has denied the allegations.

US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, backed United Kingdom's assessment that suggests Russia's involvement in alleged nerve attack in the UK. Tillerson lashed out at Russia calling it “an irresponsible force of instability in the world.” Tillerson said the United States had "full confidence" in Britain's assessment that Russia was likely responsible. "We agree that those responsible - both those who committed the crime and those who ordered it - must face appropriately serious consequences," he noted in a statement. Tillerson also expressed solidarity with the UK over the matter. British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the incident and stated the possibility of Russia's involvement in the attack. May, on Monday, said it was "highly likely" that Moscow was responsible for the poisoning in England of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter using a military-grade nerve agent. "Should there be no credible response, we will conclude that this action amounts to an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom," she said, calling the attack a "reckless and despicable act". The Russian government has denied the allegations. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia was likely responsible for UK nerve agent attack: Rex Tillerson

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday it was &quot;highly likely&quot; that Moscow was responsible for the poisoning in England of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter using a military-grade nerve agent.

May told parliament that either the Russian state was directly responsible for the poisoning or it had allowed the nerve agent to get into the hands of others. London has given Russia until the end of Tuesday to explain its use.

British officials had identified the substance as being part of the Novichok group of nerve agents that were developed by the Soviet military during the 1970s and 1980s, May said.

Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter, Yulia, have been in hospital in critical condition since being found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the city of Salisbury on March 4.

&quot;Should there be no credible response, we will conclude that this action amounts to an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom,&quot; she said, calling the attack a &quot;reckless and despicable act&quot;.

Russia&#39;s foreign ministry hit back immediately, saying May&#39;s comments were a &quot;circus show&quot; and part of a political information campaign against Russia.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States had &quot;full confidence&quot; in Britain&#39;s assessment that Russia was likely responsible.

&quot;We agree that those responsible - both those who committed the crime and those who ordered it - must face appropriately serious consequences,&quot; Tillerson said in a statement.&nbsp;

Earlier, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the United States stood by America&#39;s &quot;closest ally,&quot; but she stopped short of blaming Russia for the attack.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the use of any nerve agent was &quot;horrendous and completely unacceptable&quot; and &quot;this incident is of great concern to NATO&quot;.

Relations between Britain and Russia have been strained since the murder in London of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, who died in 2006 after drinking green tea laced with radioactive polonium-210.&nbsp;

On Monday, May said the latest poisoning took place &quot;against a backdrop of a well-established pattern of Russian state aggression&quot; and that Britain was ready to take &quot;much more extensive measures&quot; against Russia than in the past.&nbsp;

Russia&#39;s ambassador to London has been summoned to explain to British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson how the nerve agent came to have been used. &quot;On Wednesday we will consider in detail the response from the Russian state,&quot; May said.

Novichok agents are believed to be five to 10 times more lethal than the more commonly known VX and Sarin gases. They cause a slowing of the heart and restriction of the airways, leading to death by asphyxiation, University of Reading pharmacology professor Gary Stephens said.

Russian tv: World cup spoiler plot

Russian President Vladimir Putin brushed off a question about the affair while visiting a grain centre in southern Russia, saying British authorities should first &quot;get to the bottom of things&quot;, the BBC&#39;s Moscow correspondent wrote on Twitter.

Russian state TV accused Britain of poisoning Skripal as part of a special operation designed to spoil Russia&#39;s hosting of soccer&#39;s World Cup this summer.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Skripal worked for British intelligence and the attack happened in Britain so it was not a matter for the Russian government.

A British policeman who was one of the first to attend to the stricken spy was also affected by the nerve agent. He is now conscious in serious but stable condition, police said.

Skripal is a former colonel in Russia&#39;s GRU military intelligence who was convicted of passing secrets to Britain&#39;s MI6 intelligence agency and later exchanged in a spy swap.

The chairman of the British parliament&#39;s foreign affairs committee, Tom Tugendhat, said Russia&#39;s so-called oligarchs, who have amassed fortunes during Putin&#39;s 18-year rule, should be denied entry to the luxuries of London and the West.

The British capital has been dubbed &quot;Londongrad&quot; due to the large quantities of Russian money that have poured in since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

May said last year that Putin was seeking to undermine the West and the international order by meddling in elections, and promised to ensure corrupt money did not flow into Britain from Russia.

A British public inquiry found the 2006 killing of Litvinenko had probably been approved by Putin and carried out by two Russians, Dmitry Kovtun and Andrei Lugovoy - a former KGB bodyguard who later became a member of the Russian parliament.

Cordons remained in place in the centre of Salisbury and some police investigators wore full chemical and biological suits. The army was later deployed to help remove items from the scene.&nbsp;

Health officials said there was no wider risk to public health.

Jenny Harries, deputy medical director at Public Health England, suggested members of the public who had visited the same restaurant and pub as Skripal and his daughter on March 4 should wash their clothes, clean phones and bags with baby wipes and wash items such as jewellery and spectacles with warm water and detergent. 
&nbsp;

British officials had identified the substance as being part of the Novichok group of nerve agents that were developed by the Soviet military during the 1970s, May noted

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday it was "highly likely" that Moscow was responsible for the poisoning in England of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter using a military-grade nerve agent. May told parliament that either the Russian state was directly responsible for the poisoning or it had allowed the nerve agent to get into the hands of others. London has given Russia until the end of Tuesday to explain its use. British officials had identified the substance as being part of the Novichok group of nerve agents that were developed by the Soviet military during the 1970s and 1980s, May said. Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter, Yulia, have been in hospital in critical condition since being found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the city of Salisbury on March 4. "Should there be no credible response, we will conclude that this action amounts to an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom," she said, calling the attack a "reckless and despicable act". Russia's foreign ministry hit back immediately, saying May's comments were a "circus show" and part of a political information campaign against Russia. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States had "full confidence" in Britain's assessment that Russia was likely responsible. "We agree that those responsible - both those who committed the crime and those who ordered it - must face appropriately serious consequences," Tillerson said in a statement. Earlier, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the United States stood by America's "closest ally," but she stopped short of blaming Russia for the attack. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the use of any nerve agent was "horrendous and completely unacceptable" and "this incident is of great concern to NATO". Relations between Britain and Russia have been strained since the murder in London of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, who died in 2006 after drinking green tea laced with radioactive polonium-210. On Monday, May said the latest poisoning took place "against a backdrop of a well-established pattern of Russian state aggression" and that Britain was ready to take "much more extensive measures" against Russia than in the past. Russia's ambassador to London has been summoned to explain to British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson how the nerve agent came to have been used. "On Wednesday we will consider in detail the response from the Russian state," May said. Novichok agents are believed to be five to 10 times more lethal than the more commonly known VX and Sarin gases. They cause a slowing of the heart and restriction of the airways, leading to death by asphyxiation, University of Reading pharmacology professor Gary Stephens said. Russian tv: World cup spoiler plot Russian President Vladimir Putin brushed off a question about the affair while visiting a grain centre in southern Russia, saying British authorities should first "get to the bottom of things", the BBC's Moscow correspondent wrote on Twitter. Russian state TV accused Britain of poisoning Skripal as part of a special operation designed to spoil Russia's hosting of soccer's World Cup this summer. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Skripal worked for British intelligence and the attack happened in Britain so it was not a matter for the Russian government. A British policeman who was one of the first to attend to the stricken spy was also affected by the nerve agent. He is now conscious in serious but stable condition, police said. Skripal is a former colonel in Russia's GRU military intelligence who was convicted of passing secrets to Britain's MI6 intelligence agency and later exchanged in a spy swap. The chairman of the British parliament's foreign affairs committee, Tom Tugendhat, said Russia's so-called oligarchs, who have amassed fortunes during Putin's 18-year rule, should be denied entry to the luxuries of London and the West. The British capital has been dubbed "Londongrad" due to the large quantities of Russian money that have poured in since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. May said last year that Putin was seeking to undermine the West and the international order by meddling in elections, and promised to ensure corrupt money did not flow into Britain from Russia. A British public inquiry found the 2006 killing of Litvinenko had probably been approved by Putin and carried out by two Russians, Dmitry Kovtun and Andrei Lugovoy - a former KGB bodyguard who later became a member of the Russian parliament. Cordons remained in place in the centre of Salisbury and some police investigators wore full chemical and biological suits. The army was later deployed to help remove items from the scene. Health officials said there was no wider risk to public health. Jenny Harries, deputy medical director at Public Health England, suggested members of the public who had visited the same restaurant and pub as Skripal and his daughter on March 4 should wash their clothes, clean phones and bags with baby wipes and wash items such as jewellery and spectacles with warm water and detergent.

UK's May says 'highly likely' Russia behind nerve attack on spy

British Prime Minister Theresa May will chair a meeting of her national security team Monday after weekend confirmation that traces of a nerve agent used in the attempted murder of a Russian former double agent were found in a pub and a restaurant he visited.

May and senior ministers will receive an update on the investigation into the March 4 attack on Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia, as pressure mounts in Britain for answers over the incident.

The Times reported that the prime minister is on the brink of publicly declaring Russia&#39;s involvement, possibly following the national security council meeting.

She is considering a raft of &quot;hard line&quot; responses, with diplomatic expulsions and rescinding the visas of Kremlin-linked residents among the possible measures, the paper said.

The Russian pair were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, southwest England, and remain in a critical but stable condition in hospital. Authorities have yet to confirm the precise substance involved in the attack.

Sally Davies, England&#39;s chief medical officer, revealed Sunday that up to 500 people who may have come into minimal contact with the nerve agent should wash their clothes and belongings as a precaution.

The advice was aimed at locals who visited The Mill pub and Zizzi&#39;s restaurant that the targeted duo visited prior to falling ill.

&quot;There has been some trace contamination by the nerve agent,&quot; Davies said. &quot;I am confident this has not harmed the health of anyone who was in The Mill pub or Zizzi&#39;s.&quot;

The BBC reported a table at the restaurant was so contaminated that it had to be destroyed.

Davies added that pub and restaurant-goers last Sunday or Monday should wash clothing in the washing machine, while dry clean-only clothes should be put inside two tied plastic bags and safely stored while awaiting further advice.

She also gave detailed instructions for cleaning items such as mobile phones, handbags, jewellery and eyeglasses.The advice, given a week after the incident, surprised residents repeatedly reassured they were in no danger.

Steve Cooper, who was in the pub around the same time as Skripal, told the BBC he was &quot;concerned&quot;.

The risk to public health remained low and the advice was precautionary, Public Health England said.

&quot;It is possible, but unlikely, that any of the substance which has come into contact with clothing or belongings could still be present in minute amounts,&quot; PHE said in a statement.

&quot;Over time, repeated skin contact with contaminated items may pose a small risk to health.&quot;

Nick Bailey, one of the first police officers on the scene after Skripal and his daughter fell ill, is in hospital but conscious, local police have said.

Alastair Hay, an environmental toxicology professor at Leeds University, said the advice on cleaning clothes and possessions would provide an &quot;extra guarantee of safety&quot;.

&quot;If no one has had physical symptoms suggestive of nerve agent contact by now it is unlikely that they are a risk,&quot; he said.

&quot;Nerve agents vary in their rate of environmental breakdown. Sarin is one of those that degrades more rapidly whereas VX is more persistent.&quot;

Meanwhile, Britain&#39;s armed forces are expected to continue assisting police in the probe Monday.

Around 180 troops, including chemical warfare experts, have been deployed in Salisbury after investigators requested expert assistance.

Interior Minister Amber Rudd has said police were examining more than 200 pieces of evidence, had identified more than 240 witnesses, and were ploughing through security camera footage.

The Telegraph reported that experts were testing the substance to ascertain if it was produced in Russia. Skripal came to Britain in 2010 as part of a spy swap. He was a former colonel in Russia&#39;s military intelligence who was jailed in his country for betraying agents to Britain&#39;s MI6 secret service.

Britain&#39;s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has been pointing the finger at Moscow.

A public inquiry into the 2006 radiation poisoning death of Russian secret service defector Alexander Litvinenko concluded in 2016 that the killing in London had &quot;probably&quot; been carried out with the approval of President Vladimir Putin.

Litvinenko&#39;s widow Marina said it seemed that Britain was unable to protect those to whom it offered political asylum.

She revealed a 2016 letter from Theresa May, now Britain&#39;s prime minister, saying that &quot;we will take every step to protect the UK and its people from such a crime ever being repeated&quot;.

&quot;We can see nothing was done,&quot; she told Sky News television. 
&nbsp;

The Russian pair were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, southwest England, and remain in a critical but stable condition in hospital

British Prime Minister Theresa May will chair a meeting of her national security team Monday after weekend confirmation that traces of a nerve agent used in the attempted murder of a Russian former double agent were found in a pub and a restaurant he visited. May and senior ministers will receive an update on the investigation into the March 4 attack on Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia, as pressure mounts in Britain for answers over the incident. The Times reported that the prime minister is on the brink of publicly declaring Russia's involvement, possibly following the national security council meeting. She is considering a raft of "hard line" responses, with diplomatic expulsions and rescinding the visas of Kremlin-linked residents among the possible measures, the paper said. The Russian pair were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, southwest England, and remain in a critical but stable condition in hospital. Authorities have yet to confirm the precise substance involved in the attack. Sally Davies, England's chief medical officer, revealed Sunday that up to 500 people who may have come into minimal contact with the nerve agent should wash their clothes and belongings as a precaution. The advice was aimed at locals who visited The Mill pub and Zizzi's restaurant that the targeted duo visited prior to falling ill. "There has been some trace contamination by the nerve agent," Davies said. "I am confident this has not harmed the health of anyone who was in The Mill pub or Zizzi's." The BBC reported a table at the restaurant was so contaminated that it had to be destroyed. Davies added that pub and restaurant-goers last Sunday or Monday should wash clothing in the washing machine, while dry clean-only clothes should be put inside two tied plastic bags and safely stored while awaiting further advice. She also gave detailed instructions for cleaning items such as mobile phones, handbags, jewellery and eyeglasses.The advice, given a week after the incident, surprised residents repeatedly reassured they were in no danger. Steve Cooper, who was in the pub around the same time as Skripal, told the BBC he was "concerned". The risk to public health remained low and the advice was precautionary, Public Health England said. "It is possible, but unlikely, that any of the substance which has come into contact with clothing or belongings could still be present in minute amounts," PHE said in a statement. "Over time, repeated skin contact with contaminated items may pose a small risk to health." Nick Bailey, one of the first police officers on the scene after Skripal and his daughter fell ill, is in hospital but conscious, local police have said. Alastair Hay, an environmental toxicology professor at Leeds University, said the advice on cleaning clothes and possessions would provide an "extra guarantee of safety". "If no one has had physical symptoms suggestive of nerve agent contact by now it is unlikely that they are a risk," he said. "Nerve agents vary in their rate of environmental breakdown. Sarin is one of those that degrades more rapidly whereas VX is more persistent." Meanwhile, Britain's armed forces are expected to continue assisting police in the probe Monday. Around 180 troops, including chemical warfare experts, have been deployed in Salisbury after investigators requested expert assistance. Interior Minister Amber Rudd has said police were examining more than 200 pieces of evidence, had identified more than 240 witnesses, and were ploughing through security camera footage. The Telegraph reported that experts were testing the substance to ascertain if it was produced in Russia. Skripal came to Britain in 2010 as part of a spy swap. He was a former colonel in Russia's military intelligence who was jailed in his country for betraying agents to Britain's MI6 secret service. Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has been pointing the finger at Moscow. A public inquiry into the 2006 radiation poisoning death of Russian secret service defector Alexander Litvinenko concluded in 2016 that the killing in London had "probably" been carried out with the approval of President Vladimir Putin. Litvinenko's widow Marina said it seemed that Britain was unable to protect those to whom it offered political asylum. She revealed a 2016 letter from Theresa May, now Britain's prime minister, saying that "we will take every step to protect the UK and its people from such a crime ever being repeated". "We can see nothing was done," she told Sky News television.

UK national security chiefs to meet as pressure over spy probe mounts

The Russian former double-agent who collapsed in a British town alongside his daughter was targeted with a nerve agent, while a responding policeman has also been hospitalised, police said Wednesday.

&quot;This is being treated as a major incident involving attempted murder by administration of a nerve agent&quot;, Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Mark Rowley told reporters.

Scientific tests by government experts have identified the specific nerve agent used, &quot;which will help identify the source&quot; police said, but Rowley declined to reveal the exact substance.

Sergei Skripal, 66, who moved to Britain in a 2010 spy swap, is in a critical condition in the hospital along with his daughter Yulia after they collapsed on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southwestern English city of Salisbury on Sunday.

&quot;Sadly, in addition, a police officer, who was one of the first to attend the scene is now also in a serious condition in hospital,&quot; said Rowley.

Britain&#39;s Sky News, quoting sources, reported late Wednesday that all three victims are in a coma.

Other emergency services personnel who treated the pair required medical treatment at the time but have not been admitted to hospital. Interior minister Amber Rudd called for &quot;cool heads&quot; over the poisoning, which is already being linked with Russia by British politicians and the media.

She is expected to make a statement in parliament on Thursday.

Police say they are keeping an open mind about what happened, but Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has alluded to Russia.

He noted the &quot;echoes&quot; with the 2006 poisoning in London of former Russian spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, which Britain has blamed on Russia.

Moscow accused British politicians and journalists of whipping up anti-Russian sentiment, with Kremlin foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova telling reporters the story &quot;was straight away used to boost an anti-Russian campaign in the media&quot;.

Zakharova earlier said Johnson`s comments were &quot;wild&quot;.

Meanwhile, hundreds of counter-terrorism detectives are working &quot;around the clock&quot; to create a timeline of the victims&#39;&nbsp;movements, with &quot;many hours&quot; of CCTV under review, police said.

Investigators believe Skripal and his 33-year-old daughter were in Salisbury city centre for several hours before they were found slumped on a bench.

They reportedly had lunch at a pizza restaurant, Zizzi, and visited a pub in Salisbury before being discovered outside the shopping centre, where onlookers said they appeared &quot;out of it&quot;.

An anonymous witness who was in the pub, which has been closed by police, told the BBC on Wednesday that Skripal was there behaving erratically and at one point shouting loudly.

Rowley appealed for information from those in Salisbury on Sunday.

&quot;Your memory of that afternoon and your movements alone could help us with missing pieces of the investigation,&quot; he said.

The Times newspaper reported police are probing whether Skripal&#39;s daughter, who arrived in Britain from Moscow last week with &quot;gifts from friends&quot;, may have brought the nerve agent into the country.

The paper previously said investigators would also examine the 2012 death of Skripal&#39;s wife from cancer, and that of his 44-year-old son last year in St Petersburg, reportedly from liver problems. Prime Minister Theresa May was updated on the case at a meeting of her national security council on Tuesday but has declined to publicly comment on the ongoing investigation.

However, she confirmed the government might consider a boycott by British officials and dignitaries of the 2018 football World Cup in Russia if it were found to have been involved.

&quot;Depending on what comes out in relation to the investigation... it might be appropriate for the government to look at whether ministers and other dignitaries should attend the World Cup in Russia,&quot; she said Wednesday.

The possible boycott -- which would not include players -- was first raised by Johnson on Tuesday when he told MPs that he was not pointing fingers for Skripal&#39;s collapse but made several references to Russia.

He warned Britain would respond &quot;appropriately and robustly&quot; if a government was found responsible.

Multiple British media outlets reported Wednesday that Prince William would now not attend this summer&#39;s football World Cup in Russia, citing royal sources. 
The prince has attended recent tournaments in his role as president of the English Football Association.

Kensington Palace, his residence, did not respond to a request for comment.

Skripal was a former colonel in Russian military intelligence who was jailed in his country for betraying agents to Britain&#39;s MI6 secret service.

He was pardoned before being flown to Britain as part of a high-profile spy swap involving Russia and the United States in 2010.

Scientific tests by government experts have identified the specific nerve agent used

The Russian former double-agent who collapsed in a British town alongside his daughter was targeted with a nerve agent, while a responding policeman has also been hospitalised, police said Wednesday. "This is being treated as a major incident involving attempted murder by administration of a nerve agent", Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Mark Rowley told reporters. Scientific tests by government experts have identified the specific nerve agent used, "which will help identify the source" police said, but Rowley declined to reveal the exact substance. Sergei Skripal, 66, who moved to Britain in a 2010 spy swap, is in a critical condition in the hospital along with his daughter Yulia after they collapsed on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southwestern English city of Salisbury on Sunday. "Sadly, in addition, a police officer, who was one of the first to attend the scene is now also in a serious condition in hospital," said Rowley. Britain's Sky News, quoting sources, reported late Wednesday that all three victims are in a coma. Other emergency services personnel who treated the pair required medical treatment at the time but have not been admitted to hospital. Interior minister Amber Rudd called for "cool heads" over the poisoning, which is already being linked with Russia by British politicians and the media. She is expected to make a statement in parliament on Thursday. Police say they are keeping an open mind about what happened, but Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has alluded to Russia. He noted the "echoes" with the 2006 poisoning in London of former Russian spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, which Britain has blamed on Russia. Moscow accused British politicians and journalists of whipping up anti-Russian sentiment, with Kremlin foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova telling reporters the story "was straight away used to boost an anti-Russian campaign in the media". Zakharova earlier said Johnson`s comments were "wild". Meanwhile, hundreds of counter-terrorism detectives are working "around the clock" to create a timeline of the victims' movements, with "many hours" of CCTV under review, police said. Investigators believe Skripal and his 33-year-old daughter were in Salisbury city centre for several hours before they were found slumped on a bench. They reportedly had lunch at a pizza restaurant, Zizzi, and visited a pub in Salisbury before being discovered outside the shopping centre, where onlookers said they appeared "out of it". An anonymous witness who was in the pub, which has been closed by police, told the BBC on Wednesday that Skripal was there behaving erratically and at one point shouting loudly. Rowley appealed for information from those in Salisbury on Sunday. "Your memory of that afternoon and your movements alone could help us with missing pieces of the investigation," he said. The Times newspaper reported police are probing whether Skripal's daughter, who arrived in Britain from Moscow last week with "gifts from friends", may have brought the nerve agent into the country. The paper previously said investigators would also examine the 2012 death of Skripal's wife from cancer, and that of his 44-year-old son last year in St Petersburg, reportedly from liver problems. Prime Minister Theresa May was updated on the case at a meeting of her national security council on Tuesday but has declined to publicly comment on the ongoing investigation. However, she confirmed the government might consider a boycott by British officials and dignitaries of the 2018 football World Cup in Russia if it were found to have been involved. "Depending on what comes out in relation to the investigation... it might be appropriate for the government to look at whether ministers and other dignitaries should attend the World Cup in Russia," she said Wednesday. The possible boycott -- which would not include players -- was first raised by Johnson on Tuesday when he told MPs that he was not pointing fingers for Skripal's collapse but made several references to Russia. He warned Britain would respond "appropriately and robustly" if a government was found responsible. Multiple British media outlets reported Wednesday that Prince William would now not attend this summer's football World Cup in Russia, citing royal sources. The prince has attended recent tournaments in his role as president of the English Football Association. Kensington Palace, his residence, did not respond to a request for comment. Skripal was a former colonel in Russian military intelligence who was jailed in his country for betraying agents to Britain's MI6 secret service. He was pardoned before being flown to Britain as part of a high-profile spy swap involving Russia and the United States in 2010.

UK police confirm Russian ex-spy, daughter hit by nerve agent

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warned on Tuesday that Britain would respond &quot;robustly&quot; if it emerged that a state was behind the &quot;disturbing&quot; collapse of a former Russian double agent in England.

Johnson confirmed to MPs that Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on Sunday, adding: &quot;Should evidence emerge that implies state responsibility then Her Majesty&#39;s government will respond appropriately and robustly.&quot;

Johnson confirmed to MPs that Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warned on Tuesday that Britain would respond "robustly" if it emerged that a state was behind the "disturbing" collapse of a former Russian double agent in England. Johnson confirmed to MPs that Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on Sunday, adding: "Should evidence emerge that implies state responsibility then Her Majesty's government will respond appropriately and robustly."

UK says would respond 'robustly' if a state behind ex-spy collapse

A joint committee between the European Union and Britain shall oversee arrangements for the Irish border, the bloc said in its draft withdrawal treaty published on Wednesday, also setting out a special zone covering Ireland and Northern Ireland.

&quot;The common regulatory area shall constitute an area without internal borders in which the free movement of goods is ensured and North-South cooperation protected,&quot; the draft said in a special protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The bloc also set out a special zone covering Ireland and Northern Ireland

A joint committee between the European Union and Britain shall oversee arrangements for the Irish border, the bloc said in its draft withdrawal treaty published on Wednesday, also setting out a special zone covering Ireland and Northern Ireland. "The common regulatory area shall constitute an area without internal borders in which the free movement of goods is ensured and North-South cooperation protected," the draft said in a special protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

EU-UK committee to oversee Irish border deal

Scotland&rsquo;s devolved government will shortly introduce its own, alternative Brexit bill, increasing pressure on the UK government over legislation needed to pass in Britain&rsquo;s national parliament.

The &ldquo;continuity bill&rdquo;, to be announced on Tuesday afternoon in the Scottish parliament by Brexit minister Mike Russell.&nbsp;

It will be introduced at Holyrood as a stop-gap solution if MSPs do not give consent to the UK bill and will aim to ensure stability of devolved law once Britain leaves the EU.&nbsp;

Russel said that there is still a possibility of a good deal to be agreed with Westminster, but has rejected the current offer from UK ministers.

Prime Minister Theresa May&rsquo;s government on Monday indicated that it would go no further in offering concessions to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who are concerned that they will lose powers in a constitutional realignment after Britain leaves the European Union.

The United Kingdom&rsquo;s devolved nations do not have a veto on Brexit legislation, but ignoring their wishes risks worsening already strained relations, stoking nationalism in Scotland, and further complicating the already-difficult withdrawal process.

&ldquo;I will not sign up to something that effectively undermines the whole foundation on which devolution is built,&rdquo; Nicola Sturgeon, whose party supports independence for Scotland, told BBC radio. As things stand, her government could not recommend consent for the bill, she said.

Cabinet minister David Lidington said on Monday that most currently devolved powers would now automatically stay in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, the devolved nations&rsquo; capitals, after Britain leaves the European Union.

But the British government would make exceptions if it believed that would damage the UK as a whole, he said, comments that raised hackles in Scotland and appeared to overturn progress made between the sides last week.

The British government needs a deal before the summer in order to pass the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill in Britain&rsquo;s national parliament. The bill will formally sever the UK&rsquo;s ties to the EU and &ldquo;copy and paste&rdquo; EU legislation into British law.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The “continuity bill”, to be announced on Tuesday afternoon in the Scottish parliament by Brexit minister Mike Russell

Scotland’s devolved government will shortly introduce its own, alternative Brexit bill, increasing pressure on the UK government over legislation needed to pass in Britain’s national parliament. The “continuity bill”, to be announced on Tuesday afternoon in the Scottish parliament by Brexit minister Mike Russell. It will be introduced at Holyrood as a stop-gap solution if MSPs do not give consent to the UK bill and will aim to ensure stability of devolved law once Britain leaves the EU. Russel said that there is still a possibility of a good deal to be agreed with Westminster, but has rejected the current offer from UK ministers. Prime Minister Theresa May’s government on Monday indicated that it would go no further in offering concessions to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who are concerned that they will lose powers in a constitutional realignment after Britain leaves the European Union. The United Kingdom’s devolved nations do not have a veto on Brexit legislation, but ignoring their wishes risks worsening already strained relations, stoking nationalism in Scotland, and further complicating the already-difficult withdrawal process. “I will not sign up to something that effectively undermines the whole foundation on which devolution is built,” Nicola Sturgeon, whose party supports independence for Scotland, told BBC radio. As things stand, her government could not recommend consent for the bill, she said. Cabinet minister David Lidington said on Monday that most currently devolved powers would now automatically stay in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, the devolved nations’ capitals, after Britain leaves the European Union. But the British government would make exceptions if it believed that would damage the UK as a whole, he said, comments that raised hackles in Scotland and appeared to overturn progress made between the sides last week. The British government needs a deal before the summer in order to pass the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill in Britain’s national parliament. The bill will formally sever the UK’s ties to the EU and “copy and paste” EU legislation into British law. (With inputs from Reuters)

Scotland to introduce 'continuity bill' as alternative Brexit bill

Russia vetoed Monday a UN draft resolution presented by Britain and strongly backed by the United States that would have pressured Iran over its failure to block supplies of missiles to Yemen`s Huthi rebels.

Britain had sought to include in the measure renewing sanctions on Yemen an expression of &quot;particular concern&quot; from the Security Council over a UN report that found Iran had violated the 2015 arms embargo on Yemen.

The report by a UN panel of experts in January concluded that Iran was in violation after determining that missiles fired by the Huthis at Saudi Arabia last year were made in Iran.

The text, which was backed by France, other European countries and Kuwait, won 11 favorable votes at the 15-member Security Council but was blocked by Russia`s veto.&nbsp;

China and Kazakhstan abstained, while Bolivia also voted against the measure.

Nine votes and no vetoes from the five permanent council members -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- are required to adopt resolutions at the Security Council.

After hours of negotiations in a bid to reach a compromise, Russia made clear it had strong reservations about the findings of the UN report and would not support a draft resolution that mentioned them.

&quot;We cannot concur with uncorroborated conclusions and evidence which requires verification and discussions within the sanctions committee,&quot; Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council.

While the report found that Tehran had violated the embargo by failing to block the shipments, the experts said they were unable to identify the supplier.

Nebenzia warned that taking aim at Iran could have had &quot;dangerous destabilising ramifications&quot; in the Middle East by exacerbating tensions between Shiites and Sunnis.

After the veto, the council unanimously adopted a Russian-drafted measure that extended for one year the sanctions regime against Yemen, but that text made no mention of Iran.Iran has repeatedly denied arming the Huthis in Yemen, despite claims by the United States and Saudi Arabia that the evidence of an arms connection is irrefutable.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley released a statement accusing Russia of shielding Iran and warned the United States would consider other ways to take action against Tehran.

&quot;Today, Russia protected the terrorist-sponsoring regime in Iran,&quot; said Haley, who was traveling to Honduras.

&quot;If Russia is going to use its veto to block action against Iran`s dangerous and destabilizing conduct, then the United States and our partners will need to take actions against Iran that the Russians cannot block.&quot;

Haley has taken a hawkish stance on Iran, accusing Tehran of sowing instability in the Middle East and failing to live up to its commitments under the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

Russia, which has traditionally friendly relations with Iran, is providing military support along with Tehran to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad`s forces.

Iran`s mission to the United Nations charged that the United States and Britain had pushed an &quot;unwarranted draft resolution&quot; to advance an anti-Iran political agenda.

Iran &quot;categorically rejects allegations regarding arms transfer to Yemen,&quot; said a statement from the mission that described the draft resolution as an attempt to &quot;distract&quot; the world`s attention from the &quot;catastrophic humanitarian situation&quot; in Yemen.

A Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen`s government has been fighting the Huthis since 2015 in a war that has led to what the United Nations describes as the world`s worst humanitarian crisis.

An alarming 17 million people in Yemen -- 60 per cent of the total population -- are in need of food aid, of whom seven million are on the brink of famine because of the conflict, according to the United Nations.

After hours of negotiations in a bid to reach a compromise, Russia made clear it had strong reservations about the findings of the UN report and would not support a draft resolution that mentioned them

Russia vetoed Monday a UN draft resolution presented by Britain and strongly backed by the United States that would have pressured Iran over its failure to block supplies of missiles to Yemen`s Huthi rebels. Britain had sought to include in the measure renewing sanctions on Yemen an expression of "particular concern" from the Security Council over a UN report that found Iran had violated the 2015 arms embargo on Yemen. The report by a UN panel of experts in January concluded that Iran was in violation after determining that missiles fired by the Huthis at Saudi Arabia last year were made in Iran. The text, which was backed by France, other European countries and Kuwait, won 11 favorable votes at the 15-member Security Council but was blocked by Russia`s veto. China and Kazakhstan abstained, while Bolivia also voted against the measure. Nine votes and no vetoes from the five permanent council members -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- are required to adopt resolutions at the Security Council. After hours of negotiations in a bid to reach a compromise, Russia made clear it had strong reservations about the findings of the UN report and would not support a draft resolution that mentioned them. "We cannot concur with uncorroborated conclusions and evidence which requires verification and discussions within the sanctions committee," Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council. While the report found that Tehran had violated the embargo by failing to block the shipments, the experts said they were unable to identify the supplier. Nebenzia warned that taking aim at Iran could have had "dangerous destabilising ramifications" in the Middle East by exacerbating tensions between Shiites and Sunnis. After the veto, the council unanimously adopted a Russian-drafted measure that extended for one year the sanctions regime against Yemen, but that text made no mention of Iran.Iran has repeatedly denied arming the Huthis in Yemen, despite claims by the United States and Saudi Arabia that the evidence of an arms connection is irrefutable. US Ambassador Nikki Haley released a statement accusing Russia of shielding Iran and warned the United States would consider other ways to take action against Tehran. "Today, Russia protected the terrorist-sponsoring regime in Iran," said Haley, who was traveling to Honduras. "If Russia is going to use its veto to block action against Iran`s dangerous and destabilizing conduct, then the United States and our partners will need to take actions against Iran that the Russians cannot block." Haley has taken a hawkish stance on Iran, accusing Tehran of sowing instability in the Middle East and failing to live up to its commitments under the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. Russia, which has traditionally friendly relations with Iran, is providing military support along with Tehran to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad`s forces. Iran`s mission to the United Nations charged that the United States and Britain had pushed an "unwarranted draft resolution" to advance an anti-Iran political agenda. Iran "categorically rejects allegations regarding arms transfer to Yemen," said a statement from the mission that described the draft resolution as an attempt to "distract" the world`s attention from the "catastrophic humanitarian situation" in Yemen. A Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen`s government has been fighting the Huthis since 2015 in a war that has led to what the United Nations describes as the world`s worst humanitarian crisis. An alarming 17 million people in Yemen -- 60 per cent of the total population -- are in need of food aid, of whom seven million are on the brink of famine because of the conflict, according to the United Nations.

Russia vetoes Western bid at UN to pressure Iran over Yemen

Sri Lanka&#39;s Army Chief Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake today said the country&#39;s defence attache in the UK was recalled for his own safety after he was filmed making &quot;throat cutting gestures&quot; to Tamil protesters outside the Sri Lankan High Commission in London earlier this month.

British politicians had demanded action against Brigadier Priyanka Fernando for openly making a death threat at the demonstrators.

Fernando, who was serving as the military attache in the Sri Lankan mission in London, caused controversy when he made throat cutting gestures to Tamil demonstrators opposite the mission in London on February 4.

&quot;As the commander of the army, I have to take responsibility for his safety. When he serves in another country his security cannot be guaranteed. So I wanted him to return,&quot; Senanayake said in the northern town of Vavuniya.

Fernando returned home on Thursday.

He had been suspended by the foreign ministry immediately after the incident however President Maithripala Sirisena ordered his reinstatement.

The incident was used by the opposition to win votes in the February 10 local council election where the government suffered a massive defeat against the new party of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The incident embarrassed Sri Lankan authorities who have promised reconciliation after decades of civil war that ended in 2009, when Sri Lankan troops crushed the Tamil separatist LTTE and killed its top leaders.&nbsp;

British politicians had demanded action against Brigadier Priyanka Fernando for openly making a death threat at the demonstrators.

Sri Lanka's Army Chief Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake today said the country's defence attache in the UK was recalled for his own safety after he was filmed making "throat cutting gestures" to Tamil protesters outside the Sri Lankan High Commission in London earlier this month. British politicians had demanded action against Brigadier Priyanka Fernando for openly making a death threat at the demonstrators. Fernando, who was serving as the military attache in the Sri Lankan mission in London, caused controversy when he made throat cutting gestures to Tamil demonstrators opposite the mission in London on February 4. "As the commander of the army, I have to take responsibility for his safety. When he serves in another country his security cannot be guaranteed. So I wanted him to return," Senanayake said in the northern town of Vavuniya. Fernando returned home on Thursday. He had been suspended by the foreign ministry immediately after the incident however President Maithripala Sirisena ordered his reinstatement. The incident was used by the opposition to win votes in the February 10 local council election where the government suffered a massive defeat against the new party of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa. The incident embarrassed Sri Lankan authorities who have promised reconciliation after decades of civil war that ended in 2009, when Sri Lankan troops crushed the Tamil separatist LTTE and killed its top leaders.

Sri Lanka army chief says attache recalled from UK for own safety

Oxfam, one of the UK&rsquo;s largest and best known charities, is currently entangled in a scandal following revelations that senior staff members engaged in sexual misconduct during the 2010 Haiti earthquake recovery effort and had hired prostitutes while working in Chad in 2006. The report revealed that aid workers held sex parties, turning a villa rented by Oxfam into a makeshift brothel, with senior officers allegedly attempting to cover up the behavior.

Roland van Hauwermeiren, the man at the heart of the scandal, was head of operations in both Chad and then Haiti, resigning from that last position in 2011 following an internal investigation by Oxfam. Since the story broke, four staff members have been fired, and three others have resigned, including Oxfam&rsquo;s deputy chief executive, Penny Lawrence, who was the organisation&rsquo;s program director at the time of the Haiti earthquake.

While alarming that Oxfam, or any NGO for that matter, would cover up such distressing acts, what is of equal concern is that van Hauwermeiren, who admitted to the claims of his involvement in the Haiti scandal while disputing the exact allegations against him, had, in 2004, left his position with the Merlin charity in Liberia amid reports of using prostitutes. The question of why he was allowed to pursue another job working with vulnerable populations is confounding: How did an aid worker whose career objective is to provide support for people living in poverty get the opportunity to exploit them on more than one occasion? The answer lies within the broken system of the global aid industry and leads to questions of who is monitoring the charities that the public tends to perceive as moral leaders.

NGOs are built around public trust. It is vital to their missions to prove they are using donated funds appropriately, reporting to charity watchdogs annually and showing full transparency in their financial statements. But it seems as though those same standards may not be required when it comes to employees&rsquo; conduct while on the job. Oxfam aid workers not only took advantage of their positions of power while working in Haiti, but their abhorrent actions have not been met by any punitive measures. In its most basic, they got away with exploiting the same people they set out to help.

Haiti and its people have faced exploitation for hundreds of years. Once one of the richest nations under French rule, France refused to recognize the nation&rsquo;s independence following the Haitian Revolution of 1804. It finally did so in 1825, and then only under the condition that the Haitian government agrees to pay compensation in the amount of roughly 150 million golden francs &mdash; 10 times Haiti&rsquo;s annual revenue then, or about $17 billion in today&rsquo;s money &mdash; to French landowners for the loss of plantations and slaves.

At the same time, the United States government placed an embargo against the island, refusing to acknowledge the newly independent nation, even though up until that point the US had been selling more goods to Haiti than any other country in Latin America. In 1915, fearful that a politically unstable Haiti would not be able to repay its debts, the US occupied the island, remaining for 20 years.&nbsp;

In the 1950s, Haiti came under the dictatorial rule of by Fran&ccedil;ois &ldquo;Papa Doc&rdquo; Duvalier, whose son, Jean-Claude, would remain in power until 1986. By this point the country had been be plagued by decades of political corruption, its land stripped of natural resources and tens of thousands of citizens thought to oppose the government had been killed. By the time the January 2010 earthquake hit, Haiti was already relying heavily on foreign aid, which accounted for 30-40% of its government&rsquo;s budget.

Haitians aren&rsquo;t the only ones being exploited by foreign aid workers, and Oxfam is not the only organisation that has confirmed that staff members have engaged in sexual misconduct in recent years either. Save the Children, the British Red Cross, Christian Aid and the UN have all published reports of both inappropriate and criminal sexual behavior by staff.

More than ever, now is the time to change how the global aid system is monitored and how inappropriate behavior is handled. If something is not done now, beyond being a public-relations nightmare, Oxfam and other big NGOs are at risk of losing out on funding. With something this explosive, everyone loses. Stories such as these reinforce negative stereotypes of the countries where the disgraceful behavior took place, it harms individuals who were taken advantage of and it shakes the public&rsquo;s faith in the non-profit sector.

Scandals such as these do more than just give a few NGOs a bad reputation: They put a mark on all of them. The big players at the top have the means to bounce back from bad publicity, but smaller charities don&rsquo;t have that luxury. If faith in aid organisations as a whole is undermined, and enough supporters back away from a cause, then smaller charities risk folding completely. If there aren&rsquo;t changes in accountability within the global aid system, in the end those of us who work to deliver humanitarian assistance with ethical and moral standards risk losing our ability to do so, which only hurts those we set out to help in the first place.

this <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/latin_america/oxfam-haiti-chad-sex-scandal-news-headlines-41321/">article</a> has been origivally publihsed in the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">Fair Observer</a>.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Faith in aid organisations is undermined ever since Oxfam, one of the UK’s largest and best-known charities, has been trolled for the sex scandal.

Oxfam, one of the UK’s largest and best known charities, is currently entangled in a scandal following revelations that senior staff members engaged in sexual misconduct during the 2010 Haiti earthquake recovery effort and had hired prostitutes while working in Chad in 2006. The report revealed that aid workers held sex parties, turning a villa rented by Oxfam into a makeshift brothel, with senior officers allegedly attempting to cover up the behavior. Roland van Hauwermeiren, the man at the heart of the scandal, was head of operations in both Chad and then Haiti, resigning from that last position in 2011 following an internal investigation by Oxfam. Since the story broke, four staff members have been fired, and three others have resigned, including Oxfam’s deputy chief executive, Penny Lawrence, who was the organisation’s program director at the time of the Haiti earthquake. While alarming that Oxfam, or any NGO for that matter, would cover up such distressing acts, what is of equal concern is that van Hauwermeiren, who admitted to the claims of his involvement in the Haiti scandal while disputing the exact allegations against him, had, in 2004, left his position with the Merlin charity in Liberia amid reports of using prostitutes. The question of why he was allowed to pursue another job working with vulnerable populations is confounding: How did an aid worker whose career objective is to provide support for people living in poverty get the opportunity to exploit them on more than one occasion? The answer lies within the broken system of the global aid industry and leads to questions of who is monitoring the charities that the public tends to perceive as moral leaders. NGOs are built around public trust. It is vital to their missions to prove they are using donated funds appropriately, reporting to charity watchdogs annually and showing full transparency in their financial statements. But it seems as though those same standards may not be required when it comes to employees’ conduct while on the job. Oxfam aid workers not only took advantage of their positions of power while working in Haiti, but their abhorrent actions have not been met by any punitive measures. In its most basic, they got away with exploiting the same people they set out to help. Haiti and its people have faced exploitation for hundreds of years. Once one of the richest nations under French rule, France refused to recognize the nation’s independence following the Haitian Revolution of 1804. It finally did so in 1825, and then only under the condition that the Haitian government agrees to pay compensation in the amount of roughly 150 million golden francs — 10 times Haiti’s annual revenue then, or about $17 billion in today’s money — to French landowners for the loss of plantations and slaves. At the same time, the United States government placed an embargo against the island, refusing to acknowledge the newly independent nation, even though up until that point the US had been selling more goods to Haiti than any other country in Latin America. In 1915, fearful that a politically unstable Haiti would not be able to repay its debts, the US occupied the island, remaining for 20 years. In the 1950s, Haiti came under the dictatorial rule of by François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, whose son, Jean-Claude, would remain in power until 1986. By this point the country had been be plagued by decades of political corruption, its land stripped of natural resources and tens of thousands of citizens thought to oppose the government had been killed. By the time the January 2010 earthquake hit, Haiti was already relying heavily on foreign aid, which accounted for 30-40% of its government’s budget. Haitians aren’t the only ones being exploited by foreign aid workers, and Oxfam is not the only organisation that has confirmed that staff members have engaged in sexual misconduct in recent years either. Save the Children, the British Red Cross, Christian Aid and the UN have all published reports of both inappropriate and criminal sexual behavior by staff. More than ever, now is the time to change how the global aid system is monitored and how inappropriate behavior is handled. If something is not done now, beyond being a public-relations nightmare, Oxfam and other big NGOs are at risk of losing out on funding. With something this explosive, everyone loses. Stories such as these reinforce negative stereotypes of the countries where the disgraceful behavior took place, it harms individuals who were taken advantage of and it shakes the public’s faith in the non-profit sector. Scandals such as these do more than just give a few NGOs a bad reputation: They put a mark on all of them. The big players at the top have the means to bounce back from bad publicity, but smaller charities don’t have that luxury. If faith in aid organisations as a whole is undermined, and enough supporters back away from a cause, then smaller charities risk folding completely. If there aren’t changes in accountability within the global aid system, in the end those of us who work to deliver humanitarian assistance with ethical and moral standards risk losing our ability to do so, which only hurts those we set out to help in the first place. this article has been origivally publihsed in the Fair Observer. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Who is monitoring Oxfam, the organisation that the public perceives as a moral leader?

Indian agencies, the Zee Group has learnt, are scrutinising at least three companies and their directors in Hong Kong, to try and verify if the companies are genuine overseas importers or part of the network of shell companies that Nirav Modi used to carry out his scam.&nbsp;

Sources told the Zee Group that Nirav Modi&#39;s firms Solar Exports and Diamonds 4 US imported diamonds from a few Hong Kong-based companies. The firms received hundreds of crores of rupees on the basis of Letters of Understanding (LoU) issued by Punjab National Bank. The Hong Kong branches of Allahabad Bank and Axis Bank made the payments to &nbsp;the firms.&nbsp;

The three firms. the sources said, are Aura Gems, Sino Traders, and Sunshine Gems. All three of them are based out of Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnbs-overzealousness-shut-the-doors-on-ability-to-clear-the-dues-nirav-modi-33415" target="_blank">PNB&#39;s &#39;overzealousness&#39; shut door on ability to clear dues, Nirav Modi said in letter to bank</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-text-of-nirav-modis-letter-to-pnb-33448" target="_blank">Full text of Nirav Modi&#39;s letter to PNB</a>

Over the last one year, Nirav Modi had allegedly started transferring his money through multiple layers, while making transactions at inflated prices. Some of those transactions are thought to have been with fictitious companies which are now being scrutinised by the agencies.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The agencies are closely monitoring transactions between India and five countries &mdash;&nbsp;the US, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and China. 
&nbsp; 
The agencies suspect funds were routed to different cities worldwide.&nbsp;The&nbsp;funds were first transferred from India to Macau, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. They were then transferred to London. &nbsp;And from London, the funds were moved to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and New York before being moving to Modi&#39;s Swiss accounts. 
&nbsp; 
Sometime in December 2017, somebody from PNB &mdash; other than the two&nbsp;main accused &mdash; tipped Nirav Modi off about the meeting held by top PNB officials and that a complaint was to be filed with the CBI.

Indian agencies are trying to verify if the companies are genuine overseas exporters or part of the network of shell companies Nirav Modi used to carry out his scam

Indian agencies, the Zee Group has learnt, are scrutinising at least three companies and their directors in Hong Kong, to try and verify if the companies are genuine overseas importers or part of the network of shell companies that Nirav Modi used to carry out his scam. Sources told the Zee Group that Nirav Modi's firms Solar Exports and Diamonds 4 US imported diamonds from a few Hong Kong-based companies. The firms received hundreds of crores of rupees on the basis of Letters of Understanding (LoU) issued by Punjab National Bank. The Hong Kong branches of Allahabad Bank and Axis Bank made the payments to the firms. The three firms. the sources said, are Aura Gems, Sino Traders, and Sunshine Gems. All three of them are based out of Hong Kong. Also read: PNB's 'overzealousness' shut door on ability to clear dues, Nirav Modi said in letter to bank Also read: Full text of Nirav Modi's letter to PNB Over the last one year, Nirav Modi had allegedly started transferring his money through multiple layers, while making transactions at inflated prices. Some of those transactions are thought to have been with fictitious companies which are now being scrutinised by the agencies. The agencies are closely monitoring transactions between India and five countries — the US, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and China. The agencies suspect funds were routed to different cities worldwide. The funds were first transferred from India to Macau, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. They were then transferred to London. And from London, the funds were moved to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and New York before being moving to Modi's Swiss accounts. Sometime in December 2017, somebody from PNB — other than the two main accused — tipped Nirav Modi off about the meeting held by top PNB officials and that a complaint was to be filed with the CBI.

PNB scam: 3 Hong Kong companies under scanner, say sources

Britain and the European Union should resolve trade and other issues related to Britain`s exit from the bloc separately from discussions about a security pact with the UK, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said on Saturday.

&quot;We need a security alliance between the UK and the EU, but we can`t mix that question up with other questions relating to Brexit,&quot; Juncker told the annual Munich Security Conference.

&quot;I wouldn`t like to put security policy considerations with trade policy considerations in one hat. I understand why some would like to do that, but we don`t want to,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;

Britain and the European Union should resolve trade and other issues related to Britain`s exit from the bloc separately from discussions about a security pact with the UK, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said on Saturday

Britain and the European Union should resolve trade and other issues related to Britain`s exit from the bloc separately from discussions about a security pact with the UK, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said on Saturday. "We need a security alliance between the UK and the EU, but we can`t mix that question up with other questions relating to Brexit," Juncker told the annual Munich Security Conference. "I wouldn`t like to put security policy considerations with trade policy considerations in one hat. I understand why some would like to do that, but we don`t want to," he said.

Don't tangle up Brexit, security issues, EU tells UK

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-this-is-how-nirav-modi-planned-his-safe-exit-from-india-33071" target="_blank">This is how Nirav Modi planned his safe exit from India</a>

A lookout notice was issued by the CBI against jeweller Nirav Modi and his associates last month in the&nbsp; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-how-punjab-national-bank-fell-victim-to-countrys-biggest-bank-fraud-33009" target="_blank">PNB banking fraud&nbsp;</a>case but by then they had escaped from India.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-allahabad-bank-director-says-he-resigned-as-he-was-pressurised-to-give-loan-to-gitanjali-gems-33085" target="_blank">Resigned as I was </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-allahabad-bank-director-says-he-resigned-as-he-was-pressurised-to-give-loan-to-gitanjali-gems-33085" target="_blank">pressurised</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-allahabad-bank-director-says-he-resigned-as-he-was-pressurised-to-give-loan-to-gitanjali-gems-33085" target="_blank"> to give loan to Gitanjali Gems: Former Allahabad Bank director</a>

Even as the skeletons tumble out of closet in the Rs 11300 crore PNB scam, former Allahabad Bank director revealed that he resigned from his post after he was pressurised to give a loan to Gitanjali Gems.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/passports-of-nirav-modi-mehul-choksi-suspended-mea-gives-one-week-to-respond-33087" target="_blank">Passports of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi suspended, MEA gives one week to respond</a>

The external affairs ministry on Friday suspended with immediate effect the passports of diamantaire Nirav Modi and his business partner Mehul Choksi for four weeks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia-33091" target="_blank">Pakistan to deploy troops in Saudi Arabia</a>

In a major policy shift, Pakistan has decided to deploy troops in&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saudi-Arabia" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Saudi Arabia-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saudi-Arabia">Saudi Arabia</a>under bilateral security cooperation with the kingdom which is involved in the ongoing civil war in neighbouring Yemen. 
The&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pakistan-Army" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Pakistan Army-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pakistan-Army">Pakistan Army</a>&nbsp;announced the decision after a meeting between Army Chief General&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Qamar-Javed-Bajwa" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Qamar Javed Bajwa-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Qamar-Javed-Bajwa">Qamar Javed Bajwa</a>&nbsp;and Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saeed-Al-Maliki" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Saeed Al-Maliki-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saeed-Al-Maliki">Saeed Al-Maliki</a>, at army headquarters in Rawalpindi yesterday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-heads-to-berlin-to-face-tough-german-line-on-brexit-33083" target="_blank">UK PM Theresa May heads to Berlin to face tough German line on Brexit</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Berlin on Friday to meet German leader Angela Merkel, hoping to overcome near-deadlock in her attempts to negotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union.

This is how Nirav Modi planned his safe exit from India A lookout notice was issued by the CBI against jeweller Nirav Modi and his associates last month in the PNB banking fraud case but by then they had escaped from India. Resigned as I was pressurised to give loan to Gitanjali Gems: Former Allahabad Bank director Even as the skeletons tumble out of closet in the Rs 11300 crore PNB scam, former Allahabad Bank director revealed that he resigned from his post after he was pressurised to give a loan to Gitanjali Gems. Passports of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi suspended, MEA gives one week to respond The external affairs ministry on Friday suspended with immediate effect the passports of diamantaire Nirav Modi and his business partner Mehul Choksi for four weeks. Pakistan to deploy troops in Saudi Arabia In a major policy shift, Pakistan has decided to deploy troops in Saudi Arabiaunder bilateral security cooperation with the kingdom which is involved in the ongoing civil war in neighbouring Yemen. The Pakistan Army announced the decision after a meeting between Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki, at army headquarters in Rawalpindi yesterday. UK PM Theresa May heads to Berlin to face tough German line on Brexit British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Berlin on Friday to meet German leader Angela Merkel, hoping to overcome near-deadlock in her attempts to negotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union.

WION Evening News brief, February 16, 2018

The London High Court on Tuesday increased absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya&#39;s weekly living allowance by &pound;13,325, approximately Rs 16 Lakh in India.&nbsp;

The court in its order hiked the allowance from &pound;5,000 (Rs 4.5 lakh) to &pound;18,325 (Rs 16 lakh).

However, the order did not revoke the freeze order on his global assets. &nbsp;

After the hike, Mallya&#39;s weekly allowance equates to the average annual salary of a British school leaver.&nbsp;

&ldquo;If he is used to a luxury lifestyle then the court will not suddenly make him live on &pound;200 (Rs 17,000) a week,&rdquo; said Sarosh Zaiwalla, senior partner at Zaiwalla &amp; Co. LLP London.&nbsp;

&ldquo;He is entitled to legal expenses on top. The judge considers his style of living to reach a fair result,&rdquo; he added.

Meanwhile, the 62-year-old has applied to have the freeze order against his global assets discharged and the registration of the judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Bengaluru dated January 19, 2017 with the English courts, set aside.&nbsp;

A hearing is set to take place at the high court on April 16 and 17.&nbsp;

The DRT judgment, which 13 Indian banks registered with the English courts under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act of 1933 last November, states Mallya owes banks Rs 9,853 crore as of November 22, 2017.&nbsp;

The freeze order is an interim measure until that judgment is enforced.

Earlier this week, Mallya lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims.

The allowance has been increased by £13,325

The London High Court on Tuesday increased absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya's weekly living allowance by £13,325, approximately Rs 16 Lakh in India. The court in its order hiked the allowance from £5,000 (Rs 4.5 lakh) to £18,325 (Rs 16 lakh). However, the order did not revoke the freeze order on his global assets. After the hike, Mallya's weekly allowance equates to the average annual salary of a British school leaver. “If he is used to a luxury lifestyle then the court will not suddenly make him live on £200 (Rs 17,000) a week,” said Sarosh Zaiwalla, senior partner at Zaiwalla & Co. LLP London. “He is entitled to legal expenses on top. The judge considers his style of living to reach a fair result,” he added. Meanwhile, the 62-year-old has applied to have the freeze order against his global assets discharged and the registration of the judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Bengaluru dated January 19, 2017 with the English courts, set aside. A hearing is set to take place at the high court on April 16 and 17. The DRT judgment, which 13 Indian banks registered with the English courts under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act of 1933 last November, states Mallya owes banks Rs 9,853 crore as of November 22, 2017. The freeze order is an interim measure until that judgment is enforced. Earlier this week, Mallya lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims.

Vijay Mallya's weekly living allowance increased from Rs 4.5 lakh to 16 lakh

One of the first robotic assistants to be used by a UK store was fired after a week because it was found to put off customers.

Fabio was initially welcomed by staff when he began work at the upmarket Margiotta store in Edinburgh last week.

Developed by academics at Heriot-Watt University and filmed by BBC&#39;s &#39;Robots and Us&#39;, Fabio greeted shoppers with cheerful high fives and offered food samples.

Its software being connected to the internet meant it had access to an unlimited amount of information, which it used to respond to questions.

&quot;An issue we had was the movement limitations of the robot. It was not able to move around the shop and direct customers to the items they were looking for,&quot; said Luisa Margiotta, the manager of the family-owned chain.

&quot;Unfortunately, Fabio didn&#39;t perform as well as we had hoped. People seemed to be actually avoiding him,&quot; she noted.

Dr Oliver Lemon, Director of the Interaction Lab at Heriot-Watt University, was moved by the staff&#39;s reaction to his team&#39;s creation.

&quot;One of the things we didn&#39;t expect was the people working in the shop became quite attached to it. When we had to pack it up and put it back in the box, one of them started crying because they had become emotionally attached to it,&quot; said Dr Lemon.

He said Fabio was a prototype and over the next two years his team will have a robot which will work efficiently in a shopping centre.

&quot;It&#39;s going to help people find their way around. The same technology could be used for airports and even hospitals,&quot; he added.

However, his team insists that robots will never fully replace humans because there are some human judgements robots will never be able to make but they will replace some functions.

Fabio, the robot, was initially welcomed by staff when he began work at the upmarket Margiotta store in Edinburgh last week.

One of the first robotic assistants to be used by a UK store was fired after a week because it was found to put off customers. Fabio was initially welcomed by staff when he began work at the upmarket Margiotta store in Edinburgh last week. Developed by academics at Heriot-Watt University and filmed by BBC's 'Robots and Us', Fabio greeted shoppers with cheerful high fives and offered food samples. Its software being connected to the internet meant it had access to an unlimited amount of information, which it used to respond to questions. "An issue we had was the movement limitations of the robot. It was not able to move around the shop and direct customers to the items they were looking for," said Luisa Margiotta, the manager of the family-owned chain. "Unfortunately, Fabio didn't perform as well as we had hoped. People seemed to be actually avoiding him," she noted. Dr Oliver Lemon, Director of the Interaction Lab at Heriot-Watt University, was moved by the staff's reaction to his team's creation. "One of the things we didn't expect was the people working in the shop became quite attached to it. When we had to pack it up and put it back in the box, one of them started crying because they had become emotionally attached to it," said Dr Lemon. He said Fabio was a prototype and over the next two years his team will have a robot which will work efficiently in a shopping centre. "It's going to help people find their way around. The same technology could be used for airports and even hospitals," he added. However, his team insists that robots will never fully replace humans because there are some human judgements robots will never be able to make but they will replace some functions.

Robot fired after putting off customers at UK store

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