This follows on the evacuation of “over 100 people from homes, two convents and two beach resorts” on Sunday, according to the National Fire Corps…reports Asian Lite News.
Wildfires are raging in southern and central Italy amid sweltering temperatures and hot winds, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders, the National Fire Corps said.
The wildfire have destroyed a 53-acre nature reserve near Pescara, a city in the central Abruzzo region whose Adriatic Sea coast is a popular summer resort area, reports Xinhua news agency.
About 800 people were evacuated from the Pescara area on Monday and 30 people suffered from smoke inhalation as flames reached the seashore, destroying some beach resorts, RAI public broadcaster reported, posting video footages of the charred remains of trees, beach furniture and infrastructure.
This follows on the evacuation of “over 100 people from homes, two convents and two beach resorts” on Sunday, according to the National Fire Corps.
Fires were also raging on Monday in the southern Puglia region, where “243 interventions are underway to fight forest fires”, it said.
“The teams have been at work for four days (in Puglia), where the flames have devoured 350 hectares of vegetation,” the Corps added.
The southern Puglia region at the tip of Italy’s boot is renowned for its beaches and architectural beauty, which attract domestic and international tourists in summer.
In the southern Molise region lying between Abruzzo and Puglia on the Adriatic Sea, “20 hectares of forest are on fire”, according to the National Fire Corps.
Firefighters have been engaged in a total of “37,407 operations to fight forest fires since June 15, of which 717 interventions were carried out in the past 24 hours to tackle the emergency across the south-central regions”.
In a tweet on Monday, the Interior Ministry expressed its thanks to “the women and men of the National Fire Corps who are fighting forest fires across the national territory”.
“We also continue to support police action across the UK to identify those responsible for the racist and offensive comments posted on social media.”…reports Asian Lite News.
The Metropolitan Police have released the ten images of people sought in connection with violence and disorder at the Euro 2020 final in Wembley Stadium.
North London witnessed ugly scenes which included some ticketless fans storming Wembley in an attempt to watch the game between England and Italy.
London police in a statement said, “Following the match on Sunday, 11 July, officers began the painstaking process of reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV and body worn video content from Wembley Stadium and other key locations. The meticulous investigation will continue to identify further people of interest or indeed other offences which may have occurred.”
Detective Sergeant Matt Simpson, from the Met’s Public Order Crime Team, said: “Following the scenes of disorder both at Wembley Stadium and in central London, we made a commitment that those responsible would face consequences.”
“Today’s action is being taken to help identify those who we think have questions to answer. If you know who they are, we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This investigation is in its very early stages and I am in no doubt that further appeals and arrests will follow,” Simpson said.
“We also continue to support police action across the UK to identify those responsible for the racist and offensive comments posted on social media.”
Earlier on Friday, Met police informed that two men have been arrested on suspicion of theft following allegations that they took items and shared them, for the purpose of allowing people to have unauthorised access to Wembley stadium during the Euro 2020 final. An 18-year-old man from Ilford, London and an 18-year-old man from Newham, London have both been released under police investigation while enquiries continue. (ANI)
Before the match at Wembley, fans engaged in brawls and some also tried to enter Wembley Stadium without tickets. After the match, a scuffle also broke out between the supporters inside and around the stadium…reports Asian Lite News.
European football body, UEFA on Tuesday charged England on four different offences relating to fans’ misbehaviour during Euro 2020 final clash between England and Italy.
Italy ended England’s dream to win the Euro 2020 here at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday (local time). Azzurri defeated England 3-2 on penalties after the normal 90-minute action had finished at 1-1 and even extra time was not able to break the deadlock. Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka all missed the chance to net goals in the penalty shootouts. The English players were then abused on social media.
Before the match at Wembley, fans engaged in brawls and some also tried to enter Wembley Stadium without tickets. After the match, a scuffle also broke out between the supporters inside and around the stadium.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA EURO 2020 final match between the national teams of Italy and England (1-1, Italy won 3-2 on penalties), played on July 11 at Wembley Stadium, London,” UEFA said in a statement.
The charges are as follows:
Invasion of the field of play by its supporters – Article 16(2)(a) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR)
Throwing of objects by its supporters – Article 16(2)(b) DR
Disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem – Article 16(2)(g) DR
Lighting of a firework by its supporters – Article 16(2)(c) DR
In its statement, UEFA added: “The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) in due course. Separately, and in accordance with Article 31(4) DR, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation into events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium.”
England’s Football Association (FA) in the early hours of Monday morning also condemned racist abuse of players. “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media,” an official statement read.
Micro-blogging website Twitter has removed over 1,000 tweets and permanently suspended a number of accounts after they were found engaging in racial abuse of England players as the Three Lions lost the Euro 2020 final against Italy. (ANI)
The England manager opined that his team allowed Italy to make a comeback in the second half through ball possession…reports Asian Lite News.
England manager Gareth Southgate took the full blame for England’s agonising loss in the Euro final against Italy, leaving the whole of England heartbroken.
Having taken a second-minute lead courtesy of Luke Shaw, England were forced into extra time followed by a nervy penalty shootout as Leonardo Bonucci levelled on Sunday.
Harry Kane and Harry Maguire scored England’s first two penalties. But Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho failed to convert. Bukayo Saka’s decisive spot-kick was saved by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, giving Italy the title at Wembley Stadium.
“They’ve been tight throughout and that’s how it is today. In the end we weren’t quite able to see the game through in the normal, regulation time. Italy showed what an absolutely outstanding side they are. But our players have done themselves proud. Every one of them has been exceptional. We’re obviously unbelievably disappointed not to go that one step further,” said Southgate to media after the match.
He took complete responsibility in giving the penalty kicks to Rashford, Sancho and Saka, all of which failed. “That is my responsibility. I chose the guys to take the kicks. I told the players that nobody is on their own in that situation. We win and lose together as a team. They have been tight throughout and that’s how it needs to stay.”
Southgate defended his decision to give penalty strikes to the three youngsters. “It is my decision to give (Saka) that penalty. That is totally my responsibility. It is not him or Marcus or Jadon. We worked through them in training. That is the order we came to. Marcus and Jadon have been by far the best in the lead-in. It was a gamble (to bring them on), but if we gamble earlier, we maybe could have lost the game in extra time.”
The England manager opined that his team allowed Italy to make a comeback in the second half through ball possession. “We did start well. Our system worked really well against theirs. They were bound to have a spell where they came into the game. We didn’t keep the ball well enough in that initial period in the second half. It was our lack of composure in possession that turned the game.”
Then, with the pandemic, tourism was virtually halted amid coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions…reports Asian Lite News
Over the last two years, Italy’s massive tourism sector has been a study in contrasts: first too many tourists crowding the country’s most popular spots, then almost none at all. Now, the pandemic-hit sector is seeking to strike the right balance between the two extremes.
Before the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Italy early last year, the big worry about tourism was over-crowding: the impact on infrastructure, the environment, and the quality of life of residents from many millions of tourists who clustered in a handful of locations, like Florence, Rome, and Venice, Xinhua news agency reported.
Then, with the pandemic, tourism was virtually halted amid coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions.
Italy: A tour guide explains the background information of the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, Italy, May 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting/IANS)
The tourism sector, which was responsible for pulling in 236.4 billion euros ($280.6 billion) in spending in 2019 before the pandemic, produced just 115.8 billion euros last year, according to the data firm Statista.
According to most estimates, the sector is not expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels until late 2023 or early 2024.
But political leaders and many working in the sector are taking steps now to assure that as the sector strengthens it avoids the over-crowding problems that marked the pre-pandemic period.
“The goal is to reform the sector so that it offers a higher and more personalized level of service, and options that are less centralized than before,” Gianfranco Lorenzo, head of the research department for Florence’s Center for Turistic Studies (CST-Firenze), told Xinhua on Sunday.
“Italy should de-emphasise the reliance on big tour busses that all pull into parking lots and overwhelm a small town for a few hours, (but promote) more high-quality tourism that shows visitors the country’s marvels beyond the few dozen places everyone knows about,” said Lorenzo.
Valeria Minghetti, the chief researcher at the Center for International Studies on the Economics of Tourism at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, said the problem of over-tourism is not unique to Italy.
She noted that popular tourist destinations in Europe such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Paris have similar problems.
She said these cities should share information and best practices to help change the mentality of the average tourist.
“There’s no reason people should be lined up to see one famous site when there are many that are just as important and just as impressive that too few people know about,” Minghetti told Xinhua.
Those strategies are already in development.
This summer, many cities are trying to focus the attention of visitors on outdoor attractions like sprawling gardens and architectural ruins, where visitors can remain spread out to keep coronavirus infection risks low.
Before the pandemic, Italy attracted an average of nearly 100 million tourists each year, according to calculations by the Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT).
Playing in front of 60,000 fans despite the pandemic, Italy came back after conceding an early goal to tie the game 1-1 and then showed steely nerves in the penalties, reports Asian Lite News
Italy became the European football champions after a gap of 53 years by defeating hosts England in a dramatic penalty shootout in the Euro 2020 final at the historic Wembley stadium here.
Italy had won their first Euro title in 1968 and they won their second one when goalkeeper Donnarumma blocked a poor effort by 19-year-old Bukayo Saka of England, after Jorginho had missed the last Italian kick, to win the penalty shootout 3-2 after both teams were deadlocked 1-1 after 120 minutes of action.
Playing in front of 60,000 fans despite the pandemic, Italy came back after conceding an early goal to tie the game 1-1 and then showed steely nerves in the penalties.
England added to their list of miserable history in penalty shootouts as despite being put ahead of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who saved a couple of penalties.
Earlier, England took early lead when defender Luke Shaw scored at one minute and 57th second — the fastest goal of a Euro final. Luke Shaw started the counter and rushed ahead to meet a long cross by Kieran Trippier near the six-yard spot and shot home off the left-hand post.
Italy equalised midway through the second half when defender Leonardo Bonucci, scored off a goal-line scramble in the 67th minute. Off a corner, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford forced Marco Verratti’s header onto the left-hand post but the ball fell for Bonucci and he did not make any mistake to make it 1-1.
Both teams made efforts to break the deadlock but failed as the match went into extra time and penalties.
Fans charge security at Wembley, 19 police injured
Meanwhile, British police made 49 arrests and said 19 of its officers were injured after confronting volatile crowds near Wembley Stadium while policing the Euro 2020 final between Italy and England on Sunday.
Fans clashed with each other and officials, breached security cordons and charged into the perimeter area of Wembley before the start of the match, which Italy won after a penalty shootout.
“We made 49 arrests during the day for a variety of offences. We will have officers on hand throughout the night”, the Metropolitan Police said on Twitter.
A day of alcohol-fuelled festivities had begun with rowdy scenes in central London and tens of thousands made their way to the national stadium for the game, with flares being let off in railway stations and singing on trains.
Around two hours before the game, fans burst past stewards and some reached the concourse while bottles were thrown in from outside the perimeter.
Some security staff were attacked, witnesses told Reuters, and entry to the stadium was halted for over 20 minutes while the order was restored at the entrances.
Outside the ground, several thousand fans continued drinking and partying in the area immediately adjacent to the entry points with empty beer cans lining the street.
Police said they helped the security teams at the ground.
The progress on the outcomes of the India-EU leaders Summit in Porto, Portugal was also reviewed…reports Asian Lite News.
To facilitate trade and investment, India and Italy on Friday discussed issues related to market access and non-tariff barriers. This development took place during the 21st session of Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation between India and Italy.
Piyush Goyal, Commerce and Industry Minister and Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy co-chaired the Session.
The two sides also held extensive discussion in the areas of food processing, textiles, leather, railways, start-ups and promotion of SMEs which play a crucial role in economic growth and employment generation.
Co-chaired the 21st Session of India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic cooperation with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, @LuigiDiMaio.
Reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepening our bilateral economic ties & enhancing mutual cooperation. pic.twitter.com/3Wa9w9cP7t
The progress on the outcomes of the India-EU leaders Summit in Porto, Portugal was also reviewed.
Indian side also raised the issues of Mutual recognition of COWIN Vaccine Certificate and opening up of Travel restrictions, longer duration of Business Visas and Portability of social security benefits of Indians working in Italy.
Following the India-Italy JCEC G2G Meeting, a G2B Session focusing on Energy partnership was held virtually in the presence of the two Ministers.
During the meeting, three Indian companies (Indian Oil Corporation, Adani Solar, ReNew Power) and 3 Italian companies (Enel Green Power, Snam, Maire Tecnimont) made presentations focusing on the areas of green economy, clean technology and promotion of use of renewable energy for grid-based multi-energy systems.
21st Session of India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation
Both sides held extensive discussions on bilateral trade & Investment & economic cooperation in the areas of Food Processing, Textiles, Leather, etc.
During the Session, both the Ministers reiterated the vision laid down by the Prime Ministers of India and Italy, under the Plan of Action adopted on November 6, 2020, to promote energy transition, leveraging technology and climate partnerships.
They underscored the pioneering role played by India and Italy at the multilateral fora as early adopters of ambitious clean energy targets and invited the private and public sectors of both countries to explore synergies to further enhance mutual energy capacities. (India News Network)
In his two-nation tour, the external affairs minister also met OECD Secretary-General and his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor on the sidelines of G-20 ministeral meetings, reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen and discussed the “Covid challenge” and underlined the importance of equitable vaccine access and a fair travel regime.
Jaishankar arrived in Italy from Greece on the second leg of this two-nation tour. “A good conversation with EU Commissioner for International Partnerships @JuttaUrpilainen,” Jaishankar tweeted, sharing a photograph of them together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2H4BBMujPE
“Discussed the Covid challenge, our Connectivity Partnership and development cooperation. Underlined the importance of equitable vaccine access and a fair travel regime,” he further added.
The minister also met OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann and discussed India-OECD bilateral engagement.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 38 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade.
“Discussed India-OECD bilateral engagement with Secretary-General @MathiasCormann. Appreciate OECD’s contribution to the G20,” Jaishankar tweeted along with a photograph of the meeting.
In another meeting, he met his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor.
Shared views on contemporary challenges at the #G20 Foreign & Development Ministers’ Meeting. pic.twitter.com/svMlC85ACR
“Our conversation covered shared concerns on vaccine equity & access. Also discussed our Climate Action approaches,” Jaishankar tweeted after the meet.
He also shared a photograph of the them together along with the tweet.
The meetings were held on the sidelines of the G20 ministerial meetings.
G20 is an influential bloc that brings together the world’s major economies.
The G20 summit is scheduled to be held in Italy in October. India is expected to hold the presidency of the G20 in 2022.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral ties and discussed global and regional issues.
“Met UK Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab this morning. Reviewed the progress of our bilateral Road Map. Discussed the state of the world, regional issues, Covid and Climate Action,” Jaishankar said in a series of tweets.
Spoke at the #G20 session on Africa. Underlined our solidarity with Global South and respect for African priorities. pic.twitter.com/rOPh2JlndG
The external affairs minister met his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio and congratulated him on the successful G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Italy.
“Discussed taking forward our bilateral relationship. Look forward to seeing him in India, Jaishankar said in another tweet.
He also met his Mexican counterpart Marcelo Ebrard C and agreed to step up bilateral cooperation and work together in the multilateral arena.
“Our pharma cooperation is particularly important in the times of Covid, Jaishankar said.
He met Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and exchanged views on Quad, 2+2 and Covid.
“A typical #G20 conversation – with FM @moteging of Japan. Spoke about Quad, 2+2 and Covid,” Jaishankar tweeted.
The Quad or Quadrilateral alliance consisting of the US, India, Japan and Australia has been resolving to uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.
The minister also held a cordial meeting with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan during which he discussed the Covid situation and urged early resumption of flights.
“Cordial meeting with Saudi FM @FaisalbinFarhan. Discussed the Covid situation and urged early flight resumption. Talks also covered our Strategic Partnership and regional situation,” he tweeted.
Jaishankar later met Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau and discussed issues of bilateral concerns.
“Useful conversation with FM @MarcGarneau of Canada on Indo-Pacific, trade & economic cooperation and bilateral concerns. Agreed to remain in touch, he tweeted.
Met U.K. Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab this morning. Reviewed the progress of our bilateral Road Map. Discussed the state of the world, regional issues, Covid and Climate Action. pic.twitter.com/IDB2c2JlaI
The external affairs minister also met with Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
“Taking forward the agenda of the Leaders’ Summit. Discussed vaccine production and access. Took up Covishield’ authorisation for travel to Europe. Will be following up,” he said after the meeting.
The G20 member countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
The MEA Spokesperson further informed that the EAM will embark on a journey to Italy to attend the G20 Ministerial meetings…reports Asian Lite News.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Greece on June 25. He will also visit Italy to attend the G-20 Ministerial meetings scheduled to be held on June 28-29.
In a media briefing held on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar will be leaving tomorrow for a visit to Greece and Italy.”
The EAM will be making a bilateral visit to Greece on June 25-26 where he will have talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, apart from other engagements.
This will be the first External Affairs Minister’s level visit to Greece since 2006.
The MEA Spokesperson further informed that the EAM will embark on a journey to Italy to attend the G20 Ministerial meetings.
“After Greece, the EAM will travel to Italy to attend the G20 Ministerial meetings. These include meetings at foreign minister’s level as well as development minister level, both of which will be handled by the EAM,” Bagchi said.
The G20 Ministerial Foreign Ministers’ meetings and Foreign and development joint meetings are scheduled on June 28 and June 29 in Italy.
The Summit of the G20 Heads of State and Government will be held in Rome on October 30 and 31, 2021.
Jaishankar to travel to Greece, Italy this week; will attend G20 ministerial in Rome
The ministerial meetings are organized independently from the Summit, where the Heads of State and Government endorse some of the key outcomes achieved by the Ministers.
“We will continue to bring you updates as the visit commences,” he added.
Earlier this month, Jaishankar visited Kenya on a three-day bilateral summit to strengthen India’s relations with the major East African country. (INN)
A bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and M.R. Shah said that considering the international tribunal order, India has agreed to the compensation of Rs 10 crore…reports Asian Lite News
The Supreme Court on Tuesday closed all criminal proceedings pending in India against two Italian marines, accused of killing of two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast in 2012, after payment of Rs 10 crore compensation by Italy.
A bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and M.R. Shah said that considering the international tribunal order, India has agreed to the compensation of Rs 10 crore and Italy has deposited the amount, which has been transferred to the top court’s registry.
“We are satisfied with the compensation and the ex-gratia paid over and above earlier.
“We are of the view that this is a fit case to close all the proceedings in India including criminal proceedings in exercise of powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India,” said the bench, quashing the FIR registered at Kerala’s Kollam and re-registered by NIA in 2013 and also all proceedings originating from the case.
The bench noted as per the tribunal order, Italy will resume the criminal proceedings against the marines. It ordered transfer of Rs 10 crore to the Kerala High Court registry, out of which Rs 4 crore each should be paid to the two victims’ families and Rs 2 crore to the boat owner.
The bench added the High Court should appoint a judge to ensure the compensation is paid to the victims’ legal heirs.
The top court closed the case taking into account the Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under Annex VII of UNCLOS, award dated May 21, 2020 under which Italy agreed to pay the compensation of Rs 10 crore, over and above the amount of ex-gratia amount already paid.
Citing the tribunal order, the top court noted that Italy can begin criminal proceedings against the two marines, and case details along with evidence will be provided by the Centre and the Kerala government to it.
The top court also said the order of disbursement/investment be passed after hearing the heirs of each deceased and protecting their best interest.
It noted that Kerala government, the heirs of the deceased fishermen and the owner of the boat have agreed to accept the award.
The top court said that Rs 10 crore can be said to be a reasonable amount of compensation and in the interest of heirs of the deceased.
It emphasised that while disbursing the compensation to the heirs of the deceased fishermen, their interest is also required to be protected so that the amount of compensation paid to them is not frittered away, by investing the amount in the name of the heirs of each deceased in a fixed deposit in a nationalised bank for some time.
Heirs of the deceased will be paid the periodical interest accrued thereon, it said.
In February 2012, India had accused two Italian marines, Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre, on board the MV Enrica Lexie — an Italian flagged oil tanker — of killing two Indian fishermen who were on a fishing vessel in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The top court in August last year had told the Centre that it would not pass any on closure of cases against the two marines without hearing the victims’ families.
