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Setting a new 'record', Pakistan has taken $16 billion in foreign loans, mostly from China or the Gulf monarchies, in one financial year, mainly to service the interest on existing loans and to pay for imports, media reports said.Setting a new 'record', Pakistan has taken $16 billion in foreign loans, mostly from China or the Gulf monarchies, in one financial year, mainly to service the interest on existing loans and to pay for imports, media reports said.As per documents of the Federal government, all the loans were taken in financial year 2018-19, which includes 11 months of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party government, the Express Tribune reported.According the report, the PTI government accounted for $13.6 billion of the loans - the most by any government in a single year, while the remaining amount had been received in July 2018 when the caretaker setup was in place. Though the $16 billion loans includes $5.5 billion received from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, this will, as per sources, not be included in the figures of Federal government loans to be published by the Economic Affairs Ministry this week and come up in the balance sheet of the State Bank of Pakistan.Thus, the data will show the amount of loans at only $10.5 billion, the report said. However, justifying the omission, Finance Ministry spokesman Khaqan Najeeb said that these deposits "were not available for financing the government's budgetary operations" and thus "part of the SBP reserves".Of the total loans, as much as 42 per cent, or $6.7 bn, are from China are different heads, including for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the preceding fiscal year 2017-18, Pakistan had obtained $11.4 billion in foreign loans.

Pakistan sets a new record by taking a whopping $16 bn of loans in one year

As per documents of the Federal government, all the loans were taken in the financial year 2018-19, which includes 11 months of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party government, the Express Tribune reported.

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North Korea's state-run media on Sunday distributed an undated picture of country’s' leader Kim Jong Un next to what it described as a hydrogen bomb for an intercontinental ballistic missile. Soon after, the country actually detonated a device in its sixth and by far most powerful nuclear test to date.The picture was distributed early on Sunday morning and apparently showed Kim visiting the country's Nuclear Weapons Institute to see what state media described as "a signal turn in nuclear weaponization."Rodong Sinmun, the ruling-party newspaper carried photos of Kim watching the device on its front page. The newspaper said the device was a hydrogen bomb designed to be mounted into the North's new "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile. Image Source : APState media said Kim Jong Un inspected loading of hydrogen bomb into a ICBMThe North's official news agency, KCNA, also released the photos. North Korea's regime has "succeeded in making a more developed nuke," KCNA said.The state media reports stressed that the bomb was made with domestic parts and workmanship, suggesting that more could be made without outside experts or imports.Before the world could react to the pictures, seismographs recorded a big tremor around noon North Korea time.Image Source : APPhoto by North Korea's govt shows Kim Jong Un at Nuclear Weapons InstituteThe nuclear test had an estimated strength of 50 kilotons, South Korea's defence ministry officials told a parliamentary briefing today. The blast was five times stronger that the North's previous test in September last year, and more than three times bigger than the US bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945. 

Hours before nuclear test, North Korea teased with pictures of Kim Jong Un next to a ‘hydrogen bomb’

North Korea’s state media on Sunday said leader Kim Jong Un inspected the loading of a hydrogen bomb into a new intercontinental ballistic missile

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A top American expert has said that the border standoff between Indian and Chinese forces  in the Sikkim sector could be part of Beijing’s well thought of strategy of changing the status quo to slowly gain a strategic mile in the area. The border standoff between Indian and Chinese armies is continuing for last three weeks near the Bhutan tri-junction after a Chinese Army's construction party attempted to build a road."I am concerned about the standoff on the border, as obviously are so many in India," Alyssa Ayres, a former State Department official under the Obama administration said.Currently a senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, Ayres said this forms a part of the larger Chinese tactics as seen in the disputed South China Sea.She said this was a new example of China looking to take "a tactical inch over and over again to slowly gain a strategic mile". In the South China Sea context, observers have focused on China's 'salami-slicing' tactics of smaller changes to the status quo, and that over time add up to something strategically significant," she said. "Is this now the Chinese approach to the border with India? Can't be ruled out," Ayres said in response to a question.China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, despite partial counter-claims from Taiwan and several southeast Asian nations including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam. However, Daniel Markey, Senior Research Professor in International Relations at the Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at the Johns Hopkins University, said he is not terribly concerned about India and China finding non- violent ways out of this border dispute alone."For decades, they have each shown an ability to manage these tensions diplomatically and by signalling on the ground without crossing into serious violence," he said. "But I am much more worried about the possibility that this dispute will be harder to manage because of other tensions in the region, such as Tibet and Pakistan," Markey said."More broadly, this dispute reflects an emerging reality that neither Beijing nor New Delhi feels it can be perceived as weak. This is true for both strategic and political reasons, and it means that we are likely to continue to see territorial and other disputes played more aggressively in the media. This will make them increasingly more difficult to de-escalate," Markey said.In a policy paper in 2015, Markey had warned of armed confrontation between China and India and had said that the US has a major interest in preventing such confrontation. Markey warned that if Washington were to remain neutral or favour China's position, India would perceive US policies as abandonment."That would jeopardise prospects for US-India strategic partnership pursued by the administrations of Barack Obama and George W Bush through diplomatic initiatives like the civil nuclear deal and motivated by a long-term goal of sustaining the liberal international order favoured by the US," he wrote in his 2015 paper.(With PTI inputs)

Sikkim standoff could be part of China's larger strategy to change status quo gradually: US expert

"I am concerned about the standoff on the border, as obviously are so many in India," Alyssa Ayres, a former State Department official under the Obama administration said.

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The Taliban are currently in talks with former President Hameed Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, who headed the High Council for National Reconciliation, to form what it calls an inclusive government. The Taliban have appealed to the international community to recognize it amid growing resentment against it at home and abroad, even as the Afghan militant group sought to placate China, saying Beijing can play a “big role” under its rule in the strife-torn country.Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the international community should "respect the will of the Afghan people" and officially recognize his group which has taken over power in Kabul.Dismissing growing concerns over the Taliban curbing the freedoms of women under its plans to impose Sharia law as it did during its previous rule 20 years ago, Shaheen told China’s state-run CGTN TV that the new Taliban government in Kabul would protect women's rights to education and work.He also urged international monetary organisations to release funds to the new government. The Taliban, which shared close ties with Pakistan, have been warming up to Beijing ahead of its recent offensive resulting in seizing power in Kabul.“China is a big country with a huge economy and capacity. They can play a big role in rebuilding, reconstruction of Afghanistan,” Shaheen said.“We have had a relationship with China and Russia during the past years. We have told them they should not have any concern from Afghanistan,” he said.“We see it in our interest not to allow anyone to use our soil against our neighbouring and regional countries. It is important for us,” he said, amid increasing scepticism, especially among women who faced subjugation under Taliban’s previous rule 20 years ago with its efforts to impose strict Sharia law.“Also for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, we need the help of all countries,” including neighbouring as well as regional, the US and the rest of the world, Shaheen said.A Taliban delegation, headed by the head of its Political Commission Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, which visited China last month during its talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had promised not to permit the Uygur Muslim militant group from Xinjiang the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) to operate from Afghanistan.China is concerned as according to a recent UN report, hundreds of militants belonging to the ETIM are converging in Afghanistan amidst the military advances made by the Taliban.After Taliban seized power in the last few days, China has been striking what observers called a nuanced stand, calling on the group to shun terrorism and form an inclusive Islamic government with all parties and ethnic groups.The Taliban are currently in talks with former President Hameed Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, who headed the High Council for National Reconciliation, to form what it calls an inclusive government.Questioned about the desperation of thousands of Afghans to escape its rule, leading to scenes of chaos at Kabul's airport, Shaheen said that many had been misled by rumours suggesting they would be able to settle in the UK or US if they boarded a flight.The Taliban's advance across Afghanistan represented a "popular uprising against an imposed administration," he said.The speed of the group's advance across the entire country legitimises its takeover of the national government, Shaheen said."It is not an election, but it shows the support of the people," Shaheen said in response to questions on the justification for the group's claims to represent the will of Afghans. He said an election was a question for the future but he "would not rule out" a poll.He reiterated the Taliban would permit women to continue their education and pledged not to persecute those who had worked with foreign powers.  /* .jw-reset-text, .jw-reset{line-height: 2em;}*/ .jw-time-tip .jw-time-chapter{display:none;} if ('' == comscore_jw_loaded || 'undefined' == comscore_jw_loaded || undefined == comscore_jw_loaded) { var comscore_jw_loaded = 1; firstjw = document.getElementsByClassName('jwvidplayer')[0]; cs_jw_script = document.createElement('script'); cs_jw_script.src = 'https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/internal-c2/plugins/streamingtag_plugin_jwplayer.js'; firstjw.parentNode.insertBefore(cs_jw_script, firstjw.nextSibling); } var jwconfig_8224048034 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/08/0_9z66k4un/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_9z66k4un_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Kurukshetra | Pakistan orders...Taliban follows?", "height": "440px", "width": "100%", "aspectratio": "16:9", "autostart": false, "controls": true, "mute": false, "volume": 25, "floating": false, "sharing": { "code": "", "sites": [ "facebook", "twitter", "email" ] }, "stretching": "exactfit", "primary": "html5", "hlshtml": true, "sharing_link": "", "duration": "2112", "advertising": { "client": "vast", "autoplayadsmuted": true, "skipoffset": 5, "cuetext": "", "skipmessage": "Skip ad in xx", "skiptext": "SKIP", "preloadAds": true, "schedule": [ { "offset": "pre", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PreRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" }, { "offset": "50%", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_MidRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=" }, { "offset": "post", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PostRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" } ] } }; var jwvidplayer_8224048034 = ''; jwsetup_8224048034(); function jwsetup_8224048034() { jwvidplayer_8224048034 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_8224048034").setup(jwconfig_8224048034); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_8224048034, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_9z66k4un\", ns_st_pr=\"Kurukshetra | Pakistan orders...Taliban follows?\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Kurukshetra | Pakistan orders...Taliban follows?\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Kurukshetra | Pakistan orders...Taliban follows?\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-08-20\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-08-20\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/08/0_9z66k4un/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_8224048034.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_8224048034.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_8224048034.stop(); jwvidplayer_8224048034.remove(); jwvidplayer_8224048034 = ''; jwsetup_8224048034(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_8224048034.stop(); jwvidplayer_8224048034.remove(); jwvidplayer_8224048034 = ''; jwsetup_8224048034(); return; }); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8224048034.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

Taliban appeals for international recognition; says China has 'big role' to play

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the international community should "respect the will of the Afghan people" and officially recognize his group which has taken over power in Kabul.

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Nawaz SharifFormer Pakistan Prime Minister is on the 'verge of kidney failure' and a medical board has recommended his immediate transfer from Adiala jail to a hospital, reported Pakistani media on Sunday.Urea nitrogen in Sharif’s blood had risen to a dangerous level, and he is suffering from excessive sweating and dehydration due to humidity in the prison. His heart beat is also irregular, reported Pakistan-based Express News.Related Stories Avenfield case: Nawaz Sharif, family challenge conviction, seek bailPakistan: Sharif, his daughter to remain in jail until elections as court adjourns hearing on their appealsPakistan Polls: Analysts predict tough competition between parties of Sharif and ImranPakistan: Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz unlikely to be shifted to guest houseThey also added that a medical board examined Nawaz Sharif on Sunday.If physicians, who examine Sharif, officially recommend his treatment in a hospital, a medical board would be constituted to examine the ex-PM’s health and action would be taken in the light of related recommendations of the board, reported Express News. However, no confirmation has been made in this matter so far.Nawaz Sharif, who had arrived in Pakistan from London last week, is currently serving his sentence in Adiala Jail, while his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt.Muhammad Safdar Awan are also inmates of the same prison. Nawaz was awarded 10, Maryam seven and her husband Safdar one year jail terms in Avenfield reference by the accountability court earlier this month.  

Pakistan: Former PM Nawaz Sharif on verge of kidney failure, likely to be transferred from Adiala jail

Urea nitrogen in Sharif’s blood had risen to a dangerous level, and he is suffering from excessive sweating and dehydration due to humidity in the prison.

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Lava flows down from the crater of Mount Merapi seen from Cangkringan village in Sleman, YogyakartaCOVID-19 alerts and warnings can be better developed by bringing together lessons learned from natural hazards like volcanoes. Just a year after COVID-19 was identified, the world’s pandemic warning system was deemed a failure by both the World Health Organisation and its independent panel, which found the world was not prepared for what lay ahead, despite the warnings.There are still no standardised alert systems for viral threats that cut across borders, but many lessons can be learned from the management of other hazards and threats. Warning systems for volcanoes are well established, and can provide best-practice ‘lessons’ for the development of much-needed pandemic-alert systems at all scales.Volcanoes have the most diverse range of any hazard. They are subject to one of the world’s most frequently used warning systems, which consists of more than 80 volcano observatories that have been reviewed and improved to enhance their effectiveness over decades.Though pandemics unfold differently to volcanic crises, volcanic eruptions involve many of the same issues. Scientific uncertainties, large at-risk populations, different industries, government bodies and non-profit organisations are all involved. We do not have time to reinvent the wheel and fine-tune global health warnings.Volcanoes are incredibly complex and require constant anticipatory monitoring. It is often too late to evacuate the surrounding region once a volcano erupts, when pyroclastic flows at temperatures over 1000 degrees Celsius can travel at the speed of a jet plane.Volcanologists use a wide range of monitoring equipment to detect the movement of magma under the earth, the movement of the ground as the magma rises (ground deformation), gas emissions (gas trapped in the magma escaping to the surface) and water chemistry (mixing of the magma with groundwater).All this data provides clues about what a volcano is doing, but combining it is extremely challenging, so alerts are often issued in anticipation of potential activity. Scientists, emergency and disaster specialists, local communities and different levels of government must cooperate well to prepare and immediately respond.The 1985 tragedy of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia, where warnings were not acted upon, resulted in more than 23,000 deaths. The White Island Whakaari volcano eruption in 2019 killed 22 people who were part of a tour group exploring the New Zealand island. These events taught the hard lesson that, despite improvements in scientific data and warnings, tragedy can still result if no action is taken in response.The level of monitoring and warning we apply to volcanoes is needed to detect future pandemics. Most pandemic warnings focus on the event once it has spread to the community, but a radical shift to anticipatory warnings is needed. Too little attention is paid to the prevention of circumstances that increase health risks, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensive livestock production and climate change.Many nations have devised alert-level systems to protect local populations during the shift from full COVID-19 lockdown precautions to normality. To be effective and timely, these alerts must be embedded in an extensive system of observation and communication that integrates different expert cohorts, tipping points, communication channels and iconography.Existing warning systems are already used for hazards and threats such as severe weather, tsunamis, terrorism or chemical accidents. They often follow a traffic-light colour structure or numerical order (as commonly used in military contexts) and are standardised at national and international level.Numerous alert systems were devised or used during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no comparative study to establish which were most successful, and why. However, there have been some success stories seen in New Zealand, South Africa, and South Korea amongst failures as seen in the UK, and the US.COVID-19 alerts and warnings can be better developed by bringing together lessons learnt from the warning world from a range of hazards and threats to review elements of what makes warnings succeed and what makes them fail. There are three key lessons.Firstly, warning systems can be effective in generating general awareness and acting as triggers for initial communication, policy and action. But they require everyone in the scientific and decision-making communities to understand and effectively communicate all relevant information both ways.‘Mind the gap’: this phrase bellows out of most London Underground stations but captures the essence of the second key lesson learnt — the challenges of negotiating gaps between hazard and risk information.Alert levels can change due to the perceived threats at hand, but the decision to progress or downgrade these levels can be challenging due to difficulties in interpreting scientific data and understanding what response is required.Finally, the decision to move between alert levels requires negotiations of perceived political, livelihood and environmental factors rather than just evaluation of the scientific data.Standardisation of alert systems is also vital to convey information across communities, but systems need to be designed according to national and international policies while considering local threats.This is very hard to achieve due to the diversity and uncertain nature of hazards across different geographical areas, as well as cultural and political factors. But many volcanic communities globally can do this for volcano ash hazards, particularly in the context of aviation hazards.Decision-makers at all levels have often failed to recognise or act upon early warnings. This lack of action is a huge problem for all hazard and threat warnings, and will inevitably play a role in the next big pandemic, which will arise sooner than we might think. Plenty of examples exist of excellent science communication but lack of action.Action depends on collaboration across the many silos that exist in organisations, disciplines and hazards, and the newly founded UCL Warning Research Centre aims to foster such collaboration. We can draw on hard lessons learnt from other hazards and threats to be more resilient to single, multiple and cascading hazards.It is action that is needed the most, yet the ability to make the necessary changes remains our biggest challenge, especially if we don’t go beyond the silos. (360info) 

Lessons from volcano warnings in predicting the next pandemic

Warning systems for volcanoes are well established, and can provide best-practice ‘lessons’ for the development of much-needed pandemic-alert systems at all scales.

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Putin has escalated East-West tensions by ordering Russian nuclear forces put on high alert. Russia Ukraine Latest News: Russian President Vladimir Putin dramatically escalated East-West tensions by ordering Russian nuclear forces put on high alert on Sunday. Citing “aggressive statements” by NATO and tough financial sanctions, Putin issued a directive to increase the readiness of Russia’s nuclear weapons, raising fears that the invasion of Ukraine could lead to nuclear war, whether by design or mistake which could entirely wipe out Europe. Foreign affairs expert Rahis Singh said that no country in the world has openly threatened a nuclear attack in the last several decades. Nevertheless, if Russia uses an atomic bomb in Europe, the whole of Europe could be destroyed. In fact, Russia also has the 'Father of All Bombs' (FOAB) with which it can destroy the whole world. That's why Putin is repeatedly threatening Ukraine. Defense affairs expert Sandeep Thapar told India TV Digital that if a 30 kiloton atomic bomb is used, an area of ​​up to 4 km can be completely destroyed. Whereas if bombs of up to 1000 kilotons are dropped, then its effect can reach as far as 100 km.  This devastation happens in circular form. This attack can do more damage than Hiroshima and Nagasaki did. The atomic bomb which was dropped on Hiroshima was 15 kilotons and the bomb dropped on Nagasaki was 20 kilotons. The bombs devasted both the cities.Thapar further added Russia could use the atomic bomb where there is no population in an area of up to 10 km. First to scare and then to show that next time there may be a nuclear attack. Thapar added that the process of delivering nuclear weapons has become much easier today. Now nuclear missiles can be launched from anywhere be it land, sea, or sky.Putin, in ordering the nuclear alert, cited not only statements by NATO members but the hard-hitting financial sanctions imposed by the West against Russia, including Putin himself.“Western countries aren’t only taking unfriendly actions against our country in the economic sphere, but top officials from leading NATO members made aggressive statements regarding our country,” Putin said in televised comments. U.S. defense officials would not disclose their current nuclear alert level except to say that the military is prepared all times to defend its homeland and allies.Russia and the United States typically have land- and submarine-based nuclear forces that are on alert and prepared for combat at all times, but nuclear-capable bombers and other aircraft are not. If Putin is arming or otherwise raising the nuclear combat readiness of his bombers, or if he is ordering more ballistic missile submarines to sea, then the U.S. might feel compelled to respond in kind. The UN refugee agency said on Monday that more than 500,000 people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded the country last week. Russia, which massed almost 200,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders, claims its assault is aimed only at military targets, but bridges, schools and residential neighborhoods have also been hit.Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Mamata offers unconditional support to PM ModiAlso Read | Video clip of Indian students in Ukraine appealing for help leaves Sundeep Kishan shaken

Russia-Ukraine war: What if Russia drops nuclear bomb on Europe? Here's what experts have to say

Putin, in ordering the nuclear alert, cited not only statements by NATO members but the hard-hitting financial sanctions imposed by the West against Russia, including Putin himself.

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Here's what you need to know about Oxford Covid-19 vaccineWith the UK giving the green light to the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and drugmaker AstraZeneca, India is also expected to follow suit soon as a meeting of the decision-making body began on Friday, giving new hope of beginning the end of the pandemic as the New Year ushers in.The authorisation in the UK recommended two doses administered with an interval of between four and 12 weeks.This regimen was shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19, with no severe cases and no hospitalisations more than 14 days after the second dose, according to AstraZeneca.Now known as Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, it was formerly called AZD1222.AZD1222 was co-invented by the University of Oxford and its spin-out company, Vaccitech. It uses a replication-deficient chimpanzee viral vector based on a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus) that causes infections in chimpanzees and contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein.After vaccination, the surface spike protein is produced, priming the immune system to attack the SARS-CoV-2 virus if it later infects the body.As announced on November 23, the primary efficacy endpoint based on a pooled analysis showed that the vaccine was 70.4 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 occurring more than 14 days after receiving two doses of the vaccine.A secondary efficacy endpoint of prevention of severe disease demonstrated no cases of severe infections or hospitalisations in the vaccine group.In addition to the programme led by Oxford University, AstraZeneca is conducting a large trial in the US and globally.Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, is manufacturing a version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine "Covishield" in India.Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Pune-based company on November 28 to review vaccine development.The company this week said that it has a stockpile 40-50 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine.India is likely to receive majority of these 50 million doses."We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it will be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast. We will be producing around 300 million doses by July 2021," Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla recently said in a press conference.The company applied for emergency authorisation of the vaccine in India in December.It is expected that this vaccine will play a major role in India's plan to vaccinate its population against Covid-19 due to several factors including low-cost, ease of storage and transport.ALSO READ | End of wait? Expert panel meeting today to review Covid vaccines

Here's what you need to know about Oxford Covid-19 vaccine

Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, is manufacturing a version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine "Covishield" in India.

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Hydroxychloroquine a 'line of defence' against virus, says Trump defending drugUS President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his taking antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a ‘line of defence’ against coronavirus. “I think it's worth it as a line of defence and I'll stay on it for a little while longer. I'm just very curious myself, but it seems to be very safe,” Trump told reporters at the White House, a day after he disclosed that he has been taking the drug to ward off the deadly infection.The US president said the drug has gotten a bad reputation only because 'he was promoting it'. "So, I am obviously a very bad promoter. If anybody else were promoting it, they would say this is the greatest thing ever," he said. “It is a very powerful drug I guess but it doesn't harm you and so I thought as a frontline defence, possibly it would be good, and I have had no impact from it," Trump said, adding that the antimalaria drug has received tremendous reviews from doctors all over the world.There have been some great studies about it in countries like Italy, France and Spain and doctors in the US have been very positive about it, he claimed. “Many doctors came out and said it's great,” he said. “I have a doctor in the White House. I said what do you think? And it's just a line of defence,” he said, adding that the drug was inexpensive.Trump alleged that a recent study on Veteran Affairs patients was inaccurate and the drug was given to those who were on the verge of dying. “There was a false study done where they gave it to very sick people, extremely sick people, people that were ready to die. It was given by obviously not friends of the administration and the study came out, the people were ready to die. Everybody was old, had bad problems with hearts, diabetes and everything else you can imagine,” he said. “So, they gave it. So, immediately when it came out, they gave a lot of false information,” Trump said.Separately in an interview, Vice-President Mike Pence said he is not taking hydroxychloroquine. “I’m not. But I would never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician,” he said. “Hydroxychloroquine is a drug that’s been around for more than 40 years for treatment of malaria. But, early in this process, the FDA approved what’s called off-label use where physicians could prescribe hydroxychloroquine in terms they deemed appropriate. So, my physician has not recommended that, but I wouldn’t hesitate to take the counsel of my doctor. Any American should do likewise,” Pence said.However, opposition leaders slammed Trump for taking the unproven drug. “It's reckless to tell people he's using hydroxychloroquine. All of the experts say at best it doesn't help. So what about senior citizens who don't go to the doctor, who take hydroxychloroquine? Listening to the president. And at worst, it hurts you. So I don't know why he did it,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told MSNBC in an interview.“Maybe he has family or friends who own part of the company. It's not unlike the president. Someone at Mar-A-Lago, calls him on the phone tells him oh, this is a good company and he just talks about it. Maybe he did it to divert attention from all the bad things happening, and maybe he's just lying,” he alleged. Trump has called hydroxychloroquine a "game-changer" drug in the fight against the coronavirus.After Trump's repeated touting of hydroxychloroquine as a "game changer" cure for the virus, the FDA issued an advisory warning that the drug has not been "shown to be safe and effective for treating or preventing COVID-19." The Trump Administration has bought millions of doses of hydroxychloroquine and stockpiled it.India has sent several millions of doses to the US as part of its humanitarian gesture. India is one of the major manufactures of the drug, which was first synthesised in 1946 and is in a class of medications historically used to treat and prevent malaria.It is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, childhood arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. The drug is not FDA-approved for the treatment of COVID-19 but it has been identified as a possible treatment for the infection and the US government has requested its immediate availability.

Hydroxychloroquine a 'line of defence' against virus, says Trump defending drug

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his taking antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a ‘line of defence’ against coronavirus. “I think it's worth it as a line of defence and I'll stay on it for a little while longer. I'm just very curious

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Sudanese Prime Minister narrowly survives assassination attemptSudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on Monday survived an assassination attempt, state media has reported. As per reports the plot to kill the PM was carried out in the national capital Khartoum. The report did not give any further details about the assassination attempt, reports Xinhua news agency.However, witnesses have said that Hamdok's motorcade came under a car bomb attack at the entry of the Sudanese army bridge.There was no immediate claim of responsibility.Hamdok, who's the 15th Prime Minister of Sudan, assumed office last August after pro-democracy protests forced the military to oust former leader Omar al-Bashir.(With inputs from IANS) 

Sudanese Prime Minister narrowly survives assassination attempt

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on Monday survived an assassination attempt, state media has reported. As per reports the plot to kill the PM was carried out in the national capital.

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Third strong quake this month kills 1 in the southern PhilippinesThe third strong earthquake this month killed one person, injured several others Thursday and destroyed buildings that were already damaged by the earlier shaking in a devastated southern Philippine region.Cities and towns in the quake-hit area suspended school classes and office hours due to fear of more tremors. Many residents may have returned to already-damaged houses despite the risks because of the humid tropical heat, causing some injuries due to falling debris, officials said.A village hall collapsed in Batasan village in hard-hit Cotabato province and the village leader was pinned to death, Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said.In Cotabato’s city of Kidapawan, a small hotel partially collapsed, crushing the lobby and a bank on the ground floor and causing the building to lean on an adjacent hospital. Both the hotel and the hospital were ordered abandoned because of the previous quake damage but six employees and an engineer were inside Eva’s Hotel when the ground shook at midmorning, Kidapawan Mayor Joseph Evangelista said.“They’re supposed to inspect the building with an engineer then it happened. They managed to run out,” Evangelista told DZMM radio.The hospital and the hotel, its concrete columns precariously leaning and its rooms exposed without walls and windows, were cordoned off as they may collapse completely anytime.In Davao city, President Rodrigo Duterte’s hometown, a five-story condominium partly crashed down on its basement and rescue workers scrambled to bring out nine residents, one of whom was injured and brought to a hospital, officials said.The residents of the 56-room building had been urged to evacuate after it was damaged by the earlier quake on Tuesday but some defied the warning.The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the 6.5-magnitude quake was set off by movement in a local fault at a depth of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) about 28 kilometers (17 miles) east of Tulunan town in Cotabato province. The region already was devastated by two powerful earthquakes and hundreds of aftershocks this month.At least eight people died in Tuesday’s 6.6 magnitude quake, two were missing, 395 were injured and more than 2,700 houses and buildings, including schools and hospitals, were damaged, according to the Office of Civil Defense.An Oct. 16 earthquake with a magnitude 6.3 killed at least seven people, injured more than 200 and destroyed or damaged more than 7,000 buildings.The Philippine archipelago lies on the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the arc of faults around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes occur.ALSO READ | Philippines earthquake toll rises to 7, 400 injuredALSO READ | 2 killed, over 300 injured as powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake rattles California

Third strong quake this month kills 1 in southern Philippines

Cities and towns in the quake-hit area suspended school classes and office hours due to fear of more tremors. Many residents may have returned to already-damaged houses despite the risks because of the humid tropical heat, causing some injuries due to falling debris, officials said.

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China's defence budget increases 850 percent over 20 yearsChina's defense budget has grown 850 percent in the last 20 years from USD 20 billion to USD 170 billion in 2018, a top Pentagon official told lawmakers on Thursday. China possesses one of the largest militaries in the world. It continues to add to its capabilities and is increasingly provocative, such as its activities in the South China Sea and in Africa, where China established its first overseas base ever in Djibouti in 2017, said Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John C Rood."China's official defense budget has grown 850 percent over the past 20 years from USD 20 billion to USD 170 billion in 2018," Rood said in his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.He also noted that the real figures are significantly higher than China's official budget. China, Rood said, has also sought to spend funding in ways that are specifically targeted at key US military advantages with new capabilities in such areas as space, cyber, electronic warfare, undersea warfare, fighter aircraft, bombers equipped with long-range cruise missiles, and other anti-access, area denial (A2AD) capabilities. Giving example, he said China is using cyber capabilities to advance its military and strategic.China's ground forces alone exceed one million personnel. A large maritime militia supplements its 300-ship navy and 250-ship coast guard. Its air forces operate over 2,600 aircraft. It maintains a ballistic missile arsenal consisting of 750-1500 short range, 150-450 medium-range, and 80-160 intermediate-range variants, Rood said.Chinese development of nuclear capabilities is extensive, he said, adding that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy intends to increase the number of operational SSBN class submarines from four to six.The Rocket Forces maintain approximately 90 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, including road mobile delivery systems. Rounding out their nuclear triad is the PLA Air Force’s operational H-6K, and the prospect of a future nuclear capable stealth strategic bomber, estimated to debut in 2025.These delivery systems equipped with nuclear weapons give China several ways of reaching the United States, and exemplify China's large-scale effort to build larger and more capable forces armed with nuclear weapons, Rood said.The senior Pentagon official told lawmakers that Beijing's activities, such as militarisation of the South China Sea, development of offensive cyber and space capabilities, and legal and illicit efforts to acquire sensitive or advanced dual-use technologies to support its military objectives, are inconsistent with the rules-based international order, which has benefited all nations, including China.Senator Jim Inhofe, Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, said while China was increasing it military spending, the US under the Obama administration "actually reduced" its defence appropriations by 25 per cent."It's something we're going to have to deal with. So let's get real. If we're serious about competing with China and Russia, we have to show that our democracy can give our troops what they need and when they need it," Inhofe said. 

China's defence budget increases 850 percent over 20 years

China's defense budget has grown 850 percent in the last 20 years from USD 20 billion to USD 170 billion in 2018, a top Pentagon official told lawmakers on Thursday.

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Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbai Jeenbekov speaks at the Eurasian Economic Union Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The president of Kyrgyzstan announced his resignation in a bid to end the turmoil that has engulfed the Central Asian nation after a disputed parliamentary election. In a statement Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 released by his office.Kyrgyzstan’s president announced his resignation Thursday, bowing to the demands of protesters who have taken to the streets of this Central Asian nation to contest the results of a recent parliamentary election.Protesters in the capital of Bishkek celebrated Sooronbai Jeenbekov’s decision, but it’s not clear it will quell the unrest that has gripped the country since last week. The demonstrators quickly moved on to demanding that Parliament be dissolved and that the body’s speaker, who is next in line in the order of succession, also resign.Jeenbekov had dismissed calls he step down just a day earlier. But in a statement released by his office Thursday, he said that he feared violence if he stayed in power, noting that protesters were facing off against police and military.“In this case, blood will be shed, it is inevitable,” Jeenbekov’s statement said. “I don’t want to go down in history as a president who shed blood and shot at his own citizens.”Parliament must officially approve his resignation, and Speaker Kanat Isayev, who was appointed earlier this week, told local media that the legislature would gather Friday to consider it. Raising the possibility of further confusion and turmoil, Isayev told the Kyrgyz news outlet 24.kg that he doesn’t feel he has the right to take over the presidency since the current parliamentary term is about to end.Jeenbekov’s announcement was hardly a surprising turn for the country of 6.5 people on the border with China: He is the third president to be chased from power by popular uprisings since 2005.The country was most recently plunged into chaos following an Oct. 4 vote that election officials say was swept by pro-government parties. The opposition said the election was tainted by vote-buying and other irregularities.Protesters have taken over government buildings, looting some offices, and the Central Election Commission nullified the election. The opposition then announced plans to oust Jeenbekov and form a new government.Jeenbekov kept a low profile in the first few days after the vote, using the infighting among protest leaders to dig in. He introduced a state of emergency in Bishkek, which was endorsed Tuesday by Parliament.Authorities deployed troops to the capital over the weekend and introduced a curfew. The move eased tensions in the city, where residents feared the violence and vandalism that accompanied previous uprisings and began forming vigilante groups to protect property. Stores and banks that were closed last week have reopened.In an effort to stem the unrest, Jeenbekov on Wednesday endorsed the appointment of Sadyr Zhaparov, a former lawmaker who was freed from jail by demonstrators last week, as the country’s new prime minister. He also approved Zhaparov’s new Cabinet.Zhaparov promised his supporters to push for Jeenbekov’s resignation — but Jeenbekov continued to resist, saying he would stay in the job until the political situation in Kyrgyzstan stabilizes.Hundreds of Zhaparov’s supporters rallied in the capital Wednesday, demanding the president’s resignation and threatening to storm his residence. Zhaparov promised he would meet with the president again on Thursday to talk about his resignation.It wasn’t immediately clear whether the meeting took place, but the protests continued.As in the uprisings that ousted presidents in 2005 and 2010, the current unrest has been driven by clan rivalries that shape the country’s politics.Jeenbekov said in his statement that the situation in Bishkek “remains tense” and that he didn’t want to escalate those tensions.“For me, peace in Kyrgyzstan, the country’s integrity, the unity of our people and the calm in the society are above all else,” Jeenbekov’s statement said.Jeenbekov has called on Zhaparov and other politicians to get their supporters of the streets of the capital and “bring peaceful life back to the people of Bishkek.”

Kyrgyzstan president Jeenbekov announces his resignation amid unrest

Kyrgyzstan’s president announced his resignation Thursday, bowing to the demands of protesters who have taken to the streets of this Central Asian nation to contest the results of a recent parliamentary election.

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Mahinda Rajapaksa takes oath as Sri Lankan Prime MinisterMahinda Rajapaka took oath on Sunday as the country’s new prime minister at a historic Buddhist temple. He is swearing-in ceremony days after his party won a landslide victory in the General Election.The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) leader was administered the oath of office for the ninth Parliament by his younger brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb.Mahinda Rajapaksa completed 50 years of parliamentary politics in July this year. He was elected as a Member of Parliament at the young age of 24 in 1970. He has since been elected President twice and has been appointed Prime Minister thrice.The SLPP, led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, registered a landslide victory in the August 5 general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power. Mahinda Rajapaksa polled over 500,000 individual preference votes -- the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections.The SLPP won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament. The cabinet ministers, state and deputy ministers are expected to be sworn-in on Monday.The Rajapaksa family -- including SLPP founder and its National Organiser 69-year-old Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, and Mahinda Rajapaksa -- has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades. Mahinda Rajapaksa previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the November presidential election on the SLPP ticket.In the parliamentary election, he was seeking 150 seats mandatory to execute constitutional changes, including to repeal the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which had curbed the presidential powers while strengthening the role of Parliament.Activists, already alarmed by the diminishing space for dissent and criticism in the island nation, fear such a move could lead to authoritarianism. The biggest casualty from the election outcome was the United National Party (UNP) of former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe which managed to win only one seat. The country's grand old party failed to win a single seat from any of the 22 districts.UNP leader and four-time prime minister Wikremesinghe was unseated for the first time since he entered Parliament in 1977. (With inputs from PTI)

Mahinda Rajapaksa takes oath as Sri Lankan Prime Minister

Mahinda Rajapaka took oath on Sunday as the country’s new prime minister at a historic Buddhist temple. He is swearing-in ceremony days after his party won a landslide victory in the General Election.

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Representational imageIn a shocking incident, a sixth grade student lost his life while playing innocuous 'face-slapping' at his school in Pakistan's Punjab province, media reports said. During break time, Bilal and Aamir chose to play Thapar Kabaddi (face-slapping) at Government High School Mian Channu when Bilal was severely struck near his neck, the Express Tribune reported. During the game, students and teachers also gathered in the ground to watch the fight, it said. The incident happened earlier this month but its video surfaced yesterday. As the game begun, both of them started to slap each other as hard as they could. The event took an ugly turn, when Bilal unable to bear Aamir's slaps lost his conscious and fell on the ground. Nobody came to his aid and shifted him to the nearby hospital while the rescue team also arrived late after a delay of half an hour, the report said. The incident points towards grave negligence on the part of police, school administration and parents of the victim. Sources said that the school administration failed to take Bilal to hospital for medical treatment immediately after the incident and are equally responsible as the local police for not carrying out post-mortem of the body, it said. Thappar Kabaddi, also known as Chanta Kabaddi, is a famous sport in many cities of Punjab.

Pakistan: Class 6 boy dies during 'face-slapping' game in Punjab province

During break time, Bilal and Aamir chose to play Thapar Kabaddi (face-slapping) at Government High School Mian Channu when Bilal was severely struck near his neck.

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Imran Khan asks his supporters to get justice if he is killedDuring a Faisalabad rally on Sunday, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told his supporters to get justice for him if he is killed and asked whether the new PML-N-led coalition government could handle the already ailing economy.After being forced out of power via a no-trust vote, Khan has been holding public gatherings ahead of his party's long march on Islamabad. Besides demanding inquiry in the foreign conspiracy case, he has called for an early election.Addressing his supporters in the city of Faisalabad, he said, "I've recorded a video because I know Pakistan's history. It tells us our justice system can't apprehend powerful criminals, so I leave it to the people. If something happens to me, then the nation will have to get me justice.""Will you do it?" the PTI chairman asked, as quoted by the Dawn newspaper."You have to make two promises with me. If something happens to me then those I name in the video, you have to stand up to them and ensure they are taken to court so that the first time the powerful will face the law."He also reiterated that his government was ousted through a US conspiracy, with the help of "Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs" - a reference he has used over the past month."TV channels and media houses, why don't you reach out to the people and ask them how expensive tomatoes and chicken are today? Chicken price has doubled because Hamza Shehbaz is in that business," he added.The former Pakistan PM also urged his supporters to march to Islamabad when he gives the call later this month and "free Pakistan from such leaders".Aside from Faisalabad, he also held a separate rally in Sialkot, where he again claimed that a conspiracy is being hatched abroad to kill him.He said all those who had betrayed Pakistan will be exposed and claimed that the Shehbaz Sharif government was trying to create chaos in the country.After the Sialkot rally, Imran Khan complained on Twitter said he was denied a larger ground for jalsa because the government feared massive public attendance of his supporters."Govt of crooks, fearing the massive public coming out not only denied us larger ground for our jalsa but also indulged in police vandalism destroying our equipment & jalsa arrangements. As a result there were as many people outside our jalsagah as inside bec of space shortage. This has only fuelled the anger of ppl ag imported govt," Imran Khan tweeted. (With inputs from ANI)Also Read | 'Nuking Pakistan better than giving power to thieves', says former PM Imran Khan

At Faisalabad rally, Imran Khan asks his supporters to get justice if he is killed

"I've recorded a video because I know Pakistan's history. It tells us our justice system can't apprehend powerful criminals, so I leave it to the people," Imran Khan said.

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Snow-related incidents claim 93 lives in PakistanThe death toll in the massive avalanches and snow-related incidents in Pakistan and PoK touched 93, according to media reports on Wednesday as authorities rushed to provide humanitarian aid to those hit by the harsh weather conditions in the country. Neelum valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is reported to be the worst hit as avalanches continued to damage hundreds of building in the area, killing 66 people, the Dawn newspaper reported.At least 84 houses and 17 shops have been fully destroyed, while 94 houses and a mosque were partially damaged. Nineteen vehicles have also been damaged in the natural calamity, Neelum Deputy Commissioner Raja Mahmood Shahid was quoted as saying in the report.Twenty people have been killed in Balochistan and at least seven in Sialkot and other districts of Punjab over the past few days, it said.The rain-related incidents also led to closure of major roads and highways in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan. Officials said that the death toll could further go up as some areas in the valley were still inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, it said, adding that the that there is a forecast of another spell of snowfall from Friday.The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that it was bracing for more human and material losses due to inclement weather conditions.Expressing concern over the situation, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked authorities to immediately provide humanitarian assistance to those affected."The severe snowfalls and landslides have caused misery & deaths. I have asked the NDMA, the military & all our federal ministers to immediately provide all humanitarian assistance on an emergency footing to the affected people," Khan tweeted on Tuesday.According to a report in The Express Tribune, the Met Office has also issued a warning highlighting the risk of closure of inter-city roads due to heavy snowfall and rains in the districts of Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Murree, Galyat, Neelum, Bagh, Haveli, Rawalakot, Astore, Hunza and Skardu.Key highways connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan were also blocked due to heavy snow, forcing officials to suspend transportation of essential goods into Afghanistan, the report said.Pakistan's Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa condoled the lives lost due to the cold wave that has gripped the country and also directed authorities for continued assistance to the civil administration for rescue and relief operations, GeoTV reported.“Army helicopters are undertaking operations in snow hit areas of Sharda, Sargan, Bakwal and Taobat,” said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan Army.ISPR said that the Pakistan Army Urban Search & Rescue teams are evacuating stranded population.Doctors, paramedics, tents, rations, blankets, and medicines are being provided to the affected families, it said.Balochistan was the first to suffer human losses on Sunday due to the extreme weather conditions when a westerly weather system entered the province in the early hours of Saturday morning.Hundreds of passengers, including women and children, were stuck in harsh weather on Monday as a massive snowstorm wreaked havoc in different parts of Balochistan. 

Snow-related incidents claim 93 lives in Pakistan

Neelum valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is reported to be the worst hit as avalanches continued to damage hundreds of building in the area, killing 66 people.

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Kavkaz Express employees Bakha Tokkozhin, front, and Rollan Daniyar load up boxes of food to hand out to truck drivers as a gesture of thanks and support for their work during the outbreak of the new coronavirus at the trucking company's headquarters Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Denver. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) After 72,616 fresh cases of coronavirus were reported, the total tally of COVID-19 across the globe has reached 1,852,359. With 560,402 positive cases and 22,105 deaths, the US has the highest fatalities. Meanwhile, no fresh cases were reported in Italy. However, the country's total tally stands at 156,363 with 19,899 deaths. China saw a sudden rise of 108 new cases, which brings the total tally to 82,160. Across the Atlantic, major European countries like Spain and France are reporting a comparatively lesser number of deaths. Italy has the most deaths in Europe (19,899), followed by Spain (17,209) and France (14,393). The United Kingdom has over 10,000 COVID-19 deaths and its total tally stands at 84,279.The chart shows the number of fatalities across the globe as on April 12. 

Global coronavirus cases cross 1.8 million-mark; death toll at 1,14,208

After 72,616 fresh cases of coronavirus were reported, the total tally of COVID-19 across the globe has reached 1,852,359. With 560,402 positive cases and 22,105 deaths, the US has the highest fatalities.

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Pakistan Army Aviation plane crashes in RawalpindiAt least 17 people, including five soldiers and 12 civilians, died as a plane of Pakistan Army Aviation crashed into a residential area near the garrison city of Rawalpindi in wee hours of Tuesday, said Farooq Butt, an official at the state-run emergency service. Two pilots, Lt Col Saqib, Lt Col Waseemare along with other Army personnel Naib Subedar Afzal, Havaldar Ibne Ameen and Havaldar Rehmat killed in the plane crash. Soon after the crash, a massive fire broke out that engulfed several houses. According to the official who called 1122, an emergency number, informed about the crash in Rawalpindi. He also said that the authorities had declared an emergency in three nearest hospitals. He said about 20 people were injured in the plane crash.As soon as they were informed, Pakistan Army and teams of 1122 rushed to the scene and started the rescue operation.Butt said a rescue operation was still ongoing and that the death toll from the plane crash could rise as some of the injured persons are listed in critical condition. The cause of the plane crash is yet to be determined. ALSO READ | Pani Pani Re: Pakistani reporter stands in neck-deep water for in-depth flood coverage | WatchALSO READ | 7 killed in rain-related incidents in PakistanALSO READ | China, Pak to boost anti-terrorism, security cooperationWATCH |  /* .jw-reset-text, .jw-reset{line-height: 2em;}*/ .jw-time-tip .jw-time-chapter{display:none;} if ('' == comscore_jw_loaded || 'undefined' == comscore_jw_loaded || undefined == comscore_jw_loaded) { var comscore_jw_loaded = 1; firstjw = document.getElementsByClassName('jwvidplayer')[0]; cs_jw_script = document.createElement('script'); cs_jw_script.src = 'https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/internal-c2/plugins/streamingtag_plugin_jwplayer.js'; firstjw.parentNode.insertBefore(cs_jw_script, firstjw.nextSibling); } var jwconfig_2980697333 = { "file": "https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_d6kw1t8b_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_d6kw1t8b_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Pakistan Army Aviation plane crashes in Rawalpindi, killing at least 12", "height": "440px", "width": "100%", "aspectratio": "16:9", "autostart": false, "controls": true, "mute": false, "volume": 25, "floating": false, "sharing": { "code": "", "sites": [ "facebook", "twitter", "email" ] }, "stretching": "exactfit", "primary": "html5", "hlshtml": true, "sharing_link": "", "advertising": { "client": "vast", "autoplayadsmuted": true, "skipoffset": 5, "cuetext": "", "skipmessage": "Skip ad in xx", "skiptext": "SKIP", "preloadAds": true, "schedule": [ { "offset": "pre", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PreRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" }, { "offset": "50%", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_MidRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=" }, { "offset": "post", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PostRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" } ] } }; var jwvidplayer_2980697333 = ''; jwsetup_2980697333(); function jwsetup_2980697333() { jwvidplayer_2980697333 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_2980697333").setup(jwconfig_2980697333); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_2980697333, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_d6kw1t8b\", ns_st_pr=\"Pakistan Army Aviation plane crashes in Rawalpindi, killing at least 12\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Pakistan Army Aviation plane crashes in Rawalpindi, killing at least 12\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Pakistan Army Aviation plane crashes in Rawalpindi, killing at least 12\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2019-07-30\", ns_st_tdt=\"2019-07-30\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_d6kw1t8b_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_2980697333.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_2980697333.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_2980697333.stop(); jwvidplayer_2980697333.remove(); jwvidplayer_2980697333 = ''; jwsetup_2980697333(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_2980697333.stop(); jwvidplayer_2980697333.remove(); jwvidplayer_2980697333 = ''; jwsetup_2980697333(); return; }); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2980697333.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

17 killed as Pakistan Army Aviation plane crashes in Rawalpindi

According to the official who called 1122, an emergency number and informed about the crash in Rawalpindi. He also said that the authorities had declared an emergency in three nearest hospitals. He said about 20 people were injured in the plane crash.

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Qantas grounds 3 Boeing planes for cracks in structureAustralian flag carrier Qantas on Friday announced that it has grounded three Boeing 737NG aircraft after finding cracks in the planes structure.The cracks on Qantas' planes, found as part of an inspection on 33 of its 737NG models, occurred at the point where the wing meets the body, known as the pickle fork, and would require complex repairs, reports Efe news."We would never fly an aircraft that wasn't safe. Even where these hairline cracks are present they're not an immediate risk, which is clear from the fact the checks were not required for at least seven months," Andrew David, CEO of Qantas Domestic, told the media here on Friday.David dismissed comments the airline's engineers' union made on Thursday, calling for all of Qantas' 75 737NG fleet to be grounded.He called the comments "irresponsible" and "unfortunate" and said the engineers had misrepresented the facts.Qantas said it had contacted Boeing to solve the planes' problems, adding that the temporary groundings would have a minimum impact on customers.The company uses the model for domestic or short international flights.The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a directive early last month requiring continuous inspections on its Boeing 737-600, 700, 700C, 800, 900 and 900 ER aircraft to prevent pickle forks from cracking.Various airlines worldwide have grounded their 737 models upon discovering the cracks - a further blow to the 737 brand name, which in the past year has seen its newest MAX planes banned from flying after two deadly accidents killed hundreds in Indonesia and Ethiopia.ALSO READ | Air India seeks $819 million loan for 7 Boeing planesALOS READ | European regulators delay lifting 737 MAX grounding order

Qantas grounds 3 Boeing planes for cracks in structure

The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a directive early last month requiring continuous inspections on its Boeing 737-600, 700, 700C, 800, 900 and 900 ER aircraft to prevent pickle forks from cracking.

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Modi and Loong have agreed to deepen defence and economic tiesPrime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong on Friday, called for a peaceful, open, and friendly maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region and have agreed to deepen the bilateral economic ties and build on defence cooperation.The two leaders also witnessed an exchange of Memorandums of Understanding in numerous fields, including the training of public service officials, cyber security, narcotics control and logistics cooperation between the two navies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the strategic partnership between India and Singapore has stood the test of time in real sense. "We have been able to conclude successfully the second review of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, but we agreed this is not just our target and goal, but this only means to an end," Modi said in a joint press statement after holding wide-ranging discussions with Lee. "Our officials will soon begin discussions on upgrading and reforming this agreement," he added.  He hailed the close defence cooperation between the two countries and welcomed the completion of the logistics agreement between the two navies. "In the coming times, dealing with cyber security and extremism and terrorism will be important areas of our cooperation," he added. Modi and Lee also exchanged views on the regional and global challenges and reiterated their principled position on maritime security and expressed commitment to 'Rules Based' Order. The two leaders also agreed on the need to maintain an open, stable and fair international trade regime. "We also agreed for a peaceful, open, and friendly maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region," Modi said. On his part, Lee said the bilateral defence ties have grown stronger. "Our defence ties have strengthened, our navies have signed an agreement today on logistics cooperation and will also celebrate 25th anniversary of annual Singapore-India maritime bilateral exercise this year," Lee said. Modi said Singapore has always been a source of foreign direct investment for India and investments in foreign countries. It has also been a favourite destination for Indian investments abroad, he added. "I am happy to note that Indian companies use Singapore as a spring board for not only this country but for the entire ASEAN region. For Singaporean companies, as India develops, opportunities are coming up," he said. Recalling his meeting with CEOs yesterday, Modi said he was happy to see that top executives of many important companies looking at India with confidence. Modi said the air traffic between India and Singapore is growing rapidly and both countries will enter into a new 'Air Service Agreement' soon. He said the international launch of RuPay, BHIM and UPI based remittance app in Singapore yesterday represented Digital India initiative and the renewed partnership between the two sides. Lee said Indian tourists will be able to use their RuPay cards for electronic payments at Changi airport and selected operators across Singapore. Modi, who arrived here yesterday on the last leg of his three-nation visit, earlier made a courtesy call on President Halimah Yacob after a welcome ceremony at the Istana where he was given a guard of honour. "Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at Istana - Presidential Palace of Singapore. Millennia old ties now powered by partnership in innovation and technology," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Modi and Yacob exchanged views to strengthen bilateral relations and explored further cooperation in the flagship initiatives of the government. "Close ties rooted in commercial, cultural and people to people links. Prime Minister Modi called on President of Singapore Halimah Yacob," Kumar said. PM Modi will also deliver the keynote address at the strategically important Shangri- La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday. Notably, PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to deliver the keynote address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue.(With inputs from PTI)

PM Modi's South-East Asia tour: India, Singapore agree to deepen economic, defence ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong today, called for a peaceful, open, and friendly maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region and have agreed to deepen the bilateral economic ties and build on defence cooperation.

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Donald Trump Jr's girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle tests COVID-19 positiveWKim Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr. and a top Trump campaign official, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, it was reported. Guilfoyle, who travelled to Mount Rushmore to attend President Donald Trump's July 4 kick-off address on Friday, was not in contact with him and did not travel on Air Force One, Politico news said in a report. Sergio Gor, chief of staff for the Trump Victory Finance Committee, said in a statement on Friday: "After testing positive, Kimberly was immediately isolated to limit any exposure. She's doing well, and will be retested to ensure the diagnosis is correct since she's asymptomatic, but as a precaution will cancel all upcoming events."Donald Trump Jr was tested negative, but as a precaution is also self-isolating and is cancelling all public events."Guilfoyle however, did not have coronavirus symptoms prior to the rally, Politico news quoted a New York Times report as saying.Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality who now works for the Trump campaign, is the latest person close to the President to test positive for coronavirus.In May, a member of the US military who worked in the White House tested positive for the virus.Days later, Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence's spokeswoman, also tested positive.Last weekend, Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. were spotted without a mask at a crowded party in the Hamptons, the New York Post reported.(With IANS inputs)Also Read | Twitter deletes image posted by Trump over violation of company policyAlso Read | Has Iran issued arrest warrant against Donald Trump? Here's the story

Donald Trump Jr's girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle tests COVID-19 positive

Sergio Gor, chief of staff for the Trump Victory Finance Committee, said in a statement on Friday: "After testing positive, Kimberly was immediately isolated to limit any exposure. She's doing well, and will be retested to ensure the diagnosis is correct since she's asymptomatic, but as a precaution will cancel all upcoming events.

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The restrictions, imposed last month, were meant to blunt the spread of the new 'Omicron' variant of Covid-19.The US will lift the temporary travel restrictions on eight Southern Africa countries on December 31, said White House spokesman Kevin Munoz on Friday. Foreign nationals who are barred from the United States because they have been in one of the eight countries within the prior 14 days will again be allowed on U.S.-bound flights leaving after 12:01 a.m. ET on Dec. 31, reported news agency Reuters, quoting a White House official.Kevin Munoz, announcing the decision on Twitter said, "The restrictions gave us time to understand Omicron and we know our existing vaccines work against Omicron, esp boosted."The restrictions, imposed last month, were meant to blunt the spread of the new 'Omicron' variant of Covid-19. The Nov. 29 ban barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.Follow Omicron LIVE updates HEREALSO READ | Omicron forces states to bring back night curfews, restrictions to check virus spread 

US to lift travel ban on 8 southern African countries, says White House official

The restrictions, imposed last month, were meant to blunt the spread of the COVID omicron variant. The Nov. 29 ban barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

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Representative ImageAn American undersea explorer who has completed what is claimed to be the deepest manned sea dive ever recorded, found a plastic bag and candy wrappers in the southern end of the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench.Victor Vescovo journeyed 35,853 feet to the bottom of the Challenger Deep as part of a mission to chart the world's deepest underwater places, CNN reported.Making multiple trips nearly 11 km to the ocean floor -- one of them four hours in duration -- Vescovo set a record for the deepest solo dive in history, his team said. The previous record was held by "Titanic" director James Cameron in 2012.The ocean depths represent some of the least explored and remote places on the planet. The Mariana Trench is deeper than Mount Everest is tall.As well as four new species that could offer clues about the origins of life on Earth, Vescovo observed the plastic bag and candy wrappers at the deepest point on the planet.Details of the voyage, made on May 1, were released for the first time on Monday.Vescovo, a 53-year-old financier with a naval background, told CNN that his journey to the depths was about testing the limits of human endeavour as much as scientific discovery.A key mission objective was to capture video evidence of what was at the bottom of the Challenger Deep, which was first explored in 1960."I criss-crossed all over the bottom looking for different wildlife, potentially unique geological formations or rocks, man-made objects, and yes, trying to see if there was an even deeper location than where the Trieste went all the way back in 1960," Vescovo said.Discoveries in the Challenge Deep included "vibrantly colourful" rocky outcrops that could be chemical deposits, prawn-like supergiant amphopods, and bottom-dwelling Holothurians, or sea cucumbers.The team of the Five Deeps Expedition that Vescovo's voyage was a part of, said its scientists were going to perform tests on the creatures found to determine the percentage of plastics found in them.

US man makes deepest dive of 10.92 km in Pacific Ocean, finds plastic

An American undersea explorer who has completed what is claimed to be the deepest manned sea dive ever recorded, found a plastic bag and candy wrappers in the southern end of the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench.

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India-China border standoff: Crucial meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Wang Yi in Moscow shortlyExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met in Moscow on Thursday amid hopes of a possible breakthrough in reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The talks between the two foreign ministers took place in the backdrop of a massive spike in border tensions in eastern Ladakh triggered by fresh face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting. In a press conference earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs said India is committed to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing tensions and said both sides are in regular touch.In meeting lasted more than two hours. Jaishankar, reportedly stressed on the need to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region, and reiterated that Indian forces never tried to change the status quo ante along the Line of Actual Control.The focus of the bilateral talks between the two leaders are expected to be on finding a breakthrough to cool down tensions in eastern Ladakh. A meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart Gen.Wei Fenghe on the margins of another SCO meet in Moscow last Friday apparently did not yield any any tangible outcome. Earlier in the day, the foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC)  held trilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) “Attended the RIC Foreign Ministers Meeting hosted by FM (Sergey) Lavrov in Moscow. Thank him for his warm hospitality. India takes on the Chair of the RIC process,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted along with a photograph of his counterparts from Russia and China.Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest.Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members.Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday.

India-China standoff: EAM Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart meet in Moscow amid Ladakh tensions

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met in Moscow on Thursday amid hopes of a possible breakthrough in reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

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Trump defends suspending Green Card applications till Dec 31US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to suspend issuing of green cards till the end of the year, saying it was needed to give jobs to Americans. Through an executive order, Trump, in April, had suspended issuing of green cards for 90 days. On Monday, he issued a proclamation which extended the suspension till December 31, 2020."So, we want to give jobs to Americans right now. Right now, we want jobs going to Americans," Trump told reporters in San Luis, Arizona on Tuesday when asked by reporters to explain the suspension order.Trump, seeking another term in the White House in the November 3 presidential election, on Monday said the step was essential to help millions of Americans who have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.Trump said that the overall unemployment rate in the country nearly quadrupled between February and May of 2020 -- producing some of the most extreme unemployment rates ever recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.While the rate of 13.3 per cent unemployment in May reflects a marked decline from April, millions of Americans remain out of work.With the current suspension in effect, the wait time for Indian technology professionals to get legal permanent residency in the US is now running into decades.The US every year allocates only 1,40,000 green cards for all employment-preference immigrants, including accompanying family members.Currently, there is a backlog of almost 10 lakh foreign nationals and accompanying family members lawfully residing in the United States. These applicants have been approved but are yet to receive employment green cards.The backlog is projected to increase each year because the number of foreign workers who self-sponsor or are sponsored by their US employers for green cards each year exceeds the annual allocation.In addition to this numerical limit, there is a statutory seven per cent per-country ceiling applied to each preference category, which prevents the monopolisation of employment-based green cards by foreign nationals from a single country.“This per-country ceiling has created decades-long waits for nationals from large migrant-sending countries such as India and China,” a latest Congressional report said.

Trump defends suspending Green Card applications till Dec 31

US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to suspend issuing of green cards till the end of the year, saying it was needed to give jobs to Americans.

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North Koreans military cadets are silhouetted near the North Korean flag as they attend an evening gala held on the eve of the 70th anniversary of North Korea’s founding day in Pyongyang, North Korea, Saturday.Workers with paint brushes and brooms put the final touches on Pyongyang’s iconic Kim Il Sung Square as North Korea prepared for what promises to be its biggest celebration in years on Sunday — the 70th anniversary of the country’s official birth as a nation.The spectacle, months in the making, will center on a military parade and mass games that will likely put both advanced missiles and leader Kim Jong Un’s hopes for a stronger economy front and center.Related Stories North Korea releases Japanese citizen on 'humanitarian' groundsUS to end suspension of military drills on Korean peninsula, says Jim MattisUN Chief hails Kim Jong Un's commitment to denuclearise Korean PeninsulaAlthough North Korea stages military parades almost every year, and held one just before the Olympics began in South Korea in February this year, Sunday’s parade comes at a particularly sensitive time.Kim’s effort to ease tensions with President Donald Trump have stalled since their June summit in Singapore. Both sides are now insisting on a different starting point. Washington wants Kim to commit to denuclearization first, but Pyongyang wants its security guaranteed and a peace agreement formally ending the Korean War.With tensions once again on the rise, a parade featuring the very missiles that so unnerved Trump last year, and led to a dangerous volley of insults from both leaders, could be seen as a deliberate provocation.The North displayed its latest missilery in the February parade, however, and Washington hardly batted an eye. So it’s possible Kim might choose to display them but give the missiles a lower profile if he makes his usual address just before the parade begins.Either way, soon after the Sunday celebrations end, Kim will once again meet in Pyongyang with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss ways to break the impasse over his nuclear weapons.While it remains to be seen what kind of weaponry will be rolled out at the parade, North Korea is clearly trying to switch its emphasis away from just military power to its efforts to improve the country’s domestic economy.The “new line” of putting economic development first has been Kim’s top priority this year. He claims to have perfected his nuclear arsenal enough to deter U.S. aggression and devote his resources to raising the nation’s standard of living.Despite speculation that Chinese President Xi Jinping would attend, Beijing instead sent its third-highest party official.With Xi officially out, no major world leaders were expected to join in, though delegations from countries such as Syria, Vietnam and nations across Africa that have friendly relations with the North sent high-level delegations.This year’s celebrations also mark the revival of North Korea’s iconic mass games after a five-year hiatus.The mass games involve tens of thousands of people holding up placards or dancing in precise unison and are intended to be a display of national unity. This year’s spectacle — tickets start at just over $100 and go up to more than $800 per seat — also has a strong economic theme.The economy was also a big part of a concert held on the eve of the anniversary for foreign dignitaries and a large foreign media contingent allowed in for the events.As is commonly the case, the visiting journalists were generally kept away from anything newsworthy.On Saturday, they were bussed to a cosmetics factory and a very well-funded cooperative — and not very representative — farm on the outskirts of the capital.

North Korea to fete 70th anniversary with tanks, dancing masses

North Korea will be staging a major military parade, huge rallies and reviving its iconic mass games on Sunday to mark its 70th anniversary as a nation.

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Authorities on Sunday issued a red alert in the state of Western Australia (WA) after tropical cyclone Kelvin made landfall earlier in the day, bringing with it winds of up to 250 kph.In a warning, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services told residents of northern WA that they were "in danger and need to act immediately", reports Xinhua news agency"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area," it said.Residents of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions were told to remain in the safest parts of their house, away from windows or stay in evacuation centres.Further south, a yellow alert was put in place warning of winds up to 150 kph.Heavy rainfall was also expected. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned of possibilities of heavy flooding.

Red alert issued in Australian state for cyclone Kelvin

In a warning, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services told residents of northern WA that they were "in danger and need to act immediately"

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Australian hospitals hit with major cyber attackHospitals in Australia's Victoria state were infiltrated by "sophisticated cyber criminals", forcing the cancellation of surgeries and the shutdown of computer services, authorities said on Tuesday.Targeting the Gippsland Health Alliance and the South West Alliance of Rural Health, the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet said in a statement: "The cyber incident, which was uncovered on Monday, has blocked access to several systems by the infiltration of ransomware, including financial management.""Where practical, hospitals are reverting to manual systems to maintain their services," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.Affecting operations at Warrnambool, Colac, Geelong, Warragul, Sale, and Bairnsdale and a number of other smaller regional towns, "the Victorian Cyber Incident Response Service has been deployed and worked with impacted health services overnight to respond to the attack", it said.Expected to take "up to weeks" to secure the network, hospitals have gone offline in an attempt to quarantine the infection and protect patient data."This isolation has led to the shutdown of some patient records, booking and management systems, which may impact on patient contact and scheduling," the statement said."The affected hospitals are now working on their bookings and scheduling to minimise impact on patients, but may need to reschedule some services where they don't have computer access to patient histories, charts, images and other information."

Australian hospitals hit with major cyber attack

Targeting the Gippsland Health Alliance and the South West Alliance of Rural Health, the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet said in a statement: "The cyber incident, which was uncovered on Monday, has blocked access to several systems by the infiltration of ransomware, including financial management."

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Dr Dennis Protsenko with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 23, 2020The chief doctor of Moscow's top hospital for coronavirus patients said Tuesday that he has tested positive. The statement by Denis Protsenko comes a week after his encounter with President Vladimir Putin. Putin visited the Kommunarka hospital a week ago, where he met Protsenko. Protsenko who said he was feeling okay and self-isolated in his office.There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin on whether Putin had undergone a coronavirus test following Protsenko's announcement.The president wore a business suit and shook hands with Protsenko before the meeting, drawing a buzz on social networks over his neglect of safety precautions.Later on that day Putin put on a yellow protective suit and mask to visit the rooms for patients and talk to some of them.Russia registered 500 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus on Tuesday in the biggest spike since the beginning of the outbreak that brought the country's total to 2,337 cases.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Coronavirus: Moscow doctor who shook Putin's hand tests positive

The chief doctor of Moscow's top hospital for coronavirus patients said Tuesday that he has tested positive. The statement by Denis Protsenko comes a week after his encounter with President Vladimir Putin.

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Iran President Hassan RouhaniIran's president warned Wednesday that European soldiers in the Mideast “could be in danger” after three nations challenged Tehran over breaking the limits of its nuclear deal. Tehran's top diplomat meanwhile acknowledged that Iranians “were lied to” for days following the Islamic Republic's accidental shootdown of a Ukrainian jetliner that killed 176 people.President Hassan Rouhani's remarks in a televised Cabinet meeting represent the first direct threat he's made to Europe as tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington over President Donald Trump withdrawing the U.S. from the deal in May 2018.Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's admission, which came at a summit in New Delhi on Wednesday, represents the first time an Iranian official referred to earlier claims from Tehran that a technical malfunction downed the Ukraine International Airlines flight as a lie. The shootdown has sparked days of angry protests in the country.The current tensions between Iran and the U.S. reached fever-pitch two weeks ago with the American drone strike in Baghdad that killed the powerful Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The general had led Iranian proxy forces abroad, including those blame for deadly roadside bomb attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq.Iran retaliated with a ballistic missile strike targeting Iraqi military bases housing U.S. forces early last Wednesday, just before an anti-aircraft battery shot down the Ukrainian airliner taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport.Amid all of this, Britain, France and Germany launched the so-called “dispute mechanism” pertaining to Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Speaking before his Cabinet, Rouhani showed a rarely seen level of anger in his wide-ranging remarks Wednesday."Today, the American soldier is in danger, tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger,” Rouhani said. He did not elaborate, though European forces have deployed alongside Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan. France also maintains a naval base in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, while Britian has opened a base in the island nation of Bahrain.Rouhani separately criticized Europe's “baseless” words regarding the nuclear deal. Iran had been holding out for Europe to offer a means by which Tehran could sell its oil abroad despite U.S. sanctions. However, a hoped-for trading mechanism for other goods hasn't taken hold and a French-pitched line of credit also hasn't materialized.After Soleimani's killing, Iran announced it would no longer abide by any of the nuclear deal's limits, which had been designed to keep Tehran from having enough material to be able to build an atomic bomb if it chose. However, Iran has said it will continue to allow the United Nations' nuclear watchdog access to its nuclear sites. Rouhani on Wednesday also reiterated a longtime Iranian pledge that Tehran doesn't seek the bomb.The European nations reluctantly triggered the accord’s dispute mechanism on Tuesday to force Iran into discussions, starting the clock on a process that could result in the “snapback” of U.N. and EU sanctions on Iran.The Europeans felt compelled to act, despite objections from Russia and China, because every violation of the deal reduces the so-called “breakout time” Iran needs to produce a nuclear bomb, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told parliament. Under the deal's limits, experts believed Iran needed a year to be able to have enough material for a weapon.Zarif, speaking in New Delhi at the Raisina Dialogue, blamed U.S. “ignorance” and “arrogance” for “fueling mayhem” in the Middle East. However, he also acknowledged the anger Iranians felt over the plane shootdown.“In the last few nights, we’ve had people in the streets of Tehran demonstrating against the fact that they were lied to for a couple of days,” Zarif said.Zarif went onto praise Iran's military for being “brave enough to claim responsibility early on."However, he said that he and Rouhani only learned that a missile had down the flight on Friday, raising new questions over how much power Iran's civilian government has in its Shiite theocracy. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which shot down the aircraft, knew immediately afterward its missile downed the airline.The Guard is answerable only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is expected to preside over Friday prayers in Iran for the first time in years over anger about the crash.But there was a sense that the chance for immediate further retaliation by Iran against the U.S. may have lifted. Hossein Salami, the head of the Guard, said in a speech that Iran's “war project was closed since the people stood” against American pressure.“Now, we are moving toward peace,” Salami said.Later Wednesday, Iranian state media said the British ambassador to Iran, Robert Macaire, had left the country. Macaire left after being given what the state-run IRNA news agency described as “prior notice,” without elaborating. Britain's Foreign Office insisted Macaire's trip to London was "routine, business as usual" and was planned before his arrest in Tehran. It said he planned return to Iran.Macaire had been held after attending a candlelight vigil Saturday in Tehran over Iran shooting down the Ukrainian jetliner. The vigil quickly turned into an anti-government protests and Macaire left shortly after, only to be arrested by police.In Ukraine, forensic analysts said they expect to start decoding next week the flight data recorders recovered after the Ukrainian passenger plane was shot down, killing all on board. The recorders, known as black boxes, have yet to be transported to Ukraine.Iranian civil aviation specialists were to arrive in the capital, Kyiv, on Wednesday to participate in the decoding effort, said Alexander Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Science.Ruvin told Ukrainian media the decoding process would start on Monday. He said the bodies of 11 Ukrainians who were on the plane — most of the passengers were Iranians and Iranian-Canadians — would be returned home by Sunday.Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has insisted the investigation into the tragedy continue despite Iran's admission that it shot down the plane and that “perpetrators" be brought to justice.Also Read | Not interested in negotiating with US, says Iran Foreign Minister Javed ZarifWatch | Raisina Dialogue 2020: Iran Foreign Minister speaks on Ukrainian flight tragedy /* .jw-reset-text, .jw-reset{line-height: 2em;}*/ .jw-time-tip .jw-time-chapter{display:none;} if ('' == comscore_jw_loaded || 'undefined' == comscore_jw_loaded || undefined == comscore_jw_loaded) { var comscore_jw_loaded = 1; firstjw = document.getElementsByClassName('jwvidplayer')[0]; cs_jw_script = document.createElement('script'); cs_jw_script.src = 'https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/internal-c2/plugins/streamingtag_plugin_jwplayer.js'; firstjw.parentNode.insertBefore(cs_jw_script, firstjw.nextSibling); } var jwconfig_9775007901 = { "file": "https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_4zoz07xl_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_4zoz07xl_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Raisina Dialogue 2020: Iran Foreign Minister speaks on Ukrainian flight tragedy", "height": "440px", "width": "100%", "aspectratio": "16:9", "autostart": false, "controls": true, "mute": false, "volume": 25, "floating": false, "sharing": { "code": "", "sites": [ "facebook", "twitter", "email" ] }, "stretching": "exactfit", "primary": "html5", "hlshtml": true, "sharing_link": "", "advertising": { "client": "vast", "autoplayadsmuted": true, "skipoffset": 5, "cuetext": "", "skipmessage": "Skip ad in xx", "skiptext": "SKIP", "preloadAds": true, "schedule": [ { "offset": "pre", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PreRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" }, { "offset": "50%", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_MidRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=" }, { "offset": "post", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PostRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" } ] } }; var jwvidplayer_9775007901 = ''; jwsetup_9775007901(); function jwsetup_9775007901() { jwvidplayer_9775007901 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_9775007901").setup(jwconfig_9775007901); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_9775007901, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_4zoz07xl\", ns_st_pr=\"Raisina Dialogue 2020: Iran Foreign Minister speaks on Ukrainian flight tragedy\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Raisina Dialogue 2020: Iran Foreign Minister speaks on Ukrainian flight tragedy\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Raisina Dialogue 2020: Iran Foreign Minister speaks on Ukrainian flight tragedy\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2020-01-15\", ns_st_tdt=\"2020-01-15\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_4zoz07xl_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_9775007901.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_9775007901.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_9775007901.stop(); jwvidplayer_9775007901.remove(); jwvidplayer_9775007901 = ''; jwsetup_9775007901(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_9775007901.stop(); jwvidplayer_9775007901.remove(); jwvidplayer_9775007901 = ''; jwsetup_9775007901(); return; }); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9775007901.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

Iran warns Europe as diplomat says officials 'lied' on crash

Iran's president warned Wednesday that European soldiers in the Mideast “could be in danger” after three nations challenged Tehran over breaking the limits of its nuclear deal.

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Representational ImageChina on Friday agreed to allow Nepal to use four of its seaports and three land ports for third-country trade reducing the landlocked country's dependence on India to conduct international commerce.Nepal will be able to access Shenzen, Lianyungang, Zhanjiang and Tianjin, the latter being the nearest seaport at a distance of around 3,300 kms from the Nepalese border, according to foreign ministry sources here.Similarly, Nepal has been allowed to use Lanzhou, Lhasa and Xigatse land ports (dry ports) as well. This will provide alternative routes for Nepal to carry out international trade.Chinese authorities will provide permits to trucks and containers ferrying Nepal-bound cargo to and from Xigatse in Tibet, as per the new arrangement.The deal has paved the way for Nepal, which had been relying on Indian ports as of now, to diversify its access to seaports and alternative routes for third-country trade.Nepalese traders will be allowed to use any mode of transport - rail or road to access to seaports for third-country trade, said Ravi Shanker Sainju, joint secretary at the ministry of industry, commerce and supplies, who led the Nepalese delegation during talks here at the meeting of Nepalese and Chinese authorities on Wednesday and Thursday for the finalisation of the protocol of Transit and Transport Agreement (TTA) with China.At the meeting, both sides decided to access Chinese territory from six checkpoints — Rasuwa, Tatopani (Sindhupalchok), Korala (Mustang), Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha), Yari (Humla), Olangchung Gola (Taplejung).Joint secretary Sainju and Director General of Transport Department of China, Wang Suiping, sign the agreement on Friday morning. It has been agreed that the protocol will be exchanged during upcoming high-level visits between the two countries.The Transit and Transport Agreement with China, signed in March 2016 during Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's China visit, will come into force once the protocol is exchanged, officials said. The Madhesi agitation in 2015 had forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long term dependence on India. 

China allows Nepal to use land, seaports for trade

Nepal will be able to access Shenzen, Lianyungang, Zhanjiang and Tianjin, the latter being the nearest seaport at a distance of around 3,300 kms from the Nepalese border, according to foreign ministry sources here.

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Apple, Google, other US business groups applaud Biden's immigration reformsUS IT sector and business groups, including technology giants Google and Apple, have applauded President Joe Biden's steps to initiate immigration reforms, underlining that the move would boost American economy, create jobs and attract talent from across the world.On the day one of his presidency on Wednesday, Biden sent a comprehensive immigration bill to Congress which proposes major overhauls to the system, including granting legal status and a path to citizenship to tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants and other groups and reduce the time that family members must wait outside the US for green cards.Called the US Citizenship Act of 2021, the legislation modernises the immigration system, and also proposes to eliminate the per country cap for employment-based green cards, a move that would benefit thousands of Indian IT professionals whose current wait period for legal permanent residency runs into several decades.Apple CEO Tim Cook welcomed President Biden's "commitment to pursuing comprehensive immigration reform that reflects the American values of justice, fairness and dignity"."This effort will strengthen American communities and the pathways to opportunity this country has long fostered," he said in a statement late Wednesday.Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a tweet on Thursday applauded Biden's quick action on COVID relief, Paris climate accord and immigration reform."Google has supported action on these important issues & we look forward to working with the new administration to help the US recover from the pandemic + grow our economy,” he said.Biden on Wednesday also issued a series of executive orders, ranging from rejoining the Paris agreement on climate change, halting America's withdrawal from the World Health Organisation, revoking Muslim travel ban, stopping immediate construction of Mexico border wall and extending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme for another four years."The Biden-Harris administration's planned actions make important and overdue investments in immigration reforms that can successfully meet the demands of a globally competitive, digital economy, including expanded visa programmes for high-skilled workers and families," said Jason Oxman, president and chief executive officer of the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI). ITI is the global trade association for the tech sector, representing nearly 70 of the world’s most innovative companies.Biden is also following through on his call for unity by reaffirming his commitment to giving Dreamers a path to citizenship and to welcoming immigrants -- regardless of their country of origin -- seeking to come to the US from abroad, Oxman said.Oxman said as America continues its economic recovery from COVID-19, ensuring US employers can attract and retain the best talent from around the world is paramount.“We commend President Biden for his swift and decisive actions, and for prioritising this critical issue. Our industry is committed to working with the administration and the 117th Congress to advance these efforts and grow the US innovation economy through a competitive immigration system,” he said.The US Citizenship Act of 2021 will create an earned path to citizenship for Dreamers, undocumented immigrants living in the US, and the essential workers who have risked their lives to serve and protect American communities, the White House had said.“We are encouraged that the Biden-Harris Administration is following through on their commitment to send meaningful immigration legislation to Congress that establishes a well-deserved pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented people like us and our families,” said FWD.Org, an advocacy organisation representing top Silicon Valley companies, including Facebook, Google, Microsoft and DropBox.American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) executive director Benjamin Johnson said Biden met this historic moment with action by sending a much-needed immigration bill to Congress, along with his administration’s commitment to see the legislation enacted.“Failure to pass reasoned immigration reform for the past three decades has led to families being kept apart for years and businesses unable to hire job creators. The provisions in the US Citizenship Act will strengthen communities, reunite families, and harness the creativity and talent of immigrants who want to be a part of the American Dream in a way that has been impossible for decades,” he said.ALSO READ | In letter to Joe Biden, Amazon urges Covid-19 vaccines for its workers

Apple, Google, other US business groups applaud Biden's immigration reforms

US IT sector and business groups, including technology giants Google and Apple, have applauded President Joe Biden's steps to initiate immigration reforms, underlining that the move would boost the American economy, create jobs, and attract talent from across the world.

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Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, as they wear masks and keep social distancing, a day before the annual hajj pilgrimage.Tens of thousands of vaccinated Muslim pilgrims circled Islam’s holiest site in Mecca on Sunday, but remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus takes its toll on the hajj for a second year running. The hajj pilgrimage, which once drew some 2.5 million Muslims from all walks of life from across the globe, is now almost unrecognizable. It is being scaled back for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.The pared-down hajj prevents Muslims from outside Saudi Arabia from fulfilling an Islamic obligation and causes financial losses to Saudi Arabia which in pre-pandemic years took in billions of dollars as the custodian of the holy sites. The Islamic pilgrimage lasts about five days, but traditionally Muslims begin arriving in Mecca weeks ahead of time. The hajj concludes with the Eid al-Adha celebration, marked by the distribution of meat to the poor around the world.This year, 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia have been allowed to perform the hajj due to continued concerns around the spread of the coronavirus. L ast year’s largely symbolic hajj saw fewer than 1,000 people from within the kingdom taking part.It’s unclear when Saudi Arabia will play host again to millions of Muslims. The kingdom has no clear standard for a vaccine passport, vaccination rates are uneven in different countries and new variants of the virus are threatening the progress already made in some nations.The kingdom’s Al Saud rulers have staked their legitimacy in large part on their custodianship of hajj sites, giving them a unique and powerful platform among Muslims around the world. The kingdom has gone to great lengths to ensure the annual hajj continues uninterrupted, despite changes caused by the pandemic.Robots have been deployed to spray disinfectant around the cube-shaped Kaaba’s busiest walkways. The Kaaba is where the hajj pilgrimage begins and ends for most.Saudi Arabia is also testing a smart bracelet this year in collaboration with the government’s artificial intelligence authority. The touchscreen bracelet resembles the Apple Watch and includes information on the hajj, a pilgrim’s oxygen levels and vaccine data and has an emergency feature to call for help.International media outlets already present in the kingdom were permitted to cover the hajj from Mecca this year, but others were not granted permission to fly in as had been customary before the pandemic. Cleaners are sanitizing the vast white marble spaces of the Grand Mosque that houses the Kaaba several times a day. “We are sanitizing the floor and using disinfection liquids while cleaning it two or three times during (each) shift,” said Olis Gul, a cleaner who said he has been working in Mecca for 20 years.The hajj is one of Islam’s most important requirements to be performed once in a lifetime. It follows a route the Prophet Muhammad walked nearly 1,400 years ago and is believed to ultimately trace the footsteps of the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, or Abraham and Ishmael as they are named in the Bible.The hajj is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and bring about greater unity among Muslims. The communal feeling of more than 2 million people from around the world — Shiite, Sunni and other Muslim sects — praying together, eating together and repenting together has long been part of what makes hajj both a challenging and a transformative experience.There are questions around whether the hajj will be able to again draw such large numbers of faithful, with male pilgrims forming a sea of white in white terrycloth garments worn to symbolize the equality of mankind before God and women forgoing makeup and perfume to focus inwardly.Like last year, pilgrims will be drinking water from the holy Zamzam well in plastic bottles. They were given umrbellas to shield them from the sun. They have to carry their own prayer rugs and follow a strict schedule via a mobile app that informs them when they can be in certain areas to avoid crowding.“I hope this is a successful hajj season,” said Egyptian pilgrim Aly Aboulnaga, a university lecturer in Saudi Arabia. “We ask God to accept everyone’s hajj and for the area to be open to greater numbers of pilgrims and for a return to an even better situation than before.”Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, the kingdom was working to vastly expand Mecca’s ability to host pilgrims with a $60-billion Grand Mosque expansion. On the mosque’s south side stands the 1,972-foot (600-meter) clock-tower skyscraper, part of a completed seven-tower complex that was built to accommodate wealthier pilgrims.The kingdom, with a population of more than 30 million, has reported over half a million cases of the coronavirus, including more than 8,000 deaths. It has administered nearly 20 million doses of coronavirus vaccines, according to the World Health Organization.

With pandemic in mind, pared-back hajj in Mecca for 2nd year

The hajj pilgrimage, which once drew some 2.5 million Muslims from all walks of life from across the globe, is now almost unrecognizable.

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Gross Under-Reporting of COVID deaths in Pakistan; only 20-25% being reported: Najam SethiVeteran Pakistani journalist and former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi has torn into Imran Khan government for instructing hospitals to under-report coronavirus deaths. On his official YouTube channel, Sethi has claimed that only 20 - 25 per cent of deaths related to COVID-19 are being reported in Pakistan. "There is a gross under-reporting of official coronavirus deaths in Pakistan. Only 20-25 per cent deaths are being reported. This is being done as per government's instructions to the hospitals to under-report the deaths," Sethi said. Speaking on the Imran Khan government's intentions behind this, Sethi goes on to say, "The government doesn't want people to know the real number of deaths because of the official policy of not going under strict lockdown. The high number of deaths is because of the government's decision to not inflict a strict lockdown.""Causes of deaths are being reported other than coronavirus. For example, a person dies of coronavirus, they would report the cause of death as blood clotting or heart attack, with little regard to the fact that situation was reached at because the patient was suffering from COVID-19," he added. He also said that a lot of people in Pakistan are not getting their tests done due to the fear of coronavirus, and because they don't want people to know that they are not observing quarantine properly. As per Worldometer figures, Pakistan currently has 98,943 coronavirus cases and over 2,000 deaths. If this number is, going by what Najam Sethi says, 20-25% of the actual figure, the overall cases and deaths are far more than what Pakistan is portraying. 

Gross under-reporting of COVID deaths in Pakistan; only 20-25% being reported: Najam Sethi

Veteran Pakistani journalist and former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi has torn into Imran Khan government for instructing hospitals to under-report coronavirus deaths. On his official YouTube channel, Sethi has claimed that only 20 - 25 per cent of deaths related to COVID-19 are being reported in Pakistan.

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Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost has said that Iran did not ask for consular access to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court.During a reception at the Italian Embassy on Thursday, Honardoost said that Iran has nothing to do with Jadhav and it did not demand or request from Pakistan any consular access to the Indian national.Elaborating further, Honardoost said that the news items claiming any such demand made by Iran are ‘false and baseless’ and are part of a campaign to harm ties between Tehran and Islamabad.Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Tehmina Janjua stated that no request has been received from the Iranian government for consular access to Jadhav."Why Iran would ask for the consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, as it is not their issue," Janjua said.Earlier this week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague in the Netherlands suspended the death sentence on Jadhav by the Pakistani military court.However, Islamabad said that the Indian move (to approach ICJ in Jadhav case) was an attempt to divert attention from ‘state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan’ and that it was analysing the ICJ's authority in the matter.

Tehran didn't seek access to Kulbhushan Jadhav: Iran's envoy to Pakistan

During a reception at the Italian Embassy on Thursday, Honardoost said that Iran has nothing to do with Jadhav and it did not demand or request from Pakistan any consular access to the Indian national.

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China to build important 'passageway' to South Asia through TibetChina has included building of an important “passageway” connecting Tibet with South Asia in the 14th Five Year plan which is due to commence from this year, the official media reported on Friday. China will support Tibet in building the passageway to South Asia, state-run Xinhua news agency reported, quoting the 14th Plan document which was submitted to the National People’s Congress, (NPC), China’s Parliament. The annual session of the NPC began ib Beijing on Friday.“China's Tibet Autonomous Region will be supported to build an important passageway opening to South Asia,” state-run Xinhua news agency reported briefly.The draft outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for national economic and social development and the long-range objectives through the year 2035, which were cleared by the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) have been submitted to the NPC for formal approval.Though the Xinhua report has not mentioned, China has been planning for a long time to build the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network through Tibet and Nepal.It was regarded as a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation between China and Nepal.Nepal under the present government of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has moved closer to China, firming up especially the trans-Himalayan connectivity network.In 2019, China and Nepal signed a protocol to operationalise their 2016 Transit Transport Treaty which provided access for the landlocked Himalayan country to use Chinese ports for its foreign trade, reducing the dependence on Indian ports.Besides the road network, the two countries are considering the extension of the rail network from Tibet to Nepal.Last year, state-run China Daily here reported that preparatory work is underway for a cross-border railway connecting Tibet and Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.Meanwhile, work will start on the China-Nepal Friendship Industrial Park in Jhapa, eastern Nepal, early next year. The park is the first of its kind launched with Chinese investment.These two projects form part of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, the report said.

China to build important 'passageway' to South Asia through Tibet: Report

China will support Tibet in building the passageway to South Asia, state-run Xinhua news agency reported, quoting the 14th Plan document which was submitted to the National People’s Congress, (NPC), China’s Parliament.

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President Xi Jinping today said China will never compromise on its sovereignty and security and its Army has the confidence to defeat "all invasions". "We will never allow any people, organisation or political party to split any part of Chinese territory out of the country at any time, in any form," Xi said addressing a special ceremony to mark the 90th anniversary of the 2.3 million strong People's Liberation Army (PLA), the world's largest standing army. Xi's remarks came amid the Sino-India standoff in the Sikkim section. "The Chinese people love peace. We will never seek aggression or expansion, but we have the confidence to defeat all invasions," Xi, 64, said."No one should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit that is harmful to our sovereignty, security or development interests," he said at the ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People attended by Premier Li Keqiang and other top leaders of the ruling Communist Party and army officials. This is the second time in three days that Xi spoke of the PLA's capability to thwart invasions. On July 30, Xi during a massive PLA parade had said, "I firmly believe that our gallant military has both confidence and ability to defeat all invading enemies". Like his earlier address, there was no direct reference in his speech to over a month-long India-China military standoff at Doklam in the Sikkim section. His remarks came in the midst of massive official media campaign by the foreign and defence ministries here accusing Indian troops of trespassing into Chinese territory at Doklam. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval last month during the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa NSAs meet here on July 27-28 also held separate talks with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. Both the countries are tight-lipped about the outcome of Doval-Yang talks.

We are confident of 'defeating all invasions', says President Jinping on China's Army Day

President Xi Jinping today said China will never compromise on its sovereignty and security and its Army has the confidence to defeat "all invasions"

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Bodies of five women recovered from capsized boat in ItalyRescuers have so far recovered the bodies of five women after a migrant boat capsized within sight of the Italian island of Lampedusa late on Saturday, the Coast Guard said in a statement Sunday. Italian rescuers saved a total of 149 people, including 133 men, 13 women, and three children, in the aftermath of the shipwreck, but survivors said some 20 people are missing."The lifeless bodies of three women have been recovered at sea by a Coast Guard cutter (and) the bodies of two more women were found on land by Finance Guard personnel," the statement said. "The search for those missing at sea is ongoing... weather and sea conditions remain adverse," the statement continued, adding that the Coast Guard is searching for possible survivors or more bodies with a helicopter and a vessel.The rescue operation was hampered by "prohibitive conditions at sea, with waves of over two meters" and also due to the "elevated number of people who fell into the sea at the same time," the Coast Guard statement explained. Lying close to North Africa, Lampedusa is the first European landfall for migrants fleeing their home countries along the so-called Central Mediterranean route.A total of 10,115 people have reached Italy on migrant vessels between January 1 and November 22 this year, compared to 22,558 arrivals in 2018 and 1,14,673 arrivals in 2017, the Interior Ministry reported.ALSO READ | Pakistan EC asked to probe PTI foreign funding caseALSO READ | Sumatran rhino is extinct in Malaysia as lone survivor dies

Bodies of five women recovered from capsized boat in Italy

Italian rescuers saved a total of 149 people, including 133 men, 13 women, and three children, in the aftermath of the shipwreck, but survivors said some 20 people are missing.

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A bird flies with Mount Everest seen in the background from Namche Bajar, Solukhumbu district, Nepal.The world’s highest mountain is now officially a little higher, and that might not be the end of the story. China and Nepal agreed this week on a new standard height for Mount Everest, the rugged Himalayan peak that straddles their border.As definitive as that sounds, geological changes, the complicated business of measuring a mountain and varying criteria for determining the world’s highest peak will likely ensure the question isn’t settled for good.The mountain’s height changes. The movement of tectonic plates can lift it up ever so gradually, while earthquakes can bring it down.The countervailing forces may help maintain a degree of stability over time, said Dang Yamin, a member of a Chinese team that surveyed Everest’s height earlier this year.“Nature tends to strike a balance,” he told the official Xinhua News Agency. As an example, Dang cited a massive 1934 earthquake that wiped out 150 years of steady height increase in a few moments.There’s more than one way to measure a mountain.Last year, a Nepalese team set up a satellite navigation marker on Everest’s peak to gauge its exact position via GPS satellites. A Chinese team undertook a similar mission this spring, though it used the Chinese-made Beidou constellation of navigation satellites, along with other equipment.At the same time, Nepalese crews took measurements with modern, laser-equipped versions of instruments called theodolites, first used to gauge the mountain’s height in 1856 by measuring angles using trigonometry.The Nepalese team also used ground penetrating radar to measure the amount of snow and ice that sits on top of its highest rock.READ MORE: Nepal announces newly-measured height of Mount Everest at 8848.86 metersChina and Nepal presented a new official figure of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.69 feet) above sea level. The agreement announced Wednesday was heralded as a sign of the growing political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.The new height is 0.86 meters (more than 2 feet) above the higher of the countries’ two previous figures, that given by Nepal. The two had diverged for year over the mountain’s actual height.Measuring the height above sea level has always been tricky because ocean levels vary considerably depending on tides, magnetism and other factors. Rising sea levels are creating another factor for future measurements.How high above sea level is just one way of measuring a mountain’s height. One reason Everest wins the prize is that its base sits high up on already lofty foothills.As measured from the Earth’s core, Ecuador’s Mount Chimborazo is the world’s highest, standing more than 2,072 meters (6,800 feet) above Everest. Because the Earth bulges in the middle, mountains along the equator are farther from the core.Measuring from the foot of the mountain to the peak, Hawaii’s Mauna Kea is the tallest. Most of it, however, is under the sea.

EXPLAINER: Why did Mount Everest’s height change?

The world’s highest mountain is now officially a little higher, and that might not be the end of the story.

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US President Donald Trump today unveiled a USD 4 trillion annual budget for the fiscal 2019 beginning October 1, proposing USD 256 million in civilian assistance and USD 80 million in military aid to Pakistan. The proposal of aid to Pakistan comes weeks after Trump administration suspended nearly USD 2 billion in security assistance to Islamabad due to its inability to take action against terrorist groups operating from its soil. The White House has said it would consider lifting the freeze if it sees action by Pakistan against terrorist groups. The budgetary proposal says that the military aid depends on Pakistan taking action against terrorist safe havens. "The budget requests USD 256 million for Pakistan in economic and other assistance to help increase stability, promote economic growth and create opportunities for US businesses," said the annual budgetary proposals sent by the White House to the Congress. "In addition, the Budget requests USD 80 million in Foreign Military Financing assistance to enhance Pakistan's counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capabilities, contingent on Pakistan taking appropriate action to expand cooperation in areas where US-Pakistan interests converge and to address areas of divergence, in line with the administration's South Asia strategy," the White House said. The budget furthers the US goal of a stable and secure South Asia by supporting the Afghan government and security forces in their fight against the Taliban insurgents and jihadist terrorist organisations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS. It requests more than USD 5 billion for continued US training and assistance for the Afghan security forces and would enable US forces to conduct counter-terrorism operations to ensure that the region cannot be used by jihadist, terrorist groups to plot transnational attacks against the US homeland, citizens overseas, or allies and partners. "The budget also continues to include funding to support America's partnership with Pakistan," it said. The budget's more than USD 630 million for civilian assistance supports the President's new strategy to empower the people of Afghanistan to take ownership of their future, the White House said. In addition, the budget strengthens and sustains improvements in education, health, governance and other sectors that are essential for securing a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. It also allows the US to honour the pledge made at the Brussels conference on Afghanistan, which anticipated gradually declining assistance levels, it added. 

Trump releases $4 trillion budget plan; proposes $336 million aid to Pakistan

Donald Trump today unveiled a USD 4 trillion annual budget for the fiscal 2019 beginning October 1, proposing USD 256 million in civilian assistance and USD 80 million in military aid to Pakistan.

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Emmanuel Macron welcomes German Chancellor Angela Merkel prior to a meeting at Elysee Palace in Paris.  Details of the AUKUS deal between Australia, the US and the UK that stole away the USD 66 billion contract Paris had signed with Canberra were agreed upon during the G7 summit in Cornwall this past June, The Telegraph reports.The newspaper said on Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron was unaware of preparations for the agreement.Then-UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (who is now the new justice secretary) was warned that such a deal could negatively affect relations with China and Paris, but the details of the agreement were nonetheless discussed at the G7 summit and all relevant AUKUS documents were classified as "top secret," according to The Telegraph.The Guardian said on Saturday that US talks on the issue went on for months in utmost secrecy and that during the G7 summit in Cornwall, Macron was given no hint that the Australians were about to scupper the deal. Earlier this week, the US, Australia and the UK announced a new trilateral AUKUS defence partnership. The new defensive pact forced Canberra to give up on a $66 billion contract with France to develop 12 state-of-the-art conventionally powered attack submarines. The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. 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AUKUS agreement discussed during G7 Summit in Cornwall, behind Emmanuel Macron's back: Reports

Then-UK Foreign Secy Dominic Raab was warned that such a deal could negatively affect relations with China and Paris, but details of the agreement were nonetheless discussed at G7 summit and all relevant AUKUS documents were classified as "top secret," according to The Telegraph.

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Representational imageA small group of Sikh separatists held a protest in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington during which they tried to burn the tricolour on the Republic Day, a move slammed by the local Sikh community.Organised by New York-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), the protesters raised "Khalistan Zindabaad" slogans and tried to burn the Indian flag in the presence of a battery of reporters from the local Pakistani media.However, the SFJ supporters were outnumbered by Indian-Americans raising 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans with Indian flags flying high in their hand.Around 2.30 pm on Saturday, the members of the SFJ – in front of a group of Pakistani reporters and cameramen – tried to burn the Indian flag. They ended up burning a green flag that had 'S' written on it.With passions running high between Indian-Americans and protesters, the local law enforcement officials had warned against any attempt to burn the Indian flag. In fact, they sought additional security personnel as the standoff continued. A group of mounted police were seen standing a few blocks away.It was some tense moments for the local law enforcement officials as the two groups were standing face-to-face in a park just across the road from the Indian embassy in Washington. The standoff lasted for about two hours after which the protestors were forced by the local police to move across the road.The local Sikh community slammed the SFJ for the protest."Such theatrical protests like flag burning are detrimental to the peace loving and harmony enhancing Sikh community everywhere," Jasse Singh and Kamaljit Singh Soni, the chairman and the president, respectively, of the Sikhs of America said in a joint statement."I am disturbed and concerned that a chosen few can build a narrative about the Sikh community in USA which will be viewed by the whole world," said Puneet Ahluwalia, an Indian American leader from Virginia."I will not stand for these forces to develop a misguided narrative with US leadership and public, besides polarising the already sensitivities towards minorities in India," he said.In a statement, American Hindu Coalition (AHC) expressed deep dismay at the SFJ attempt to burn the Indian flag. "The intent of flag burning is also an immense affront to the largest democracy on the earth and causing huge grief to the American Hindus," said Harsh Sethi, the AHC president who himself has a Sikh inheritance.Ravi Batra, an Indian-American attorney from New York, said, "What SFJ - an American-born and accredited entity is seeking to do, however - is to burn the flag of another nation - and here is the critical part - as part of a campaign, allegedly, as an unregistered foreign agent engaging in terrorist activities in India." Meanwhile, the twitter account of the SFJ has been suspended by the social media company."Account suspended," said the twitter page of '@SikhsforJustice' Saturday. Twitter did not gave any reason for it except for providing links to its rules. "Twitter suspends accounts which violates the Twitter Rules."It is understood that twitter suspended the account of the SFJ for running hate campaign against India.

Sikh separatists protest in front of Indian Embassy in US, raise 'Khalistan Zindabad' slogan

Organised by New York-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), the protesters raised "Khalistan Zindabaad" slogans and tried to burn the Indian flag in the presence of a battery of reporters from the local Pakistani media.

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 China on Saturday deployed its troops in Hong Kong for the first time since the unprecedented pro-democracy protests began in the former British colony more than five months ago over a proposed extradition lawChina on Saturday deployed its troops in Hong Kong for the first time since the unprecedented pro-democracy protests began in the former British colony more than five months ago over a proposed extradition law, with soldiers in plain clothes clearing the roadblocks. Soldiers from the Hong Kong Garrison of People's Liberation Army (PLA) -- the world's largest military -- have been deployed for the first time in more than five months of civil unrest in Hong Kong, as dozens marched from their Kowloon garrison to help clear roadblocks, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.It was also the first time in over a year that the PLA local garrison has been involved in the public community work. The soldiers, mostly in green T-shirts and black shorts, and carrying red buckets, ran out of the PLA's Kowloon Tong barracks at about 4 PM to clear obstacles on Renfrew Road, near Baptist University's campus, the report said. A soldier said their action had nothing to do with the Hong Kong government. "We initiated this! Stopping the violence and ending chaos is our responsibility," he said, quoting a phrase coined by President Xi Jinping.Firefighters and police officers also joined the soldiers. Earlier, Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-Chiu said the PLA could freely decide on whether to send soldiers to perform volunteer services outside military sites and the local government had no record of how many times this has happened. In October last year, more than 400 soldiers were sent in batches to Hong Kong's country parks to help remove trees felled during Typhoon Mangkhut. China earlier said under Article 14 of the city's Garrison Law and Basic Law -- the city's mini-constitution, the PLA must not interfere in local affairs but troops can be called out to help with disaster relief if requested by the local government.Such a request has never been made since the city returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago. On Thursday, Xi broke his silence over Hong Kong's unprecedented pro-democracy protests threatening China's control over the former British colony, saying the most pressing task at present was to bring violence and chaos to an end and restore order. Xi made the comments at the 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Hong Kong is rocked by unprecedented pro-democracy protests for over five months and in the past few weeks, they grew violent, bringing the international financial centre virtually to a grinding halt.The protests which began over a proposed extradition law by the Hong Kong administration sparked fear of extradition of locals to the Chinese mainland for prosecution. It later turned into a major pro-democracy movement with demands to elect their local officials without the Chinese interference. The protestors, especially the youth, are demanding pro-China Chief Executive Carrie Lam's resignation, an inquiry into police brutalities and universal franchise of 'one person one vote' with freedom for all the locals to contest elections for the local legislature.Xi said the continuous radical violent activities in Hong Kong seriously trampled the rule of law and the social order, seriously disturb Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and seriously challenge the 'one country, two systems' bottom line, the Xinhua report said. "We will continue to firmly support the chief executive in leading the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government to govern in accordance with the law, firmly support the Hong Kong police in strictly enforcing the law, and firmly support the Hong Kong judicial bodies in severely punishing the violent criminals in accordance with the law," the Chinese President said.The Chinese government has unswerving determination to protect national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement 'one country, two systems' policy and oppose any external force in interfering in Hong Kong's affairs, Xi said. This is the first time Xi, regarded as the most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, spoke directly about the situation in Hong Kong, the former British colony handed over to Beijing in 1997. Xi currently heads the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), the military besides the Presidency with prospects of a lifelong tenure in power.Last month during his visit to Nepal, Xi was quoted as saying that any attempts to drive a wedge between China and its territories will "end in crushed bodies and shattered bones". He, however, did not name any particular province or region. Nepal borders Tibet from where many Tibetans crossover to Dharamsala to visit the Dalai Lama. "And any external forces backing such attempts dividing China will be deemed by the Chinese people as pipe-dreaming!" Xi added.ALSO READ| Hong Kong protests: 70-year-old dies after being hit by the brickALSO READ| Hong Kong police say protesters out of control, deny curfew

China deploys Army troops in Hong Kong for 1st time since pro-democracy protests began

Soldiers from the Hong Kong Garrison of People's Liberation Army (PLA) -- the world's largest military -- have been deployed for the first time in more than five months of civil unrest in Hong Kong, as dozens marched from their Kowloon garrison to help clear roadblocks, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported

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Vice President Mike Pence told Israel’s parliament on Monday that the U.S. embassy will move to Jerusalem by the end of 2019, receiving a rousing ovation as he pledged to barrel ahead with a plan that has set off weeks of unrest and thrown U.S. peace efforts into disarray.The plan to accelerate the move of the embassy, announced in the first address of a sitting American vice president to the Knesset, marked the highlight of Pence’s three-day visit to Israel celebrating President Donald Trump’s decision last month to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.Related Stories Israel welcomes Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as capital Here’s why Donald Trump decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital could have deep repercussionsDonald Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capitalUnited Nations, Europe, Arab reject US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital“The United States has chosen fact over fiction — and fact is the only true foundation for a just and lasting peace,” Pence said.“Jerusalem is Israel’s capital and as such President Trump has directed the State Department to immediately begin preparations to move the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem,” he said.Pence’s speech drew an angry denunciation from the Palestinians, with chief negotiator Saeb Erekat saying it “has proven that the U.S. administration is part of the problem rather than the solution.”Yet Pence, in an interview with The Associated Press after the speech, said he remained hopeful that the Palestinians would re-enter negotiations. “Our message to President (Mahmoud) Abbas and the Palestinian Authority is the door’s open. The door’s open. President Trump is absolutely committed to doing everything the United States can to achieve a peace agreement that brings an end to decades of conflict.”The embassy is to be opened in an existing U.S. facility that will be “retrofitted” to meet safety and security requirements, Undersecretary of State Steve Goldstein told reporters in Washington. He said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had yet to sign off on the safety plan for the new facility but would do so in coming weeks.The most likely location is in Jerusalem’s Arnona neighborhood in a modern building that currently handles U.S. consular affairs like issuing passports, birth certificates and travel visas, said a U.S. official, who wasn’t authorized to discuss it publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The U.S. consul-general works out of another Jerusalem facility that handles political affairs and diplomatic functions.The retrofitted building had been originally envisioned as an interim plan that would allow Trump to quickly fulfill his vow to move the embassy.Yet it was unclear after Pence’s speech whether Trump still intended to break ground later on a new embassy elsewhere in Jerusalem or to use the retrofitted one permanently.“We expect that to be the embassy,” Goldstein said of the facility that will open next year. “We do not have a plan at current to build a new embassy.”Pence was preceded on the Knesset dais by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lavished his guest with praise and gratitude. It was part of an exceptionally warm welcome for Pence in Israel, which has been overjoyed by Trump’s pivot on Jerusalem. But the move has infuriated the Palestinians and upset America’s Arab allies as well.A group of Arab lawmakers voiced their displeasure by raising banners saying “Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine” and heckling Pence at the beginning of his address. They were forcibly removed from the plenum.The main Arab party in the Israeli parliament warned that it would boycott Pence. Its leader, Ayman Odeh, vowed they would not provide a “silent backdrop” to a man he called a “dangerous racist.”Pence responded to the ruckus by saying he was humbled to speak before such a “vibrant democracy,” then delved into his prepared remarks about the countries’ unbreakable bond.“I am here to convey one simple message: America stands with Israel. We stand with Israel because your cause is our cause, your values are our values and your fight is our fight,” he said. “We stand with Israel because we believe in right over wrong, good over evil and liberty over tyranny.”Pence said the U.S. would back a two-state solution but only if both sides support it. Netanyahu’s hard-line government is dominated by opponents to Palestinian statehood, making such a scenario unlikely.The Palestinians say the U.S. is no longer an acceptable mediator. They have pre-emptively rejected any peace proposal floated by the Trump administration, fearing it will fall far short of their hopes for an independent state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza, lands captured by Israel in the 1967 war.The Palestinians have refused to meet with Pence. In an expression of that snub, Abbas overlapped with Pence in Jordan from Saturday evening to midday Sunday, when the Palestinian leader flew to Brussels for a meeting with European Union foreign ministers, where he urged EU member states to recognize a state of Palestine and step up involvement in mediation.A small group of Palestinians in the West Bank town of Bethlehem protested Pence’s arrival by burning posters with his image. In the West Bank city of Nablus, dozens of Palestinians chanted against Trump and stepped on pictures of Pence in a sign of anger.Some shouted: “Trump, you are a pig! May God demolish your home. How mean you are!”

US embassy will move to Jerusalem by end of 2019: Vice President Mike Pence

The embassy is to be opened in an existing U.S. facility that will be “retrofitted” to meet safety and security requirements, Undersecretary of State Steve Goldstein told reporters in Washington.

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Satellite images accessed by India TV show that China has undertaken construction of seven helipads, sentry posts, trenches for its army personnel in the disputed Doklam where Indian and Chinese were locked in a 73-day-long standoff from June 16 last year after India stopped construction of a road in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese army.Replying to a question on the issue in Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that troops of both sides have redeployed themselves away from their respective positions at the face-off site. "Post disengagement from the face-off in 2017, troops of both sides have redeployed themselves away from their respective positions at the face-off site. The strength of both sides have been reduced," she said.Related Stories Well within rights to build facility in Doklam, says ChinaChina aimed to split India, Bhutan over Doklam standoff, claims former NSA Shivshankar MenonBhutan firmly with India on Doklam issue: Top govt officials tell parliamentary panel"In order to maintain these troops during the winter, People's Liberation Army (PLA) has undertaken construction of some infrastructure, including sentry posts, trenches and helipads," she said. Sources have even revealed that China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam and significantly ramping up its infrastructure in the disputed area. Earlier, junior Defence Minister Subhash Bhamre had said that the situation along India's border with China is "sensitive" and it has the potential to escalate.CHINA AIMS AT MAKING WORLD'S LARGEST ARMY A MIGHTIER FORCEChinese Premier Li Keqiang in his annual report to the National People's Congress (NPC) said China has slashed three lakh troops, reducing the size of its 2.3-million People's Liberation Army (PLA) to just two-million-strong force, a move aimed at making the world's largest army a mightier force capable of winning modern wars. The PLA Daily, official newspaper of the Chinese military, said non-battle personnel were downsized. The PLA which was 4.5-million strong till 1980 was first resized to three million in 1985 and later to 2.3 million. It also announced last year that it would reduce its grounds troops to less than a million as part of Chinese military modernisation under which the navy has been given greater role to expand China's global influence.WATCH VIDEO | China building helipads, sentry posts and trenches in Doklam area: Nirmala Sitharaman

India TV Exclusive: Satellite images show China building helipads, sentry posts in Doklam area

Replying to a question on the issue in Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that troops of both sides have redeployed themselves away from their respective positions at the face-off site.

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Pakistan President Arif Alvi’s father was dentist to Jawaharlal Nehru An interesting connection of Pakistan's newly-elected President Dr Arif Alvi with India has emerged. According to the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Alvi’s father was a dentist to India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. This however, is not the only connection that Alvi has with India. He is yet another president whose family had migrated to Pakistan from India after partition.Alvi’s predecessors Mamnoon Hussain's family came from Agra and Pervez Musharraf's parents had migrated from New Delhi.A close ally of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, 69-year-old Alvi was elected as the new president of the country on Tuesday.Alvi’s biography on the ruling PTI party’s website has revealed that his father, Dr Habib ur Rehman Elahi Alvi, was Nehru’s dentist before partition."Dr Elahi Alvi was a dentist to Jawaharlal Nehru and the family has letters from Mr Nehru to Dr Alvi in their possession," according to the website.Apart from his political struggle, Alvi is also a professional dentist.He acquired his dental degree BDS (Dentistry) from de'Montmonrency College of Dentistry and Master of Science degree in Prosthodontics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1975 and Master of Science in Orthodontics in 1984 from University of the Pacific, San Francisco.Alvi contested his first election for the PTI in 1997 but lost. His affiliation with the party continued and he steadily rose in its ranks.The new president of Pakistan served as the Secretary-General of the PTI from 2006 till 2013.He was elected as a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from Constituency NA-250 Karachi in 2013 and was re-elected in July 2018.The new president is married with Samina Alvi and the couple have four children.

Pakistan President Arif Alvi’s father was dentist to Jawaharlal Nehru

A close ally of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, 69-year-old Alvi was elected as the new president of the country on Tuesday.

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China today warned that it would consider as a “major offence” if any country or foreign leader hosts or meets the Dalai Lama as it deems the Tibetan spiritual leader a “separatist” trying to split Tibet from it.    China routinely protests world leaders meeting the Dalai Lama. It also makes it mandatory for all the foreign governments to recognise Tibet as part of China to have diplomatic relations with Beijing. It also protested that when the Tibetan spiritual leader was permitted by India to visit various areas in the north- east, including Arunachal Pradesh, this year.  The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against the Chinese rule in his Himalayan homeland. He has been living in India in exile since then.    “Any country or any organisation of anyone to accept to meet with the Dalai Lama in our view is a major offence to the sentiment of the Chinese people,” said Zhang Yijiong, Executive Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).  “Also, since they have committed to recognising China as a sole legitimate government representing China it contravenes their attempt, because it is a serious commitment,” Zhang said on the sidelines of the once-in-a-five-year congress of the CPC. Zhang said China would not accept the arguments of foreign countries and leaders to meet the 82-year-old Dalai Lama as a religious leader. “I want to make it clear that the 14th Dalai Lama, the living Buddha handed down by history is a political figure under the cloak of religion,” he said.   Without naming India, he said Dalai Lama fled to the “other country” in 1959 “betraying his motherland and setup his so called government in exile”. That “so called government” has the mission of a separatist agenda to split Tibet from China, he said.  “For decades, the group with 14th Dalai Lama as the leader never stopped to achieve that political agenda,” he said. There is no legitimate government that that has recognised the Dalai Lama group, he said, adding that fewer countries and leaders are hosting him.  Some countries may say the Dalai Lama is not a political figure but a religious figure and their officials meet him not in his political capacity. “But that is not true and not right because every official represent their government and they are political figures,” Zhang said. “So we urge all to exercise caution and prudence to bear in mind the respect for China’s sovereignty and for their relations and friendship with China,” he said.  Zhang also claimed that Tibetan Buddhism is originated from China. “It is a special form of religion that originated within China. In the process of development of Tibetan Buddhism, it was influenced by other religions and other cultures, that is true but is not acquired religion,” he said.  Zhang said in Tibet, China is encouraging Tibetan Buddhism to reclaim its Chinese orientation.  “It is mainly about introducing or incorporating fine results of Chinese culture in the teaching of Tibetan religion,” he said. “Chinese culture can nurture teachings and tenants of Tibetan Buddhism, so that its teaching can take in the latest fine results of Chinese culture. It is also needed for the development of Chinese Buddhism itself,” he said.

Meeting ‘separatist’ Dalai Lama major offence, China warns world leaders

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against the Chinese rule in his Himalayan homeland and he has been living in India in exile since then.

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Plane carrying Prince William, wife Kate to Islamabad returns to Lahore due to bad weather

The plane carrying Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate to Islamabad from Lahore on Thursday evening had to abort landing in Pakistan's capital due to bad weather and was forced to return to the country's cultural hub.

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Rajnath Singh takes a familiarisation air sortie in Super Puma Helicopter of Singapore Air ForceDefence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Singapore, on Tuesday took a familiarisation air sortie in Super Puma Helicopter of Singapore Air Force. A video of the defence minister sitting inside the helicopter was posted on Twitter. Sembawang Air Base is a military airbase of the Singapore Air Force and is located at Sembawang, in the northern part of Singapore.Rajnath Singh's schedule in Singapore includes attending the India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue and also call on the Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. Singh arrived in Singapore on Monday night after concluding his Bangkok visit.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh takes a familiarisation air sortie in Super Puma Helicopter of Singapore Air ForceDuring his visit to Bangkok, Singh had attended the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) and the opening ceremony of Defence and Security 2019 Exhibition.He also held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts from several countries including New Zealand's Ron Mark and Australia's Linda Reynolds. Earlier on Sunday, Singh has urged the international community to curb terrorist safe havens, disrupt their networks and financing and thwart their cross-border movement to ensure sustainable regional security."It is so much worse when terrorists are aided, abetted, armed, financed and sheltered by States. The interplay between states and non-state actors, used as proxies to foment violence, has worsened this menace. The persistence of state-sponsored terrorism is not just a painful cancer, it is also the leading reason for unsustainable security," Singh said while addressing the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) in Bangkok on Sunday.The minister described terrorism as the most obvious and heinous of cross-border crimes, adding that some States use terror to pursue political goals making regional security vulnerable.Focusing on 'sustainable security', the theme of ADMM Plus meet this year, Singh also said that security is only effective when it is sustainable and it is sustainable only when the interests of all in the region are taken on board.He stressed upon the need for a more cooperative, equitable and consultative paradigm to deal with broad and complex security challenges to find sustainable solutions.Also Read | India-US convergence growing in Indo-Pacific: Rajnath SinghAlso Read | China objects to Rajnath Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh​

VIDEO: On 2-day visit to Singapore, Rajnath Singh takes air sortie in Super Puma Helicopter

Rajnath Singh's schedule in Singapore includes attending the India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue and also call on the Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. Singh arrived in Singapore on Monday night after concluding his Bangkok visit.

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As Bangladesh continues on its nationwide crackdown on Islamist militants, five members of a family blew themselves today morning allegedly to prevent police from invading into their terror hideout.Before setting off the blasts in Rajshahi's Godgari area, the terror suspects speared a fireman to death. Two policemen have been also injured in the incident, bdnews24.com reported. Police got the information about the presence of militants from intelligence, following which a team of police went in the early morning hours and surrounded the house at Benipur village, Godagiri police official Hifzul Alam Munshi said.He further added that as they tried to storm the hideout at around 8 am, the militants came out and set off the explosions.Five people were killed in the blasts including the house owner, his wife, daughter and two sons.Police rescued two children, who exited the premises before the terror suspects came out. A woman, seen sitting on the field outside the house as the raid unfolded, later surrendered. Police said she has been identified as the house owner's other daughter, mother to an 8-year old boy and 3 months-old daughter. Intensifying anti-militancy crackdown across Bangladesh, list of nearly 5000 suspected militants was distributed to all district police chiefs by the Police Headquarters.Recently many such ‘suicide blasts’ took place, whenever the security forces raided their hideout.     · On May 7, two suspected militants blew themselves up in "suicide blasts".     · In March, Bangladeshi police conducted a series of large-scale operations against militants, in which at least 17 suspected            militants were        killed.        · On March 31, eight militants blew themselves up with a grenade after the raid in the north of country’s capital Dhaka.Bangladesh has been witnessing a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013.Bangladesh launched a massive crackdown on militants after the Dhaka Café attack in July’2016.The Islamic State has claimed several attacks in Bangladesh, but the government rejects the presence of foreign terrorist groups in the moderate Muslim-majority country, blaming home-grown groups such as the neo-JMB for terrorist attacks.    (PTI Inputs)

Suspected militants, 5 family members dead in ‘suicide blasts’ in Bangladesh

As Bangladesh continues on its nationwide crackdown on Islamist militants, five members of a family blew themselves today morning allegedly to prevent police from invading into their terror hideout.

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ImageTwo students opened fire Tuesday inside a charter school in an affluent suburban Denver community not far from Columbine High School, wounding eight teenagers and spreading minutes of terror before they were taken into custody with no injuries, authorities said.Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said the pair walked into the STEM School Highlands Ranch and began shooting students in two classrooms. Within minutes, deputies at a nearby sheriff's department substation entered the school and arrested the two suspects after a struggle.Related Stories Delhi: 13-year-old boy dies of seizure attack in school washroom; BJP demands high-level probeKartik Aaryan sports 'school boy' look for Love Aaj Kal 2, spotted wearing earring, uniform. See pictures Easter Sunday bombings: schools to re-open on Monday"As officers were arriving at the school, they could still hear gunshots," Douglas County Undersheriff Holly Nicholson-Kluth said."I have to believe that the quick response of the officers that got inside that school helped save lives," Spurlock said. He did not identify the suspects, but said they are an adult and a minor who were not previously known to authorities. Authorities planned to search their homes and a vehicle at the school, he said.The shooting comes nearly three weeks after neighboring Littleton marked the grim 20th anniversary of the Columbine school massacre that killed 13 people. The two schools are separated by about 7 miles (11 kilometers) in adjacent communities south of Denver."Tragically, this community and those surrounding it know all too well these hateful and horrible acts of violence," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement. President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting and was in touch with state and local officials, Deere said.The STEM School Highlands Ranch is a public charter school with more than 1,850 students in kindergarten through 12th grades.Student Christian Paulson told television station KMGH that he was in study hall when he saw kids running and shouting, "School shooter!""And I'm like, what? Is this real or fake? And then I just went after them," Christian Paulson said. "And apparently, this is all real. And I tried to run with my life, but I'm out of breath."Rocco DeChalk, who lives near the school, told television station KUSA that he saw so many students running past his house that at first he thought it was a gym class. He went outside and saw a teenage boy who had been shot in the back being helped by a teacher and another student.They brought the boy into his kitchen and alerted a police officer, who sent for an ambulance."He made a comment, 'Oh, I'm starting to feel it now,'" DeChalk said. "I told him that was probably the adrenaline kicking in and he was going into shock."Three area hospitals reported treating eight people in connection with the attack. Two were listed in serious condition, two were listed as stable, one was in good condition and three were released.Lines of firetrucks, ambulances and law enforcement vehicles from multiple agencies were at the school, and medical helicopters landed on a grassy field.The sheriff's office directed parents to a nearby recreational center to pick up their children. A fleet of school buses arrived and dropped off students, some of whom were crying and holding hands with their classmates as they were helped off. An ambulance also pulled up and let out a half-dozen children, none of whom appeared to be physically injured."We know this is a very worrisome situation for parents," Nicholson-Kluth said. "Relatives are worried, and we are trying to get them back together as soon as possible."Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement that he was making state public-safety resources available to help secure the site and evacuate students."The heart of all Colorado is with the victims and their families," he said.Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, a gun-control supporter whose congressional district includes STEM, said the gun violence cannot continue."It is not enough to send thoughts and prayers. It is empty. It is weak, and it does an injustice to our children who are on the front lines of this violence," he said.

8 hurt, 2 in custody after school shooting outside Denver

Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said the pair walked into the STEM School Highlands Ranch and began shooting students in two classrooms. Within minutes, deputies at a nearby sheriff's department substation entered the school and arrested the two suspects after a struggle.

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China withdraws request for Security Council briefing on KashmirWithdrawing its request for a Security Council briefing on Kashmir, China's envoy has claimed "discussions" on a letter from Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi about the situation in the Union Territory continues among the members. Before a meeting of the Council on Tuesday afternoon, a non-permanent European member's diplomat confirmed that China had withdrawn the request for the briefing.He said the matter of the withdrawal was between China's Permanent Representative Zhang Jun and US Permanent Representative Kelly Craft, the Council's president for the month.Kelly probably had a role in steering Beijing away from the talk of consultations.Zhang's mention of "discussions" refers to unstructured conversations outside even the informal consultations mechanism of the Council for which no records are made. The claim of "discussions" was possibly made as a facesaving gesture after taking back the proposal for consultations on Kashmir, which found no takers.Zhang told reporters, "We all know that the Security Council has received a letter from the Foreign Minister of Pakistan. There have been Security Council discussions, and discussions are going on there."Asked by a reporter why the request for the consultation was taken back, he said, "I am not in a position to say anything more."His media briefing focused on a resolution that Russia and China intend to introduce on North Korea asking for some of the sanctions with a humanitarian impact to be lifted and Washington and Pyongyang restart their dialogue.If China had gone ahead with the request for the Kashmir consultations, it would have preceded an expected visit to India by Foreign Minister Wang Yi this month for talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on the border issue.Initially on Monday morning, diplomatic sources said that Beijing was making a request for a closed door briefing on Kashmir for Tuesday. But subsequently there were other developments and talks that led to the decision not to proceed with it, sources said.The letter from Pakistan that Zhang mentioned had alleged that India had removed parts of the fence on the Line of Control in five sectors and deployed Brahmos, anti-tank and other missiles were being deployed along the line.Sources said that when China approached some Council members with the letter to make its case for a briefing on Kashmir they responded that they would rather want to see a report from the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).There was only a small window to bring up Kashmir this year.According to the Council's programme, it will hold its last scheduled session for the year on Thursday and next year it will be reconstituted with some five non-permanent members taking taking the place of those retiring.China's President Xi Jinping met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mamallapuram in October for a cordial meeting even after China had succeeded in getting the Security Council to hold a closed door meeting on Kashmir on August 16.The meeting ended without any diplomatic fallout and the president for that month, Poland's Permanent Representative Joanna Wronecka, did not issue any statement on the meeting because the members could not agree on one.Permanent member France had led the opposition to the Council or its president making any statement on the issue.There was only a small window left to bring it up Kashmir this month, which would now be an impossibility.According to the Council's programme, it will hold its last scheduled session for the year on Thursday and next year it will be reconstituted with some new non-permanent members taking taking the place of those retiring.Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan removed Maleeha Lodhi as the country's permanent representative in September and brought back Munir Akram to intensify its diplomatic offensive against India.Also Read | UNSC to discuss Kashmir behind closed doors at China’s request: reportAlso Read | Felt like I am in Kashmir: Jamia student recalls Delhi Police crackdown​

China withdraws request for Security Council briefing on Kashmir

China's President Xi Jinping met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mamallapuram in October for a cordial meeting even after China had succeeded in getting the Security Council to hold a closed door meeting on Kashmir on August 16. The meeting ended without any diplomatic fallout and the president for that month, Poland's Permanent Representative Joanna Wronecka, did not issue any statement on the meeting because the members could not agree on one.

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Pakistan's former dictator Pervez Musharraf today claimed that Asif Ali Zardari was responsible for the killing of his wife Benazir Bhutto, saying the former president gained the most from the assassination of the country's first woman prime minister.The 54-year-old Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief and a two-time prime minister was killed along with more than 20 people in a gun and bomb attack in Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh during an election campaign rally on December 27, 2007.Related Stories Dictators set country right, civilian governments brought it to ruins: Pervez MusharrafWill any court punish Pervez Musharraf for subverting constitution, asks Nawaz SharifPervez Musharraf heckled by Baloch activists at Norway event Former president and army chief Gen Musharraf, who was last month declared a fugitive by an anti-terrorism court which ordered seizure of his property in the Bhutto murder case, accused PPP co-chairman Zardari of "having the most to gain from Benazir Bhutto's murder" in a video posted on his official Facebook page."Asif Ali Zardari is responsible for the Bhutto family's demise and is involved in the deaths of Benazir and Murtaza Bhutto," he said in an address to the three Bhutto-Zardari children, the Bhutto family and the people of Sindh."Every time there is a murder, the first thing that needs to be seen is who has the most to gain from the death. In this case, I had everything to lose as I was in power and the murder put my government in a difficult situation," he said."There was just one person that had everything to gain from Benazir's assassination and that was Asif Ali Zardari," Musharraf said, adding that it was his analysis of the case.Zardari was in power for five years, why did he not look into the case, why was the investigation not active  - because he was involved in Benazir's murder, Musharraf alleged. "The evidence is clear that Baitullah Mehsud and his people were involved in the murder, but who had asked them to target Benazir Bhutto - it could not have been me, the group hated me and the feeling was mutual."It is a known fact that I wanted Mehsud dead and so did the government of Pakistan, after his group had attempted to kill me," Musharraf said. Zardari, on the other hand, had a great relationship with then Afghan president Hamid Karzai, a link he could have used to influence Mehsud and his people, he claimed."The charge they are levying against me is that I did not provide Benazir adequate security - something I was not responsible for - the only question I have is, who took the decision to create a hatch in the roof of a bullet and bomb proof car?, he said. He said Benazir had a heavy security detail and had got into her car unharmed, before someone called her incessantly and got her to wave to the people out of the hatch.There was no immediate reaction in the Pakistani media from the Bhutto family. Musharraf, 74, who came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been living in Dubai since last year when he was allowed to leave Pakistan on the pretext of medical treatment. The ex-army chief is facing a slew of court cases after returning from five years of self-exile in Dubai to contest the general elections in 2013 which he lost. He is also facing trial in high treason case for abrogating the constitution in 2007 and illegal detention of judges same year.

Pervez Musharraf claims Asif Ali Zardari responsible for Benazir Bhutto's killing

The PPP chief and a two-time prime minister was killed along with more than 20 people in a gun and bomb attack in Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh in 2007.

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After five month long battle with judiciary and human rights groups, Donald Trump’s travel ban against six Muslim-majority nations finally came into effect Thursday evening.The scaled-back version of Trump’s executive order came into effect after the US Supreme Court partially reinstated the ban this week after it was blocked by lower courts.The new rules, however, aren’t so much an outright ban as a tightening of already-tough visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority countries. It covers refugees as well.Administration officials promised that implementation this time would be orderly. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Dan Hetlage said his agency expected “business as usual at our ports of entry,” with all valid visa holders still being able to travel.Still, immigration and refugee advocates are vowing challenge the new requirements and the administration has struggled to explain how they will make the United States safer.Under the temporary rules, citizens of Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen who already have visas will be allowed into the United States. But people from those countries who want new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the U.S.It’s unclear how significantly the new rules will affect travel. In most of the countries singled out, few people have the means for leisure travel. Those that do already face intensive screenings before being issued visas.Nevertheless, human rights groups on Thursday girded for new legal battles. The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups challenging the ban, called the new criteria “extremely restrictive,” ″arbitrary” in their exclusions and designed to “disparage and condemn Muslims.”The state of Hawaii filed an emergency motion Thursday asking a federal judge to clarify that the administration cannot enforce the ban against fiancés or relatives — such as grandparents, aunts or uncles — not included in the State Department’s definition of “bona fide” personal relationships.Much of the confusion in January, when Trump’s first ban took effect, resulted from travelers with previously approved visas being kept off flights or barred entry on arrival in the United States. Immigration officials were instructed Thursday not to block anyone with valid travel documents and otherwise eligible to visit the United States.Karen Tumlin, legal director of the National Immigration Law Center, said the rules “would slam the door shut on so many who have waited for months or years to be reunited with their families.Trump, who made a tough approach to immigration a cornerstone of his election campaign, issued a ban on travelers from the six countries, plus Iraq, shortly after taking office in January. His order also blocked refugees from any country.Trump said these were temporary measures needed to prevent terrorism until vetting procedures could be reviewed. Opponents noted that visa and refugee vetting were already strict and said there was no evidence that refugees or citizens of those six countries posed a threat. They saw the ban as part of Trump’s campaign promise to bar Muslims from entering the United States.Lower courts blocked the initial ban and a second, revised Trump order intended to overcome legal hurdles. The Supreme Court on Monday partially reinstated the revised ban but exempted travelers who could prove a “bona fide relationship” with a U.S. person or entity. The court offered only broad guidelines.In guidance issued late Wednesday, the State Department said the personal relationships would include a parent, spouse, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling already in the United States. It does not include other relationships such as grandparents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles.Business or professional links must be “formal, documented and formed in the ordinary course rather than for the purpose of evading” the ban. Journalists, students, workers or lecturers who have valid invitations or employment contracts in the U.S. would be exempt from the ban. The exemption does not apply to those who seek a relationship with an American business or educational institution purely for the purpose of avoiding the rules.Refugees from any country will face similar requirements. But the U.S. has almost filled its quota of 50,000 refugees for the budget year ending in September and the new rules won’t apply to the few remaining slots. With the Supreme Court set to consider the overall ban in October, the rules could change again.The travel ban may have the largest impact on Iranians. In 2015, the most recently available data, nearly 26,000 Iranians were allowed into the United States on visitor or tourist visas. Iranians made up the lion’s share of the roughly 65,000 foreigners from the six countries who visited with temporary, or non-immigrant visas that year.American journalist Paul Gottinger, said he and his Iranian fiancee applied for a visa nearly a year ago but are still waiting on a decision. Gottinger says they were to wed at a Japanese garden in his parents’ home state of Minnesota this month but postponed the ceremony until August because they had not yet received the visa.Now, he expects they will have to delay again.“Every twist and turn of the courts, we’re holding our hearts and our stomachs are falling to the floor,” he said by phone from Turkey.The new regulations are also affecting the wedding plans of Rama Issa-Ibrahim, executive director of the Arab American Association of New York.She is Syrian-American and had planned to get married this fall. While her father in Syria may be able to get a visa, her aunts and uncles may well be blocked.“I would love for them to be at this wedding, and unfortunately, they aren’t going to be able to be here,” she said, adding that the ceremony would be postponed.(With AP inputs)

Trump's travel ban against 6 Muslim nations comes into effect after long battle with judiciary, rights groups

The scaled-back version of Trump’s executive order came into effect after the US Supreme Court partially reinstated the ban this week after it was blocked by lower courts.

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood QureshiPakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday spoke with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Yousef Al-Othaimeen and briefed him about the situation in Kashmir.In a statement, the Pakistan Foreign Office said it was part of Pakistan's continuing diplomatic outreach to apprise the world about the regional situation."The serious risks to regional peace and security arising from" India's move on Kashmir were also highlighted by the Foreign Minister, it said.Qureshi shared a set of proposals with the Secretary-General and exchanged views on OIC's response on the issue.The two leaders agreed to remain in touch regarding next steps. Meanwhile, at a seminar here on Kashmir, Qureshi said Pakistan will go to any extent to defend the Kashmiris rights.He said the recent UN Security Council's "closed consultations" after fifty years on Kashmir reaffirmed validity of its resolutions on Kashmir.Qureshi claimed that India's "hegemonic designs" were a threat to regional peace and security and it needs to be taken seriously."The Indus Waters Treaty was respected in 1965 and 1971 wars but this is the first time that India did not share water data with Pakistan in this monsoon season," he said.Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after New Delhi abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated the State into two Union Territories on August 5.India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was an internal matter and also advised Pakistan to accept the reality. ALSO READ | Twitter sends notice to Pakistan President Arif Alvi over Kashmir postALSO READ | Restrictions eased as Kashmir enters Day 22 of lockdownALSO READ | Opposition's visit to Kashmir will benefit BJP: Mayawati

Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi speaks with OIC Secretary General over Kashmir

Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after New Delhi abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated the State into two Union Territories on August 5.

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Have to collectively push for equal justice, examine nation's 'tragic failures': George W Bush on FIFormer US president George W Bush has called upon Americans to examine the nation's "tragic failures" and collectively push for equal justice, amid violent protests across the country over the custodial killing of an African-American man. George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American, was handcuffed and pinned to the ground in Minneapolis on May 25 by a white police officer who kneeled on his neck as he gasped for breath.His death has triggered violent protests across the US, leading to the death of at least five persons, arrest of over 4,000 people and damage to property worth billions of dollars.George Bush said he and his wife, Laura, were "disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country".The Bushes said in a statement on Tuesday that they did not feel like it was their time to speak out, but rather it was time for them to listen.George Bush and Laura Bush said they believe that peaceful marches are good for the country."It remains a shocking failure that many African-Americans, especially young African-American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country," the statement read."Laura and I are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd and disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country. Yet we have resisted the urge to speak out, because this is not the time for us to lecture. It is time for us to listen," George Bush said."It is time for America to examine our tragic failures – and as we do, we will also see some of our redeeming strengths. It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country. It is a strength when \ protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future," he said.This tragedy, in a long series of similar tragedies, raises a long overdue question of "how do we end systemic racism in our society?" George Bush asked."The only way to see ourselves in a true light is to listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving. Those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of America — or how it becomes a better place," he said.America’s greatest challenge has long been to unite people of very different backgrounds into a single nation of justice and opportunity. The doctrine and habits of racial superiority, which once nearly split the country, still threatens our Union, he said.The answers to American problems are found by living up to American ideals, to the fundamental truth that all human beings are created equal and endowed by God with certain rights, the former president said."We have often underestimated how radical that quest really is, and how our cherished principles challenge systems of intended or assumed injustice. The heroes of America — from Frederick Douglass, to Harriet Tubman, to Abraham Lincoln, to Martin Luther King, Jr. — are heroes of unity," he said."Their calling has never been for the fainthearted. They often revealed the nation’s disturbing bigotry and exploitation — stains on our character sometimes difficult for the American majority to examine. We can only see the reality of America’s need by seeing it through the eyes of the threatened, oppressed, and disenfranchised," George Bush said."That is exactly where we now stand. Many doubt the justice of our country, and with good reason. Black people see the repeated violation of their rights without an urgent and adequate response from American institutions. We know that lasting justice will only come by peaceful means. Looting is not liberation, and destruction is not progress," he said.Lasting peace in communities requires truly equal justice. The rule of law ultimately depends on the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system, and achieving justice for all is the duty of all, George Bush said."This will require a consistent, courageous, and creative effort. We serve our neighbours best when we try to understand their experience. We love our neighbours as ourselves when we treat them as equals, in both protection and compassion," the statement read.There is a better way. The way of empathy and shared commitment, and bold action, and a peace rooted in justice, George Bush said."I am confident that together, Americans will choose the better way," he said.

Have to collectively push for equal justice, examine nation's 'tragic failures': George W Bush on FI

Former US president George W Bush has called upon Americans to examine the nation's "tragic failures" and collectively push for equal justice, amid violent protests across the country over the custodial killing of an African-American man.

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A US-Bangla Airlines aircraft with 67 passengers and 4 crew members on board overshot the runway and crashed at Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).The plane caught fire after it careened off the runway during landing and crashed onto a football ground near the airport.Plumes of black smoke could be seen rising from the football ground where the plane crashed.Officials have suspected technical glitch as the cause of the incident. The aircraft took off from Dhaka and landed at the airport at 2:20 pm (local time). Highlights: 5:15 pm: Over 50 people are feared dead. We are carrying out rescue work. We are collecting details: Raj Kumar Chhetri, TIA General Manager# Authorities say the fire has now been extinguished and rescue work is on.4:40 pm: Nepal plane crash kills at least 50: Army spokesman4:15 pm: The aircraft careened off the runway during landing and crashed onto a football ground near the airport, catching fire: TIA spokesperson Prem Nath Thakur# US-Bangla Airlines is a unit of the US-Bangla Group, a US Bangladeshi joint venture company. The Bangladeshi carrier launched operations in July 2014 and operates Bombardier Inc and Boeing aircraft.4 pm: All planes from India to Kathmandu have been diverted to Kolkata 3:50 pm: Nepal PM KP Oli arrives at the crash site to take first-hand stock of the situation 3:40 pm: 17 deaths have been confirmed by the authorities US-Bangla airlines passenger aircraft crashes at Nepal's Kathmandu airport# At least 7 people have been rescued, authorities said, according to IANS3:26 pm: All the flights to and from TIA have been halted after the crash(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.6&appId=1530374180564359"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, "script", "facebook-jssdk")); 3:15 pm: At least 50 people are feared dead # The plane caught fire after it careened off the runway during landing and crashed onto a football ground near the airport: TIA spokesperson Prem Nath Thakur{img-46698}# The plane has been identified as S2-AGU, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400# The aircraft took off from Dhaka and landed at the airport at 2:20 pm (local time).Watch video: US-Bangla airlines passenger plane crash-lands at Kathmandu airport

Over 50 dead after plane crash-lands at Kathmandu airport: As it happened

The plane from US-Bangla, a Bangladeshi airline, went off the runway while landing and crashed on the east side of Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport's runway.

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China says US orders it to close its consulate in HoustonChina has said that the United States has ordered it to close its consulate in Houston and called it a provocation that violates international law. There was no immediate confirmation or explanation from the US side. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Wednesday that the U.S. had abruptly demanded the previous day that the consulate cease all operations.He said that China strongly condemns “such an outrageous and unjustified move that will sabotage China-U.S. relations.”Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin condemned the action, which comes as tensions rise between the world's two largest economies. He warned of firm countermeasures if the U.S. does not reverse its decision.“The unilateral closure of China’s consulate general in Houston within a short period of time is an unprecedented escalation of its recent actions against China,” Wang said at a daily news briefing.There was no immediate confirmation or explanation from the U.S. side. Media reports in Houston said that authorities had responded to reports of a fire at the consulate. Witnesses said that people were burning paper in what appeared to be trash cans, the Houston Chronicle reported, citing police.

China says US ordered it to close its consulate in Houston

China says the US has ordered it to close its Houston consulate in what it called a provocation that violates international law. There was no immediate confirmation or explanation from the US side.

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US Election 2020: Bill, Hillary Clinton cast votes for Biden-HarrisFormer US President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, cast their ballots on election day on Tuesday."Hillary and I just proudly cast our ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. They will work tirelessly to heal our divisions and build a better future for all of us. If you haven't done so already, vote today," the former president Bill Clinton said.Hillary Clinton has also shared the news on the microblogging site. "Just voted. Felt good," the former Democratic candidate tweeted.US ELECTION 2020: FULL COVERAGEHillary had won the popular vote in the 2016 elections against Donald Trump, however, that was not enough to win in the Electoral College.Throughout the presidential elections, Hillary has slammed Trump and said that the 2020 presidential polls are the "most pivotal of our lifetimes".Nearly 100 million people have already voted and some states, such as Pennsylvania, will report the in-person vote count before moving through the absentee ballots.US ELECTION 2020: LIVE UPDATESSome 239 million people are eligible to vote this year. The mail-in ballots could take days to be counted - meaning a winner might not be declared in the hours after polls close on Tuesday.  (With Inputs from ANI)

US Election 2020: Bill, Hillary Clinton cast votes for Biden-Harris

Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, cast their ballots on election day on Tuesday.

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Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong/FileIn the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the country, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong called for a one-month shutdown on Friday. The nationwide shutdown in Singapore will start from next Tuesday i.e, on April 7. In his announcement, Singapore PM said that most workplaces, except for essential services and key economic sectors will be closed. In a series of tweets, the Singapore Government announced that local cases in Singapore have risen. "Despite contact tracing, half of the cases unlinked. New clusters in foreign worker dorms, nursing homes have come up. We need to apply a circuit breaker now for 1 month to reduce the risk of big outbreak."Singapore government advised staff to work from home. The announcement of a nationwide shutdown comes a day after 74 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country. Seven Indian nationals are among the new COVID-19 cases. It was the highest daily increase of COVID-19 cases in the country. - Most workplaces (Staff that can work from home must do so) - For schools - from 8 April - Schools & IHLs: Full Home-Based Learning - Preschools, student care: Closed- Essential services: Food outlets, markets, supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, utilities, transport, key banking services - Economic sectors: strategic or part of global supply chainSingapore has reported 1,049 COVID-19 cases while five people have lost their lives so far. Meanwhile, a total of 245 cases have fully recovered and been discharged from hospitals or relocated to community isolation services.Earlier, a 68-year-old male Indonesian national, who was a Singapore Work Pass holder, passed away from complications due to COVID-19 infection on April 2, said Singaporean Health Ministry.ALSO READ | PM Modi asks citizens to light candles, diyas at 9 pm on April 5 to mark fight against COVID-19ALSO READ | 14 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan, 7 of them attended Tablighi Jamaat event

Singapore PM announces 1-month shutdown to apply circuit breaker on coronavirus pandemic

In the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the country, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong called for a one-month shutdown on Friday. The nationwide shutdown in Singapore will start from next Tuesday i.e, on April 7.

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An Afghan government official says the death toll in a suicide car bombing in a western neighbourhood of Kabul has climbed to 24. Another 42 people were injured in the attack early this morning, said Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish. All the dead and wounded were civilians, he said.   Eyewitnesses said the suicide bomber seemed to target a minibus. It wasn't known whether the bus carried government employees but Danish said police were on the scene investigating. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.Further details are awaited. The area has been the scene of several attacks including the suicide attack that killed prominent Shiite Muslim cleric Ramazan Hussainzada last month. Hussainzada was also a senior leader of Afghanistan's Hazara community.

At least 24 killed, 42 injured as suicide car bomb explodes in western Kabul

At least 24 people were killed and 42 people injured after a suicide car bomb exploded in a western neighbourhood of Kabul early Monday morning, an Afghan health ministry official said

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Coronavirus: Man locks wife in bathroom suspecting her of being a patient (Image for representation)Coronavirus is making news everywhere. It has caused large number of infections for it to cause a global alarm. It has filled up news reports, have caused offices and schools to shut down and made hand sanitisers a hot commodity. But now, it seems it may even cause domestic fights.A man in Lithiuania in Europe locked his wife in bathroom of their house after being suspicious of her having caught the infection. Reportedly, the woman herself told her husband that she might have caught the disease after speaking with a person who had arrived from abroad.Lithuanian police was quoted by news outlets as saying that the man refused to let his wife out of the bathroom as he suspected her of having Coronavirus.Police intervened in the domestic fight. They said there was no violence or any complaint so an ambulance was called.Local media reports said the woman tested negative for Coronavirus.Also Read | Coronavirus: Primary schools in Delhi to be shut till Mar 31, says Manish Sisodia

Coronavirus: Man locks wife in bathroom suspecting her of being a patient

Coronavirus is making news everywhere. It has caused large number of infections for it to cause a global alarm. It has filled up news reports, have caused offices and schools to shut down and made hand sanitisers a hot commodity. But now, it seems it may even cause domestic fights.

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Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday that his country welcomed the offer of mediation by US President Donald Trump on the Kashmir issue.Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday that his country welcomed the offer of mediation by US President Donald Trump on the Kashmir issue.Qureshi made the remarks while addressing the 5th meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Jammu and Kashmir, which was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Office said that he briefed the members of the Committee on the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the United States.Qureshi said Prime Minister Khan raised the Kashmir issue during his visit to the US. "Pakistan welcomed President Trump's readiness to meditate" on the Kashmir issue, Qureshi said.Trump last week offered to be the "mediator" between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue during his first meeting with Prime Minister Khan at the White House. India firmly rejected Trump's offer, saying that New Delhi's consistent position has been that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. 

Pakistan welcomes President Trump's offer of mediation on Kashmir: Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Qureshi made the remarks while addressing the 5th meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Jammu and Kashmir, which was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Office said that he briefed the members of the Committee on the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the United States.

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Bill introduced in US Congress to name post office in Houston after slain Sikh police officerA legislation has been introduced in the US Congress to name a post office in Houston after slain Indian-American Sikh police officer Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who was shot dead on duty during a traffic stop in Texas in September, to recognise his ultimate sacrifice. Dhaliwal, 42, was the first Sikh sheriff’s deputy in Harris county with a population of over 10,000 Sikhs. He made national headlines when he was allowed to grow a beard and wear a turban on the job.He was gunned down on September 27 while conducting a routine mid-day traffic stop in northwest of Houston. "Deputy Dhaliwal represented the very best of our community...he worked for equality, connection, and community through his life of service to others," Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher said as she introduced the legislation that calls for naming the post office located at 315 Addicks Howell Road as the 'Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office'."The Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office will serve as a permanent reminder of his service, his sacrifice, and his example for us all. I am honoured to be able to recognise Deputy Dhaliwal in this way, and look forward to working with all of my Texas colleagues to pass this legislation quickly," Fletcher said."This is a fitting honour for my late friend, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal. As a member of the community, he inspired many-with a vibrant spirit and infectious optimism. His loss has left a void, but his legacy will continue to live on through his family, friends, and the entire community,” said Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia."Deputy Dhaliwal was a committed member of our office and community who served with the utmost integrity. Thanks to Congresswoman Fletcher for honouring his service and sacrifice with the introduction of this legislation," said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.Last month, the Houston Police Department announced a policy allowing officers to wear articles of faith while on duty, becoming the largest law enforcement agency in Texas to do so.In October, Congresswoman Fletcher led the entire Houston delegation in introducing a resolution to honour the life and mourn the loss of Deputy DhaliwalAlso Read| US wants to ensure India's data localisation plan doesn't stymie growth in transactions: MnuchinAlso Read| Trump urges UNSC to address shared security threat, promote religious liberty

Bill introduced in US Congress to name post office in Houston after slain Sikh police officer

Houston Police Department announced a policy allowing officers to wear articles of faith while on duty, becoming the largest law enforcement agency in Texas

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Paris to restrict car usage due to rising air pollution in cityIn order to cut air pollution in the city, Paris will restrict car usage on Wednesday. The step comes in the wake of rising air pollution linked to intense heat wave that strikes most of French regions, the city's police department announced on Tuesday.Commenting on the development, Paris police prefecture said only electric vehicles and those with clean air stickers 1 and 2 are allowed to enter the French capital on June 26 from 5:30 a.m. local time to midnight.  The other vehicles, mostly older and diesel cars, will be prevented from circulating in Paris following the unusual heatwave.Amid an expected high level of ozone pollution linked to rising temperatures, speed limits will also be cut by 20 kilometer per hour in Paris and Ile-de-France on Wednesday, while vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes will be asked to bypass the city centre and nearby surroundings completely.In addition, the Paris police department has called on businesses that use polluting machinery to reduce operations and avoid using solvent-based products, such as acetone, varnishes, glues or paints.Like major Western European countries where unprecedented high temperatures will appear in at least the next six days, France is set to witness unseasonable temperatures which could even exceed 38 degrees Celsius in parts of eastern and southern regions in the coming days.Meanwhile, Meteo France predicts 34 degrees Celsius in the French capital for Wednesday. The temperature could even reach up to 39 degrees by Friday afternoon.Meteo France has put 65 departments, including Ile-de-France (Paris and its suburb), under orange alert due to an intense heatwave and decided to maintain the alert system in these areas till Wednesday afternoon. Video: Heat wave results in dead fishes in Tamil Nadu's Selva Chinthamani Lake /* .jw-reset-text, .jw-reset{line-height: 2em;}*/ .jw-time-tip .jw-time-chapter{display:none;} if ('' == comscore_jw_loaded || 'undefined' == comscore_jw_loaded || undefined == comscore_jw_loaded) { var comscore_jw_loaded = 1; firstjw = document.getElementsByClassName('jwvidplayer')[0]; cs_jw_script = document.createElement('script'); cs_jw_script.src = 'https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/internal-c2/plugins/streamingtag_plugin_jwplayer.js'; firstjw.parentNode.insertBefore(cs_jw_script, firstjw.nextSibling); } var jwconfig_6283472334 = { "file": "https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_eys528d7_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_eys528d7_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Heat wave results in dead fishes in Tamil Nadu's Selva Chinthamani Lake", "height": "440px", "width": "100%", "aspectratio": "16:9", "autostart": false, "controls": true, "mute": false, "volume": 25, "floating": false, "sharing": { "code": "", "sites": [ "facebook", "twitter", "email" ] }, "stretching": "exactfit", "primary": "html5", "hlshtml": true, "sharing_link": "", "advertising": { "client": "vast", "autoplayadsmuted": true, "skipoffset": 5, "cuetext": "", "skipmessage": "Skip ad in xx", "skiptext": "SKIP", "preloadAds": true, "schedule": [ { "offset": "pre", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PreRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" }, { "offset": "50%", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_MidRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=" }, { "offset": "post", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PostRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" } ] } }; var jwvidplayer_6283472334 = ''; jwsetup_6283472334(); function jwsetup_6283472334() { jwvidplayer_6283472334 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_6283472334").setup(jwconfig_6283472334); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_6283472334, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_eys528d7\", ns_st_pr=\"Heat wave results in dead fishes in Tamil Nadu's Selva Chinthamani Lake\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Heat wave results in dead fishes in Tamil Nadu's Selva Chinthamani Lake\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Heat wave results in dead fishes in Tamil Nadu's Selva Chinthamani Lake\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2019-06-20\", ns_st_tdt=\"2019-06-20\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_eys528d7_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_6283472334.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_6283472334.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_6283472334.stop(); jwvidplayer_6283472334.remove(); jwvidplayer_6283472334 = ''; jwsetup_6283472334(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_6283472334.stop(); jwvidplayer_6283472334.remove(); jwvidplayer_6283472334 = ''; jwsetup_6283472334(); return; }); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6283472334.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

Paris to restrict car usage today due to rising air pollution in city; 65 departments under orange alert

Amid an expected high level of ozone pollution linked to rising temperatures, speed limits will also be cut by 20 kilometer per hour in Paris and Ile-de-France on Wednesday.

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Donald TrumpResponding to media reports that the FBI once opened a counterintelligence probe into whether the US President was working on Russia's behalf, Donald Trump on Monday asserted that he "never worked for Russia."Talking to media persons at the White House, Trump said that it’s a disgrace that he was being asked such questions.Related Stories Donald Trump bears most blame for shutdown: PollDonald Trump threatens to 'devastate' Turkey's economy if it attacks KurdsJudge blocks Donald Trump's birth control coverage rules in 13 statesSlamming the report at the weekends, Trump called it "the most insulting thing.""Not only did I never work for Russia, I think it's a disgrace that you even asked that question because it's a whole big fat hoax," Trump told reporters at the White House before leaving for New Orleans, Xinhua news agency reported.The New York Times reported Friday the FBI began the investigation after Trump fired James Comey as FBI director in order to examine whether the president's move threatened national security and amounted to obstruction of justice.The president also dismissed a Washington Post report that he took notes from his interpreter and ordered not to discuss details with other US officials about his 2017 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it "fake news".Trump has repeatedly denied colluding with Russia. The Russian government has repeatedly denied alleged meddling into the 2016 US elections.(With IANS inputs)

Never worked for Russia, asserts US President Donald Trump

The New York Times reported Friday the FBI began the investigation after Trump fired James Comey as FBI director in order to examine whether the president's move threatened national security and amounted to obstruction of justice.

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Haitians wade across the Rio Grande from Del Rio, Texas with their belongings to return to Ciudad Acuna, Mexico to avoid possible deportation from the U.S.The images — men on horseback, appearing to use reins as whips to corral Haitian asylum seekers trying to cross into the U.S. from Mexico — provoked an outcry. But to many Haitians and Black Americans, they’re merely confirmation of a deeply held belief. Nicole Phillips, legal director for the Haitian Bridge Alliance, said racism has long driven the American government’s treatment of Haitian immigrants.Phillips, whose organization is on the ground helping Haitians in Texas, says this dates back to the early 1800s, when Haitian slaves revolted and gained independence from France, and has continued through decades of U.S. intervention and occupation in the small island nation.She said the U.S., threatened by the possibility of its own slaves revolting, both assisted the French and didn’t recognize Haitian independence for nearly six decades. The U.S. also loaned money to Haiti so that it could, in essence, buy its independence, collecting interest payments while plunging the country into poverty for decades.“This mentality and stigma against Haitians stems all the way back to that period,” Phillips said.The Border Patrol’s treatment of Haitian migrants, they say, is just the latest in a long history of discriminatory U.S. policies and of indignities faced by Black people, sparking new anger among Haitian Americans, Black immigrant advocates and civil rights leaders.They point to immigration data that indicate Haitians and other Black migrants routinely face structural barriers to legally entering or living in the U.S. — and often endure disproportionate contact with the American criminal legal system that can jeopardize their residency or hasten their deportation.Haitians, in particular, are granted asylum at the lowest rate of any nationality with consistently high numbers of asylum seekers, according to an analysis of data by The Associated Press.“Black immigrants live at the intersection of race and immigration and, for too long, have fallen through the cracks of red tape and legal loopholes,” said Yoliswa Cele of the UndocuBlack Network, a national advocacy organization for currently and formerly undocumented Black people.“Now through the videos capturing the abuses on Haitians at the border, the world has now seen for itself that all migrants seeking a better tomorrow aren’t treated equal when skin color is involved.”The U.S. violently occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934 and backed former Haiti dictator Francois Duvalier, whose oppressive regime resulted in 30,000 deaths and drove thousands to flee.While the U.S. long treated Cubans with compassion — largely because of opposition to the Communist regime — the administrations of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton took a hard line on Haitians. And the Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status for several nationalities, including Haitians and Central Americans.Over and over, the U.S. has passed immigration legislation that excluded Black immigrants and Haitians, and promoted policies that unfairly jeopardized their legal status in the country, advocates said.When they manage to enter the U.S., Black immigrants say they contend with systemic racism in the American criminal legal system and brutality of U.S. policing that has been endemic for people from across the African diaspora.Between 2018 and 2021, only 4.62% of Haitian asylum seekers were granted asylum by the U.S. — the lowest rate among 84 groups for whom data is available. Asylum seekers from the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, have a similarly low rate of 5.11%.By comparison, four of the five top U.S. asylum applicants are from Latin American countries — El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. Their acceptance rates range from 6.21% to 14.12%.The Black Alliance for Just Immigration, a national racial justice and immigrant rights group, largely defines Black immigrants as people from nations in Africa and the Caribbean. By that definition, AP’s analysis of 2019 Department of Homeland Security data found 66% Black immigrants deported from the U.S were removed based on criminal grounds, as opposed to 43% of all immigrants.Nana Gyamfi, BAJI’s executive director, said crimes of moral turpitude, including petty theft or turnstile jumping, have been used as partial justification for denying Black immigrants legal status. “We have people getting deported because of train fare,” she said.Leaders within the Movement for Black Lives, a national coalition of Black-led racial justice and civil rights organizations, have pointed to the treatment of Haitians at the border as justification for their broader demands for defunding law enforcement agencies in the U.S.Last year, following the murder of George Floyd, the coalition proposed sweeping federal legislation known as the BREATHE Act, which includes calls to end immigration detention, stop deportations due to contact with the criminal legal system, and ensure due process within the immigration court system.“A lot of times in the immigration debate, Black people are erased and Black immigrants are erased from the conversation,” said Amara Enyia, a policy researcher for the Movement for Black Lives.Ahead of a Thursday tour of the migrant encampment in Texas, civil rights leaders called for an investigation into the treatment of Black migrants at the border and for an immediate end to the deportation of Black asylum seekers.The camp is “a catastrophic and human disgrace,” the Rev. Al Sharpton said after an hourlong tour with several Black American leaders in Del Rio. “We will keep coming back, as long as is necessary.”At the border and in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where hundreds had already been sent on flights from the U.S., Haitians said there was no doubt that race played a major part in their mistreatment.“They are grabbing people, they bother us, especially Haitians because they identify us by skin,” said Jean Claudio Charles who, with his wife and year-old son, had been staying in an encampment on the Mexico side near Texas out of fear of arrest and deportation to Haiti.And in Miami, immigrant rights advocate Francesca Menes couldn’t believe her eyes as she watched images of the asylum seekers being corralled by men on horseback.“My family is under that bridge,” Menes said, referring to a cousin, his wife and their newborn who recently met up in a small border town in Texas. It took Menes’s cousin two months to make the trek from Chile, where he had been living with his brothers for three years to escape Haiti’s political tumult, violence and devastation.“It made me sick,” Menes said. “This didn’t happen with unaccompanied minors. You didn’t see people riding on horseback, basically herding people like they were cattle, like they were animals.”Menes’ outrage has only grown, as have her fears for her family. When she overheard her mother on the phone with family members this week, Menes said she wanted nothing more than to tell them to return to Chile.“We’ve actually tried to discourage our families,” she said. “People are looking for a better life. And we try to kind of ground our families: Do you know what it means to be Black in America?”

Haitians see history of racist policies in migrant treatment

Nicole Phillips, legal director for the Haitian Bridge Alliance, said racism has long driven the American government’s treatment of Haitian immigrants.

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A nurse prepare one of the country's first coronavirus vaccinations, using the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and provided through the global COVAX initiative, at Yaba Mainland hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.After Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor and his wife received two doses of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine in Nigeria, they assumed they would be free to travel this summer to a European destination of their choice. They were wrong.The couple — and millions of other people who have been vaccinated through a U.N.-backed effort — could find themselves barred from entering many European and other countries because those nations don’t recognize the Indian-made version of the vaccine for travel.Although AstraZeneca vaccine produced in Europe has been authorized by the continent’s drug regulatory agency, the same shot manufactured in India hasn’t been given the green light.EU regulators said AstraZeneca hasn’t completed the necessary paperwork on the Indian factory, including details on its production practices and quality control standards.But some experts describe the EU move as discriminatory and unscientific, pointing out that the World Health Organization has inspected and approved the factory. Health officials say the situation won’t only complicate travel and frustrate fragile economies but also undermine vaccine confidence by appearing to label some shots substandard.As vaccination coverage rises across Europe and other rich countries, authorities anxious to salvage the summer tourism season are increasingly relaxing coronavirus border restrictions.Earlier this month, the European Union introduced its digital COVID-19 certificate, which allows EU residents to move freely in the 27-nation bloc as long as they have been vaccinated with one of the four shots authorized by the European Medicines Agency, have a fresh negative test, or have proof they recently recovered from the virus.While the U.S. and Britain remain largely closed to outside visitors, the EU certificate is seen as a potential model for travel in the COVID-19 era and a way to boost economies.The officially EU-endorsed vaccines also include those made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. They don’t include the AstraZeneca shot made in India or many other vaccines used in developing countries, including those manufactured in China and Russia.Individual EU countries are free to apply their own rules for travelers from inside and outside the bloc, and their rules vary widely, creating further confusion for tourists. Several EU countries, including Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, allow people to enter if they have had non-EU-endorsed vaccines; several others, including France and Italy, don’t.For Nsofor, the realization he could be barred was “a rude awakening.” After a tough year of working during the pandemic in Abuja, Nsofor and his wife were looking forward to a European vacation with their two young daughters, perhaps admiring the Eiffel Tower in Paris or touring Salzburg in Austria.Nsofor noted that the Indian-made vaccine he received had been authorized by WHO for emergency use and had been supplied through COVAX, the U.N.-backed program to provide shots to poor corners of the world. WHO’s approval included a visit to the Serum Institute of India factory to ensure that it had good manufacturing practices and that quality control standards were met.“We’re grateful to the EU that they funded COVAX, but now they are essentially discriminating against a vaccine that they actively funded and promoted,” Nsofor said. “This will just give room to all kinds of conspiracy theories that the vaccines we’re getting in Africa are not as good as the ones they have for themselves in the West.”Ivo Vlaev, a professor at Britain’s University of Warwick who advises the government on behavioral science during COVID-19, agreed that Western countries’ refusal to recognize vaccines used in poor countries could fuel mistrust.“People who were already suspicious of vaccines will become even more suspicious,” Vlaev said. “They could also lose trust in public health messages from governments and be less willing to comply with COVID rules.”Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessema, director of health for the International Rescue Committee, said countries that have declined to recognize vaccines cleared by WHO are acting against the scientific evidence.“Vaccines that have met WHO’s threshold should be accepted. Otherwise it looks like there’s an element of racism here,” he said.WHO urged countries to recognize all of the vaccines it has authorized, including two Chinese-made ones. Countries that decline to do so are “undermining confidence in lifesaving vaccines that have already been shown to be safe and effective, affecting uptake of vaccines and potentially putting billions of people at risk,” the U.N. health agency said in a statement this month.In June, the Serum Institute of India’s CEO, Adar Poonawalla, tweeted that he was concerned about vaccinated Indians facing problems traveling to the EU and said he was raising the problem at the highest levels with regulators and countries.Stefan De Keersmaeker, a spokesman for the EU’s executive arm, said last week that regulators were obligated to check the production process at the Indian factory.“We are not trying to create any doubts about this vaccine,” he said.AstraZeneca said it only recently submitted the paperwork on the Indian factory to the EU drug regulatory agency. It didn’t say why it didn’t do so earlier, before the agency made its original decision in January.The failure of some national authorities to recognize vaccines made outside the EU — but whose European-made versions are authorized — is also frustrating some Europeans immunized elsewhere, including the U.S.Gerard Araud, a former French ambassador to the Israel, the U.S. and the U.N., tweeted this week that the country’s COVID-19 pass is a “disaster” for people vaccinated outside of France.Public health experts warned that countries that decline to recognize vaccines backed by WHO are complicating global efforts to safely restart travel.“You can’t just cut off countries from the rest of the world indefinitely,” said Dr. Raghib Ali of the University of Cambridge. “To exclude some people from certain countries because of the vaccine they’ve received is wholly inconsistent because we know that these approved vaccines are extremely protective.”Nsofor said he and his wife are still deciding where to take their summer vacation and are leaning toward Singapore or East Africa.“I didn’t realize there were so many layers to vaccine inequity,” he said.ALSO READ | Netherlands recognises Covishield as 'valid proof of vaccination' amid travel rowALSO READ | 9 European Union countries include Covishield in 'green pass' after India's stern warning /* .jw-reset-text, .jw-reset{line-height: 2em;}*/ .jw-time-tip .jw-time-chapter{display:none;} if ('' == comscore_jw_loaded || 'undefined' == comscore_jw_loaded || undefined == comscore_jw_loaded) { var comscore_jw_loaded = 1; 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Immunized but banned: EU says not all COVID vaccines equal

The couple — and millions of other people who have been vaccinated through a U.N.-backed effort — could find themselves barred from entering many European and other countries because those nations don’t recognize the Indian-made version of the vaccine for travel.

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Iran's Foreign Minister said on Saturday that threats made by the President of the US would never intimidate Iranians.Donald Trump threatened on Friday to pull out of the Iran nuclear agreement and blasted Tehran for misdeeds ranging from the 1979 hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran to recent ballistic missile tests.Related Stories In defiance to US, Iran unveils new missile during parade Iran warns of tough response if Donald Trump scuttles 2015 nuclear deal "Allegations, threats & profanity will never intimidate Iranians. Trump will eventually discover this; as every predecessor did," Javad Zarif said in a post on Twitter."Everyone knew Trump's friendship was for sale to the highest bidder. We now know that his geography is too," he added.On Friday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in response to Trump's speech that the nuclear deal was endorsed by the international community and "cannot be renegotiated or altered".Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the P5+1 (the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany) agreed to lift economic sanctions against Tehran in exchange for Tehran's accepting curbs on its nuclear programme.

Donald Trump's threats will not intimidate us: Iran

Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the P5+1 (the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany) agreed to lift economic sanctions against Tehran in exchange for Tehran's accepting curbs on its nuclear programme.

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 President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters during a event about protecting seniors, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, April 30, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) President Donald Trump on Thursday speculated that China could have unleashed the coronavirus on the world due to some kind of horrible “mistake”. The US president threatened the country with fresh tariffs as he stepped up his attacks on Beijing over the coronavirus crisis, saying he had seen evidence linking a Wuhan lab to the contagion. Trump even suggested the release could have been intentional.The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the clearinghouse for the web of U.S. spy agencies, said it had ruled out the virus being man-made but was still investigating the precise source of the global pandemic, which has killed more than 220,000 people worldwide.Though scientists suggest the likeliest origin of the pandemic remains natural, that it spread from an infected animal to a human, Trump claimed to have seen evidence to support the theory that the origin was an infectious disease lab in Wuhan, the epicenter of the Chinese outbreak.He said the U.S. now “is finding how it came out.”“It’s a terrible thing that happened,” the president said. “Whether they made a mistake or whether it started off as a mistake and then they made another one, or did somebody do something on purpose.”The intel statement said the federal agencies concur “with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified.”“The IC will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan.”In recent days the Trump administration has sharpened its rhetoric on China, accusing the geopolitical foe and vital trading partner of failing to act swiftly enough to sound the alarm about the outbreak or to stop the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. U.S. officials have said the Chinese government should “pay a price” for its handling of the pandemic.This all comes as the pace of Trump’s own original response continues to come under scrutiny, questioned as too meager and too slow.Earlier Thursday, before Trump’s comments, the Chinese government said that any claims that the coronavirus was released from a laboratory are “unfounded and purely fabricated out of nothing.”Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang cited the institute’s director, Yuan Zhiming, as saying the lab strictly implements bio-security procedures that would prevent the release of any pathogen.“I would like to point out again that the origin of the virus is a complex scientific issue, and it should be studied by scientists and professionals,” Geng said.He also criticized those in the U.S. who say China should be held accountable for the global pandemic, saying they should spend their time on “better controlling the epidemic situation at home.”At the White House, Trump repeatedly blamed China for its handling of the outbreak, criticizing the country for restricting domestic travel to slow the virus but not international travel to keep it from spreading abroad.“Certainly it could have been stopped,” Trump said during an event in the East Room on his administration’s efforts to aid seniors during the outbreak. “They either couldn’t do it from a competence standpoint, or they let it spread.”“It got loose, let’s say, and they could have capped it.”Earlier this month, Trump addressed the lab theory saying, “More and more, we’re hearing the story.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added at the time, “The mere fact that we don’t know the answers — that China hasn’t shared the answers — I think is very, very telling.”Pompeo also pressed China to let outside experts into the lab “so that we can determine precisely where this virus began.”While Trump and Pompeo have made their feelings clear, a U.S. intelligence official disputed the notion that there was pressure on agencies to bolster a particular theory. The intelligence official was not authorized to publicly discuss the issue and spoke only on condition of anonymity.Scientists say the virus arose naturally in bats. Even so, Pompeo and others have pointed fingers at an institute that is run by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It has done groundbreaking research tracing the likely origins of the SARS virus, finding new bat viruses and discovering how they could jump to people.“We know that there is the Wuhan Institute of Virology just a handful of miles away from where the wet market was,” Pompeo said two weeks ago. The institute has an address 8 miles, or 13 kilometers, from the market that is considered a possible source.U.S. officials say the American Embassy in Beijing flagged concerns about potential safety issues at the lab in Wuhan in 2018, but they have yet to find any evidence the virus originated there nearly two years later.Scientists studying the virus for months have made clear they believe it wasn’t man-made but are still working to determine a point at which it may have jumped from animals to humans.Early attention focused on the live-animal market in Wuhan where the first cases were reported in December. But the first person identified with the disease had no known connection to that market.Kristian Andersen, who studies the virus at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, puts the odds of it being accidentally released by the Wuhan lab at “a million to one,” far less likely than an infection in nature. But virus expert David O’Connor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison said he thinks too little is known to rule out any source, except the idea the virus was man-made. Finding the source is important, he said, because it may harbor the next pandemic virus.The U.S. was providing funding to the Wuhan lab for its research on coronaviruses, Michael Morell, former acting director and deputy director of the CIA, said Thursday.He said State Department cables indicate that there have been concerns in past years among U.S. officials about the safety protocols at that lab. If the virus did escape from a Chinese lab, it not only reflects negatively on China but also on the United States for providing research funding to a lab that has safety concerns, Morell said during an online forum hosted by the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy and International Security at George Mason University.“So if it did escape, we’re all in this together,” Morell said. “This is not a gotcha for China. This is a gotcha for both of us.”(With inputs from agencies)

Trump threatens tariffs against China, calls COVID-19 pandemic Wuhan's lab mistake

President Donald Trump on Thursday speculated that China could have unleashed the coronavirus on the world due to some kind of horrible “mistake”. The US president threatened the country with fresh tariffs as he stepped up his attacks on Beijing over the coronavirus crisis, saying he had seen evidence linking a Wuhan lab to the contagion. Trump even suggested the release could have been intentional.

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Amid the ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam area, reports have suggested that China may have quietly moved “tens of thousands of tonnes” of military equipment, including army vehicles and troops, to Tibet while it was conducting live-fire drills in the remote mountainous region. According to PLA Daily, the official mouthpiece of Chinese military, the haul was transported to a region south of the Kunlun Mountains in northern Tibet by the Western Theatre Command – the unit which oversees the restive regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, and handles border issues with India.“The vast haul was transported to a region south of the Kunlun mountains in northern Tibet by the western theatre command, which oversees the restive regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, and handles border issues with India,” the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post said on Wednesday, quoting the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily.Though the deployment happened in northern Tibet, it is a cause of concern, considering the fact that it won’t take much time for Chinese troops to move to their side of Nathu La in Sikkim. According to Ni Lexiong, the transfer of equipment was most likely related to the standoff and could have been designed to bring India to the negotiating table. “Diplomatic talks must be backed by military preparation,” he told the South China Morning Post. However, none of the reports have claimed that the hardware was moved to support military drills being held in Tibet, including in the middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river, close to Arunachal Pradesh, India’s easternmost state claimed by China as south Tibet.Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face-off in the Dokalam area of the Sikkim sector for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area. China claimed that they were constructing the road within their territory and has been demanding immediate pull-out of the Indian troops from the disputed Dokalam plateau. New Delhi has expressed concern over the road building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India's access to its northeastern states.India has conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

Amid Sikkim standoff, China quietly moves tonnes of military gear into northern Tibet: report

Amid the ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam area, reports have suggested that China may have quietly moved “tend of thousands of tonnes” of military equipment, including army vehicles and troops, to Tibet

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Texas girl finds real diamond after watching a YouTube tutorial on how to find diamondsYou may have watched a lot of tutorial videos on YouTube, but the news of this woman in Texas will sure give you more reasons to watch those. Miranda Hollingshead, a 27-year-old woman has gone viral on the internet for finding a real diamond after she watched a tutorial on how to find diamonds. To top it all, the diamond that Miranda found is the largest yellow diamond ever found in the park since 2013.Hollingshead recently visited the Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park to look for diamonds and that is where she actually ended up finding a 3.72-carat yellow diamond. According to various media reports, the woman was looking out for diamonds for an hour when she finally came across the yellow shiny rock.Narrating her experience, Hollingshead said she was sitting in a shade and was watching a tutorial video on YouTube, which explained the steps to find diamonds. "I looked over at my kid for a second, and when I looked down, I saw it mixed in with other rocks," she said. On being asked about her plans with the diamond, she revealed that if she decides to not sell the rock, she will have it fixed on a ring.Other reports have suggested that visitors search a 37-acre eroded surface of a volcanic crater for a variety of rocks, minerals and gemstones and any rock or mineral that they find is theirs to keep. Also Watch | Woman driver in Pune repeatedly hits parked cars

Texas woman watches YouTube tutorial on how to find diamonds, looks on ground and finds one for real

The diamonds found by this Texas woman is the largest yellow diamond ever found in that particular park since 2013. "I saw it mixed with other rocks," she narrates her experience.

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An Indian student was shot dead allegedly by two armed robbers, including one of Indian-origin, at a grocery store in the US state of California, a media report said.The incident happened on Monday night when Dharampreet Singh Jassar, 20, was on duty at the Tackle Box store next to a gas station in Madera city. The suspects barged into the store to loot and one of them fired several shots at Jassar, who reportedly tried to hide behind the cash counter, The Fresno Bee reported. Related Stories Man charged with firing shots outside California mallCalifornia shooter Kevin Neal who killed 4, injured 10 was out on bailThey later fled the scene with cash and a few big boxes of cigarettes, the police said. The incident was reported to the police by a customer who found Jasser's body on the floor on Tuesday, the report said.Jasser hailed from Punjab and was a student of accounting. He had gone to the US around three years ago on a student visa.Police arrested 21-year-old Armitraj Singh Athwal, an Indian-origin man, believed to be one of the two robbers who fired multiple shots at Jasser.Authorities said a Fresno County Sheriff's deputy saw media coverage of the incident on Tuesday and recognised similarities between the suspects from the incident and Athwal.Madera Sheriff's detectives were contacted and determined that Athwal is the likely suspect in the shooting.During a search of Athwal's vehicle, the police discovered an unregistered .38-caliber revolver, a .22-caliber assault pistol that had been reported stolen, drugs and a blue bandana noticeable in the surveillance footage of the robbery at the store.Athwal's vehicle was also registered in another name."Dharampreet was a completely innocent victim, just doing his job, when he was senselessly killed during this robbery," Madera Sheriff Jay Varney said. Athwal faces robbery and murder charges. He does not appear to have a lengthy criminal history, Varney said. His bail is set at $1 million.Detectives continue to search for the second suspect.

Indian student shot dead at grocery store in California

The incident happened on Monday night when Dharampreet Singh Jassar, 20, was on duty at the Tackle Box store next to a gas station in Madera city.

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Extreme poverty could rise to over one billion people globally due to COVID-19 crisis: ReportGlobal poverty could rise to over one billion people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and more than half of the 395 million additional extreme poor would be located in South Asia, which would be the hardest-hit region in the world, according to a new report. Researchers from King's College London and Australian National University published the new paper with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) which said the COVID-19 pandemic could drive global poverty back over one billion people as the world’s poorest face up to USD 500 million per day in lost income.The paper, 'Precarity and the Pandemic: COVID-19 and Poverty Incidence, Intensity and Severity in Developing Countries,' finds that extreme poverty could rise to over one billion people globally as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.The cost of the crisis in lost income could reach USD 500 million per day for the world’s poorest people, and the intensity and severity of poverty are likely to be exacerbated dramatically.The report also noted that poverty is likely to increase dramatically in middle-income developing countries and there could be a significant change in the distribution of global poverty.The location of global poverty could shift back towards developing countries in South Asia and East Asia.The report said that based on the USD 1.90 a day poverty line and a 20 per cent contraction, more than half of the 395 million additional extreme poor would be located in South Asia, which would become the hardest hit region in the world—“mainly driven by the weight of populous India”—followed by sub-Saharan Africa which would comprise 30 per cent, or 119 million, of the additional poor.The report added that as the value of the poverty line increases, a larger share of the additional poor will be concentrated in regions where the corresponding poverty line is more relevant given the average income level.For instance, the regional distribution of the world’s poor changes drastically when looking at the USD 5.50 a day poverty line—the median poverty line among upper-middle-income countries.At this level, almost 41 per cent of the additional half a billion poor under a 20 per cent contraction scenario would live in East Asia and the Pacific, chiefly China; a fourth would still reside in South Asia; and a combined 18 per cent would live in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), whose individual shares are close to that recorded for sub-Saharan Africa.“India plays a significant role in driving the potential increases in global extreme poverty documented previously, comprising almost half the estimated additional poor regardless of the contraction scenario,” the report said.Nonetheless, there are other populous, low and lower-middle- income countries in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia and the Pacific accounting for a sizeable share of the estimates: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia come next, in that order, concentrating a total of 18–19 per cent of the new poor, whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Pakistan, Kenya, Uganda, and the Philippines could jointly add 11–12 per cent.“Taken together, these figures imply that three quarters of the additional extreme poor globally could be living in just ten populous countries.”The report added that this high concentration of the additional extreme poor is “staggering”, although not necessarily unexpected given the size of each country’s population.On one hand, data shows that three of these ten countries (Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria) were among the top ten by number of extreme poor people in 1990 and remained within the ranks of that group until 2018.“Despite this crude fact, two of these countries have managed to achieve a sustained reduction in their incidence of poverty since the early 1990s, namely Ethiopia and India, reaching their lowest poverty headcount ratio ever recorded at about 22 and 13 per cent, respectively. Nonetheless, the potential contraction in per capita income/consumption imposed by the pandemic’s economic effects could erase some of this progress.”The researchers are now calling for urgent global leadership from the G7, G20, and the multilateral system, and propose a three-point plan to address the impact of the COVID-19 on global poverty quickly.Professor of International Development at King’s College London and a Senior Non-Resident Research Fellow at UNU-WIDER Andy Sumner said the COVID-19 crisis could take extreme poverty back over one billion people because millions of people live just above poverty.“Millions of people live in a precarious position one shock away from poverty. And the current crisis could be that shock that pushes them into poverty.”Professor Kunal Sen, Director of UNU-WIDER said the new estimates about the level of poverty in the world and the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic to the world’s poor are sobering.“We cannot stand by and see the hard work and effort of so many be eradicated. We will know what the real impact is in time, but the necessary action to ensure we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 needs to be planned now,” Sen said.

Extreme poverty could rise to over one billion people globally due to COVID-19 crisis: Report

Global poverty could rise to over one billion people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and more than half of the 395 million additional extreme poor would be located in South Asia, which would be the hardest-hit region in the world, according to a new report.

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Russia could launch 'false' pretext to invade Ukraine 'at any moment', says White House official.  White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday (February 16) said that the window for a Russian invasion of Ukraine remains open. During a press briefing yesterday, Psaki said that the window for a potential Russian attack on Ukraine remains open and warned a fabricated pretext for an incursion could include reports like the one about mass graves in the Donbas region, reported CNN."We are in the window where we believe an attack could begin at any time," said Psaki.She said the US was not taking Russian claims of de-escalation at face value.ALSO READ: Russia adds 7,000 more troops near Ukraine border: US official"There's what Russia says and what Russia does," Psaki said. Russian troops "remain amassed in a threatening way on the border."Asked by CNN what a "meaningful de-escalation" would look like, Psaki did not provide specifics. "We will know it when we see it," she said, noting the US was seeking a "verifiable reduction of troops on the border with Ukraine" but not laying out metrics.She repeated White House warnings of "false flag" events meant to create the pretext for an invasion and said "everyone should keep eyes open" for fake videos or reports emerging on Russian media.Asked about a cyberattack in Ukraine that took down some government websites, Psaki said she didn't have details on attribution for who was responsible. She said making such a determination was difficult because adversaries work to "hide their tracks" in cyberspace. An apparent cyberattack hit Ukraine's defense ministry and armed forces, and two Ukrainian banks on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear who was responsible.Psaki also said that the "door continues to be open for diplomacy," though said Russian responses to US security concerns hadn't yet been received in Washington."I think we are still waiting for that," she said. US President Joe Biden has also said there was still "plenty of room for diplomacy" with Russia to avoid a conflict in Europe. Russia earlier said that it is withdrawing some troops following drills around Ukraine has been met with scepticism from Western leaders who have called for proof, with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying they haven't seen "meaningful pullback" of Russian forces, reported CNN.(With ANI inputs)ALSO READ: Russia-Ukraine news: EU keeps India informed about its assessment of situation

Russia could launch 'false' pretext to invade Ukraine 'at any moment', says White House official Jen Psaki

White House Press Secy Psaki said that window for a potential Russian attack on Ukraine remains open and warned a fabricated pretext for an incursion could include reports like the one about mass graves in the Donbas region.

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The US wants Pakistan to act in "its best interest" and take action against terror safe havens, Jim Mattis said today, ahead of his first visit to Islamabad as America's Defence Secretary.Mattis embarked on a four-nation tour yesterday which will take him to Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and Kuwait. During the tour, he will re-affirm the US' enduring commitment to partnerships in the Middle East, West Africa and South Asia."In Afghanistan, we have heard from Pakistan leaders that they do not support terrorism. So I expect to see that sort of action reflected in their policies," Mattis told reporters travelling with him to Egypt."They have said that they do not support havens for any terrorists, and Pakistan has taken significant casualties - both innocent people and their army - significant casualties from them. So we expect them to act in their own best interest, and in support of peace and regional stability," he said.Mattis will visit Pakistan on Monday where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Pentagon said."I'm making my first trip to Pakistan as secretary of defense...The US remains committed to a pragmatic relationship that expands cooperation on shared interests while reinforcing President Trump's call for action against terrorist safe havens," he said.Responding to a question on Pakistan's failure to take actions against terrorists, Mattis said Pakistan has to act in its own best interest."They know this. In many cases, they are. But what we're looking for is to broaden the common ground and make certain that no terrorist organisation is seen as able to operate from a haven there," he said.Observing that 39 nations have troops on the ground in Afghanistan fighting terrorism, Mattis said the US was looking to make a common cause with them."There's plenty of collaborative areas, right now, still in effect. There's been some areas that we have lost over the years, because of disagreements about what we need to do," he said."So this is an effort by the new American administration, to go in and set the conditions for future collaboration that leads to reconciliation in Afghanistan and a denial of safe havens for any terrorist group that would attack anyone in the region or elsewhere in the world, which a number of countries have suffered from," Mattis said.On August 21, US President Donald Trump announced his South Asia strategy in which he had criticised Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorists.

Want Pakistan to take action against terror safe havens: US Defence Secretary

Mattis embarked on a four-nation tour yesterday which will take him to Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and Kuwait. During the tour, he will re-affirm the US' enduring commitment to partnerships in the Middle East, West Africa and South Asia.

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'Killing Soleimani will have grave consequences', Russia warns USRussia on Friday condemned USA for the killing of Iran Revolutionary Guards General Qasem Soleimani. In a statement issued by its Foreign Ministry, Russia warned US of 'grave consequences' of the latters actions."We are guided by the premise that such actions are not conducive to finding solutions to the complex problems that have piled up in the Middle East. On the contrary, they lead to a new round of escalation of tensions in the region," Russia, who is an ally of Iran, said in a statement.Soleimani was one of the most important Iranian General and travelled to Moscow several times for meetings regarding military cooperation between Iran and Russia in Syria. United Nations had slapped a ban on Soleimani in 2007 with an aim to curtail Iran's nuclear-weapon program. "This is probably the height of cynicism," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Friday in a statement. "Washington did not appeal to the Security Council, which means that it is not interested in the world’s response (but is) interested in changing the balance of power in the region." US President Donald Trump has come under heavy criticism domestically with political leaders from Joe Biden to Nancy Pilosi and Bernie Sanders all calling the actions reckless and accusing Trump of bringing US closer to a war with Iran. Also Read | US carries out second air raid in Iraq, kills 6 pro-Iran PMF militia

'Killing Soleimani will have grave consequences', Russia warns US

Russia on Friday condemned USA for the killing of Iran Revolutionary Guards General Qasem Soleimani. In a statement issued by its Foreign Ministry, Russia warned US of 'grave consequences' of  latter's actions.

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India slams US govt body, denies religious segregation of COVID-19 patientsThe Centre has hit back at the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for spreading false information on medical protocols followed by professionals to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic in India.The USCIRF, an independent US federal government entity set up by Congress to monitor and report on religious freedom in the world, earlier this week shared a news report of the Guardian which accused India of targeting Muslims for coronavirus and segregating Muslims in hospitals.Taking to Twitter, the Commission said that it "condemns the continued scapegoating and attacks of Muslims in India due to false rumors over the spread of coronavirus, often accompanied by dangerous rhetoric by politicians.This stigmatization can breed further discrimination and violence",In response to a media query about the USCIRF's condemnation, the official spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Anurag Srivastava on Wednesday denied that there was any religious discrimination in the treatment of COVID-19 patients."No segregation is being done in civil hospitals on the basis of religion, as clarified by the Gujarat Government," the spokesperson said.Slamming the US government body, Srivastava said: "As if its peremptory commentary on religious freedom in India is not enough, the USCIRF is now spreading misguided reports on the professional medical protocols followed to deal with spread of COVID19 in India."The government spokesperson said the USCIRF "must stop adding religious colour" to India's "national goal of fighting the pandemic" and stop distracting from larger efforts.Apart from criticizing India on its Twitter page, the USCIRF had simultaneously issued an official statement against Pakistan warning against religious discrimination in its treatment of people affected by the pandemic.The US body had reprimanded the Imran Khan government for denying food aid to Hindus and Christians in Pakistan amid the coronavirus pandemic and warned that it will trigger an additional crisis due to religious discrimination. Pakistan continues to be in the tier one of the USCIRF list of the countries whose record on religious freedom remains abysmal.

India slams US govt body, denies religious segregation of COVID-19 patients

The Centre has hit back at the US Commision on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for spreading false information on medical protocols followed by professionals to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

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A labourer works at a pottery workshop on the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan.Shabbar Zaidi, former chairman of the Pakistan Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), has expressed belief that Pakistan has gone bankrupt and the government's claims, that the country is doing very well, achieving great success and changing, are all wrong, Geo News reported.Using the accounting term "going concern" as a reference point for the audience, Zaidi said that he believes the country, at the moment, has gone bankrupt, the report said.Zaidi added that it is better to accept that a country's economy has gone bankrupt and find solutions rather than deceive people by claiming that it is doing well.However, in a thread of tweets, Zaidi clarified that his words were taken out of context and had been misreported. While agreeing that he did say that there are issues of bankruptcy and going concern, Zaidi pointed out that we must look at the solution too.Zaidi served as the FBR chairman in the government of Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan from May 10, 2019 to April 8, 2020.He shared his thoughts at a recent speech he gave at Hamdard University. But Zaidi later took to Twitter to say that "only three minutes of his speech have been cherry-picked" and circulated. He said he spoke about the solution as well.ALSO READ | Pakistan reaches out to US to justify non-participation in Joe Biden's Democracy SummitALSO READ | Typhoon Rai hits Philippines, nearly 100,000 evacuated

Pakistan has gone bankrupt, says former Pak revenue chief Shabbar Zaidi

Using the accounting term "going concern" as a reference point for the audience, Zaidi said that he believes the country, at the moment, has gone bankrupt, the report said.

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President Joe Biden signs the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 in the Oval Office of the White House. Washington sought to portray a united front against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan measure to reboot the World War II-era “lend-lease” program, which helped defeat Nazi Germany, to bolster Kyiv and Eastern European allies. The signing, on Monday, came as the U.S. Congress is poised to unleash billions more to fight the war against Russia — with Democrats preparing $40 billion in military and humanitarian aid, larger than the $33 billion package Biden has requested.It all serves as a rejoinder to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has seized on Victory in Europe Day, the anniversary of Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945 and Russia’s biggest patriotic holiday, to rally his people behind the invasion. “This aid has been critical to Ukraine’s success on the battlefield,” Biden said in a statement.Biden said it was urgent that Congress approve the next Ukraine assistance package to avoid any interruption in military supplies being sent to help fight the war, with a crucial deadline coming in 10 days. “We cannot allow our shipments of assistance to stop while we await further Congressional action,” he said. He urged Congress to act and 'to do so quickly.'In a letter delivered to Capitol Hill on Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Congress to act before May 19, when the existing drawdown funds run out. The Pentagon has already sent or committed all but $100 million of the $3.5 billion in weapons and equipment that it can send to Ukraine from its existing stockpiles. And that final $100 million is expected to be used no later than May 19, they said.“In short, we need your help,” they said in the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “The ability to draw upon existing DoD stocks has been a critical tool in our efforts to support the Ukrainians in their fight against Russian aggression, allowing us to quickly source equipment and ensure a sustained flow of security assistance to Ukraine.”The resolve from Biden and Congress to maintain support for Ukraine has been lasting, but also surprising. Still, as the months-long war with Russia grinds on, the bipartisan showing for Ukraine will be tested as the U.S. and allies are drawn closer toward the conflict. The House could vote as soon as this week on the bolstered Ukraine aid package, sending the legislation to the Senate, which is working to confirm Biden’s nominee Bridget Brink as the new Ukrainian ambassador. The House’s Tuesday schedule mentioned the Ukraine legislation, but it was unclear how firm that was.With the president’s party holding only the slimmest majorities in the House and Senate, Republican cooperation is preferred, if not vital in some cases, for passage of the president’s strategy toward the region. “I think we will be able to do it as quickly as possible,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said over the weekend about an emerging aid package. “We have great bipartisanship in terms of our support for the fight for democracy that the people of Ukraine are making.”Despite their differences over Biden’s approach to foreign policy and perceived missteps in confronting Russia, when it comes to Ukraine the members of the House and Senate have held together to support the president’s strategy. The lend-lease bill that Biden signed into law Monday revives the strategy to more quickly send military equipment to Ukraine. Launched during World War II, lend-lease signaled the U.S. would become what Franklin D. Roosevelt called the “arsenal of democracy” helping Britain and the allies fight Nazi Germany.Before signing the bill, Biden said “Putin’s war” was “once more bringing wanton destruction of Europe,” drawing reference to the significance of the day. Flanked by two Democratic lawmakers and one Republican, Biden signed the bill, which had widespread bipartisan support. It sailed through the Senate last month with unanimous agreement, without even the need for a formal roll call vote. It passed overwhelmingly in the House, drawing opposition from just 10 Republicans. “It really matters,” Biden said of the bipartisan support for Ukraine. “It matters.”One of the bill’s chief Republican sponsors, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, said in a statement the measure will give Ukraine “the upper hand against Russia, and I’m glad America could act as the arsenal of democracy for this critical partner.” Other measures, including efforts to cut off Russian oil imports to the U.S. and calls to investigate Putin for war crimes, have also gained widespread support, though some lawmakers have pushed Biden to do even more.“While President Putin and the Russian people celebrated Victory Day today, we’re seeing Russian forces commit war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine, as they engage in a brutal war that is causing so much suffering and needless destruction,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. She said Putin was “perverting” history to attempt to “justify his unprovoked and unjustified war.” Biden acknowledged his request for more in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine would have to be separated from money he also sought from Congress to address the COVID-19 crisis at home.Decoupling the two funding requests would be a setback for the president’s push for more COVID-19 spending, but a nod to the political reality of the Congress. Republicans in Congress are resisting spending more money at home as the pandemic crisis shifts to a new phase, and Biden did not want to delay money for Ukraine by trying to debate the issue further. Biden said he was told by congressional leaders in both parties that keeping the two spending packages linked would slow down action.“We cannot afford delay in this vital war effort,” Biden said in the statement. “Hence, I am prepared to accept that these two measures move separately, so that the Ukrainian aid bill can get to my desk right away.” As the now bolstered Ukraine package makes its way through the House and Senate, with votes possible soon, lawmakers are showing no signs of flinching. Countless lawmakers have made weekend excursions to the region to see firsthand the devastation of the war on Ukraine and surrounding countries, as more than 5 million refugees flee the country.Rather than fight the spending overseas, as had been an increasingly popular viewpoint during the Trump era, some lawmakers in both parties want to boost the amount of U.S. aid being sent to Ukraine.ALSO READ | US First Lady Jill Biden makes unannounced visit to Ukraine, meets counterpart Olena ZelenskaALSO READ | Jill Biden visits Europe, meets Ukrainian refugees

US President Biden signs Ukraine bill, seeks $40 billion aid, in Putin rejoinder

US president Joe Biden said it was urgent that Congress approve the next Ukraine assistance package to avoid any interruption in military supplies being sent to help fight the war, with a crucial deadline coming in 10 days.

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France revises down COVID-19 death toll due to counting errorFrance's Health Ministry on Tuesday revised down the country's death toll from the novel coronavirus by 217 from 28,239 on Monday, citing "an error of double counting in several nursing homes." The death toll stood at 28,022 as of Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement, Xinhua reported.On May 17, France reported an oddly high daily death toll of 483. of those, hospitals reported 54 new deaths while nursing homes, which represent a third of the country's total fatalities, reported a one-day rise of 429 deaths.Tuesday's figures from the Health Ministry also showed that 524 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total cases of infection in France to 143,427.Hospitalized patients fell by 547 to 18,468, with 1,894 in intensive care units, down by 104 in one day, consolidating an improvement in the sanitary crisis.Positive indicators had encouraged the French government to unwind restrictions, allowing the country a gradual return to normality. Health officials, however, urged caution and recommended people to show high vigilance to prevent a second wave."De-confining does not mean the end of the epidemic. As we know, the virus is still here, it is dangerous and deadly. The evolution of the epidemic is only linked to our behaviors," French Director General for Health Jerome Salomon told a press meeting."For our safety, we must respect these rules (barriers gestures and social distancing). We had curbed the epidemic during the confinement, we should not press the accelerator now," he added.Salomon said that since the lockdown exit on May 11, 50,000 tests have been conducted daily, adding that the testing capacity would be ramped up in the coming days."The goal is that we do tests for all the people who are symptomatic, for all the people who need it, the contact cases in particular," he said, urging people to get tested at the slightest doubt by being prescribed by a doctor in case of symptoms.

France revises down COVID-19 death toll due to counting error

France's Health Ministry on Tuesday revised down the country's death toll from the novel coronavirus by 217 from 28,239 on Monday, citing "an error of double counting in several nursing homes." The death toll stood at 28,022 as of Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement

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Farmers' stir: Peaceful protests hallmark of thriving democracy, says US Recognising that peaceful protests are a hallmark of a thriving democracy, the US on Wednesday said it welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment. "In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment," a State Department spokesperson said, indicating that the new Biden Administration is supportive of the Indian government's move to reform the agricultural sector that attracts private investment and greater market access to farmers. Responding to a question on ongoing farmers' protests in India, the State Department said the US encourages that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue. "We recognise that peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy and note that the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same," the State Department spokesperson said. Meanwhile, several American lawmakers came out in support of the farmers' protests in India. "I am concerned by the reported actions against peaceful demonstrators protesting new agricultural reform laws in India," Congresswoman Haley Stevens said. In a statement, she encouraged the Narendra Modi government and representatives of the protesting farmers to engage in productive discussions. "I will continue to monitor this situation closely. It has been particularly valuable to engage with stakeholders across the district on this topic and I remain appreciative to all who have reached out to share their perspective," Stevens said. Another Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, expressed solidarity with all the farmers protesting for their livelihood across India.  "India must protect their basic democratic rights, allow for the free flow of information, reinstate internet access, and release all the journalists detained for covering the protests," she wrote on Twitter.Recognising that peaceful protests are a hallmark of a thriving democracy, the US on Wednesday said it welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment."In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment," a State Department spokesperson said, indicating that the new Biden Administration is supportive of the Indian government's move to reform the agricultural sector that attracts private investment and greater market access to farmers.Responding to a question on ongoing farmers' protests in India, the State Department said the US encourages that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue."We recognise that peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy and note that the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same," the State Department spokesperson said.Meanwhile, several American lawmakers came out in support of the farmers' protests in India. "I am concerned by the reported actions against peaceful demonstrators protesting new agricultural reform laws in India," Congresswoman Haley Stevens said.In a statement, she encouraged the Narendra Modi government and representatives of the protesting farmers to engage in productive discussions."I will continue to monitor this situation closely. It has been particularly valuable to engage with stakeholders across the district on this topic and I remain appreciative to all who have reached out to share their perspective," Stevens said.Another Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, expressed solidarity with all the farmers protesting for their livelihood across India. Referring to the farmers' protests, Meena Harris, niece of Vice President Kamala Harris, alleged that the world's biggest democracy is under an assault."It's no coincidence that the world's oldest democracy was attacked not even a month ago, and as we speak, the most populous democracy is under assault. This is related. We ALL should be outraged by India's internet shutdowns and paramilitary violence against farmer protesters," she said in a tweet.In a separate statement, Gurinder Singh Khalsa, chairman of the Sikhs Political Action Committee, said the "historic" farmers' protest is turning out to be the "biggest-ever revolution" against the Indian government's crony capitalism."This is the beginning of a movement for better accountability and transparency against crony capitalism. World was watching and now it has started reacting and mobilising in support of this historic revolution of Indian farmers. This will be bigger than India's freedom Revolution," Khalsa, who is based in Indiana, said.Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said India's new farm laws have the "potential to represent a significant step forward" for reforms in the agriculture sector."We believe the farm bills do have the potential to represent a significant step forward for agricultural reforms in India. The measures will enable farmers to directly contract with sellers, allow farmers to retain a greater share of the surplus by reducing the role of middlemen, enhance efficiency and support rural growth," IMF Communications Director Gerry Rice told reporters last month. /* .jw-reset-text, .jw-reset{line-height: 2em;}*/ .jw-time-tip .jw-time-chapter{display:none;} if ('' == comscore_jw_loaded || 'undefined' == comscore_jw_loaded || undefined == comscore_jw_loaded) { var comscore_jw_loaded = 1; firstjw = document.getElementsByClassName('jwvidplayer')[0]; cs_jw_script = document.createElement('script'); cs_jw_script.src = 'https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/internal-c2/plugins/streamingtag_plugin_jwplayer.js'; firstjw.parentNode.insertBefore(cs_jw_script, firstjw.nextSibling); } var jwconfig_5304307070 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/02/0_0o9r562j/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_0o9r562j_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Farm reforms to improve efficiency of India's markets: US\n", "height": "440px", "width": "100%", "aspectratio": "16:9", "autostart": false, "controls": true, "mute": false, "volume": 25, "floating": false, "sharing": { "code": "", "sites": [ "facebook", "twitter", "email" ] }, "stretching": "exactfit", "primary": "html5", "hlshtml": true, "sharing_link": "", "duration": "38", "advertising": { "client": "vast", "autoplayadsmuted": true, "skipoffset": 5, "cuetext": "", "skipmessage": "Skip ad in xx", "skiptext": "SKIP", "preloadAds": true, "schedule": [ { "offset": "pre", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PreRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" }, { "offset": "50%", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_MidRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=" }, { "offset": "post", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PostRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" } ] } }; var jwvidplayer_5304307070 = ''; jwsetup_5304307070(); function jwsetup_5304307070() { jwvidplayer_5304307070 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_5304307070").setup(jwconfig_5304307070); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_5304307070, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_0o9r562j\", ns_st_pr=\"Farm reforms to improve efficiency of India's markets: US\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Farm reforms to improve efficiency of India's markets: US\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Farm reforms to improve efficiency of India's markets: US\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-02-04\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-02-04\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/02/0_0o9r562j/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_5304307070.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_5304307070.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_5304307070.stop(); jwvidplayer_5304307070.remove(); jwvidplayer_5304307070 = ''; jwsetup_5304307070(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_5304307070.stop(); jwvidplayer_5304307070.remove(); jwvidplayer_5304307070 = ''; jwsetup_5304307070(); return; }); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5304307070.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); } Also Read: India stands united: Amit Shah's sharp reaction after international celebs back farmers' protest

US hails India's farm reforms, says peaceful protests 'hallmark of thriving democracy'

Responding to a question on ongoing farmers' protests in India, the State Department said the US encourages that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue.

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Elon Musk declines Gates' request to discuss philanthropy in new leaked textsTesla CEO Elon Musk has reportedly declined a meeting to discuss climate change philanthropy with Bill Gates because the latter admitted he still holds a short position on Tesla stock.As per a series of leaked text messages, Gates was proposing a potential meeting with Musk "to discuss philanthropy possibilities," but Musk was not willing to do so after Gates admitted he still has not closed out his short position on Tesla, reports Teslarati."Sorry, but I cannot take your philanthropy on climate change seriously when you have a massive short position against Tesla, the company doing the most to solve climate change," Musk replied to Gates, declining the invitation.There were rumours Gates did hold a short position against Tesla, but he never truly confirmed whether he had any sort of investment in the automaker's stock.During a February 2021 interview with CNBC, Gates declined to talk about his position."Yeah, I'm not, I don't talk about my investments, but I think he should be very proud of what he's done," the Microsoft co-founder said earlier.However, only a few days later in an interview, Gates shed more light on his position, basically admitting to shorting the stock.(With inputs from IANS)Also Read | Why Ola founder won't invite Elon Musk to Ola Future Factory?

Musk declines climate change philanthropy meet with Gates as latter admits to holding position on Tesla stock

There were rumours Gates did hold a short position against Tesla, but he never truly confirmed whether he had any sort of investment in the automaker's stock.

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UK to close all travel corridorsUK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the country will close all travel corridors from Monday onwards in a bid to keep out new coronavirus variants. The UK "will temporarily close all travel corridors from 4 a.m. on Monday", the Prime Minister during a virtual press conference at Downing Street on Friday.The new measure means that travellers entering the country must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test in the previous 72 hours, reports Xinhua news agency.Anyone arriving in the UK must quarantine for 10 days or they have the choice of doing an extra test on day five to shorten the isolation, Johnson said."What we don't want to see is all that hard work undone by the arrival of a new variant that is vaccine busting," he said.The Prime Minister made the remarks after the UK on Thursday banned arrivals from South America, Portugal and some other countries over fears about a strain of the virus detected in Brazil.The new rules will be in place until at least February 15, he said.Meanwhile, Johnson said 3.2 million people have so far received Covid-19 vaccines.The pressures on the National Health Service (NHS) are "extraordinary" and it would be "fatal" to show complacency now, he said."This is not the time for the slightest relaxation of our national resolve," Johnson said, urging the public to stay at home.England is currently under the third national lockdown since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Another 55,761 people have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 3,325,642, according to official figures.Another 1,280 have died within 28 days of a positive test, which increased the overall fatality toll to 87,448.ALSO READ | Stage set for roll-out of world's biggest vaccination drive against COVID-19

UK to close all travel corridors

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the country will close all travel corridors from Monday onwards in a bid to keep out new coronavirus variants.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands in Beijing, China. The Chinese government confirmed on Wednesday that North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong Un went to Beijing and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in his first known trip to a foreign country since he took power in 2011.The official Xinhua News Agency said Kim made an unofficial visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday.Related Stories China's VIP security raises speculation of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un visitNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un on a 'secret' trip to China, says reportXi held talks with Kim at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and he and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju, Xinhua said. They also watched an art performance together, the news agency said.Analysts say Kim would have felt a need to consult with his country's traditional ally ahead of his planned meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump.The North's diplomatic outreach came after an unusually provocative year when it conducted its most powerful nuclear test to date and three ICBMs tests designed to target the US mainland.The developments were interpreted as the North being desperate to break out of isolation and improve its economy after being squeezed by heavy sanctions.China remains North Korea's only major ally and chief provider of energy, aid and trade that keep the country's broken economy afloat. The visit to China marks Kim's first known trip since taking power in 2011 and his reported meeting with Xi was his first meeting with a foreign head of state.Kim's father, late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, visited China several times during his rule, lastly in May 2011, months before his death.Past visits by Kim Jong Il to China were surrounded in secrecy, with Beijing only confirming his presence after he had crossed the border by train back into North Korea. /* .jw-reset-text, .jw-reset{line-height: 2em;}*/ .jw-time-tip .jw-time-chapter{display:none;} if ('' == comscore_jw_loaded || 'undefined' == comscore_jw_loaded || undefined == comscore_jw_loaded) { var comscore_jw_loaded = 1; firstjw = document.getElementsByClassName('jwvidplayer')[0]; cs_jw_script = document.createElement('script'); cs_jw_script.src = 'https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/internal-c2/plugins/streamingtag_plugin_jwplayer.js'; firstjw.parentNode.insertBefore(cs_jw_script, firstjw.nextSibling); } var jwconfig_5919197476 = { "file": "https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8", "image": "https://static.indiatvnews.com/ins-web/images/lazy-big.jpg", "title": "India TV Video", "height": "440px", "width": "100%", "aspectratio": "16:9", "autostart": false, "controls": true, "mute": false, "volume": 25, "floating": false, "sharing": { "code": "", "sites": [ "facebook", "twitter", "email" ] }, "stretching": "exactfit", "primary": "html5", "hlshtml": true, "sharing_link": "", "advertising": { "client": "vast", "autoplayadsmuted": true, "skipoffset": 5, "cuetext": "", "skipmessage": "Skip ad in xx", "skiptext": "SKIP", "preloadAds": true, "schedule": [ { "offset": "pre", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PreRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" }, { "offset": "50%", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_MidRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=" }, { "offset": "post", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PostRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" } ] } }; var jwvidplayer_5919197476 = ''; jwsetup_5919197476(); function jwsetup_5919197476() { jwvidplayer_5919197476 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_5919197476").setup(jwconfig_5919197476); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_5919197476, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"\", ns_st_pr=\"India TV Video\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"India TV Video\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"India TV Video\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"1970-01-01\", ns_st_tdt=\"1970-01-01\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_5919197476.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_5919197476.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_5919197476.stop(); jwvidplayer_5919197476.remove(); jwvidplayer_5919197476 = ''; jwsetup_5919197476(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_5919197476.stop(); jwvidplayer_5919197476.remove(); jwvidplayer_5919197476 = ''; jwsetup_5919197476(); return; }); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5919197476.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un holds talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during 'unofficial visit' to Beijing

Xi held talks with Kim at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and he and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju, Xinhua said. They also watched an art performance together, the news agency said.

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Indonesia EarthquakeThe death toll from Indonesia's strong quakes and tsunami in Central Sulawesi province soared to 832 on Sunday as lack of rescuers and vast stretches of land hard to access hampered search and rescue efforts. Rescuers struggled to reach victims in several large coastal towns in Indonesia, and authorities feared that the death toll would rise.Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the toll could rise into the thousands as the death figure now came mainly from the capital city of Palu while the situation in the other two densely populated districts remained unclear as they were cut off from communications and help, Xinhua news agency reported.Related Stories Indonesia: Powerful earthquake, 451 aftershocks leave 387 dead; toll may further rise 385 killed, thousands injured in Indonesia earthquakes, tsunami; search on for survivorsIndonesia earthquake-tsunami: Death toll rises to 832; likely to escalate to over 1000, says government agencyAmong the death figures, 821 were recorded in Palu, the provincial capital, and the rest in Donggala district, while figures in two other affected districts, Parigi Moutong and North Mamuju, were not included, the National Disaster Management Agency's Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. "Besides, there are still many bodies who have not been identified. The victims remain under rubble or flattened buildings. Their number is still a lot. Many areas have not been reached. So that the number of victims is likely to increase," Sutopo told a press conference.The catastrophe has also seriously injured 540 people and forced 16,732 people to flee homes, the spokesman said."Most victims were hit by rubble or falling blocks of concrete and waves of tsunami," he said.Strong and shallow under-earth quakes of 6.0-, 7.4- and 6.1-magnitude that triggered a tsunami have devastated the province, with the hardest-hit area in Palu, the provincial capital and Donggala district. Indonesia EarthquakeIndonesia EarthquakeThe tsunami, with a height of 0.5 to 3 meters, devastated coastal areas near Talisa beach in Palu city and Donggala district, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said.A mass funeral was held on Sunday for those who lost their lives, Sutopo said. Sutopo said the search and rescue operation had been hampered by electricity outage, cut-off communications and limited number of heavy machinery equipment."The number of machinery devices operating is too little compared with the scale of the damage, the number is not sufficient. Sending the heavy machinery equipment from outside to the province is also facing obstacles. The affected territory is large," he said.With the area largely cut off by damaged roads and downed communications lines, military and commercial aircraft were delivering some aid and supplies to the hard-hit city of Palu on the island of Sulawesi, and others in the region.Indonesia EarthquakeIndonesia EarthquakeBut there was a desperate need for heavy equipment to reach possible survivors buried in collapsed buildings, including an eight-story hotel in Palu where voices were heard in the rubble. A 25-year-old woman was found alive during the evening in the ruins of the Roa-Roa Hotel, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency, which released photos of the her lying on a stretcher covered in a blanket.It was the latest natural disaster to hit Indonesia, which is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis because of its location on the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin. In December 2004, a massive magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Sumatra island in western Indonesia triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries. More recently, a powerful quake on the island of Lombok killed 505 people in August.Indonesia EarthquakeIndonesia Earthquake

Indonesia Earthquake, Tsunami: 832 killed in catastrophe, over 16,000 people forced to flee homes; officials dig 'mass grave'

Among the death figures, 821 were recorded in Palu, the provincial capital, and the rest in Donggala district, while figures in two other affected districts, Parigi Moutong and North Mamuju, were not included, the National Disaster Management Agency's Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.

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Stranded people sit around a coffin of their relative, loaded in a pickup truck moving towards the Afghan side at a border crossing pointA recent media report shows that the Taliban is forcing Afghan women to get married to its terrorists. Taliban is swiftly gaining ground in the country by capturing several of its provincial capitals. Afghans are also witnessing the execution of captured soldiers and unprovoked attacks on civilians by the Taliban in its recent captured areas.Afghans pouring into Kabul and those still in Taliban-held areas say they have witnessed unprovoked attacks on civilians and executions of captured soldiers. In addition, they say, Taliban have demanded that communities turn over unmarried women to become "wives" for their terrorists--a form of sexual violence, human-rights groups say, Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.The Taliban had publicly pledged to be magnanimous in victory, assuring government officials, troops and the people of Afghanistan that they have nothing to fear as ever-larger swaths of the country fall under their control. But their actions say otherwise, The Wall Street Journal added.On Thursday, the US Embassy in Kabul had criticised the Taliban as it had received reports of the Taliban executing members of the Afghan military who had surrendered. "Deeply disturbing & could constitute war crimes," the embassy said on Twitter.The Taliban has gained control over many key cities in the region, on Thursday night the terror group claimed that it took control of the country's second-largest city Kandahar after seizing the governor's office and other administrative buildings in the city. So far, the terror group has captured 12 provincial capitals in the country.The terror group is extensively fighting with the Afghan government forces in an attempt to seize key cities and grab power soon after the US forces withdrawal from Afghanistan under a peace deal signed between the Taliban and Washington. In a recent development, the Taliban have captured another two provincial capitals in southern Afghanistan as they press a lightning offensive that is gradually encircling the government in the capital, Kabul. This time, Helmand province's capital Lashkar Gah was seized by the terror outfit.(With ANI Inputs) /* .jw-reset-text, .jw-reset{line-height: 2em;}*/ .jw-time-tip .jw-time-chapter{display:none;} if ('' == comscore_jw_loaded || 'undefined' == comscore_jw_loaded || undefined == comscore_jw_loaded) { var comscore_jw_loaded = 1; firstjw = document.getElementsByClassName('jwvidplayer')[0]; cs_jw_script = document.createElement('script'); cs_jw_script.src = 'https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/internal-c2/plugins/streamingtag_plugin_jwplayer.js'; firstjw.parentNode.insertBefore(cs_jw_script, firstjw.nextSibling); } var jwconfig_1707032707 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/08/0_pexhzmsy/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_pexhzmsy_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Aaj Ki Baat: India TV reporting from Kabul, How Taliban is trying to scare Afghans by carrying out suicide attacks", "height": "440px", "width": "100%", "aspectratio": "16:9", "autostart": false, "controls": true, "mute": false, "volume": 25, "floating": false, "sharing": { "code": "", "sites": [ "facebook", "twitter", "email" ] }, "stretching": "exactfit", "primary": "html5", "hlshtml": true, "sharing_link": "", "duration": "2964", "advertising": { "client": "vast", "autoplayadsmuted": true, "skipoffset": 5, "cuetext": "", "skipmessage": "Skip ad in xx", "skiptext": "SKIP", "preloadAds": true, "schedule": [ { "offset": "pre", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PreRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" }, { "offset": "50%", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_MidRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=" }, { "offset": "post", "tag": "https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?iu=/8323530/Eng_Video_Desktop_PostRoll&description_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatvnews.com&tfcd=0&npa=0&sz=640x480&gdfp_req=1&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&env=vp&impl=s&correlator=", "type": "linear" } ] } }; var jwvidplayer_1707032707 = ''; jwsetup_1707032707(); function jwsetup_1707032707() { jwvidplayer_1707032707 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_1707032707").setup(jwconfig_1707032707); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_1707032707, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_pexhzmsy\", ns_st_pr=\"Aaj Ki Baat: India TV reporting from Kabul, How Taliban is trying to scare Afghans by carrying out suicide attacks\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Aaj Ki Baat: India TV reporting from Kabul, How Taliban is trying to scare Afghans by carrying out suicide attacks\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Aaj Ki Baat: India TV reporting from Kabul, How Taliban is trying to scare Afghans by carrying out suicide attacks\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-08-04\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-08-04\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/08/0_pexhzmsy/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_1707032707.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_1707032707.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_1707032707.stop(); jwvidplayer_1707032707.remove(); jwvidplayer_1707032707 = ''; jwsetup_1707032707(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_1707032707.stop(); jwvidplayer_1707032707.remove(); jwvidplayer_1707032707 = ''; jwsetup_1707032707(); return; }); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1707032707.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

Taliban force Afghan women to marry its terrorists: Report

As the Taliban is gaining ground in Afghanistan by capturing many key cities in the country, the terror group is now forcing women to get married to its terrorists

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Nearly half of world’s workers at immediate risk of losing livelihood due to coronavirus’Almost 1.6 billion workers in the informal economy, nearly half of the global workforce, face an immediate danger of losing their livelihoods due to the continued sharp decline in working hours because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the International Labour Organization has said.More than 430 million enterprises in hard-hit sectors such as retail and manufacturing risk "serious disruption", the UN agency added.The findings appear in the ILO Monitor third edition: COVID-19 and the world of work, released Wednesday.Globally, there are some 3.3 billion workers. Two billion have jobs in the informal economy, the most vulnerable workers in the labour market.The agency said 1.6 billion in the informal economy "have suffered massive damage to their capacity to earn a living" as a result of the economic meltdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.Due to lockdowns or because they work in hard-hit sectors, these workers globally have seen a 60 per cent drop in income during the first month of the crisis, according to ILO estimates.This translates into a more than 80 per cent decline in Africa and the Americas, 70 per cent in Europe and Central Asia, and 21.6 per cent in Asia and the Pacific, the ILO said.ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said as the pandemic and the jobs crisis evolve, the need to protect the world's most vulnerable workers becomes even more urgent."For millions of workers, no income means no food, no security and no future. Millions of businesses around the world are barely breathing. They have no savings or access to credit," he said."These are the real faces of the world of work. If we don't help them now, they will simply perish."The UN agency estimated that compared to the pre-crisis levels, there will be a 10.5 per cent deterioration in working hours during the second quarter (Q2) of the year, equivalent to 305 million full-time jobs. Previous projections had put the figure at 6.7 per cent, or 195 million full-time workers.The situation has worsened for all major regions, again compared to pre-crisis levels. Q2 estimates suggest a 12.4 per cent loss of working hours in the Americas, and 11.8 per cent for Europe and Central Asia. All other regions are above 9.5 per cent.The ILO added that the proportion of workers living in countries where workplace closures have been recommended, or required, has decreased from 81 per cent to 68 per cent over the past two weeks.While this is largely due to changes in China, measures have been stepped up elsewhere.At the same time, 436 million enterprises operating in wholesale and retail, manufacturing, accommodation, and other economic sectors that have been hardest hit, face "high risks of serious disruption".The ILO called for "urgent, targeted and flexible measures" to support both workers and business, particularly smaller enterprises and those in the informal economy."Measures for economic reactivation should follow a job-rich approach, backed by stronger employment policies and institutions, better-resourced and comprehensive social protection systems. International coordination on stimulus packages and debt relief measures will also be critical to making recovery effective and sustainable. International labour standards, which already enjoy tripartite consensus, can provide a framework," it said.The ILO also stressed that international coordination on stimulus packages and debt relief measures will be critical to making recovery effective and sustainable.

Nearly half of world’s workers at immediate risk of losing livelihood due to coronavirus’

Almost 1.6 billion workers in the informal economy, nearly half of the global workforce, face an immediate danger of losing their livelihoods due to the continued sharp decline in working hours because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the International Labour Organization has said.

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Thousands protest mask ban as Hong Kong leader toughens stanceViolence erupted across Hong Kong as defiant masked protesters rampaged and police fired tear gas Friday, hours after the city’s embattled leader invoked rarely used emergency powers to ban masks at rallies in a hardening of her stance after four months of anti-government demonstrations.Challenging the ban, set to take effect Saturday, thousands of protesters crammed streets in the central business district and other areas, shouting “Hong Kong people, resist.” Pockets of angry protesters later attacked Chinese bank outlets, vandalized subway stations and set street fires, prompting police to respond with tear gas in many areas.Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam told a news conference that the mask ban, imposed under a colonial-era Emergency Ordinance that was last used over half a century ago, would be “an effective deterrent to radical behavior.”The ban applies to all public gatherings, both unauthorized and those approved by police.Lam stressed it doesn’t mean the semi-autonomous Chinese territory is in a state of emergency. She said she would seek the legislature’s backing later for the rule.“We must save Hong Kong, the present Hong Kong and the future Hong Kong,” she said. “We must stop the violence... we can’t just leave the situation to get worse and worse.”Two activists immediately filed legal challenges on grounds the mask ban will instill fear and curtail freedom of speech and assembly. The High Court was hearing a bid late Friday to halt the ban.The ban makes the wearing of any face coverings, including face paint, at public gatherings punishable by one year in jail. A six-month jail term could be imposed on people who refuse a police officer’s order to remove a face covering for identification.Masks will be permitted for “legitimate need,” when wearers can prove they need them for work, health or religious reasons.“Will they arrest 100,000 people on the street? The government is trying to intimidate us but at this moment, I don’t think the people will be scared,” said a protester who gave his surname as Lui.Lam wouldn’t rule out a further toughening of measures if violence continues. She said she would not resign because it wouldn’t help since Hong Kong is in “a very critical state of public danger.”Thousands of masked protesters marched before Lam spoke. The rallies spread to many areas at night as protesters vowed they wouldn’t be cowed. Some blocked traffic with road barriers, smashed up shops, vandalized subway stations and set fires including burning a Chinese flag in familiar scenes of chaos. Some malls and all subway stations were shut.“The Hong Kong police are also wearing their masks when they’re doing their job. And they don’t show their pass and their number,” said protester Ernest Ho. “So I will still keep my mask on everywhere.”Face masks have become a hallmark of protesters in Hong Kong, even at peaceful marches, amid fears of retribution at work or of being denied access to schooling, public housing and other government-funded services. Some young protesters also wear full gas masks and goggles to protect against tear gas.Many also are concerned their identities could be shared with the massive state-security apparatus that helps keep the Communist Party in power in mainland China, where high-tech surveillance including facial recognition technology is ubiquitous.Analysts said the use of the Emergency Ordinance set a dangerous precedent. The law, a relic of British rule enacted in 1922 to quell a seamen’s strike and last used to crush riots in 1967, gives broad powers to the city’s chief executive to implement regulations in an emergency.“It is a dangerous first step. If the anti-mask legislation proves to be ineffective, it could lead the way to more draconian measures such as a curfew and other infringement of civil liberties,” said Willy Lam, adjunct professor at the Chinese University.Carrie Lam bristled at a suggestion that the ban nudges Hong Kong closer to authoritarian rule. She insisted she was not acting under orders from Beijing, which she visited this week when Communist Party leaders celebrated 70 years in power on Tuesday.The ban followed widespread violence in the city on Tuesday that marred China’s National Day and included a police officer shooting a protester, the first victim of gunfire since the protests started in June over a now-shelved extradition bill. The wounded teenager was charged with attacking police and rioting.The movement has snowballed into an anti-China campaign amid anger over what many view as Beijing’s interference in Hong Kong’s autonomy. More than 2,100 people have been detained so far, including 204 charged with rioting, which carries a penalty of up to a decade in prison.British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Lam’s government should avoid aggravating tensions and that “political dialogue is the only way” to resolve the conflict. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, the world’s oldest leader, said Lam should resign and predicted Beijing will send in its military to end the crisis.The government last month withdrew the extradition bill, which would have allowed suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial, but protesters have widened their demands to include direct elections of the city’s leaders, an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality, the unconditional release of protesters and not characterizing the protests as riots.“Five demands, not one less!” many protesters shouted during Friday’s rallies as they held up five fingers.

Thousands protest mask ban as Hong Kong leader toughens stance

Violence erupted across Hong Kong as defiant masked protesters rampaged and police fired tear gas Friday, hours after the city’s embattled leader invoked rarely used emergency powers to ban masks at rallies in a hardening of her stance after four months of anti-government demonstrations.

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Singapore plans to increase minimum qualifying salary for foreignersSingapore's Ministry of Manpower is planning to increase the minimum qualifying salary to USD 3,659 for entry-level employment pass for foreigners in the financial services sector. The salaries are being raised for foreigners entering the Singapore workforce under Employment Pass (EP) following Singaporeans job loss concerns raised during the July 2020 general elections.The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Thursday said it supports the move by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The increase in salary will provide further support for the hiring of Singaporeans in the financial services sector, the Channel News Asia reported citing MAS, the de facto central bank.On Thursday, the MOM announced that the minimum qualifying salary for all EP candidates will be raised by 600 Singapore dollars to 4,500 dollars from September 1. For EP candidates in the financial services sector, this will be increased by a further 500 dollars to 5,000 dollars from December 1.It is the first time the manpower ministry is setting higher qualifying salaries for a specific sector. Qualifying salaries for older and more experienced EP candidates in the financial services sector will also be raised, with those in their 40s needing to meet about double the minimum qualifying salary for the youngest applicants, the manpower ministry said.For renewal applicants, the new salary criteria will come into effect from May 1, 2021. "Salaries in the financial services sector have been consistently higher than in other sectors. The sector also continues to hire and has been attracting strong interest from local jobseekers with good qualifications," the MOM said.The MAS said it worked with the MOM to determine the new minimum qualifying salary for those in the financial services sector, and took into account the higher local salary levels for those in the sector."The sector has continued to create jobs even in the current crisis, albeit with a smaller net increase of about 1,500 jobs in the first half of the year, with four out of five jobs going to Singapore citizens," said the MAS."While job creation will be slower in the second half of the year and could remain muted next year, the financial sector is well positioned to be an important source of job opportunities for Singaporeans in the years ahead,” it said.This "calibrated increase" in the minimum qualifying salary will allow financial institutions to complement their local workforce by "tapping on a global talent pool for the specialised skillsets that the financial sector needs,” said the MAS.These include employees in areas such as cyber security, machine learning and full stack development, as well as expertise in new growth segments like green finance, pandemic risk insurance, and family offices.“The move towards the higher salary criteria for EP candidates complements MAS’ manpower development programmes to expand job opportunities and deepen local capabilities."A high quality workforce, with a strong Singaporean core complemented by EP holders with specialised skills, will best enable our financial services sector to compete internationally, and seize new growth opportunities as the Asian and global economies recover,” said Jacqueline Loh, deputy managing director of markets and development at the MAS.The MOM also announced on Thursday that from October, the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass holders will be raised by 100 dollars to 2,500 dollars, with qualifying salaries for older and more experienced S Pass candidates revised accordingly. The changes will apply to renewal S Pass applicants from May 1, 2021.The MOM also said that it will also extend job advertising requirements under the Fair Consideration Framework to S Pass applications submitted from October 1, 2020. The minimum job advertising duration for EP and S Pass holders applications will be doubled from 14 days to 28 days from October 1. "This will promote greater awareness of vacancies in mid-skilled jobs among local jobseekers, and also require employers to make greater efforts to consider local candidates," the MOM added.Adjusting the employment pass and S Pass criteria to complement the measures available for businesses to expand and retain the local employment is a timely step amid the COVID-19 economic fallout, said Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in a virtual press conference, Teo said that the criteria for approving work passes are regularly updated, depending on the “prevailing conditions of the economy at the time”.“The key shift is that we now see in the job market more slack. And the more slack is really a result of people having been put out of work because their companies have decided that it's not possible for them to be retained," the Channel News Asia quoted the minister. She also noted that there are people looking for alternative work as their working hours have been reduced."Yes, we have reopened the economy, but we also must recognise that the resumption of activities is quite uneven,” Teo said, adding that some sectors are experiencing manpower shortages compared to others. 

Singapore plans to increase minimum qualifying salary for foreigners

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower is planning to increase the minimum qualifying salary to USD 3,659 for entry-level employment pass for foreigners in the financial services sector.

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New fires break out in Southern CaliforniaWind gusts as high as 113 kmph contributed to the rapid spread of two new fires that erupted in Southern California, where firefighters continued to battle other massive blazes. Scores of firefighters were deployed to San Bernardino, about 100 km east of Los Angeles, on Thursday to confront the Hillside Fire, reports Efe news. Other units were sent to neighbouring Riverside County, site of the 46 Fire.Between them, the two blazes have already destroyed a dozen structures, and authorities ordered mandatory evacuations in both locations.The state's governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, said his administration had taken steps to obtain resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to bolster California's fire-fighting capability."California and its federal, local and community partners are working in lockstep to meet the extraordinary challenges of the past two weeks," he said in a statement.While one of the existing Southern California fires, the Hill Fire, was declared under control, the Easy Fire, which broke out early Wednesday near the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, was only 10 per cent contained.The flames in Simi Valley have consumed 1,723 acres and area residents remained order a mandatory evacuation order.Meanwhile, the nearly 10,000 people - including celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and NBA superstar LeBron James - ordered out of Los Angeles' exclusive Brentwood neighbourhood earlier this week because of the Getty Fire were to be allowed to return to their homes on Thursday.That blaze, which started before dawn Monday near the Getty Center museum, was now 39 per cent contained.There was also some good news for most of the 180,000 people in Northern California's Sonoma County who had been forced from their homes by the Kincade Fire, which was listed as 60 per cent contained after the flames devastated 76,825 acres and destroyed 266 structures.The Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), which provides power in the northern part of the state, said that it planned to restore service to 95 per cent of the 1.5 million people who have been in the dark for days after the company cut the current to prevent damaged transmission equipment from increasing the fire risk.Southern California Edison, however, said that would continue planned blackouts in Greater Los Angeles while the high winds persisted.On Wednesday, firefighters in Northern California's Contra Costa County said that PG&E equipment caused two blazes in their jurisdiction.ALSO READ | North Korean media confirms multiple rocket launcher testALSO READ | Thai cave famous for football team rescue reopens

New fires break out in Southern California

Scores of firefighters were deployed to San Bernardino, about 100 km east of Los Angeles, on Thursday to confront the Hillside Fire, reports Efe news. Other units were sent to neighbouring Riverside County, site of the 46 Fire. Between them, the two blazes have already destroyed a dozen structures, and authorities ordered mandatory evacuations in both locations.

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White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer resigned on Friday, telling President Donald Trump that he vehemently disagreed with the appointment of New York financier Anthony Scaramucci as communications director.The President requested Spicer to stay on, but Spicer told Trump that he believed the appointment was a major mistake, the New York Times cited a person in the know of the development.Spicer's turbulent tenure as the President's top spokesman was marked by a combative style with the news media that spawned a caricature of him on "Saturday Night Live".Spicer's rumoured departure has been one of the longest-running internal sagas in an administration brimming with dissension and intrigue. A former Republican National Committee spokesman and strategist, Spicer was a frequent target of the President's ire - and correctives - during the first few months of the administration.Spicer's resignation was also a blow to the White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, the former Republican Party chairman who brought him into the West Wing despite scepticism from Trump, who initially questioned his loyalty.Scaramucci was to meet Priebus on Friday, according to a West Wing official - and applause could be heard in the second-floor communications hallway when Scaramucci was introduced.His appointment came two months after the previous communications director, Mike Dubke, stepped down. Trump was frustrated with Priebus over the slow pace of finding a replacement, according to people familiar with the situation.Trump made the appointment over the objection of Priebus, who thought Scaramucci lacked the requisite organisational or political experience. But the President believed Scaramucci, a ferocious defender of Trump on cable television, was best equipped to play the same role in-house, and he offered him a role with far-reaching powers independent of Priebus's.

Sean Spicer quits as White House Press Secretary

The President requested Spicer to stay on, but Spicer told Trump that he believed the appointment was a major mistake, the New York Times cited a person in the know of the development.

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First she's in the hands of her father, then she moves to her husband. Often, she ends up under the power of her son.From childhood through adulthood into old age, every Saudi woman passes from the control of one legal guardian to another, a male relative whose decisions or whims can determine the course of her life.Under Saudi law, the guardian's permission is required for a woman to get a passport, to travel abroad or to marry. It is also often demanded whenever a woman tries to do any number of things, including rent an apartment, buy a car, undergo a medical procedure or take a job. As a result, women are consigned to the legal status of minors.Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving is what often grabs the most attention, but rights advocates say guardianship laws are the factor that most powerfully enshrines inequality for women. President Donald Trump heads to Saudi Arabia this weekend to cement ties with the deeply conservative kingdom.Guardianship was a major reason for the outrage when Saudi Arabia last month was elected to a UN commission tasked with promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. The kingdom was nominated to the post by the Asia-Pacific region, and normally nominees are rubber-stamped automatically. In this case, the US requested a secret ballot vote, a move seen as a symbolic objection, though the kingdom won with 47 out of 54 votes.The Geneva-based rights group UN Watch denounced the acceptance of Saudi Arabia on the commission, calling it the "world's leading oppressor of women."Saudi law is based on one of the most conservative interpretations of Islamic Shariah, and no other Muslim countries enforce such strict guardianship measures. There have been some marginal improvements in women's rights in the kingdom in recent years. In a rare step to partially rein in guardianship, King Salman last week ordered government agencies to stop demanding guardians' permission beyond the areas where the law actually requires it.Rights activists say the system should be ended completely.The Associated Press spoke with three generations of women from a single family about its impact on their lives:Naila Mohammed Saleh Nasief, an outspoken 96-year-old, finds it frustrating and humorous that her son has been her guardian for the past three decades."I need his permission for everything," she said. "My son, who I gave birth to and raised and made a man. Does this make sense?"Her father, who worked in the Finance Ministry, and her husband, a doctor who at one time served as health minister, were both open-minded men and gave her freedom of choice, she said. She raised her sons and daughters as equals. Breaking with another cultural norm, Nasief has never worn the black face veil, known as the niqab, which most Saudi women don.Since her father and husband's deaths, her eldest son has also been accommodating.But that doesn't mean things are easy.In one case, in her 60s, she went to the airport to fly to the United States. But she had forgotten the piece of paper from her son granting her permission to travel. Her brother, his children, and her son-in-law and grandchildren were all flying with her — but not her son.So airport officials barred her from boarding the plane. She and her 18 relatives had to wait for five hours for someone to bring the document to the airport. Nowadays, guardians can give travel permissions electronically."I felt I am not human," she said of the experience.The system leaves women dependent on the goodwill of their male relatives — fathers, husbands or sons, or in some cases a brother or uncle. Guardians are free to refuse permission. Women have complained of being abused, forced to hand over salaries to their guardians, barred from marriage or forced into unwanted marriages. Women who flee abusive homes can be imprisoned or put in a shelter, requiring the consent of her guardian to leave.Nasief said the rules aim to keep women at home and quiet. She lamented that some women support the system, seeing it as protecting them."I don't think these laws will change, not even in 50 years, because people's minds are closed," she said. "If you hear people talking, they say it's better for men to rule us than to be out in the wild.""Religion doesn't say to do this," she said. "There isn't anything in the Quran that says a man rules over women."Sahar Nasief, Naila's daughter, was 53 when her son became her guardian.When she divorced her husband, her guardianship was transferred back to her father, Hassan Nasief. After he died, her three sons joked over who would be responsible for their mother, she says. In the end, she picked her middle son, then 32.She had to get his consent when she rented an apartment and when she bought a car. The dealer even demanded he co-sign on the car, even though Nasief, a now 63-year-old retired university professor, bought the car with her money.In 2013, when she defied the ban on women driving and got behind the wheel of car as part of a nationwide movement to push for women's rights, she was pulled over by police, who wouldn't release her until her son signed a pledge vowing his mother would never drive again.When raising her three daughters, she taught them never "to take any nonsense from anyone" and made sure not to teach them "this nonsense about `you have to obey your husband for life'.""My daughters and sons were raised like this, as equals sharing and exchanging roles," Nasief said.Nasief says guardianship translates into "ownership" of women."I want my right without any reason. It's a right," she said.Lubna Jamjoom, Sahar's daughter, is a 40-year-old interior designer with three children. But she needed her husband to accompany her to the bank in order for her to open an account for her children and she needed him to get her children passports."It doesn't make sense that he can decide these things for me as an adult and the mother of his children," she said.Unlike many Saudi women, Jamjoom knew her husband before marrying him. That was important for her, knowing how much sway he would have over her life. "Even if the guy is kind or good, he can make a woman's life difficult," she said.She has access to the family's identity book, an official document listing the parents' and children's names. It is issued only to the father, and women whose husbands keep hold on it have no way to prove their relationship with their children and so, for example, can't enroll them in school without the father's consent. It was only last year that widowed and divorced women could receive the book.Jamjoom said she wants her daughter to grow up and be able to make their own decisions instead of relying on a man for nearly everything."This is the right God gave us," she said. "We are born free."

Young or old, Saudi women live under male relatives' control

Guardianship was a major reason for the outrage when Saudi Arabia last month was elected to a UN commission tasked with promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

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Combating COVID-19: US Army turns New York hotels into hospitals to fight coronavirus pandemicAs coronavirus cases in US increase, the army has stepped up to help make the situation better. Images have surfaced showing the US Army entering the hotels and dorms in New York and turning them into temporary hospitals to combat the coronavirus pandemic. New York City has seen over 6,000 cases of coronavirus.As of March 22, there have been 76 deaths related to coronavirus in the state of New York. 

Combating COVID-19: US Army turns New York hotels into hospitals to fight coronavirus pandemic

As coronavirus cases in US increase, the army has stepped up to help make the situation better. Images have surfaced showing the US Army entering the hotels and dorms in New York and turning them into temporary hospitals to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

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The US on Tuesday said it supports direct dialogue between India and Pakistan as outlined in the Shimla Agreement, asserting that the "chief obstacle" to talks remain Islamabad's continued support to extremist groups that engage in cross-border terrorism. "We believe that direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, as outlined in the 1972 Shimla Agreement, holds the most potential for reducing tensions," Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells told Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. She said during 2006-2007 backchannel negotiations, India and Pakistan reportedly made significant progress on a number of issues, including Kashmir. "History shows us what is possible," Wells said in a prepared statement submitted to the Congressional subcommittee on the eve of the hearing "Human Rights in South Asia: Views from the State Department and the Region". "Restarting a productive bilateral dialogue requires building trust, and the chief obstacle remains Pakistan's continued support for extremist groups that engage in cross-border terrorism," she said. The United States, Wells said, welcomes Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent unambiguous statement that terrorists from Pakistan who carry out violence in Kashmir are enemies of both Kashmiris and Pakistan. "Pakistan's harbouring of terrorist groups like Lashkar-e- Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammed, which seek to foment violence across the Line of Control, is destabilising, and Pakistani authorities remain accountable for their actions," she said in a warning to Pakistan. "We believe the foundation of any successful dialogue between India and Pakistan is based on Pakistan taking sustained and irreversible steps against militants and terrorists in its territory," Wells said. Both President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have met and spoken with their Indian and Pakistani counterparts multiple times, including at the recent United Nations General Assembly, to encourage dialogue, she told the lawmakers in the prepared statement. Observing that the security situation in Kashmir remains tense, Wells said clashes between youth and security forces are a regular occurrence, and Indian forces killed suspected terrorists in multiple firefights last week. "We are concerned about reports of local and foreign militants attempting to intimidate local residents and business owners in order to stymie normal economic activity. The United States supports the rights of Kashmiris to peacefully protest, but condemns the actions of terrorists who seek to use violence and fear to undermine dialogue," she said. ALSO READ | India will cross LoC if Pak doesn't mend its ways: J&K GovernorThe US on Tuesday said it supports direct dialogue between India and Pakistan as outlined in the Shimla Agreement, asserting that the "chief obstacle" to talks remain Islamabad's continued support to extremist groups that engage in cross-border terrorism."We believe that direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, as outlined in the 1972 Shimla Agreement, holds the most potential for reducing tensions," Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells told Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.She said during 2006-2007 backchannel negotiations, India and Pakistan reportedly made significant progress on a number of issues, including Kashmir."History shows us what is possible," Wells said in a prepared statement submitted to the Congressional subcommittee on the eve of the hearing"Human Rights in South Asia: Views from the State Department and the Region"."Restarting a productive bilateral dialogue requires building trust, and the chief obstacle remains Pakistan's continued support for extremist groups that engage in cross-border terrorism," she said.The United States, Wells said, welcomes Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent unambiguous statement that terrorists from Pakistan who carry out violence in Kashmir are enemies of both Kashmiris and Pakistan."Pakistan's harbouring of terrorist groups like Lashkar-e- Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammed, which seek to foment violence across the Line of Control, is destabilising, and Pakistani authorities remain accountable for their actions," she said in a warning to Pakistan."We believe the foundation of any successful dialogue between India and Pakistan is based on Pakistan taking sustained and irreversible steps against militants and terrorists in its territory," Wells said.Both President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have met and spoken with their Indian and Pakistani counterparts multiple times, including at the recent United Nations General Assembly, to encourage dialogue, she told the lawmakers in the prepared statement.Observing that the security situation in Kashmir remains tense, Wells said clashes between youth and security forces are a regular occurrence, and Indian forces killed suspected terrorists in multiple firefights last week."We are concerned about reports of local and foreign militants attempting to intimidate local residents and business owners in order to stymie normal economic activity. The United States supports the rights of Kashmiris to peacefully protest, but condemns the actions of terrorists who seek to use violence and fear to undermine dialogue," she said.ALSO READ | Pak making 'business out of faith', Harsimrat on Kartarpur charges

Pakistan's continued support to terrorism an obstacle for talks with India: US

The US on Tuesday said it supports a direct dialogue between India and Pakistan as outlined in the Shimla Agreement, asserting that the "chief obstacle" to talks remain Islamabad's continued support to extremist groups that engage in cross-border terrorism.

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Afghans wait for hours to try to withdraw money, in front of Kabul Bank, in Kabul, Afghanistan.People in Kabul have been fleeing the capital as news of the Taliban advance emerges. Long queues of cars have formed as people try to find a way out of the city. Banks have also been busy as residents try to withdraw their savings, BBC reported.Afghan MP Farzana Kochai describes the scene: "I'm in my house and looking at the people who are just trying to run." She continues: "I don't know where they're trying to go, even in the streets and from their houses, the bags they are carrying... and all these things. It's heartbreaking, you know."Earlier, Pakistan said it was closing the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan after the militants seized the Afghan side of the border, according to reports.This leaves Kabul International Airport as the only way out of the country. Afghan radio reports said that the road to Kabul's international airport is clogged with thousands of people who are rushing to leave the country.Thousands of others stand in long queues, stretching for kilometers, outside the capital's only passport office, desperately trying to secure travel documents.Image Source : APAfghans wait in long lines for hours to get visas in front of the Iranian embassy, in KabulAfghans wait in long lines for hours to get visas in front of the Iranian embassy, in KabulOthers frantically rush around downtown Kabul, a city of some 5 million people, running last-minute errands before fleeing their homes.The fear and panic gripping Kabul are palpable as the Taliban militant group marches on the capital following a devastating, months-long military offensive during which it has seized large swaths of the war-torn country."It's a feeling of shock and sadness compounded by brutal uncertainty," says Timor Sharan, a former civil servant and the director of the Afghanistan Policy Lab, a Kabul-based think tank. "Shopping in the city today, I felt people were gripped by a sense of being stuck; stuck in an uncertain future and never able to dream, aspire, think, and believe anymore."Meanwhile, the price of some food staples like flour has surged by 30 percent, while gas prices have almost doubled in recent weeks, even as poverty spreads and a humanitarian crisis worsens.

Afghanistan: Kabul residents flee city, country on fears of Taliban rule

The fear and panic gripping Kabul are palpable as the Taliban militant group marches on the capital following a devastating, months-long military offensive during which it has seized large swaths of the war-torn country.

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Dog in UK undergoes surgery after eating 30 PPE gloves.A pet dog in the UK had to undergo a three-hour operation after eating 30 PPE gloves, according to a media report on Thursday.Rambo the Rottweiler was taken to see vets in Wakefield by his owner after he was sick and brought up one of the gloves.The dog was referred for an endoscopy in Leeds where vets removed a further 29 gloves during the procedure, the BBC reported.The dog's owner Darren Coyne, who kept a box of gloves in his car for work, said Rambo must have eaten them while travelling to and from walks.Keith Leonard, who carried out the operation, said though Rambo arrived "seemingly without a care in the world" Coyne's quick thinking had "saved his life"."Each time we pulled a glove out, we went back to check it was the last one and found another one, it was something we've never seen or heard of before," the veterinarian said."I can't thank [the vets] enough for how they helped Rambo, particularly as he seemed to be his normal self and oblivious to the dangerous situation he was in," Coyne said.Rambo was discharged from the pets hospital in Leeds less then 12 hours after arriving and has since made a full recovery, the report said.

Dog undergoes surgery after eating 30 PPE gloves in UK

Rambo the Rottweiler was taken to see vets in Wakefield by his owner after he was sick and brought up one of the gloves.

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China's next-generation multi-nuclear warhead intercontinental ballistic missile with a proclaimed ability to hit targets "anywhere in the world" may be inducted into the PLA early next year, a media report said today.The new missile — the Dongfeng-41 — also has a speed of more than Mach 10 and can use decoy devices and chaff to pierce its way through the enemy's missile warning and defence systems.The missile which underwent another test — the eighth since it was first announced in 2012 — could be in the People Liberation Army's line-up as early as the first half of 2018, state-run Global Times said.The missile must have matured considerably if it is to start serving in the PLA, Xu Guangyu, a senior adviser of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association said.The Dongfeng-41 is a three-stage solid-fuel missile with a range of at least 12,000 kms, meaning it could strike anywhere in the world from a mainland site, Xu told the Global Times, adding that, "it can carry up to 10 nuclear warheads, each of which can target separately."The South China Morning Post reported that China had possibly tested the ICBM in its Western desert area in early November, but it did not give the exact location or date of the test.Another report on the seventh test-firing of the Dongfeng-41 came from a US satellite tracking system and appeared in the Washington Free Beacon in April 2016.Song Zhongping, a Phoenix TV commentator and former member of the PLA's Second Artillery Corps (Rocket Force), is of the view that the Dongfeng-41 is very likely already in service, since tests and other checks of missiles can be conducted after deployment as well.Song said that the deployment of the missile certainly demonstrates China's nuclear deterrence abilities. "Once the Dongfeng-41 goes into service, China's ability to protect its own safety and to prevent wars would greatly increase," Xu said.Russian experts feel that the missile deployment aimed at the US as they could reach most of America and Europe.A commentary in Global Times at that time said the deployment of the DF-41 was a "strategic deterrence tool" and Beijing would "ready itself for pressures" imposed by the new US government headed by President Donald Trump.The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force on Sunday showed five models of China's homemade conventional and nuclear missiles.China has a range of missiles which included the Dongfeng-26 ballistic missile, the Dongfeng-21D land-based anti-ship ballistic missile described as a "carrier killer," and the Dongfeng-16G conventional missile designed for precision strikes against key enemy targets.

New missile capable of hitting targets 'anywhere in the world' may be inducted into China's PLA next year: Report

China's next-generation multi-nuclear warhead intercontinental ballistic missile with a proclaimed ability to hit targets "anywhere in the world" may be inducted into the PLA early next year

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Mumbai attack mastermind and LeT operations commander Lakhvi being interrogatedMumbai attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi is being interrogated by Pakistan’s counter terrorism authorities in Punjab province, an official said on Wednesday, four days after his arrest.UN proscribed terrorist Lakhvi, 61, who was on bail since 2015 in the Mumbai attack case, was arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab province on Saturday, amidst growing international pressure on Islamabad to bring to justice terrorists roaming free in the country.“Lakhvi is being interrogated by the CTD Punjab in connection with terror financing and related matters. He will soon be presented before the anti-terrorism court in Lahore,” an official privy to the development told PTI.He said that Lakhvi is kept in a “detention centre”."Lakhvi is accused of running a dispensary, using funds collected for terrorism financing. He and others also collected funds from this dispensary and used these funds for further terrorism financing. He also used these funds for personal expenses," the CTD said.Police or an any other law enforcement agency usually presents a suspect before the court a day after his arrest to obtain his physical remand for interrogation."Lakhvi's case seems to be rare in which he could not be produced before the court four days after his arrest seeking his physical remand," the official said.The CTD said that in addition to belonging to proscribed organisation LeT, Lakhvi is also a UN designated individual."His trial will be held before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore," it added.Lakhvi was designated as a global terrorist by the UN in December 2008 for being associated with LeT and al-Qaeda and for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of” both the entities.Proscribed terrorists and entities are subject to an assets freeze, wherein all states are required to freeze funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities, a travel ban that prevents the entry into or transit through nations’ territories by the designated individuals and an arms embargo.Last month, the UN Security Council’s 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee allowed for a monthly payment of Pakistani Rupee 1.5 lakh for Lakhvi to meet his personal expenses.The permission was granted 10 days before his arrest. Lakhvi has named his son Hafizur Rehman and brother Saadat Bashir Waheed who would send him Rs 90,000 and Rs 60,000 respectively in his bank account. He said that his son and brother both have the bank accounts in the same branch.The LeT, led by Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.The global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is instrumental in pushing Pakistan to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere.The Paris-based FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic.ATC Lahore had sentenced Saeed for a collective imprisonment of 36 years in terror finance cases.He has been in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore since July 2019. There are reports that he is given a ‘VIP protocol’ in jail.The UN has named Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice.

Mumbai attack mastermind and LeT operations commander Lakhvi being interrogated

​Mumbai attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi is being interrogated by Pakistan’s counter terrorism authorities in Punjab province, an official said on Wednesday, four days after his arrest.