Restrictions in Srinagar, Maldives protests, and other news in pictures

Maldivian Opposition protesters raise slogans demanding the release of political prisoners, during a protest in Male on February 2, 2018.

Published at 7.15 p.m.

Protests in Maldvies after court ruling

Supporters of political parties that oppose the Maldives government clashed with police on the streets of capital Male on Friday after the Supreme Court ordered on Thursday evening the immediate release of imprisoned politicians, including exiled former leader Mohamed Nasheed and eight others, terming their trials a violation of the constitution and international law. Read more

Published at 6.30 p.m.

T.T.V. Dhinakaran begins State-wide tour

MLA and former AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran addresses his supporters in Kumbakonam on Friday.

MLA and former AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is on a State-wide tour on Friday. Mr. Dhinakaran began his political tour from Cholapuram near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district.  Last month, he cited technical hurdles in forming a new political outfit and said there were no such difficulties in functioning as the AIADMK (Amma) if the court allowed them to use that name. Read more

Published at 2.00 p.m

Mendis misses double-hundred

Sri Lanka's Roshen Silva (left), consoles his teammate Kusal Mendis as the latter walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal by Bangladesh's Taij-ul Islam during the third day of the Test match in Chittagong on February 2, 2018.

 

The batsmen had another merry run during the third day in the Chittagong Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Kusal Mendis fell four short of what would have been his first Test double-century. He was consoled by his team-mate Roshen Silva after he was dismissed by Taijul Islam. Earlier, Dhananjaya de Silva fell for 173.

 

Published at 12.30 p.m.

 

Restrictions in Srinagar

Boys play cricket outside the historical Jamia Masjid in Srinagar during restrictions imposed in downtown areas on Friday.

 

Authorities on Friday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar and Shopian districts to foil the separatists’ plan to hold a rally to protest against the recent killings in alleged Army firing, reports PTI.

Restrictions were imposed in areas falling under police stations in Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Maharajgunj and Safakadal, officials said. Restrictions were also imposed in some parts of Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations in the city.

Restrictions on movement of people and transport were imposed in Shopian district as well, they said, adding that essential services, however, were exempted.

 

Published at 12 noon

Venezuela's upcoming presidential vote

A banner depicting Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro reads "The future belongs to us" in downtown Caracas on February 1, 2018.

 

Venezuela's opposition faces a weak adversary in the coming presidential election in the form of an unpopular President Nicolas Maduro but it must overcome a more formidable challenge - abstention in its own ranks.

Mr. Maduro's approval ratings are languishing at 20 per cent amid a collapsing economy, runaway inflation and rising malnutrition: a shocking deterioration in a country that was once a byword in South America for oil-financed opulence.

The Supreme Court last week blocked the opposition's Democratic Unity coalition from running a presidential candidate, requiring aspirants to run under individual parties.

October's gubernatorial elections were a warning sign of how the Socialist Party can score electoral victories despite fury over economic mismanagement. - Reuters

Published at 10.30 a.m.

Arun Jaitley greets well-wishers

Post Budget presentation, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley greets media outside his residence on February 2, 2018.

 

After presenting the Union Budget 2018, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley met with well-wishers outside his residence.

Published at 10.00 a.m.

New Zealand weather

Emergency personnel work on a flooded road in Nelson, after the downgraded Tropical Cyclone Fehi brought heavy rain in New Zealand on February 1, 2018. (Leroy Bull Photography/via Reuters)

 

Downgraded Tropical Cyclone Fehi brought heavy rain in New Zealand

Published at 9.00 a.m.

Singapore air show

An F-15SG fighter jet and an F-16 fighter aircraft of the Singapore Air Force perform a maneuver during a preview ahead of the Singapore Air Show, on February 2, 2018.

 

The Singapore Air Show is an aerospace and defence event that is organised every other year. This year, it will be held on February 10 and 11.