Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 21:53:44 GMT
Poland has reached 100,000 Covid-related deaths
WARSAW, Poland: Poland has emerged as the most recent country in Europe to have reported 100,000 fatalities linked to COVID-19, occurring at a time when the country gears up for a Covid Omicron spike.Almost one-quarter of these fatalities, or some 24,000, were reported during the latest COVID-19 wave, which began in October.Adam Niedzielski, Poland's minister of health, announced on January 11 that 493 ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:59:48 GMT
Half of Europe to be infected with Omicron, warns WHO
BRUSSELS, Belgium: Based on the 7 million new cases reported across Europe in the first week of 2022, the World Health Organization has warned that half of Europe will contract the Omicron Covid variant in the next six to eight weeks."Today, the Omicron variant represents a new west-to-east tidal wave, sweeping across the region on top of the Delta surge that all countries were managing until late 2021," the EU...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 11:56:12 GMT
Sicily's famed Scala dei Turchi cliffs streaked red by vandals
PALERMO, Sicily: An investigation has been launched after Sicily's famed Scala dei Turchi cliffs were vandalized overnight on January 7.The white marble cliffs shaped like a staircase, which attract thousands of tourists annually, were streaked red.Sicily President Nello Musumeci condemned the "cowardly gesture."The Scala dei Turchi, which was said to have once been a hiding place for pirates, a...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 07:31:57 GMT
Poland-EU dispute heats up over disciplining judges
WARSAW, Poland: Ahead of an 11th January European Union (EU) deadline for Warsaw to inform Brussels of how and when it will dismantle Poland's Supreme Court's Disciplinary Chamber, a Polish minister has accused Brussels of making "illegal demands."Poland would have to pay at least €70 million in fines, endure delays in receiving further billions to support its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 08:35:17 GMT
Microsoft Discloses Malware Attack on Ukraine Government Networks
BOSTON - Microsoft said late Saturday that dozens of computer systems at an unspecified number of Ukrainian government agencies have been infected with destructive malware disguised as ransomware, a disclosure suggesting an attention-grabbing defacement attack on official websites was a diversion. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear.The attack comes as the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine l...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 08:12:56 GMT
The surprising place where sex change tourism is booming
Thailand was always considered the ?go-to? overseas destination for gender-change surgery, but not anymore. India is going through an "exponential rise" in patients.Since the mid-1970s, foreigners have flown into Thailand as men and lat...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 08:12:09 GMT
Thousands protest against tougher Covid rules in France
Protesters marched against the vaccine pass and tighter Covid restrictions in ParisMore than 50,000 people protested against stricter Covid-19 measures in France on Saturday, as the upper house of parliament approved a bill introducing a vaccine pass.Around 54,000 people protested across the country, including 7,000 who marched in the capital, according to the Interior Ministry.Som...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 07:55:30 GMT
What are Arctic mirages
An illusory sun, forests, mountains and even entire phantom islands can be observed above the Arctic Circle.Imagine you are looking up at the winter sky when you begin to see glacial mountains and the outlines of trees through a haze. These optical illusions occur regularly in the Arctic.Fata Morgana...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 07:55:28 GMT
Beijing's economic, political clout reason behind Turkey's silence over Uyghur issue: report
Ankara [Turkey], January 16 (ANI): As international condemnation increases over the China's crackdown of the Uyghur minority, a growing number of experts and activists in Turkey are criticizing Ankara over it's deliberate silence on Uyghur issue and said that Beijing's economic and political clout is the reason behind it.
Around 50 thousands of Uyghur people are estimated to live in Turkey- the Diaspora largest outside of...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 07:15:17 GMT
Australian Court Upholds Cancellation Of Djokovic's Visa
BREAKING: Australia's Federal Court upholds the cancellation of top tennis player Novak Djokovic's Australian visa.This is a developing story.More to follow.***A court hearing for Novak Djokovic's appeal against deportation has ended in Australia's Federal Court, and a verdict is expected within hours.The decision on whether 34-year-old Serbian tennis star, who is unvaccinated against...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:18:25 GMT
Thousands protest over Europe's first mandatory vaccine plan
The Austrian government's plan to make vaccination against Covid-19 mandatory has sparked mass protestsThousands of Austrians took to the streets of Vienna to protest against an upcoming parliamentary vote to make Covid-19 vaccines mandatory, with demonstrators calling for the government to be replaced.Protesters carried Austrian flags through the streets on Saturday as police in riot gea...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:18:19 GMT
Bundesliga: Lewandowski hat-trick in Munich's win helps striker reach 300 league goals
Berlin [Germany], January 16 (ANI): Robert Lewandowski added another feather to his illustrious cap on Saturday after the Polish striker smashed a hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 4-0 win against Cologne bringing the 33-year-old to 300 goals in Germany's top division.
He is only the second player to reach that milestone after Gerd Muller did so against Hertha Berlin in 1976, Lewandowski is continuing to make inroads on the Ge...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:15:21 GMT
Australian Court Adjourns To Consider Verdict In Djokovic Visa Case
A court hearing for Novak Djokovic's appeal against deportation has ended in Australia's Federal Court, and a verdict is expected within hours.The decision on whether 34-year-old Serbian tennis star, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, will be allowed to stay in Melbourne and compete in the Australian Open now lies in the hands of a three-judge panel that heard his appeal of the cancellation of his visa....[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:13:06 GMT
Tanks in European streets explained by Russia
Armored vehicles were pictured rolling through the streets of a Swedish town as the military cited ?tensions? between Russia and UkraineSweden has moved to ramp up security on the largest Baltic Sea island of Gotland with a view to ?adapting? its security strategy to the ?tense situation? on the Russian-Ukrainian border, located some 1,700km southeast.Residents of the sleepy town of Visby...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:13:04 GMT
Thousands protest Europe's first mandatory vaccine plan
The Austrian government's plan to make vaccination against Covid-19 mandatory has sparked mass protestsThousands of Austrians took to the streets of Vienna in protest of an upcoming parliamentary vote to make Covid-19 vaccines mandatory, with protesters calling for the government to be replaced.Protesters carried Austrian flags through the streets on Saturday as police in riot gear holdin...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:13:02 GMT
US official threatens Russia with 'sharp pain inflicted very fast
Top US diplomat vowed a swift response should Russia ?invade? Ukraine in ?any form?The US has some 18 ?different scenarios? up its sleeve to react to Moscow invading its neighbor, Victoria Nuland has said, promising to inflict 'sharp pain? on Russia should it make such a move.Nuland, who currently serves as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs in the Joe Biden administration, ma...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 05:27:21 GMT
Mohammad Nabi rules himself out as Afghanistan named squad for Netherlands ODIs
Doha [Qatar], January 16 (ANI): Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) selection committee has announced the 18-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against the Netherlands which gets underway from January 21.
Afghanistan and Netherlands will lock in a three-match ODI series from January 21 in Doha. The ODI series is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, which counts towards qualification for the ICC Men's Cricket ...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 04:40:19 GMT
Evil Geniuses post strong opening in Day 2 at LCS Lock-In
The 2022 LCS Lock-In preseason tournament continued Saturday with Group B's first showing as Evil Geniuses took early possession of first place with wins over the other two most promising teams in the group.
In a day that was more competitive than Group A on Friday, Evil Geniuses (2-0) made a bigsplash in their season debut against Team Liquid (1-1), who had looked strong in their earlier win against Dignitas (1-1).
Tea...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 04:27:17 GMT
'Too much tension on border', says Peskov commenting on Ukraine situation
Moscow [Russia], January 16 (ANI/Sputnik): Russia cannot stress the importance of talks on security guarantees enough, since the situation on the border with Ukraine raises concerns, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria.
"We are insisting on solving the situation, solving the problem, because we have too much tension on the border. We have too much tension in this part of Europe. ...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 03:55:16 GMT
Thousands protest against COVID-19 vaccine passes across France: Reports
Paris [France] January 16 (ANI/ Sputnik): About 54,000 people participated in demonstrations against COVID-19 vaccine passes held across France on Saturday, radio France Bleu reports.
During the demonstrations, police detained at least ten people, four of whom rallied in Paris, where a total of 7,000 protesters gathered on Saturday, France Bleu said citing Interior Ministry data.
Last weekend, about 105,000 people took pa...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 00:12:13 GMT
Ukraine says Russia not responsible for massive cyberattack
Kiev claims ?cyber espionage? group backed by Belarusian intelligence hacked Ukrainian websitesFriday's massive cyberattack targeting Ukrainian government agencies was carried out by a group linked to Belarusian intelligence services, a senior Kiev security official claimed in a statement on Saturday."Our preliminary belief is that the group UNC1151 may be involved in this attack," the De...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 22:19:54 GMT
Ukraine names alleged perpetrator of massive cyberattack
Kiev claims a ?cyber espionage? group backed by Belarus? intelligence hacked Ukrainian websitesFriday's massive cyberattack targeting Ukrainian government agencies was carried out by a group linked to Belarusian intelligence services, a senior Kiev security official said in a statement on Saturday."We believe preliminarily that the group UNC1151 may be involved in this attack," the Deputy...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 20:55:06 GMT
Tens of thousands hold rival vaccine protests across Germany
Berlin [Germany], January 16 (ANI/Sputnik): Tens of thousands of vaccination supporters and pandemic deniers rallied across Germany on Saturday as tight COVID-19 restrictions continued to apply to those resisting the shot.
Around 8,500 people took to the streets in the southwestern city of Freiburg, according to the public broadcaster ARD. Some 6,000 of them protested curbs on public and private life, while 2,500 staged a...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 20:12:09 GMT
Ukraine icon Shevchenko axed by football club after 11 games
The Ukraine legend has been sacked from his first job since leaving the national team after a dismal start to his tenureFormer AC Milan and Chelsea star Andriy Shevchenko has been fired by Italian club Genoa after managing just one victory since taking charge of the Serie A side in November 2021.The six-time Ukrainian Footballer of the Year, who is hailed by many as being among the finest...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:37:02 GMT
Kosovo Bans Serbian Vote on Constitutional Changes on its Soil
PRISTINA - Kosovo's parliament on Saturday passed a resolution banning ethnic Serbs from voting on Kosovan soil in Serbia's national referendum on constitutional amendments.Serbia will hold a referendum on Sunday on amendments to the constitution that would change how judges and prosecutors are elected, a move the government says is aimed at securing an independent judiciary, a condition for EU membership....[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:18:31 GMT
Study finds long-term exposure to air pollution may increase COVID-19 risk
Washington [US], January 15 (ANI): Long term exposure to ambient air pollution mayheighten the risk of COVID-19 infection, suggests recent research.
The findings were published in the journal 'Occupational and Environmental Medicine'.
The association was strongest for particulate matter, with an average annual raise of 1 ug/m3 linked to a 5 per cent increase in the infection rate. This equates to an extra 294 cases/100,00...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:18:29 GMT
Russia reports 27,179 new COVID-19 cases
Moscow [Russia], January 15 (ANI/Sputnik): Russia has confirmed 27,179 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which brings the cumulative total to 1,07,74,304, the federal response centre said on Saturday.
Moscow logged the highest tally of 6,555 new infections in the past 24 hours, followed by Saint Petersburg with 3,314, and the Moscow region with 2,589 new cases.
Over the past 24 hours, 723 deaths of patients with...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:18:28 GMT
After Tonga's volcano eruption; Russia, Japan issue tsunami warnings
Moscow [Russia], January 15 (ANI): Russia and Japan issued tsunami warnings after a massive undersea volcanic eruption in the island country of Tonga caused a wave surge in the Pacific, reported Sputnik.
The underwater eruption could trigger waves of up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) in Russia's Kuril Islands, Sputnik quoted Russian emergency authorities in the Pacific coast district of Sakhalin as saying.
Meanwhile, the Ja...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:15:25 GMT
Negotiators In Iran Nuclear Talks Return Home For Consultations
Negotiators from Europe and Iran returned to their home countries for consultations as talks aimed at renewing the 2015 nuclear deal reached a key juncture point.Iran's IRNA news agency said on January 15 that the negotiators would return to Vienna in two days but that expert discussions would continue through the weekend.The landmark deal, which lifted crippling Western economic sanctions in exchange for...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:13:22 GMT
DNA test to be added to Covid screening
People most at risk from coronavirus can be identified with a simple genetic check, health officials sayThe Polish Health Ministry is planning to introduce a new type of screening for coronavirus after a gene was discovered that determines the likelihood of a patient suffering from severe or fatal Covid-19.People most at risk of suffering the severest effects or even dying of coronavirus ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:13:18 GMT
Kanye West has unexpected fan in Russia
The American rapper's music is a hit with one of Moscow's most senior officialsFollowing rumors that Kanye West is looking to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stage performances in the country, Moscow's deputy foreign minister has voiced his admiration of the US hip-hop star's work.Speaking as part of an interview on Thursday with RTVI TV channel, Sergey Ryabkov revealed his...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:13:12 GMT
Fan medical emergency hits football match again
Another troubling incident has taken place at a game in EnglandIn a season plagued by fans falling ill in the stands, yet another English football match has been delayed because of a medical emergency ? the second-tier game between Millwall and Nottingham Forest.Just two weeks after a fan collapsed in the crowd during Tottenham's Premier League trip to Watford, London club Millwall announ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:13:01 GMT
Locals fed up with censorship are glad to rename village
Residents of ?Fucke? have unanimously decided to rename their village, but the process will be long, with no guarantee of successThe inhabitants of the small Swedish village of Fucke have formally applied to change its name, citing social-media frustrations and censorship as the reason for their discontent with the 16th-century name.The process was launched last year, when a holiday cotta...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:12:56 GMT
Djokovic fans protest outside Australian Open
Supporters took to the home of the tournament after their hero had his visa canceled again over his Covid vaccination statusNovak Djokovic backers have performed their latest lively demonstration outside the Rod Laver Arena home of the first Grand Slam of 2022 after the Australian government denied the tennis superstar permission to remain again.Hugely popular Djokovic is being detained f...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:06:43 GMT
Russia Detains 3 More Suspected REvil Group Members
MOSCOW - A Moscow court on Saturday remanded in custody three more suspected members of the ransomware crime group REvil for illegal trafficking of funds, a day after Russia claimed it had dismantled the group at the request of the United States.The court identified the three men as Mikhail Golovachuk, Ruslan Khansvyarov and Dmitry Korotayev.In a rare apparent demonstration of U.S.-Russian collaboration a...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:05:40 GMT
Mali Gives Airlines 72 Hours to Confirm Service
BAMAKO, MALI - After several airlines discontinued service to Mali due to new regional sanctions, the country's government has responded with its own economic threat.Mali's military government Friday gave airlines 72 hours, starting Jan. 15, to confirm their service to Mali with the country's National Civil Aviation Agency or lose their time slots.In a statement, Transport Minister Madina Sissoko, said th...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:37:03 GMT
Lower House of French parliament approves bill to enact stricter vaccine pass measures
Paris [France] January 15 (ANI/ Sputnik) : France's National Assembly has adopted on second reading a bill to toughen vaccine passes across the country amid the ongoing increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
"Strengthening the means of combating the sanitary crisis and changing the public health code. The National Assembly adopted the bill on a new reading," the lower house wrote on Twitter.
According to the bill, a va...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:37:02 GMT
Aaron Eckhart to star in action film 'The Bricklayer', produced by Gerard Butler
Washington [US], January 15 (ANI): Aaron Eckhart has been roped in to lead Renny Harlin's action-thriller movie 'The Bricklayer'.
As per Deadline, the Expendables outfit Millennium Media is producing with Gerard Butler after both had teamed up with Eckhart on the lucrative 'Has Fallen' franchise.
In 'The Bricklayer', someone is blackmailing the CIA by assassinating foreign journalists and making it look like the agency is...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:18:24 GMT
Iran nuclear talks progressing amid "better atmosphere"
© Provided by Xinhua by Xinhua writer Gao WenchengTEHRAN, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chief negotiators of Iran and three European countries on Friday temporarily returned to their capitals for consultations as expert talks continue, providing the latest evid...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:18:10 GMT
Intensive interaction between China, Mideast countries to strengthen ties
© Provided by Xinhua CAIRO/BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The latest round of intensive interaction between China and several Middle East countries, as well as between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will enhance Chi...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 16:19:07 GMT
WTA roundup: Madison Keys coasts to title win in Adelaide
Madison Keys claimed her sixth WTA singles title in short order on Saturday, breezing to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over fellow American Alison Riske in the final of the Adelaide International 2 in Adelaide, Australia.
Keys, 26, dispatched Riske in 66 minutes after needing three-set victories over No. 2 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, No. 8 Liudmila Samsonova of Russia and No. 3 Coco Gauff.
Keys broke Riske in her opening service g...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 15:18:17 GMT
US points to weighing 'important geostrategic considerations' on India's S-400 purchase
By Reena BhardwajWashington [US], January 15 (ANI): US President Joe Biden's nominee for Coordinator for Sanctions Policy James O'Brien has hinted at a "balance" in US approach on India's requirements for Russian S-400 missile defence systems, vis-a-vis Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
On Wednesday O'Brien appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his nomination confirmatio...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:12:15 GMT
18yo Russian not very happy after becoming Euro ice champ
The prodigy is heading to the Winter Olympics after winning gold at the European Figure Skating ChampionshipsMark Kondratiuk continued his meteoric rise and sealed a place at the Beijing Games by becoming continental champion for the first time ? then spoke of his misgivings and pledged to hand a medal to his coach.Russian champion Kondratiuk, who was a little-known competitor until last ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:12:11 GMT
Gazprom takes EU state to court
Russian energy giant seeks arbitration against Poland's main gas retailer over contract priceGazprom Export has applied for international arbitration in its dispute with PGNiG over an upward revision of a gas contract price, a demand the Polish state-owned gas monopoly has said it would fight in court."As business negotiations on the price revision in line with above requests did not lead...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:12:09 GMT
DNA test can show whether patients will survive Covid
People most at risk from coronavirus can be identified with a simple genetic check, health officials sayThe Polish Health Ministry is planning to introduce a new type of screening for coronavirus after a gene was discovered that determines the likelihood of a patient suffering from severe or fatal Covid-19.People most at risk of suffering the severest effects or even dying of coronavirus ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:07:07 GMT
China, Iran Begin Implementation of Sweeping Strategic Agreement
BEIJING - China said Saturday it would begin implementing a strategic agreement with Iran, strengthening economic and political cooperation between the two countries as Beijing blasted Washington's sanctions on Tehran.China and Iran signed the agreement last year after years of talks, with the wide-ranging partnership set to span areas including energy, security, infrastructure and communications.Chinese ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:03:34 GMT
Bankrupt British-Pakistani hired to kill blogger activist in Netherlands
London [United Kingdom], January 15 (ANI): The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has told the Kingston Magistrates' Court that British- Pakistani man Muhammad Gohir Khan was hired to kill blogger and activist Ahmad Waqass Goraya in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Starting the murder conspiracy trial at the court before 12-members jury, the crown prosecutor explained in full over two days how Mohammed Khan entered into an agreement ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 13:35:43 GMT
Ethiopia Objects to Alleged 'Misconduct' of WHO Chief Tedros
GENEVA - The government of Ethiopia has sent a letter to the World Health Organization, accusing its Ethiopian director-general of "misconduct" after his sharp criticism of the war and humanitarian crisis in the country.Ethiopia nominated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to be the head of the U.N. health agency four years ago, but says he has "not lived up to the integrity and professional expectations required from h...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 12:44:20 GMT
Installations of China light festival attract visitors in Belgium
ANTWERP, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The sixth edition of China light festival themed "Alice in Wonderland" was held at the Antwerp Zoo in Antwerp, Belgium, recently. Around 130 pieces of light installations attracted a lot of visitors from Belgium and abroad.© Provided by Xinhua ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 12:12:15 GMT
US to train Ukrainian insurgents in EU media
Washington reportedly considering arming and training Ukrainians if Russia ?occupies? neighborThe US is mulling a strategy of subverting Moscow's aims, without direct involvement, in case it invades Ukraine, the New York Times reported on Friday, adding that it may involve arming and training Ukrainian fighters in Europe.American President Joe Biden has apparently not made up his mind abo...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 11:27:20 GMT
Tata Open Maharashtra: Top-5 players to watch out for in singles
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], January 15 (ANI): Tata Open Maharashtra, South Asia's only ATP Tour tournament, owned by IMG and operated by RISE Worldwide in India, is all set to make its much-anticipated return at Pune's Balewadi Stadium with its 4th edition, scheduled from January 31 to February 6.
The prestigious tournament, which couldn't take place last year due to COVID-19 Pandemic, is one of the oldest tournaments in ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 11:19:01 GMT
Germany has lost its economic freedom Russia
Lack of certification demonstrates that Berlin can?t perform ordinary commercial activities, says MoscowThe ongoing saga with the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and its long wait for approval and certification shows that Germany has no freedom to pursue its own economic interests, Russia's foreign minister has claimed.Speaking to the Russian First Channel on Thursday, Sergey Lavrov suggested ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 11:18:58 GMT
Russia makes vaccine passports policy change
Officials say the proposed legislation is not suited to the current coronavirus situationRussian lawmakers have postponed consideration of a bill that would introduce a nationwide system of QR-code vaccine passes, saying that the law needs to be adapted to deal with the new Omicron variant of Covid-19.Tatyana Golikova, the deputy prime minister for social policy, labor, health and pension...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 10:13:05 GMT
Nord Stream 2 shows Germany has lost its economic freedom Lavrov
Lack of certification demonstrates that Berlin can?t perform ordinary commercial activities, says MoscowThe ongoing saga with the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and its long wait for approval and certification shows that Germany has no freedom to pursue its own economic interests, Russia's foreign minister has claimed.Speaking to the Russian First Channel on Thursday, Sergey Lavrov suggested ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 10:13:00 GMT
Putin would eat Zelensky for breakfast in talks former Ukrainian PM
Ukrainian leader has been warned to tread carefully in his dealings with the Russian presidentUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should avoid direct discussions with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Kiev's former prime minister has advised, amid flaring tensions between the two states.Speaking as part of an appearance at the Kiev Security Forum, which was broadcast by the YouT...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 10:12:56 GMT
Russia shelves plans for nationwide vaccine passports
Officials say the proposed legislation is not suited to the current coronavirus situationRussian lawmakers have postponed consideration of a bill that would introduce a nationwide system of QR-code vaccine passes, saying that the law needs to be adapted to deal with the new Omicron variant of Covid-19.Tatyana Golikova, the deputy prime minister for social policy, labor, health and pension...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:49:17 GMT
Turkey's ban on dangerous dogs raises concern about animals' welfare
© Provided by Xinhua "There is no such thing as dangerous dogs but dangerous owners," a Turkish animal activist commented on the ban on dangerous dogs imposed in Turkey.by Burak AkinciANKARA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Following a ser...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:37:05 GMT
Study finds copper-based chemicals might be leading to ozone layer depletion
California [US], January 15 (ANI): A new study has found that copper released into the environment from brake pads, antifouling paints, and other sources may be contributing significantly to stratospheric ozone depletion.
The research has been published in the 'Nature Communications Journal'.
UC Berkeley geochemists showed that copper in soil and seawater acts as a catalyst to turn organic matter into both methyl bromide ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:36:02 GMT
Opposition Leader Kem Sokha's Trial to Go Ahead, Cambodia Says
The trial on treason charges of Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha will go ahead as scheduled on Jan. 19, with the government refusing to interfere, a government spokesperson said Friday.Options for Kem Sokha's release can be considered once the trial ends, however, spokesperson Phay Siphan told RFA. "In Cambodia, we can have political solutions only after the cases in court conclude."When Kem Sokha's ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:18:21 GMT
Polish Foreign Minister Rau to visit Moscow in mid-February
Warsaw [Poland], January 15 (ANI/Sputnik): Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, who is concurrently the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow in mid-February, Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Lukasz Jasina said on Saturday.
"In the middle of the next month - most likely on February 15 - the OSCE chairman w...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 08:27:23 GMT
Japan, France to hold security talks in mid-January: Reports
Beijing [China], January 15 (ANI): Japan and France intend to hold virtual two-plus-two security talks in mid-January to discuss China's assertive territorial claims in the East and South China seas and North Korea's nuclear and missile development, reported Kyodo News Agency quoting Japanese government sources on Friday.
This comes at a time of China's rising maritime assertiveness and North Korea on Friday carried out w...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 08:07:20 GMT
Tarnished Gold: Illegal Amazon Gold Seeps into Supply Chains
To match the festive spirit of South America's first Olympics, officials from Brazil, the host country for the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, boasted that the medals hung around the necks of athletes on the winners' podium were also a victory for the environment: The gold was produced free of mercury and the silver recycled from thrown away X-ray plates and mirrors.Five years on, the refiner that provided the gol...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 08:07:06 GMT
In Ukraine's Trenches, Strays Bring Respite to Russia-Wary Troops
With Russian troops massing and the specter of war looming over the trenches of eastern Ukraine, soldiers in the dugouts have found solace in the unlikely companionship of stray cats and dogs.In a muddy and freezing trench near the town of Avdiivka, 21-year-old Ukrainian soldier Mykyta was petting a dog adopted by the troops as he explained how she had become a valued asset on the frontline.'She immediate...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 07:03:27 GMT
India emerged as 'global pharmacy' as world continues to reel under COVID variants
New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): While the world is still reeling under the Wuhan virus, India emerged as a 'saviour' by providing medicines globally across the continent, amply describing the epithet - the pharmacy of the world.
India has delivered 1154.173 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 97 countries till December 31, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
India on January 16 will mark the first anniversa...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 07:03:26 GMT
NATO Chief condemns cyberattacks on Ukraine, assures to sign deal on enhanced cyber cooperation
Brussels [Belgium], January 15 (ANI): North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg strongly condemned the cyber attacks on the Ukrainian Government and said that in the coming days, NATO and Ukraine will sign an agreement on enhanced cyber cooperation on Friday.
In a statment, NATO chief said, "I strongly condemn the cyber attacks on the Ukrainian Government."The organization also said that...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 06:27:10 GMT
India emerged as 'global pharmacy' as world continues to real under COVID variants
New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): While the world is still reeling under the Wuhan virus, India emerged as a 'saviour' by providing medicines globally across the continent, amply describing the epithet - the pharmacy of the world.
India has delivered 1154.173 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 97 countries till December 31, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
India on January 16 will mark the first anniversa...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 06:13:10 GMT
US responds to Russian arrest of ransomware hackers
The Biden administration said one of the suspected hackers arrested in Russia was to blame for the Colonial Pipeline attackThe Biden administration is ?pleased? about Russia arresting several suspected hackers, including one allegedly behind the ransomware attack that led to week-long fuel shortages last year.A senior administration official, speaking with reporters on Friday, said Moscow...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 06:07:31 GMT
White House Offers Support to Ukraine Following Cyberattack
The White House reached out to Ukraine on Friday to offer its support after several of Kyiv's government agencies suffered a cyberattack, as tensions simmered between Russia and Ukraine.A White House National Security Council spokesman told VOA that U.S. President Joe Biden was briefed on the attack, which shut down as many as 15 of Ukraine's government websites. The spokesman said the NSC has offered whatever s...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 06:07:29 GMT
Observers Welcome Dialogue Between Turkey, Armenia
ANKARA, TURKEY - Special envoys from Turkey and Armenia met in Moscow on Friday for the first round of talks to normalize the decades-long strained relations between the two countries.Some experts in Turkey view the meeting as "a hopeful first step," given that Turkey and Armenia have had no diplomatic relations since the 1990s."We are glad that the dialogue has started after many years. We are here talki...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 06:07:27 GMT
Former Danish Defense Minister Charged with State Secret Leaks
COPENHAGEN - Denmark's former defense minister Claus Hjort Frederiksen said on Friday he has been charged with violating a section of the penal code which includes treason for leaking state secrets.Frederiksen, who served as defense minister from 2016-19, was charged with the rarely used section 109 of the code, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison, although it was not clear exactly what he was...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 06:07:25 GMT
Lisbon Fined for Sharing Protesters' Data with Targeted Embassies
LISBON - The mayor's office in Lisbon has been fined $1.4 million for sharing the personal data of protest organizers with embassies of countries targeted by the protests, Portugal's data protection commission said on Friday.The mayor's office came under fire in June 2021 when Ksenia Ashrafullina, a Russian-Portuguese organizer of a protest rally in Lisbon, said she had received an email showing the city hall ha...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 06:06:24 GMT
North Korea Fires Missiles From Train in Third Launch of 2022
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - North Korea's latest launch involved a pair of missiles fired from a train, North Korean state media reported, offering details about what was already its third launch this year.Pictures posted by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) showed a pair of dark green missiles emerging from a rail-based launch platform in a mountainous area filled with exhaust plumes.North Korean leader Kim...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 06:05:57 GMT
Europe Sees Hope for Eventual Deal in Mali
WASHINGTON - A key European diplomat believes there is still a chance to defuse the growing political crisis in Mali that has seen the country's interim military government clash repeatedly in recent days with both its neighbors and members of the international community.Emanuela Del Re, the European Union's special representative for the Sahel, criticized Mali's current rulers for provoking countries in the reg...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:55:22 GMT
Pak-China-Turkey nexus a cause of serious concern for Greece
Athens [Greece], January 15 (ANI): Pakistan supports Turkey's claim on Cyprus and the growing relationship between the two countries can become a cause of worry for Greece.
Greece and Turkey have been involved in the long ongoing conflict in Cyprus and the international community is trying to negotiate a settlement between the two nations on the conflict, reported InsideOver.
Though all the European Union states back Gree...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:27:21 GMT
Russian embassy viewing White House remarks about Ukraine as information pressure
Moscow [Russia], January 15 (ANI/Sputnik): The Russian Embassy to the United States has described the recent remarks of the White House about Moscow's alleged preparations for an invasion of Ukraine as information pressure.
"Such statements confirm the incessant information pressure on our country. Moreover, the same scenario is repeated: there is a 'stuffing' of a sensation, which then, repeated many times by the media, ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:27:20 GMT
Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Maldives, Sri Lanka generates fears of deeper debt-trap: Report
Beijing [China], January 15 (ANI): Amid the continuous rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant across the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Maldives and Sri Lanka but failed to make gains as nationalist Sri Lankans and Maldivians felt that their sovereignty is being incrementally eroded by China through coercive use of debt-trap diplomacy, said a European-based think tank.
Sri Lankans, especiall...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:27:11 GMT
US intelligence points to possible Russian false-flag operation in Ukraine
By Reena BhardwajWashington [US], January 15 (ANI): The US Intelligence agencies monitoring Russian cyber operations against Ukraine believe Russia's pattern of activity could signal a ground invasion of Ukraine within the next 30 days, US officials said on Friday.
"We do have information that indicates that Russia is already working actively to create a pretext for a potential invasion, for a move on Ukraine," Pentagon P...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:12:12 GMT
US government clears way for spy gear sale to France
The multi-million dollar deal still must be approved by US lawmakersFrance is looking to purchase some $88 million in intelligence equipment from the United States, with the State Department authorizing the possible sale of eight high-tech drone surveillance systems."This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by helping t...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:12:10 GMT
US pleased with Russian arrest of ransomware hackers
Biden administration said one of the suspected hackers arrested in Russia was to blame for the Colonial Pipeline attackThe Biden administration is ?pleased? about Russia arresting several suspected hackers, including one allegedly behind the ransomware attack that led to week-long fuel shortages last year.A senior administration official, speaking with reporters on Friday, said Moscow had...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 23:45:18 GMT
U.S. Deports Second Russian Hacker After Long Prison Term Ends
The United States has sent another Russian hacker back home after serving years in U.S. prison.Aleksandr Panin, the primary developer of a prolific malware known as SpyEye, was deported to Russia on January 5, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in a statement to RFE/RL.Panin was released on November 8 after serving more than eight years in a Mississippi prison and turned over to ICE custo...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 23:19:02 GMT
NATO touts Ukraine deal after massive cyberattack
The bloc is offering additional backing to Kiev after the government reportedly took a major hit in cyberspaceNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has condemned a hacking attempt on Ukraine that was said to have disrupted several government websites. He announced that the alliance would sign a cyber-security deal with Kiev within days.The overnight cyberattack on Ukrainian government a...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 23:16:32 GMT
Rare condition listed as possible side effect of COVID-19 shots
The EU's drug watchdog is warning of a ?very rare? spinal cord inflammation possibly related to AstraZeneca and J&J vaccinesThe European Medicines Agency wants to put warning labels on Covid-19 jabs made by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, saying there was a ?reasonable possibility? they may have caused a spinal inflammation on rare occasions.Following three days of meetings and discuss...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 22:35:47 GMT
UN Weekly Roundup, January 8-14, 2022
Editor's note: Here is a fast take on what the international community has been up to this past week, as seen from the United Nations perch.UN appeals for $5 billion for Afghanistan, neighborsSecretary-General Antonio Guterres said this week that time is running out to stop the humanitarian nightmare that is unfolding in Afghanistan. On Tuesday, the United Nations launched a record aid ap...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 22:12:17 GMT
NATO touts Ukraine deal after massive attack
The bloc is offering additional backing to Kiev after the government reportedly took a major hit in cyberspaceNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has condemned a hacking attempt on Ukraine that was said to have disrupted several government websites. He announced that the alliance would sign a cyber-security deal with Kiev within days.The overnight cyberattack on Ukrainian government a...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 21:36:39 GMT
Elephants Dying from Eating Plastic Waste in Sri Lankan Dump
Conservationists and veterinarians are warning that plastic waste in an open landfill in eastern Sri Lanka is killing elephants in the region, after two more were found dead last weekend.Around 20 elephants have died over the last eight years after consuming plastic trash in the dump in Pallakkadu village in Ampara district, about 210 kilometers (130 miles) east of the capital, Colombo.Examinations of the...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:40:13 GMT
Sporting KC acquires Belgian youth Logan Ndenbe
Sporting Kansas City bolstered its back line Friday, announcing the addition of Logan Ndenbe.
The 21-year-old Belgian youth international left back comes to Sporting KC via transfer from Guingamp, a club in France's second professional division.
Sporting KC has signed Ndenbe to a three-year contract with an option for 2025. He'll occupy one of the club's international roster spots.
Despite his youth, Ndenbe has been a ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:13:03 GMT
Senior Navalny allies added to Russia's terrorist & extremist list
Their bank accounts will now immediately be frozenLeonid Volkov and Ivan Zhdanov, two close allies of the jailed Russian opposition activist Alexey Navalny, have been added to a state register of extremists. They were placed on an international wanted list last year.The two men's names were registered on the website of Rosfinmonitoring, Russia's financial monitoring service, on Friday....[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:13:01 GMT
Russia responds to US false flag claims
The Kremlin says there is no evidence for ?hearsay? accusations of Russian ?operatives? set to frame UkraineAfter Western media carried reports, on Friday, citing unnamed US officials, claiming that Russia is preparing a ?false flag? incident in order to invade Ukraine, the Kremlin has dismissed them as baseless and unfounded rumors."So far, all these statements have been unsubstantiated ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:12:59 GMT
NATO reacts to massive cyberattack on Ukraine
The bloc is offering additional backing to Kiev after the government reportedly took a major hit in cyberspaceNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has condemned a hacking attempt on Ukraine that was said to have disrupted several government websites. He announced that the alliance would sign a cyber-security deal with Kiev within days.The overnight cyberattack on Ukrainian government a...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:12:57 GMT
Restaurants to stay closed as Dutch relax Covid restrictions
Other businesses will be opening for the first time since strict orders were imposed in DecemberDutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has announced that the country will be easing back on some of its tough Covid restrictions, despite a growing number of infections and amid protests from those businesses that have to remain closed.Non-essential businesses such as gyms, and hair and beauty salons...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 19:37:30 GMT
Turkey, Armenia Hold First Talks in Years on Normalizing Ties
ANKARA/MOSCOW - Turkey and Armenia on Friday said a first round of talks in more than 10 years was 'positive and constructive,' raising the prospect that ties could be restored and borders reopened after decades of animosity.Turkey has had no diplomatic or commercial ties with its eastern neighbor since the 1990s. The talks in Moscow were the first attempt to restore links since a 2009 peace accord. That deal wa...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:54:53 GMT
Why Russians SLEPT on their stoves
Believe it or not, the most prestigious place to sleep in a traditional peasant household was not a bed, but was situated on the stove under the ceiling.It's difficult to imagine anything more sacred to a Russian peasant's household than their stove. Massive, sometimes the size of half the house, the stove - or petch - was akin to a house within a house. They used it for making food, for heating the house, stori...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:27:23 GMT
Modi govt scraps missile, chopper tenders to push 'Make in India', more deals worth over Rs 50,000 crore under review
By Ajit K DubeyNew Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): In line with the Narendra Modi government's push for promoting 'Make in India', the Defence Ministry on Friday decided to withdraw tenders for deals related to buying short-range surface-to-air missiles and 14 helicopters.
The meeting, however, allowed the forces to go ahead with a deal to buy air-to-ground missiles from France and overhaul of Russian helicopters, govern...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:27:22 GMT
Polish special services claim Russian involvement in cyberattacks on Ukraine
Warsaw [Poland], January 14 (ANI/Sputnik): Poland's special services suspect Russian involvement in cyberattacks against Ukrainian government websites, the spokesman for the Polish Minister Coordinator of Special Services said on Friday.
A number of Ukrainian government agencies, including the foreign ministry, were attacked by unknown hackers earlier in the day. A message in three languages appeared on the hacked website...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:27:21 GMT
Modi govt scraps missile, chopper tenders to push 'Make in India', more deals worth over Rs 50,000 under review
By Ajit K DubeyNew Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): In line with the Narendra Modi government's push for promoting 'Make in India', the Defence Ministry on Friday decided to withdraw tenders for deals related to buying short-range surface-to-air missiles and 14 helicopters.
The meeting, however, allowed the forces to go ahead with a deal to buy air-to-ground missiles from France and overhaul of Russian helicopters, govern...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:27:20 GMT
Plot to kill Pakistani origin activist Goraya revealed during UK trial
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 14 (ANI): A plot to murder exiled blogger and activist Ahmad Waqass Goraya has been revealed before a court in the United Kingdom, during the trial of 31-year-old Gohir Khan, a British-Pakistani based in the UK, local media reported.
The trial began at the Kingston-upon-Thames crown court on Thursday, with the prosecution revealing details of the plot to murder Goraya who is a Pakistani origi...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:18:55 GMT
US claims Russia preparing false flag in Ukraine
Anonymous official told CNN that Russia sent ?operatives? to eastern UkraineRussian operatives have been deployed to two breakaway regions in the east of Ukraine to create a false-flag operation as pretext for an invasion, several US news outlets have reported, citing an anonymous American official.A "group of operatives" trained in urban warfare and use of explosives has been sent to "ca...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:15:16 GMT
U.S. Offers Support After Ukraine Hit By Massive Cyberattack
The United States has offered to provide Ukraine 'whatever help it needs to recover' from a massive cyberattack that Kyiv has said appears to have originated in Russia.The cyberattack, which targeted several Ukrainian government websites on January 14, came amid increased tensions between the West and Russia, which has massed troops and military equipment near the border with Ukraine.The ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:13:23 GMT
Is Russia really preparing an offensive against Ukraine
The West shouldn't be concerned about Russia launching military exercises near its own border. Here's why.On January 11, about 3,000 servicemen of the Western Military District launched military exercises at the combined arms training grounds in Voronezh, Belgorod, Bryansk and Smolensk regions, not far from Russia's border with Ukraine and Belarus. The move has been a source of anxiety in the We...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:12:34 GMT
Russia busts REvil hacker ring after tip off from US
The ransomware group has been accused of extorting money from abroadFollowing information provided by US authorities, Russian security services have arrested a notorious group of hackers in a multi-region sting. They are accused of spreading computer viruses and extorting money from businesses.On Friday, the Federal Security Service (FSB) told journalists that it had worked with local aut...[read more]