President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the UK on July 13, the White House said Thursday, and he is expected to meet UK Prime Minister Theresa May.&nbsp

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that the date has been set.

It will mark his first visit to Britain since his 2016 election triumph.

British Ambassador to the USA Kim Darroch also tweeted confirmation of the visit on Thursday afternoon.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delighted that President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> will visit the UK on 13 July and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister May.
— Kim Darroch (@KimDarroch) <a href="https://twitter.com/KimDarroch/status/989529614249873408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp

British Ambassador to the USA Kim Darroch also tweeted confirmation of the visit on Thursday afternoon.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the UK on July 13, the White House said Thursday, and he is expected to meet UK Prime Minister Theresa May. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that the date has been set. It will mark his first visit to Britain since his 2016 election triumph. British Ambassador to the USA Kim Darroch also tweeted confirmation of the visit on Thursday afternoon. Delighted that President @realDonaldTrump will visit the UK on 13 July and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister May. — Kim Darroch (@KimDarroch) April 26, 2018 ×

US President Donald Trump to visit the UK on July 13

A researcher at the centre of a scandal over the alleged misuse of the data of nearly 100 million Facebook users said on Tuesday the work he did was not useful for micro-targeted adverts that would be needed to sway an election.

Aleksandr Kogan, who worked for the University of Cambridge, is at the centre of a controversy over Cambridge Analytica`s use of millions of users` data without their permission after it was hired by Donald Trump for his 2016 election campaign.&nbsp;Kogan said that the dataset he compiled would be of little help for targeted advertising, and that the data he obtained would not be useful for identifying individuals.

"I believe the project we did makes little to no sense if the goal is to run targeted ads on Facebook," he said in written testimony to a parliamentary committee.

"In fact, the platform`s tools provide companies a far more effective pathway to target people based on their personalities than using scores from users from our work."&nbsp;

Facebook has said that the personal information of about 87 million users may have been improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, after Kogan created a personality quiz app to collect the data.

Facebook and Cambridge Analytica have blamed Kogan for alleged data misuse, but he has said that he was being made a scapegoat by the companies for the scandal. Cambridge Analytica will later address Kogan`s remarks at a briefing. 
&nbsp; 
Cambridge Analytica is also under scrutiny over campaigning for the 2016 referendum when Britons voted to leave the European Union.&nbsp;

Kogan said that former Cambridge Analytica CEO Alexander Nix, who was also a director of the consultancy`s parent firm SCL Group, had previously lied to lawmakers when he said he had not received data from Kogan.

"We certainly gave them data, that`s indisputable," Kogan told lawmakers. Asked if Nix had lied, Kogan answered: "Absolutely."

Kogan hired a market research firm called Qualtrics to recruit 200,000 to 300,000 people to take the quiz to collect the data, resulting in expenses of $600,000-$800,000. Kogan`s company was paid 230,000 pounds ($320,643.00) by SCL for its predictive analysis based on the findings, Kogan said.

However, he added that he thought it was unlikely that SCL used the data for the Trump campaign, after he heard that it had not yielded good results when it was deployed in Republican candidate Ted Cruz`s campaign.

Kogan said that he never drew a salary from GSR, the company that he founded to do the research that was wound up last year. Most of the money received from SCL was spent on coding work, acquiring data and legal fees. He was allowed to keep the data he gathered on the project.

Kogan said that GSR had a close relationship with Facebook, and one of his partners at the firm, Joseph Chancellor, now worked for the social media giant.&nbsp;

Kogan added that Facebook`s allegations that he ran a scam, was a fraud and a liar amounted to crisis PR.&nbsp;&nbsp;"PR is PR," he said. "It`s convenient for them to point the finger."

Aleksandr Kogan, who worked for the University of Cambridge, is at the centre of a controversy over Cambridge Analytica`s use of millions of users` data without their permission after it was hired by Donald Trump for his 2016 election campaign

A researcher at the centre of a scandal over the alleged misuse of the data of nearly 100 million Facebook users said on Tuesday the work he did was not useful for micro-targeted adverts that would be needed to sway an election. Aleksandr Kogan, who worked for the University of Cambridge, is at the centre of a controversy over Cambridge Analytica`s use of millions of users` data without their permission after it was hired by Donald Trump for his 2016 election campaign. Kogan said that the dataset he compiled would be of little help for targeted advertising, and that the data he obtained would not be useful for identifying individuals. "I believe the project we did makes little to no sense if the goal is to run targeted ads on Facebook," he said in written testimony to a parliamentary committee. "In fact, the platform`s tools provide companies a far more effective pathway to target people based on their personalities than using scores from users from our work." Facebook has said that the personal information of about 87 million users may have been improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, after Kogan created a personality quiz app to collect the data. Facebook and Cambridge Analytica have blamed Kogan for alleged data misuse, but he has said that he was being made a scapegoat by the companies for the scandal. Cambridge Analytica will later address Kogan`s remarks at a briefing. Cambridge Analytica is also under scrutiny over campaigning for the 2016 referendum when Britons voted to leave the European Union. Kogan said that former Cambridge Analytica CEO Alexander Nix, who was also a director of the consultancy`s parent firm SCL Group, had previously lied to lawmakers when he said he had not received data from Kogan. "We certainly gave them data, that`s indisputable," Kogan told lawmakers. Asked if Nix had lied, Kogan answered: "Absolutely." Kogan hired a market research firm called Qualtrics to recruit 200,000 to 300,000 people to take the quiz to collect the data, resulting in expenses of $600,000-$800,000. Kogan`s company was paid 230,000 pounds ($320,643.00) by SCL for its predictive analysis based on the findings, Kogan said. However, he added that he thought it was unlikely that SCL used the data for the Trump campaign, after he heard that it had not yielded good results when it was deployed in Republican candidate Ted Cruz`s campaign. Kogan said that he never drew a salary from GSR, the company that he founded to do the research that was wound up last year. Most of the money received from SCL was spent on coding work, acquiring data and legal fees. He was allowed to keep the data he gathered on the project. Kogan said that GSR had a close relationship with Facebook, and one of his partners at the firm, Joseph Chancellor, now worked for the social media giant. Kogan added that Facebook`s allegations that he ran a scam, was a fraud and a liar amounted to crisis PR. "PR is PR," he said. "It`s convenient for them to point the finger."

My work was no good for targeted advertising, says researcher in Facebook scandal

A nine-year-old chess prodigy from India is caught up in a battle to stay in the UK after his father's work visa is set to expire.&nbsp;

Shreyas Royal has won a series on chess championships and his parents, Jitendra and Anju Singh, are now appealing to the UK Home Office for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain on the grounds that he is a national asset.&nbsp;

The family had moved to London from Bangalore in 2012 when Shreyas was three years old.

"Shreyas's life is here, he has roots. We are used to India, we spent a lot of our lives living there but it will be a massive shock for Shreyas. He will not be able to continue his chess, it really is a terrible situation," father Jitendra told 'The Times'.

The 38-year-old IT project manager with the Tata Group was offered a fixed-term contract in the company's UK office and on September 10 his work visa will lapse permanently.

With the backing of Julian Simpole, a trainer who has coached two of the English grandmasters, and Dominic Lawson, president of the English Chess Federation, the family have lodged their appeal with the Home Office.&nbsp;

"He pretty much wins every competition he's in," Simpole said, in reference to Shreyas who has been competing professionally for three years now.

"I've been coaching Shreyas for nine weeks now. I am amazed. He is so advanced I set him 'Soviet-style toughness' lessons&nbsp;as in no concessions made for his age. He virtually always gets the right answer," he said.

"This kid is like something I've never seen before. His talent is very highly pronounced. He's going to be a future world champion and we'd like it to be for Britain," the well-known coach added.

Shreyas, who attends Pointer School in Blackheath, south London, on a full scholarship, first learnt to play chess at an after-school club that his mother enrolled him in. "He was doing so much sport, swimming, tennis, but I wanted him to do something with his mind," his 37-year-old mother said.

According to the newspaper, Shreyas now spends his weekends and summer holidays travelling across Britain and around the world competing against champions almost 10 years older than him.&nbsp;

"I don't think the older kids like being beaten by me. The Russians are the hardest to play against," he said. "What I like about chess is that it's not about being physically aggressive, you have time to use your mind," added Shreyas, who has already won numerous trophies and medals.

He had started playing the game when he got a chess board at the age of five and went on to be named the world's youngest candidate master within months.&nbsp;

Shreyas Royal has won a series on chess championships and his parents, Jitendra and Anju Singh, are now appealing to the UK Home Office for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain on the grounds that he is a national asset

A nine-year-old chess prodigy from India is caught up in a battle to stay in the UK after his father's work visa is set to expire. Shreyas Royal has won a series on chess championships and his parents, Jitendra and Anju Singh, are now appealing to the UK Home Office for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain on the grounds that he is a national asset. The family had moved to London from Bangalore in 2012 when Shreyas was three years old. "Shreyas's life is here, he has roots. We are used to India, we spent a lot of our lives living there but it will be a massive shock for Shreyas. He will not be able to continue his chess, it really is a terrible situation," father Jitendra told 'The Times'. The 38-year-old IT project manager with the Tata Group was offered a fixed-term contract in the company's UK office and on September 10 his work visa will lapse permanently. With the backing of Julian Simpole, a trainer who has coached two of the English grandmasters, and Dominic Lawson, president of the English Chess Federation, the family have lodged their appeal with the Home Office. "He pretty much wins every competition he's in," Simpole said, in reference to Shreyas who has been competing professionally for three years now. "I've been coaching Shreyas for nine weeks now. I am amazed. He is so advanced I set him 'Soviet-style toughness' lessons as in no concessions made for his age. He virtually always gets the right answer," he said. "This kid is like something I've never seen before. His talent is very highly pronounced. He's going to be a future world champion and we'd like it to be for Britain," the well-known coach added. Shreyas, who attends Pointer School in Blackheath, south London, on a full scholarship, first learnt to play chess at an after-school club that his mother enrolled him in. "He was doing so much sport, swimming, tennis, but I wanted him to do something with his mind," his 37-year-old mother said. According to the newspaper, Shreyas now spends his weekends and summer holidays travelling across Britain and around the world competing against champions almost 10 years older than him. "I don't think the older kids like being beaten by me. The Russians are the hardest to play against," he said. "What I like about chess is that it's not about being physically aggressive, you have time to use your mind," added Shreyas, who has already won numerous trophies and medals. He had started playing the game when he got a chess board at the age of five and went on to be named the world's youngest candidate master within months.

9-year-old chess prodigy from India caught in visa battle in UK

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) services on Thursday announced an extension of Super Priority Visa service (SPV) to Pune and Bengaluru.

The decision will help Indians get a visa decision in 24 hours or less.

It will act as an optional service for citizens in India who need to travel to UK on urgent basis.

"SPV applications are assessed to exactly the same high standard as all other applications but are handled by UKVI at the highest priority, with dedicated staff members processing cases at the front of the queue and an express courier service ensuring quick return to the customer. This means that the 24-hour turnaround is achievable and secure," stated an official British High Commission release.

Other than Pune and Bengaluru this specialized service would also be available in Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.

"I am pleased that the Super Priority Visa service is being extended to even more Indian cities, giving many more UK visa customers the opportunity to receive a visa decision in 24 hours or less if needed," said Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes.

Nokes also said that India is the "first country in the world to receive this service in 2013."

The British High Commission, in the release also stated the extension of this service aims to support the UK-India Technology Partnership, which will include establishing 'tech clusters' in these strategically important cities.

This announcement is part of a wider package of measures from UKVI as it seeks to bring about a marked improvement of its visa service, which includes greater use of digital technology and additional optional services for customers.

The decision will help Indians get a visa decision in 24 hours or less

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) services on Thursday announced an extension of Super Priority Visa service (SPV) to Pune and Bengaluru. The decision will help Indians get a visa decision in 24 hours or less. It will act as an optional service for citizens in India who need to travel to UK on urgent basis. "SPV applications are assessed to exactly the same high standard as all other applications but are handled by UKVI at the highest priority, with dedicated staff members processing cases at the front of the queue and an express courier service ensuring quick return to the customer. This means that the 24-hour turnaround is achievable and secure," stated an official British High Commission release. Other than Pune and Bengaluru this specialized service would also be available in Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. "I am pleased that the Super Priority Visa service is being extended to even more Indian cities, giving many more UK visa customers the opportunity to receive a visa decision in 24 hours or less if needed," said Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes. Nokes also said that India is the "first country in the world to receive this service in 2013." The British High Commission, in the release also stated the extension of this service aims to support the UK-India Technology Partnership, which will include establishing 'tech clusters' in these strategically important cities. This announcement is part of a wider package of measures from UKVI as it seeks to bring about a marked improvement of its visa service, which includes greater use of digital technology and additional optional services for customers.

UK extends 24-hour visa service to Pune, Bengaluru

PM Modi addressed the Indian community at Central Hall Westminster in a freewheeling chat with Prasoon Joshi asserting that India knows how to hit back at terror.

The Indian prime minister arrived at the Westminister Hall amid loud cheer from the Indian diaspora.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-set-to-speak-at-central-hall-westminster-131249">Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster</a>

During his chat with Prasoon Joshi, Modi said:"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," adding, "the surgical strikes were a 100 per cent success," referring to the strikes carried out by the Indian army across the LoC in 2016.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/axtcWOmPKF">pic.twitter.com/axtcWOmPKF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986653258969174016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pakistan in its on language," PM Modi said while replying to a question.

Speaking about his journey in politics, the PM said,"I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi talks about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurgicalStrikes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SurgicalStrikes</a>, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLUQDY3sKQ">pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986650872368287744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Chalta hai attitude has gone," Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change.

"In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered, while adding that tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy.

"Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose, India rightfully expects a lot from me, he said amid a sea of Indians at the famed Westminster hall in London.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/cB3Hpsgwqa">pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986643466976407552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister had a busy day in London on Tuesday, meeting the British Prime Minister Theresa May and Prince Charles including Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

PM Modi addressed the Indian community at Central Hall Westminster in a freewheeling chat with Prasoon Joshi asserting that India knows how to hit back at terror. The Indian prime minister arrived at the Westminister Hall amid loud cheer from the Indian diaspora. Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster During his chat with Prasoon Joshi, Modi said:"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," adding, "the surgical strikes were a 100 per cent success," referring to the strikes carried out by the Indian army across the LoC in 2016. I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/axtcWOmPKF — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pakistan in its on language," PM Modi said while replying to a question. Speaking about his journey in politics, the PM said,"I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it." #WATCH: PM Modi talks about #SurgicalStrikes, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath #London pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "Chalta hai attitude has gone," Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change. "In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered, while adding that tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy. "Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose, India rightfully expects a lot from me, he said amid a sea of Indians at the famed Westminster hall in London. Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 ×

'We never hid surgical strikes, it was 100 per cent successful,' says PM Modi at Central Hall Westminster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Theresa May discussed the issue of economic offenders during their meeting today. According to sources, both the leaders raised the issue of economic offenders, like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, during a press briefing, confirmed that the issue of economic offenders was also raised during the meet.

"The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised," Gokhale said.

Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in the country.

He left India after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores.

India has submitted more than thousand pages dossier in the London court as part of the evidence against Mallya.

Modi and May also agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
During PM Modi & British PM Theresa May's discussion on economic offenders, the case of Vijay Mallya was also discussed, say sources. <a href="https://t.co/hN88uXuqaA">pic.twitter.com/hN88uXuqaA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986620981870579713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and UK agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The issue of economic offenders was also raised & this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals & students & the like.Views were also exchanged on current international & multilateral issues: Foreign Secy <a href="https://t.co/L5exZsm5kO">pic.twitter.com/L5exZsm5kO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986616670142844929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street and discussed a range of issues.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Theresa May discussed the issue of economic offenders during their meeting today. According to sources, both the leaders raised the issue of economic offenders, like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, during a press briefing, confirmed that the issue of economic offenders was also raised during the meet. "The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised," Gokhale said. Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in the country. He left India after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores. India has submitted more than thousand pages dossier in the London court as part of the evidence against Mallya. Modi and May also agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. During PM Modi & British PM Theresa May's discussion on economic offenders, the case of Vijay Mallya was also discussed, say sources. pic.twitter.com/hN88uXuqaA — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and UK agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. The issue of economic offenders was also raised & this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals & students & the like.Views were also exchanged on current international & multilateral issues: Foreign Secy pic.twitter.com/L5exZsm5kO — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street and discussed a range of issues. (With inputs from agencies)

India, UK discussed economic offenders like Vijay Mallya taking refuge in Britain: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages".

"..Thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us? and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement.

Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street.

The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors.

Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.

The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda.

A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute.&nbsp;

After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum.

Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London today.

The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media.

At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM.

This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis.&nbsp;

This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India.&nbsp;

According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India.&nbsp;

Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth.

"India's engagement is absolutely brilliant? there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions.&nbsp;

Modi was received at Heathrow by British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. He will be in the UK on a four-day visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "..Thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us? and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London today. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. "India's engagement is absolutely brilliant? there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions.

Modi lands in London for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May discussed a range of issues today.

Both the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates.&nbsp;

According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The British PM & PM Modi agreed that terrorist & extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit & conduct attacks on innocent people for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing & movement of terrorists: MEA
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986585625783685120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"For this, all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists," the leaders noted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
2nd issue was issue of terrorism&radicalism. PM described extremism,radicalism,terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries&for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in cyber security field:Foreign Secy <a href="https://t.co/P59369u7ZC">pic.twitter.com/P59369u7ZC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986615678055649280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
British Prime Minister Theresa May and PM Narendra Modi discussed co-operation between the 2 countries on legal matters: Downing Street spokesperson
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986579277343752197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

"It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May.

"I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London <a href="https://t.co/4Dn0wCI9fW">pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986521305154547712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

British Prime Minister and PM Narendra Modi also discussed co-operation between India and UK on legal matters. The leaders discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May discussed a range of issues today. Both the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. The British PM & PM Modi agreed that terrorist & extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit & conduct attacks on innocent people for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing & movement of terrorists: MEA — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "For this, all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists," the leaders noted. 2nd issue was issue of terrorism&radicalism. PM described extremism,radicalism,terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries&for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in cyber security field:Foreign Secy pic.twitter.com/P59369u7ZC — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. British Prime Minister Theresa May and PM Narendra Modi discussed co-operation between the 2 countries on legal matters: Downing Street spokesperson — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest. "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May. "I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM. It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × British Prime Minister and PM Narendra Modi also discussed co-operation between India and UK on legal matters. The leaders discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. (With inputs from agencies)

India, UK agree to take decisive action against LeT, Jaish, IS & other terror organisations

India and the United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation and agreed to continue working together closely to combat terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May this morning and they discussed on various topics including the defence cooperation, chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, legal matters, Chennai six, etc.

Both the leaders "reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation since the Prime Minister's (Theresa May) visit to India in 2016 and the agreement to a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties underpinned by a succession of high level visits and exchanges," a Downing Street spokesperson said, in a statement.

The two sides also discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's position on Russia's recent destabilising behaviour, underlined by the attack in Salisbury and the protection provided for the Syrian regime's repeated use of chemical weapons against its people.

The leaders discussed their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific and committed to working more closely together to ensure it remained free and open. The two leaders also discussed co-operation between the two countries on legal matters.British PM May welcomed the return to the UK of the Chennai Six.

British PM May updated Prime Minister Modi on the progress of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020.

"Finally they looked forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting tomorrow and agreed on the importance of working together to build a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for all Commonwealth citizens," the statement added.

The two sides also discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria

India and the United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation and agreed to continue working together closely to combat terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May this morning and they discussed on various topics including the defence cooperation, chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, legal matters, Chennai six, etc. Both the leaders "reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation since the Prime Minister's (Theresa May) visit to India in 2016 and the agreement to a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties underpinned by a succession of high level visits and exchanges," a Downing Street spokesperson said, in a statement. The two sides also discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's position on Russia's recent destabilising behaviour, underlined by the attack in Salisbury and the protection provided for the Syrian regime's repeated use of chemical weapons against its people. The leaders discussed their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific and committed to working more closely together to ensure it remained free and open. The two leaders also discussed co-operation between the two countries on legal matters.British PM May welcomed the return to the UK of the Chennai Six. British PM May updated Prime Minister Modi on the progress of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020. "Finally they looked forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting tomorrow and agreed on the importance of working together to build a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for all Commonwealth citizens," the statement added.

Modi meets May: India, UK review defence cooperation

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-should-come-under-rti-recommends-law-commission-of-india-131199">BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India</a>

Law Commission of India has recommended that Right to Information Act (RTI) should be applicable to The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which is the governing body for cricket in India.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-theresa-may-meet-for-breakfast-talk-trade-and-climate-change-131172">PM Modi, British PM Theresa May meet for breakfast, talk trade and climate change</a>

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cia-chief-pompeos-meeting-with-kim-went-smoothly-good-relationship-was-formed-trump-131205">CIA chief Pompeo's meeting with Kim went smoothly, tweets Trump</a>

After reports emerged of CIA chief Mike Pompeo meeting top North Korean officials including Kim Jong Un, President Trump today confirmed the meeting. In a tweet, the US president said: "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed."

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/modi-in-uk-prince-charles-greets-pm--131178">After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-chemical-weapons-watchdog-un-security-team-was-shot-at-in-douma-131212">UN security team was shot at in Douma: Head of chemical weapons watchdog</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India Law Commission of India has recommended that Right to Information Act (RTI) should be applicable to The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which is the governing body for cricket in India. PM Modi, British PM Theresa May meet for breakfast, talk trade and climate change PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. CIA chief Pompeo's meeting with Kim went smoothly, tweets Trump After reports emerged of CIA chief Mike Pompeo meeting top North Korean officials including Kim Jong Un, President Trump today confirmed the meeting. In a tweet, the US president said: "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed." After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology. UN security team was shot at in Douma: Head of chemical weapons watchdog Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

"Prime Minister Modi and Prince Charles visited the exhibition on 5,000 years of Science and Technology in India," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Interacting with people who act as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people relationship between two countries. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and HRH Prince Charles <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClarenceHouse</a> visited Living Bridge Themed Reception at the Science Museum. A Yoga Centre of Excellence was also inaugurated. <a href="https://t.co/UpvPFMnbNK">pic.twitter.com/UpvPFMnbNK</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/986564337283358720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The exhibition, hosted by the Prince of Wales, celebrated India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering, according to the official Twitter handle of Clarence House, the royal residence in London.

The Prince of Wales and Modi also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group.

Modi visited the Science Museum in London to explore the '5,000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClarenceHouse</a> visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. <a href="https://t.co/xLy7sVHcnq">pic.twitter.com/xLy7sVHcnq</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/986558986173452288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Later in the day, Modi will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Charles at exhibition on '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' in London. <a href="https://t.co/iXHYBj4dnJ">pic.twitter.com/iXHYBj4dnJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986539590575157248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Modi's first leg of UK visit is packed with meetings and engagements. Later today, the PM will meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace and will also deliver a live address. He will attend the CEO's summit along with numerous tours planned for the rest of the day.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The Prince and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the <a href="https://twitter.com/sciencemuseum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sciencemuseum</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHOGM2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHOGM2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/bgtBlIqeMP">pic.twitter.com/bgtBlIqeMP</a>
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse/status/986544720284454912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier today, <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-theresa-may-meet-for-breakfast-talk-trade-and-climate-change-131171">Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> at her official residence in 10 Downing Street.

The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London <a href="https://t.co/4Dn0wCI9fW">pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986521305154547712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May.

"I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International solar alliance," PM Modi told the UK minister.

"I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," Modi said.

"I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cwQH1l4Wngs" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Tomorrow, PM Modi will partake in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Earlier today, Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology. "Prime Minister Modi and Prince Charles visited the exhibition on 5,000 years of Science and Technology in India," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs. Interacting with people who act as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people relationship between two countries. PM @narendramodi and HRH Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited Living Bridge Themed Reception at the Science Museum. A Yoga Centre of Excellence was also inaugurated. pic.twitter.com/UpvPFMnbNK — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 × The exhibition, hosted by the Prince of Wales, celebrated India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering, according to the official Twitter handle of Clarence House, the royal residence in London. The Prince of Wales and Modi also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group. Modi visited the Science Museum in London to explore the '5,000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. PM @narendramodi welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. pic.twitter.com/xLy7sVHcnq — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 × Later in the day, Modi will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Charles at exhibition on '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' in London. pic.twitter.com/iXHYBj4dnJ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Modi's first leg of UK visit is packed with meetings and engagements. Later today, the PM will meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace and will also deliver a live address. He will attend the CEO's summit along with numerous tours planned for the rest of the day. The Prince and @narendramodi watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the @sciencemuseum.#CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/bgtBlIqeMP — Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 18, 2018 × Earlier today, Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest. It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May. "I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International solar alliance," PM Modi told the UK minister. "I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," Modi said. "I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM Tomorrow, PM Modi will partake in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. (With inputs from agencies)

After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day official visit to Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK) today. The visit of the prime minister to the two nations aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas like trade, investments and science and technology.

Apart from bilateral visits to the two countries, Prime Minister Modi will attend the India-Nordic Summit and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sweden and the United Kingdom respectively.At the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister Modi will undertake his first visit to Sweden on April 16 to 17.

He is scheduled to arrive in Stockholm on April 16 evening and will have a number of meetings on April 17, including an audience with the King of Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf, and consultations with Prime Minister Lofven, according to Ministry of External Affairs statement.

Prime Minister Modi will address a gathering of select Swedish business leaders and will also meet Indian community in Sweden.

On the sidelines of the India-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Modi will have separate bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway respectively.

The Prime Minister will visit the UK from April 17 to 20 for a bilateral visit and attend CHOGM. The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UK will focus on enhancing India-UK tech partnership.The visit will see a number of deliverables in the area of skill development, healthcare, cybersecurity, innovation, traditional medicine, and education.

The India-UK CEOs Forum will also take place during this visit. Also, the UK will formally convey their readiness to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Modi will attend the CHOGM in London from April 19 to 20. The meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government usually take place every two years and serve to shape the organisation's agenda for the next two years.

The CHOGM is a multilateral organisation known for its focus on the development issues that confront the Small States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), many of whom have deep historical and bilateral ties with India.&nbsp;

The visit of the prime minister to the two nations aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas like trade, investments and science and technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day official visit to Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK) today. The visit of the prime minister to the two nations aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas like trade, investments and science and technology. Apart from bilateral visits to the two countries, Prime Minister Modi will attend the India-Nordic Summit and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sweden and the United Kingdom respectively.At the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister Modi will undertake his first visit to Sweden on April 16 to 17. He is scheduled to arrive in Stockholm on April 16 evening and will have a number of meetings on April 17, including an audience with the King of Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf, and consultations with Prime Minister Lofven, according to Ministry of External Affairs statement. Prime Minister Modi will address a gathering of select Swedish business leaders and will also meet Indian community in Sweden. On the sidelines of the India-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Modi will have separate bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway respectively. The Prime Minister will visit the UK from April 17 to 20 for a bilateral visit and attend CHOGM. The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UK will focus on enhancing India-UK tech partnership.The visit will see a number of deliverables in the area of skill development, healthcare, cybersecurity, innovation, traditional medicine, and education. The India-UK CEOs Forum will also take place during this visit. Also, the UK will formally convey their readiness to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Prime Minister Modi will attend the CHOGM in London from April 19 to 20. The meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government usually take place every two years and serve to shape the organisation's agenda for the next two years. The CHOGM is a multilateral organisation known for its focus on the development issues that confront the Small States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), many of whom have deep historical and bilateral ties with India.

Watch: Modi to embark on 5-day official visit to Sweden, UK today

US President Donald Trump defended his "mission accomplished" statement earlier today. Trump, on Saturday, took to Twitter and praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government as "perfectly executed", and added "Mission Accomplished".

"A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!" read Trump's tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The Syrian raid was so perfectly carried out, with such precision, that the only way the Fake News Media could demean was by my use of the term “Mission Accomplished.” I knew they would seize on this but felt it is such a great Military term, it should be brought back. Use often!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/985492862958698497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The US President today clarified saying, "I knew they would seize on this but felt it is such a great Military term, it should be brought back. Use often!"

"The Syrian raid was so perfectly carried out, with such precision, that the only way the Fake News Media could demean was by my use of the term 'Mission Accomplished'" Trump said on Twitter.

The phrase is associated with President George W. Bush, who used it in 2003 during the Iraq war but which dogged him for the rest of his presidency.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The phrase is associated with President George W. Bush, who used it in 2003 during the Iraq war

US President Donald Trump defended his "mission accomplished" statement earlier today. Trump, on Saturday, took to Twitter and praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government as "perfectly executed", and added "Mission Accomplished". "A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!" read Trump's tweet. The Syrian raid was so perfectly carried out, with such precision, that the only way the Fake News Media could demean was by my use of the term “Mission Accomplished.” I knew they would seize on this but felt it is such a great Military term, it should be brought back. Use often! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2018 × The US President today clarified saying, "I knew they would seize on this but felt it is such a great Military term, it should be brought back. Use often!" "The Syrian raid was so perfectly carried out, with such precision, that the only way the Fake News Media could demean was by my use of the term 'Mission Accomplished'" Trump said on Twitter. The phrase is associated with President George W. Bush, who used it in 2003 during the Iraq war but which dogged him for the rest of his presidency. (With inputs from Reuters)

Syria strikes: Trump defends 'mission accomplished' statement, says 'great military term'

A visit by chemical weapons inspectors to the site of a suspected gas attack in Syria was delayed on Monday, British and Russian officials said, as Western powers and Russia traded accusations in the aftermath of retaliatory US-led missile strikes.

Moscow, the main ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, on Sunday condemned the United States, Britain and France for refusing to wait for the findings of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inspection team on the alleged attack on Douma before they launched the strikes.

OPCW inspectors arrived in Damascus on Saturday and had planned to head to Douma, on the outskirts of the capital, on Monday. But the British delegation to the OPCW said Russia and Syria had not yet allowed inspectors access to Douma.

Britain's Ambassador Peter Wilson said at a news conference in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety.

"Unfettered access (is) essential," a British statement said. "Russia and Syria must cooperate."

Russia's deputy foreign minister said the delay was due to the Western strikes.

The US&nbspenvoy to the global watchdog said Russia may have tampered with the site of the April 7 attack, which aid organisations say killed dozens of men, women and children.

"It is long overdue that this council condemns the Syrian government for its reign of chemical terror and demands international accountability of those responsible for these heinous acts," US&nbspAmbassador Kenneth Ward said in comments seen by Reuters.

The inspectors for the Hague-based OPCW met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday.

Washington, meanwhile, prepared to increase pressure on Russia with new economic sanctions, and European Union foreign ministers threatened similar measures.

In London and Paris, British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes against Syria.

Horrible, miserable

The United States, France and Britain launched 105 missiles targeting what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities in Syria in retaliation for the suspected poison gas attack in Douma.

The Western countries blame Assad for the attack, which thrust Syria's seven-year-old conflict into the forefront of global concern once again and heightened a diplomatic confrontation with the Kremlin. The Syrian government and its Russian ally deny involvement in any such incident.

Douma, in the eastern Goutha district, was one of the last bastions near Damascus of rebels fighting to topple Assad, and the alleged attack took place amid a ferocious government offensive.

In the aftermath, the remnants of a rebel army evacuated, handing Assad one of the biggest victories in a war that has killed about half a million people and laid waste to whole cities.

The US-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson made this clear on Monday as he arrived at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, telling reporters: "I'm afraid the Syrian war will go on in its horrible, miserable way. But it was the world saying that we've had enough of the use of chemical weapons."

The 28 ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation.

"The European Union will continue to consider further restrictive measures against Syria as long as the repression continues," they said in a statement after their talks.

The US&nbspambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Sunday the United States would announce new economic sanctions aimed at companies dealing with equipment related to Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons.

Responding to Haley's remarks, Evgeny Serebrennikov, deputy head of a Russian parliamentary defence committee, said Moscow was ready for the penalties.

"They are hard for us, but will do more damage to the USA and Europe," RIA news agency quoted Serebrennikov as saying.

Although US&nbspPresident Donald Trump had declared: "Mission accomplished" after the strikes, US&nbspLieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie at the Pentagon acknowledged that elements of the program remained and he could not guarantee that Syria would be unable to conduct a chemical attack in the future.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, which fights alongside the Syrian army, said the US&nbspmilitary had kept its strikes limited because it knew a wider attack would bring retaliation from Damascus and its allies and inflame the region.

Domestic opposition

The Western leaders were also facing scrutiny at home over their actions.

Britain's May will make a statement to parliament on Monday on her decision and will repeat her assertion that Assad's forces were highly likely responsible for the attack.

The allies could not wait "to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks", according to excerpts of her speech.

But she will be questioned over why she did not seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement.

Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria, but Johnson warned Assad that all options would be considered if chemical weapons were used against Syrians again.

In France, the conservatives, the far-left and the far-right have all criticised the strikes.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Monday will respond to their criticism in a debate in parliament on Monday afternoon. The French Constitution bars presidents from going to parliament and President Emmanuel Macron will therefore not be questioned by law-makers.

A visit by chemical weapons inspectors to the site of a suspected gas attack in Syria was delayed on Monday, British and Russian officials said, as Western powers and Russia traded accusations in the aftermath of retaliatory US-led missile strikes

A visit by chemical weapons inspectors to the site of a suspected gas attack in Syria was delayed on Monday, British and Russian officials said, as Western powers and Russia traded accusations in the aftermath of retaliatory US-led missile strikes. Moscow, the main ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, on Sunday condemned the United States, Britain and France for refusing to wait for the findings of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inspection team on the alleged attack on Douma before they launched the strikes. OPCW inspectors arrived in Damascus on Saturday and had planned to head to Douma, on the outskirts of the capital, on Monday. But the British delegation to the OPCW said Russia and Syria had not yet allowed inspectors access to Douma. Britain's Ambassador Peter Wilson said at a news conference in The Hague that the United Nations had cleared the inspectors to go but they had been unable to reach Douma because Syria and Russia had been unable to guarantee their safety. "Unfettered access (is) essential," a British statement said. "Russia and Syria must cooperate." Russia's deputy foreign minister said the delay was due to the Western strikes. The US&nbspenvoy to the global watchdog said Russia may have tampered with the site of the April 7 attack, which aid organisations say killed dozens of men, women and children. "It is long overdue that this council condemns the Syrian government for its reign of chemical terror and demands international accountability of those responsible for these heinous acts," US&nbspAmbassador Kenneth Ward said in comments seen by Reuters. The inspectors for the Hague-based OPCW met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in the presence of Russian officers and a senior Syrian security official in Damascus for about three hours on Sunday. Washington, meanwhile, prepared to increase pressure on Russia with new economic sanctions, and European Union foreign ministers threatened similar measures. In London and Paris, British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from political opponents over their decisions to take part in the air strikes against Syria. Horrible, miserable The United States, France and Britain launched 105 missiles targeting what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities in Syria in retaliation for the suspected poison gas attack in Douma. The Western countries blame Assad for the attack, which thrust Syria's seven-year-old conflict into the forefront of global concern once again and heightened a diplomatic confrontation with the Kremlin. The Syrian government and its Russian ally deny involvement in any such incident. Douma, in the eastern Goutha district, was one of the last bastions near Damascus of rebels fighting to topple Assad, and the alleged attack took place amid a ferocious government offensive. In the aftermath, the remnants of a rebel army evacuated, handing Assad one of the biggest victories in a war that has killed about half a million people and laid waste to whole cities. The US-led strikes did nothing to alter the strategic balance or dent Assad's supremacy and the Western allies have said the aim was to prevent the further use of chemical weapons, not to intervene in the civil war or topple Assad. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson made this clear on Monday as he arrived at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, telling reporters: "I'm afraid the Syrian war will go on in its horrible, miserable way. But it was the world saying that we've had enough of the use of chemical weapons." The 28 ministers endorsed the missile strikes and considered steps to deepen Assad's isolation. "The European Union will continue to consider further restrictive measures against Syria as long as the repression continues," they said in a statement after their talks. The US&nbspambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Sunday the United States would announce new economic sanctions aimed at companies dealing with equipment related to Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons. Responding to Haley's remarks, Evgeny Serebrennikov, deputy head of a Russian parliamentary defence committee, said Moscow was ready for the penalties. "They are hard for us, but will do more damage to the USA and Europe," RIA news agency quoted Serebrennikov as saying. Although US&nbspPresident Donald Trump had declared: "Mission accomplished" after the strikes, US&nbspLieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie at the Pentagon acknowledged that elements of the program remained and he could not guarantee that Syria would be unable to conduct a chemical attack in the future. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, which fights alongside the Syrian army, said the US&nbspmilitary had kept its strikes limited because it knew a wider attack would bring retaliation from Damascus and its allies and inflame the region. Domestic opposition The Western leaders were also facing scrutiny at home over their actions. Britain's May will make a statement to parliament on Monday on her decision and will repeat her assertion that Assad's forces were highly likely responsible for the attack. The allies could not wait "to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks", according to excerpts of her speech. But she will be questioned over why she did not seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement. Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria, but Johnson warned Assad that all options would be considered if chemical weapons were used against Syrians again. In France, the conservatives, the far-left and the far-right have all criticised the strikes. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Monday will respond to their criticism in a debate in parliament on Monday afternoon. The French Constitution bars presidents from going to parliament and President Emmanuel Macron will therefore not be questioned by law-makers.

Inspectors' visit to suspected Syria gas attack site delayed

Vice president of United States, Michale Pence on Saturday said that Russia is ''on the wrong side of the war'' as he referred to the recent strike carried out by the US and UK and France on Syria.

Pence also showed his agreement to Donald Trump's Syria attack statement where he referred&nbspthe operation as "mission accomplished" and called it "completely successful".

Pence statement came&nbsphours later of the operation while he was attending the America summit at the Washington DC which he had to attend as president Trump cancelled due to the official statement he had to make about the action&nbspagainst the Syrian chemical attack.

Earlier on Saturday, US, UK and France lanched 105 missiles at three facilitties connected to the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-assad as a retaliation to April 7 chemical attacks which took lives of at least 50 civillians.

The missile hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus.

On the type of chemical that was used in the attack, Pence informed that 'minimum' chlorine was used along with serin.

Pence also said, "It's time for Russia to get the message President Trump delivered last night. You're known by the company you keep."

He further mentioned of the NAFTA wall being built up at the US-Mexico border while saying that United States, Mexico, and Canada are close to renegotiating a new NAFTA deal.&nbsp

Meanwhile, in United Nations Security Council, Russia's bid to condemn the US, British and France over the air strike failed as only China and Bolivia was ones who ones who voted with Russia to draft resolution during the 15-member council meet requested by Russia.

However, The United States, France and Britain defended their military action as legal during the Security Council meeting.

&nbsp(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp

Vice president of United States, Michale Pence on Saturday said that Russia is 'on the wrong side of the war' as he referred to the recent strike carried out by the US and UK and France on Syria

Vice president of United States, Michale Pence on Saturday said that Russia is ''on the wrong side of the war'' as he referred to the recent strike carried out by the US and UK and France on Syria. Pence also showed his agreement to Donald Trump's Syria attack statement where he referred&nbspthe operation as "mission accomplished" and called it "completely successful". Pence statement came&nbsphours later of the operation while he was attending the America summit at the Washington DC which he had to attend as president Trump cancelled due to the official statement he had to make about the action&nbspagainst the Syrian chemical attack. Earlier on Saturday, US, UK and France lanched 105 missiles at three facilitties connected to the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-assad as a retaliation to April 7 chemical attacks which took lives of at least 50 civillians. The missile hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus. On the type of chemical that was used in the attack, Pence informed that 'minimum' chlorine was used along with serin. Pence also said, "It's time for Russia to get the message President Trump delivered last night. You're known by the company you keep." He further mentioned of the NAFTA wall being built up at the US-Mexico border while saying that United States, Mexico, and Canada are close to renegotiating a new NAFTA deal. Meanwhile, in United Nations Security Council, Russia's bid to condemn the US, British and France over the air strike failed as only China and Bolivia was ones who ones who voted with Russia to draft resolution during the 15-member council meet requested by Russia. However, The United States, France and Britain defended their military action as legal during the Security Council meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia is on the wrong side of the war: Michael Pence

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday the nerve agent used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain could have been the BZ substance - which was never produced in the Soviet Union or Russia.

Lavrov said experts from a laboratory based in the Swiss town of Spiez had analysed a sample of the substance used in the poisoning.

Citing a report from the lab dated March 27, Lavrov said the evidence suggested the nerve agent used could be in the arsenal of the United States and Britain.

Lavrov read out parts of the report that he said showed the substance had traces of the BZ agent.

"This formulation was in the inventory of the United States, Britain and other NATO states," Lavrov said, at an assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy.

The global chemical weapons watchdog concluded on Thursday that the poison that struck down the former Russian spy and his daughter Yulia last month was a highly pure type of Novichok nerve agent, backing Britain's own findings.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said it is highly likely that Moscow was behind the attack.

Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the poisoning.

Lavrov on Saturday said the report from the Swiss lab mentioned no nerve agents by name, such as Novichok, but instead gave a long chemical formula that points to a substance that has been developed by many countries.

"We, as you understand, have abilities to receive confidential information. And as this information concerns questions of life and death, we won’t keep this information secret," Lavrov said.

Lavrov said the Swiss laboratory also identified a high concentration of A-234 agent, known as Novichok. Such a concentration would have quickly resulted in Skripal`s death, Lavrov said.

"Taking into account its (A-234) high volatility, the issue of identification of this poisoning substance in its initial state and in high concentration by specialists at the Spiez (research) centre seems to be very suspicious," Lavrov said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday the nerve agent used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain could have been the BZ substance - which was never produced in the Soviet Union or Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday the nerve agent used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain could have been the BZ substance - which was never produced in the Soviet Union or Russia. Lavrov said experts from a laboratory based in the Swiss town of Spiez had analysed a sample of the substance used in the poisoning. Citing a report from the lab dated March 27, Lavrov said the evidence suggested the nerve agent used could be in the arsenal of the United States and Britain. Lavrov read out parts of the report that he said showed the substance had traces of the BZ agent. "This formulation was in the inventory of the United States, Britain and other NATO states," Lavrov said, at an assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy. The global chemical weapons watchdog concluded on Thursday that the poison that struck down the former Russian spy and his daughter Yulia last month was a highly pure type of Novichok nerve agent, backing Britain's own findings. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said it is highly likely that Moscow was behind the attack. Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the poisoning. Lavrov on Saturday said the report from the Swiss lab mentioned no nerve agents by name, such as Novichok, but instead gave a long chemical formula that points to a substance that has been developed by many countries. "We, as you understand, have abilities to receive confidential information. And as this information concerns questions of life and death, we won’t keep this information secret," Lavrov said. Lavrov said the Swiss laboratory also identified a high concentration of A-234 agent, known as Novichok. Such a concentration would have quickly resulted in Skripal`s death, Lavrov said. "Taking into account its (A-234) high volatility, the issue of identification of this poisoning substance in its initial state and in high concentration by specialists at the Spiez (research) centre seems to be very suspicious," Lavrov said.

Russia's Lavrov says Skripals may have been poisoned by substance Russia never made

Western powers will study "options" if Syria's government again uses chemical weapons, but nothing is planned as yet, Britain's foreign minister said on Sunday, after raids on Syrian targets triggered heated debate over their legality and effectiveness.

US, French and British missile attacks struck at the heart of Syria's chemical weapons programme on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack a week ago, although the restrained assault appeared unlikely to halt Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's progress in the seven-year-old civil war.

The bombing, denounced by Damascus and its allies as an illegal act of aggression, was the biggest intervention by Western countries against Assad and his powerful ally Russia.

But the three countries said the strikes were limited to Syria's chemical weapons capabilities and not aimed at toppling Assad or intervening in the civil war.

Speaking on British television, British Foreign Secretary (Minister) Boris Johnson threw his weight behind Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to take part in the attack, saying it was the right thing to do to deter further use of chemical weapons.

"There is no proposal on the table at the moment for further attacks because so far thank heavens the Assad regime has not been so foolish as to launch another chemical weapons attack," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr show.

"If and when such a thing were to happen, then clearly with allies we would study what the options were."&nbsp;

His comments appeared in line with those of US&nbsp;ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, who said at an emergency meeting of the UN&nbsp;Security Council that Trump told her that if Syria uses poisonous gas again, "The United States is locked and loaded."&nbsp;

The Western countries said the strikes were aimed at preventing more Syrian chemical weapons attacks after a suspected poison gas attack in Douma on April 7 killed up to 75 people. They blame Assad's government for the attack.

But British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said that the legal basis used to support the British role was debatable, adding that he would only support action backed by the United Nations Security Council.

Good mood

"I say to the foreign secretary, I say to the prime minister, where is the legal basis for this?" Corbyn said.

"The legal basis ... would have to be self-defence or the authority of the UN&nbsp;Security Council. The humanitarian intervention is a legally debatable concept at the present time," he said in an interview with the BBC on Sunday.

In Damascus, Assad told a group of visiting Russian lawmakers that Western missile strikes on his country were an act of aggression, Russian news agencies reported.

The agencies quoted the lawmakers as saying Assad was in a "good mood" and had praised the Soviet-era air defence systems used by Syria to help to repel the Western attacks.

Assad accepted an invitation to visit the Siberian region of Khanty-Mansi in Russia. It was not clear when the visit would take place.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump called the operation a success.&nbsp;

He proclaimed on Twitter: "Mission accomplished," echoing former President George W. Bush, whose use of the same phrase in 2003 to describe the US&nbsp;invasion of Iraq was widely ridiculed as violence there dragged on for years.

"We believe that by hitting Barzeh, in particular, we`ve attacked the heart of the Syrian chemicals weapon programme," US&nbsp;Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie said at the Pentagon.

Wreckage

However, McKenzie acknowledged elements of the programme remain and he could not guarantee that Syria would be unable to conduct a chemical attack in the future.

Syria released video of the wreckage of a bombed-out research lab, but also of Assad arriving at work as usual, with the caption "Morning of resilience".

There were no immediate reports of casualties.&nbsp;

Late on Saturday Syria time, a large explosion was heard in a Syrian government-controlled area in a rural region south of Aleppo, according to the Britain-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said the cause of the explosion was unknown, as well as its target.

Russian and Iranian military help over the past three years has allowed Assad to crush the rebel threat to topple him.

The United States, Britain and France have all participated in the Syrian conflict for years, arming rebels, bombing Islamic State fighters and deploying troops on the ground to fight that group. But they have refrained from targeting Assad`s government, apart from a volley of US missiles last year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the strikes were "unacceptable and lawless."

Syrian state media called them a "flagrant violation of international law," while Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called it a crime and the Western leaders criminals.&nbsp;

Weapons watchdog&nbsp;

Washington described the strike targets as a centre near Damascus for the research, development, production and testing of chemical and biological weapons a chemical weapons storage site near the city of Homs and another site near Homs that stored chemical weapons equipment and housed a command post.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all Security Council members to exercise restraint and avoid an escalation in Syria, but said allegations of chemical weapons use demand an investigation.

Inspectors from the global chemical weapons watchdog OPCW were due to try to visit Douma to inspect the site of the suspected gas attack. Moscow condemned the Western states for refusing to wait for their findings.

Russia, whose ties with the West have sunk to levels of Cold War-era hostility, denies any gas attack happened in Douma and even said Britain staged it to whip up anti-Russian hysteria.&nbsp;

Syria agreed in 2013 to give up its chemical weapons after a nerve gas attack killed hundreds of people in Douma. Damascus is still permitted to have chlorine for civilian use, although its use as a weapon is banned. Allegations of Assad's chlorine use have been frequent during the war although, unlike nerve agents, chlorine did not produce mass casualties as seen last week.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The bombing, denounced by Damascus and its allies as an illegal act of aggression, was the biggest intervention by Western countries against Assad and his powerful ally Russia

Western powers will study "options" if Syria's government again uses chemical weapons, but nothing is planned as yet, Britain's foreign minister said on Sunday, after raids on Syrian targets triggered heated debate over their legality and effectiveness. US, French and British missile attacks struck at the heart of Syria's chemical weapons programme on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack a week ago, although the restrained assault appeared unlikely to halt Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's progress in the seven-year-old civil war. The bombing, denounced by Damascus and its allies as an illegal act of aggression, was the biggest intervention by Western countries against Assad and his powerful ally Russia. But the three countries said the strikes were limited to Syria's chemical weapons capabilities and not aimed at toppling Assad or intervening in the civil war. Speaking on British television, British Foreign Secretary (Minister) Boris Johnson threw his weight behind Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to take part in the attack, saying it was the right thing to do to deter further use of chemical weapons. "There is no proposal on the table at the moment for further attacks because so far thank heavens the Assad regime has not been so foolish as to launch another chemical weapons attack," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr show. "If and when such a thing were to happen, then clearly with allies we would study what the options were." His comments appeared in line with those of US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, who said at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Trump told her that if Syria uses poisonous gas again, "The United States is locked and loaded." The Western countries said the strikes were aimed at preventing more Syrian chemical weapons attacks after a suspected poison gas attack in Douma on April 7 killed up to 75 people. They blame Assad's government for the attack. But British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said that the legal basis used to support the British role was debatable, adding that he would only support action backed by the United Nations Security Council. Good mood "I say to the foreign secretary, I say to the prime minister, where is the legal basis for this?" Corbyn said. "The legal basis ... would have to be self-defence or the authority of the UN Security Council. The humanitarian intervention is a legally debatable concept at the present time," he said in an interview with the BBC on Sunday. In Damascus, Assad told a group of visiting Russian lawmakers that Western missile strikes on his country were an act of aggression, Russian news agencies reported. The agencies quoted the lawmakers as saying Assad was in a "good mood" and had praised the Soviet-era air defence systems used by Syria to help to repel the Western attacks. Assad accepted an invitation to visit the Siberian region of Khanty-Mansi in Russia. It was not clear when the visit would take place. US President Donald Trump called the operation a success. He proclaimed on Twitter: "Mission accomplished," echoing former President George W. Bush, whose use of the same phrase in 2003 to describe the US invasion of Iraq was widely ridiculed as violence there dragged on for years. "We believe that by hitting Barzeh, in particular, we`ve attacked the heart of the Syrian chemicals weapon programme," US Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie said at the Pentagon. Wreckage However, McKenzie acknowledged elements of the programme remain and he could not guarantee that Syria would be unable to conduct a chemical attack in the future. Syria released video of the wreckage of a bombed-out research lab, but also of Assad arriving at work as usual, with the caption "Morning of resilience". There were no immediate reports of casualties. Late on Saturday Syria time, a large explosion was heard in a Syrian government-controlled area in a rural region south of Aleppo, according to the Britain-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said the cause of the explosion was unknown, as well as its target. Russian and Iranian military help over the past three years has allowed Assad to crush the rebel threat to topple him. The United States, Britain and France have all participated in the Syrian conflict for years, arming rebels, bombing Islamic State fighters and deploying troops on the ground to fight that group. But they have refrained from targeting Assad`s government, apart from a volley of US missiles last year. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the strikes were "unacceptable and lawless." Syrian state media called them a "flagrant violation of international law," while Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called it a crime and the Western leaders criminals. Weapons watchdog Washington described the strike targets as a centre near Damascus for the research, development, production and testing of chemical and biological weapons a chemical weapons storage site near the city of Homs and another site near Homs that stored chemical weapons equipment and housed a command post. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all Security Council members to exercise restraint and avoid an escalation in Syria, but said allegations of chemical weapons use demand an investigation. Inspectors from the global chemical weapons watchdog OPCW were due to try to visit Douma to inspect the site of the suspected gas attack. Moscow condemned the Western states for refusing to wait for their findings. Russia, whose ties with the West have sunk to levels of Cold War-era hostility, denies any gas attack happened in Douma and even said Britain staged it to whip up anti-Russian hysteria. Syria agreed in 2013 to give up its chemical weapons after a nerve gas attack killed hundreds of people in Douma. Damascus is still permitted to have chlorine for civilian use, although its use as a weapon is banned. Allegations of Assad's chlorine use have been frequent during the war although, unlike nerve agents, chlorine did not produce mass casualties as seen last week.

Western powers to study options if Syria chemical weapons used again: UK

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sweden and England from April 16 to April 20. PM Modi will participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit along with this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).&nbsp;

PM Modi is expected to reach Stockholm on April 16 in what will be the first prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden in the last three decades. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have visited the country in the year 1988.&nbsp;

PM Modi's agenda will include dialogue and discussions in the areas of innovation, technology and education.&nbsp;

Here's a quick look at the rough itinerary of PM Modi's visit to the two European countries.&nbsp;

1. The Prime minister will hold a bilateral summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on April 17 to discuss regional and global issues at length.&nbsp;

2. India and Sweden will also co-host the first ever India-Nordic Summit on April 17. The event is expected to see the Prime Ministers from four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway in attendance.&nbsp;

3. An India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to be launched.&nbsp;

4. The Prime Minister will leave for Britain on April 17. PM Modi's last visit to Britain was in November 2015. The English Prime Minister Theresa May's visited India in November 2016. The two leaders are likely to hold a bilateral dialogue on April 18.&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;In what has been categorised as an "unprecedented" welcome, PM Modi will hold not just one but two meetings with his British counterpart Theresa May on Wednesday before they begin formal deliberations as part of the multilateral Commonwealth summit on Thursday, PTI reports.

6. A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field.

7. PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership and the central feature of this will be his second meeting with Theresa May on Wednesday at the Francis Crick Institute in London, where a new India-UK Technical Alliance is expected to be among a series of announcements.

8. The Prime Minister will also meet Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases before going in to the India-UK CEOs Forum.

The Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that around 10-12 deliverables, including innovation-related MoUs between NASSCOM and Innovate UK and between NITI Aayog and its counterpart in the UK, are expected to be accompanied by a formal joint statement at the end of the bilateral leg of the visit on Wednesday.

9.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi is also among only three senior world leaders attending CHOGM to be invited for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday evening.

10. PM Modi's royal welcome will include a special event hosted by Prince Charles, during which the heir to the British throne will drive up in a Tata Motors' first-ever electric Jaguar to symbolise the India-UK technical collaboration.

"The welcome being accorded to the Indian Prime Minister is unprecedented in many ways. It reflects the importance the UK attaches to the visit and shows the mature level of India-UK ties," said an official involved with the preparations for the visit.&nbsp;

Modi's visit to Britain has been themed "Living bridge and tech partnership".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sweden and England from April 16 to April 20. PM Modi will participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit along with this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). PM Modi is expected to reach Stockholm on April 16 in what will be the first prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden in the last three decades. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have visited the country in the year 1988. PM Modi's agenda will include dialogue and discussions in the areas of innovation, technology and education. Here's a quick look at the rough itinerary of PM Modi's visit to the two European countries. 1. The Prime minister will hold a bilateral summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on April 17 to discuss regional and global issues at length. 2. India and Sweden will also co-host the first ever India-Nordic Summit on April 17. The event is expected to see the Prime Ministers from four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway in attendance. 3. An India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to be launched. 4. The Prime Minister will leave for Britain on April 17. PM Modi's last visit to Britain was in November 2015. The English Prime Minister Theresa May's visited India in November 2016. The two leaders are likely to hold a bilateral dialogue on April 18. 5. In what has been categorised as an "unprecedented" welcome, PM Modi will hold not just one but two meetings with his British counterpart Theresa May on Wednesday before they begin formal deliberations as part of the multilateral Commonwealth summit on Thursday, PTI reports. 6. A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field. 7. PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership and the central feature of this will be his second meeting with Theresa May on Wednesday at the Francis Crick Institute in London, where a new India-UK Technical Alliance is expected to be among a series of announcements. 8. The Prime Minister will also meet Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases before going in to the India-UK CEOs Forum. The Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that around 10-12 deliverables, including innovation-related MoUs between NASSCOM and Innovate UK and between NITI Aayog and its counterpart in the UK, are expected to be accompanied by a formal joint statement at the end of the bilateral leg of the visit on Wednesday. 9. Prime Minister Modi is also among only three senior world leaders attending CHOGM to be invited for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday evening. 10. PM Modi's royal welcome will include a special event hosted by Prince Charles, during which the heir to the British throne will drive up in a Tata Motors' first-ever electric Jaguar to symbolise the India-UK technical collaboration. "The welcome being accorded to the Indian Prime Minister is unprecedented in many ways. It reflects the importance the UK attaches to the visit and shows the mature level of India-UK ties," said an official involved with the preparations for the visit. Modi's visit to Britain has been themed "Living bridge and tech partnership". (With inputs from agencies)

Welcome being accorded to Modi by Britain is 'unprecedented', says official

US, UK and France-led air strikes on Syria have raked a wave of reactions from political leaders all across the globe. While US President Donald Trump praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government as "perfectly executed", and added "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/trump-mission-accomplished-on-perfectly-executed-syria-strike-130445">Mission Accomplished</a>", <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-russia-calls-for-emergency-un-meeting-to-discuss-aggressive-actions-of-us-allies-130440">Russia called for an emergency meeting</a> of the United Nations Security Council.

India also reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation. The official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs called the "alleged" use of chemical weapons "deplorable".

"We have taken note of the recent strikes in Syria. India is closely following the situation. The alleged use of chemical weapons, if true, is deplorable. We call for an impartial and objective investigation by the OPCW to establish the facts," the MEA noted.

The Ministry urged all Parties to show restraint and to "avoid any further escalation in the situation".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We urge all Parties to show restraint & to avoid any further escalation in the situation. The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations & on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law: MEA
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985144071336419328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations and on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law," the statement read.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d66-1dULfcc" width="560"></iframe>

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-backs-air-strikes-on-syria-as-necessary-and-appropriate-130386">necessary and appropriate</a>" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan noted that the operation sent a message to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad that "<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-welcomes-western-attack-on-syria-130446">its massacres would not be left unanswered</a>".&nbsp;

A Western attack on Syria hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area, state media said, and a witness said the Syrian capital was rocked by explosions as smoke rose into the sky.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation

US, UK and France-led air strikes on Syria have raked a wave of reactions from political leaders all across the globe. While US President Donald Trump praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government as "perfectly executed", and added "Mission Accomplished", Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. India also reacted to the incident stating that the country closely follows the situation. The official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs called the "alleged" use of chemical weapons "deplorable". "We have taken note of the recent strikes in Syria. India is closely following the situation. The alleged use of chemical weapons, if true, is deplorable. We call for an impartial and objective investigation by the OPCW to establish the facts," the MEA noted. The Ministry urged all Parties to show restraint and to "avoid any further escalation in the situation". We urge all Parties to show restraint & to avoid any further escalation in the situation. The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations & on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law: MEA — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 × "The matter should be resolved through dialogue & negotiations and on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter & in accordance with international law," the statement read. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan noted that the operation sent a message to Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad that "its massacres would not be left unanswered". A Western attack on Syria hit a scientific research facility in Damascus and Syrian army depots in the Homs area, state media said, and a witness said the Syrian capital was rocked by explosions as smoke rose into the sky. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a second research facility was also struck in Damascus, in addition to a third in the Homs area, and five military bases and depots used by elite army divisions in the Mezzeh area of Damascus. (With inputs from agencies)

All parties should show restraint, avoid further escalation in situation: India on Syria air strikes

When Emmanuel Macron called Vladimir Putin on Friday, the day before launching his first major military operation with strikes on Syria, the French president knew the credibility of his foreign policy was at stake.

Less than a year ago, in the ornate Gallery of Battles of the palace of Versailles, he warned the Russian leader in their first meeting that the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a red line that would result in reprisals.

"I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed," he told Putin in the Friday morning phone call, according to a close advisor at the Elysee palace.

"The tone was very direct, the two presidents were under no illusion about what was going to happen," the advisor told Reuters on Saturday, soon after the overnight air strikes.

The decision to strike Syrian government targets followed a week of hectic diplomacy and coordination with US&nbsp;and British allies.

Last Sunday evening, Macron sat with a small group of advisors at the Elysee palace to watch numerous graphic images and videos of suffering children following an attack the previous day on Douma, which France and allies say was a chemical attack.

"The president immediately realised the seriousness of these attacks," the first advisor said.

Red line&nbsp;'meant to be respected'&nbsp;

After a first phone call with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump that night, a series of painstaking daily meetings with defence and foreign affairs officials took place to check the authenticity of images and information coming from Syria.

On Thursday, sitting in a primary school in Normandy where he was giving his first TV interview in months, Macron said France now had proof the Syrian government had been involved.

After another series of calls, with Angela Merkel of Germany and again with Trump and Britain's Theresa May, Macron ordered his military to send Rafale warplanes to strike Syria's chemical weapons facilities.

It was in the "Jupiter" command centre of the Elysee palace in the early hours of Saturday morning that the 40-year-old French leader, surrounded by 10 of his diplomatic and defence officials, followed the operation as it unfolded.

Political opponents had criticised Macron for drawing a red line over chemical attacks after the unfortunate precedent set by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama, who had put himself in a tough spot with a similar ultimatum in 2012.

Obama had to backtrack in the face of congressional opposition, signalling US&nbsp;fatigue in the Middle East and empowering Russia, Western military experts said at the time.

Pointing to the overnight strike, another advisor to Macron said: "This is proof today that the political line he drew at the start of his mandate was meant to be respected."

'I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed,' Macron told Putin in the Friday morning phone call

When Emmanuel Macron called Vladimir Putin on Friday, the day before launching his first major military operation with strikes on Syria, the French president knew the credibility of his foreign policy was at stake. Less than a year ago, in the ornate Gallery of Battles of the palace of Versailles, he warned the Russian leader in their first meeting that the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a red line that would result in reprisals. "I believe this chemical attack took place, I believe my red line was crossed," he told Putin in the Friday morning phone call, according to a close advisor at the Elysee palace. "The tone was very direct, the two presidents were under no illusion about what was going to happen," the advisor told Reuters on Saturday, soon after the overnight air strikes. The decision to strike Syrian government targets followed a week of hectic diplomacy and coordination with US and British allies. Last Sunday evening, Macron sat with a small group of advisors at the Elysee palace to watch numerous graphic images and videos of suffering children following an attack the previous day on Douma, which France and allies say was a chemical attack. "The president immediately realised the seriousness of these attacks," the first advisor said. Red line 'meant to be respected' After a first phone call with US President Donald Trump that night, a series of painstaking daily meetings with defence and foreign affairs officials took place to check the authenticity of images and information coming from Syria. On Thursday, sitting in a primary school in Normandy where he was giving his first TV interview in months, Macron said France now had proof the Syrian government had been involved. After another series of calls, with Angela Merkel of Germany and again with Trump and Britain's Theresa May, Macron ordered his military to send Rafale warplanes to strike Syria's chemical weapons facilities. It was in the "Jupiter" command centre of the Elysee palace in the early hours of Saturday morning that the 40-year-old French leader, surrounded by 10 of his diplomatic and defence officials, followed the operation as it unfolded. Political opponents had criticised Macron for drawing a red line over chemical attacks after the unfortunate precedent set by former US President Barack Obama, who had put himself in a tough spot with a similar ultimatum in 2012. Obama had to backtrack in the face of congressional opposition, signalling US fatigue in the Middle East and empowering Russia, Western military experts said at the time. Pointing to the overnight strike, another advisor to Macron said: "This is proof today that the political line he drew at the start of his mandate was meant to be respected."

For France's Macron, Syria red lines were credibility test

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the overnight U.S.-led missile attack on Syria and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

Putin said the US&nbsp;actions in Syria made the humanitarian catastrophe worse and caused pain for civilians, as well as damaging international relations.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/action-will-not-be-without-consequences-russia-on-syria-strikes-130335">Action will not be without consequences, says Russia</a>

Putin said the US action in Syria made the humanitarian catastrophe worse and caused pain for civilians, as well as damaging international relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the overnight U.S.-led missile attack on Syria and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the Kremlin said on Saturday. Putin said the US actions in Syria made the humanitarian catastrophe worse and caused pain for civilians, as well as damaging international relations. Also read: Action will not be without consequences, says Russia

Putin condemns strike on Syria, calls for emergency UN meeting

A leading privately-run boarding school in the UK will allow boys who wish to wear a skirt to make it a uniform choice. Uppingham School at Rutland in the East Midlands region of England already uses gender-neutral terms like “pupils” rather than girls and boys and now wants to take a sympathetic approach to its pupils who identify with a gender they were not born with.

“I would hope that any pupil could come to me and say, ‘This is who we are, this is how we wish to express ourselves. We want to wear these clothes’, and we would probably allow that,” Richard Maloney, the headmaster of the school, told ‘The Sunday Times’.

Maloney was reacting to British television doctor Christian Jessen, who studied at Uppingham boarding school from the age of seven, saying that he might have opted to wear a skirt at school if he had been given the choice.

“I probably would have worn a skirt to shock. I never toed the line, I was always different,” said Jessen, the star of a TV show ‘Embarrassing Bodies’.

He said that schools should consider introducing “gender-neutral” uniforms.

Although many leading private schools in the UK, including Highgate in north London, have introduced gender-neutral uniforms, Uppingham, founded in 1584, still has separate uniforms for boys and girls.

Jessen, who is a gay, spent three years at Uppingham when it was a boys-only boarding school.

The school now fully co-educational, with girls required to wear grey skirts and white shirts, while boys wear charcoal trousers and white shirts.

While girls wear a red sweater, boys have black and both wear black blazers.

The television doctor believes that being able to identify as “gender-neutral” could help young people who might be exploring their sexuality or gender at that age.

The school is co-educational, with girls required to wear grey skirts and white shirts, while boys wear charcoal trousers and white shirts.

A leading privately-run boarding school in the UK will allow boys who wish to wear a skirt to make it a uniform choice. Uppingham School at Rutland in the East Midlands region of England already uses gender-neutral terms like “pupils” rather than girls and boys and now wants to take a sympathetic approach to its pupils who identify with a gender they were not born with. “I would hope that any pupil could come to me and say, ‘This is who we are, this is how we wish to express ourselves. We want to wear these clothes’, and we would probably allow that,” Richard Maloney, the headmaster of the school, told ‘The Sunday Times’. Maloney was reacting to British television doctor Christian Jessen, who studied at Uppingham boarding school from the age of seven, saying that he might have opted to wear a skirt at school if he had been given the choice. “I probably would have worn a skirt to shock. I never toed the line, I was always different,” said Jessen, the star of a TV show ‘Embarrassing Bodies’. He said that schools should consider introducing “gender-neutral” uniforms. Although many leading private schools in the UK, including Highgate in north London, have introduced gender-neutral uniforms, Uppingham, founded in 1584, still has separate uniforms for boys and girls. Jessen, who is a gay, spent three years at Uppingham when it was a boys-only boarding school. The school now fully co-educational, with girls required to wear grey skirts and white shirts, while boys wear charcoal trousers and white shirts. While girls wear a red sweater, boys have black and both wear black blazers. The television doctor believes that being able to identify as “gender-neutral” could help young people who might be exploring their sexuality or gender at that age.

Boarding school in UK to allow boys to wear skirts

Russia's ambassador to Britain said Moscow would accept the results of tests by international chemical weapons inspectors on a suspected nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy in England but only if the process was transparent.

Alexander Yakovenko told reporters at a news conference on Thursday that Russia wanted to know which experts were involved in the tests on the toxin used in March 4 attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the city of Salisbury.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a global chemical weapons watchdog, is investigating the case.

The tests will be conducted by international chemical weapons inspectors on a suspected nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy in England

Russia's ambassador to Britain said Moscow would accept the results of tests by international chemical weapons inspectors on a suspected nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy in England but only if the process was transparent. Alexander Yakovenko told reporters at a news conference on Thursday that Russia wanted to know which experts were involved in the tests on the toxin used in March 4 attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the city of Salisbury. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a global chemical weapons watchdog, is investigating the case.

Moscow will accept results of nerve agent tests, if process is transparent: Russia's UK envoy

Yulia Skripal made her first public comment on Thursday since being poisoned in Britain last month along with her ex-Russian agent father Sergei, saying the "entire episode is somewhat disorientating".

The Skripals were found slumped on a bench in the southern English city of Salisbury on March 4 in a nerve agent attack that the British government has blamed on Russia, although Moscow denies any involvement.

"I woke up over a week ago now and am glad to say my strength is growing daily. I am grateful for the interest in me and for the many messages of goodwill that I have received," Yulia Skripal, 33, said in a statement issued by London police.

"I am sure you appreciate that the entire episode is somewhat disorientating, and I hope that you'll respect my privacy and that of my family during the period of my convalescence."

She said she wanted to thank the hospital staff treating her and the people who came to her help when "when my father and I were incapacitated".

The attack left the Skripals in a critical condition, but on March 29 the hospital where they are being treated said Yulia was getting better. Hospital bosses said her father was still in a critical but stable condition in an intensive care unit.

Earlier on Thursday, Russian state TV and Interfax reported that Yulia had phoned her cousin Viktoria Skripal in Russia, saying she and her father were both recovering and that she expected to leave hospital soon. "Everything is fine, everything is fixable, everyone is getting better, everyone is alive," they quoted her as saying in the call.

When asked about her father's health, Yulia was cited by them as saying: "Everything is fine, he is resting right now, sleeping. Everyone's health is fine, nobody has any problems that can't be put right. I will soon be discharging myself (from hospital)."

Russian state TV said it could not vouch for the authenticity of the quotes.

Viktoria Skripal, Sergei's niece, has said she plans to travel to England and try to bring Yulia back to Russia.

Yulia Skripal made her first public comment on Thursday since being poisoned in Britain last month along with her ex-Russian agent father Sergei

Yulia Skripal made her first public comment on Thursday since being poisoned in Britain last month along with her ex-Russian agent father Sergei, saying the "entire episode is somewhat disorientating". The Skripals were found slumped on a bench in the southern English city of Salisbury on March 4 in a nerve agent attack that the British government has blamed on Russia, although Moscow denies any involvement. "I woke up over a week ago now and am glad to say my strength is growing daily. I am grateful for the interest in me and for the many messages of goodwill that I have received," Yulia Skripal, 33, said in a statement issued by London police. "I am sure you appreciate that the entire episode is somewhat disorientating, and I hope that you'll respect my privacy and that of my family during the period of my convalescence." She said she wanted to thank the hospital staff treating her and the people who came to her help when "when my father and I were incapacitated". The attack left the Skripals in a critical condition, but on March 29 the hospital where they are being treated said Yulia was getting better. Hospital bosses said her father was still in a critical but stable condition in an intensive care unit. Earlier on Thursday, Russian state TV and Interfax reported that Yulia had phoned her cousin Viktoria Skripal in Russia, saying she and her father were both recovering and that she expected to leave hospital soon. "Everything is fine, everything is fixable, everyone is getting better, everyone is alive," they quoted her as saying in the call. When asked about her father's health, Yulia was cited by them as saying: "Everything is fine, he is resting right now, sleeping. Everyone's health is fine, nobody has any problems that can't be put right. I will soon be discharging myself (from hospital)." Russian state TV said it could not vouch for the authenticity of the quotes. Viktoria Skripal, Sergei's niece, has said she plans to travel to England and try to bring Yulia back to Russia.

Daughter of ex-spy poisoned in UK says case is 'somewhat disorientating'

Uk, News on Uk, stories on Uk, articles on Uk, Uk stories at Wion, Uk news, Uk latest news