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Heartbreak for England as Italy wins Euro 2020

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.

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India, Italy to deepen ties in railways, textile

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.

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.

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)

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Jaishankar highlights need for vaccine equity, fair travel regime

Jaishankar highlights need for vaccine equity, fair travel regime

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

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EAM leaves for G-20 ministerial meetings in Italy

Dr-S.-Jaishankar-


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.

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)

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India closes proceedings in Italian marines case

two Italian marines

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.

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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.

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Most of Italy now a Covid ‘white zone’

The only remaining Covid-19 regulations are social distancing and wearing mask both indoors and outdoors…reports Asian Lite News

Over half of Italy or about 40 million of the country’s 60 million inhabitants are now in the Covid-19 “white zone”, meaning that most restrictions in these regions have been lifted following a new ordinance issued by Health Minister Roberto Speranza.

The only remaining Covid-19 regulations are social distancing and wearing mask both indoors and outdoors, reports Xinhua news agency.

In the ordinance issued on June 12, the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lazio (whose capital is Rome), Lombardy (whose capital is Milan), Piedmont, Puglia and the Autonomous Province di Trento can now join Abruzzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Molise, Sardinia, Umbria, and the Veneto whose capital is Venice, in the white zone.

According to the latest weekly Covid19 monitoring report issued on June 11 and data from the National Institute of Health (ISS), “the incidence (of viral transmission) continues to drop,” from 36 cases per 100,000 inhabitants on May 24-30 to 26 cases between May 31 and June 6.

“No region or autonomous province is above the critical threshold in terms of ICU or hospital bed occupancy,” the ordinance stated.

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Italy’s seven remaining regions are in a yellow or low-risk zone, with some restrictions still in place, including a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew for people who have not been fully vaccinated.

Figures released on Monday by the Ministry of Health showed that there were a total of 907 new infections nationwide and 36 fatalities.

The overall caseload and death toll currently stood at 4,245,779 and 127,038, respectively.

In a bid to contain the second wave of the pandemic, Italy has been using a colour-coded system for Covid-19 situation in different regions in the country since late last year — white for almost zero risk, yellow for low risk, orange for medium risk, and red for high risk — with varying restrictions according to the level of virus transmission.

The new ordinance did not specify until when the latest regulations will remain in place.

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Italy marks 75th national day with low-key celebrations

Addressing the nation on TV, President Sergio Mattarella stressed the need for Italy and the European Union to be united during difficult times…reports Asian Lite News.

People across Italy marked the country’s 75th national day with scaled-back celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the government scrapping the traditional military parades and public speeches.

But Rome’s streets on Wednesday were still filled with people venturing out amid the newly eased coronavirus restrictions, Xinhua news agency reported.

On June 2, 1946, a national referendum created the first Italian Republic, which removed the monarchy that had officially ruled the country since it was unified in 1861.

One of the most recognisable traditions of the day remained unchanged for this year’s celebration: a formation of nine fighter jets trailing green, white, and red smoke — the colours of the Italian flag — soared over the Altar of the Fatherland, the over-sized monument standing over Rome’s main square, Piazza Venezia.

But other traditions including a military parade along the city’s Via dei Fori Imperiali and speeches by political and military leaders were scrapped for the second consecutive year.

Addressing the nation on TV, President Sergio Mattarella stressed the need for Italy and the European Union to be united during difficult times.

“The conception of a common good, more important than any idea since, has led us to be a dedicated part of the European Union, which is an essential element of its own national identity,” he said.

“This terrible experience of the pandemic … has made evident the profound interdependence of the destiny of our people and has shown that the only effective forms of coordination have proved able to defeat it.”

Earlier in the day, Mattarella laid a wreath at the Altar of the Fatherland at Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The scaled-back celebrations marking the anniversary did not reduce the number of people on the streets of the capital.

“This is a holiday about the new Italy after World War II and this time it also has the feeling about a new Italy after the worst of the pandemic,” said Leo Esposito, a municipal government worker enjoying ice cream with his wife and two young children.

“We are all hoping things will continue getting better for us.”

Annalisa Bettin, a university student out in Rome’s Trastevere neighbourhood with two classmates, agreed.

“We all spend most of the last year or more inside social distancing,” Bettin said.

“We need to get out and to take a step back toward normal. The situation is improving. Using the June 2 holiday as an excuse to get outside and do some things and relax a little makes good sense to me.”

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3 Italian regions are now Covid ‘white zones’

Under “white zone” rules there is no curfew and no restrictions on the opening hours of bars and restaurants…reports Asian Lite News.

Three of Italy’s 20 regions and autonomous provinces were moved to the low-restriction “white zones” following an ordinance issued by Health Minister Roberto Speranza based on epidemiological data showing that the pandemic is slowing down.

The three “white” regions are Friuli Venezia Giulia, the island of Sardinia, and Molise, Xinhua news agency reported.

The rest of the country is designated as a moderate-risk “yellow zone”.

Under “white zone” rules there is no curfew and no restrictions on the opening hours of bars and restaurants.

People can eat and drink indoors as well as outdoors.

In the “yellow zones”, people can eat and drink outdoor settings only and there is an 11 p.m. curfew.

In all zones, people are still required to wear face masks both indoors and outdoors, and to observe safe physical distancing.

In a bid to contain the second wave of the pandemic, the Italian government last year divided the country into four colour-coded zones – “white” (almost zero risk), “yellow” (low risk), “orange” (medium risk) and “red” (high risk) – with varying restrictions according to the level of transmission of the virus.

The Health Minister reviews the incidence rate for coronavirus and other epidemiological data on a weekly basis and decides restriction rules based on those numbers.

The decision to move three regions into the “white zone” on Monday came after the weekly monitoring report for May 17-23 showed that “the pressure on hospitals is decreasing and is below the critical threshold in all regions/autonomous provinces”.

However, the report also warned that “the pandemic must be managed with caution” due to the “now prevalent circulation in Italy of the variant first identified in the UK and the presence of other strains that can partially evade immune responses”.

Till date, a total of 34,470,841 people have received at least one Covid vaccine dose, while 11,871,163 others were been fully inoculated, according to the Ministry of Health.

Italy has so far reported 4,217,821 coronavirus cases and 126,128 deaths.

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READ MORE-Italy cable car crash kills 13

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Italy cable car crash kills 13

Rescuers work by the wreckage of a cable car after it falls in north Italy's Piedmont region, May 23, 2021. (Vigili del Fuoco/Handout via Xinhua/IANS)

The cable car had been on a 20-minute panoramic trip from the village of Carciano di Stresa on the edge of Lake Maggiore, up to an altitude of 1,491 metres on Mt Mottarone..reports Asian Lite News

Thirteen people were killed and two children have been hospitalised with multiple injuries after a cable car crashed in Italy’s Piedmont region, the country’s National Corps of Alpine and Speleological Rescue (Cnsas) said.

“Stresa-Mottarone cable car in Piedmont: the final death toll of the tragic incident is 13 fatalities and two seriously injured,” Cnsas said on Twitter on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Cnsas had tweeted that two children who had survived with injuries were airlifted to hospital in the city of Turin, the capital of Piedmont.

The cable car had been on a 20-minute panoramic trip from the village of Carciano di Stresa on the edge of Lake Maggiore, up to an altitude of 1,491 metres on Mt Mottarone, a scenic area that is popular with tourists and holidaymakers.

Rescuers work by the wreckage of a cable car after it falls in north Italy’s Piedmont region, May 23, 2021. (Vigili del Fuoco/Handout via Xinhua/IANS)
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It detached and crashed a few hundred metres short of the top, Cnsas officials told RAI News 24 public broadcaster.

There were some foreign visitors among the victims, Stresa Mayor Marcella Severino told Sky TG24 private broadcaster.

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the tragic incident on the Stresa-Mottarone cable car. I express the sympathies of the entire government to the families of the victims, with special thoughts for the children who have been seriously injured, and their relatives,” Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in a tweet.

The two surviving children were hospitalised in serious condition with multiple fractures and head and chest injuries, Sky TG24 reported.

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Italy reopens doors for tourists

Many streets, parks and squares in the Italian capital were full of visitors over the weekend, Xinhua news agency reported…reports Asian Lite News.

Italy has formally reopened its borders for restriction-free travel for visitors from some countries, almost a year after the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged the country.

Many streets, parks and squares in the Italian capital were full of visitors over the weekend, Xinhua news agency reported.

As of Sunday, travellers from European Union (EU) member states, the UK, and Israel have been allowed to enter Italy without restrictions if they could show a recent negative coronavirus test, proof of vaccination, or if they have recovered from the virus in the last six months.

Prime Minister Mario Draghi had announced earlier this month at the G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting that Italy would begin welcoming foreign tourists in mid-May, about a month before the EU’s own Digital Green Certificate pass for tourists went into effect.

Draghi’s decision came as coronavirus indicators such as the infection, hospitalisation, and mortality rates improved over the last month.

The move Draghi announced formally went into effect Sunday for visitors from some countries.

Travellers from other parts of the world can still enter the country as long as they follow quarantine rules on arrival, and those in the country must obey national health restrictions, such as the 10 p.m. national curfew and seating for bars and restaurants limited to outdoor areas.

Meanwhile, predictions are that the tourism sector that accounted for 13 per cent of Italy’s gross domestic product before the pandemic will have to wait until the second half of 2023 to return to 2019 levels.

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