Britain would struggle to match Russian military capabilities on the battlefield and risks falling further behind potential adversaries without more investment, the head of the army will warn Monday.

In a rare public speech, Chief of the General Staff Nick Carter is expected to say that Russia is building increasingly aggressive and expeditionary forces while it has already demonstrated the use of superior long-range missiles in Syria.

Last year Moscow also initiated simulated attacks across northern Europe, from Kaliningrad to Lithuania, Carter will outline in an afternoon speech at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.

&quot;The time to address these threats is now -- we cannot afford to sit back,&quot; he is expected to say, according to the Ministry of Defence.

&quot;Our ability to pre-empt or respond to threats will be eroded if we don&#39;t keep up with our adversaries.

&quot;We must take notice of what is going on around us or our ability to take action will be massively constrained.&nbsp;

&quot;Speed of decision making, speed of deployment and modern capability are essential if we wish to provide realistic deterrence.&quot;

The stark comments, rare for a serving defence chief, will be delivered in a speech focused on &quot;the increasingly real threats that pose a risk to the UK`s way of life,&quot; according to RUSI.

They come as years of austerity and public sector funding cuts have left Britain&#39;s armed forces strained and finance minister Philip Hammond under pressure to act.

Defence minister Gavin Williamson, who only took over the role in November after his predecessor Michael Fallon stepped down over a sexual harassment scandal, is reportedly calling for increased funding.

Carter&#39;s expected remarks will add to the pressure on Hammond to bow to those demands.

&quot;State-based competition is now being employed in more novel and increasingly integrated ways and we must be ready to deal with them,&quot; the general is set to tell an invited audience at RUSI.&nbsp;

&quot;The threats we face are not thousands of miles away but are now on Europe&#39;s doorstep -- we have seen how cyber warfare can be both waged on the battlefield and to disrupt normal people&#39;s lives -- we in the UK are not immune from that.&quot;

Carter&#39;s anticipated warning follows similar comments from retired defence chiefs in recent months.&nbsp;

Sir Richard Barrons, until last year the head of Britain&#39;s Joint Forces Command which prepares for future conflicts, called for the defence budget to be raised to ensure the country&#39;s armed forces could adequately protect against potential attacks from China or Russia.

Last year Moscow also initiated simulated attacks across northern Europe

Britain would struggle to match Russian military capabilities on the battlefield and risks falling further behind potential adversaries without more investment, the head of the army will warn Monday. In a rare public speech, Chief of the General Staff Nick Carter is expected to say that Russia is building increasingly aggressive and expeditionary forces while it has already demonstrated the use of superior long-range missiles in Syria. Last year Moscow also initiated simulated attacks across northern Europe, from Kaliningrad to Lithuania, Carter will outline in an afternoon speech at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London. "The time to address these threats is now -- we cannot afford to sit back," he is expected to say, according to the Ministry of Defence. "Our ability to pre-empt or respond to threats will be eroded if we don't keep up with our adversaries. "We must take notice of what is going on around us or our ability to take action will be massively constrained. "Speed of decision making, speed of deployment and modern capability are essential if we wish to provide realistic deterrence." The stark comments, rare for a serving defence chief, will be delivered in a speech focused on "the increasingly real threats that pose a risk to the UK`s way of life," according to RUSI. They come as years of austerity and public sector funding cuts have left Britain's armed forces strained and finance minister Philip Hammond under pressure to act. Defence minister Gavin Williamson, who only took over the role in November after his predecessor Michael Fallon stepped down over a sexual harassment scandal, is reportedly calling for increased funding. Carter's expected remarks will add to the pressure on Hammond to bow to those demands. "State-based competition is now being employed in more novel and increasingly integrated ways and we must be ready to deal with them," the general is set to tell an invited audience at RUSI. "The threats we face are not thousands of miles away but are now on Europe's doorstep -- we have seen how cyber warfare can be both waged on the battlefield and to disrupt normal people's lives -- we in the UK are not immune from that." Carter's anticipated warning follows similar comments from retired defence chiefs in recent months. Sir Richard Barrons, until last year the head of Britain's Joint Forces Command which prepares for future conflicts, called for the defence budget to be raised to ensure the country's armed forces could adequately protect against potential attacks from China or Russia.

UK not keeping up with Russia threat, head of army to warn

An Indian-origin school principal, who was forced to withdraw a ban on wearing of hijab by young girls after vitriolic abuse on social media, today received crucial support of a UK minister who said bullying or intimidation of school staff was completely unacceptable.

Schools that try to ban hijabs or fasting will receive government support if they face a backlash, the minister has pledged.

Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils.

Neena Lall, an Indian-origin principal of the St Stephen&#39;s Primary School in east London,&nbsp;had publicly apologised to parents at the school after facing backlash and criticism on social media and&nbsp;calling the decision a &ldquo;huge error in judgment&rdquo;.

Lall blamed the media for inflammatory reporting of the hijab ban last month, which staff members said was to help the youngest girls move freely in PE lessons and outdoor learning.

The school&rsquo;s decision provoked controversy after it was reported as an effort to aid integration. The school swiftly backtracked a week later, overturning the ban on criticism from parents and local councilors over a lack of consultation.

Later, she withdrew the decision.&nbsp;

A governor at the school, Arif Qawi, resigned amid the stiff opposition and had urged the UK government to spell out school uniform policies more clearly. The minister also threw his support behind schools in the country that want to impose a ban on wearing of hijab or religious fasting by very young pupils.

&quot;They are completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their schools in the best interests of their pupils&nbsp;in line with the law and in discussion with parents, of course, and we back their right to do so,&quot; Agnew wrote in &#39;The Times&#39; in reference to Lall.

&quot;St Stephen&#39;s Primary School in east London has been at the centre of media attention after its ban on young pupils wearing the hijab and?fasting during Ramadan. I have seen the vitriolic abuse on social media after this decision and read of the intimidation of staff, resulting in the resignation of the chairman of governors...I wanted to send out a clear message: bullying or intimidation of school staff is completely unacceptable,&quot; he wrote.

The minister responsible for counter-extremism in the Department for Education said the government would not allow a &quot;culture of fear and intimidation to pass through the school gates&quot; and that any opposition to decisions by a school&#39;s governing body should manifest itself in the form of sensible, informed discussion and not hateful online reaction.&quot;

&quot;School leaders must have the right to set?school?uniform policies in a way that they see fit, in order to promote cohesion,&quot; Amanda Spielman, the head of Ofsted, had said. 
Under the UK&#39;s Department for Education guidelines, uniform policy is a matter for individual head-teachers and their governing bodies. But Agnew offered the government&#39;s support to individual schools that may find themselves in a bind.

&quot;We want to do all we can to help schools on sensitive issues, such as those thrown up by this case, and we will be working closely with school leaders and sector organisations on how we can support them,&quot; the minister said.

He also warned schools in the country against &quot;promoting religious ideologies that undermine British values&quot; and said the government was prepared to take action against any form of discrimination in the classroom.

&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils

An Indian-origin school principal, who was forced to withdraw a ban on wearing of hijab by young girls after vitriolic abuse on social media, today received crucial support of a UK minister who said bullying or intimidation of school staff was completely unacceptable. Schools that try to ban hijabs or fasting will receive government support if they face a backlash, the minister has pledged. Lord Theodore Agnew, Minister for schools systems, faith and counter-extremism in education, also said that schools in the country were completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their institutions in the best interests of their pupils. Neena Lall, an Indian-origin principal of the St Stephen's Primary School in east London, had publicly apologised to parents at the school after facing backlash and criticism on social media and calling the decision a “huge error in judgment”. Lall blamed the media for inflammatory reporting of the hijab ban last month, which staff members said was to help the youngest girls move freely in PE lessons and outdoor learning. The school’s decision provoked controversy after it was reported as an effort to aid integration. The school swiftly backtracked a week later, overturning the ban on criticism from parents and local councilors over a lack of consultation. Later, she withdrew the decision. A governor at the school, Arif Qawi, resigned amid the stiff opposition and had urged the UK government to spell out school uniform policies more clearly. The minister also threw his support behind schools in the country that want to impose a ban on wearing of hijab or religious fasting by very young pupils. "They are completely within their right to make decisions on how to run their schools in the best interests of their pupils in line with the law and in discussion with parents, of course, and we back their right to do so," Agnew wrote in 'The Times' in reference to Lall. "St Stephen's Primary School in east London has been at the centre of media attention after its ban on young pupils wearing the hijab and?fasting during Ramadan. I have seen the vitriolic abuse on social media after this decision and read of the intimidation of staff, resulting in the resignation of the chairman of governors...I wanted to send out a clear message: bullying or intimidation of school staff is completely unacceptable," he wrote. The minister responsible for counter-extremism in the Department for Education said the government would not allow a "culture of fear and intimidation to pass through the school gates" and that any opposition to decisions by a school's governing body should manifest itself in the form of sensible, informed discussion and not hateful online reaction." "School leaders must have the right to set?school?uniform policies in a way that they see fit, in order to promote cohesion," Amanda Spielman, the head of Ofsted, had said. Under the UK's Department for Education guidelines, uniform policy is a matter for individual head-teachers and their governing bodies. But Agnew offered the government's support to individual schools that may find themselves in a bind. "We want to do all we can to help schools on sensitive issues, such as those thrown up by this case, and we will be working closely with school leaders and sector organisations on how we can support them," the minister said. He also warned schools in the country against "promoting religious ideologies that undermine British values" and said the government was prepared to take action against any form of discrimination in the classroom. (With PTI inputs)

UK minister backs Indian-origin school principal to ban hijab in schools

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-palestine-will-soon-become-a-free-country-pm-modi-in-palestine-32412">Hope Palestine will soon become a free country: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived in Palestine&#39;s Ramallah, the headquarters of the Palestine National Authority, as a part of his three-nation tour. The Indian PM and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas signed six memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that includes the setting up of a USD 30 million super speciality hospital in Beit Sahur.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-arrives-in-palestine-on-a-historic-visit-32399">&#39;Historic visit&#39;, tweets PM Modi in Palestine</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Ramallah on the first leg of his three-nation tour. Soon after his arrival, the prime minister tweeted that the &quot;historic visit&quot; would improve bilateral ties between the two countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/charges-made-by-tdp-members-a-propaganda-says-narasimha-rao-32413">Charges made by TDP members a &#39;propaganda&#39;, says BJP</a>

The BJP today dismissed as &quot;propaganda&quot; claims that the Centre has not done much for Andhra Pradesh&#39;s development, and asked its ally TDP to sort out its issues with the government &quot;amicably&quot;. At a press conference, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao and state party president and Visakhapatnam MP K Hari Babu presented a list of institutions, projects and funds sanctioned for the state by the NDA government and asserted that the Centre has taken utmost care of the state.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/8-yr-old-indian-origin-schoolgirl-enters-uks-mathletics-hall-of-fame-32419">8-yr-old Indian-origin schoolgirl enters UK&#39;s Mathletics Hall of Fame</a>

An eight-year-old Indian-origin school girl has entered the UK&#39;s Mathletics Hall of Fame, an online mathematics-based competitive tool aimed at primary school pupils. Sohini Roy Chowdhury competed with pupils from across Britain and other countries to also make it into the top 100 World Hall of Fame after solving mathematical puzzles with speed and accuracy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-injured-as-jaish-militants-attack-army-camp-32387">Two Army men killed, 6 injured as militants attack Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir</a>

Two Army men were killed and six others sustained injuries in a pre-dawn attack by a group of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists at Sunjwan Army camp in Jammu city, officials said. One of the terrorists has been killed.

Hope Palestine will soon become a free country: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived in Palestine's Ramallah, the headquarters of the Palestine National Authority, as a part of his three-nation tour. The Indian PM and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas signed six memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that includes the setting up of a USD 30 million super speciality hospital in Beit Sahur. 'Historic visit', tweets PM Modi in Palestine Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Ramallah on the first leg of his three-nation tour. Soon after his arrival, the prime minister tweeted that the "historic visit" would improve bilateral ties between the two countries. Charges made by TDP members a 'propaganda', says BJP The BJP today dismissed as "propaganda" claims that the Centre has not done much for Andhra Pradesh's development, and asked its ally TDP to sort out its issues with the government "amicably". At a press conference, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao and state party president and Visakhapatnam MP K Hari Babu presented a list of institutions, projects and funds sanctioned for the state by the NDA government and asserted that the Centre has taken utmost care of the state. 8-yr-old Indian-origin schoolgirl enters UK's Mathletics Hall of Fame An eight-year-old Indian-origin school girl has entered the UK's Mathletics Hall of Fame, an online mathematics-based competitive tool aimed at primary school pupils. Sohini Roy Chowdhury competed with pupils from across Britain and other countries to also make it into the top 100 World Hall of Fame after solving mathematical puzzles with speed and accuracy. Two Army men killed, 6 injured as militants attack Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir Two Army men were killed and six others sustained injuries in a pre-dawn attack by a group of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists at Sunjwan Army camp in Jammu city, officials said. One of the terrorists has been killed.

WION Evening News Brief, February 10, 2018

A British court on Tuesday rejected a legal attempt by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to have a warrant for his arrest quashed.

Assange, 46, has been holed up inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London for more than five years because he fears extradition to the United States.

If he were to leave, he would face arrest by British police for skipping bail in June 2012 by seeking refuge in the embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden to face an allegation of rape, which he denied.

The Swedish case has since been dropped but in the eyes of the British authorities, Assange remains in breach of his bail conditions.

Assange has said he feared Sweden would hand him over to the United States to face prosecution over WikiLeaks&#39; publication of a large trove of classified military and diplomatic documents - one of the largest information leaks in US&nbsp;history.

His lawyer told a hearing at London&#39;s Westminster Magistrates&#39; Court last week that the UK arrest warrant issued for breaching bail conditions should be dropped because Swedish prosecutors had dropped their investigation and withdrawn their bid to have him extradited.

However, the court announced on Tuesday his application had been rejected.

&quot;I am not persuaded that the warrant should be withdrawn,&quot; said judge Emma Arbuthnot, the chief magistrate of England and Wales.

After the decision, Assange&rsquo;s lawyer Mark Summers asked her to consider whether it would be in the public interest to continue pursuing his client for breach of bail conditions.

Arbuthnot said normally such issues would only be considered if somebody were brought to court to explain their failure to surrender to bail.

Summers replied: &ldquo;There are exceptional circumstances.&rdquo;

Assange, 46, has been holed up inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London for more than five years because he fears extradition to the United States

A British court on Tuesday rejected a legal attempt by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to have a warrant for his arrest quashed. Assange, 46, has been holed up inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London for more than five years because he fears extradition to the United States. If he were to leave, he would face arrest by British police for skipping bail in June 2012 by seeking refuge in the embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden to face an allegation of rape, which he denied. The Swedish case has since been dropped but in the eyes of the British authorities, Assange remains in breach of his bail conditions. Assange has said he feared Sweden would hand him over to the United States to face prosecution over WikiLeaks' publication of a large trove of classified military and diplomatic documents - one of the largest information leaks in US history. His lawyer told a hearing at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court last week that the UK arrest warrant issued for breaching bail conditions should be dropped because Swedish prosecutors had dropped their investigation and withdrawn their bid to have him extradited. However, the court announced on Tuesday his application had been rejected. "I am not persuaded that the warrant should be withdrawn," said judge Emma Arbuthnot, the chief magistrate of England and Wales. After the decision, Assange’s lawyer Mark Summers asked her to consider whether it would be in the public interest to continue pursuing his client for breach of bail conditions. Arbuthnot said normally such issues would only be considered if somebody were brought to court to explain their failure to surrender to bail. Summers replied: “There are exceptional circumstances.”

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange loses bid to have UK arrest warrant dropped

By Syed Muntasir<a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/author/Syed%20Muntasir%20Mamun">&nbsp;</a>Mamun &amp;&nbsp; Yashasvi Nain*&nbsp;

Ahead of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in London in April, old debates have come alive over the relevance and importance of the Commonwealth of Nations and its involvement in world affairs. As alternative to the European Union post Brexit, the United Kingdom sees the Commonwealth as a global trading and international affairs network. In the absence of China, the organization provides a platform to demonstrate the credibility of aspiring global leaders like India.

A visit by Prince Charles in November 2017 to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the summit to discuss&nbsp;India&rsquo;s role in the organization&nbsp;shows the importance Britain bestows upon India&rsquo;s strategic ambit. Subsequent visits from Tim Hitchens, chief executive of the Commonwealth Summit Unit, and Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth secretary general, further reinforced this position.

Trade statistics&nbsp;from 2016&nbsp;show that the&nbsp;UK imports from the Indian subcontinent,&nbsp;which encompasses India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, totalled &pound;15.2 ($21) billion, and&nbsp;exports &pound;7.7 ($10) billion. Within the rest of the Commonwealth there is a marked propensity for an Indo-centric focus in trade. For instance, trade between India and South Africa now stands at around $20 billion, and between India and Nigeria at around $10 billion. Adding up trading configurations between other African and South Asian countries would definitely prove what is more obviously felt than said &mdash; that the trading heart of the old empire is still evolving.

In 2016, during the&nbsp;House of Commons debate, former Defense Minister Lord Archie Hamilton asserted that the limitations in the&nbsp;EU competence clause&nbsp;is the biggest obstacle in the UK-India trade, and that after Brexit its removal will boost bilateral trade between the two countries. India is seen as a preferred partner by the UK for obvious reasons. According to the joint statement released after the India-UK Summit in New Delhi in November 2016,&nbsp;India was the third largest investor in the UK&nbsp;and the second largest international job creator: Indian companies having created over 110,000 jobs in Britain. Furthermore, India is also considered a key target market, with recent forecasts by the London Chamber of Commerce suggesting that a deal could&nbsp;boost UK exports to the country by 50%. Furthermore, if one considers trade statistics,&nbsp;Brexit doesn&rsquo;t appear to have much of an effect&nbsp; on India-UK trade.

As per the&nbsp;House of Commons briefing paper on migration&nbsp;issued in October 2017, in 2015 43% people immigrating to the UK were nationals of other EU countries, while 44% came from outside the European Union. Around&nbsp;17% of all migrants are from three countries alone: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Indian subcontinent is by far the most strategic region driving the dynamics of the Commonwealth. What happens here is more relevant to the future of both the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as a whole.

COINCIDENCE OR GOOD TIMING?

Britain&rsquo;s triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty following the June 23, 2016, referendum came almost a year after the Malta CHOGM of 2015. The 2018 London CHOGM comes almost one year ahead of Britain&rsquo;s final departure from the EU on March 29, 2019. In the absence of a clear government strategy, the EU referendum decidedly put the UK on a rough, and apparently unstable, path of destiny. But it does not have to be that way. While the immediate aftershock of the referendum was that of a freefalling pound, which remained at a historic 10% low against the US dollar and at 15% against the euro, it seems that the immediacy of the doomsday predictions were balanced with a steadier economic growth (1.8% in 2016), second only to Germany&rsquo;s 1.9% in the G7. The&nbsp;UK economy has continued to grow&nbsp;at almost the same rate in 2017. Crucial negotiations centering around what Brexit would mean in reality are still in the making.

With this backdrop, CHOGM 2018 opens a window of opportunity for both the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth cousins to essentially rebuild the Commonwealth in such a manner as to transform both in ways hitherto unimagined. The Commonwealth, thanks to a combined economy of more than $10 trillion and an&nbsp;annual growth in excess of 4%,&nbsp;provides a perfect platform for achieving these aims and is probably one of the best alternatives to manage a post-Brexit scenario for Britain.

The UK, thanks to historic and institutionalized connections with its former colonies, is better positioned as a ring leader, capable of successfully integrating international trade &mdash; particularly the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking new markets &mdash; into a global trade regime than most other countries, except maybe the United States. It would be wise to not forget that the Commonwealth can boast the fact that half of the&nbsp;top 20 global emerging cities&nbsp;are located within its jurisdiction and that average&nbsp;trade costs between Commonwealth countries will be lowered by 19%.

As a strategic recourse to the systemic uncertainties and instabilities caused by Brexit, the United Kingdom can now act strategically and utilize its position as the chair of the Commonwealth to create a system that&nbsp;will assist member states in integrating more fully into a fairer and more equitable global trading regime. Opening markets and by ensuring mobility of productive factors across a fair, value-based ecosystem will help UK SMEs and financial institutions to enter new markets and boost innovation, growth and job creation.

THE ROADMAP

There are talks going on to host a&nbsp;Commonwealth trade hub in India&nbsp;to promote commerce and investment across the organization. But it is high time that the Commonwealth leadership wakes up to the fact that the systems that govern the prospects of individual prosperity ought not to be only economic in nature. Rather, prosperity is the ability of the state system to enable the individual to live with pride and human dignity. Access to nutrition, shelter, health, education and an otherwise decent living is all part of the prosperity that we understand.

If the UK wants to make the Commonwealth more relevant under its leadership, it must focus on the following areas that will play an important role in making the idea of the Commonwealth work for the people of the Commonwealth. First on the list is employment. With the desire to be connected to the global networks of talent and productivity, everyone is both wary and eager for employment, not only in the service industry, but also as entrepreneurs. The Commonwealth could be a platform that gives structural support for building and connecting markets for both. For instance, more than half of the small nations within the Commonwealth (31 out of 52) are&nbsp;Small Island Developing States, where development is being adversely affected by their remote locations.

This leads to the second point, connectivity: People want to travel and connect. This is a rising vector of an inalienable right in the global consciousness. The Indian subcontinent is well connected to global networks, but attention is needed for upgrading the existing land-based transport infrastructure such as roads and railways, among the Commonwealth countries. It will not only affect social development but will also give much needed structures for an economic boost in the region. Also, post-Brexit, the UK will not be bound by the&nbsp;free movement of workers laws, and there is an opportunity to ease visa restrictions to fill the skill gap from the Commonwealth countries. At the very least, visas for students and professionals from the Commonwealth looking for job in the UK could be fast-tracked.

Third, power and energy: Both people and institutions are energy-hungry. At this moment, countries in the Indian subcontinent depend on a&nbsp;single source&nbsp;to provide more than 50% of total their individual electricity generation. Thus, India produces 67.9% of the region&rsquo;s coal, Nepal nearly 100% of the subcontinent&rsquo;s hydropower, Bangladesh provides 91.5% of its natural gas and Sri Lanka 50% of its oil. Sustainable, eco-friendly, affordable and accessible energy needs have to be met if systemic balances are to be achieved in the long run.

Fourth, technology: Any institution that wants to be relevant to the people and, consequently, draw mandates for representing them, ought to carry with itself a tangible promise of technology. This doesn&rsquo;t mean the internet alone, but also applications and system support to develop ideas with solid financial underwriting.

Fifth, ecological sustainability: With 1.7 billion people, the Indian subcontinent has more people than the whole of Europe and both Americas combined. Unfortunately, that does not translate into wealth. More people are going hungry in South Asia than in Africa. There is substantial inequality in the region, especially when it comes to food supply.&nbsp;It is also vulnerable to the impact of&nbsp;global warming and climate change. Preventing the creation of more climate refugees should be a priority for the Commonwealth, with many of its small island nations particularly affected by rising sea levels. Hence, comprehensive measures and plans for the future need to be laid out, and Britain can lead the way with sustainable development and technological advancement to tackle the environmental crisis.

Sixth, a safer world and a safer Commonwealth:&nbsp;Attacks on civil liberties, free speech and restrictions on civil society&nbsp;are growing across the Indian subcontinent. Based on basic human freedoms, rights and the rule of law, a society free from fear and persecution should be a steady goal throughout the Commonwealth. The organization should work harder to enforce the practical realizations of the core values of human rights enshrined in its charter.&nbsp;The Commonwealth as an institution has been rather successful in setting democratic, legal and human rights standards for the world to follow. But it is time that the Commonwealth wakes up to the desires of the ambitious young minds of its member states and takes cognizance of the need to both contribute and belong.

BALL IN ST. JAMES&rsquo; COURT

It is impossible for the governments to do everything. There has to be a partnership between the private and the public sectors to optimize the resources and possibilities available at our disposal. Instilling a component of trust among the nations party to such a grand design is crucial in this regard. The Commonwealth leadership must demonstrate a determined and forward-looking approach to bringing peace and prosperity to the Indian subcontinent, which, despite its glorious past, remains the least integrated in the world. The&nbsp;Commonwealth Charter&nbsp;has already taken note of civil society. It is time that innovation &mdash; both as an idea and a platform &mdash; is taken as an operational pivot.

Brexit is looming ever larger. New negotiations and new priorities are being conceptualized. This is the best time for the United Kingdom to repackage the Commonwealth as an organization &ldquo;for the members, by the members and of the members.&rdquo; The seed of a plausible sense of ownership among member states &mdash; in particular for the imagination of the youth &mdash; needs to be sown, and it should not be perceived as if benefiting just the UK or a handful of prosperous countries. Existential issues central to the people of the Commonwealth need to be addressed. Learning from the Indian subcontinent and what is happening there, and reflecting the substance of that learning across the plethora of&nbsp;platforms&nbsp;and institutions that the Commonwealth provides, could help create a mechanism that can solve problems for the long term.

There was an ancient proverb, &ldquo;You are, therefore, I am; and since I am, therefore, you are.&rdquo; The best network is not a cartel of petrochemicals and weapons. Rather, it is the network of intelligent minds working together.

&nbsp;

*&nbsp;Yashasvi Nain&nbsp;is an international lawyer for humanitarian justice and inclusive development.&nbsp;

This<a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/united-kingdom-brexit-indian-subcontinent-commonwealth-news-analysis-53219/"> article </a>is originally published in the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/">Fair Observer</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Commonwealth, thanks to a combined economy of more than $10 trillion and an annual growth in excess of 4%, provides a perfect platform for achieving growth aims and is probably one of the best alternatives to manage a post-Brexit scenario for Britain.

By Syed Muntasir Mamun & Yashasvi Nain* Ahead of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in London in April, old debates have come alive over the relevance and importance of the Commonwealth of Nations and its involvement in world affairs. As alternative to the European Union post Brexit, the United Kingdom sees the Commonwealth as a global trading and international affairs network. In the absence of China, the organization provides a platform to demonstrate the credibility of aspiring global leaders like India. A visit by Prince Charles in November 2017 to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the summit to discuss India’s role in the organization shows the importance Britain bestows upon India’s strategic ambit. Subsequent visits from Tim Hitchens, chief executive of the Commonwealth Summit Unit, and Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth secretary general, further reinforced this position. Trade statistics from 2016 show that the UK imports from the Indian subcontinent, which encompasses India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, totalled £15.2 ($21) billion, and exports £7.7 ($10) billion. Within the rest of the Commonwealth there is a marked propensity for an Indo-centric focus in trade. For instance, trade between India and South Africa now stands at around $20 billion, and between India and Nigeria at around $10 billion. Adding up trading configurations between other African and South Asian countries would definitely prove what is more obviously felt than said — that the trading heart of the old empire is still evolving. In 2016, during the House of Commons debate, former Defense Minister Lord Archie Hamilton asserted that the limitations in the EU competence clause is the biggest obstacle in the UK-India trade, and that after Brexit its removal will boost bilateral trade between the two countries. India is seen as a preferred partner by the UK for obvious reasons. According to the joint statement released after the India-UK Summit in New Delhi in November 2016, India was the third largest investor in the UK and the second largest international job creator: Indian companies having created over 110,000 jobs in Britain. Furthermore, India is also considered a key target market, with recent forecasts by the London Chamber of Commerce suggesting that a deal could boost UK exports to the country by 50%. Furthermore, if one considers trade statistics, Brexit doesn’t appear to have much of an effect on India-UK trade. As per the House of Commons briefing paper on migration issued in October 2017, in 2015 43% people immigrating to the UK were nationals of other EU countries, while 44% came from outside the European Union. Around 17% of all migrants are from three countries alone: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Indian subcontinent is by far the most strategic region driving the dynamics of the Commonwealth. What happens here is more relevant to the future of both the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as a whole. COINCIDENCE OR GOOD TIMING? Britain’s triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty following the June 23, 2016, referendum came almost a year after the Malta CHOGM of 2015. The 2018 London CHOGM comes almost one year ahead of Britain’s final departure from the EU on March 29, 2019. In the absence of a clear government strategy, the EU referendum decidedly put the UK on a rough, and apparently unstable, path of destiny. But it does not have to be that way. While the immediate aftershock of the referendum was that of a freefalling pound, which remained at a historic 10% low against the US dollar and at 15% against the euro, it seems that the immediacy of the doomsday predictions were balanced with a steadier economic growth (1.8% in 2016), second only to Germany’s 1.9% in the G7. The UK economy has continued to grow at almost the same rate in 2017. Crucial negotiations centering around what Brexit would mean in reality are still in the making. With this backdrop, CHOGM 2018 opens a window of opportunity for both the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth cousins to essentially rebuild the Commonwealth in such a manner as to transform both in ways hitherto unimagined. The Commonwealth, thanks to a combined economy of more than $10 trillion and an annual growth in excess of 4%, provides a perfect platform for achieving these aims and is probably one of the best alternatives to manage a post-Brexit scenario for Britain. The UK, thanks to historic and institutionalized connections with its former colonies, is better positioned as a ring leader, capable of successfully integrating international trade — particularly the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking new markets — into a global trade regime than most other countries, except maybe the United States. It would be wise to not forget that the Commonwealth can boast the fact that half of the top 20 global emerging cities are located within its jurisdiction and that average trade costs between Commonwealth countries will be lowered by 19%. As a strategic recourse to the systemic uncertainties and instabilities caused by Brexit, the United Kingdom can now act strategically and utilize its position as the chair of the Commonwealth to create a system that will assist member states in integrating more fully into a fairer and more equitable global trading regime. Opening markets and by ensuring mobility of productive factors across a fair, value-based ecosystem will help UK SMEs and financial institutions to enter new markets and boost innovation, growth and job creation. THE ROADMAP There are talks going on to host a Commonwealth trade hub in India to promote commerce and investment across the organization. But it is high time that the Commonwealth leadership wakes up to the fact that the systems that govern the prospects of individual prosperity ought not to be only economic in nature. Rather, prosperity is the ability of the state system to enable the individual to live with pride and human dignity. Access to nutrition, shelter, health, education and an otherwise decent living is all part of the prosperity that we understand. If the UK wants to make the Commonwealth more relevant under its leadership, it must focus on the following areas that will play an important role in making the idea of the Commonwealth work for the people of the Commonwealth. First on the list is employment. With the desire to be connected to the global networks of talent and productivity, everyone is both wary and eager for employment, not only in the service industry, but also as entrepreneurs. The Commonwealth could be a platform that gives structural support for building and connecting markets for both. For instance, more than half of the small nations within the Commonwealth (31 out of 52) are Small Island Developing States, where development is being adversely affected by their remote locations. This leads to the second point, connectivity: People want to travel and connect. This is a rising vector of an inalienable right in the global consciousness. The Indian subcontinent is well connected to global networks, but attention is needed for upgrading the existing land-based transport infrastructure such as roads and railways, among the Commonwealth countries. It will not only affect social development but will also give much needed structures for an economic boost in the region. Also, post-Brexit, the UK will not be bound by the free movement of workers laws, and there is an opportunity to ease visa restrictions to fill the skill gap from the Commonwealth countries. At the very least, visas for students and professionals from the Commonwealth looking for job in the UK could be fast-tracked. Third, power and energy: Both people and institutions are energy-hungry. At this moment, countries in the Indian subcontinent depend on a single source to provide more than 50% of total their individual electricity generation. Thus, India produces 67.9% of the region’s coal, Nepal nearly 100% of the subcontinent’s hydropower, Bangladesh provides 91.5% of its natural gas and Sri Lanka 50% of its oil. Sustainable, eco-friendly, affordable and accessible energy needs have to be met if systemic balances are to be achieved in the long run. Fourth, technology: Any institution that wants to be relevant to the people and, consequently, draw mandates for representing them, ought to carry with itself a tangible promise of technology. This doesn’t mean the internet alone, but also applications and system support to develop ideas with solid financial underwriting. Fifth, ecological sustainability: With 1.7 billion people, the Indian subcontinent has more people than the whole of Europe and both Americas combined. Unfortunately, that does not translate into wealth. More people are going hungry in South Asia than in Africa. There is substantial inequality in the region, especially when it comes to food supply. It is also vulnerable to the impact of global warming and climate change. Preventing the creation of more climate refugees should be a priority for the Commonwealth, with many of its small island nations particularly affected by rising sea levels. Hence, comprehensive measures and plans for the future need to be laid out, and Britain can lead the way with sustainable development and technological advancement to tackle the environmental crisis. Sixth, a safer world and a safer Commonwealth: Attacks on civil liberties, free speech and restrictions on civil society are growing across the Indian subcontinent. Based on basic human freedoms, rights and the rule of law, a society free from fear and persecution should be a steady goal throughout the Commonwealth. The organization should work harder to enforce the practical realizations of the core values of human rights enshrined in its charter. The Commonwealth as an institution has been rather successful in setting democratic, legal and human rights standards for the world to follow. But it is time that the Commonwealth wakes up to the desires of the ambitious young minds of its member states and takes cognizance of the need to both contribute and belong. BALL IN ST. JAMES’ COURT It is impossible for the governments to do everything. There has to be a partnership between the private and the public sectors to optimize the resources and possibilities available at our disposal. Instilling a component of trust among the nations party to such a grand design is crucial in this regard. The Commonwealth leadership must demonstrate a determined and forward-looking approach to bringing peace and prosperity to the Indian subcontinent, which, despite its glorious past, remains the least integrated in the world. The Commonwealth Charter has already taken note of civil society. It is time that innovation — both as an idea and a platform — is taken as an operational pivot. Brexit is looming ever larger. New negotiations and new priorities are being conceptualized. This is the best time for the United Kingdom to repackage the Commonwealth as an organization “for the members, by the members and of the members.” The seed of a plausible sense of ownership among member states — in particular for the imagination of the youth — needs to be sown, and it should not be perceived as if benefiting just the UK or a handful of prosperous countries. Existential issues central to the people of the Commonwealth need to be addressed. Learning from the Indian subcontinent and what is happening there, and reflecting the substance of that learning across the plethora of platforms and institutions that the Commonwealth provides, could help create a mechanism that can solve problems for the long term. There was an ancient proverb, “You are, therefore, I am; and since I am, therefore, you are.” The best network is not a cartel of petrochemicals and weapons. Rather, it is the network of intelligent minds working together. * Yashasvi Nain is an international lawyer for humanitarian justice and inclusive development. This article is originally published 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: Post Brexit, Indian subcontinent can be vital role for the UK

Britain has ruled out staying in any customs union with the European Union after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May`s spokesman said on Monday as the government prepares for a crunch week of Brexit talks.

The extent of any British post-Brexit involvement in the EU`s customs union - which binds members into a trade bloc with common external tariffs - has become a major issue of contention inside May`s divided government and Conservative Party.

Membership of the, or a, customs union after Brexit, would prevent London from striking trade deals with countries outside the EU in future.

&quot;The key point, as the prime minister has said on many many occasions, is that we need to have our own independent trade policy and be able to strike trade deals with the rest of the world,&quot; May`s spokesman told reporters.&nbsp;

&quot;We will be leaving the EU and the customs union and it is not government policy to be members of `the` customs union or `a` customs union.&quot;&nbsp;

He said the official negotiating stance had been set out in a document published in August giving: &quot;two possible options and they are: a highly streamlined customs arrangement, and a new customs partnership with the EU.&quot;

The spokesman said Britain was still looking at both options, and no deadline for a decision on which one to pursue had been set.

With just a year left before Britain`s March 2019 exit from the European Union, May`s party remains deeply divided over what sort of relationship should be built between the world`s biggest trading bloc and the world`s sixth-largest economy.

Such are the divisions within May`s government, that the debate over the extent of Britain`s post-Brexit participation in a EU customs union has taken place in public with key ministers offering a range of views.

Brexit Tariff?

While May has repeatedly said that Britain will leave the customs union, some ministers had hoped that Britain could remain in some sort of bespoke customs arrangement with the EU after Brexit.

But supporters of Brexit say one of the main benefits of leaving the bloc will be the ability to strike trade deals with other, faster-growing countries around the world.&nbsp;

The Confederation of British Industry has called for Britain to stay in a customs union and finance minister Philip Hammond last month also left open the possibility of Britain joining a new customs union.

A customs union means that its members apply the same tariff to goods imported into their territory from elsewhere and apply no tariffs to goods from other members. It also limits checks and other bureaucracies at borders between members.

Unless Britain negotiates a new trade deal with the EU, its exports would run into the union`s external tariffs, which average about 5 percent across all goods, including 10 percent for cars and over 200 percent on certain types of poultry.

But May is under pressure from eurosceptic members in her party to quit the trading arrangement because for them the key prize is chance to sign new trade deals with other nations such as the US, China and India.

Britain and the EU are due to hold their first formal discussions about what their future relationship will look like after Britain leaves the EU this week.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier will meet his opposite number, Brexit Secretary David Davis, in London on Monday for the first time since EU leaders told Barnier to negotiate a post-Brexit transition period to ease Britain`s departure.&nbsp;

May will hold two cabinet meetings on Wednesday and Thursday at which she will try to heal the deep divisions among her ministers over the best way to leave the EU.

If no deal is reached by October of this year, many businesses fear Britain could face a disorderly exit that would weaken the West, disrupt the peace in Northern Ireland, imperil Britain&rsquo;s $2.7 trillion economy and undermine

London&rsquo;s position as the only financial centre to rival New York.&nbsp;

A disorderly Brexit as a result of Britain misjudging the &quot;self-preservation&quot; instincts of the European Union could lead to a further downgrade of the UK`s sovereign credit rating, S&amp;P Global also said on Monday.

The extent of any British post-Brexit involvement in the EU`s customs union has become a major issue of contention inside May`s divided government and Conservative Party

Britain has ruled out staying in any customs union with the European Union after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May`s spokesman said on Monday as the government prepares for a crunch week of Brexit talks. The extent of any British post-Brexit involvement in the EU`s customs union - which binds members into a trade bloc with common external tariffs - has become a major issue of contention inside May`s divided government and Conservative Party. Membership of the, or a, customs union after Brexit, would prevent London from striking trade deals with countries outside the EU in future. "The key point, as the prime minister has said on many many occasions, is that we need to have our own independent trade policy and be able to strike trade deals with the rest of the world," May`s spokesman told reporters. "We will be leaving the EU and the customs union and it is not government policy to be members of `the` customs union or `a` customs union." He said the official negotiating stance had been set out in a document published in August giving: "two possible options and they are: a highly streamlined customs arrangement, and a new customs partnership with the EU." The spokesman said Britain was still looking at both options, and no deadline for a decision on which one to pursue had been set. With just a year left before Britain`s March 2019 exit from the European Union, May`s party remains deeply divided over what sort of relationship should be built between the world`s biggest trading bloc and the world`s sixth-largest economy. Such are the divisions within May`s government, that the debate over the extent of Britain`s post-Brexit participation in a EU customs union has taken place in public with key ministers offering a range of views. Brexit Tariff? While May has repeatedly said that Britain will leave the customs union, some ministers had hoped that Britain could remain in some sort of bespoke customs arrangement with the EU after Brexit. But supporters of Brexit say one of the main benefits of leaving the bloc will be the ability to strike trade deals with other, faster-growing countries around the world. The Confederation of British Industry has called for Britain to stay in a customs union and finance minister Philip Hammond last month also left open the possibility of Britain joining a new customs union. A customs union means that its members apply the same tariff to goods imported into their territory from elsewhere and apply no tariffs to goods from other members. It also limits checks and other bureaucracies at borders between members. Unless Britain negotiates a new trade deal with the EU, its exports would run into the union`s external tariffs, which average about 5 percent across all goods, including 10 percent for cars and over 200 percent on certain types of poultry. But May is under pressure from eurosceptic members in her party to quit the trading arrangement because for them the key prize is chance to sign new trade deals with other nations such as the US, China and India. Britain and the EU are due to hold their first formal discussions about what their future relationship will look like after Britain leaves the EU this week. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier will meet his opposite number, Brexit Secretary David Davis, in London on Monday for the first time since EU leaders told Barnier to negotiate a post-Brexit transition period to ease Britain`s departure. May will hold two cabinet meetings on Wednesday and Thursday at which she will try to heal the deep divisions among her ministers over the best way to leave the EU. If no deal is reached by October of this year, many businesses fear Britain could face a disorderly exit that would weaken the West, disrupt the peace in Northern Ireland, imperil Britain’s $2.7 trillion economy and undermine London’s position as the only financial centre to rival New York. A disorderly Brexit as a result of Britain misjudging the "self-preservation" instincts of the European Union could lead to a further downgrade of the UK`s sovereign credit rating, S&P Global also said on Monday.

UK rules out being in a customs union with the EU after Brexit

Britain will not &quot;surrender&quot; in its fight to win a bespoke deal with the European Union that would offer tariff-free trade as well as control over immigration, a minister said on Sunday before a crunch week for the government in Brexit negotiations.

Interior minister Amber Rudd was one of several senior Conservative lawmakers to take to the airwaves to support Prime Minister Theresa May, under pressure from Brexit hardliners who fear she is diluting her plans for a clean break with the EU.

With reports in the local media suggesting that pro-Brexit ministers are being urged to get ready to replace May, Rudd tried to play down the deep divisions in government, saying there was more unity than so-called Brexiteers thought.

&quot;We want to have a bespoke agreement. Now we`re not going to surrender before we have that battle,&quot; Rudd told the BBC when asked whether ministers were pursuing what the EU has already ruled out as &quot;having its cake and eating it&quot; - demanding tariff-free access to the EU`s market while controlling immigration.

She also told the Andrew Marr Show she supported May in demanding that EU citizens arriving after Brexit Day in March 2019 should have settlement rights different to those who came before that date - something the EU has opposed.

Asked whether Brexit campaigners were right to say that some in her cabinet were trying to blunt prospects for a wholesale departure from with the EU, Rudd said: &quot;I have a surprise for the Brexiteers, which is the committee that meets in order to help make these decisions ... is more united than they think.&quot;

Her words come at the beginning of a week when the government will flesh out some of its demands in negotiations with the EU on their future relationship and Brexit negotiations start in earnest again.

The government`s Brexit sub-committee of ministers will also meet twice this week, Rudd said, adding: &quot;I think that we will arrive at something which suits us all.&quot;

Another new row

Other Conservative lawmakers backed her message, with junior housing minister Dominic Raab saying there wasn`t &quot;a fag (cigarette) paper&quot; between ministers on their stance on the future relationship.&nbsp;

But the choreographed display of unity did little to mask a growing dispute over a leaked document suggesting the economy will be worse off after Brexit whether Britain left with a free trade deal, with access to the EU`s single market, or with no deal at all.

The leak, which bolstered arguments from some lawmakers to stay in the EU`s customs union to protect the economy, prompted allegations from Brexit campaigners that the civil service was trying to undermine Britain`s departure.

A former head of the civil service, Gus O`Donnell, said the allegations were unfounded and offered up by those who did not like what they heard.

&quot;If you`re selling snake oil, you don`t like the idea of experts testing your product,&quot; he told ITV`s Peston on Sunday. &quot;And I think that`s what we`ve got - this backlash against evidence and experts is because they know where the experts will go.&quot;&nbsp;

Interior minister Amber Rudd was one of several senior Conservative lawmakers to take to the airwaves to support Prime Minister Theresa May, under pressure from Brexit hardliners who fear she is diluting her plans for a clean break with the EU

Britain will not "surrender" in its fight to win a bespoke deal with the European Union that would offer tariff-free trade as well as control over immigration, a minister said on Sunday before a crunch week for the government in Brexit negotiations. Interior minister Amber Rudd was one of several senior Conservative lawmakers to take to the airwaves to support Prime Minister Theresa May, under pressure from Brexit hardliners who fear she is diluting her plans for a clean break with the EU. With reports in the local media suggesting that pro-Brexit ministers are being urged to get ready to replace May, Rudd tried to play down the deep divisions in government, saying there was more unity than so-called Brexiteers thought. "We want to have a bespoke agreement. Now we`re not going to surrender before we have that battle," Rudd told the BBC when asked whether ministers were pursuing what the EU has already ruled out as "having its cake and eating it" - demanding tariff-free access to the EU`s market while controlling immigration. She also told the Andrew Marr Show she supported May in demanding that EU citizens arriving after Brexit Day in March 2019 should have settlement rights different to those who came before that date - something the EU has opposed. Asked whether Brexit campaigners were right to say that some in her cabinet were trying to blunt prospects for a wholesale departure from with the EU, Rudd said: "I have a surprise for the Brexiteers, which is the committee that meets in order to help make these decisions ... is more united than they think." Her words come at the beginning of a week when the government will flesh out some of its demands in negotiations with the EU on their future relationship and Brexit negotiations start in earnest again. The government`s Brexit sub-committee of ministers will also meet twice this week, Rudd said, adding: "I think that we will arrive at something which suits us all." Another new row Other Conservative lawmakers backed her message, with junior housing minister Dominic Raab saying there wasn`t "a fag (cigarette) paper" between ministers on their stance on the future relationship. But the choreographed display of unity did little to mask a growing dispute over a leaked document suggesting the economy will be worse off after Brexit whether Britain left with a free trade deal, with access to the EU`s single market, or with no deal at all. The leak, which bolstered arguments from some lawmakers to stay in the EU`s customs union to protect the economy, prompted allegations from Brexit campaigners that the civil service was trying to undermine Britain`s departure. A former head of the civil service, Gus O`Donnell, said the allegations were unfounded and offered up by those who did not like what they heard. "If you`re selling snake oil, you don`t like the idea of experts testing your product," he told ITV`s Peston on Sunday. "And I think that`s what we`ve got - this backlash against evidence and experts is because they know where the experts will go."

UK will not 'surrender' over bespoke Brexit deal with EU: Minister

Prime Minister Theresa May has warned that European citizens arriving in Britain after Brexit next year may lose some rights, setting up a clash with the European Union over their treatment during any transition period.

Curbing immigration was a key reason why Britons voted to leave the EU in 2016, following a large influx of EU citizens, especially from poorer countries in eastern Europe.

The European Union has warned Britain that it must accept all decisions of the trading bloc and that its citizens should be able to secure full residence rights during the two-year transition period after it leaves the bloc.

But May has suggested EU citizens coming to Britain after March next year will be treated differently.

&quot;People who had come to the UK when we were a member of the EU had set up certain expectations - they made a life choice and set up a certain expectation,&quot; May told reporters on her way to China.

&quot;I&#39;m clear there`s a difference between those people who came prior to us leaving and those who will come when they know the UK is no longer a member of the EU.&quot;

This is one potential obstacle Britain and the EU will need to resolve to reach a transitional deal, which will give the two sides time to prepare for the far-reaching impact of the end of 46 years of union.

Many Brexit backers are voicing concern that the referendum result may be betrayed with the plan to change little of the current relationship immediately after Britain formally leaves on March 29, 2019.

But May dismissed some of those concerns.

&quot;They did not vote for nothing to change when we come out of the EU,&quot; she said. &quot;What we`re doing now is doing the job that the British people asked the government to do which is to deliver on Brexit.&quot;

&nbsp;

Theresa May has warned that European citizens arriving in Britain after Brexit next year may lose some rights

Prime Minister Theresa May has warned that European citizens arriving in Britain after Brexit next year may lose some rights, setting up a clash with the European Union over their treatment during any transition period. Curbing immigration was a key reason why Britons voted to leave the EU in 2016, following a large influx of EU citizens, especially from poorer countries in eastern Europe. The European Union has warned Britain that it must accept all decisions of the trading bloc and that its citizens should be able to secure full residence rights during the two-year transition period after it leaves the bloc. But May has suggested EU citizens coming to Britain after March next year will be treated differently. "People who had come to the UK when we were a member of the EU had set up certain expectations - they made a life choice and set up a certain expectation," May told reporters on her way to China. "I'm clear there`s a difference between those people who came prior to us leaving and those who will come when they know the UK is no longer a member of the EU." This is one potential obstacle Britain and the EU will need to resolve to reach a transitional deal, which will give the two sides time to prepare for the far-reaching impact of the end of 46 years of union. Many Brexit backers are voicing concern that the referendum result may be betrayed with the plan to change little of the current relationship immediately after Britain formally leaves on March 29, 2019. But May dismissed some of those concerns. "They did not vote for nothing to change when we come out of the EU," she said. "What we`re doing now is doing the job that the British people asked the government to do which is to deliver on Brexit."

UK and EU set for clash over citizens' rights during transition

International Development Minister and former Conservative MP Lord Bates submitted his resignation after he got late to the chamber.&nbsp;

Bates was meant to be in the House of Lords chamber for the oral questions at 15:00 GMT.

He admitted that he was &quot;thoroughly ashamed&quot; for not being able to arrive on time and was, therefore, offering his resignation to the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

&quot;I wonder if you permit me to offer my sincere apologies to Baroness Lister for my discourtesy in not being in my place to answer her question on a very important matter,&quot; Lord Bates said shortly after arriving at his place.

Bates was urged by his peers not to go saying that just an apology would have been sufficient.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected Bates&#39; resignation calling it &quot;unnecessary.&quot;

May&#39;s spokesperson lauded Bates as a hard-working and diligent minister &quot;who takes his responsibilities to Parliament seriously&quot;.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Bates was urged by his peers not to go saying that just an apology would have been sufficient

International Development Minister and former Conservative MP Lord Bates submitted his resignation after he got late to the chamber. Bates was meant to be in the House of Lords chamber for the oral questions at 15:00 GMT. He admitted that he was "thoroughly ashamed" for not being able to arrive on time and was, therefore, offering his resignation to the Prime Minister. "I wonder if you permit me to offer my sincere apologies to Baroness Lister for my discourtesy in not being in my place to answer her question on a very important matter," Lord Bates said shortly after arriving at his place. Bates was urged by his peers not to go saying that just an apology would have been sufficient. British Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected Bates' resignation calling it "unnecessary." May's spokesperson lauded Bates as a hard-working and diligent minister "who takes his responsibilities to Parliament seriously". (With inputs from ANI)

British minister resigns for arriving late

British police today made a sixth arrest in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Indian- origin jeweller Ramniklal Jogiya, who was found dead in Leicester last week.

The 74-year-old had gone missing as he walked home from work and was forced into a vehicle by masked men.

&quot;The 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder and is currently in police custody where he will be questioned by detectives,&quot; Leicestershire Police said.

Two other men, aged 18 and 22, both of whom are from Leicester, were arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder on Monday and remain in police custody.

Three other Leicester men, aged 19, 20, and 23, were charged on Tuesday evening with kidnap and robbery of Jogiya.

They appeared before Leicester Magistrates&#39; Court today and were remanded to appear at Leicester Crown Court on February 28.

Jogiya, the father of three sons, was last seen on CCTV locking up and leaving the family&#39;s jewellery store Vama on Belgrave Road is known as the Golden Mile due to its row of jewellery shops, mostly run by Indian-origin merchants.

His family issued a statement through Leicestershire Police expressing their devastation at his death and paid tribute to a loved member of their &quot;close-knit family&quot;.

The statement said, &quot;Ramniklal was a loyal, gentleman who was passionate about his family.

&quot;He was a doting husband, father, granddad, brother and uncle, who loved nothing more than spending time with his family, whether it be sharing food, watching the cricket or catching up with favourite Asian TV serials with his wife&quot;.

The family also urged anyone with information about the attack to contact police so that people responsible for his death can be caught.

Jogiya&#39;s body was recovered from?Gaulby Lane?in Stoughton area of Leicester. A murder investigation was launched and initial enquiries had established that he had been pulled into a vehicle and taken against his will from Belgrave Road.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A murder investigation was launched and initial enquiries had established

British police today made a sixth arrest in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Indian- origin jeweller Ramniklal Jogiya, who was found dead in Leicester last week. The 74-year-old had gone missing as he walked home from work and was forced into a vehicle by masked men. "The 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder and is currently in police custody where he will be questioned by detectives," Leicestershire Police said. Two other men, aged 18 and 22, both of whom are from Leicester, were arrested on suspicion of kidnap and murder on Monday and remain in police custody. Three other Leicester men, aged 19, 20, and 23, were charged on Tuesday evening with kidnap and robbery of Jogiya. They appeared before Leicester Magistrates' Court today and were remanded to appear at Leicester Crown Court on February 28. Jogiya, the father of three sons, was last seen on CCTV locking up and leaving the family's jewellery store Vama on Belgrave Road is known as the Golden Mile due to its row of jewellery shops, mostly run by Indian-origin merchants. His family issued a statement through Leicestershire Police expressing their devastation at his death and paid tribute to a loved member of their "close-knit family". The statement said, "Ramniklal was a loyal, gentleman who was passionate about his family. "He was a doting husband, father, granddad, brother and uncle, who loved nothing more than spending time with his family, whether it be sharing food, watching the cricket or catching up with favourite Asian TV serials with his wife". The family also urged anyone with information about the attack to contact police so that people responsible for his death can be caught. Jogiya's body was recovered from?Gaulby Lane?in Stoughton area of Leicester. A murder investigation was launched and initial enquiries had established that he had been pulled into a vehicle and taken against his will from Belgrave Road.

UK police arrest 6 men for murder of Indian-origin jeweller

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State of the Union address: US President Donald Trump bids for 'safe, strong and united America' Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America. Taliban active in 70 per cent of Afghanistan, BBC study finds The BBC study said the Afghan government controlled 122 districts, or about 30 percent of the country. Still, it noted that did not mean that they were free from Taliban attacks. President Donald Trump urges US parties set aside differences President Donald Trump gives his first official State of the Union Address from the United States Capitol in front of a joint session of Congress. I'm not a quitter, says UK's May as leadership questions stack up May has come under fire in recent days from several factions within her own party. Facebook to ban cryptocurrency-related ads The new policy will be implemented across its platforms, including Facebook, Audience Network, and Instagram, the company said.

WION Morning News Brief, January 31, 2018

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday defied critics calling for her to resign, saying she was not a quitter and that she has a long-term job to do: delivering Brexit and domestic reform.

May has come under fire in recent days from several factions within her own party. She has been accused by eurosceptics of watering down Brexit, by pro-EU lawmakers of risking Britain`s economy, and by others who say her domestic agenda is too timid.

&quot;I&#39;ve said to you before, I`m not a quitter and there is a long-term job to be done,&quot; she told reporters on her way to China for a trade visit when asked about the recent criticism of her leadership and reports of a potential attempt to oust her.

&quot;That job is about getting the best Brexit deal, about ensuring that we take back control of our money, our laws, our borders, that we can sign trade deals around the rest of the world. But it is also about our domestic agenda.&quot;

The leadership question dominated a briefing with journalists on board a Royal Air Force jet to China where she will meet President Xi Jinping, with an eye on securing better access to Chinese markets and an eventual free trade deal.

Media reports have said the number of `no confidence&#39;&nbsp;letters submitted by lawmakers from May&#39;s own party is nearing the threshold which would trigger a leadership contest. The committee which holds the letters does not comment on the actual number.

May&#39;s future as leader of the ruling Conservative Party has been subject to heightened speculation after she gambled on a snap election last year which went badly wrong and cost her party its majority in parliament.

During a similar trade-focused visit to Japan, last year May first used the &quot;I&#39;m not a quitter&quot; phrase, vowing to fight the next British election as leader in 2022.

Since then the pressure has been amplified by gaffes, scandals, and a growing concern among some that constant infighting over Brexit was drowning out attempts to win back the voters the party lost at the 2017 election.

Responding to one of more than 10 questions about her leadership during a 25-minute briefing, May defended her record by singling out housing, education and employment rates as areas where her government has made progress.

But, she acknowledged a need to make sure the messages are better heard by voters and her own party.

&quot;Are you asking me is there more for us to do, talk to people about, more generally about what we are achieving and what we are doing? ... Yes,&quot; she said.

&quot;There is always more for us to be able to do to talk to people about what we&#39;re achieving.&quot;

May has come under fire in recent days from several factions within her own party

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday defied critics calling for her to resign, saying she was not a quitter and that she has a long-term job to do: delivering Brexit and domestic reform. May has come under fire in recent days from several factions within her own party. She has been accused by eurosceptics of watering down Brexit, by pro-EU lawmakers of risking Britain`s economy, and by others who say her domestic agenda is too timid. "I've said to you before, I`m not a quitter and there is a long-term job to be done," she told reporters on her way to China for a trade visit when asked about the recent criticism of her leadership and reports of a potential attempt to oust her. "That job is about getting the best Brexit deal, about ensuring that we take back control of our money, our laws, our borders, that we can sign trade deals around the rest of the world. But it is also about our domestic agenda." The leadership question dominated a briefing with journalists on board a Royal Air Force jet to China where she will meet President Xi Jinping, with an eye on securing better access to Chinese markets and an eventual free trade deal. Media reports have said the number of `no confidence' letters submitted by lawmakers from May's own party is nearing the threshold which would trigger a leadership contest. The committee which holds the letters does not comment on the actual number. May's future as leader of the ruling Conservative Party has been subject to heightened speculation after she gambled on a snap election last year which went badly wrong and cost her party its majority in parliament. During a similar trade-focused visit to Japan, last year May first used the "I'm not a quitter" phrase, vowing to fight the next British election as leader in 2022. Since then the pressure has been amplified by gaffes, scandals, and a growing concern among some that constant infighting over Brexit was drowning out attempts to win back the voters the party lost at the 2017 election. Responding to one of more than 10 questions about her leadership during a 25-minute briefing, May defended her record by singling out housing, education and employment rates as areas where her government has made progress. But, she acknowledged a need to make sure the messages are better heard by voters and her own party. "Are you asking me is there more for us to do, talk to people about, more generally about what we are achieving and what we are doing? ... Yes," she said. "There is always more for us to be able to do to talk to people about what we're achieving."

I'm not a quitter, says UK's May as leadership questions stack up

Ever since Prince Harry announced his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-announces-his-engagement-to-actress-meghan-markle-25254" target="_blank"> engagement</a> and soon-to-happen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-wedding-date-has-been-officially-announced-26857" target="_blank">wedding </a>with American actress <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/meet-meghan-markle-the-mix-race-actress-set-to-marry-britains-prince-harry-25266" target="_blank">Meghan Markle</a>, paparazzi have been following the royal couple, trying to find out new developments in their lives.&nbsp;

In the most recent update, Meghan Markle is expected to deliver her own speech at her royal wedding with Prince Harry. It would be a break from centuries-old royal tradition.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-meghan-markles-low-key-hen-party-30421">Meghan Markle&#39;s low key hen party</a>

It is understood that the actress will be speaking during their&nbsp;reception at Windsor Castle following the wedding ceremony on May 19. The function is expected to host around 800 guests.&nbsp;

73-year-old Thomas, Meghan Markle&#39;s father will be walking the former actress down the aisle&nbsp;but is less likely to make a speech at the reception.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/london-zoo-names-new-arrival-after-prince-harrys-fiance-meghan-markle-7858" target="_blank">London Zoo names new arrival after Prince Harry&#39;s fiance Meghan Markle</a>

Markle is expected to be made a Duchess on the day.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/meghan-markle-deletes-all-social-media-accounts-ahead-of-marriage-to-prince-harry-29177">Meghan Markle deletes all social media accounts ahead of marriage to Prince Harry</a>

A popular London-based newspaper report says&nbsp;that she might even make a couple of jokes, and is said to have&nbsp;Prince Harry&rsquo;s full support.&nbsp;

Prince Harry is yet to announce his best man and his brother Prince William is widely tipped to be among his top choices.

&nbsp;

As per tradition, her 73-year-old father will walk her down the aisle

Ever since Prince Harry announced his engagement and soon-to-happen wedding with American actress Meghan Markle, paparazzi have been following the royal couple, trying to find out new developments in their lives. In the most recent update, Meghan Markle is expected to deliver her own speech at her royal wedding with Prince Harry. It would be a break from centuries-old royal tradition. Also Read: Meghan Markle's low key hen party It is understood that the actress will be speaking during their reception at Windsor Castle following the wedding ceremony on May 19. The function is expected to host around 800 guests. 73-year-old Thomas, Meghan Markle's father will be walking the former actress down the aisle but is less likely to make a speech at the reception. Also Watch: London Zoo names new arrival after Prince Harry's fiance Meghan Markle Markle is expected to be made a Duchess on the day. Also Read: Meghan Markle deletes all social media accounts ahead of marriage to Prince Harry A popular London-based newspaper report says that she might even make a couple of jokes, and is said to have Prince Harry’s full support. Prince Harry is yet to announce his best man and his brother Prince William is widely tipped to be among his top choices.

Meghan Markle to break centuries-old royal tradition by making her own speech

The EU adopted red lines Monday for a transition period that binds Britain by the bloc&#39;s laws for nearly two years after Brexit without having any policy-making power.

The plan has sparked deep divisions in British Prime Minister Theresa May&#39;s government, with eurosceptic lawmakers saying it leaves Britain a &quot;vassal state&quot; of Brussels.

European affairs ministers took just two minutes to green-light instructions for the EU&#39;s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on the transition, which the bloc wants to run from March 29, 2019 -- when Britain leaves the EU -- until December 31, 2020.

Barnier&#39;s deputy Sabine Weyand said a meeting of European affairs ministers in Brussels &quot;adopts guidelines for Brexit negotiations within two minutes: status quo transition without institutional representation, lasting... to 31 December 2020&quot;.

The so-called negotiating directives say Britain would retain access to the EU&#39;s single market during that time, but in return must follow EU rules &quot;as if it were a member state&quot;, without any voting rights.

Irish European affairs minister Helen McEntee meanwhile ruled out Britain having any power to vet EU laws passed during the transition, the Financial Times newspaper reported, saying London could not be allowed to undermine the single market.&nbsp;

&quot;When the UK leaves the European Union they will not be a voice around the table,&quot; she said.

Transition talks with Barnier&#39;s counterpart David Davis could begin as early as this week, with the aim of completing them by March so negotiations on future trade ties can start, European sources said.

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva, whose country holds the EU&#39;s rotating presidency, meanwhile urged Britain to agree &quot;as soon as possible&quot; on the legal text of December&#39;s in-principle agreement on the terms of the divorce.

That deal paved the way for the EU and Britain to move on to discussing the transition.

Britain asked for a transition period of around two years to ease the impact of Brexit on people, public services and businesses, and to provide more time to conclude any eventual EU-UK trade pact.

But May&#39;s Downing Street office warned the talks could be tough.

&quot;This will be a negotiation and there will naturally be some distance in the detail of our starting positions,&quot; the prime minister&#39;s spokesman said.

With dangerous rifts emerging openly in May&#39;s government over the plan and eurosceptic MPs baying for blood, Davis and other top ministers tried to show a united front at the weekend.

Despite previous differences, Davis, finance minister Philip Hammond and business secretary Greg Clark wrote a joint letter saying the transition would be &quot;strictly time-limited&quot; and that Britain is still leaving the bloc.

But Jacob Rees-Mogg -- who leads a group of more than 50 Conservative Brexiteer MPs and made the &quot;vassal state&quot; comment -- warned that staying closely aligned to the EU risked reducing Brexit to a &quot;damage limitation exercise&quot;.

US President Donald Trump added to the pressure on May, saying in remarks aired Sunday that if he was in charge of the Brexit negotiations he would have &quot;negotiated it differently&quot; and taken a &quot;tougher stand&quot;.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian meanwhile touted his country as a post-Brexit alternative, telling Japanese businesses on Monday they must realise that Britain&#39;s EU days are &quot;over&quot;.

Some member states have called for the transition itself to be extendable if the EU and Britain have still not managed to sort out a future relationship deal when it ends in 2020.

But France has led opposition to the idea, and the guidelines say the transition must be &quot;clearly defined and precisely limited in time&quot;.

Davis is meanwhile on a collision course with the EU over his claim last week that Britain could negotiate and even sign its own free trade deals around the world during the transition period.

EU officials insist Britain can negotiate but not conclude any deals.

The plan has sparked deep divisions in British Prime Minister Theresa May's government, with eurosceptic lawmakers saying it leaves Britain a 'vassal state' of Brussels

The EU adopted red lines Monday for a transition period that binds Britain by the bloc's laws for nearly two years after Brexit without having any policy-making power. The plan has sparked deep divisions in British Prime Minister Theresa May's government, with eurosceptic lawmakers saying it leaves Britain a "vassal state" of Brussels. European affairs ministers took just two minutes to green-light instructions for the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on the transition, which the bloc wants to run from March 29, 2019 -- when Britain leaves the EU -- until December 31, 2020. Barnier's deputy Sabine Weyand said a meeting of European affairs ministers in Brussels "adopts guidelines for Brexit negotiations within two minutes: status quo transition without institutional representation, lasting... to 31 December 2020". The so-called negotiating directives say Britain would retain access to the EU's single market during that time, but in return must follow EU rules "as if it were a member state", without any voting rights. Irish European affairs minister Helen McEntee meanwhile ruled out Britain having any power to vet EU laws passed during the transition, the Financial Times newspaper reported, saying London could not be allowed to undermine the single market. "When the UK leaves the European Union they will not be a voice around the table," she said. Transition talks with Barnier's counterpart David Davis could begin as early as this week, with the aim of completing them by March so negotiations on future trade ties can start, European sources said. Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, meanwhile urged Britain to agree "as soon as possible" on the legal text of December's in-principle agreement on the terms of the divorce. That deal paved the way for the EU and Britain to move on to discussing the transition. Britain asked for a transition period of around two years to ease the impact of Brexit on people, public services and businesses, and to provide more time to conclude any eventual EU-UK trade pact. But May's Downing Street office warned the talks could be tough. "This will be a negotiation and there will naturally be some distance in the detail of our starting positions," the prime minister's spokesman said. With dangerous rifts emerging openly in May's government over the plan and eurosceptic MPs baying for blood, Davis and other top ministers tried to show a united front at the weekend. Despite previous differences, Davis, finance minister Philip Hammond and business secretary Greg Clark wrote a joint letter saying the transition would be "strictly time-limited" and that Britain is still leaving the bloc. But Jacob Rees-Mogg -- who leads a group of more than 50 Conservative Brexiteer MPs and made the "vassal state" comment -- warned that staying closely aligned to the EU risked reducing Brexit to a "damage limitation exercise". US President Donald Trump added to the pressure on May, saying in remarks aired Sunday that if he was in charge of the Brexit negotiations he would have "negotiated it differently" and taken a "tougher stand". French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian meanwhile touted his country as a post-Brexit alternative, telling Japanese businesses on Monday they must realise that Britain's EU days are "over". Some member states have called for the transition itself to be extendable if the EU and Britain have still not managed to sort out a future relationship deal when it ends in 2020. But France has led opposition to the idea, and the guidelines say the transition must be "clearly defined and precisely limited in time". Davis is meanwhile on a collision course with the EU over his claim last week that Britain could negotiate and even sign its own free trade deals around the world during the transition period. EU officials insist Britain can negotiate but not conclude any deals.

UK Brexit: European Union sets 2020 redline

The Westminster magistrates&#39; court in London on Thursday decided to extend liquor baron Vijay Mallya&#39;s bail till April 2 in association with his extradition case.&nbsp;

The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya&#39;s &pound;650,000 bail.&nbsp;

Mallya was accompanied by his wife Pinky Lalwani and his son Siddharth Mallya.&nbsp;

Questions were raised over Mallya&#39;s&nbsp;admissibility, reliability and evidentiary value of documents submitted by India, in particular, the statements submitted by a wide array of witnesses such as banking officials.

&quot;Many of the documents that the Indian government relies on are unsubstantiated assertions which have been proven to be unreliable or false while others are hearsay or narrative accounts or statements made ex-post facto&quot;, Mallya&#39;s defence counsel Clare Montgomery&nbsp;said.

It was also brought to notice that there were no supporting documents in relation to the IDBI Bank case, which is the main axis on which the extradition trial hinges.

&quot;Some of these statements not only had the same words by the same typos. For example, there are similar anomalies in witness statements made by different individuals weeks apart&quot;, Montgomery said, prompting laughter in the court, much to the discomfiture of representatives of the Indian government.

&quot;Much evidence suggests that officers, in this case, have not behaved in a reliable manner. For instance, they have completely failed to reveal to the court the background of how the lending was approved by various banks, have submitted misleading statements, pro-forma statements and statements that were false&quot;, Montgomery said.

She also pointed to a number of Indian law commission reports that have &quot;unanimously&quot; agreed that investigators often &quot;project&quot; their biases on to witnesses.&nbsp;

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, has been asked to revert to the court by January 22.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-jails-over-crowded-with-poor-hygiene-mallyas-defence-26778">&nbsp;Indian jails overcrowded with poor hygiene: Mallya&#39;s defence lawyer</a>

The Delhi court on January 4 had declared beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-declared-proclaimed-offender-by-delhi-court-28547" target="_blank">failed to appear</a> before it despite repeated summons.

Mallya, who is undergoing an extradition trial over Rs 9,000-crore fraud and money laundering charges, will face a parallel litigation brought by 13 Indian banks to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-trouble-for-mallya-hearing-of-litigation-seeking-to-freeze-usd-15-billion-of-his-assets-next-year-26725" target="_blank">freeze nearly $1.5 billion of his assets</a>.

(With inputs from ANI)

The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya's £650,000 bail

The Westminster magistrates' court in London on Thursday decided to extend liquor baron Vijay Mallya's bail till April 2 in association with his extradition case. The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya's £650,000 bail. Mallya was accompanied by his wife Pinky Lalwani and his son Siddharth Mallya. Questions were raised over Mallya's admissibility, reliability and evidentiary value of documents submitted by India, in particular, the statements submitted by a wide array of witnesses such as banking officials. "Many of the documents that the Indian government relies on are unsubstantiated assertions which have been proven to be unreliable or false while others are hearsay or narrative accounts or statements made ex-post facto", Mallya's defence counsel Clare Montgomery said. It was also brought to notice that there were no supporting documents in relation to the IDBI Bank case, which is the main axis on which the extradition trial hinges. "Some of these statements not only had the same words by the same typos. For example, there are similar anomalies in witness statements made by different individuals weeks apart", Montgomery said, prompting laughter in the court, much to the discomfiture of representatives of the Indian government. "Much evidence suggests that officers, in this case, have not behaved in a reliable manner. For instance, they have completely failed to reveal to the court the background of how the lending was approved by various banks, have submitted misleading statements, pro-forma statements and statements that were false", Montgomery said. She also pointed to a number of Indian law commission reports that have "unanimously" agreed that investigators often "project" their biases on to witnesses. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, has been asked to revert to the court by January 22. Also read: Indian jails overcrowded with poor hygiene: Mallya's defence lawyer The Delhi court on January 4 had declared beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya failed to appear before it despite repeated summons. Mallya, who is undergoing an extradition trial over Rs 9,000-crore fraud and money laundering charges, will face a parallel litigation brought by 13 Indian banks to freeze nearly $1.5 billion of his assets. (With inputs from ANI)

Vijay Mallya's bail extended till April 2, concerns raised over reliability of evidence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-iran-nuclear-deal-hangs-in-balance-president-macron-calls-trump-29279" target="_blank">As Iran nuclear deal hangs in balance, President Macron calls Trump</a>

As President Trump mulls over Iran nuclear deal, French President &nbsp;Macron said there should be &quot;strict application&quot; and &quot;importance of all signatories to respect it&quot;. Trump is expected to decide today on providing relief to Iran under the 215 nuclear deal which was signed by former President Obama along with other nations.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallyas-bail-extended-till-april-2-concerns-raised-over-reliability-of-evidence-29276" target="_blank">Vijay Mallya&#39;s bail extended till April 2, concerns raised over reliability of evidence</a>

The Westminster magistrates&#39; court in London on Thursday decided to extend liquor baron Vijay Mallya&#39;s bail till April 2 in association with his extradition case. The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya&#39;s &pound;650,000 bail.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-we-want-people-from-these-shithole-countries-trump-over-immigrants-from-africa-haiti-29278" target="_blank">Lawmakers angry over Trump&#39;s expletive on immigrants</a>

President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned why the United States would want to have immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as &quot;shithole countries&quot;. &quot;Why do we want all these people from Africa here? They&#39;re shithole countries ... We should have more people from Norway&quot; he said. He further slammed the need for Haitians in the United States.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-all-set-to-launch-100th-satellite-today-29283" target="_blank">Countdown begins as ISRO gets set to launch 100th satellite today</a>

India is all set to launch its 100th satellite &#39;Cartosat-2 Series&#39; from Andhra Pradesh&#39;s Sriharikota today. The launch is set for 9:28am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-cancel-uk-visit-amid-fears-of-mass-protests-report-29282" target="_blank">Trump may cancel UK visit amid fears of mass protests: Report</a>

President Trump may pull out of the visit to Britain next month amid concerns over mass protests when he arrives in London, British media reported. Last month, PM Theresa May&#39;s cabinet minister Sam Gyimah had said he would feel &nbsp;&ldquo;deeply uncomfortable&rdquo; if President Trump&#39;s visit went ahead after May clashed with Trump over US president&#39;s retweets of far-right anti-Muslim propaganda, Britain First.

As Iran nuclear deal hangs in balance, President Macron calls Trump As President Trump mulls over Iran nuclear deal, French President Macron said there should be "strict application" and "importance of all signatories to respect it". Trump is expected to decide today on providing relief to Iran under the 215 nuclear deal which was signed by former President Obama along with other nations. Vijay Mallya's bail extended till April 2, concerns raised over reliability of evidence The Westminster magistrates' court in London on Thursday decided to extend liquor baron Vijay Mallya's bail till April 2 in association with his extradition case. The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya's £650,000 bail. Lawmakers angry over Trump's expletive on immigrants President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned why the United States would want to have immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as "shithole countries". "Why do we want all these people from Africa here? They're shithole countries ... We should have more people from Norway" he said. He further slammed the need for Haitians in the United States. Countdown begins as ISRO gets set to launch 100th satellite today India is all set to launch its 100th satellite 'Cartosat-2 Series' from Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota today. The launch is set for 9:28am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Trump may cancel UK visit amid fears of mass protests: Report President Trump may pull out of the visit to Britain next month amid concerns over mass protests when he arrives in London, British media reported. Last month, PM Theresa May's cabinet minister Sam Gyimah had said he would feel “deeply uncomfortable” if President Trump's visit went ahead after May clashed with Trump over US president's retweets of far-right anti-Muslim propaganda, Britain First.

WION Morning News Brief, January 12, 2017

A BBC documentary says Hafiz Saeed toured British mosques, where he urged jihad, in the 1990&#39;s.&nbsp;

In August 1995, the documentary says, Saeed said in Glasgow that when Muslims had the spirt of jihad, they had ruled the world but were today being humiliated.&nbsp;

India thinks of Saeed as the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Saeed though has consistently denied the accusation.&nbsp;

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<h5>There is non-stop talk about jihad, encouraging British Muslims to join him,&#39; the BBC reported Sajid Iqbal, one of the documentary&#39;s producers, as saying</h5>
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The BBC reported that Saeeds tour of the UK was recorded in a magazine published by the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The BBC added that the articles, written in Urdu, were written by the imam of a mosque in Oldham who had accompanied Saeed.&nbsp;

&quot;There is non-stop talk about jihad, encouraging British Muslims to join him,&quot; the BBC reported Sajid Iqbal, one of the documentary&#39;s producers, as saying.&nbsp;

In Glasgow, the BBC said, Saeed addressed a large gathering at Glasgow&#39;s Central Mosque.&nbsp;

There he said the Zionists were using billions of dollars to kill the spirit of jihad -- holy war -- among Muslims.&nbsp;

&quot;They are trying to entice Muslims to the politics of power through democracy,&quot; the BBC documentary quoted Saeed as saying.

&quot;They are also using the interest-based economy to keep Muslims in debt,&quot; Saeed added.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-in-releasing-hafiz-saeed-pakistan-challenges-india-and-us-25420" target="_blank">In releasing Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan challenges India and US</a>

The BBC reported that Saeed also spoke in Birmingham, where he urged his audience &quot;Let&#39;s all rise up for jihad&quot; and denounced &quot;Hindu dogs&quot;.

And in Leicester, Saeed spoke at a conference attended by 4,000 young people.

The BBC documentary is called &quot;The Dawn of British Jihad&quot;.&nbsp;

The documentary was investigating whether members of the Muslim community in Britain had been radicalised before 9/11.&nbsp;

Saeed has never been tried for the Mumbai attacks in which close to 170 people died. He was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hafiz-saeed-walks-free-vows-to-fight-for-kashmir-cause-24988" target="_blank">recently released from house arrest</a> in Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A BBC documentary says Hafiz Saeed toured British mosques, where he urged jihad, in the 1990's

A BBC documentary says Hafiz Saeed toured British mosques, where he urged jihad, in the 1990's. In August 1995, the documentary says, Saeed said in Glasgow that when Muslims had the spirt of jihad, they had ruled the world but were today being humiliated. India thinks of Saeed as the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Saeed though has consistently denied the accusation. There is non-stop talk about jihad, encouraging British Muslims to join him,' the BBC reported Sajid Iqbal, one of the documentary's producers, as saying × The BBC reported that Saeeds tour of the UK was recorded in a magazine published by the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The BBC added that the articles, written in Urdu, were written by the imam of a mosque in Oldham who had accompanied Saeed. "There is non-stop talk about jihad, encouraging British Muslims to join him," the BBC reported Sajid Iqbal, one of the documentary's producers, as saying. In Glasgow, the BBC said, Saeed addressed a large gathering at Glasgow's Central Mosque. There he said the Zionists were using billions of dollars to kill the spirit of jihad -- holy war -- among Muslims. "They are trying to entice Muslims to the politics of power through democracy," the BBC documentary quoted Saeed as saying. "They are also using the interest-based economy to keep Muslims in debt," Saeed added. Also read: In releasing Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan challenges India and US The BBC reported that Saeed also spoke in Birmingham, where he urged his audience "Let's all rise up for jihad" and denounced "Hindu dogs". And in Leicester, Saeed spoke at a conference attended by 4,000 young people. The BBC documentary is called "The Dawn of British Jihad". The documentary was investigating whether members of the Muslim community in Britain had been radicalised before 9/11. Saeed has never been tried for the Mumbai attacks in which close to 170 people died. He was recently released from house arrest in Pakistan.

Hafiz Saeed urged jihad in UK in 1990's: BBC

An Indian-origin shopkeeper was killed after he was punched for refusing to serve cigarette paper to underage UK teenagers at his shop in north London.

Vijay Patel, 49, was attacked in Mill Hill area of the city on Saturday night and rushed to hospital, where he died of head injuries on Monday.

Patel&#39;s deathbed photograph, hooked up to a life-support machine, has been released by his family as part of an appeal to hunt for suspects involved in the attack.

A 16-year-old boy appeared in court today and was charged with murdering Patel, the father of two.

&quot;The Homicide and Major Crime Command continue to investigate and appeal for information about the events leading up to the incident which resulted in Patel&#39;s death. It is believed that three persons were involved in the incident,&quot; Scotland Yard said in a statement.

Detective Inspector Ian Lott, from the Metropolitan Police Homicide and Major Crime Command,?described the attack as an &quot;unprovoked spontaneous incident sparked entirely by refusal to let the suspects buy what they wanted&quot;.

&quot;A man has lost his life for no reason other than trying to uphold the law,&quot; he said.

Patel was struck in the chest and fell backwards, hitting his head as he landed.

He was found lying injured on the pavement outside his local convenience store named Rota Express by London Ambulance Service, who rushed him to St. Mary&#39;s Hospital in London.

Patel had moved to London with his family from India in 2006 and his wife, Vibha, was visiting relatives in India at the time of the fatal attack.

&quot;We are shocked and heartbroken. He was such a kind person. We are all very close because his children are out of the country studying,&quot;?said the victim&#39;s brother, Prakash.

The shopkeeper&#39;s friends described him as &quot;honest&quot; and &quot;hard-working&quot;.

An online fundraising page set up for his family and has so far raised more than 15,000 pounds.

Just before the attack, a shop worker had asked a group youths for identification to prove they were over 18 years age ? the legal age limit for purchase of tobacco and alcohol in the UK.

When they could not provide it, the group became &quot;became aggressive, threatening to vandalise the shop&quot;, the Met Police said.

Patel, who lived in Colindale area of north London, came to the aid of his colleague and was punched to the floor outside before the teenagers fled.

The shop worker was also punched and suffered minor injuries.

&quot;Vijay was the best human being you could have seen in the world. He was my right arm,&quot; said Abdullah Rahimzai, the owner of the shop who was also hurt during the attack.

&quot;He fell unexpectedly with his head on the ground,&quot; he recalled.

The Met Police are appealing for witnesses to track down the remaining suspects in the case.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Vijay Patel, 49, had refused to sell the paper to underage teenagers at his shop in north London

An Indian-origin shopkeeper was killed after he was punched for refusing to serve cigarette paper to underage UK teenagers at his shop in north London. Vijay Patel, 49, was attacked in Mill Hill area of the city on Saturday night and rushed to hospital, where he died of head injuries on Monday. Patel's deathbed photograph, hooked up to a life-support machine, has been released by his family as part of an appeal to hunt for suspects involved in the attack. A 16-year-old boy appeared in court today and was charged with murdering Patel, the father of two. "The Homicide and Major Crime Command continue to investigate and appeal for information about the events leading up to the incident which resulted in Patel's death. It is believed that three persons were involved in the incident," Scotland Yard said in a statement. Detective Inspector Ian Lott, from the Metropolitan Police Homicide and Major Crime Command,?described the attack as an "unprovoked spontaneous incident sparked entirely by refusal to let the suspects buy what they wanted". "A man has lost his life for no reason other than trying to uphold the law," he said. Patel was struck in the chest and fell backwards, hitting his head as he landed. He was found lying injured on the pavement outside his local convenience store named Rota Express by London Ambulance Service, who rushed him to St. Mary's Hospital in London. Patel had moved to London with his family from India in 2006 and his wife, Vibha, was visiting relatives in India at the time of the fatal attack. "We are shocked and heartbroken. He was such a kind person. We are all very close because his children are out of the country studying,"?said the victim's brother, Prakash. The shopkeeper's friends described him as "honest" and "hard-working". An online fundraising page set up for his family and has so far raised more than 15,000 pounds. Just before the attack, a shop worker had asked a group youths for identification to prove they were over 18 years age ? the legal age limit for purchase of tobacco and alcohol in the UK. When they could not provide it, the group became "became aggressive, threatening to vandalise the shop", the Met Police said. Patel, who lived in Colindale area of north London, came to the aid of his colleague and was punched to the floor outside before the teenagers fled. The shop worker was also punched and suffered minor injuries. "Vijay was the best human being you could have seen in the world. He was my right arm," said Abdullah Rahimzai, the owner of the shop who was also hurt during the attack. "He fell unexpectedly with his head on the ground," he recalled. The Met Police are appealing for witnesses to track down the remaining suspects in the case.

Indian-origin shopkeeper beaten to death in UK for not selling cigarette paper

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">&#39;Saale ko </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">goli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">maaro</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">,&#39; armed men shouted as they tried to abduct WION&#39;s Pakistan bureau chief Taha </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saale-ko-goli-maaro-armed-men-shouted-as-they-tried-to-abduct-wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-29126" target="_blank">Siddiqui</a>

WION&#39;s Pakistan bureau chief&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wions-pakistan-bureau-chief-taha-siddiqui-narrowly-escapes-abduction-attempt-29101" target="_blank">narrowly escaped an abduction attempt</a>&nbsp;on him this morning in Islamabad, Pakistan. Taha Siddiqui had been on his way to the Islamabad airport in a cab early Wednesday morning -- he was going on leave for three days -- when another car overtook him and blocked his path.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uidai-issues-virtual-id-against-aadhaar-to-strengthen-data-security-29128" target="_blank">After report of Aadhar details being sold, UIDAI issues virtual IDs</a>

Days after a media report that Aadhaar details were being sold for as little as Rs 500, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday introduced virtual IDs for Aadhar holders which can be used in lieu of a person&#39;s Aadhaar number.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-shopkeeper-beaten-to-death-in-uk-29141" target="_blank">Indian-origin shopkeeper beaten to death in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-shopkeeper-beaten-to-death-in-uk-29141" target="_blank">UK</a>

An Indian-origin shopkeeper was killed after he was punched for refusing to serve cigarette paper to under-age UK teenagers at his shop in north London. Vijay Patel, 49, was attacked in Mill Hill area of the city on Saturday night and rushed to a hospital, where he died of head injuries on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-supreme-court-orders-re-investigation-of-186-cases-29114" target="_blank">1984 anti-Sikh riots: SC orders reinvestigation of 186 cases</a>

The Supreme Court on Wednesday has ordered re-investigation of 186 cases in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. These cases had earlier been closed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-killed-138-pakistani-soldiers-across-loc-in-2017-sources-29119" target="_blank">Indian Army killed 138 Pakistani soldiers across LoC in 2017: Sources</a>

The Indian Army killed 138 Pakistan Army personnel in 2017 in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, government intelligence sources said today.

'Saale ko goli maaro,' armed men shouted as they tried to abduct WION's Pakistan bureau chief Taha Siddiqui WION's Pakistan bureau chief narrowly escaped an abduction attempt on him this morning in Islamabad, Pakistan. Taha Siddiqui had been on his way to the Islamabad airport in a cab early Wednesday morning -- he was going on leave for three days -- when another car overtook him and blocked his path. After report of Aadhar details being sold, UIDAI issues virtual IDs Days after a media report that Aadhaar details were being sold for as little as Rs 500, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday introduced virtual IDs for Aadhar holders which can be used in lieu of a person's Aadhaar number. Indian-origin shopkeeper beaten to death in UK An Indian-origin shopkeeper was killed after he was punched for refusing to serve cigarette paper to under-age UK teenagers at his shop in north London. Vijay Patel, 49, was attacked in Mill Hill area of the city on Saturday night and rushed to a hospital, where he died of head injuries on Monday. 1984 anti-Sikh riots: SC orders reinvestigation of 186 cases The Supreme Court on Wednesday has ordered re-investigation of 186 cases in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. These cases had earlier been closed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case. Indian Army killed 138 Pakistani soldiers across LoC in 2017: Sources The Indian Army killed 138 Pakistan Army personnel in 2017 in tactical operations and retaliatory cross-border firings along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, government intelligence sources said today.

WION Evening News brief, January 10, 2018

While people across the world brace up for more stringent visa norms in the coming year, the UK is likely to relax its immigration policy in 2018.&nbsp;

The UK is all set to introduce a new set of immigration rules which includes granting work visas to international students with more flexibility.

The regulation will come into effect from January 11, 2018.&nbsp;

According to reports, foreign students in the UK will now be able to apply for the tier-2 visa or skilled worker visa soon after completing their course.

The current regulation allows students to apply for a work visa only after they have obtained their degree.&nbsp;

Students with tier-4 or study visa will now be able to stay longer in the United Kingdom for up to 16 months.

Usually, by the time the students receive their degrees, their student visas expire.&nbsp;

The move followed discussions between the UK government and various universities in the country.

The regulation will come into effect from January 11, 2018.?

While people across the world brace up for more stringent visa norms in the coming year, the UK is likely to relax its immigration policy in 2018. The UK is all set to introduce a new set of immigration rules which includes granting work visas to international students with more flexibility. The regulation will come into effect from January 11, 2018. According to reports, foreign students in the UK will now be able to apply for the tier-2 visa or skilled worker visa soon after completing their course. The current regulation allows students to apply for a work visa only after they have obtained their degree. Students with tier-4 or study visa will now be able to stay longer in the United Kingdom for up to 16 months. Usually, by the time the students receive their degrees, their student visas expire. The move followed discussions between the UK government and various universities in the country.

UK to roll out new immigration policy in 2018

Scientists in the UK have discovered &#39;smoke rings&#39; in the Tasman Sea.

These fast-moving eddies may &#39;suck up&#39; small marine creatures and carry them at high speed and for long distances across the ocean.&nbsp;

A team of experts at the University of Liverpool, UK spotted the discovery while analysing sea level measurements.

The analysis took help from satellites and also looked at measuring sea surface temperature.&nbsp;

Satellite images procured unveiled the so-called &#39;smoke-rings&#39;.

&quot;What we found was a pair of eddies spinning in opposite directions and linked to each other so that they travel together all the way across the Tasman Sea, taking six months to do it,&quot; shared Chris Hughes, lead author of the study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

&quot;The smoke rings require an area of calm water to &#39;puff&#39; out through, which itself is quite unusual. I have looked at other areas of other oceans but I have only seen them in the oceans around Australia, plus one in the South Atlantic,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

The rings in the ocean are cut in half by the sea surface, so we see the two ends of the half ring at the surface, experts noted.

Ocean eddies are often described as swirling motions which mix the water and carry it across the average currents.

The &#39;smoke-rings&#39; are identified as a pair of linked eddies spinning in opposite directions.

These &#39;linked eddies&#39; are therefore capable of travelling up to ten times the speed of &#39;normal&#39; eddies.

The &#39;smoke-rings&#39; were spotted in Tasman sea, southwest of Australia and in the South Atlantic, west of South Africa.

(With inputs from PTI)

A team of experts at the University of Liverpool, UK, spotted the discovery while analysing sea level measurements

Scientists in the UK have discovered 'smoke rings' in the Tasman Sea. These fast-moving eddies may 'suck up' small marine creatures and carry them at high speed and for long distances across the ocean. A team of experts at the University of Liverpool, UK spotted the discovery while analysing sea level measurements. The analysis took help from satellites and also looked at measuring sea surface temperature. Satellite images procured unveiled the so-called 'smoke-rings'. "What we found was a pair of eddies spinning in opposite directions and linked to each other so that they travel together all the way across the Tasman Sea, taking six months to do it," shared Chris Hughes, lead author of the study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. "The smoke rings require an area of calm water to 'puff' out through, which itself is quite unusual. I have looked at other areas of other oceans but I have only seen them in the oceans around Australia, plus one in the South Atlantic," he added. The rings in the ocean are cut in half by the sea surface, so we see the two ends of the half ring at the surface, experts noted. Ocean eddies are often described as swirling motions which mix the water and carry it across the average currents. The 'smoke-rings' are identified as a pair of linked eddies spinning in opposite directions. These 'linked eddies' are therefore capable of travelling up to ten times the speed of 'normal' eddies. The 'smoke-rings' were spotted in Tasman sea, southwest of Australia and in the South Atlantic, west of South Africa. (With inputs from PTI)

Scientists discover 'smoke rings' in Tasman sea

India looks set to leapfrog Britain and France next year to become the world&#39;s fifth-largest&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Economy" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-to-leapfrog-uk-and-france-to-become-fifth-largest-economy-in-2018-report/articleshow/62250484.cms~economy-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Economy">economy</a>&nbsp;in dollar terms, a report showed on Tuesday.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) consultancy&#39;s 2018 World Economic League Table painted an upbeat view of the global economy, boosted by cheap energy and technology prices.

India&#39;s ascent is part of a trend that will see Asian economies&nbsp;increasingly dominate the top 10 largest economies over the next 15 years. 
 
&quot;Despite temporary setbacks ... India&#39;s economy has still caught up with that of France and the UK and in 2018 will have overtaken them both to become the world&#39;s fifth largest economy in dollar terms,&quot; said Douglas McWilliams, Cebr deputy chairman.

McWilliams said India&#39;s growth had been slowed by restrictions on&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/demonetisation" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-to-leapfrog-uk-and-france-to-become-fifth-largest-economy-in-2018-report/articleshow/62250484.cms~demonetisation-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/demonetisation">demonetisation&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/gst" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-to-leapfrog-uk-and-france-to-become-fifth-largest-economy-in-2018-report/articleshow/62250484.cms~GST-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/gst">GST</a>, a view shared by economists polled by Reuters.&nbsp;China is likely to overtake the United States&nbsp;+&nbsp;as the world&#39;s No.1 economy in 2032, Cebr said.

&quot;Because the impact of President&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Trump" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-to-leapfrog-uk-and-france-to-become-fifth-largest-economy-in-2018-report/articleshow/62250484.cms~Trump-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;on trade has been less severe than expected, the USA will retain its global crown a year longer than we anticipated in the last report,&quot; the report said.

While Britain looks set to lag behind France over the next couple of years, Cebr predicted that Brexit&#39;s effects on Britain&#39;s economy will be less than feared, allowing it to overtake France again in 2020.

Russia was vulnerable to low oil prices and too reliant on the energy sector and looked likely to fall to 17th place among the world&#39;s largest economies by 2032, from 11th now. 
 
A Reuters poll of economists in late October suggested global economic growth in 2018 looks likely to quicken slightly to 3.6 per cent from 3.5 per cent this year - with risks to that forecast lying on the upside.

&nbsp;

India's ascent is part of a trend that will see Asian economies?increasingly dominate the top 10 largest economies over the next 15 years

India looks set to leapfrog Britain and France next year to become the world's fifth-largest economy in dollar terms, a report showed on Tuesday. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) consultancy's 2018 World Economic League Table painted an upbeat view of the global economy, boosted by cheap energy and technology prices. India's ascent is part of a trend that will see Asian economies increasingly dominate the top 10 largest economies over the next 15 years. "Despite temporary setbacks ... India's economy has still caught up with that of France and the UK and in 2018 will have overtaken them both to become the world's fifth largest economy in dollar terms," said Douglas McWilliams, Cebr deputy chairman. McWilliams said India's growth had been slowed by restrictions on demonetisation and GST, a view shared by economists polled by Reuters. China is likely to overtake the United States + as the world's No.1 economy in 2032, Cebr said. "Because the impact of President Trump on trade has been less severe than expected, the USA will retain its global crown a year longer than we anticipated in the last report," the report said. While Britain looks set to lag behind France over the next couple of years, Cebr predicted that Brexit's effects on Britain's economy will be less than feared, allowing it to overtake France again in 2020. Russia was vulnerable to low oil prices and too reliant on the energy sector and looked likely to fall to 17th place among the world's largest economies by 2032, from 11th now. A Reuters poll of economists in late October suggested global economic growth in 2018 looks likely to quicken slightly to 3.6 per cent from 3.5 per cent this year - with risks to that forecast lying on the upside.

India to overtake UK and France to become fifth-largest economy in 2018: Report

British Prime Minister Theresa May was set to avoid a damaging parliamentary defeat after rebels in her party appeared to strike a compromise over the exact timing of Brexit.&nbsp;The government is trying to pass major domestic legislation to implement Brexit and had wanted to enshrine the leaving date of March 29, 2019, in British law, two years after serving its intention to withdraw.&nbsp;

But Conservative rebel MPs, who helped deliver the government a stinging Brexit defeat in parliament on Wednesday, looked set to reject the plan over fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal if talks overrun, heaping further worries on the vulnerable prime minister.

A senior EU official told AFP on Saturday that sealing a final deal by March 2019 was a daunting task, pointing out that the EU trade deal with Canada &quot;is 1,598 pages of legal text, and we have negotiated for nine months and have 19 pages of non-legal text.&quot;

May is therefore under pressure from MPs to avoid a &quot;cliff-edge&quot; divorce that would throw the economy into chaos.&nbsp;But at the same time, she is being pressed by Brexit voters and eurosceptic potential usurpers in her own party to deliver Brexit in March 2019, as stipulated by the EU&#39;s Lisbon Treaty.

As a result, the rebels late Friday backed a new, more conciliatory, amendment to the Brexit bill to avert another House of Commons vote loss for the government.&nbsp;While the original plan to leave in March 2019 will stay in the bill, a new amendment will give ministers the power to delay the date if talks overrun.

&#39;Time to move on&#39;

Tory MP Oliver Letwin, who tabled the new amendment, told the Guardian it would &quot;create a sensible arrangement in which the date for leaving is set&quot; while allowing &quot;a little extra time&quot; to reach a new deal if needed.&nbsp;

Rebel MP Sarah Wollaston backed the compromise, tweeting it was &quot;good to see this amendment&quot;, and attached text saying &quot;we are pleased the government has responded to our concerns and will support&quot;, although May&#39;s office would not confirm that it had officially backed the plan.

Fellow rebel Anna Soubry tweeted it was &quot;time to move on and build a consensus on Brexit&quot;.&nbsp;The two teamed up on Wednesday to help pass an amendment demanding MPs get a &quot;meaningful vote&quot; on the deal before Britain leaves the EU in March 2019.

It was May&#39;s first defeat over the legislation, which will formally end Britain&#39;s membership of the EU, as well as smooth its exit by transferring thousands of pieces of European legislation onto the UK statute books.&nbsp;It came as a body blow to May on the eve of a summit in Brussels, where EU leaders approved the terms of the interim Brexit deal agreed last week after months of tortuous negotiations.

May lost her parliamentary majority during June&#39;s snap election and had to strike a deal with Northern Ireland&#39;s DUP to stay in power.&nbsp;She has since struggled to assert her authority, with rumours swirling of a leadership challenge, but appeared to be on the more solid ground after agreeing to the interim Brexit deal.

But her domestic weakness was laid bare on Wednesday when it took only 11 rebels to defeat the government&#39;s powers to enact a Brexit deal without a parliamentary vote.

Theresa May is under pressure from MPs to avoid a "cliff-edge" divorce that would throw the economy into chaos. But at the same time she is being pressed by Brexit voters to deliver Brexit in March 2019, as stipulated by the EU's Lisbon Treaty

British Prime Minister Theresa May was set to avoid a damaging parliamentary defeat after rebels in her party appeared to strike a compromise over the exact timing of Brexit. The government is trying to pass major domestic legislation to implement Brexit and had wanted to enshrine the leaving date of March 29, 2019, in British law, two years after serving its intention to withdraw. But Conservative rebel MPs, who helped deliver the government a stinging Brexit defeat in parliament on Wednesday, looked set to reject the plan over fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal if talks overrun, heaping further worries on the vulnerable prime minister. A senior EU official told AFP on Saturday that sealing a final deal by March 2019 was a daunting task, pointing out that the EU trade deal with Canada "is 1,598 pages of legal text, and we have negotiated for nine months and have 19 pages of non-legal text." May is therefore under pressure from MPs to avoid a "cliff-edge" divorce that would throw the economy into chaos. But at the same time, she is being pressed by Brexit voters and eurosceptic potential usurpers in her own party to deliver Brexit in March 2019, as stipulated by the EU's Lisbon Treaty. As a result, the rebels late Friday backed a new, more conciliatory, amendment to the Brexit bill to avert another House of Commons vote loss for the government. While the original plan to leave in March 2019 will stay in the bill, a new amendment will give ministers the power to delay the date if talks overrun. 'Time to move on' Tory MP Oliver Letwin, who tabled the new amendment, told the Guardian it would "create a sensible arrangement in which the date for leaving is set" while allowing "a little extra time" to reach a new deal if needed. Rebel MP Sarah Wollaston backed the compromise, tweeting it was "good to see this amendment", and attached text saying "we are pleased the government has responded to our concerns and will support", although May's office would not confirm that it had officially backed the plan. Fellow rebel Anna Soubry tweeted it was "time to move on and build a consensus on Brexit". The two teamed up on Wednesday to help pass an amendment demanding MPs get a "meaningful vote" on the deal before Britain leaves the EU in March 2019. It was May's first defeat over the legislation, which will formally end Britain's membership of the EU, as well as smooth its exit by transferring thousands of pieces of European legislation onto the UK statute books. It came as a body blow to May on the eve of a summit in Brussels, where EU leaders approved the terms of the interim Brexit deal agreed last week after months of tortuous negotiations. May lost her parliamentary majority during June's snap election and had to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's DUP to stay in power. She has since struggled to assert her authority, with rumours swirling of a leadership challenge, but appeared to be on the more solid ground after agreeing to the interim Brexit deal. But her domestic weakness was laid bare on Wednesday when it took only 11 rebels to defeat the government's powers to enact a Brexit deal without a parliamentary vote.

Brexit rebel MPs compromise with UK govt over key bill

Big companies are stepping up their plans in case Britain crashes out of the European Union without a deal as Prime Minister Theresa May struggles to get talks back on track after a major setback.&nbsp;

Britain is aiming to agree with the EU on December 14 to move the Brexit talks on to the second phase. This would focus on trade and a two-year transition deal to smooth the departure after March 2019. But the timetable has been thrown into doubt after discussions broke down in Brussels on Monday.&nbsp;

Senior executives in the financial services sector, which accounts for about 12 percent of the economy, told Reuters May&#39;s efforts to secure a transition deal had come too late and they had no choice but to start restructuring.&nbsp;Big supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury&#39;s have been working with suppliers to identify potential delays, shortages or price rises. They have lined up alternative providers, according to suppliers and sources in the industry.

The uncertainty is particularly painful for the manufacturing sector as low margins make it risky for them to restructure unless it is essential. They have been holding off on investment but are preparing for new certification that would allow them to sell in Europe if there is no deal.&nbsp;&quot;The delay is so great and the uncertainty is so great that companies have no choice but to start triggering their plans,&quot; the head of one of Britain`s largest companies said.

Britain and the EU are working to get talks back on track this week but the chairman of one large international bank said its executives had decided to plan for the worst at a conference call on Tuesday.&nbsp;&quot;The question is no longer whether we are moving (operations to the EU), it is a question of how big those moves are going to be&quot; he said.&nbsp;Like other executives, he had been asked by his board and the government not to divulge their&nbsp;thinking.&nbsp;

The chairman said the bank has started discussions with customers about rerouting client activity to European hubs, including rewriting thousands of contracts.&nbsp;Senior employees were told last month if they had to relocate to Europe, he said.&nbsp;

Another senior executive at a large U.S. bank said that he was increasingly concerned that May&#39;s government could collapse after the Brussels talks broke down over a dispute over the Irish border, adding to the uncertainty. &quot;We are at the maximum point of danger,&quot; he said.

The financial sector needs extra time to make sure its clients are prepared. For instance, a British bank opening a subsidiary in Europe may need its clients to adopt a new sort code throughout their own supply chains.&nbsp;In other sectors, companies are making smaller changes that would enable them to operate in Europe after Brexit, from preparing compliance changes to drawing up shadow supply chains and looking for additional warehouse space.&nbsp;

Fruit and beef&nbsp;

Food retailers are lining up alternative suppliers in Britain or outside the EU in case of delays at borders or new tariffs disrupt deliveries. Around 30 percent of Britain`s food and drink comes from the EU.&nbsp;Some changes would need to be made early next year in time for the 2019 departure. Changing a fresh fruit supplier could require a lead time of a year, depending on the growing cycle.&nbsp;

Ali Capper, a partner in Stocks Farm in Worcestershire, central England, and a chair of the Horticulture and Potatoes Board at the National Farmers Union, said there were signs retail customers were requesting more British produce.&nbsp;Ireland provides almost 70 percent of UK beef imports, or 270,000 tonnes a year. Were tariffs or border delays to make Irish beef less competitive, supermarkets could look further afield, for instance to Argentina.&nbsp;

Manufacturing pressure

Many manufacturers are unwilling to sign off on new plans until they know how Britain will trade in the future.&nbsp;The drugs sector has been among the first to move so they can comply with EU regulations. GSK and AstraZeneca have already set up new facilities in mainland Europe to test batches of drugs made in Britain.&nbsp;Autos and aerospace firms are focusing on certification. According to the aerospace and defense trade body, ADS, some companies are considering applying to the European Aviation Safety Agency for a status that would enable them to sell in the EU if Britain was no longer a member state.&nbsp;

Japanese carmaker Honda, which builds around 8 percent of British cars at its plant in Swindon, is considering increasing its warehouse capacity in Britain and stock levels to counter any new border delays.&nbsp;Manufacturers reluctance to sign off on big plans has had a knock-on effect on companies in the supply chain.&nbsp;

&quot;The biggest impact we see is a general unwillingness to make investment and capacity decisions as result of the continued uncertainty,&quot; said Stephen Cheetham, owner of PK Engineering Ltd of Hereford, a supplier of components to the aerospace and scientific industries.&nbsp;&quot;We would expect continued paralysis and short-termism until a trade deal is finalized,&quot; he told Reuters.&nbsp;

Having a transition deal will allow businesses to survive the two years after Brexit by allowing them to defer any big decisions until the final parameters of Brexit are worked out, said Andrew Bonfield, finance director of National Grid and chairman of the 100 Group of finance chiefs.&nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s about the avoidance of a cliff edge,&quot; he said.

Banks, food retailers, drug manufacturers, and car makers are preparing for disorderly Brexit.

Big companies are stepping up their plans in case Britain crashes out of the European Union without a deal as Prime Minister Theresa May struggles to get talks back on track after a major setback. Britain is aiming to agree with the EU on December 14 to move the Brexit talks on to the second phase. This would focus on trade and a two-year transition deal to smooth the departure after March 2019. But the timetable has been thrown into doubt after discussions broke down in Brussels on Monday. Senior executives in the financial services sector, which accounts for about 12 percent of the economy, told Reuters May's efforts to secure a transition deal had come too late and they had no choice but to start restructuring. Big supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's have been working with suppliers to identify potential delays, shortages or price rises. They have lined up alternative providers, according to suppliers and sources in the industry. The uncertainty is particularly painful for the manufacturing sector as low margins make it risky for them to restructure unless it is essential. They have been holding off on investment but are preparing for new certification that would allow them to sell in Europe if there is no deal. "The delay is so great and the uncertainty is so great that companies have no choice but to start triggering their plans," the head of one of Britain`s largest companies said. Britain and the EU are working to get talks back on track this week but the chairman of one large international bank said its executives had decided to plan for the worst at a conference call on Tuesday. "The question is no longer whether we are moving (operations to the EU), it is a question of how big those moves are going to be" he said. Like other executives, he had been asked by his board and the government not to divulge their thinking. The chairman said the bank has started discussions with customers about rerouting client activity to European hubs, including rewriting thousands of contracts. Senior employees were told last month if they had to relocate to Europe, he said. Another senior executive at a large U.S. bank said that he was increasingly concerned that May's government could collapse after the Brussels talks broke down over a dispute over the Irish border, adding to the uncertainty. "We are at the maximum point of danger," he said. The financial sector needs extra time to make sure its clients are prepared. For instance, a British bank opening a subsidiary in Europe may need its clients to adopt a new sort code throughout their own supply chains. In other sectors, companies are making smaller changes that would enable them to operate in Europe after Brexit, from preparing compliance changes to drawing up shadow supply chains and looking for additional warehouse space. Fruit and beef Food retailers are lining up alternative suppliers in Britain or outside the EU in case of delays at borders or new tariffs disrupt deliveries. Around 30 percent of Britain`s food and drink comes from the EU. Some changes would need to be made early next year in time for the 2019 departure. Changing a fresh fruit supplier could require a lead time of a year, depending on the growing cycle. Ali Capper, a partner in Stocks Farm in Worcestershire, central England, and a chair of the Horticulture and Potatoes Board at the National Farmers Union, said there were signs retail customers were requesting more British produce. Ireland provides almost 70 percent of UK beef imports, or 270,000 tonnes a year. Were tariffs or border delays to make Irish beef less competitive, supermarkets could look further afield, for instance to Argentina. Manufacturing pressure Many manufacturers are unwilling to sign off on new plans until they know how Britain will trade in the future. The drugs sector has been among the first to move so they can comply with EU regulations. GSK and AstraZeneca have already set up new facilities in mainland Europe to test batches of drugs made in Britain. Autos and aerospace firms are focusing on certification. According to the aerospace and defense trade body, ADS, some companies are considering applying to the European Aviation Safety Agency for a status that would enable them to sell in the EU if Britain was no longer a member state. Japanese carmaker Honda, which builds around 8 percent of British cars at its plant in Swindon, is considering increasing its warehouse capacity in Britain and stock levels to counter any new border delays. Manufacturers reluctance to sign off on big plans has had a knock-on effect on companies in the supply chain. "The biggest impact we see is a general unwillingness to make investment and capacity decisions as result of the continued uncertainty," said Stephen Cheetham, owner of PK Engineering Ltd of Hereford, a supplier of components to the aerospace and scientific industries. "We would expect continued paralysis and short-termism until a trade deal is finalized," he told Reuters. Having a transition deal will allow businesses to survive the two years after Brexit by allowing them to defer any big decisions until the final parameters of Brexit are worked out, said Andrew Bonfield, finance director of National Grid and chairman of the 100 Group of finance chiefs. "It's about the avoidance of a cliff edge," he said.

Companies prepare for disorderly Brexit as talks stall

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-case-next-hearing-in-supreme-court-in-february-2018-25932" target="_blank">Ayodhya case: Supreme Court defers case to February next year</a>

The Supreme court has fixed the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-masjid-ramjanmabhoomi-dispute-a-timeline-25799" target="_blank">&nbsp;Ayodhya dispute matter</a>&nbsp;for further hearing on February 8, 2018.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-evidence-to-link-mallya-to-fraud-charge-says-his-lawyer-in-uk-court-25947" target="_blank">No evidence to link Mallya to fraud charge, says his lawyer in UK court</a>

Mallya&rsquo;s defence lawyer&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/repeatedly-said-charges-against-me-fabricated-and-baseless-mallya-25834">Clare Montgomery today told the Westminster Magistrates&nbsp;</a>Court that there was no evidence against the liquor baron to extradite him to India The UK court is hearing a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-arrested-in-london-appears-in-court-granted-bail-20957">case related to money laundering&nbsp;</a>and fraud with Mallya owing several Indian banks around Rs 9,000 crores.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-rohingya-petition-on-january-31-25945" target="_blank">Supreme Court to hear Rohingya petition on January 31</a>

The Supreme Court has scheduled the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-rohingya-refugees-pil-challenging-deportation-22374" target="_blank">&nbsp;hearing for Rohingya refugees deportation&nbsp;</a>on January 31. The apex court has posted all petitions relating to the deportation of Muslim Rohingya refugees for a detailed hearing in January.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qaedas-top-leader-killed-in-us-afghan-joint-op-25926" target="_blank">Top al Qaeda leader Omar </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qaedas-top-leader-killed-in-us-afghan-joint-op-25926" target="_blank">Mansoon</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qaedas-top-leader-killed-in-us-afghan-joint-op-25926" target="_blank"> killed in US-Afghan joint operation</a>

Al Qaeda&nbsp;leader, as well as over 80 other militants, have been killed in a joint operation by Afghan and US officials in Afghanistan, reports say. The leader, Omar Khetab, famously known as&nbsp;Omar Mansoon was gunned down during the attack, Afghan&#39;s Intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) was reported saying.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bus-bomb-kills-eight-passengers-in-syrias-homs-city-state-media-25940" target="_blank">Bus bomb kills eight passengers in Syria&#39;s Homs city: Report</a>

A bomb blast in the Syrian city of Homs killed eight people and injured around 16 in a bus on Tuesday, media reports said.&nbsp;The blast took place near al-Baath university, in the streets of &nbsp;Akrama neighbourhood - home to members of the Alawite minority to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ayodhya case: Supreme Court defers case to February next year The Supreme court has fixed the Ayodhya dispute matter for further hearing on February 8, 2018. No evidence to link Mallya to fraud charge, says his lawyer in UK court Mallya’s defence lawyer Clare Montgomery today told the Westminster Magistrates Court that there was no evidence against the liquor baron to extradite him to India The UK court is hearing a case related to money laundering and fraud with Mallya owing several Indian banks around Rs 9,000 crores. Supreme Court to hear Rohingya petition on January 31 The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing for Rohingya refugees deportation on January 31. The apex court has posted all petitions relating to the deportation of Muslim Rohingya refugees for a detailed hearing in January. Top al Qaeda leader Omar Mansoon killed in US-Afghan joint operation Al Qaeda leader, as well as over 80 other militants, have been killed in a joint operation by Afghan and US officials in Afghanistan, reports say. The leader, Omar Khetab, famously known as Omar Mansoon was gunned down during the attack, Afghan's Intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) was reported saying. Bus bomb kills eight passengers in Syria's Homs city: Report A bomb blast in the Syrian city of Homs killed eight people and injured around 16 in a bus on Tuesday, media reports said. The blast took place near al-Baath university, in the streets of Akrama neighbourhood - home to members of the Alawite minority to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs.

WION Evening News Brief, December 5, 2017

An 18-year-old Indian-origin trainee pilot and his compatriot instructor were among four persons killed in a mid-air collision between a light aircraft and a helicopter in south-east England, police confirmed on Wednesday.

Savaan Mundae, an aeronautics student from Buckinghamshire New University who was training to be a commercial pilot, died with his instructor Jaspal Bahra in the Cessna 152 on November 17.

Both Mundae and 27-year-old Bahra were British citizens.

The two others killed in the crash in a field in Buckinghamshire was another British flight trainer, 74-year- old Michael Green and his 32-year-old Vietnamese trainee pilot Thanh Nguyen, who were in the helicopter on a training session.

&ldquo;The air accident is being investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB). Our thoughts remain with the families of those involved in the accident. Our family liaison officers continue to offer to support the victim&rsquo;s families,&rdquo; Thames Valley Police said in a statement following formal identification of the victims.

Both aircraft came from Wycombe Air Park, also known as Booker Airfield, near High Wycombe, which offers flight training.

They crashed shortly after takeoff in woodlands in Upper Winchendon in the village of Waddesdon.

&ldquo;These amazing people lost their lives but they both died doing what they love and what they believe in...I fly with these guys and being a pilot is what I&rsquo;ve wanted to do since I was very young, but it&rsquo;s hit me hard,&rdquo; Benjamin Hant, who studied air transport with commercial pilot training along with Mundae, said in a social media tribute.

Air accident experts are still investigating the cause of the collision.

Both aircraft disintegrated on impact and plummeted to the ground.

The wreckage from both aircraft has now been taken to the AAIB headquarters in Hampshire while it continues its investigation.

The location of the crash was on Waddesdon private estate, owned by the Rothschild banking family.

Savaan Mundae, an aeronautics student from Buckinghamshire New University who was training to be a commercial pilot, died with his instructor Jaspal Bahra in the Cessna 152 on November 17

An 18-year-old Indian-origin trainee pilot and his compatriot instructor were among four persons killed in a mid-air collision between a light aircraft and a helicopter in south-east England, police confirmed on Wednesday. Savaan Mundae, an aeronautics student from Buckinghamshire New University who was training to be a commercial pilot, died with his instructor Jaspal Bahra in the Cessna 152 on November 17. Both Mundae and 27-year-old Bahra were British citizens. The two others killed in the crash in a field in Buckinghamshire was another British flight trainer, 74-year- old Michael Green and his 32-year-old Vietnamese trainee pilot Thanh Nguyen, who were in the helicopter on a training session. “The air accident is being investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB). Our thoughts remain with the families of those involved in the accident. Our family liaison officers continue to offer to support the victim’s families,” Thames Valley Police said in a statement following formal identification of the victims. Both aircraft came from Wycombe Air Park, also known as Booker Airfield, near High Wycombe, which offers flight training. They crashed shortly after takeoff in woodlands in Upper Winchendon in the village of Waddesdon. “These amazing people lost their lives but they both died doing what they love and what they believe in...I fly with these guys and being a pilot is what I’ve wanted to do since I was very young, but it’s hit me hard,” Benjamin Hant, who studied air transport with commercial pilot training along with Mundae, said in a social media tribute. Air accident experts are still investigating the cause of the collision. Both aircraft disintegrated on impact and plummeted to the ground. The wreckage from both aircraft has now been taken to the AAIB headquarters in Hampshire while it continues its investigation. The location of the crash was on Waddesdon private estate, owned by the Rothschild banking family.

Two Indian-origin men among 4 killed in collision between helicopter and plane in UK

The battle for a seat in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) between India and Britain has run into a stalemate, even as Congress leader Shashi Tharoor accused the &quot;UK of trying to stall the will of the majority of the UN General Assembly&quot;.

Dalveer Bhandari from India and Christopher Greenwood from the UK are seeking re-election at the Hague-based International Court of Justice.

One-third of its 15-member bench are elected every three years for a nine-year term, elections for which are held separately but simultaneously in the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council in New York.

Last Thursday, four of the six candidates in the fray were elected as per the UN laws, got absolute majority in both the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Ronny Abraham of France, Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf of Somalia, Antonio Augusto Cancado Trindade of Brazil and Nawaf Salam of Lebanon were elected after four rounds of elections&nbsp;on Thursday.

Yesterday, the UN General Assembly and the Security Council met separately to elect the remaining one candidate for the ICJ.

In each of the five rounds of elections, Greenwood of Britain received nine votes and Bhandari got five in the UN Security Council.

Given that Britain is a Permanent member of the Security Council, Greenwood has an advantage over Bhandari.

Bhandari received an absolute majority in the General Assembly elections in all the five rounds. In fact, he increased his vote tally from&nbsp;Thursday&#39;s&nbsp;115 to 121 votes in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/attorney-general-jeff-sessions-to-face-house-judiciary-panel-on-november-14-24132">the General Assembly elections</a> yesterday against the absolute majority number of 97.

The vote tally of Greenwood dropped from 76 to 68&nbsp;on Monday.

With the two countries in a deadlock over the one remaining ICJ seat, both the General Assembly and Security Council announced to adjourn the meeting for the election to be convened at a later date.

Ahead of the yesterday&#39;s voting, Congress leader and former top UN official Tharoor said that the &quot;voice of the General Assembly&quot; has been ignored for too long.

&quot;As the UN Security Council (SC) &amp; General Assembly (GA) vote to choose a judge for the International Court Of Justice (#ICJ) between Indian &amp; UK candidates, the legitimacy &amp; effectiveness of the UN are at stake. The voice of the GA has been ignored too long,&quot; he said in a tweet.

&quot;This time a nominee of a Permanent member of the SC has failed to get an absolute majority of the GA, for the first time in a direct contest to a major @UN organ. GA vote has turned into a protest against an unwarranted extension of privilege for 70+ years. P5 lost by 40votes!&quot; he said.

Tharoor said the election is no longer about the judge or the country he hails from, but about the General Assembly standing up against a member of a privileged club who has lost comprehensively among the Members at large but still leads 9-6 in the Security Council &quot;UK trying to stall the will of the majority of the GA,&quot; he charged.

&quot;Deeply entrenched interests of a tiny select group cannot be allowed to prevail in areas where such privileges are not based in law. Judges to the World Court must represent the majority of the UN membership. The cozy Permanent Members club at the SC cannot keep getting its way,&quot; he charged.

Decisions at the UN, he said, must reflect the voice of? the majority of Members and cannot continue to be decided by a few states with long-held privileges.

&quot;Only that kind of multilateralism will inspire confidence among the international community, especially the younger generation,&quot; he said.

Noting that this is not about India or any single country, he said this is about the idea of justice, of equality and fairness.

&quot;It is about the future we envisage for the United Nations and the conduct of multilateralism. The time for reform is now. I call on SC members to vote for India&#39;s candidate,? he said.

&quot;Aside from these points of principle, India has always shouldered collective responsibilities with our partners in our quest for a more just global order, Our ethos also leads us towards genuine and constructive rule-based multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes. Vote4 India!? Tharoor said.

Dalveer Bhandari from India and Christopher Greenwood from the UK are seeking re-election at the Hague-based International Court of Justice

The battle for a seat in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) between India and Britain has run into a stalemate, even as Congress leader Shashi Tharoor accused the "UK of trying to stall the will of the majority of the UN General Assembly". Dalveer Bhandari from India and Christopher Greenwood from the UK are seeking re-election at the Hague-based International Court of Justice. One-third of its 15-member bench are elected every three years for a nine-year term, elections for which are held separately but simultaneously in the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council in New York. Last Thursday, four of the six candidates in the fray were elected as per the UN laws, got absolute majority in both the General Assembly and the Security Council. Ronny Abraham of France, Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf of Somalia, Antonio Augusto Cancado Trindade of Brazil and Nawaf Salam of Lebanon were elected after four rounds of elections on Thursday. Yesterday, the UN General Assembly and the Security Council met separately to elect the remaining one candidate for the ICJ. In each of the five rounds of elections, Greenwood of Britain received nine votes and Bhandari got five in the UN Security Council. Given that Britain is a Permanent member of the Security Council, Greenwood has an advantage over Bhandari. Bhandari received an absolute majority in the General Assembly elections in all the five rounds. In fact, he increased his vote tally from Thursday's 115 to 121 votes in the General Assembly elections yesterday against the absolute majority number of 97. The vote tally of Greenwood dropped from 76 to 68 on Monday. With the two countries in a deadlock over the one remaining ICJ seat, both the General Assembly and Security Council announced to adjourn the meeting for the election to be convened at a later date. Ahead of the yesterday's voting, Congress leader and former top UN official Tharoor said that the "voice of the General Assembly" has been ignored for too long. "As the UN Security Council (SC) & General Assembly (GA) vote to choose a judge for the International Court Of Justice (#ICJ) between Indian & UK candidates, the legitimacy & effectiveness of the UN are at stake. The voice of the GA has been ignored too long," he said in a tweet. "This time a nominee of a Permanent member of the SC has failed to get an absolute majority of the GA, for the first time in a direct contest to a major @UN organ. GA vote has turned into a protest against an unwarranted extension of privilege for 70+ years. P5 lost by 40votes!" he said. Tharoor said the election is no longer about the judge or the country he hails from, but about the General Assembly standing up against a member of a privileged club who has lost comprehensively among the Members at large but still leads 9-6 in the Security Council "UK trying to stall the will of the majority of the GA," he charged. "Deeply entrenched interests of a tiny select group cannot be allowed to prevail in areas where such privileges are not based in law. Judges to the World Court must represent the majority of the UN membership. The cozy Permanent Members club at the SC cannot keep getting its way," he charged. Decisions at the UN, he said, must reflect the voice of? the majority of Members and cannot continue to be decided by a few states with long-held privileges. "Only that kind of multilateralism will inspire confidence among the international community, especially the younger generation," he said. Noting that this is not about India or any single country, he said this is about the idea of justice, of equality and fairness. "It is about the future we envisage for the United Nations and the conduct of multilateralism. The time for reform is now. I call on SC members to vote for India's candidate,? he said. "Aside from these points of principle, India has always shouldered collective responsibilities with our partners in our quest for a more just global order, Our ethos also leads us towards genuine and constructive rule-based multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes. Vote4 India!? Tharoor said.

UN-ICJ-ELECTION- India, UK battle for ICJ seat run into stalemate

Priti Patel&rsquo;s ignominious departure from the UK cabinet after it emerged that she had held undeclared meetings with Israeli officials during a personal holiday exposes many flaws in her conduct. The commentariat tells us she showed a lack of judgement, a lack of awareness of due process and a willingness to conduct what, in effect, was her own foreign policy.

One word that hasn&rsquo;t come up so frequently is &ldquo;corruption&rdquo;. That&rsquo;s in many ways understandable. Corruption is generally understood in transactional terms with four key parts. An act is understood as corrupt if there is a (i) deliberate attempt (ii) to abuse (iii) entrusted power (iv) for some sort of private gain. Corruption is normally regarded as a process rather than an outcome and acts that tick all of those boxes are subsequently judged as such. That all of those terms can and do require some sort of external judgement to be made ensures that we can&rsquo;t talk about objective realities. We do, however, have a decent starting point for making sense of a complex world.

This understanding of corruption is, however, relatively new. Indeed, it&rsquo;s only in the past few decades that corruption has been understood in this form. Yet corruption has, of course, been around for as long as humans have sought to organise themselves. Aristotle, for example, argued corruption is a symbol of the dysfunctionality of states that have moved away from their &ldquo;pure&rdquo; state of being. For Aristotle and a number of his contemporaries, corruption has a clear moral dimension and that moral core is the very essence of corruption, leading inevitably to decay, degradation and ultimately state failure.

Why Rome fell

A similar logic has been used by historians such as Ramsay McMullen when they argue that the ever-deepening problem of corruption is the primary reason the Roman Empire fell.

MacMullen&rsquo;s thesis is straightforward and well documented: Corruption led successive governments to concentrate more on the need to generate private gains (of whatever sort) for themselves and their supporters, and less on the demands of running a large and complex empire. The moral core that characterised much of the thinking of Rome&rsquo;s founders had withered away over time; subsequent Roman leaders not only lost control of the government, but the government lost sight of what it existed to do. Even when it became apparent that corruption was at the core of the administration&rsquo;s work, attempts at reform came too late. Like cancer, corruption had penetrated too many parts of the public ethos.

The fall of Rome was also pivotal in Montesquieu&rsquo;s thinking on corruption (and state failure). He explained in detail how the virtuous thinking of Rome&rsquo;s founders helped it become an empire, but how the corruption of Rome&rsquo;s moral fibre ultimately brought the empire down. For Montesquieu and MacMullen, as well as many others, corruption was at the very core of Rome&rsquo;s descent into dissolution.

A question of morals

Corruption, no matter how it is defined, certainly has a moral dimension to it. That remains so regardless of the fact that many would prefer to couch their analysis, and, indeed, their prescriptions, in the language of rationality, interests, costs and benefits.

Much of the recent work on corruption &ndash; produced largely by those with the economist&rsquo;s mindset &ndash; has purposefully avoided the moral minefield and instead aspired to embrace some sort of objective understanding of corruption. That&rsquo;s ultimately unlikely to be a fruitful way forward in terms of actually fighting corruption in practice; morals drive understandings of what&rsquo;s appropriate and ignoring them doesn&rsquo;t mean that they simply go away.

Bringing issues of morality back into our analysis subsequently helps us comprehend much more about what we understand corruption to be as well as how (and, indeed, whether) we go about tackling it. The moral dimension to the corruption challenge, therefore, cannot be an optional extra.

It&rsquo;s with that in mind that the behaviour of Priti Patel is so interesting. There is little evidence to suggest that she might be guilty of corruption in the modern understanding of the term, but she certainly did do things that corruption analysts of yesteryear would recognise as falling into that category. At a push, one could certainly argue she broke the ministerial code and that&rsquo;s clearly a process violation. But it is really by looking at broader normative issues of what&rsquo;s right, why it&rsquo;s right and how we can recognise it as such do we really see why behaviour such as Patel&rsquo;s can be so corrosive.

Rome ultimately didn&rsquo;t fall because of the specific acts of one person. Rome&rsquo;s problems escalated over time as the moral core that characterised the thinking of Rome&rsquo;s founders ceased to shape their decision-making. Theresa May is hardly Romulus Augustus, but a government that neglects the importance of moral leadership is in dangerous waters. If nothing else, Priti Patel&rsquo;s resignation should give us reason to ponder the ramifications of that.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/priti-patel-ancient-rome-and-moral-leadership-87206" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

Prime Minister Theresa May could not have ignored the moral implication of Priti Patel's act

Priti Patel’s ignominious departure from the UK cabinet after it emerged that she had held undeclared meetings with Israeli officials during a personal holiday exposes many flaws in her conduct. The commentariat tells us she showed a lack of judgement, a lack of awareness of due process and a willingness to conduct what, in effect, was her own foreign policy. One word that hasn’t come up so frequently is “corruption”. That’s in many ways understandable. Corruption is generally understood in transactional terms with four key parts. An act is understood as corrupt if there is a (i) deliberate attempt (ii) to abuse (iii) entrusted power (iv) for some sort of private gain. Corruption is normally regarded as a process rather than an outcome and acts that tick all of those boxes are subsequently judged as such. That all of those terms can and do require some sort of external judgement to be made ensures that we can’t talk about objective realities. We do, however, have a decent starting point for making sense of a complex world. This understanding of corruption is, however, relatively new. Indeed, it’s only in the past few decades that corruption has been understood in this form. Yet corruption has, of course, been around for as long as humans have sought to organise themselves. Aristotle, for example, argued corruption is a symbol of the dysfunctionality of states that have moved away from their “pure” state of being. For Aristotle and a number of his contemporaries, corruption has a clear moral dimension and that moral core is the very essence of corruption, leading inevitably to decay, degradation and ultimately state failure. Why Rome fell A similar logic has been used by historians such as Ramsay McMullen when they argue that the ever-deepening problem of corruption is the primary reason the Roman Empire fell. MacMullen’s thesis is straightforward and well documented: Corruption led successive governments to concentrate more on the need to generate private gains (of whatever sort) for themselves and their supporters, and less on the demands of running a large and complex empire. The moral core that characterised much of the thinking of Rome’s founders had withered away over time; subsequent Roman leaders not only lost control of the government, but the government lost sight of what it existed to do. Even when it became apparent that corruption was at the core of the administration’s work, attempts at reform came too late. Like cancer, corruption had penetrated too many parts of the public ethos. The fall of Rome was also pivotal in Montesquieu’s thinking on corruption (and state failure). He explained in detail how the virtuous thinking of Rome’s founders helped it become an empire, but how the corruption of Rome’s moral fibre ultimately brought the empire down. For Montesquieu and MacMullen, as well as many others, corruption was at the very core of Rome’s descent into dissolution. A question of morals Corruption, no matter how it is defined, certainly has a moral dimension to it. That remains so regardless of the fact that many would prefer to couch their analysis, and, indeed, their prescriptions, in the language of rationality, interests, costs and benefits. Much of the recent work on corruption – produced largely by those with the economist’s mindset – has purposefully avoided the moral minefield and instead aspired to embrace some sort of objective understanding of corruption. That’s ultimately unlikely to be a fruitful way forward in terms of actually fighting corruption in practice; morals drive understandings of what’s appropriate and ignoring them doesn’t mean that they simply go away. Bringing issues of morality back into our analysis subsequently helps us comprehend much more about what we understand corruption to be as well as how (and, indeed, whether) we go about tackling it. The moral dimension to the corruption challenge, therefore, cannot be an optional extra. It’s with that in mind that the behaviour of Priti Patel is so interesting. There is little evidence to suggest that she might be guilty of corruption in the modern understanding of the term, but she certainly did do things that corruption analysts of yesteryear would recognise as falling into that category. At a push, one could certainly argue she broke the ministerial code and that’s clearly a process violation. But it is really by looking at broader normative issues of what’s right, why it’s right and how we can recognise it as such do we really see why behaviour such as Patel’s can be so corrosive. Rome ultimately didn’t fall because of the specific acts of one person. Rome’s problems escalated over time as the moral core that characterised the thinking of Rome’s founders ceased to shape their decision-making. Theresa May is hardly Romulus Augustus, but a government that neglects the importance of moral leadership is in dangerous waters. If nothing else, Priti Patel’s resignation should give us reason to ponder the ramifications of that. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Why Theresa May asked Priti Patel to quit

A Pakistan defence expert has suggested that the country should consider creating gangs of terrorists and separatists to dismember the United Kingdom and Switzerland for allowing the flagging of &#39; Free Balochistan &#39; posters.

&quot;In retaliation, Should Pakistan also create terrorist/separatist gangs in Pakistan who should work to destroy/dismember UK &amp; Switzerland? (sic),&quot; Zaid Hamid, a Pakistani political commentator and defence expert, said in a tweet.

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In retaliation, Should Pakistan also create terrorist/separatist gangs in Pakistan who should work to destroy/dismember UK &amp; Switzerland ? <a href="https://t.co/yEy0BHPHw0">pic.twitter.com/yEy0BHPHw0</a>
&mdash; Zaid Hamid (@ZaidZamanHamid) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZaidZamanHamid/status/926765107962527745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He alleged that the UK was hosting the biggest terror network against Pakistan.

&quot;UK is hosting the biggest terror network operating against Pakistan. Altaf Hussain is a British citizen &amp; mass murderer under UK protection,&quot; Hamid tweeted.

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UK is hosting the biggest terror network operating against Pakistan. Altaf Hussain is a British citizen &amp; mass murderer under UK protection
&mdash; Zaid Hamid (@ZaidZamanHamid) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZaidZamanHamid/status/926767535147515905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Hamid&#39;s reaction came after London taxis with the words &#39; Free Balochistan &#39; written on both sides were seen plying outside Buckingham Palace in what can be called as a new push by overseas Baloch groups to attract global attention to their cause for independence from Pakistan.

&#39;Free Balochistan&#39; posters embossed on several vehicles running on the road were seen in London this week to highlight human rights violations in Balochistan province.

Pakistan on Friday summoned British High Commissioner Thomas Drew over the emergence of &#39;Free Balochistan&#39; posters, which it said directly attacked its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

A Baloch activist said that Pakistan&#39;s reaction over the posters is a testimony to its suppressive nature, and its aggression to try to curb their rights in the UK.

&quot;Pakistan&#39;s reaction is a testimony to its suppressive nature, aggressively trying to curb our rights in the UK, imagine the situation in Balochistan,&quot; Bhawal Mengal? said in a tweet.

Earlier, similar posters featuring &#39;Free Balochistan&#39; had appeared in Geneva, including on the side of buses, demanding freedom for the separatist Balochistan region of south-west Pakistan.

Pakistan had at that time also summoned Switzerland&#39;s envoy over the display of such posters in Geneva.

The World Baloch Organisation (WBO) had organised a protest in September in front of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to raise awareness of human rights violations in Balochistan.

Human rights activists, Baloch representatives and allies of the Baloch cause came together during the 36th Session of the UNHRC to protest against gross human rights violations inflicted upon indigenous Baloch people.

For decades in Balochistan, economic exploitation through the plundering of natural resources, and the systematic economic, social and political exclusion of indigenous Baloch people, has become the norm.

In addition to this, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and an escalating crackdown on freedom of expression are used as covert tools to brutally repress the Baloch peaceful struggle for justice, rights, and equality.

Since the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)has begun, the Baloch have been forcefully cleared, enforcedly disappeared and effectively excluded from the project at all levels - despite plentiful promises made by the Pakistani authorities of development and employment.&nbsp;

A Pakistan defence expert has suggested that the country should consider creating gangs of terrorists and separatists to dismember the United Kingdom and Switzerland for allowing the flagging of ' Free Balochistan ' posters.

A Pakistan defence expert has suggested that the country should consider creating gangs of terrorists and separatists to dismember the United Kingdom and Switzerland for allowing the flagging of ' Free Balochistan ' posters. "In retaliation, Should Pakistan also create terrorist/separatist gangs in Pakistan who should work to destroy/dismember UK & Switzerland? (sic)," Zaid Hamid, a Pakistani political commentator and defence expert, said in a tweet. In retaliation, Should Pakistan also create terrorist/separatist gangs in Pakistan who should work to destroy/dismember UK & Switzerland ? pic.twitter.com/yEy0BHPHw0 — Zaid Hamid (@ZaidZamanHamid) November 4, 2017 × He alleged that the UK was hosting the biggest terror network against Pakistan. "UK is hosting the biggest terror network operating against Pakistan. Altaf Hussain is a British citizen & mass murderer under UK protection," Hamid tweeted. UK is hosting the biggest terror network operating against Pakistan. Altaf Hussain is a British citizen & mass murderer under UK protection — Zaid Hamid (@ZaidZamanHamid) November 4, 2017 × Hamid's reaction came after London taxis with the words ' Free Balochistan ' written on both sides were seen plying outside Buckingham Palace in what can be called as a new push by overseas Baloch groups to attract global attention to their cause for independence from Pakistan. 'Free Balochistan' posters embossed on several vehicles running on the road were seen in London this week to highlight human rights violations in Balochistan province. Pakistan on Friday summoned British High Commissioner Thomas Drew over the emergence of 'Free Balochistan' posters, which it said directly attacked its territorial integrity and sovereignty. A Baloch activist said that Pakistan's reaction over the posters is a testimony to its suppressive nature, and its aggression to try to curb their rights in the UK. "Pakistan's reaction is a testimony to its suppressive nature, aggressively trying to curb our rights in the UK, imagine the situation in Balochistan," Bhawal Mengal? said in a tweet. Earlier, similar posters featuring 'Free Balochistan' had appeared in Geneva, including on the side of buses, demanding freedom for the separatist Balochistan region of south-west Pakistan. Pakistan had at that time also summoned Switzerland's envoy over the display of such posters in Geneva. The World Baloch Organisation (WBO) had organised a protest in September in front of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to raise awareness of human rights violations in Balochistan. Human rights activists, Baloch representatives and allies of the Baloch cause came together during the 36th Session of the UNHRC to protest against gross human rights violations inflicted upon indigenous Baloch people. For decades in Balochistan, economic exploitation through the plundering of natural resources, and the systematic economic, social and political exclusion of indigenous Baloch people, has become the norm. In addition to this, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and an escalating crackdown on freedom of expression are used as covert tools to brutally repress the Baloch peaceful struggle for justice, rights, and equality. Since the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)has begun, the Baloch have been forcefully cleared, enforcedly disappeared and effectively excluded from the project at all levels - despite plentiful promises made by the Pakistani authorities of development and employment.

Will destroy UK, Switzerland over emergence of 'Free Balochistan' posters: Pakistan defence  expert

Gavin Williamson, a close aide of Prime Minister Theresa May, was today appointed as Britain&#39;s new defence secretary after his predecessor Michael Fellon resigned amid a deepening sexual harassment scandal engulfing UK parliamentarians. 
 
Fallon,65, resigned as defence secretary saying his conduct may have fallen below the high standards expected amid revelations that he had made unwanted advances towards a journalist years ago. 
 
He was replaced by 41-year-old Williamson, the MP for South Staffordshire, who has been responsible for exerting discipline over the prime minister&#39;s fractious parliamentary party since last year. 
 
Williamson was closely involved in negotiating the confidence and supply deal with the Democratic Unionist party that secured the parliamentary support May needed to govern in the aftermath of June&#39;s general election. 
 
&quot;A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs in recent days, including some about my previous conduct. Many of these have been false, but I accept in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent,&quot; Fallon said in his resignation letter to May. 
 
It remains unclear if it was the particular revelation of Fallon repeatedly placing his hand on the knee of journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer that triggered his decision to step down or there were other incidents involving an abuse of power that may have precipitated his departure. 
 
Hartley-Brewer, at the centre of the allegations that came to light earlier this week, has stressed that she did not see herself as a victim and that the incident had not &quot;remotely upset or distressed&quot; anyone. 
 
&quot;If this is over kneegate, him touching my knee 15 years ago and me not having any issue with it today, this is the most insane, absurd and ridiculous resignation of a Cabinet minister ever,&quot; she said. 
 
The British Prime Minister in her response to Fallon&#39;s resignation letter praised his &quot;diligent service&quot; and welcomed the &quot;particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others&quot;. 
 
Fallon, described as a Conservative party heavyweight and even tipped as a future Prime Minister, becomes the first victim of a deepening scandal over sexual misconduct in the corridors of political power in the UK. 
 
Williamson has been running the Tory whips&#39; office since being appointed chief whip by Theresa May in 2016. He has been replaced by Julian Smith, Tory MP for Skipton and Ripon, as chief whip of the Conservative party. 
 
While May moved quickly to appoint a new defence minister without the need for a very wide reshuffle, the position of another of her senior ministers, First Secretary of State Damian Green, remains precarious after disclosures by an academic and Conservative party activist Kate Maltby. 
 
He has categorically denied making unwanted sexual advances towards Maltby but remains under investigation by Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Heywood on the orders of May. 
 
There are growing fears that Fallon&#39;s surprise resignation could trigger a freefall within government ranks and lead to more shake-ups. 
 
&quot;Parliament now has to look at itself and the Prime Minister has made very clear that conduct needs to be improved and we need to protect the staff of Westminster against any particular allegations of harassment,&quot; Fallon said soon after his resignation. 
 
His name had appeared on an unverified list of sexual misconduct, a so-called dirty dossier, circulating in Westminster. 
 
It has attracted a mixed response because it implicates MPs who have had consensual affairs with colleagues in the same space as more serious accusations of sexual abuse. 
 
The Prime Minister is struggling to contain the crisis and opened parliamentary proceedings yesterday with a statement on the issue, stressing that she had been holding a series of meetings to set up a &quot;common, transparent, independent&quot; grievance procedure. 
 
Indian-origin Opposition Labour MP Lisa Nandy challenged her in the House of Commons over her failure to act over sexual abuse cover-up she had informed her about three years ago when May was the UK home secretary. 
 
&quot;On three occasions, I asked her [Theresa May] to act and on three occasions she did not,&quot; Nandy claimed. 
 
May assured the House that she was determined to take firm action and is set to hold a meeting with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn early next week to address the issue across party lines. 
 
She has reportedly read the &quot;riot act&quot; to her Cabinet, warning them to ensure exemplary behaviour.

Gavin Williamson, a close aide of Prime Minister Theresa May, was today appointed as Britain's new defence secretary after his predecessor Michael Fellon resigned amid a deepening sexual harassment scandal engulfing UK parliamentarians.

Gavin Williamson, a close aide of Prime Minister Theresa May, was today appointed as Britain's new defence secretary after his predecessor Michael Fellon resigned amid a deepening sexual harassment scandal engulfing UK parliamentarians. Fallon,65, resigned as defence secretary saying his conduct may have fallen below the high standards expected amid revelations that he had made unwanted advances towards a journalist years ago. He was replaced by 41-year-old Williamson, the MP for South Staffordshire, who has been responsible for exerting discipline over the prime minister's fractious parliamentary party since last year. Williamson was closely involved in negotiating the confidence and supply deal with the Democratic Unionist party that secured the parliamentary support May needed to govern in the aftermath of June's general election. "A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs in recent days, including some about my previous conduct. Many of these have been false, but I accept in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent," Fallon said in his resignation letter to May. It remains unclear if it was the particular revelation of Fallon repeatedly placing his hand on the knee of journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer that triggered his decision to step down or there were other incidents involving an abuse of power that may have precipitated his departure. Hartley-Brewer, at the centre of the allegations that came to light earlier this week, has stressed that she did not see herself as a victim and that the incident had not "remotely upset or distressed" anyone. "If this is over kneegate, him touching my knee 15 years ago and me not having any issue with it today, this is the most insane, absurd and ridiculous resignation of a Cabinet minister ever," she said. The British Prime Minister in her response to Fallon's resignation letter praised his "diligent service" and welcomed the "particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others". Fallon, described as a Conservative party heavyweight and even tipped as a future Prime Minister, becomes the first victim of a deepening scandal over sexual misconduct in the corridors of political power in the UK. Williamson has been running the Tory whips' office since being appointed chief whip by Theresa May in 2016. He has been replaced by Julian Smith, Tory MP for Skipton and Ripon, as chief whip of the Conservative party. While May moved quickly to appoint a new defence minister without the need for a very wide reshuffle, the position of another of her senior ministers, First Secretary of State Damian Green, remains precarious after disclosures by an academic and Conservative party activist Kate Maltby. He has categorically denied making unwanted sexual advances towards Maltby but remains under investigation by Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Heywood on the orders of May. There are growing fears that Fallon's surprise resignation could trigger a freefall within government ranks and lead to more shake-ups. "Parliament now has to look at itself and the Prime Minister has made very clear that conduct needs to be improved and we need to protect the staff of Westminster against any particular allegations of harassment," Fallon said soon after his resignation. His name had appeared on an unverified list of sexual misconduct, a so-called dirty dossier, circulating in Westminster. It has attracted a mixed response because it implicates MPs who have had consensual affairs with colleagues in the same space as more serious accusations of sexual abuse. The Prime Minister is struggling to contain the crisis and opened parliamentary proceedings yesterday with a statement on the issue, stressing that she had been holding a series of meetings to set up a "common, transparent, independent" grievance procedure. Indian-origin Opposition Labour MP Lisa Nandy challenged her in the House of Commons over her failure to act over sexual abuse cover-up she had informed her about three years ago when May was the UK home secretary. "On three occasions, I asked her [Theresa May] to act and on three occasions she did not," Nandy claimed. May assured the House that she was determined to take firm action and is set to hold a meeting with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn early next week to address the issue across party lines. She has reportedly read the "riot act" to her Cabinet, warning them to ensure exemplary behaviour.

UK PM replaces defence secy amid sexual harassment scandal

Thailand has revoked the passports of ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra, who has yet to publicly emerge since she slipped out of the country two months ago ahead of judgment day in her negligence trial, officials said Tuesday.

The former prime minister, whose elected government was toppled in a 2014 coup, was sentenced to five years in prison in absentia last month for failing to stop graft in a rice policy.

The verdict, which closed the curtain on her political career, was lambasted by Yingluck`s supporters as a junta-backed effort to boot her out of Thai politics for good.

&quot;All of Yingluck`s passports have been revoked now,&quot; Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai told reporters in Bangkok on Tuesday.

&quot;We don`t know of her whereabouts, only reports that she is in the United Kingdom but not exactly which city,&quot; he added.

Yingluck had four Thai passports two personal and two diplomatic, authorities said.

Thailand`s deputy police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said authorities are still working to confirm the former premier`s location as they seek her extradition.

&quot;But no country has replied and said they have seen Ms. Yingluck,&quot; he said.

Yingluck, whose once-active social media accounts have gone silent since she fled, is only the latest from her powerful political family to fall victim to Thailand`s coup-prone military and courts.

The Shinawatras are wildly popular in Thailand`s rural heartlands, where voters have helped them dominate elections for the past decade.But they are loathed by Bangkok`s traditional army-allied elite, who have branded them as corrupt opportunists and repeatedly cut down their governments with coups, court rulings, and protests.&nbsp;

Yingluck`s elder brother Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, has been living in self-exile for years to avoid a graft conviction.&nbsp;

The ruling junta has vowed to hold elections in November 2018, though previous dates have been postponed.

Even if polls are held, they will not restore the same level of democracy the kingdom enjoyed before the coup.&nbsp;

Under the junta`s new charter elected politicians will be straight-jacketed by an appointed Upper House and requirements to stick to a 20-year master plan.

Thailand has revoked the passports of ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra, who has yet to publicly emerge since she slipped out of the country two months ago ahead of judgment day in her negligence trial. The former PM was sentenced to five years in prison in absentia last month for failing to stop.

Thailand has revoked the passports of ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra, who has yet to publicly emerge since she slipped out of the country two months ago ahead of judgment day in her negligence trial, officials said Tuesday. The former prime minister, whose elected government was toppled in a 2014 coup, was sentenced to five years in prison in absentia last month for failing to stop graft in a rice policy. The verdict, which closed the curtain on her political career, was lambasted by Yingluck`s supporters as a junta-backed effort to boot her out of Thai politics for good. "All of Yingluck`s passports have been revoked now," Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai told reporters in Bangkok on Tuesday. "We don`t know of her whereabouts, only reports that she is in the United Kingdom but not exactly which city," he added. Yingluck had four Thai passports two personal and two diplomatic, authorities said. Thailand`s deputy police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said authorities are still working to confirm the former premier`s location as they seek her extradition. "But no country has replied and said they have seen Ms. Yingluck," he said. Yingluck, whose once-active social media accounts have gone silent since she fled, is only the latest from her powerful political family to fall victim to Thailand`s coup-prone military and courts. The Shinawatras are wildly popular in Thailand`s rural heartlands, where voters have helped them dominate elections for the past decade.But they are loathed by Bangkok`s traditional army-allied elite, who have branded them as corrupt opportunists and repeatedly cut down their governments with coups, court rulings, and protests. Yingluck`s elder brother Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, has been living in self-exile for years to avoid a graft conviction. The ruling junta has vowed to hold elections in November 2018, though previous dates have been postponed. Even if polls are held, they will not restore the same level of democracy the kingdom enjoyed before the coup. Under the junta`s new charter elected politicians will be straight-jacketed by an appointed Upper House and requirements to stick to a 20-year master plan.

Thailand revokes passports of exiled former PM Yingluck

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