Datasets:

ILSUM

/

ILSUM-1.0

like 3

dc1e60882bec2d66019860a07d029763

Strike from Gaza kills 2 as Israel topples 6-story buildingA strike launched from Gaza killed two Thai workers in southern Israel on Tuesday, police said, hours after Israeli airstrikes toppled a six-story building in the Palestinian territory that housed bookstores and educational centers. With the war showing no sign of abating, Palestinians across the region went on a general strike in a rare collective action against Israel’s policies.Violence erupted at protests in the occupied West Bank, including at one in the city of Ramallah. Hundreds of Palestinians burned tires and hurled stones toward an Israeli military checkpoint. Troops fired tear gas canisters at the crowd and protesters picked up some of them and threw them back.One protester was killed and more than 70 others wounded — including 16 by live fire — in clashes with Israeli troops in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron and other cities, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli army said two soldiers were wounded by gunshots to the leg.The general strike was an uncommon show of unity among Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up 20% of its population, and those in the territories Israel seized in 1967 that the Palestinians have long sought for a future state. It threatened to further widen the conflict after a spasm of communal violence in Israel and protests across the West Bank last week.Muhammad Barakeh, one of the organizers of the strike, said Palestinians are expressing a “collective position” against Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza and Jerusalem, as well as the “brutal repression” by police across Israel. Israel blames the war on Hamas and accuses it of inciting violence across the region.Since the fighting began last week between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers, the Israeli military has launched hundreds of airstrikes it says are targeting Hamas’ militant infrastructure, while Palestinian militants have fired more than 3,400 rockets from civilian areas in Gaza at civilian targets in Israel.The latest attack from Gaza hit a packaging plant in a region bordering the territory. In addition to the two people killed, who were in their 30s, Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said it transported another seven wounded to the hospital. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat said the wounded were also Thai.The Israeli military said militants also fired rockets at the Erez pedestrian crossing and at the Kerem Shalom crossing, where humanitarian aid was being brought into Gaza, forcing both to close. It said a soldier was lightly wounded in the attack on Erez.Israel continued its airstrikes into Gaza, leaving behind a massive mound of rebar and concrete slabs in its attack on the six-story building with centers used by the Islamic University and other colleges. Desks, office chairs, books and computer wires could be seen in the debris. Residents sifted through the rubble, searching for their belongings.Israel warned the building’s residents ahead of time, sending them fleeing into the predawn darkness, and there were no reports of casualties.“The whole street started running, then destruction, an earthquake,” said Jamal Herzallah, a resident of the area. “This whole area was shaking.”Since 2012, Hamed al-Ijla had run a training center in the building, teaching first aid, hospital management and other skills to thousands of students.When the war is over, “I will set up a tent across the street and resume work,” he said.Heavy fighting broke out May 10 when Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers fired long-range rockets toward Jerusalem in support of Palestinian protests against Israel’s heavy-handed policing of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint site sacred to Jews and Muslims, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers.At least 213 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes since, including 61 children and 36 women, with more than 1,440 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not break the numbers down into fighters and civilians. Hamas and Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed in the fighting, while Israel says the number is at least 160.Twelve people in Israel, including a 5-year-old boy and a soldier, have been killed in the ongoing rocket attacks.The fighting is the most intense since a 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, but efforts to halt it have so far stalled. Egyptian mediators are trying to negotiate a cease-fire, but the U.S. has stopped short of demanding an immediate stop to the hostilities and Israel has so far vowed to press on.The war has also seen an unusual outbreak of violence in Israel, with groups of Jewish and Palestinian citizens fighting in the streets and torching vehicles and buildings.As the fighting drags on, medical supplies, fuel and water are running low in Gaza, which is home to more than 2 million Palestinians and has been under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. Nearly 47,000 Palestinians have fled their homes.Israeli attacks have damaged at least 18 hospitals and clinics and entirely destroyed one health facility, the World Health Organization said in a new report. Nearly half of all essential drugs in the territory have run out.Essential supplies and aid have only trickled in during the fighting, some from Egypt through the Rafah crossing point it controls and some from Israel when it briefly opened the territory’s main commercial crossing Tuesday before the attack forced it shut.The WHO said the bombing of key roads, including those leading to the main Shifa Hospital, has hindered the movement of ambulances and supply vehicles in Gaza, which was already struggling to cope with a coronavirus outbreak.Israel has vowed to press on with its operations, and the United States signaled it would not pressure the two sides for a cease-fire even as President Joe Biden said he supported one.“We will continue to operate as long as necessary in order to return calm and security to all Israeli citizens,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday.The Biden administration has declined so far to publicly criticize Israel’s part in the fighting or send a top-level envoy to the region and has blocked a proposed U.N. Security Council statement calling for an end to the crisis.Among the buildings that Israeli airstrikes have leveled was the one housing The Associated Press Gaza office and those of other media outlets.Netanyahu alleged that Hamas military intelligence was operating inside the building. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that Israel had given the U.S. information about the bombing.Blinken, speaking from Iceland, declined to characterize the material received. Israel has not publicly provided any evidence of its claim.AP President Gary Pruitt reiterated the organization’s call for an independent investigation into the attack.“As we have said, we have no indication of a Hamas presence in the building, nor were we warned of any such possible presence before the airstrike,” he said in a statement. “We do not know what the Israeli evidence shows, and we want to know.”

Strike from Gaza kills 2 as Israel topples 6-story building

​A strike launched from Gaza killed two Thai workers in southern Israel on Tuesday, police said, hours after Israeli airstrikes toppled a six-story building in the Palestinian territory that housed bookstores and educational centers.

4e3636a0ffa88237e8bf7dcd167f75bb

Baloch, Sindhi, Pashto groups gather in Houston to seek help from Modi, TrumpRepresentatives of Sindhi, Baloch and Pashto groups have gathered in Houston to hold a demonstration in front of the NRG stadium on Sunday to draw the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for gaining freedom from Pakistan.Scores of members of the Balochi American, Sindhi American and Pashto American communities landed in Houston on Saturday from various parts of the US to hold the first-of-its-kind demonstration in America, wherein they will collectively urge the leaders of India and the United States to help them get freedom from Pakistan.Members of these groups alleged on Saturday that the Pakistani establishment was carrying out gross violation of human rights against their communities. "We demand freedom from Pakistan. India and the US should help us in the same way as India had helped the people of Bangladesh in 1971," Nabi Baksha Baloch, the US representative of the Baloch National Movement, told PTI."We are here to request Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to support our cause. There has been gross violation of human rights against the Baloch people by the Pakistani government," he said.More than 100 Sindhi Americans arrived in Houston on Saturday. They are planning to gather outside the NRG stadium, where the "Howdy Modi" event is scheduled to be held on Sunday, with the hope that their posters and banners of freedom will catch the attention of Modi and Trump."This is a historic rally by the leaders of the free world -- the largest and oldest democracies. We the people of Sindh want freedom from Pakistan. Just like India supported for the freedom of Bangladesh in 1971, we want a separate nation for the people of Sindh. Pakistan is a theocratic country," Zafar Sahito, from the Jeay Sindh Mutahida Muhaz, said. Also Read | PM Modi's meeting with CEOs from energy sector 'fruitful': MEA 

Baloch, Sindhi, Pashto groups gather in Houston to seek help from Modi, Trump

Scores of members of the Balochi American, Sindhi American and Pashto American communities landed in Houston on Saturday from various parts of the US to hold the first-of-its-kind demonstration in America, wherein they will collectively urge the leaders of India and the United States to help them get freedom from Pakistan.

680b02c7bc6b3117e95e589e032eb6fe

Grown-ups mock children because world view threatened, says environmental activist Greta ThunbergSwedish teenager Greta Thunberg said Friday she doesn’t understand why grown-ups and world leaders would mock children and teens for acting on science, responding to attacks on her campaign as students conducted the second wave of global protests demanding action on climate change.When asked about U.S. President Donald Trump and others who have mocked her, the 16-year-old activist said they likely feel their world view and interests are being threatened by climate activism.“We’ve become too loud for people to handle so people want to silence us,” she said at a rally in Montreal after meeting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “We should also take that as a compliment.”The youth climate movement has drawn criticism from some who accuse the students of overreacting and say they would be better off going to school. In an apparent sarcastic jibe at Thunberg this week following her haranguing of world leaders, Trump tweeted: “She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!”Instead of addressing Trump by name, she said Friday that she didn’t “understand why grown-ups would choose to mock children and teenagers for just communicating and acting on the science when they could do something good instead.”Thousands later chanted “Greta! Greta!” as she spoke at an afternoon rally in Montreal. “We will do everything in our power to stop this crisis from getting worse even if that means skipping school or work,” she said. “The people have spoken. And we will continue to speak until our leaders listen and act. We are the change and change is coming.”Her comments came as students in Italy symbolically torched a replica of planet Earth, one of many protests as part of the climate strikes sparked by the Swedish teen. Some participants echoed the anger she expressed this week at a U.N. summit in New York.“How dare you!” read one banner at a rally in Italy’s financial hub of Milan, where tens of thousands took to the streets and later gathered around a giant globe to watch it go up in flames.More than 100,000 people also rallied in Rome, where protesters held up signs with slogans such as “Change the system, not the climate” or just the word “Future.”Fears about the impact of global warming on younger generation s drew fresh protests in India, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and Bolivia a week after hundreds of thousands rallied worldwide ahead of the U.N. summit.In New Zealand, students marched on Parliament in Wellington, staging one of the largest protests ever held in that capital.In Berlin, activists from the Fridays for Future group braved persistent rain to denounce a package of measures that the German government recently agreed on to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Experts say the proposal falls far short of what’s needed if the world’s sixth-biggest emitter is to meet the goals of the landmark 2015 Paris climate accord.Actor Javier Bardem joined dozens of young people in San Sebastian in one of several rallies held across Spain on Friday morning ahead of evening demonstrations in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Bardem was promoting a documentary he worked on with Greenpeace.In Austria, organizers said 150,000 people participated, while local APA news agency said the number was 65,000.In Poland, protesters blocked traffic in downtown Warsaw by chaining themselves to a tent. Police and firefighters tried to negotiate with them.In Buenos Aires, where school strikes inspired by Thunberg have taken place since March, several thousand people marched from the famed Plaza de Mayo to the Congress. Protests occurred elsewhere in Latin America, including in Chile and Bolivia.Protesters even rallied on Chile’s Easter Island, known for its massive statues known as moai. In Canada, Thunberg met Trudeau, who praised her activism on climate change.“She is the voice of a generation, of young people who are calling on their leaders to do more and do better,” Trudeau said. “And I am listening.”Trudeau, who is in the middle of an election campaign, announced a plan to plant 2 billion trees over the next decade.Thunberg, however, indicated that she expects more, even of leaders who welcome the movement. Scientists this week issued new dire warnings about the consequences of rising temperatures on the world’s oceans and cold regions.Thunberg told a crowd in Montreal it was moving to see people of all generations so passionate for a cause. “He (Trudeau) is of course obviously not doing enough, but this is just a huge problem, this is a system that is wrong,” she said. “My message to all the politicians is the same: Just listen and act on the science.”

Grown-ups mock children because world view threatened, says environmental activist Greta Thunberg

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg said Friday she doesn’t understand why grown-ups and world leaders would mock children and teens for acting on science, responding to attacks on her campaign as students conducted the second wave of global protests demanding action on climate change.

e2729663a98c502e94e11a5d03db7611

Mena Mangal A former journalist and cultural adviser to the lower house of Parliament has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Kabul, just days after she shared on social media that her life was in danger.Mena Mangal made her name as a presenter on the Pashto-language channel Tolo TV, Afghanistan's largest private broadcaster, and later with local TV networks such as LEMAR TV, Shamshad News and Ariana TV. She came under attack in Kart-e-Naw area in Kabul's PD8 in broad daylight on Saturday, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement. The police have started an investigation into the incident, Ministry's spokesman Nasrat Rahimi was cited as saying by Tolo News. The attack prompted an outpouring of grief and anger from women's rights activists, directed at "authorities who had left her unprotected in the face of threats"."This woman had already shared that her life was in danger; why did nothing happen? We need answers," said Afghan human rights lawyer and women's rights campaigner Wazhma Frogh. "Why is it so easy in this society (for men) to keep killing women they disagree with?"Mangal had shared her fears in a Face­book post on May 3. She said she was being sent threatening messages but declared that a "strong woman wasn't afraid of death" and that she loved her country.In a tearful video posted to Twitter, Mangal's mother named a group of men as suspected killers, claiming they had previously kidnapped her daughter. The group were arrested for that abduction, she said, but later bribed their way out of detention.Mangal was also an advocate of women's rights to education and work and had recently become a cultural adviser to the lower chamber of Afghanistan's Parliament.A few days before Mangal's murder, the Taliban attacked the headquarters of an international aid group in Kabul, citing its work on women's rights as one reason it was targeted.Taliban spokesman Zabihul­lah Mujahid had said that Counterpart Inter­national had carried out "harmful western activities" in Afghanistan and was "promoting open inter-mixing between men and women".

Ex-journalist, cultural adviser shot dead in Afghanistan

Mena Mangal made her name as a presenter on the Pashto-language channel Tolo TV, Afghanistan's largest private broadcaster, and later with local TV networks such as LEMAR TV, Shamshad News and Ariana TV.

e6c001db809a8646b61f3ba3cd9805f1

Trump to accept Republican presidential nomination in FloridaUS President Donald Trump will accept the Republican Party's presidential nomination for a second term in Jacksonville, Florida, it was announced. The announcement by Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel on Thursday came after North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, refused to allow the Republican National Convention, scheduled for August 24-27 in Charlotte, to take place without restrictions on crowd size and other measures against COVID-19."We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion in the great city of Jacksonville," said McDaniel said in a statement."Not only does Florida hold a special place in President Trump's heart as his home state, but it is crucial in the path to victory in 2020. We look forward to bringing this great celebration and economic boon to the Sunshine State in just a few short months."The national convention's official business will still take place in Charlotte but "the celebration of the nomination and the economic impact that goes with it must be moved to Jacksonville", the Republican Party said in a press release.It added that Trump will deliver his speech at Jacksonville's VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, which holds around 15,000 people.Jacksonville is one of the largest cities in the US to be led by a Republican Mayor, Lenny Curry.He called the development "a huge win" for the city.Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has eased restrictions in the state, said he was "honoured" to host the convention.The Democratic Party's national convention was rescheduled to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from August 17-20, though party officials have discussed the possibility that it will be held virtually or in a modified form.Former Vice President Joe Biden is the Democratic Party's presumptive presidential nominee.

Trump to accept Republican presidential nomination in Florida

US President Donald Trump will accept the Republican Party's presidential nomination for a second term in Jacksonville, Florida, it was announced.

046a72acc30ee390868f96ebdc557692

Stowaway cat from China freed after 3 months in quarantine (Representational image)A stowaway cat, which was found in a container that had arrived from China at the Chennai port, has finally been released after spending three months in quarantine and is now up for adoption.The dark brown feline was found in a container of toys which had arrived from the neighbouring country on February 17 and later faced deportation because of legal hurdles and ignorance regarding how the novel coronavirus is transmitted. It is a healthy, neutered female with a tabby coat and distinct white paws."Chennai customs officials handed the cat over to The Cattitude Trust on May 23. She is now safe with the organisation which has actively been working in Chennai since 2005 to help community cats," stated People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.The Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department also facilitated the process of freeing the feline.On April 19, the Central government had advised Chennai's Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) to hand over the cat, upon completion of a 30-day quarantine period.The PETA India, with support from lawmaker Maneka Gandhi, co-founder of Blue Cross of India Chinny Krishna, and The Cattitude Trust, had been appealing for her release from the last three months.Rashmi Gokhale, PETA India's manager of veterinary services, had written to Chennai's Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) showing willingness to foster the animal until she is adopted into a caring home.Gokhale also fired off a letter to the Chennai Customs Zone, stating that humans are not at risk of catching COVID-19 from cats."In China, cats are often killed for meat or fur and it is likely that this animal would have been treated cruelly upon arrival, if she would have survived that journey at all," the doctor said, thanking Central government, Tamil Nadu government, AQCS and Chennai customs for freeing her.Various studies have shown that cats are highly susceptible to the deadly virus and can infect each other. Based on the limited information available so far, the risk of pets spreading coronavirus to people is considered to be low.

Stowaway cat from China freed after 3 months in quarantine

A stowaway cat, which was found in a container that had arrived from China at the Chennai port, has finally been released after spending three months in quarantine and is now up for adoption.

e17a58b5f20570b63aa2527c86ea44dd

Will North Korea’s next nuclear test involve a thermonuclear missile screaming over Japan? That’s a question being asked after North Korea’s foreign minister said his country may test a hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Ocean.The world hasn’t seen an above-ground, atmospheric nuclear test since an inland detonation by China in 1980 and North Korea upending that could push the region dangerously close to war. The room for error would be minimal and any mistake could be disastrous. Even if successful, such a test could endanger air and sea traffic in the region.Because of that many experts don’t think North Korea would take such a risk. But they’re also not ruling it out given the North’s increasing number of nuclear and missile tests.The main reason for North Korea to take that risk would be to quiet outside doubts about whether it really has a thermonuclear weapon small enough to fit on a missile, said Jeffrey Lewis, a U.S. arms control expert at the Middlebury Center of International Studies at Monterey. So far North Korea has been separately testing nuclear weapons and the ballistic missiles built to deliver them, rather than testing them together.North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho wouldn’t have spoken without approval from Pyongyang’s top leadership when he suggested to reporters in New York on Friday that the country could conduct an atmospheric hydrogen bomb test to fulfill the vows of the country’s leader Kim Jong Un.Mr. Kim, in an unusual direct statement to the world, pledged hours earlier to take “highest-level” action against the United States over Donald Trump’s threat to “totally destroy” the North if provoked. Mr. Ri didn’t elaborate and said no one knew what decision Mr. Kim would make.If North Korea attempts an atmospheric nuclear test at sea, it would likely involve its most powerful ballistic missiles, such as the intermediate-range Hwasong—12 or the intercontinental-range Hwasong—14, experts say. The country lacks assets to air-drop a nuclear device and sending a vessel out to sea to detonate a device raises the chances of getting detected and stopped by the U.S. military.For the nuclear missile to reach a remote part of the Pacific, it would have to fly over Japan, as the North did with two Hwasong—12 test launches in recent weeks.There have only been a handful of times when atmospheric nuclear tests involved ballistic missiles, including China’s fourth nuclear test in 1966. That involved a midrange Dongfeng—2 missile being launched from a deep inland rocket facility to the Lop Nur nuclear test site in the country’s far west.Mr. Lewis finds similarities between the current situation surrounding North Korea and the events that led to China’s 1966 test, which was driven by U.S. doubts of Chinese capabilities to place nuclear weapons on ballistic missiles.“The United States is still taking an attitude of skepticism toward North Korea’s nuclear capabilities,” he said. “The difference, of course, is that China fired its nuclear-armed missile over its own territory, not another country.”A nuclear launch by North Korea would come dangerously close to an act of war, said Lee Choon Geun, a missile expert from South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute. Missile tests can easily go wrong and the consequences of failure could be terrifying if the missile is armed with a nuclear weapon.A failed flight or an accidental detonation over Japan would likely trigger retaliation from Washington and Tokyo that might result in a nuclear war, he said.“It’s reasonable to think that Ri was bluffing,” Mr. Lee said. “Would they be sure that the United States and Japan will just sit there and watch?”But Mr. Lewis says that’s exactly what the United States and Japan will do.“Although I am sure such a launch would be very alarming to people in Japan, there is little the United States or Japan could do,” he said. “Would we really start a war over such an act? I don’t think so.”An atmospheric nuclear test would be far more dangerous than detonations in controlled underground environments, both because of the force of the blast and unrestrained release of radioactive materials that could spread out over large areas. Such a launch would potentially endanger aircraft and ships because it’s highly unlikely the North would give prior warnings or send naval vessels to the area to control sea traffic.An atmospheric thermonuclear blast would also raise the risks of damage caused by an electromagnetic pulse, an intense wave of electrical energy generated by the explosion that could destroy electronic devices and equipment over a vast area, Mr. Lee said.The United States and the old Soviet Union combined to conduct more than 400 atmospheric nuclear tests before they joined Britain in a 1963 treaty banning tests in the atmosphere, outer space and underwater. The treaty was later signed by more than 100 other countries. China conducted 22 atmospheric nuclear tests, which frequently involved bombers dropping nuclear devices on test sites, before its last one on 1980.While the impact of previous tests hasn’t been fully understood, damage from radioactive fallout could be serious.When the United States detonated its most powerful nuclear device in a 1954 test code-named Castle Bravo, the radioactive fallout spread far beyond the test site in the Marshall Islands.Twenty-three crewmembers of a Japanese fishing vessel that was 160 km east of the detonation site, were contaminated and suffered from radiation sickness. One of the fishermen, Matashichi Oishi, once told The Associated Press that he saw a flash before tiny white flakes fell on the crewmembers like snow.North Korea in past months has been stepping up the aggressiveness of its nuclear and missile tests.The North conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3 in what it claimed as a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for its developmental Hwasong-14 ICBMs. In two July flight tests, those missiles displayed the potential ability to reach deep into continental United States.With its two Hwasong-12 launches over Japan in August and September, the North also broke from its previous test regime of firing missiles at highly lofted angles to reduce range and avoid other countries. The launches were seen as North Korea’s attempts to win more military space in a region dominated by its enemies and evaluate the performance and reliability of its missiles under operational conditions.The North has also threatened to launch a salvo of Hwasong-12s toward Guam, the U.S. Pacific military hub.Kim Dong-yub, a former South Korean military official who is now an analyst at Seoul’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said it’s more likely that the North’s next significant launch would be a full-range test of an unarmed Hwasong—14 ICBM. The North could launch the missile at around 7,000 km to display a capability to reach Hawaii or Alaska, he said.Still, the past months have taught him not to underestimate what the North could do.“North Korea has repeatedly exceeded my expectations and Kim Jong Un in the statement has vowed to go beyond any expectation,” said Mr. Kim, the analyst.

Will North Korea test fire thermonuclear missile over Japan?

The world hasn’t seen an above-ground, atmospheric nuclear test since an inland detonation by China in 1980 and North Korea upending that could push the region dangerously close to war.

00e843874a8c56f2273cba80c4ddd7b1

Pakistan today issued a new video of Indian prisoner on death row Kulbhusan Jadhav in which he is seen thanking the Pakistan government for arranging a meeting with his wife and mother. The video message played by the Foreign Office during a press conference after Jadhav’s meeting with his family was recorded before their meeting, officials said.Related Stories Jadhav under no threat of immediate execution, says PakistanLIVE: Kulbhushan Jadhav finally meets wife, mother; Indian diplomat only allowed to observeFlip-flop continues as Pakistan foreign ministry denies calling it 'consular access' to Jadhav“I requested a meeting with my wife and mother and I am thankful to Government of Pakistan for this gesture,” Jadhav said in the brief video message. The 40-minute meeting took place at the heavily guarded Foreign Affairs Ministry building, and came after the International Court of Justice asked Pakistan in May to stay his execution. It was the fist time that Jadhav was meeting his family since his arrest in March last year, and Pakistan portrayed it as a humanitarian gesture to mark the birthday of the country’s founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah.  During the press conference, the Foreign Office spokesperson made old allegations against Jadhav.  The spokesman said that Jadhav was sentenced to death by a military court on charges of espionage and terrorism.  India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.

Kulbhushan Jadhav thanks Pakistan for meeting with wife, mother in new video

“I requested a meeting with my wife and mother and I am thankful to Government of Pakistan for this gesture,” Jadhav said in the brief video message.

49846c3bef0864b9a42c4a4b46143cd1

Pakistani officials and police say two missiles fired from a US drone have struck a home near the Afghan border, killing two militants from the Haqqani network.Local police chief Ameer Zaman Khan says Wednesday's strike took place in Dapa Mamuzai village near Pakistan's Kurram tribal region.Two intelligence officials identified the slain militants as commander Ahsanullah and Nasir Mehsud. They say the men were from the Haqqani network of the Afghan Taliban.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to media because of the sensitive nature of the issue.Pakistan considers US drone strikes a violation of its sovereignty, while the US accuses Pakistan of providing safe havens for militants.Pakistan denies the charge, saying it acts against militants without discrimination. /* .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_5618264230 = { "file": "https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_txtf9hr7_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_txtf9hr7_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Three Haqqani network militants killed in US drone strike in Pakistan", "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_5618264230 = ''; jwsetup_5618264230(); function jwsetup_5618264230() { jwvidplayer_5618264230 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_5618264230").setup(jwconfig_5618264230); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_5618264230, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_txtf9hr7\", ns_st_pr=\"Three Haqqani network militants killed in US drone strike in Pakistan\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Three Haqqani network militants killed in US drone strike in Pakistan\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Three Haqqani network militants killed in US drone strike in Pakistan\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2018-01-24\", ns_st_tdt=\"2018-01-24\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_txtf9hr7_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_5618264230.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_5618264230.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_5618264230.stop(); jwvidplayer_5618264230.remove(); jwvidplayer_5618264230 = ''; jwsetup_5618264230(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_5618264230.stop(); jwvidplayer_5618264230.remove(); jwvidplayer_5618264230 = ''; jwsetup_5618264230(); return; }); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5618264230.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

US drone kills two militants from Haqqani network in Pakistan

Two intelligence officials identified the slain militants as commander Ahsanullah and Nasir Mehsud. They say the men were from the Haqqani network of the Afghan Taliban.

22b2839106f2fe33ca27a7e6f207c252

George Floyd death: Unrest overshadows peaceful US protests for another nightTens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across America again Sunday, with peaceful demonstrations against police killings of black people overshadowed by unrest that quickly ravaged parts of cities from Pennsylvania to California. City and state officials had deployed thousands of National Guard soldiers, enacted strict curfews and shut down mass transit systems, but that did little to stop many cities from again erupting into unrest.Protesters in Philadelphia hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at police, officials said, while masked crowds broke into upscale stores in a San Francisco suburb, fleeing with bags of merchandise. In Minneapolis, a truck driver drove into a massive crowd of demonstrators nearly a week after George Floyd died after pleading for air as an officer pressed a knee into his neck.At least 4,100 people have been arrested over days of protests since Floyd’s death Monday, according to a tally compiled by The Associated Press. Arrests ranged from looting and blocking highways to breaking curfew.In Salt Lake City, a leading anti-police brutality activist condemned the destruction of property but said broken buildings shouldn’t be mourned on the same level as black men like Floyd.“Maybe this country will get the memo that we are sick of police murdering unarmed black men,” said Lex Scott, founder of Black Lives Matter Utah. “Maybe the next time a white police officer decides to pull the trigger, he will picture cities burning.”For a second day, the protests reached to the White House, where chants could be heard from around 1,000 demonstrators just across the street in Lafayette Park as they faced police in riot gear behind barricades. The scene was defiant but peaceful, though police used flash bangs to stop another group from reaching the park.As the protests grew, President Donald Trump retweeted conservative commentator Buck Sexton who called for “overwhelming force” against violent demonstrators.Yet thousands still marched peacefully, with some also calling for an end to the fires, vandalism and theft, saying it weakened calls for justice and reform.“They keep killing our people,” said Mahira Louis, 15, who marched with her mother and several hundred others through downtown Boston. “I’m so sick and tired of it.”The officer who pressed his knee onto Floyd’s neck has been charged with murder, but protesters are demanding the other three officers at the scene be prosecuted. All four were fired.“We’re not done,” said Darnella Wade, organizer for Black Lives Matter in neighboring St. Paul, where thousands gathered peacefully in front of the state Capitol. “They sent us the military, and we only asked them for arrests.”Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Sunday that Attorney General Keith Ellison will take the lead in prosecutions in Floyd’s death.Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said earlier that he had asked Ellison, who is black, to help. Freeman, who is white, has been criticized by civil rights activists and some city officials, who say there is a history of mistrust between his office and members of the community.Walz told reporters that Ellison “needs to lead this case.” He said he made the decision after speaking with Floyd’s family who “wanted to believe that there was a trust, and they wanted to believe that the facts would be heard.”Walz brought in thousands of National Guard soldiers to help quell violence that had damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings in Minneapolis over days of protests. The immense deployment there appeared to have worked Saturday night, when there was comparatively little destruction.On Sunday, in a display of force, long lines of state patrolmen and National Guard soldiers were lined up in front of the Capitol, facing the demonstrators, with perhaps a dozen military-style armored vehicles behind them.Disgust over generations of racism in a country founded by slaveholders combined with a string of recent racially charged killings to stoke the anger. Adding to that was angst from months of lockdowns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, which has disproportionately hurt communities of color, not only in terms of infections but in job losses and economic stress.The droves of people congregating for demonstrations threatened to trigger new outbreaks, a fact overshadowed by the boiling tensions.The scale of the protests, sweeping from coast to coast and unfolding on a single night, rivaled the historic demonstrations of the civil rights and Vietnam War eras.Curfews were imposed in major cities around the U.S., including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. About 5,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen were activated in 15 states and Washington, D.C.In tweets Sunday, Trump blamed anarchists and the media for fueling the violence. Attorney General William Barr pointed a finger at “far left extremist” groups. Police chiefs and politicians accused outsiders of coming in and causing the problems.At the Minneapolis intersection where Floyd was killed, people gathered with brooms and flowers, saying it was important to protect what they called a “sacred space.” The intersection was blocked with the traffic cones while a ring of flowers was laid out.Among those descending on Minneapolis was Michael Brown Sr., the father of Michael Brown, whose killing by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, set off unrest in 2014.“I understand what this family is feeling. I understand what this community is feeling,” he said.In Indianapolis, two people were reported dead in bursts of downtown violence, adding to deaths reported in Detroit and Minneapolis in recent days.Buildings around the U.S. were defaced with spray-painted messages, from the facade of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York to the historic Hay-Adams hotel near the White House. Some of Floyd’s gasped last words — “I can’t breathe” — were repeated, alongside anti-police messages.

George Floyd death: Unrest overshadows peaceful US protests for another night

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across America again Sunday, with peaceful demonstrations against police killings of black people overshadowed by unrest that quickly ravaged parts of cities from Pennsylvania to California.

793f5e5e29754b9f252ccc2206005a3e

Protesters holding umbrellas face off police officers in anti-riot gear in Hong Kong on Monday, July 1, 2019. Protesters in Hong Kong pushed barriers and dumpsters into the streets early Monday morning in an apparent bid to block access to a symbolically important ceremony marking the anniversary of the return of the former British colony to China. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) HONG KONG Combative protesters tried to break into the Hong Kong legislature Monday as a crowd of thousands prepared to start a march in that direction on the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony's return to China.With a crowd of a hundred or so people around them, a small group of people repeatedly rammed a cargo cart into a glass panel of the building, wedging the cart partially through the damaged safety glass.Related Stories Mass protest staged in Hong Kong over extradition billHong Kong pro-democracy activist released from jailHong Kong rejects calls to probe police brutality during protestsThe unexpected disruption stalled the start of the march Monday. The crowd has started filing out of Victoria Park but police asked the marchers to change their route or cancel the march.Both the combative protesters and the marchers oppose a government attempt to change extradition laws to allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial. The proposal has increased fears of eroding freedoms in the territory that was returned to China in 1997.The embattled leader of Hong Kong pledged to be more responsive to public sentiment in a speech at a flag-raising ceremony. Carrie Lam has come under withering criticism for trying to push through the legislation. She said a series of protests and marches that have attracted hundreds of thousands of students and other participants in recent weeks have taught her that she needs to listen better to the youth and people in general."This has made me fully realize that I, as a politician, have to remind myself all the time of the need to grasp public sentiments accurately," she said in a five-minute speech to the gathering in the city's cavernous convention center.She insisted her government has good intentions, but said "I will learn the lesson and ensure that the government's future work will be closer and more responsive to the aspirations, sentiments and opinions of the community."Security guards pushed pro-democracy lawmaker Helena Wong out of the room as she walked backward shouting at Lam to resign and withdraw the "evil" legislation. She later told reporters she was voicing the grievances and opinions of the protesters, who could not get into the event.The annual march starting in the afternoon was expected to be larger than usual because the proposed extradition bill has awakened broader fears that China is eroding the freedoms and rights guaranteed to Hong Kong for 50 years under a "one country, two systems" framework. Two marches in June against the legislation drew more than a million people, according to organizer estimates. The government has suspended debate on the bill indefinitely, but protest leaders want it formally withdrawn and Lam's resignation. They also are demanding an independent inquiry into police actions during a June 12 protest, when officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who blocked the legislature on the day debate on the bill had been scheduled to resume.The police say the use of force was justified, but have largely since adopted softer tactics, even as protesters besieged police headquarters in recent days, pelting it with eggs and spray-painting slogans on its outer walls.The area around Golden Bauhinia Square, where the flag-raising ceremony took place, was blocked off from Saturday to prevent protesters from gathering to disrupt it. Before the morning ceremony, protesters trying to gain access to the square were driven back by officers with plastic shields and batons, the retreating protesters pointing open umbrellas to ward off pepper spray."We are horrified, this is our obligation to do this, we are protecting our home," said Jack, a 26-year-old office worker who would only give his first name. "I don't know why the government is harming us. It's harming the rule of law, the rule of law is the last firewall between us and the Chinese Communist Party."

Protests escalate as Hong Kong marks handover to China

Hong Kong protests: Combative protesters tried to break into the Hong Kong legislature Monday as a crowd of thousands prepared to start a march in that direction on the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony's return to China.

172baed1a17239447556821fa15a4684

Pakistan to request British govt for Nawaz Sharif's deportationPakistan has announced that it will request the British government to deport former prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he is an "absconder". "The government has decided in principle to write a letter this week to the British government, seeking deportation of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, as he is an absconder not fulfilling the terms and conditions of the bail granted to him on medical grounds," Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan told a press conference here on Sunday evening.She said Sharif had gone to London on November 19 last year for his treatment but was yet to be admitted to a hospital there, indicating that "it was a fixed match played by him, his party and a section of the media on his health", paving the way for his departure to London.Awan claimed that Sharif and his younger brother Shahbaz had gone to London to protect the businesses of their children."Nawaz faked his health condition," she alleged.Last week, the Punjab government had refused to extend Sharif's bail, declaring that it had found no "legal, moral or medical ground" necessitating an extension in his stay abroad.The Lahore High Court had, in October last year, granted bail to Sharif on medical grounds for four weeks, allowing the Punjab government to extend it further in the light of his medical reports.The Islamabad High Court had also granted bail to Sharif in the Al Azizia Mills corruption case, in which the former prime minister was serving a seven-year jail term, clearing his way to travel abroad for medical treatment.PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal said if Sharif decided to return to the country, the Imran Khan government will request him not to come.He said the three-time premier will challenge the government's decision not to give him extension in his stay abroad in the court shortly.PML-N Punjab information secretary Azma Bokhari told PTI that if Pakistan wrote to the British government for Sharif's deportation, the PML-N would also write to the US government seeking opening of a case against Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding his ("illegitimate") child.She said Sharif was seriously ill and had heart-related complications, adding that the former prime minister was going to have a heart procedure shortly. "Imran Khan and his team should stop playing on the health of Sharif and concentrate on governance matters instead," Bokhari said.ALSO READ | Pakistan to close border with Afghanistan for 7 days amid coronavirus scareALSO READ | With 2 more cases, Pakistan coronavirus infections rise to 4

Pakistan to request British govt for Nawaz Sharif's deportation

Pakistan has announced that it will request the British government to deport former prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he is an "absconder".

87c65cdc8a80071d3325563ae11e4117

President Donald Trump on Friday angrily accused Iran of violating the landmark 2015 international nuclear accord, blaming the Iranians for a litany of sinister behavior and hitting their main military wing with anti-terror penalties. But Trump, breaking his campaign pledge to rip up the agreement, did not pull the US out or re-impose nuclear sanctions.He still might, he was quick to add. For now, he's tossing the issue to Congress and the other world powers in the accord, telling lawmakers to toughen the law that governs US participation and calling on the other parties to fix a series of deficiencies. Those include the scheduled expiration of key restrictions under "sunset provisions" that begin to kick in in 2025, as well as the omission of provisions on ballistic missile testing and terrorism.Related Stories Calling it a beginning, Donald Trump signs health care order to undermine ObamacareDonald Trump won’t walk away from Iran deal, says Rex TillersonDonald Trump to issue stop-payment order on health care subsidiesWithout the fixes, Trump warned, he would likely pull the US out of the deal - which he has called the worst in US history - and slap previously lifted US sanctions back into place. That would probably be a fatal blow for the accord."Our participation can be canceled by me, as president, at any time," Trump declared in a carefully delivered speech read from a teleprompter in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House. He added later, speaking of Congress, "They may come back with something that's very satisfactory to me, and if they don't, within a very short period of time, I'll terminate the deal."Under U.S. law, Trump faces a Sunday deadline to certify to Congress whether Iran is complying with the accord. That notification must take place every 90 days, a timetable that Trump detests. Since taking office, he has twice reluctantly certified that Iran is fulfilling its commitments.On Friday, he said he would not do so again.Trump alone cannot actually terminate the accord, which lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for concessions regarding its nuclear program. But withdrawing the US would render the deal virtually meaningless.That would be risky, though, and could badly damage US credibility in future international negotiations. The accord was struck after 18 months of negotiations between the Obama administration, Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the European Union and then endorsed by a unanimous vote in the UN Security Council.Trump's main national security aides have all argued for staying in the deal. So have key allies in Europe who are leery of altering an accord that they believe has prevented Iran from assembling an arsenal of atomic weapons.Overseas reaction to Friday's speech was swift.Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that his country would continue to stick to the nuclear deal and that the U.S. was isolating itself, "more lonely than ever," by condemning the accord.Indeed, the leaders of Britain, Germany and France urged Trump in a joint statement not to do anything rash."We encourage the US administration and Congress to consider the implications to the security of the US and its allies before taking any steps that might undermine the (deal), such as re-imposing sanctions on Iran lifted under the agreement," they said. Still, they added, "Independent of the (deal) we need to make sure that our collective wider concerns are being addressed."In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump and said the US president had created an opportunity to "fix this bad deal" and roll back Iran's aggression. Netanyahu has long warned that the accord failed to address Iran's support for militant groups who act against Israel.Trump opened his speech by reciting a long list of grievances with Iran dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the seizure of the US Embassy and American hostages in Tehran. He then noted terrorist attacks against Americans and American allies committed by Iranian proxies, such as Hezbollah, and Iran's ongoing ballistic missile tests."We cannot and will not make this certification" that Iran is complying with the accord, he said. "We will not continue down a path whose predictable conclusion is more violence, more terror and the very real threat of Iran's nuclear breakout."But "decertifying" the deal stops well short of pulling out and simply moves the issues over to Congress. Lawmakers now have 60 days to decide whether to put the accord's previous sanctions back into place, modify them or do nothing.Republicans face a heavy lift in rallying GOP lawmakers and Democrats behind legislation that would make the accord more stringent and please Trump. Some GOP senators, like Marco Rubio of Florida, question whether the pact can be fixed.Further complicating matters, a GOP lawmaker who will be at the center of what's sure to be a stormy debate is Bob Corker of Tennessee, who recently compared Trump's White House to "an adult day care center" and said the president could be setting the US on a path toward World War III.Ahead of Trump's speech, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the administration wants lawmakers to come up with legislation that would automatically re-impose sanctions that were lifted under the deal should Iran cross any one of numerous nuclear and non-nuclear "trigger points."Those would include illicit atomic work or ballistic missile testing; support for Syrian President Bashar Assad, Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and other groups that destabilize the region, or human rights abuses and cyber warfare, Tillerson said.Also Friday, Trump said he was hitting Iran's Revolutionary Guard with sanctions for supporting terrorism. But the US is not adding the Guard to the formal US list of foreign terrorist organisations. That step would force the US to take even further steps against the Guard that Tillerson says could be problematic.

Trump calls Iran nuclear deal 'one of worst' in US history, but won't pull out of it for now

Without the fixes, Trump warned, he would likely pull the US out of the deal - which he has called the worst in US history - and slap previously lifted US sanctions back into place.

f3bc39fc6396461394a8c94b7a834cc0

Coronavirus Live Updates April 23The global death toll due to novel coronavirus has crossed 2,60,000-mark; while the total number of cases has reached 2,637,414. As of 6:30 am today, the worldwide death toll due to COVID-19 was recorded as 1,84,204. In India, the novel coronavirus has claimed 681 lives by far, as the nation sees a rise in the number of positive cases on a daily basis. Indiatvnews.com brings to you the latest breaking news updates as well as live updates on coronavirus pandemic, as on April 23, 2020.  

Coronavirus: April 23, 2020

The global death toll due to novel coronavirus has crossed 2,60,000-mark; while the total number of cases has reached 2,637,414. As of 6:30 am today, the worldwide death toll due to COVID-19 was recorded as 1,84,204. In India, the novel coronavirus has claimed 681 lives by far, as the nation sees a rise in the number of positive cases on a daily basis. Indiatvnews.com brings to you the latest breaking news updates as well as live updates on coronavirus pandemic, as on April 23, 2020.

b05a2f8dd4e341e447a84716a1ae7db0

Representative ImageIn an unusual move, China on Tuesday issued a travel alert for its citizens visiting the US, warning them of harassment and public security issues in the country as bilateral ties touched a new low amid a spiralling trade war. The warning came a day after China cautioned its students against going to the US for studies.Related Stories China defence minister says Huawei not a military companyIndia, China to account for nearly half of air passenger growth in two decades, says IATAChina says door still open for talks with United States over trade warIndia, China hold dialogue on disarmament and non-proliferationChina's Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Tuesday issued the travel alert for Chinese tourists travelling to the United States which could hit the American travel industry badly.Noting the frequent occurrence of shootings, robberies and theft in the United States recently, the ministry warned Chinese tourists to fully assess the risks of travelling to the US.Chinese tourists are asked to learn about the information about the public security situation and related laws and regulations of tourist destinations, to raise safety awareness and step up precautions to stay safe, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The travel alert is valid until the end of this year. Last year, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the US fell for the first time in 15 years, after more than a decade of rapid growth, amid the trade friction between the two countries. The two countries have been locked in an escalating conflict over trade for the past year. The conflict increased in recent months as Washington has tightened trade restrictions on Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.Hopes for an imminent trade deal were shattered in May after the Trump administration more than doubled tariffs on USD 200 billion of Chinese imports and threatened additional duties. Defending the travel alert, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here that "China made this decision in response to current circumstances".Asked whether the measure which could hit US travel industry is part of the escalating trade war between the two countries, Geng said, "Chinese people travelling to US encountered various difficulties during the entry and after entry. They were interrogated and harassed by law enforcing agencies. So it is only necessary for us to issue such a notice."He said China had issued similar warning to students and scholars."They (US authorities) falsely claim that the Confucius institute is a tool to exhort political influence. They falsely accuse Chinese scholars of espionage and harassed them," he said."For example, the US placed visa restrictions on many Chinese student scholars. They revoked some visas. Recently they revoked a 10 year-visa for Chinese scholar to US," he said."I would like to emphasise that we hold active attitude for normal people-to-people exchanges. But it should be based on mutual respect," he said.China on Monday warned students and academics on the "risk" of studying in the United States, citing an uptick in visa denials and delays.According to official data, about 4.58 million Chinese have gone abroad to study since 1998 and 3.22 million of them have returned. About 3.63 lakh Chinese students reported to have enrolled to study in the US last year. Also Read: India, China hold dialogue on disarmament and non-proliferation

China warns citizens against travelling to US

In an unusual move, China on Tuesday issued a travel alert for its citizens visiting the US, warning them of harassment and public security issues in the country as bilateral ties touched a new low amid a spiraling trade war.

e3f6f45eafc28b5ce00b0436a3ec3471

Coronavirus in CaliforniaThe U.S. death toll from the coronavirus climbed to 11 on Wednesday with a patient succumbing in California — the first reported fatality outside Washington state — as federal authorities announced an investigation of the Seattle-area nursing home where most of the victims were stricken.Officials in California’s Placer County, near Sacramento, said an elderly person who tested positive after returning from a San Francisco-to-Mexico cruise had died. The victim had underlying health problems, authorities said.California Governor  Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency. Washington and Florida had already declared emergencies.Washington also announced another death, bringing its total to 10. Most of those who died were residents of Life Care Center, a nursing home in Kirkland, a suburb east of Seattle. At least 39 cases have been reported in the Seattle area, where researchers say the virus may have been circulating undetected for weeks.Seema Verma, head of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the agency is sending inspectors to Life Care along with experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to figure out what happened and determine whether the nursing home followed guidelines for preventing infections.Last April, the state fined Life Care $67,000 over infection-control deficiencies following two flu outbreaks that affected 17 patients and staff. An unannounced follow-up inspection in June determined that Life Care had corrected the problems, Verma said.Meanwhile, public officials in Washington came under pressure to take more aggressive steps against the outbreak, including closing schools and canceling large events. While the state and Seattle have declared emergencies, giving leaders broad powers to suspend activities, they have not issued any orders to do so.“We have encouraged people who are responsible for large gatherings to give consideration whether it really makes sense to carry those on right now,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Right now, we are deferring to the judgment ... of these organizations.”While some individual schools and businesses have shut down, the governor said large-scale school closings have not been ordered because “there are so many ramifications for families and businesses,” especially for health care workers who might not be able to go to work because of child care responsibilities.Local and state health officials have not recommended school closings unless the schools have had a confirmed case of the disease.Jennifer Hayles, 41, of Kirkland said she was appalled that Inslee and health officials haven’t cancelled next week’s Emerald City Comic-Con. The four-day cosplay and pop-culture event draws close to 100,000 people each year, and some participants, including D.C. Comics and Penguin Random House, have pulled out over the virus.ALSO READ | Italy shuts down all schools and universities as coronavirus death toll jumps to 79ALSO READ | Impact of Coronavirus: Number of deaths, list of people infected, recovered

Coronavirus outbreak: Feds investigate nursing home as US death toll hits 11

The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus climbed to 11 on Wednesday with a patient succumbing in California — the first reported fatality outside Washington state — as federal authorities announced an investigation of the Seattle-area nursing home where most of the victims were stricken.

84f25d0312a5f42173ce01dea66aa2df

Mike PompeoUS Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday said the economic sanctions on North Korea will remain in place until denuclearisation is achieved."Those economic sanctions will remain in place until we get to the end, till we get to that final denuclearisation which (North Korean leader) Chairman Kim (Jong-un) promised to (US) President (Donald) Trump he would undertake," Pompeo said in an interview on Friday.Helming Trump administration's effort with North Korea, Pompeo has been planning to travel to Pyongyang soon to work on another meeting between Trump and Kim."We're working on it, but there's still a little bit of work to do left to make sure that the conditions are right and that the two leaders are put in a position where we can make substantial progress," he told Fox News in another interview.Acknowledging that North Korea has set a deadline of 2021 to denuclearise, Pompeo said in another interview that the US will set arbitrary deadlines in the interim."We're hoping to see progress a little bit each day. We knew this would be a long process. It’s a complicated endeavour. But we've made incremental steps along the way," he said. Describing the meeting between the two Korean leaders as historic, he said it is the first time that North and South Korea have spoken about denuclearisation in a material way. “They made a little bit of progress. I’m hoping I’ll be back in Pyongyang before too long to make some more progress; and if that’s the case, I’m very hopeful that Chairman Kim and President Trump will get a chance to meet in the near future as well,” he said.Pompeo said that there are many conversations taking place across many different forums and venues, lots of discussions about how to move forward, and what are the right sets of next steps. "But the end that we can't lose focus on, there are two UN Security Council resolutions that the whole world voted on, and they require the North Koreans to fully denuclearise. That's the mission statement. That's the president's objective. And we believe that we can achieve that before too terribly long," he said.Separately he told CNN that he knew that pace of progress with the North Koreans would be uneven, but that progress each and every day was important. "We think we’re getting that," he said as he referred to the UN Security Council- mandated sanctions on North Korea. "The UN Security Council resolutions demand that Chairman Kim make this decision to denuclearise, and those sanctions and the enforcement of those sanctions will continue until such time as that occurs. That’s the important element that is different from what previous negotiators have done," he said."We've always, in America, handed him a pile of money, or his father a pile of money, and said, 'We hope you'll denuclearise'. Our approach is different. It is to continue to enforce the sanctions until such time as we get to the end of the process," Pompeo said. (With PTI inputs)

UN sanctions on North Korea will remain in place till denuclearisation achieved: Pompeo

Pompeo, who has been leading Trump administration's effort with North Korea, plans to travel to Pyongyang soon to work on another meeting between Trump and Kim.

02074f7957fdd9ca0587d4ec6b121980

Hundreds of Hindus protesting against attacks on temples and the killing of two Hindu devotees in another district shout slogans in Dhaka, BangladeshHindu community leaders, students, teachers, and activists are set to demonstrate and observe a token hunger strike in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Saturday to press home their demand for ensuring the safety and security of religious minorities in the country, local media reported.Demanding a quick trial of perpetrators who attacked Hindu temples, Durga Puja venues, and homes in several districts recently, various groups including Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad and Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad (BPUP) have announced their participation in the protests, reported Dhaka Tribune.The BPUP alleged that the administration had failed to act on attacks on Hindus in the country, that were sparked by false allegations of the Holy Quran being desecrated in Comilla.Nirmal Kumar Chatterjee, BPUP General Secretary, said that on the night of the incident, only one guard was present at the temporary Puja venue in Comilla. The power supply to the mandapa area was cut off for a period between 3 am and 4 am that night, according to the report. "The question of what caused the power outage remains unresolved. Is the incident being investigated?" the BPUP General Secretary asked.As per the newspaper, so far, a total of 102 cases have been filed accusing 20,619 people in connection with the recent violence against the Hindu community. Of the accused, police have arrested 583 people and drives are underway to arrest the rest, according to the police's official data.On late Thursday, police in Chittagong arrested 10 people, including nine members of former Ducsu VP Nurul Haque Nur-led Bangladesh Students' Rights Council, over their alleged involvement in the recent attack on the Durga Puja pavilion at the JM Sen Hall in the city. (With inputs from ANI)Also Read | Kolkata: ISKCON puts up posters against Bangladesh communal violence /* .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_4335992897 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/10/0_ila54lgg/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_ila54lgg_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Muqabla: Who is propagating hatred towards Hindus in Bangladesh? \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": "1918", "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_4335992897 = ''; jwsetup_4335992897(); function jwsetup_4335992897() { jwvidplayer_4335992897 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_4335992897").setup(jwconfig_4335992897); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_4335992897, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_ila54lgg\", ns_st_pr=\"Muqabla: Who is propagating hatred towards Hindus in Bangladesh?\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Muqabla: Who is propagating hatred towards Hindus in Bangladesh?\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Muqabla: Who is propagating hatred towards Hindus in Bangladesh?\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-10-19\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-10-19\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/10/0_ila54lgg/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_4335992897.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_4335992897.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_4335992897.stop(); jwvidplayer_4335992897.remove(); jwvidplayer_4335992897 = ''; jwsetup_4335992897(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_4335992897.stop(); jwvidplayer_4335992897.remove(); jwvidplayer_4335992897 = ''; jwsetup_4335992897(); return; }); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_4335992897.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

Bangladesh communal violence: Massive protests, hunger strike to demand security of religious minorities

According to a report, so far, a total of 102 cases have been filed accusing 20,619 people in connection with the recent violence against the Hindu community.

31ce8402cd35b10fc1e40b8f674234e2

WHO is PR agency of China, should be ashamed of itself: Donald TrumpUS President Donald Trump Thursday said the World Health Organization should be "ashamed of" itself, as he likened it to a public relations agency for China. The Trump Administration has launched a probe into the role of the WHO on coronavirus and has temporarily suspended the US' financial assistance to it."I think that the World Health Organization should be ashamed of themselves because they are like the public relations agency for China," Trump told reporters in the East Room of the White House.The United States, he reiterated, pays the WHO almost USD500 million a year and China pays them USD38 million a year. "Whether it's a lot more, it doesn't matter. They shouldn't be making excuses when people make horrible mistakes, especially mistakes that are causing hundreds of thousands of people around the world to die.""I think the World Health Organization should be ashamed of themselves," said the President.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo alleged the WHO failed to deliver and misled the world on coronavirus. "The World Health Organization simply failed to respond in this case," he told Scott Sands of The Scott Sands Show in an interview."With respect to the WHO, we know that they had one job, right? A single mission: To prevent the spread of a pandemic. We know that the leader of that organization travelled to China and then declined to declare it a pandemic until everyone in the world knew that was already true," Pompeo told Fox news in another interview."It's unfortunate, but this is not the first time there has been a virus go around the world from inside of China, and it's not the first time the WHO has failed in its mission. We have an obligation to the American people to do our best to make sure that we fix that, that we prevent those things from ever happening again," he said.Meanwhile, several Republican lawmakers demanding a Congressional hearing alleged that the WHO parroted the Chinese regime's "disinformation" on multiple occasions, including denying human-to-human transmission of the virus.They alleged the WHO prolonged declaring COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, chastised efforts to restrict travel, and continued to praise China as a global leader in public health despite mounting evidence to the contrary."The WHO's inaction and delay undoubtedly cost American lives. For these reasons, we commend the President's decision to temporarily pause the WHO's funding," the lawmakers said.Congressman James Comer, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on The Environment, said it would be an utter failure of the Committee to not investigate the WHO's failures to address the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the American people.Congressman Glenn Grothman, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security, said that like many international organizations, it appears that the WHO has been "infected" by anti-Western bureaucrats."Had they stood up to the Chinese and their wet markets at some point in the last 10 years, I believe hundreds of thousands of people would be alive today," he said.The WHO deserves a thorough congressional investigation for its alleged mis-handling of the coronavirus response, and for accepting and promulgating a communist Chinese propaganda, said Congressman Chip Roy, a Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

WHO is PR agency of China, should be ashamed of itself, says Trump as US records over 2,000 deaths in 24 hrs

US President Donald Trump Thursday said the World Health Organization should be "ashamed of" itself, as he likened it to a public relations agency for China.

4fb64d3f0256e2b85b607b58785e8574

Bangladesh court removes 'virgin' word from marriage formsIn a landmark ruling, the top court in Bangladesh has announced women will no longer be required to declare if they are virgins, on their marriage registration forms. The move came after the rights groups had challenged the "humiliating and discriminatory" term. According to the high court ruling, the term 'virgin' will now be replaced by 'unmarried'. The other two options in the form -- "widow" and "divorced" -- remain unchanged.The verdict was welcomed by the women's rights group, that had earlier argued the word "virgin" was humiliating and discriminatory.Separately, the court said grooms now also must declare their marital status. Marriage laws in Muslim-majority Bangladesh have been criticized by women's rights groups as restrictive.The court said the Bengali word "kumari" must be removed from marriage registration forms. The word is used to describe unmarried women, but it can also mean "virgin".Lawyers for the groups who filed the case in 2014 had successfully argued that the marriage forms were humiliating and breached women's privacy.On Sunday, the court said the Bengali word "obibahita", which unambiguously means "an unmarried woman" - must be used from now on instead of "kumari".The changes are expected to come into force in a few months when the full court verdict is officially published."It is a landmark verdict," said Aynun Nahar Siddiqua, a lawyer involved in the case. She said she hoped the ruling would help advance women's rights in Bangladesh.Also Read | 5 Bangladeshi infiltrators arrested in KolkataAlso Read | Unending embarrassment for Pakistan: Bangladesh too backs India, says Article 370 an internal matter

Bangladesh court replaces word 'virgin' by 'unmarried' on marriage certificates

The court said the Bengali word "kumari" must be removed from marriage registration forms. The word is used to describe unmarried women, but it can also mean "virgin".

87380174db9a7035d5146342521ce2e1

Iran never won a war, but never lost a negotiation, says Donald TrumpAmid escalating tensions between the US and Iran over the killing of General Soleimani, President Donald Trump on Friday said that he "should have been taken out many years ago." Trump's tweet came hours after the American troops killed Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani. The head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was killed by US air raid at Baghdad's international airport on Friday, along with six others."General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more...but got caught! He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself. While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country. They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago," Trump's tweet read. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader vowed “harsh retaliation” for the latest U.S. airstrike. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in a tweet said that 'Iran will take revenge for this heinous crime'. The killing of General Soleimani has shocked the middle east region.Soleimani led a special forces unit of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards and has also been blamed for hundreds of Americans and several others across the region. Also Read | Baghdad airport attack: Iran's Qasem Soleimani killed on Trump's order, says PentagonAlso Read | Who was General Qasem Soleimani, Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander killed in US strike​Also Read | Top Obama aide: Soleimani death frightening moment​Also Read | "Harsh revenge awaits 'criminals' who killed Soleimani," says Iran Supreme LeaderAlso Read | Trump has put US troops life at risk, did not take Congress's authorisation: Nancy Pelosi

Soleimani should have been eliminated many years ago: Donald Trump

Amid the escalating tension between the US and Iran over the death of General Soleimani, Donald Trump on Friday took a dig at Iran on Twitter. Trump's tweet came hours after the American troops killed Iran's top commander Qassem Soleimani.

68cb33b099ba0fb5c2ab67ddf35eda1e

US shuts Johnson & Johnson vaccine sites after adverse reactions reportedSeveral states in the United States have temporarily shut down some vaccine sites after people suffered adverse reactions to the shot. A total of 18 people in North Carolina reported side effects, while 11 people in Colorado reacted to the shot with symptoms ranging from dizziness, nausea and fainting, according to media reports, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday.Georgia was the third US state to temporarily shut down a vaccine site following North Carolina and Colorado after eight people suffered adverse reactions following vaccination.According to local officials, one person was sent to a nearby hospital for evaluation before being released. The other seven were sent home after being monitored at the site.The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said its analysis "did not find any safety issues or reason for concern." The agency recommended that healthcare providers continue to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.Another problem facing Johnson & Johnson is vaccine distribution. The supply of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine is expected to drop by 85 per cent nationwide this week, after the company suffered production issues at a facility in Baltimore, Maryland, according to federal officials and data.A manufacturing subcontractor in Baltimore mixed ingredients from the Covid-19 vaccines of Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, delaying shipments of the Johnson & Johnson shot across the nation.The plant is run by Emergent BioSolutions, a manufacturing partner to both Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca. Federal officials attributed the mistake to human error, which resulted in contamination of up to 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine.Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus coordinator, said Friday that the company is still working to address the production issues in Emergent BioSolutions, which is not certified yet by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine was approved for emergency use in the United States in late February. It is the third Covid-19 vaccine that has received FDA's authorization, also the first single-dose Covid-19 vaccine available in the United States.As of Monday, about 189 million Covid-19 vaccine shots have been administered, while more than 237 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been distributed across the country, according to data of the CDC.

US shuts Johnson & Johnson vaccine sites after adverse reactions reported

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said its analysis "did not find any safety issues or reason for concern." The agency recommended that healthcare providers continue to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

07d49b1504a470257cb0bd4bfec4fb18

Global COVID-19 infection rate approaching highest, says WHOThe number of new COVID-19 cases per week worldwide has nearly doubled over the past two months, approaching the highest infection rate seen so far during the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday. Cases and deaths are continuing to increase at worrying rates, and some countries that had previously avoided widespread transmission are now seeing steep increases in infections, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a special ministerial meeting.He attributed the alarming increase to rapidly spreading variants, inconsistent use and premature easing of public health measures, fatigue of populations with social restrictions, and dramatic inequity in vaccine coverage."Vaccine equity is the challenge of our time. And we are failing," he said, as WHO statistics have shown that of more than 832 million vaccine doses that have been administered globally, over 82 per cent have gone to high-or upper middle-income countries, while low-income countries have received just 0.2 per cent."The inequitable distribution of vaccines is not just a moral outrage, it is also economically and epidemiologically self-defeating. The more transmission, the more variants. And the more variants that emerge, the more likely it is that they could evade vaccines," the WHO chief warned.As for solutions, Tedros urged countries to immediately donate vaccine doses that are over their needs to COVAX, increase vaccine production by, for example giving voluntary license and waivering certain intellectual property provisions, and invest in local vaccine manufacturing.He also urged all countries to implement an evidence-based combination of measures, including surveillance, testing, contact tracing, supportive quarantine, and compassionate care to stop the virus.Meanwhile, the authorities still need to encourage people to take personal precautions, such as physical distancing, masks, hand hygiene, and ventilation, to keep themselves and others safe, he said. (With IANS 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_6557310058 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/04/0_l5whjchy/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_l5whjchy_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Is night-curfew enough to bring down coronavirus cases across the country? ", "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": "717", "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_6557310058 = ''; jwsetup_6557310058(); function jwsetup_6557310058() { jwvidplayer_6557310058 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_6557310058").setup(jwconfig_6557310058); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_6557310058, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_l5whjchy\", ns_st_pr=\"Is night-curfew enough to bring down coronavirus cases across the country?\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Is night-curfew enough to bring down coronavirus cases across the country?\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Is night-curfew enough to bring down coronavirus cases across the country?\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-04-16\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-04-16\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/04/0_l5whjchy/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_6557310058.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_6557310058.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_6557310058.stop(); jwvidplayer_6557310058.remove(); jwvidplayer_6557310058 = ''; jwsetup_6557310058(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_6557310058.stop(); jwvidplayer_6557310058.remove(); jwvidplayer_6557310058 = ''; jwsetup_6557310058(); return; }); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6557310058.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

Global COVID-19 infection rate approaching highest, says WHO

Cases and deaths are continuing to increase at worrying rates, and some countries that had previously avoided widespread transmission are now seeing steep increases in infections, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a special ministerial meeting.

759a21eddafcf4ff52ba251b2fabdcef

JeM chief Masood Azhar and LeT founder Hafeez SaeedAfter the IAF airstrike held in Balakot on February 26, the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba have collaborated with Afghan insurgent groups like Taliban and Haqqani Network, revealed intelligence inputs.This revelation came after the arrest of JeM terrorists Sediq Akbar and Ataullah by Afghan National Security Force from Jalalabad earlier this year. It has also revealed that the Jaish chief Masood Azhar was offered shelter in Afghanistan by Haqqani Network. However, Masood feels safe under the Pakistan Army's protection in Bahawalpur.The IAF jets attacked the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot after February 14 attack by a suicide bomber on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.According to the intelligence, the Pak terror groups are shifting their base in Afghanistan near the international border in areas including Kandahar and Kunar, to avoid blacklisting of Pakistan by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) later this year.Pakistan remains in the grey list of FATF, a global terror financing watchdog which has asked Islamabad to take steps to curb money laundering and terror financing. India wanted to negatively impact the neighbouring country and to be placed on the blacklist. Intelligence sources reveal that the Indian consulate in Kandahar has been kept on high alert against Taliban attack as their shelter in Afghanistan is posing threat to Indian diplomatic establishments, including the Indian Embassy in Kabul. A report from the US Parliament had revealed earlier this year that the US considers LeT as one of the greatest threats to Washington and its allied forces in war-torn Afghanistan, where at least 300 fighters from the terror group are active. ALSO READ | Masood Azhar among 10 injured in blast at Pakistan hospital, no official confirmation; Twitter reactsALSO READ | Terror group Hizbul, Lashkar and Jaish's chain of command revealed for first time ever | ExclusiveWATCH | PM Modi speaks about terrorist Masood Azhar in an exclusive interaction with Rajat Sharma /* .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_1241509578 = { "file": "https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_vpkmowk0_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_vpkmowk0_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "PM Modi speaks about terrorist Masood Azhar in an exclusive interaction with Rajat Sharma", "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_1241509578 = ''; jwsetup_1241509578(); function jwsetup_1241509578() { jwvidplayer_1241509578 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_1241509578").setup(jwconfig_1241509578); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_1241509578, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_vpkmowk0\", ns_st_pr=\"PM Modi speaks about terrorist Masood Azhar in an exclusive interaction with Rajat Sharma\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"PM Modi speaks about terrorist Masood Azhar in an exclusive interaction with Rajat Sharma\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"PM Modi speaks about terrorist Masood Azhar in an exclusive interaction with Rajat Sharma\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2019-05-04\", ns_st_tdt=\"2019-05-04\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_vpkmowk0_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_1241509578.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_1241509578.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_1241509578.stop(); jwvidplayer_1241509578.remove(); jwvidplayer_1241509578 = ''; jwsetup_1241509578(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_1241509578.stop(); jwvidplayer_1241509578.remove(); jwvidplayer_1241509578 = ''; jwsetup_1241509578(); return; }); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_1241509578.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

JeM, LeT working together with Afghan insurgent groups post Balakot airstrike: Intelligence inputs

The IAF jets attacked the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot after February 14 attack by a suicide bomber on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

c31f3f7c27fd0d94692417155e7b2e9a

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019 file photo, Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny takes part in a march in memory of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow, Russia. Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was placed on a ventilator in a hospital intensive care unit in Siberia after falling ill from suspected poisoning during a flight, his spokeswoman said Thursday Aug. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, one of Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critics, lay in a coma Friday at a Siberian hospital, the victim of what his allies said appeared to be a poisoning engineered by the Kremlin.Navalny’s organization was scrambling to make arrangements to transfer him to Germany for treatment; a German group said it was ready to send a plane for him and that a noted hospital in Berlin was ready to treat him.The 44-year-old Navalny fell ill on a flight back to Moscow from the Siberian city of Tomsk on Thursday and was taken to a hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk, Navalny’s spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, said on Twitter.She told the Echo Moskvy radio station that he must have consumed poison in tea he drank at an airport cafe before boarding the plane early Thursday. During the flight, Navalny started sweating and asked her to talk to him so that he could “focus on the sound of a voice.” He then went to the bathroom and lost consciousness, and has been in a coma and on a ventilator in grave condition ever since.In a video statement released early Friday in Omsk, Yarmysh said Navalny remained in critical condition and she called on the hospital’s leadership “not to obstruct us from providing all necessary documents for his transfer.” It was not clear what the possible obstructions could be.Other opposition figures were quick to suggest Kremlin involvement.“We are sure that the only people that have the capability to target Navalny or myself are Russian security services with definite clearance from Russia’s political leadership,” Pyotr Verzilov, a member of the protest group Pussy Riot who ended up in intensive care after suspected poisoning in 2018, told The Associated Press. “We believe that Putin definitely is a person who gives that go-ahead in this situation.”Jaka Bizilj of the German organization Cinema For Peace, which arranged for Verzilov’s treatment in Germany, said that at Verzilov’s request “we will send at midnight an air ambulance with medical equipment and specialists with which Navalny can be brought to Germany.”Omsk is about 4,200 kilometers (2,500 miles) east of Berlin, roughly a six-hour flight.Doctors at Omsk Ambulance Hospital No. 1, where the politician was being treated, remained tight-lipped about his diagnosis saying only that they were considering a variety of theories, including poisoning. Local health officials said they found no indication that Navalny had suffered from a heart attack, stroke or the coronavirus.Authorities initially refused to let Navalny’s wife, Yulia, see her husband and have rejected requests for documentation that would allow him to be transferred to a European hospital for treatment, Yarmysh said.Verzilov, who was flown to Berlin for treatment in 2018, said hospitals in Omsk or Moscow would not be able to treat Navalny properly and expressed concern about possible pressure from security services that doctors could be under in Russia.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was necessary to wait for test results showing what caused Navalny’s condition, adding the authorities would consider a request to allow Navalny to leave Russia, which has not fully opened its borders after a coronavirus lockdown, for treatment.State news agency Tass reported that police were not considering deliberate poisoning, a statement the politician’s allies dismissed.Reports about the alleged poisoning made waves in the West.French President Emmanuel Macron said France was ready to offer Navalny and his family “all necessary assistance ... in terms of health care, asylum, protection” and insisted on the need to clarify what happened.German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking at a joint news conference with Macron, echoed that sentiment. “What is very important is that it will be clarified very urgently how it could come to the situation.”British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and the United Nations also expressed concern over what happened to Navalny, and Amnesty International demanded a full and thorough investigation.The widow of Alexander Litvinenko, the Russian agent who was killed in London by radioactive poisoning in 2006, voiced concern that Navalny’s enemies within Russia may have decided that it’s time to use a “new tactic.”“Maybe they decided ... not to stop him just with an arrest but to stop him with poison. It looks like a new tactic against Navalny,” Marina Litvinenko told The Associated Press from Sicily, Italy.Like many other opposition politicians in Russia, Navalny has been frequently detained by law enforcement and harassed by pro-Kremlin groups. In 2017, he was attacked by several men who threw antiseptic in his face, damaging an eye.Last year, Navalny was rushed to a hospital from prison, where he was serving a sentence following an administrative arrest, with what his team said was suspected poisoning. Doctors said he had a severe allergic attack and discharged him back to prison the following day.Navalny’s Foundation for Fighting Corruption has been exposing graft among government officials, including some at the highest level. Last month, he had to shut the foundation after a financially devastating lawsuit from Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman with close ties to the Kremlin.Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko accused Navalny last week of organizing unprecedented mass protests against his re-election that have rocked Russia’s ex-Soviet neighbor since Aug. 9. He did not, however, provide any evidence and that claim was one of many blaming foreign forces for the unrest.The most prominent member of Russia’s opposition, Navalny campaigned to challenge Putin in the 2018 presidential election, but was barred from running.He set up campaign offices across Russia and has been promoting opposition candidates in regional elections, challenging members of Russia’s ruling party, United Russia. One of his associates in Khabarovsk, a city in Russia’s Far East that has been engulfed in mass protests against the arrest of the region’s governor, was detained last week after calling for a strike at a rally.In the interview with Echo Moskvy, Yarmysh said she believed the suspected poisoning was connected to this year’s regional election campaign.Commentators say Navalny has become increasingly dangerous for the Kremlin as Putin’s approval rating has plummeted to a record low of around 60% amid the coronavirus pandemic and growing public frustration with the declining economy.Navalny’s ability to mobilize voters against pro-Kremlin candidates poses a particular challenge ahead of the 2021 parliamentary elections, said Abbas Gallyamov, a former Kremlin speechwriter-turned-political-analyst.“The Duma elections are particularly important for the Kremlin,” as the new Duma will be operating in 2024, when Putin’s current presidential term expires and he may announce running for re-election, Gallyamov told the AP.“That’s why controlling the next State Duma is crucially important for the Kremlin. Navalny really makes it harder for the Kremlin to establish that control,” Gallyamov added.At the same time Navalny, who rose to prominence by exposing corruption all over Russia, could have other enemies, Gallyamov said, and may have been targeted by people featured in one of his investigations, if he was indeed deliberately poisoned.Navalny is not the first opposition figure to come down with a mysterious poisoning.Verzilov, who spent a month in a hospital recovering from his suspected 2018 poisoning, told the AP that Navalny’s initial symptoms — loss of coordination, pain, fainting — were very similar to his.Opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza was hospitalized with poisoning symptoms twice — in 2015 and 2017. Prominent journalist Anna Politkovskaya was also reportedly poisoned in 2004 — two years before being murdered.On Thursday evening, activists in several Russian cities held protests in support of Navalny. In St. Petersburg, a crowd of about 100 people gathered in the city center, and several supporters were detained.“It was actually in the interests of the authorities to safeguard him,” Yegor Batozhok, 34, a municipal deputy in St. Petersburg, told the AP. “But for some reason a number of those who criticize the authorities get poisoned.”

Russian opposition activist Navalny in coma, allegedly poisoned by toxic tea

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, one of Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critics, lay in a coma Friday at a Siberian hospital, the victim of what his allies said appeared to be a poisoning engineered by the Kremlin.

1997dd7b28d307e957eb3425ae866fdc

Boeing 737 crashes into Florida riverOfficials say a charter plane traveling from Cuba to north Florida ended up in a river at the end of a runway.A Naval Air Station Jacksonville news release says a Boeing 737 arriving from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, crashed into the St. Johns River Friday night.The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office posted on Twitter that a marine unit responded to assist. The plane was in shallow water and not submerged. Officials say everyone on the plane was alive and accounted for.Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry posted on Twitter that teams were working to control jet fuel in the water.Officials didn’t immediately say what caused the plane to leave the runway.

Boeing 737 crashes into Florida river at end of runway, no casualties

A Naval Air Station Jacksonville news release says a Boeing 737 arriving from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, crashed into the St. Johns River Friday night.

76219f21cec7a40f80a303d00c6805e0

Trump says virus testing ‘not a problem,’ but doubts persistThe White House released new guidelines Monday aimed at answering criticism that America’s coronavirus testing has been too slow, and President Donald Trump tried to pivot toward a focus on “reopening” the nation. Still, there were doubts from public health experts that the White House’s new testing targets were sufficient.Monday’s developments were meant to fill critical gaps in White House plans to begin easing restrictions, ramping up testing for the virus while shifting the president’s focus toward recovery from the economic collapse caused by the outbreak. The administration unveiled a “blueprint” for states to scale up their testing in the coming week — a tacit admission, despite public statements to the contrary, that testing capacity and availability over the past two months have been lacking.The new testing targets would ensure states had enough COVID-19 tests available to sample at least 2.6% of their populations each month — a figure already met by a majority of states. Areas that have been harder hit by the virus would be able to test at double that rate, or higher, the White House said.The testing issue has bedeviled the administration for months. Trump told reporters on March 6 during a visit to the CDC in Atlanta that “anybody that wants a test can get a test,” but the reality has proved to be vastly different.The initial COVID-19 test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was contaminated, and early kits operated only on platforms able to perform a small number of tests per day. While the rate of testing increased as tests developed for higher-capacity platforms, they were still limited by shortages of supplies, from nasal swabs to the reagents used to process the samples.Administration officials maintained Monday that the limiting factor now is actually the availability of samples from people who have been tested — either because guidelines on who could be tested are too stringent or because there are not enough health workers able to take nasal swab samples from them.The CDC moved to address one of those concerns Monday, expanding the list of people to be prioritized for virus testing to include those who show no symptoms but are in high-risk settings like nursing homes. And Trump met with leaders of businesses including CVS, Walmart and Kroger, who said they were working to expand access to tests across the country.“Testing is not going to be a problem at all,” Trump said later in the Rose Garden.However, many of the administration’s past pledges and goals on testing have not been met.Jeremy Konyndyk, a disaster preparedness expert who helped lead the Obama administration response to Ebola, said the administration’s testing plans are well short of what is needed.Researchers at Harvard have estimated the country needs to be testing a minimum of 500,000 people per day, and possibly many more. Konyndyk said the aim should be 2 million to 3 million per day. Trump said the current total, up sharply in recent days, is over 200,000 per day.Konyndyk said: “Over the past month, we’ve doubled or if you want to be really generous tripled the testing capacity in this country. We need to take where we are now and expand it tenfold.”The testing blueprint for states provides details missing from the administration’s guidelines for them to return to normal operations, which were released more than a week ago. It includes a focus on surveillance testing as well as “rapid response” programs to isolate those who test positive and identify those with whom they had come in contact. The administration aims to have the market “flooded” with tests for the fall, when COVID-19 is expected to recur alongside the seasonal flu.Trump and administration medical experts outlined the plan on a call with governors Monday afternoon, before unveiling them publicly in a Rose Garden press conference.The White House announcements came as Trump sought to regain his footing after weeks of criticism and detours created in part by his press briefings.Days after he set off a firestorm by publicly musing that scientists should explore the injection of toxic disinfectants as a potential virus cure, Trump said he found little use for his daily task force briefings, where he has time and again clashed with medical experts and reporters. Trump’s aides had been trying to move the president onto more familiar and, they hope, safer, ground: talking up the economy in more tightly controlled settings.Republican Party polling shows Trump’s path to a second term depends on the public’s perception of how quickly the economy rebounds from the state-by-state shutdowns meant to slow the spread of the virus.On Monday, the White House initially announced there would be a Trump briefing, but canceled it as Trump’s greatest asset in the reelection campaign — his ability to dominate headlines with freewheeling performances — was increasingly seen as a liability.But hours later, Trump it became clear Trump had other ideas. He held court in the Rose Garden for a bit less than an hour.Spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said briefings would be held later in the week but “they might have a new look to them, a new focus to them.”Trump said he hoped that virus deaths would end up no more than 60,000 to 70,000, slightly revising upward his public estimate of recent days as the U.S. toll neared 56,000 on nearly 1 million cases. Still, he claimed a victory given dire, tenfold-higher predictions if the U.S. hadn’t adopted restrictive social distancing measures.On his conference call with governors, Trump suggested that many states should consider reopening schools before the end of the academic year, easing the way for parents to go back to work.“Some of you might start thinking about school openings because a lot of people are wanting to have the school openings,” Trump told the governors. The Associated Press obtained an audio recording of the call.Meanwhile, the CDC was beginning to release more detailed guidelines on reopening schools, restaurants and other establishments. Draft guidelines sent by the CDC to Washington include a long list of recommendations for organizations as they begin to reopen, such as closing break rooms at offices, spacing desks six feet apart at schools and using disposable plates and menus at restaurants. The draft guidance was obtained by The Associated Press from a federal official who was not authorized to release it.Some states have started to ease closure orders, and Trump is expected to spend coming days highlighting his administration’s efforts to help businesses and employees. Aides said the president would hold more frequent roundtables with CEOs, business owners and beneficiaries of the trillions of dollars in federal aid already approved by Congress, and begin to outline what he hopes to see in an additional recovery package.Trump last left the White House complex a month ago, and plans are being drawn up for a limited schedule of travel within the next few weeks, aides said. It would be a symbolic show that the nation is beginning to reopen.The shift toward the economy comes in conjunction with what the White House sees as encouraging signs across the country, with the pace of new infections stabilizing and deaths declining.Still, medical experts warn that the virus will continue to haunt the country at least until a vaccine is developed. And they say the risk of a severe second wave is high if social distancing measures are relaxed too quickly or if testing and contact tracing schemes aren’t developed before people return to normal behaviors.ALSO READ | Not worth my 'time and effort': Trump on daily coronavirus briefings after disinfectant gaffeALSO READ | Trump's temporary Green Card ban aims to 'turn off the faucet' of new immigrant labour: report

Trump says virus testing ‘not a problem,’ but doubts persist

The White House released new guidelines Monday aimed at answering criticism that America’s coronavirus testing has been too slow, and President Donald Trump tried to pivot toward a focus on “reopening” the nation.

29f70125137204e38f7ab6caf4c9e2fc

US Navy secretary forced out over SEAL case: Trump The US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the Pentagon has asked for the resignation of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer over his management of the case of a Navy SEAL who was demoted for misconduct.In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Defence Secretary Mark Esper had requested Spencer's resignation after 'losing trust and confidence in him regarding his lack of candor over conversations with the White House involving the handling of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher'.In July, Gallagher was convicted for illegally posing next to the body of the dead jihadist for photographs during his 2017 deployment in Iraq, and acquitted him of a murder charge for allegedly killing an injured captive. The case has attracted the attention of Trump, who last week expressed his support for Gallagher and on Sunday night confirmed Spencer had been 'terminated'."Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer's services have been terminated by Secretary of Defence Mark Esper," Trump said on Twitter on Sunday night, adding "Eddie will retire peacefully with all of the honoUrs that he has earned, including his Trident Pin."The Trident pin is the badge that marks membership to the elite Navy SEALs. Last week, the New York Times reported that Spencer and Naval Special Warfare Commander Rear Admiral Collin Green had threatened to resign if the Navy complied with Trump's request to revoke Gallagher's demotion, although Spencer denied the news.Trump said Sunday he "was not pleased with the way that Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher's trial was handled by the Navy." "He was treated very badly but, despite this, was completely exonerated on all major charges. I then restored Eddie's rank," Trump added.In its statement, the Pentagon said that Esper spoke with the "commander-in-Chief" on Friday about the Gallagher case and found out that Spencer had privately proposed to the White House, contrary to his public position, to restore Gallagher's rank and allow him to retire with the Trident pin.The Department of Defence spokesman added that recently during a conversation between the two, Spencer never informed Esper of his private proposal to the White House.In the statement, Esper said he is "deeply troubled by this conduct shown by a senior DOD official." "Unfortunately, as a result I have determined that Secretary Spencer no longer has my confidence to continue in his position," Esper said. Following recent events, Esper has also ordered that Gallagher retain his Trident pin.Trump said that "Admiral and now Ambassador to Norway Ken Braithwaite will be nominated by me to be the new Secretary of the Navy."ALSO READ | Bangladesh begins fencing Rohingya campsALSO READ | Boris Johnson's Get Brexit Done manifesto seeks stronger ties with India

US Navy secretary forced out over SEAL case: Trump

Trump said Sunday he "was not pleased with the way that Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher's trial was handled by the Navy."  He was treated very badly but, despite this, was completely exonerated on all major charges. I then restored Eddie's rank.

aaa575c7840d1b274de7394502fbf05f

Israeli media say police are questioning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of an investigation into a corruption case involving the country's telecom giant.Army Radio and other media say police entered Netanyahu's residence today. Reports said Netanyahu's wife, Sara, is being questioned at another location.Related Stories Police recommend indictment of Benjamin Netanyahu in corruption cases, Israeli PM rejects accusationsRatan Tata's name figures in police recommendations seeking PM Benjamin Netanyahu's indictment: Israeli mediaRatan Tata denies involvement in ‘corruption case’ involving Israeli PM Benjamin NetanyahuLast week, two Netanyahu confidants were arrested on suspicion of promoting regulation worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the Bezeq telecom company.In return, Bezeq's news site, Walla, allegedly provided positive Netanyahu coverage.It's the first time that Netanyahu, who held the communications portfolio until last year, is being questioned over the affair, known as Case 4000.Police have recommended indicting Netanyahu on corruption charges in two other cases.Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as a media witch hunt.

Police question Benjamin Netanyahu over telecom case: Israeli media

Army Radio and other media say police entered Netanyahu's residence today. Reports said Netanyahu's wife, Sara, is being questioned at another location.

92741631ad454cd782443f9a9ccd38b5

European Union (EU) leaders would be prepared to be flexible on freedom of movement of people to accommodate the UK after Brexit, according to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.In a written statement on Friday Blair said senior figures had told him that they were willing to consider changes to one of the key principles of membership of the single market, reports the BBC.Blair said: "The French and Germans share some of the British worries, notably around immigration, and would compromise on freedom of movement."He said leaving the single market was a "damaging position" shared by Labour and he urged the party's leadership to champion a "radically distinct" position on Europe."Rational consideration of the options would sensibly include the option of negotiating for Britain to stay within a Europe itself prepared to reform and meet us half way. " Reform is now on Europe's agenda. The European leaders, certainly from my discussions, are willing to consider changes to accommodate Britain, including around freedom of movement. Yet this option is excluded," the former Prime Minister added.Blair's article is the latest intervention from the former prime minister, who has previously said Brexit was an issue he felt so strongly about, that it tempted him to return to politics.

EU could be flexible over movement: Tony Blair

He said leaving the single market was a "damaging position" shared by Labour and he urged the party's leadership to champion a "radically distinct" position on Europe.

1db4ce839a561b5608840806642abf41

PTI Chief Imran Khan.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that he will take oath as Prime Minister on August 11, the media reported on Monday.Talking to the newly-elected members from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Islamabad, he said a decision regarding nomination of the Chief Minister will be taken soon and in the best interest of the people, according to Radio Pakistan.Related Stories Imran Khan appeals to SC to save Pakistan from anarchy, civil warPakistan government holds talks with Imran Khan, Qadri teams"I have also decided about chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which I will announce in the next 48 hours. Whatever I have decided in this regard is in the best interest of people," he said while addressing PTI members of the provincial assembly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He said that alleviation of poverty from interior Sindh will be among top priorities of his government.Although PTI has emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly in the July 25 polls, it is short of numbers to form its government independently. According to the results, the PTI has bagged 116 general seats — 22 short of a simple majority — whereas the PML-N and PPP have won 64 and 43 seats, respectively. The PTI is short of the 137 needed for a simple majority and is trying to woo independents to join the party.To meet the required number of votes, the PTI leadership has reportedly approached the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), PML-Quaid (PML-Q) and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), as well as Independents.Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto-led Pakistan Peoples Party agreed on formulation of a "coordinated joint strategy" in an attempt to give a tough time to PTI in Parliament.Earlier on Sunday, PTI spokesman Naeemul Haque on Saturday told reporters that party chief Khan will take oath as the Prime Minister before August 14, the country's Indepence Day.  He said that he hoped the president would call an assembly session and Khan would take oath as premier before the Independence Day.

Imran Khan to be sworn in as Pakistan Prime Minister on August 11

Although PTI has emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly in the July 25 polls, it is short of numbers to form its government independently.

a31afab01ae0490087a524e40be78d83

Taliban forcing people to give up their lands: Hazara leaderProminent Afghan Hazara figure, Mohammad Mohaqiq, has said that Taliban officials in central Daykundi province have forced people to leave their lands.Taliban officials are forcing people in Daykundi to leave their lands in Kandir and Dahan Nala areas in Gizab district in favor of Taliban fans, Mohaqiq, the former security advisor to ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and leader of Hazb-e-Wahdat Islami Mardom Afghanistan, posted on his official Facebook page, Raha Press reported.He warned of a humanitarian crisis ahead of the winter if the Taliban's order on people to leave their lands are followed.Mohaqiq has also shared two letters claiming to be issued by Taliban officials in which the order has been given and the military commission of the Taliban is tasked in case of any need.The Taliban officials in Daykundi have given the people a few hours to leave the said lands, Mohaqiq added, the report said."According to the information I just received, Taliban say if anyone has objection to the said move, he can refer to the court after he has left the land. This means that Taliban courts issue verdicts first and then it proceeds with the investigation process," Mohaqiq said.Also Read: Taliban want to address General Assembly: United Nations 

Taliban forcing people to give up their lands: Hazara leader

Mohaqiq has also shared two letters claiming to be issued by Taliban officials in which the order has been given and the military commission of the Taliban is tasked in case of any need.

087ff24c7b2191ee4369675c65314251

Kamala Devi HarrisWhen Kamala Devi Harris enters 1 Observatory Circle, the official home of the Vice President in January 2021, she will have achieved many firsts: The first woman, the first person of Indian descent, the first African-American, the first with Jamaican heritage, the first daughter of immigrants to hold that officeJoe Biden, who has been declared the winner of the 2020 US presidential election by the media, marvelling at her string of firsts, said on Saturday: "Once again, America has bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice. It's long overdue."Harris is the embodiment of the American dream with the amalgam of all those unique identities and adding to that her White Jewish husband, Douglas Emhoff, and step-daughters to complete the American mosaic.Her multi-racial background gives her a degree of identity fluidity to navigate American society riven by race and ethnicity.Born in the US to immigrants, cancer researcher Shyamala Gopalan from India, and economics professor Donald Harris from Jamaica, Harris has leaped in a generation to a position that puts her a heartbeat away from the presidency.Harris wrote in her memoir, "The Truths We Hold", that she was raised in "a place where people believed in the most basic tenet of the American Dream: that if you worked hard and do right by the world, your kids will be better of than you were".In her victory speech on Saturday night, she said of her mother: "When she came here from India at the age of 19, maybe she didn't quite imagine this moment. But she believed so deeply in an America where a moment like this is possible."After her parents divorced when she was only seven, Harris was brought up by her mother, who she called "the woman most responsible for my presence here today".She has described her mother as "tough and fierce and protective" yet "generous and loyal and funny", and credits her for her success.In her memoir, Harris wrote that the lesson she inherited from her mother that "it was service to others that gave life purpose and meaning" came from her grandmother Rajam, who had not completed high school but was a fiery protector of victims of domestic abuse.Moving from New Delhi to Berkeley for her PhD in the tumultuous era of the 1960s civil rights movements, Shyamala Gopalan joined the protests "with a sense of justice imprinted on her soul", Harris wrote.Her relationship with fellow-activist Donald Harris grew under the clamour of the protests and Kamala Harris recalls: "My parents often brought me in a stroller with them to civil rights marches."In this environment, she wrote: "My mother understood very well that she was raising two Black daughters. She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya as Black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women."Her sister Maya is also a lawyer.One of her experiences from her childhood popped up in her memorable confrontation with Biden during a debate last year when she was running for president against him -- and almost 20 others -- in the initial phases of the Democratic presidential race.Questioning his credentials on fighting racism, she said that while he opposed efforts to racially integrate schools by transporting children by bus from their racially segregated areas to schools in another place to break down racial barriers, she happened to be one of the children on those buses.That also brought out the age difference between them. He will be the oldest president to take office next year at 78, when she would be only 55.One of the criteria for his vice president pick was for her to be younger, but with enough experience and capability to become president if the need arose.While the African-American identity became the dominant one and, in fact, the one that boosted her chances to the get the vice presidential nomination, Harris wrote: "Our classical Indian names harked back to our heritage and we were raised with a strong awareness of and appreciation for Indian culture."My mother, grandparents, aunts and uncle instilled us with pride in our South Asian roots."I was also very close to my mother's brother, Balu, and her two sisters, Sarala and Chinni (whom I called Chittis, which means 'younger mother' (in Tamil)," she recalled.Her uncle, G. Balachandran is a retired academic, who has a PhD from the US. Her aunt Sarala is a retired obstetrician and the other aunt, whose formal name is Mahalaxmi, was an information scientist in Canada.Harris made a humorous video with actor-director Mindy Kaling about making masala dosa that was released during her campaign for presidential nomination.Shyamala Gopalan's father P.V. Gopalan was born in Painganadu in Tamil Nadu and joined government service under the British and his work took him and the family to Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Lusaka, Zamibia, before he retired to Chennai after working for the post-Independence Indian government.Harris claims that her grandfather had also been a "freedom-fighter," although he worked for the British Raj.She recalls visiting him as a child in Lusaka, where he had been sent by the Indian government in the late 1960s to help that young nation deal with a refugee crisis brought on by a renegade White supremacist government breaking away from Britain in neighbouring Southern Rhodesia, which became Zimbabwe after overthrowing them.Shyamala Gopalan moved to Canada to teach and research in Montreal when Harris was about 12.Harris rounded off her international exposure going to high school in Quebec. But she returned to the US to study at Howard University, a historically African-American institution in Washington.She went back to California for her law degree, which she received from University of California Hastings College of Law.She started off as a deputy prosecutor in Alameda County in California and moved on to San Francisco as an assistant prosecutor heading the career criminal division.District attorneys or prosecutors are elected in California and she ran against the San Francisco prosecutor Terence Hallinan pulling an upset victory over him in 2003, and this launched her political career.In 2010, she successfully contested the election for California attorney general and was re-elected 2014.One of her controversial actions was to back criminal penalties for parents of children who are chronically absent from school with critics calling it the criminialisation of the poor.She ran for the Senate in 2016 and was elected, putting her in the national spotlight. As a member of the judiciary committee, she brought her prosecutorial skills to the questioning of people like Brett Kavanaugh when he was the Supreme Court nominee, attorney general Willian Barr and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.Harris does not appear to have close ties to her father and has not mentioned him in her speeches.When she was asked the about 1,900 convictions her office obtained for offences relating to marijuana when she was the San Fracisco prosecutor, she admitted smoking it and reportedly joked: "Half my family's from Jamaica. Are you kidding me?"Her father rebuked her saying, according to Jamaica Global: "Myself and my immediate Jamaican family, we wish to categorically dissociate ourselves from this travesty."He accused her of bringing up "the fraudulent stereotype of a pot-smoking joy seeker and in the pursuit of identity politics".The publication said that according to some Jamaicans: "Harris tends to downplay her Jamaican heritage when it suits her, crediting her Tamil Indian mother with the most significant influence on her life and outlook and rarely talks about her father's influence."Her father Donald, hardly ever gets credit except when mentioned alongside her mother, but rarely as an individual."There are echoes of the life stories of the last two Democratic presidents, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Their fathers also were divorced from their mothers and virtually estranged from them.

Kamala Harris embodies American Dream with her firsts, unique identities

Harris is the embodiment of the American dream with the amalgam of all those unique identities and adding to that her White Jewish husband, Douglas Emhoff, and step-daughters to complete the American mosaic.

dc84310f74f95624925c095cdf16e9ae

US announces $8.4 million aid to Pak to fight coronavirus United States has announced an aid of USD 8.4 million to Pakistan in its fight against coronavirus. The announcement was made by the United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Paul Jones, on Friday. In a video message, Jones said: "With more than $8 million in new contributions, the United States is collaborating with the government of Pakistan to help stop the spread of coronavirus nationwide and to care for afflicted people."He added that all of these contributions are identified as top priority needs by the Pakistani authorities, and they are fully paid for by the American people.Around USD 3 million from the total sum of aid will be used to provide three new mobile labs in Pakistan's coronavirus hotspots to increase it's testing and monitoring capacity, Dawn reported.Part of the contribution will also be used to train healthcare workers to reach people in their homes so that burden on hospitals can be reduced.Pakistan has reported 7476 coronavirus cases so far. The countries death toll stands at 143.The outbreak of COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the Pakistani economy. The domestic containment measures, coupled with the global downturn, are severely affecting growth and straining external financing. This has created an urgent balance of payments need.Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday approved USD 1.3 billion in emergency financing to Pakistan to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 shock. (With ANI inputs)Also Read | Hindu American Foundation raises funds for Hindus denied aid in PakistanAlso Read | 429 Tablighi Jamaat attendees test coronavirus positive in Pakiskan​

Coronavirus Pandemic: US announces $8.4 million aid to Pakistan

Pakistan has reported 7476 coronavirus cases so far. The countries death toll stands at 143. The outbreak of COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the Pakistani economy.

71c85933c6b62283a252c94f4c25ff0b

Donald Trump in 2024? He says only that 'a Republican' will winFormer President Donald Trump plans to affirm his commitment to the Republican Party — and raise the possibility that someone else will be the GOP’s next presidential nominee — in a closed-door speech to donors Saturday night.Trump’s message, outlined in prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press, comes as GOP officials seek to downplay an intraparty feud over Trump’s continued leadership in Republican politics, his commitment to party fundraising and his plans for 2024. While Trump’s advisers report he will emphasize party unity, he is famously known to go off-script.“We are gathered tonight to talk about the future of the Republican Party — and what we must do to set our candidates on a course to victory,” Trump says in prepared remarks. “I stand before you this evening filled with confidence that in 2022, we are going to take back the House and we are going to reclaim the Senate — and then in 2024, a Republican candidate is going to win the White House.”Live TVThe former president will deliver his remarks behind closed doors at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, in the final address of the Republican National Committee’s weekend donor summit in Palm Beach. Most of the RNC’s invitation-only weekend gathering was set at a luxury hotel four miles away, but attendees were bused to Trump’s club for his remarks.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to address donors Saturday night as well. Earlier in the weekend, a slew of candidates already positioning themselves for a 2024 presidential run made appearances. Besides DeSantis, the potential White House contenders included South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also spoke.In his remarks Friday night, Cotton leaned into the GOP’s culture wars, attacking the Democrats’ positions on transgender youth, voter ID laws and Major League Baseball’s decision to move its All-Star Game to protest Republican voting laws — just as Trump does in his prepared remarks.While a significant faction of the Republican Party hopes to move past Trump’s divisive leadership, the location of the weekend gathering suggests that the GOP, at least for now, is not ready to replace Trump as its undisputed leader and chief fundraiser.Trump’s team reports that his remarks are intended to reinforce his continued leadership role in Republican affairs, a sharp break from past presidents.“Saturday’s speech will be welcomed words to the Republican donors visiting Mar-a-Lago to hear directly from President Trump,” Trump adviser Jason Miller said. “Palm Beach is the new political power center, and President Trump is the Republican Party’s best messenger.”Despite Saturday’s intended message, Trump’s commitment to the GOP is far from certain.Earlier in the year, he raised the possibility of creating a new political party. And just a month ago, Trump’s political action committee sent letters to the RNC and others asking them to “immediately cease and desist the unauthorized use of President Donald J. Trump’s name, image, and/or likeness in all fundraising, persuasion, and/or issue speech.”GOP officials have repeatedly tried to downplay the fundraising tensions and see Trump’s participation as a sign that he is willing to lend his name to the party. At the same time, Trump continues to aggressively accumulate campaign cash to fuel his own political ambitions.Trump has also regularly attacked his Republican critics in recent weeks, especially Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and No. 3 House Republican Liz Cheney. Neither attended the weekend donor summit.Trump did not attack Cheney or McConnell — or any Republicans — in Saturday’s speech, at least according to his scripted remarks.ALSO READ | US approaching China from position of patience and is not in hurry: White House

Donald Trump in 2024? He says only that 'a Republican' will win

"We are gathered tonight to talk about the future of the Republican Party — and what we must do to set our candidates on a course to victory," Trump says in prepared remarks.

ab6e25a6d50a3a11402c917c892c55c9

Amid the ongoing joint drills with China, Pakistan said it conducted a successful test of an anti-ship missile from a Sea King helicopter in the northern Arabian Sea on Saturday, stating that the country was ready for war. The anti-ship missile successfully hit its target, an official statement said.According to the navy spokesperson, Naval chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, who witnessed the test, said the successful firing demonstration was a testament to the Pakistan Navy's war preparedness and professional capabilities.The naval chief also visited fleet units stationed in the sea and witnessed exercises involving the fleet."I am proud of Pakistan Navy fleet's war preparations," Zakaullah said, adding that the navy will safeguard the sea borders and interests of Pakistan at any cost.The missile test came a day after pilots of the Chinese and Pakistani air forces conducted joint drills sitting in the same aircraft, which Xinhua said was a reflection of deep mutual trust between the two militaries.During the ongoing joint drills named "Shaheen VI", air force personnel cooperated in planning and implementing strategies, as well as learning operational concepts and tactics from each other.Earlier in March, the navy had conducted a successful test of a land-based, anti-ship missile. That trial was conducted from the coastal region and the missile secured a hit on a target placed at sea.The Pakistan Navy in May received the seven surplus Westland Sea King multi-role helicopters it had ordered from Britain in 2016.

Pakistan fires anti-ship missile into Arabian Sea

According to the navy spokesperson, the successful firing demonstration was a testament to the Pakistan Navy's war preparedness and professional capabilities.

3639f3a307113347cfee5820bb128471

Coronavirus: US has maximum number of infections, China has maximum recoveriesThe world is still in the clutches of deadly coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and though the situation in China appears relatively less critical, there are thousands who are still receiving treatment in hospitals there. The epicentre of coronavirus pandemic has shifted to Europe and North America since long and the situation appears to be the same. On Thursday afternoon, It was Belgium followed by Spain that reported the maximum number of deaths in one day. There were 417 deaths in Belgium while Spain's tally was 318.Which country has the maximum number of coronavirus cases?The USA continues to register maximum number of coronavirus cases till now. The country has dislodged China and Italy in this respect long ago. There have been are 6,44,348 covid-19 infection in the US so far. US President Donald Trump is facing flak from the domestic media which remains sceptical of his handling of the crisis.Trump on Wednesday, said the US was stalling monetary aid to World Health Organisation (WHO) for its inadequate investigation of what Trump has called 'Chinese virus'. Spain is in the second spot with respect to total number of coronavirus infections. There have been 1,82,816 covid-19 infections have occurred.China, once the epicentre of coronavirus outbreak has fallen to 7th place when total number of infections is considered. The tally stands at 82,341.Which country has seen maximum number of new Covid-19 cases?Russia tops the list here. 3448 new coronavirus cases were found in Russia in last 24 hours. Spain has registered second highest number (2157) of coronavirus cases in last 24 hours. Belgium is at the third spot with 1236 cases.Where has maximum number of coronavirus deaths occurred?The US has registered maximum number of deaths (28,554). Italy (21,645) and Spain (19,130) are at second and third spot respectively.Where have most number of coronavirus recoveries taken place?With 77,892 patients cured of Covid-19 infections, China tops the chart here. Germany (77,000) and Spain (74,797) are close.

Coronavirus: US has maximum number of infections, China with maximum recoveries

Coronavirus Pandemic: The world is still in the clutches of deadly coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and though the situation in China appears relatively less critical, there are thousands who are still receiving treatment in hospitals there.

7717eeec1d3168cdeb1fef03ac9274fa

A Navy officer aboard a mammoth US aircraft carrier brimming with F18 fighter jets said American forces will continue to patrol the South China Sea wherever "international law allows us" when asked if China's newly built islands could restrain them in the disputed waters.Lt. Cmdr. Tim Hawkins told The Associated Press on Saturday aboard the USS Carl Vinson that the US Navy has carried out routine patrols in the strategic waters for 70 years to promote regional security and guarantee the unimpeded flow of trade that's crucial for Asian and US economies.Related Stories Bodies of missing US sailors found in damaged destroyer's flooded compartmentsTrump gives US Navy more freedom to check Beijing in South China Sea Chinese fighter jets intercept US Navy plane over East China Sea, Pentagon terms it ‘unsafe’ China downplays US Navy official's 'disruptive force' commentHawkins said, "International law allows us to operate here, allows us to fly here, allows us to train here, allows us to sail here, and that's what we're doing and we're going to continue to do that."The US Navy invited journalists on board the 35-year-old carrier, which was packed with 72 aircraft, including F18 Hornets, assault helicopters and surveillance aircraft. President Rodrigo Duterte has tried to back down from what he said was a Philippine foreign policy that was steeply oriented toward the US, but has allowed considerable engagements with his country's treaty ally while reviving once-frosty ties with China.US Navy officials flew some of Duterte's Cabinet officials and journalists on board the Carl Vinson for a brief tour while it was patrolling the South China Sea on Wednesday.China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei have long contested ownership of the South China Sea, which straddles one of the world's busiest sea lanes and is believed to sit atop vast deposits of oil and gas.Washington stakes no claims in the disputed region, but has declared that the peaceful resolution of the long-raging disputes, along with the maintenance of freedom of navigation and overflight, are in its national interest.

Won't be deterred by Chinese-built islands, says US Navy

Lt. Cmdr. Tim Hawkins said that the US Navy has carried out routine patrols in the strategic waters for 70 years to promote regional security and guarantee the unimpeded flow of trade that's crucial for Asian and US economies.

1020c25be73ed7a6c6c4a00180810e71

Pak PM, Sri Lankan president express grief over Amritsar train tragedyPakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday expressed grief over the train tragedy in Amritsar that killed 59 people during Dussehra celebrations on Friday.The prime minister of Pakistan took to social media and said "Saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Amritsar India. Condolences go to the families of the deceased.”Related Stories Amritsar train accident: 61 dead as train runs over people watching Ravan-burning; inquiry orderedAmritsar Train Accident: 59 dead, Punjab CM orders release of Rs 3 Cr ex-gratia paymentAmritsar Train Accident: 59 killed in deadly mishap in India, state mourning in Punjab; offices, schools shut todayAmritsar Train Accident: Eyewitnesses recount horror that claimed 59 lives in 3 secondsAmritsar Train Accident: Amarinder Singh meets injured victims, slogans raised against him outside hospitalAmritsar Train Accident: 37 trains cancelled, 16 diverted day after tragedyAmritsar train accident: Most dead were migrants from UP, Bihar, say officialsAmritsar tragedy: Railways not informed about Dussehra event, no action against train driver, says ministerAmritsar train accident: 40 out of 59 people killed identified, 36 bodies crematedAmritsar tragedy: Story of 'hero' Ravana who was killed trying to save people on rail tracksSri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena also extended his condolences over the incident. Sirisena wrote to his Indian counterparts – President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.According to Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry release, the Sri Lankan president in his message wrote, "Sri Lanka stands in solidarity with the people of India at this time of difficulty and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.”"The people of Sri Lanka join me in extending heartfelt condolences to you," he said in his message to Modi.Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is presently in Delhi, in his message to Modi said: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Amritsar last night."At least 59 people were killed and 72 injured after a speeding train mowed down Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy on Friday.

Amritsar train tragedy: Pak PM Imran Khan, Sri Lankan president express grief over death of 59 people

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is presently in Delhi, also extended condolences to the victims of the tragedy.

1d0dbe3bff30b8ac3afff6b17fb30bb1

China is coercing its neighbours to reorder the Indo-Pacific region, the Pentagon told Congress in its annual budget proposals for the fiscal 2019, beginning October 1 this year.Trump administration on Monday released their proposal for the fiscal year 2019 budget. Fiscal years are different from calendar years. The budgetary proposal covers October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019."China is leveraging military modernisation, influence operations and predatory economics to coerce neighbouring countries to reorder the Indo-Pacific region to their advantage," the Pentagon said in its annual defence budget for the fiscal 2019.As China continues its economic and military ascendance, asserting power through an all-of-nation long-term strategy, it will continue to pursue a military modernisation programme that seeks Indo-Pacific regional hegemony in the near-term and displacement of the US to achieve global preeminence in the future, it said.The most far-reaching objective of this defence strategy is to set the military relationship between the US and China on a path of transparency and non-aggression, it said.According to the Pentagon, the central challenge to the US prosperity and security is the reemergence of long term, strategic competition by what the national security strategy classifies as revisionist powers."It is increasingly clear that China and Russia want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model — gaining veto authority over other nations' economic, diplomatic and security decisions," it said.The Pentagon said Russia seeks veto authority over nations on its periphery in terms of its governmental, economic and diplomatic decisions to shatter the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and to change European and Middle East security and economic structures to its favour.The use of emerging technologies to discredit and subvert democratic processes in Georgia, Crimea and eastern Ukraine is concern enough, but when coupled with its expanding and modernising nuclear arsenal the challenge is clear."Rogue regimes such as North Korea and Iran are destabilising their regions by pursuing nuclear weapons or sponsoring terrorism," the Pentagon said.North Korea seeks to guarantee regime survival and increased leverage through a mixture of nuclear, biological, chemical, conventional and unconventional weapons and a growing ballistic missile capability to gain coercive influence over South Korea, Japan and the US.In the Middle East, Iran is competing with its neighbours, asserting an arc of influence and instability while vying for regional hegemony, using state-sponsored terrorist activities, a growing network of proxies and its missile programme to achieve its objectives, the Pentagon said.According to the budgetary proposals, competitor states, especially China and Russia have narrowed department of defence's military technological advantages, demanding the US find new and innovative ways to fight in the future."China is now a strategic competitor, using predatory economics to intimidate its neighbours while militarising features in the South China Sea. Russia has violated the borders of nearby nations, and pursues veto power over the economic, diplomatic and security decisions of its neighbours," it said.Concurrently, North Korea's actions and rhetoric continue despite the United Nation's censure and sanctions.Iran continues to sow violence and remains the most significant challenge to the Middle East stability.Despite the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria's (ISIS) physical caliphate, threats to stability remain as terrorist groups with long reach continue to murder innocent people and threaten peace, the Pentagon added.

China coercing neighbours to reorder Indo-Pacific region: Pentagon

China is coercing its neighbours to reorder the Indo-Pacific region, the Pentagon told Congress in its annual budget proposals for the fiscal 2019, beginning October 1 this year.

5e55122365a3083e77ed210ed0654571

Brazil's Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta, right, gives anti-bacterial gel to President Jair Bolsonaro as they give a press conference on the new coronavirus at Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil. Mandetta criticized Bolsonaro’s dismissive handling of the COVID-19 pandemic on national television Sunday night, April 12, and the president’s repeated threats to fire him are worrying health experts who say that amid governmental chaos, the health minister's advice to limit contact and take the virus seriously has played a major role in preventing Brazil’s epidemic from being even worse.Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, whose dismissive stance toward the COVID-19 pandemic has angered many health experts, fired his popular health minister following a series of disagreements over the proper response to contain the virus’ spread in South America’s most populous country. Luiz Henrique Mandetta, an orthopedist, had garnered support for his handling of the pandemic that included promotion of broad isolation measures enacted by state governors, even drawing comparisons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, U.S. President Donald Trump’s top virus expert.His dismissal comes as experts say the peak of the new coronavirus outbreak in Brazil is expected in the coming weeks.“You should have absolute certainty that we fought a good fight until here,” Mandetta told fellow ministry workers in a televised press conference Thursday after announcing his departure. “But we’re at the start of the battle.”Bolsonaro, for his part, has repeatedly characterized the virus as a “little flu,” said shutting down the economy would cause more damage than confining only high-risk Brazilians, and touted the yet-unproven efficacy of an anti-malarial drug.“Life is priceless, but the economy and employment need to return to normality,” Bolsonaro said at a press conference on Thursday. He also said he would neither condemn nor criticize Mandetta. “It was a consensual divorce because more important than me and more important than him as a minister is the health of the Brazilian people.”For Mandetta’s replacement, Bolsonaro named Nelson Teich, an oncologist and senior consultant at medical services company Teich Health Care. He also has a Master’s in Business Administration, according to his LinkedIn page.Speaking alongside Bolsonaro, Teich said he didn’t want to announce any changes abruptly, as little is known about the virus. He added that he and the president are “completely aligned.”“Health and the economy are complementary,” Teich said.While Fauci isn’t a politician like Mandetta, both have often made public statements about the virus that differed with those of their bosses. The White House has said this week that Fauci’s job is secure. Still, Republicans close to the White House say Trump has complained about Fauci’s positive media attention and sought to leave him out of task force briefings.Bolsonaro, likewise, had convened doctors without inviting Mandetta and, in a televised interview earlier this month, said Mandetta had failed to show “humility.” A few days later, on April 5, Bolsonaro told a group of supporters that he would act against officials in his government who “are full of themselves.”Those comments were widely understood as signaling an end to Mandetta’s tenure, so much so that the minister said the next day his subordinates had cleaned out his desk.He survived, but questions swirled over whether Bolsonaro had indeed backed away from dismissing the man whose COVID-19 response was welcomed by many Brazilians, or if he were just biding his time while recruiting a replacement.That uncertainty vanished on Thursday.While rising quickly, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Brazil is still relatively low in relation to the country’s massive population of 211 million, though it does have the most cases in Latin America. There have been almost 2,000 deaths. Its peak is expected in May.For most people, the 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.Following Mandetta’s announcement of his firing, people in apartment buildings in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro could be heard yelling insults at Bolsonaro from their windows. A survey earlier this month by pollster Datafolha showed three-quarters of Brazilians approved of the health ministry’s handling of the crisis, versus just one-third for Bolsonaro.At his press conference, Mandetta offered thanks to individuals with whom he had worked, and even to Bolsonaro.“I leave the health ministry with a lot of gratitude to the president for having nominated me and allowing me to nominate each of you,” Mandetta said. “I know I am leaving the best team. Work for the next minister like you worked for me. Don’t spare any effort.”ALSO READ | Brazilian President praises PM Modi's efforts to contain coronavirus

Brazilian Prez Bolsonaro fires health minister amid coronavirus pandemic

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, whose dismissive stance toward the COVID-19 pandemic has angered many health experts, fired his popular health minister following a series of disagreements over the proper response to contain the virus’ spread in South America’s most populous country.

85764ba71c2a8b719a9372d84460ee15

Magnitude 5.8 earthquake rocks Hindu Kush region of AfghanistanAn earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale struck Afghanistan early on Thursday. According to news agency ANI, the tremors were felt at 6:15 am today. The epicenter of the quake of Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. Reports on any injuries or damage resulting due to the earthquake were not available. Earlier on Monday, an earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale hit Choram region of Iran's Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. According to Xinhua news agency, the epicentre of the quake was reported to be at a depth of 10 km, 50.790 degrees east longitude and 30.594 degrees north latitude.The tremors were felt in the northern cities of Iran's Khuzestan Province.Any injuries or casualties were not reported into the incident, the local media said. However, houses in rural areas have sustained damage. Also Read | Magnitude-5.2 earthquake jolts Iran, buildings damagedAlso Read | 8 killed as magnitude-5.4 earthquake jolts Philippines

Magnitude-5.8 earthquake strikes Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan

Tremors of magnitude 5.8 were felt in Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan early Thursday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. There were no immediate reports of any injuries, casualties or damage due to the earthquake.

0c8ee0600a22b33451904dc704818af9

FileThe US wants India to play a leading role in developmental assistance and infrastructure development in the broader neighbourhood, a senior Trump administration official has said, amidst efforts by America to counter China's growing influence in Asia.Alice G Wells, Senior Bureau Official for South and Central Asian Affairs, said the US also recognises India's development challenges and would continue to partner with the country to address these issues and identify the best practices."At the same time, we want to encourage India to play a leading role in developmental assistance and infrastructure development in the broader neighbourhood," Wells said.Experts say the US needs India to counter China's growing dominance in Asia to ensure the US cements some type of influence in the region.Appreciating India's significant commitment of economic assistance to Afghanistan, she hoped to explore a trilateral relationship with Japan and India to support infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific region."We will continue to partner with India in promoting high-standard development practices across the region," Wells said.The Indo-Pacific Strategy, announced during US President Donald Trump's historic trip to the region in November, seeks to strengthen that system and protect the political and economic sovereignty of all Indo-Pacific nations, so they may chart their own path forward, free from external coercion, she said.The strategy will enhance the freedom of the seas and skies; promote market economics; and support good governance, transparency, and liberty.President Trump believes it is clearly in America's strategic interest to work with partners for mutual prosperity, she said.For the fiscal year 2019, the State Department has requested USD 42.1 million for India to address shared security challenges and promote long-term sustainability in priority development areas: health, water, and sanitation."India is a critical leader in the Indo-Pacific region, and vital to both the administration's Indo-Pacific Strategy and its South Asia strategy," Wells said.The US-India strategic partnership stands upon a shared commitment to uphold the rule of law, freedom of navigation, democratic values, and free and fair trade."The administration supports India's emergence as a leading global power and a stronger strategic and defense partner. India is the world's largest democracy, at over 1.3 billion people, and in addition to being the fastest growing major economy in 2018, is also one of the world's largest markets, Wells said.India's large and growing middle class is increasingly connected to international commerce, and bilateral trade has increased to over USD126 billion, with the potential for significant growth in the aviation, energy, and defense sectors in particular.American and Indian companies are investing in both directions, with US firms active in India and Indian companies investing and creating jobs in the United States, she said.However, US firms continue to face market access impediments in India."We are working with India to ensure fair and reciprocal trade for U.S. companies and achieve greater balance in our trade deficit," she told the lawmakers."India is already a Major Defense Partner of the United States, a status unique to India. We seek ways to enhance interoperability between India's military and our own, and ensure India can help protect the air and maritime shipping routes that underpin global commerce. We continue to advocate on behalf of US defense industry to compete for defense deals in the Indian market," Wells said.

US wants India to play leading role in developmental assistance in broader neighbourhood, says Trump admin official

Alice G Wells, Senior Bureau Official for South and Central Asian Affairs, said the US also recognises India's development challenges and would continue to partner with the country to address these issues and identify the best practices.

76b28a2c0403e2f1c1e3bba0f3b76df3

Representational image. An Indian man in the UAE has hit a jackpot by winning a whopping dirham 15 million (USD 4 million) in a raffle draw in Abu Dhabi, the latest addition to the long list of lucky winners from India. Shojith KS, who lives in Sharjah, won on Friday at the Abu Dhabi Duty Free's Big Ticket series draw which was livestreamed on Youtube. Shojith bought his winning ticket online on April 1, but is unaware that he is now a multi-millionaire as he repeatedly rejected the calls of the officers who tried to get in touch with him.Related Stories 2 winning tickets sold for $750 million Powerball jackpotIndian wins USD 4.08 million in raffle draw in UAE "If (our calls) don't get through we will keep on trying. And if we still can't get in touch with Shojith, we are going to his house - we know where he lives in Sharjah," Richard, who conducts the Big Ticket Raffle at the Abu Dhabi International Airport every month, told the Khaleej Times. Another Indian expatriate Mangesh Mainde won a BMW 220i in the draw, it said, adding that eight other Indian nationals and one Pakistani won 9 consolation prizes. Last year, Indian driver from Kerala John Varughese won dirham 12 million in the raffle draw. In January, another Keralite in the UAE had won a dirham 12 million in the raffle prize money in Abu Dhabi. Eight Indians were among the 10 people who had won dirham 1 million each in a mega raffle draw in Abu Dhabi in October 2017. 

Indian man hits jackpot, wins 15 million dirhams lottery in Abu Dhabi

Big Ticket is the largest and longest-running monthly raffle draw for cash prizes and dream luxury cars in Abu Dhabi.

7e90169150b7296a101fb20f338780cc

Thomas BossertPresident Donald Trump’s homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert is resigning in the latest White House departure.White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Tuesday that Thomas Bossert would be leaving his post. She said that Trump was “grateful for Tom’s commitment to the safety and security of our great country.”Related Stories US: 1 killed, 4 injured in fire at Trump Tower in New YorkUnited States and North Korea hold secret, direct talks to prepare for Donald Trump-Kim Jong-un meetKim Jong Un ready to discuss nukes: North Korea tells USFBI raids Donald Trump lawyer's office, seizes porn star Stormy Daniels documentsBossert was a point person in the White House on protecting the nation from terror and cyber threats. He also helped spearhead the administration’s response to last year’s hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.His exit is the latest in a wave of departures from the West Wing in recent months. It comes a day after new national security adviser John Bolton began his tenure.

Trump's top homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert resigns

His exit is the latest in a wave of departures from the West Wing in recent months. It comes a day after new national security adviser John Bolton began his tenure.

2c289e8c00e1a2d4ecd9b3af867ba295

Nepal approves new map amidst border row with IndiaA new political map showing Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura under its territory has been endorsed by Nepal's Cabinet. The move, announced by Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, comes amid a border dispute with India. Weeks before, Gyawali had said efforts to resolve the border issue with India through diplomatic initiatives were on. Nepal's ruling Nepal Communist Party lawmakers have also tabled a special resolution in Parliament demanding the return of Nepal's territory in Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh.The Lipulekh pass is a far western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral part of their territory - India as part of Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of the Dharchula district.Gyawali said that the official map of Nepal will soon be made public by the Ministry of Land Management.“Decision of the Council of Ministers to publish the map of Nepal in 7 provinces, 77 districts and 753 local level administrative divisions including Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani,” he wrote on Twitter on Monday.Gyawali last week summoned the Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and handed over a diplomatic note to him to protest against the construction of a key road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand.India has said that the recently-inaugurated road section in Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand lies completely within its territory.Nepal’s Finance minister and government spokesperson Yuvaraj Khatiwada on Monday said that the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has approved the new political map of the country.It was presented by Minister for Land Management Padma Aryal at a Cabinet meeting for endorsement at the official residence of Prime Minister Oli at Baluwatar here on Monday.The government said it will soon publicise the new political map that incorporates the territories unilaterally kept by India on its side of the border.Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai said that the Cabinet’s decision will be written in golden letters.However, senior Nepal Communist Party and member of Nepal Communist Party Standing Committee Ganesh Shah said the new move may escalate unnecessary tension between Nepal and India at a time when the country is fighting the coronavirus."The Nepal government should soon start a dialogue with India to resolve the matter through political and diplomatic moves," he said.The new map includes 335-km land area including Limpiyadhura in the Nepalese territory.The new map was drawn on the basis of the Sugauli Treaty of 1816 signed between Nepal and then the British India government and other relevant documents, which suggests Limpiyadhura, from where the Kali river originated, is Nepal's border with India, The Kathmandu Post quoted an official at the Ministry of Land Reform and Management as saying.President Bidhya Bhandari, addressing Parliament last week, reiterated that Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh belong to Nepal and appropriate diplomatic measures will be adopted to resolve the existing issues with India.India and Nepal are at a row after the Indian side issued a new political map incorporating Kalapani and Lipulekh on its side of the border in October last year.The tension further escalated after India inaugurated a road link connecting Kailash Mansarovar, a holy pilgrimage site situated at Tibet, China, that passes through the territory belonging to Nepal.The 80-Km new road inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier this month is expected to help pilgrims visiting Kailash-Mansarovar in Tibet in China as it is around 90 kms from the Lipulekh pass."The road follows the pre-existing route used by the pilgrims of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra," a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said in New Delhi recently. Also Read | Nepal extends lockdown till June 2 amid coronavirus pandemicAlso Read | Indian Army chief hints China may have prodded Nepal to take up Lipulekh issue with India

Nepal approves new map amidst border row with India

India and Nepal are at a row after the Indian side issued a new political map incorporating Kalapani and Lipulekh on its side of the border in October last year.

73627137e18261fd813d55ddf457ff80

Man arrested over plot to detonate grenades at Times Square in New YorkA man was arrested by the New York Police Department on Friday for planning to detonate grenades at Times Square in New York City, according to CBS New York. Reports said the man filmed surveillance footage of Times Square and was trying to purchase weapons including guns and grenades. FBI has taken the person into custody. He is now expected to be presented in Downtown Brooklyn court.

Man arrested over plot to detonate grenades at Times Square in New York

A man was arrested by the New York Police Department on Friday for planning to detonate grenades at Times Square in New York City, according to CBS New York.

fae9504ea2b598431e1292c3d2fc0a21

New drug target may help prevent, reverse obesity: StudyResearchers have found a critical target in mice, which can prevent and reverse weight gain without side effects, an advance that may lead to novel therapies to combat obesity. According to the study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, a receptor found in almost all cells called AHR, known to combat exposures to environmental chemicals, plays a major role in the body's metabolism."We carried out experiments showing that when a drug named NF and known to block the AHR, was added to a high-fat diet, mice did not become any fatter than mice on a low-fat control diet," said Craig Tomlinson, study co-author from the Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center in the US."Mice on the high-fat diet with no NF became very obese within the same time span. No ill effects were observed from the drug," Tomlinson said.In the study, the scientists allowed the mice to become obese on a high-fat diet, and then switched half of the rodents to a high-fat diet containing the AHR blocker NF.Over the following weeks, the mice which were switched to the diet containing NF dropped to the same body weight as those on the low-fat diet."The remaining mice on the high-fat diet became obese. Again, no ill effects were observed," Tomlinson said.According to the scientists, the AHR regulates key genes involved in fat metabolism.The current study revealed that in liver and fat cells, the AHR, when blocked by NF, fails to induce several key genes required for fat storage and synthesis.Based on this finding, the researchers concluded that the prevention and reversal of obesity from blocking the activity of the AHR is due to key genes regulated by the AHR which are involved in fat metabolism."Few to no studies have shown that obesity can be reversed by a drug treatment. It is even rarer to know the underlying cellular mechanism," Tomlinson said.

New drug target may help prevent, reverse obesity: Study

According to the study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, a receptor found in almost all cells called AHR, known to combat exposures to environmental chemicals, plays a major role in the body's metabolism.

943aec69d67f3281e4485b397898a108

RepresentationalSix Indian engineers of an RPG group company working in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province were abducted today by Taliban gunmen who apparently mistook them for government employees, media reports said.  Officials said six Indian staff members and one Afghan employee of the company have been abducted in Bagh-e-Shamal village, of the Pul-e-Khomre city capital of Baghlan province.   According to local officials the incident happened while they were traveling to the area, where the company owns an electricity sub-station contract, TOLO report stated.The External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan and is ascertaining the details of the incident.     "We are aware of the abduction of Indian nationals from Baghlan province in Afghanistan. We are in contact with Afghan authorities & further details are being ascertained," MEA Spokesperson said.Baghlan governor Abdulhai Nemati said the Taliban group abducted the employees and moved them to the Dand-e-Shahabuddin area of Pul-e-Khumri city, according to the report. It quoted Nemati as saying that the Afghan authorities spoke with the Taliban via local people and the terror group said it had abducted the staff members in error, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction so far. Nemati said they are trying to release the abductees through tribe elders and mediation.KEC, a global infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction major, is one of the largest Indian companies in Afghanistan and responsible for electricity supply in the country. WATCH VIDEO:

Six Indians abducted by Taliban in Afghanistan's Baghlan, MEA in touch with authorities

Offciails said six Indian staff members and one Afghan employee of the company have been abducted in Bagh-e-Shamal village, of the Pul-e-Khomre city capital of Baghlan province.

5ba5c0a03e86a0ef01466eef48a4a0d7

Hafiz Saeed indicted in another case of terror fundingAn anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has indicted the chief of the banned Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), Hafiz Saeed, and other JuD leaders in another terror financing case registered against them by the Counterterrorism Department (CTD), Gujranwala, the media reported. The JuD leadership is facing more than two dozen cases related to terror financing and money laundering, registered in five cities. All the cases have been clubbed before Lahore anti-terrorism courts due to security concerns, The News reported on Saturday.Officials presented Hafiz Saeed and others before the ATC judge regarding proceedings of an FIR filed by CTD Gujranwala.Saeed and others refused to accept charges levelled against them in the FIR. The court then framed charges against JuD leaders and summoned prosecution witnesses on December 21.On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the JuD were booked in two dozen cases for terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.The Counterterrorism Department (CTD), which registered the cases in five cities of Punjab, declared that the JD was financing terrorism from the massive funds collected through non-profit organisations and trusts including Al-Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad Trust, Muaz Bin Jabal Trust, etc. Furthermore, the CTD during detailed investigations found that they had links with the JD and its top leadership, accused of financing terrorism by building huge assets/properties from the collected funds in Pakistan. These non-profit organisations were banned in April.Later, on July 17, Hafiz Saeed was arrested from Gujranwala on charges of terror financing by the Punjab CTD. He was sent to prison on judicial remand after the CTD presented him before a Gujranwala ATC.Besides the top JuD leaders, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Ameer Hamza, Mohammad Yahya Aziz, Mohammad Naeem, Mohsin Bilal, Abdul Raqeeb, Dr Ahmad Daud, Dr Muhammad Ayub, Abdullah Ubaid, Mohammad Ali and Abdul Ghaffar were booked in the cases.However, the JuD leaders claim that they have been nominated in the cases by wrongly attributing them as leaders of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). As per counsel of the JuD leaders, his clients had quit the LeT before the organisation was banned in 2002.The counsel argued that the cases against his clients have been made on the basis of a link to defunct Al-Nifal Trust which was formed to construct mosques in the country.ALSO READ | Hafiz Saeed's trial in terror financing case begins in LahoreALSO READ | Hafiz Saeed terror financing trial adjourned without proceedings due to lawyers' strike

Hafiz Saeed indicted in another case of terror funding

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has indicted the chief of the banned Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), Hafiz Saeed, and other JuD leaders in another terror financing case registered against them by the Counterterrorism Department (CTD), Gujranwala, the media reported.

d73fdddf851606aaadcdb837fcae1e80

Rainwater has damaged more than 215,200 hectares of crops, causing a direct economic loss of about 1. 22 billion yuan (about USD 188. 6 million), state-run Xinhua news agency reported The death toll in central China’s unprecedented flash floods triggered after the heaviest rainfall in 1,000 years has reached 33 with eight people missing, officials said on Thursday. The torrential rain has affected about three million people in Henan province and a total of 376,000 local residents have been relocated to safe places, the provincial emergency management department said.Rainwater has damaged more than 215,200 hectares of crops, causing a direct economic loss of about 1. 22 billion yuan (about USD 188. 6 million), state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The massive floods, described by meteorologists as a once-in-a-lifetime event, has resulted in apocalyptic scenes in Henan and its provincial capital Zhengzhou, a metropolis of 12. 6 million, with its public avenues and subway tunnels getting submerged with surging waters.China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA) blasted a damaged dam to divert the surging waters of a flooded river after the province received the heaviest rainfall in 1,000 years. Twelve people were killed and five others injured when subway stations were hit by the floods. The victims died when their subway train was hit with rapidly rising floodwaters on Tuesday night. Two people were killed when a wall collapsed.READ MORE | China Floods: 25 killed, over 1 million affected; President Xi calls in PLA Videos posted on the Chinese social media showed petrified passengers trapped in subway trains clinging on to handlebars desperately waiting for help as floodwaters raised up to their necks. Official media released videos of rescue workers helping people stuck in subway tunnels to safety. Videos showed people trying to wade through floods in the downtown of the city while scores of cars and other vehicles washed away. Some videos also showed people falling into the massive cave-ins of the roads.Rainwater poured into the subway tunnel of the city's Line Five, trapping an unknown number of passengers aboard a subway train. Terming the flood situation as grim, President Xi Jinping ordered the deployment of the PLA and said authorities at all levels must give top priority to ensuring people's safety and property as massive floods ravaged the province and Zhengzhou city.Xinhua quoted President Xi as saying that the rainfall has made the flood control situation very severe, causing massive waterlogging in Zhengzhou and other cities, water levels in some rivers exceeding the alarm levels, and damages to dams of some reservoirs. He said that sections of railways have also been shut down, and some flights have been cancelled.Henan is home to many cultural sites and a major base for industry and agriculture. Reports said Shaolin Temple, known for its Buddhist monks' mastery of martial arts, was also severely hit by the floods. Heavy waterlogging has led to the virtual paralysis of the city's road traffic.Over 80 bus lines have been suspended, more than 100 temporarily detoured and the subway service has also been temporarily suspended. Police officers, firefighters and workers from the local sub-district have arrived at the site for the rescue operation, the report said. The water level inside the subway carriage is receding, and the passengers are temporarily safe, it said. More than 160 train services were stopped at Zhengzhoudong Railway Station. The airport in Zhengzhou cancelled 260 flights into and out of the city, and local railway authorities also halted or delayed some trains. Affected by the rainstorms, several residential communities in the city are without tap water and electricity.Both Henan provincial and Zhengzhou municipal meteorological bureaus have raised the emergency response for meteorological disasters to level I. Hospitals also ran out of electricity, the Post reported. The Zhengzhou flood control headquarters issued a text message on Wednesday, warning residents there was a grave safety hazard in the Guojiazui reservoir and calling on them to evacuate the southwestern part of the city immediately.ALSO READ | China blasts dam to divert floods that killed at least 12    

China floods: Death toll goes up to 33

The torrential rain has affected about three million people in Henan province and a total of 376,000 local residents have been relocated to safe places, the provincial emergency management department said

f35d9bc0f5784f28fa67570f7c38cb61

Chinese President Xi Jinping today announced that his country will host the next Belt and Road International Forum in 2019. On the last day of the forum meeting, President Jinping underlined that 68 countries have signed the agreement of cooperation.This year's summit was attended by leaders of 29 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.   India gave the grand event a miss, opposing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of the Belt and Road project.Regretting New Delhi’s opposition to Beijing’s Belt and Road project, the state-run Chinese media today said that a "nervous” India cannot stop its neighbours from joining China’s ambitious project even if it wants to stay out of it. An article in the Global Times, however, added that India could still change its mind and join the initiative before it is too late.“China would never force any country to participate in the Belt and Road if it was too sceptical and nervous to do so,” the Global Times said.“It is regrettable but not a problem that India still maintains its strong opposition, even though China has repeatedly said its position on the Kashmir dispute would not change because of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” said the article written by Global Times reporter Wang Jiamei.“India also cited the potential debt burden as one of its other concerns, saying that connectivity initiatives must follow the principles of financial responsibility to avoid projects that would create an unsustainable debt burden for communities.”“It is strange that the onlooker is more anxious than the players. While India cares about its neighbours’ debt burden, the neighbours appear willing to take on more,” it said.“On Saturday, Pakistan and China inked new deals worth nearly $500 million, covering airport, sea port and highway construction. As regards to the potential debt burden, Pakistan’s repayments will peak at around $5 billion in 2022, but this will be offset by transit fees charged in the CPEC.”(With agency inputs)

China to hold next Belt and Road forum in 2019

Chinese President Xi Jinping today announced that his country will host the next Belt and Road International Forum in 2019.

3bf9004e898dcb9988430afb6cc135a3

Ecuador has granted citizenship to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been living in asylum at the nation's embassy in London for more than five years.The Ecuadorian foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa announced on Thursday that officials had decided to permit Assange's naturalisation while they look for ways to resolve his situation.Related Stories Swedish prosecutor drops rape probe against WikiLeaks' Julian AssangeJulian Assange calls Sweden's dropping of probe 'important victory' Ecuador gave Assange political asylum after he sought refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden for investigation of sex-related claims.Sweden dropped the case, though Assange has remained in the embassy because he is still subject to arrest in Britain for jumping bail.Britain's Foreign Office said Thursday it had rejected Ecuador's request to grant diplomatic status to Assange, who was born in Australia.

After 5 years of political asylum, Ecuador grants citizenship to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

Ecuador gave Assange political asylum after he sought refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden for investigation of sex-related claims.

e98f7600a8869ccdacfc4933a90107a0

CEO of LVMH Bernard Arnault arrives to present the group's 2018 results during a conference in ParisBernard Arnault, Chairman of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), has become the richest person in the world after surpassing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The French businessman's net worth is estimated at $198.9 billion, as per the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List.Arnault had earlier become the world's richest person in December 2019, January 2020 and May 2021.As per the latest rankings, Bezos's net worth stood at $194.9 billion while Elon Musk is placed third. Tesla and SpaceX chief Musk's net worth is estimated at $185.5 billion.Arnault overtook Elon Musk when the company reported first-quarter revenue of 14 euros billion in 2021, which surged by 32 per cent as compared to the first quarter of 2020.LVHM comprises 70 brands, including Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Tiffany & Co, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Christian Dior and Givenchy, which are independently managed and operated under the LVMH umbrella.

Louis Vuitton Chief Bernard Arnault overtakes Jeff Bezos as world's richest person

LVHM comprises 70 brands, including Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Tiffany & Co, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Christian Dior and Givenchy, which are independently managed and operated under the LVMH umbrella.

da19755b59568783b85c8599abe87c4c

China issue comes up during PM Modi's discussions with counterparts from Australia, Japan: MEA. The issue of China as a "very major global player" comes up during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's discussions with his counterparts from Australia and Japan in bilateral meetings on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla informed.Addressing a special press briefing on PM Modi's first day of engagements in the US, Shringla said that a number of issues involving bilateral and regional issues of interest were discussed in the meetings."In Prime Minister's bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan, discussions were wide-ranging encompassing a number of issues that involve bilateral and regional issues of interest. Obviously, the issue of China as a very major global player did come up and of course, this is one of the many issues that were discussed," the foreign secretary said when asked if the reference of conduct of China over the last couple of years emerged during PM Modi's discussions with Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan in bilateral meetings.These meetings came a day ahead of the first in-person summit of the Quad, quadrilateral cooperation between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Besides PM Modi, Japanese PM Suga and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia will also participate in the summit hosted by the US President on September 24. As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement, PM Modi discussed the Indo-pacific region in meetings with his Australian and Japanese counterparts.China earlier termed Quad as an "Asian NATO", which was vehemently opposed by the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the inaugural 2+2 ministerial meeting between India and Australia. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Washington on Wednesday for his much-touted US visit.(With inputs from ANI) /* .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_2223737763 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/09/0_i3kckzmq/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_i3kckzmq_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Joe Biden to meet PM Modi for first time since assuming power in the US, to discuss terrorism and Afghanistan issue", "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": "285", "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_2223737763 = ''; jwsetup_2223737763(); function jwsetup_2223737763() { jwvidplayer_2223737763 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_2223737763").setup(jwconfig_2223737763); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_2223737763, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_i3kckzmq\", ns_st_pr=\"Joe Biden to meet PM Modi for first time since assuming power in the US, to discuss terrorism and Afghanistan issue\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Joe Biden to meet PM Modi for first time since assuming power in the US, to discuss terrorism and Afghanistan issue\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Joe Biden to meet PM Modi for first time since assuming power in the US, to discuss terrorism and Afghanistan issue\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-09-24\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-09-24\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/09/0_i3kckzmq/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_2223737763.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_2223737763.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_2223737763.stop(); jwvidplayer_2223737763.remove(); jwvidplayer_2223737763 = ''; jwsetup_2223737763(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_2223737763.stop(); jwvidplayer_2223737763.remove(); jwvidplayer_2223737763 = ''; jwsetup_2223737763(); return; }); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_2223737763.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

China issue comes up during PM Modi's discussions with counterparts from Australia, Japan: MEA

Addressing a special press briefing on PM Modi's 1st day of engagements in the US, Shringla said that a number of issues involving bilateral and regional issues of interest were discussed in the meetings.

1a6a66d498a346255ad6ee35c25639b7

Toll rises to 30, over 370 injured in quake in PakistanThe death toll in the devastating earthquake that rattled Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and several cities in the country rose to 30 on Wednesday as authorities stepped up relief efforts.The epicenter of the powerful 5.8-magnitude earthquake, which occurred at around 4 pm on Tuesday at a depth of only 10 kilometers, was near Mirpur city in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), roughly 20 kilometers north of Jhelum in Punjab, according to the US Geological Survey.The earthquake resurrected the haunting memories of a monster tremor that had wrecked the region 14 years ago. The earthquake – which also jolted several cities of Punjab and Khyber-Pakthunkhwa province – left at least 30 people dead and over 370 wounded, the disaster management officials were quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.Eleven deaths have been reported in Jatlan and nine in Mirpur alone. Other people died in the areas located between Mirpur and Jari Kas, PoK's State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Secretary Shahid Mohyiddin said.The number of casualties was likely to increase as around 100 of the injured were admitted to different hospitals in a critical condition, the report quoted the SDMA official as saying.The areas worst hit were Mirpur city, a small town Jatlan and two villages Manda and Afzalpur, where buildings and homes collapsed, trees were uprooted and cracks appeared on roads large enough to swallow cars.Other cities where the tremors were felt included Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Mansehra, Gujrat, Chitral, Malakand, Swat, Sahiwal, and Rahim Yar Khan. The quake was powerful and created panic as people ran out of building, eyewitnesses said.National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal said at a briefing in Islamabad that trucks loaded with relief items, including 200 tents, 800 blankets, 200 kitchen sets, and 100 medical kits would reach the people affected by the earthquake soon."The NDMA is already providing medicines, food items and tents, which were in its stock in the affected areas, to the victims," he added. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has directed the armed forces to begin urgent rescue and relief efforts in the quake-hit areas, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing."Army troops have reached earthquake-hit areas of Mirpur, Jatlan, and Jarikas. Relief and rescue efforts are under way," it said in a statement on Tuesday. Chaudhry Mohammad Saeed, PoK's Minister for Sports, Youth and Culture, told Dawn that a state of emergency had been declared in all public and private hospitals of the town.A breach in the Upper Jhelum Canal caused by the earthquake inundated a number of villages along the Jatlan Road, around 140 kilometers south of Islamabad. The earthquake also damaged two pedestrian bridges over the canal, making it difficult for the locals to cross over, the report said.In October 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people, flattening buildings in rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts. Pakistan was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake on October 8, 2005, that killed nearly 90,000 people in PoK and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi expresses grief over casualties in Pakistan earthquakeALSO READ | 26 dead, over 300 injured as powerful earthquake jolts Pakistan; Mirpur worst-hit

Toll rises to 30, over 370 injured in quake in Pakistan

The epicenter of the powerful 5.8-magnitude earthquake, which occurred at around 4 pm on Tuesday at a depth of only 10 kilometers, was near Mirpur city in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), roughly 20 kilometers north of Jhelum in Punjab, according to the US Geological Survey.

666146dd41ead436e87f81d8fbf5436c

The US has concerns about JuD chief Hafiz Saeed running for office in Pakistan in 2018, a senior Trump administration official has said.The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) head and LeT founder had earlier confirmed that his organisation will contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan under the banner of the Milli Muslim League, which is yet to be registered with the Election Commission.Related Stories Days after release from house arrest, Hafiz Saeed announces to contest next elections1971 war will be avenged by liberating Kashmir: Hafiz Saeed warns India"Saeed, who was released by Pakistan from house arrest last November resulting in angry reaction from the US, was the "mastermind" of the Mumbai terrorist attacks and is leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba," State department spokesperson Heather Nauert said."It's a group that the US government considers to be a terror organisation. We have many conversations with the government of Pakistan. One of the things that happened recently was that this guy was held on house arrest. Pakistan released him from house arrest, and now there's word that he may be running for some sort of office," she said.Saeed, who has a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities, was freed by Pakistan on November 24.He is a United Nations and US designated terrorist."I want to remind folks, we have a USD 10 million Reward for Justice programme that would reward for information that would bring him to justice. So I want to make that clear, so that everybody knows -- USD 10 million, out for this guy. And we would certainly have concerns about him running for office," Nauert said.The US had also strongly condemned the release of the Lashkar-e-Taiba leader from house arrest and had called for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution.However, top Pakistani diplomats based in the US have said that there is no evidence against Saeed."I can tell you his organisation that was responsible for those attacks is considered a foreign terror organisation. It's considered a foreign terror organisation by the US government for a reason, and for a good reason," Nauert said. "I would imagine that, if we had any intelligence, and that's not an area that I can discuss anyway, but we would certainly share it with the Pakistani's on that front. I hope they'll do the right thing," Nauert said."I hope that they will do the right thing and remind folks across Pakistan, we have a USD 10 million reward for this guy," the spokesperson said.The banned JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba which carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.

US raises concerns about Hafiz Saeed running for office in Pakistan, says 'we have a USD 10 million reward for this guy'

The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) head and LeT founder had earlier confirmed that his organisation will contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan under the banner of the Milli Muslim League, which is yet to be registered with the Election Commission.

a63ffc39a7ee6190b06d5a2fe7605687

PIA discontinues serving hot beverages on flightsPakistan International Airlines (PIA) has discontinued serving ‘hot beverages on domestic and international flights to limit interactions between passengers and crew amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.A spokesman for the flag carrier said on Wednesday the move was part of reviewed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at curbing the spread of the virus, reports Dawn news.He said the passengers on domestic flights would be served with a pre-packaged box with cold beverage, instead of tea or coffee.According to sources, the PIA CEO had approved the changes in meal service which had come into force from Monday onwards.According to the change, tray services were immediately stopped in all sectors.(Except for the headline, Indiatvnews.com has not changed anything in the copy)

PIA discontinues serving hot beverages on flights; tray services stopped. Here's why

According to sources, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) CEO had approved the changes in meal service which had come into force from Monday onwards.

ee69772a01b779afc79f3a5ed0b94cb7

UK becomes first country to authorise Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, to be rolled out next week United Kingdom approves Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine UK on Wednesday became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use against COVID-19 and said that it will be rolled out from next week. The vaccine has been authorised for emergency use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), ahead of decisions by the US and Europe. The MHRA was given power to approve the vaccine by the government under special regulations before 1 January, when it will become fully responsible for medicines authorisation in the UK after Brexit.British media have reported that hospitals in England have been told to get ready to start doing vaccinations for medical workers as early as next week.Pfizer said it would immediately begin shipping limited supplies to the U.K. -- and has been gearing up for even wider distribution if given a similar nod by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a decision expected as early as next week. But doses everywhere are scarce, and initial supplies will be rationed until more is manufactured in the first several months of next year.Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called the U.K. decision “a historic moment.”“We are focusing on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world,” Bourla said in a statement.While the U.K. has ordered enough Pfizer vaccine for 20 million people, it’s not clear how many will arrive by year’s end. Adding to the distribution challenges, the Pfizer vaccine must be stored at ultra-cold temperatures. Two doses three weeks apart are required for protection.The U.K. government says frontline health care workers and nursing home residents will be first in line to get vaccinated, followed by older adults.Earlier in November, Pfizer said a final analysis of clinical-trial data showed its Covid-19 vaccine was 95% effective, paving the way for the company to apply for the first US regulatory authorization for a coronavirus shot within days. The US drugmaker and partner BioNTech SE said their vaccine protected people of all ages and ethnicities, with no significant safety problems so far in a trial that included almost 44,000 participants.The study reached 170 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with the vaccine candidate BNT162b2 demonstrating 95 per cent efficacy beginning 28 days after the first dose, Pfizer said. "Additionally, the safety milestone required by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) has been achieved. To date, no serious safety concerns related to the vaccine candidate have been reported," it said.READ MORE | Vaccine 95% effectivePfizer said it is asking U.S. regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month and eventually an end to the pandemic -- but not until after a long, hard winter.The companies said that protection plus a good safety record means the vaccine should qualify for emergency use authorization, something the Food and Drug Administration can grant before the final testing is fully complete. In addition to Friday’s FDA submission, they have already started “rolling” applications in Europe and the U.K. and intend to submit similar information soon.READ MORE | Emergency use in US /* .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_9243991233 = { "file": "https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_f857igug_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_f857igug_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for coronavirus approved by UK: Full details", "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": "350", "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_9243991233 = ''; jwsetup_9243991233(); function jwsetup_9243991233() { jwvidplayer_9243991233 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_9243991233").setup(jwconfig_9243991233); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_9243991233, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_f857igug\", ns_st_pr=\"Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for coronavirus approved by UK: Full details\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for coronavirus approved by UK: Full details\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for coronavirus approved by UK: Full details\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2020-12-02\", ns_st_tdt=\"2020-12-02\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_f857igug_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_9243991233.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_9243991233.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_9243991233.stop(); jwvidplayer_9243991233.remove(); jwvidplayer_9243991233 = ''; jwsetup_9243991233(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_9243991233.stop(); jwvidplayer_9243991233.remove(); jwvidplayer_9243991233 = ''; jwsetup_9243991233(); return; }); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9243991233.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

UK becomes first country to authorise Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, to be rolled out next week

UK on Wednesday became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use against COVID-19 and said that it will be rolled out from next week. The vaccine has been authorised for emergency use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), ahead of decisions by the US and Europe.

81f78a5c6b31f15835cba1d7712506c0

Indian-American student sexually assaulted, strangulated to death in Chicago campus parking garageA 19-year-old Indian-American student was sexually assaulted and then strangulated to death at a campus parking garage in Chicago by a man on parole, police said about a brutal murder that has shocked the community in the US. Ruth George, originally hailing from Hyderabad and an honours student at the University of Illinois, was found dead in the back seat of a family-owned vehicle on Saturday.The 26-year-old assailant, Donald Thurman, was arrested Sunday from a Chicago metro station. He is not associated with the university. On Monday, he was formally charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual assault for killing George. He is scheduled to appear before a judge on Tuesday, media reports said.The medical examiner ruled George's death a homicide by strangulation.According to the university, George was a sophomore and kinesiology major.The university said in a statement George's family reported to the University Police on Saturday that she had not been heard from since Friday evening.Her phone was "pinged" to the Halsted Street Parking Garage, and police and family members responded to find George unresponsive in the back seat of a vehicle owned by her family.Police then requested assistance from the FBI Evidence Response Team to assist in the processing of the crime scene and to complete forensics on the vehicle.According to the university, police retrieved video footage from existing university cameras of the offender who was seen walking behind George on Saturday.She entered the garage on foot at approximately 1:35 a.m., followed by the offender. The offender is seen again on video footage at 2:10 a.m. walking on Halsted Street.Police then reviewed video footage from the Chicago Transit Authority, the Chicago POD cameras, and its internal system to determine travel patterns for the offender.Based on the observations, police detectives decided to watch the Blue line station during the hours that the offender had previously travelled on the Blue line.Thurman was on parole at the time of the attack, police said. Illinois Department of Corrections records show he was sentenced to six years in jail for a 2015 armed robbery conviction. He was released on parole in December 2018 after serving just two years, Chicago Sun Times reported.Thurman was arrested on Sunday near the Blue line train station at Halsted and Harrison streets. He was taken into custody and subsequently gave a full confession to this horrific crime."All of us are devastated by the loss of Ruth George, a member of our Honours College and a talented kinesiology student with dreams and aspirations to become a health professional and help others. Our thoughts, our hearts, and our condolences are with her family and friends during this trying period,” University Chancellor Michael D Amiridis said in a statement.According to local ABC 7 news, yellow ribbons are hung around campus in memory of George, who was nicknamed "Baby Colour.""The ribbon is, the colour is her favourite colour," Cynthia Martinez, UIC student, was quoted as saying. "They just asked if we could tie them somewhere on campus, in her memory."Her former gymnastics team coach said in a statement to ABC7 that George was a "sweet girl" with the "brightest smile" who will be dearly missed.The George family has asked for privacy. But Ruth's sister posted on Facebook that George was the light of the family, the report said. id.Also Read: Israel calls on Pakistan to bring perpetrators of 26/11 attack to justiceAlso Read: 9 Pak Navy personnel killed, 29 others injured in bus accident in Balochistan

Indian-American student sexually assaulted, strangulated to death in Chicago campus parking garage

Ruth George, originally hailing from Hyderabad and an honours student at the University of Illinois, was found dead in the back seat of a family-owned vehicle on Saturday.

8738f44d4fae286be7049a84d1846444

A polio upsurge has been confirmed in an area of Syria partly held by Islamic State, the first re-emergence of the virus in Syria since 2014, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the World Health Organization said on Thursday. The virus was confirmed in stools of two people later they tend to be paralyzed and those of a healthy child. A goal that was set for the year 2000 when the measures for removal of virus was launched in 1988, but which has been repeatedly pushed back, and now on hold.  Nigeria, Laos and Congo have also seen vaccine-derived polio cases in the past three years.     Afghanistan and Pakistan is still a victim of original wild virus, but vaccine-derived polio can resurface in warzones and areas with poor health coverage, since the excrement of people who have been vaccinated may infect those who have not. Polio size the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, and it can spread rapidly among children. If transmission can be ended, it would be only the second human disease to fight for.   Syria was declared free of polio in 1999. But the disease re-emerged last year, after two years of conflict. The World Health Organization (WHO) says there are now 25 laboratory-confirmed cases in the country, with another 13 confirmations pending. But Syrian doctors put the number of children with clinical symptoms of polio much higher, at least 110. And for every victim, there are at least 200 people - some doctors say up to 1,000 - carrying and spreading the virus. The polio virus lives in water, contaminated food and sewage. It was first rediscovered in one of Syria's least-developed provinces - Deir EZ-Zor, in the east, where the infrastructure needed to provide electricity and clean surroundings.    “On May 29, a World Health Organization spokeswoman told media that there had been 50 cases of acute flaccid paralysis in the governorate since the start of 2017, but no stool samples had yet tested positive for polio has been largely destroyed”.    Response to a Large Polio Outbreak:The World Health Organization's (WHO’s) Early Warning, Alert and Response Network (EWARN), through which the outbreak was identified in October 2013. The nonpolio AFP (NPAFP) and stool adequacy rates served as indicators for assessing the ability of the affected countries to detect polio cases and also to determine when the outbreak had been interrupted.

Syria Polio Outbreak: Steps being taken to eradicate the disease globally, WHO

“On May 29, a World Health Organization spokeswoman told media that there had been 50 cases of acute flaccid paralysis in the governorate since the start of 2017, but no stool samples had yet tested positive for polio has been largely destroyed”.

506cd8ce0962417a24fba12f062bf359

Currently, more than 90 percent of Pakistan's over 2,500-kilometer border with Afghanistan has been fenced, and only about a dozen crossing points allow entry to those having valid travel documents.  Pakistan on Thursday temporarily closed a key border crossing with Afghanistan, apparently due to fear of the influx of refugees eager to leave their homeland after the Taliban seized power last month.Chaman border crossing - the second-largest commercial border point with Afghanistan after the Torkham commercial town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - has been closed due to security threats, Geo News reported, citing sources.Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had said that the Chaman crossing may be closed for some days due to security threats.“We will be closing the Chaman crossing for a while,” he said, without specifying how long the border would be shut. He said there was calm in and around the border.“Our forces are present at the border. We are proud of our security institutions for the service they are rendering for the security of the country,” he said.He said Pakistan desires peace and stability in Afghanistan, adding that peace in Afghanistan is important for peace in Pakistan.The crossing links Pakistan’s border town of Chaman with Spin Boldak in the Afghan province of Kandahar and is frequented by the Afghan as well as used for trade between the two countries.Thousands of Afghans have been amassing around the crossing to sneak into Pakistan which has already announced that it was not in a position to accept more refugees, according to security officials.Already around 3 million Afghan refugees have been living in Pakistan, some for more than three decades, since the invasion of their country by the erstwhile USSR in 1979.Pakistan officials have expressed fears that about a million more would rush into the country if border regulations were relaxed.Currently, more than 90 percent of Pakistan's over 2,500-kilometer border with Afghanistan has been fenced, and only about a dozen crossing points allow entry to those having valid travel documents. 

Pakistan shuts key border crossing with Afghanistan

Chaman border crossing - the second-largest commercial border point with Afghanistan after the Torkham commercial town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - has been closed due to security threats.

eeaf650dc0d30661cc204259b542438b

'Extreme heat' to hit Australia's south-eastAustralia's south-east region is slated to face "extreme heatwave" conditions, which is said to also elevate the already heightened fire risks, the weather department said. The "very hot pool of air" that built up over Australia last week, smashing records for the nation's hottest ever days, has merely re-circulated, creating "two separate rounds of extreme heat", The Sydney Morning Herald reported citing Blair Trewin, senior climatologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, as saying on Wednesday."There's certainly the potential for further days to reach maximums above 40 degrees in the next week," Trewin said.On December 17, Australia averaged 40.9 degrees, beating a January 7, 2013 record of 40.3 degrees.The next day, the bar was raised a full degree higher, at 41.9 degrees, stunning climate scientists by the size of the margin.At least six days have topped 40 degrees on average during the current hot spell.Meanwhile, a new analysis has shown that more than 300,000 residents of greater Sydney were exposed to high risk of bushfires, prompting warnings that more pre-emptive action was needed to curb growing threats posed by natural disasters, said The Sydney Morning Herald.The analysis from consultancy SGS Economics and Planning shows millions of residents across the states of New South Wales (NSW), Victoria and Queensland were living with risk from floods, storms, bushfires and earthquakes.Across Sydney and the surrounding area, there were 318,000 residents in council areas facing high bushfire risks, mostly in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Gosford areas.Another 488,000 are in medium-risk areas, including Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai in the north, and fast-growing Wollondilly on the city's south-western outskirts.A spate of bushfires in November and December have ripped through the Blue Mountains, NSW north coast, NSW south coast and bushland south-west of Sydney.A week-long state of emergency was declared in NSW on December 19, as hundreds of homes were destroyed, temperatures soared past 40 degrees and air quality plummeted to hazardous levels in many parts of the state.Also Read: Australia declares state of emergency as wildfires surround Sydney​

'Extreme heat' to hit Australia's south-east

Australia's south-east region is slated to face "extreme heatwave" conditions, which is said to also elevate the already heightened fire risks, the weather department said. The "very hot pool of air" that built up over Australia last week, smashing records for the nation's hottest ever days, has merely re-circulated, creating "two separate rounds of extreme heat", The Sydney Morning Herald reported citing Blair Trewin, senior climatologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, as saying on Wednesday.

b8a07d25db28141a7520db3ab5724fff

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri said that he is putting his resignation on hold following a request from President Michel Aoun to reconsider.According to conciliatory comments from the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, Hariri said that he is putting Lebanon’s interest first and is looking forward to a “real partnership” with Michel Aoun.Related Stories Saudi should clarify why PM Saad Hariri hasn’t returned home, demands Lebanese PresidentLebanese PM Saad Hariri arrives in France, says he wasn’t Saudi prisonerPM Saad Hariri returns to Lebanon, holds private meeting with President Michel Aoun The Prime Minister said he presented his resignation to Aoun at the presidential palace, but then responded to Aoun’s request to give him more time for consultations, “hoping it will constitute a serious introduction for (national) dialogue.”Hariri had on November 4 resigned from Saudi Arabia, saying he was protesting the meddling of Iran and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, in Arab affairs. Hezbollah is a partner in the coalition government.However, top Lebanese officials accused Hariri’s patron, Saudi Arabia, of forcing his resignation and detaining him in the kingdom for days.

Lebanese PM Saad Hariri puts resignation on hold after meeting President

According to conciliatory comments from the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, Hariri said that he is putting Lebanon’s interest first and is looking forward to a “real partnership” with Michel Aoun.

f6da0e8df24aa1786102c8999af72a01

Shahid Khaqan AbbasiIn a move that is likely to further strain ties between Pakistan and the United States of America, Islamabad on Friday imposed “reciprocal” restrictions on the movement of US diplomats after Washington took similar measures.Earlier, the restriction was to come into effect from May 1, but was deferred as the two sides decided to resolve the issue. Related Stories JuD chief Hafiz Saeed moves Pak court against withdrawal of his security Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal shot at by armed men during rally in Narowal, rushed to hospitalPakistan minister assassination attempt: Joint Investigation team formed to probe attackForeign Office (FO) spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal confirmed yesterday that the two sides would impose curbs on movement of each other’s diplomats. “The restrictions will be implemented from May 11 and on a reciprocal basis,” he said, adding that “however, negotiations were going on between the two sides, on the matter.” According to the US decision, Pakistani diplomats, at the embassy in Washington and four consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Texas and Chicago, will need to stay within 25 miles (40-kms) of the city of their posting. They would be required to take formal permission at least five day before moving beyond the prescribed limit. Official sources said that the US has conveyed to Pakistan through a letter that the restrictions will be implemented today. The curbs are likely to further strain the ties already under stress due to multiple reasons, including the issue of immunity to US military attache Col Joseph Emanuel Hall who was involved in last month’s fatal accident in which a motorcyclist had died after being hit by the US diplomat’s vehicle here. Pakistan has stopped Hall from leaving the country and demanded the US to withdraw his diplomatic immunity, so that legal action could be initiated against him.

In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan imposes ‘reciprocal’ restrictions on movement of US diplomats

Earlier, the restriction was to come into effect from May 1, but was deferred as the two sides decided to resolve the issue.

11b9a837598765c011665961f72557e2

A former top Republican Senator Larry Pressler has asked the Trump administration to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism. Pressler, who was instrumental in imposing tough sanctions on Pakistan in 1990s, also welcomed President Donald Trump's decision to elevate ties with India to a new level. Trump criticised Pakistan for providing safe havens to terror groups that kill Americans in Afghanistan while announcing his new Afghan and South Asia policy. He also warned Pakistan that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. “With the new South Asia strategy, the US has moved closer to India and the Trump administration has elevated India to a new level,” Pressler, who is known in South Asia for his famous 'Pressler Amendment', said. Pressler advocated the amendment, enforced in 1990 when the then President George H W Bush could not certify that Pakistan was not developing a nuclear weapon. The amendment banned most US economic and military assistance to Pakistan unless the president certified annually that Pakistan does not possess a nuclear explosive device. "We have always treated India and Pakistan equally. Theoretically for the first time president and the Secretary of State have said that we are going to treat India at a higher level," Pressler said."I think, it's good news for India. I think Pakistan should realise (this). I wish he (Trump) would declare them a terrorist state. (But) I don't think he's going quite that far," the 75-year-old former Republican Senator from South Dakota said. He also said that China will not "embrace" Pakistan as much as they say because they recognise that Pakistan is a very "unreliable ally" and they have been dishonest so much that is caught up with them finally, Pressler said in response to a question whether Islamabad will seek more support from Beijing after Trump's outburst. Interestingly, Pressler in his book -- Neighbours in Arms: An American Senator's Quest for Disarmament in a Nuclear Subcontinent -- which was released last month had made similar recommendations. "There's a whole cadre of people in the Pentagon and the military industrial state who look on Pakistan as a compliant state. They (Pakistanis) are deceitful and they have not delivered. And they harbored Osama bin Laden and lots of other terrorists and they still are and they should be declared as quickly as we can. We should declare them a terrorist state and treat them as such," he said. He said the relationship between the US and Pakistan has always been "flawed". "The Pakistanis have been dishonest every step of the way and they used this tactic over and over. And our Pentagon has yielded to them over and over informally as I say in my book. A lot of this has been under the colour of our military industrial state," he said. "I think at last, we have a have a president who doesn't agree with this and we have a Secretary of State, Secretary of Defence. I think we're entering a whole new age. We should discard Pakistan in this false marriage... false partner. We should end it," he said. However, Pressler said that it would be tough for the US because Pakistan spends "millions and millions" of dollars in lobbying in Washington. "I'm afraid we probably won't do that. But for the first time in my lifetime we're no longer saying India and Pakistan are equal diplomatically," he added.

US must declare Pakistan state sponsor of terrorism: Former Republican Senator Larry Pressler

Pressler, who was instrumental in imposing tough sanctions on Pakistan in 1990s, also welcomed President Donald Trump's decision to elevate ties with India to a new level.

48fc5c4c4dc2a84e42041a9dc412716c

Facebook admits storing millions of passwords in readable plain textFacebook left hundreds of millions of user passwords readable by its employees for years, the company acknowledged Thursday after a security researcher exposed the lapse .By storing passwords in readable plain text, Facebook violated fundamental computer-security practices. Those call for organizations and websites to save passwords in a scrambled form that makes it almost impossible to recover the original text.“There is no valid reason why anyone in an organization, especially the size of Facebook, needs to have access to users’ passwords in plain text,” said cybersecurity expert Andrei Barysevich of Recorded Future.Facebook said there is no evidence its employees abused access to this data. But thousands of employees could have searched them. The company said the passwords were stored on internal company servers, where no outsiders could access them. Even so, some privacy experts suggested that users change their Facebook passwords.The incident reveals yet another huge and basic oversight at a company that insists it is a responsible guardian for the personal data of its 2.3 billion users worldwide.The security blog KrebsOnSecurity said Facebook may have left the passwords of some 600 million Facebook users vulnerable. In a blog post , Facebook said it will likely notify “hundreds of millions” of Facebook Lite users, millions of Facebook users and tens of thousands of Instagram users that their passwords were stored in plain text.Facebook Lite is a version designed for people with older phones or low-speed internet connections. It is used primarily in developing countries.Last week, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg touted a new ”privacy-focused vision ” for the social network that would emphasize private communication over public sharing. The company wants to encourage small groups of people to carry on encrypted conversations that neither Facebook nor any other outsider can read.The fact that the company couldn’t manage to do something as simple as encrypting passwords, however, raises questions about its ability to manage more complex encryption issues — such in messaging — flawlessly.Facebook said it discovered the problem in January. But security researcher Brian Krebs wrote that in some cases the passwords had been stored in plain text since 2012. Facebook Lite launched in 2015 and Facebook bought Instagram in 2012.The problem, according to Facebook, wasn’t due to a single bug. During a routine review in January, it say, it found that the plain text passwords were unintentionally captured and stored in its internal storage systems. This happened in a variety of circumstances — for example, when an app crashed and the resulting crash log included a captured password.But Alex Holden, the founder of Hold Security, said Facebook’s explanation is not an excuse for sloppy security practices that allowed so many passwords to be exposed internally.Recorded Future’s Barysevich said he could not recall any major company caught leaving so many passwords exposed. He said he’s seen a number of instances where much smaller organizations made such information readily available — not just to programmers but also to customer support teams.Security analyst Troy Hunt, who runs the “haveibeenpwned.com” data breach website , said the situation may be embarrassing for Facebook but not dangerous unless an adversary gained access to the passwords. Facebook has had major breaches, most recently in September when attackers accessed some 29 million accounts .Jake Williams, president of Rendition Infosec, said storing passwords in plain text is “unfortunately more common than most of the industry talks about” and tends to happen when developers are trying to rid a system of bugs.He said the Facebook blog post suggests storing passwords in plain text may have been “a sanctioned practice,” although he said it’s also possible a “rogue development team” was to blame.Hunt and Krebs both likened Facebook’s failure to similar stumbles last year on a far smaller scale at Twitter and GitHub; the latter is a site where developers store code and track projects. In those cases, software bugs were blamed for accidentally storing plaintext passwords in internal logs.Facebook’s normal procedure for passwords is to store them encoded, the company noted Thursday in its blog post.That’s good to know, although Facebook engineers apparently added code that defeated the safeguard, said security researcher Rob Graham. “They have all the proper locks on the doors, but somebody left the window open,” he said.

Facebook admits storing millions of passwords in readable plain text

Facebook left hundreds of millions of user passwords readable by its employees for years, the company acknowledged Thursday after a security researcher exposed the lapse .

c2310d98036ff86dc3d62defdd7f48f1

The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years destroyed hundreds of homes, knocked out power across the entire island and turned some streets into raging rivers on Wednesday in an onslaught that could plunge the U.S. territory deeper into financial crisis.Leaving at least nine people dead in its wake across the Caribbean, Hurricane Maria blew ashore in the morning near the southeast coastal town of Yabucoa as a Category 4 storm with winds of 155 mph (250 kph).It punished the island of 3.4 million people with life-threatening winds for several hours, the second time in two weeks that Puerto Rico has felt the wrath of a hurricane."Once we're able to go outside, we're going to find our island destroyed," warned Abner Gomez, Puerto Rico's emergency management director. "The information we have received is not encouraging. It's a system that has destroyed everything in its path."As people waited in shelters or took cover inside stairwells, bathrooms and closets, Maria brought down cell towers and power lines, snapped trees, tore off roofs and unloaded at least 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain.Widespread flooding was reported, with dozens of cars half-submerged in some neighborhoods and many streets turned into rivers. People calling local radio stations reported that doors were being torn off their hinges and a water tank flew away.Felix Delgado, mayor of the northern coastal city of Catano, told The Associated Press that 80 percent of the 454 homes in a neighborhood known as Juana Matos were destroyed. The fishing community near San Juan Bay was hit with a storm surge of more than 4 feet (1.2 meters), he said."Months and months and months and months are going to pass before we can recover from this," he said.Gov. Ricardo Rossello imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily until Saturday to allow rescue crews and officials to respond to the hurricane's aftermath."We are at a critical moment in the effort to help thousands of Puerto Ricans that urgently need aid and to assess the great damage caused by Hurricane Maria," he said. "Maintaining public order will be essential."Rossello said in an interview on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" that one fatality has been reported but because communications were knocked out in some areas, the total casualty count wasn't known.As of 8 p.m. EDT, Maria had weakened into a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 110 mph (175 kph). It was centered just off the northwestern corner of Puerto Rico, moving at 12 mph (19 kph).It was expected to pass off the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic late Wednesday and Thursday.Even before the storm, Puerto Rico's electrical grid was crumbling and the island was in dire condition financially.Puerto Rico is struggling to restructure a portion of its $73 billion debt, and the government has warned it is running out of money as it fights against furloughs and other austerity measures imposed by a federal board overseeing the island's finances.Rossello urged people to have faith: "We are stronger than any hurricane. Together, we will rebuild."He asked President Donald Trump to declare the island a disaster zone, a step that would open the way to federal aid.Many people feared extended power outages would further sink businesses struggling amid a recession that has lasted more than a decade."This is going to be a disaster," said Jean Robert Auguste, who owns two French restaurants and sought shelter at a San Juan hotel. "We haven't made any money this month."More than 11,000 people - and more than 580 pets - were in shelters, authorities said.Along the island's northern coast, an emergency medical station in the town of Arecibo lost its roof, while communication was severed with several emergency management posts. A hospital and a police station reported broken windows, and a tree fell on an ambulance.As the storm closed in on the Dominican Republic, about 4,000 tourists in the Bavara-Punta Cana area on the eastern tip of the island were moved to hotels in Santo Domingo, the capital. About 100 flights were canceled and the government suspended school and sent workers home."The government has prepared itself for the worst case scenario and so should the people," presidential administrative secretary Jose Ramon Peralta said.Maria posed no immediate threat to the U.S. mainland. The long-range forecast showed the storm out in the Atlantic Ocean hundreds of miles off the Georgia-South Carolina coast by Monday morning.Previously a Category 5 with 175 mph (281 kph) winds, Maria hit Puerto Rico as the third-strongest storm to make landfall in the U.S., based on its central pressure. It was even stronger than Hurricane Irma when Irma roared into the Florida Keys earlier this month.Irma sideswiped Puerto Rico on Sept. 6, causing no deaths or widespread damage on the island but leaving more than 1 million people without electricity. More than 70,000 still had no power as Maria approached.As Maria closed in, Trump offered his support via Twitter: "Puerto Rico being hit hard by new monster Hurricane. Be careful, our hearts are with you - will be there to help!"The storm's center passed near or over St. Croix overnight Tuesday, prompting U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp to warn people to sleep in their street clothes and shoes just in case. St. Croix was largely spared by Irma.There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries on St. Croix, but it was still too dangerous Wednesday to venture out and conduct a thorough check, said Nykole Tyson, a spokeswoman at the U.S. Virgin Islands Emergency Operations Center.On the island of Dominica, which got slammed late Monday, Hartley Henry, an adviser to the prime minister, reported at least seven deaths and a "tremendous loss of housing and public buildings." He said the country was "in a daze," with no electricity and little to no communications.Dominica's airport and seaports remained closed, and authorities used helicopters to carry emergency food, water and shelter materials to the island, said Ronald Jackson, head of the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency.

Hurricane Maria destroys homes, triggers flooding in Puerto Rico

Leaving at least nine dead in its wake across the Caribbean, Hurricane Maria blew ashore in the morning near the southeast coastal town of Yabucoa as a Category 4 storm.

3a2a45650a73d1daa8aa712bf266eaac

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi meets US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in October After declining to participate in the Democracy Summit on US's invitation' Pakistan has reached out to Washington to justify the reasons behind its refusal to be a part of it. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and shared Islamabad's position regarding its decision.Pakistan's refusal was linked with China, which was not invited to the summit, making it difficult for Islamabad to give a positive nod to the invitation. As per sources, Pakistan stayed away from the summit because China was not invited. The move was seen as US's attempt to divide the world because invitation was extended to Taiwan but not China.The US extended invitations to over 100 countries, including Pakistan, to participate in the virtual summit for democracy. Pakistan was among the four South Asian countries to have been invited to the summit by the Joe Biden administration.The decision to not attend the summit included internal consultation and detailed consultations with China, which was later confirmed as China appreciated Pakistan's decision to skip the summit calling it "a real iron brother".While Pakistani officials refrained from associating its decision with China, but sources confirmed that Beijing's opposition made Islamabad's participation difficult.The Pakistan Foreign Office maintains that it values its relationship with the US and desired to extend it further.Qureshi's attempt to speak to his US counterpart did not go as planned. Interestingly, his counterpart was not available and it was his deputy who had the telephonic conversation.As per details of the conversation, Qureshi maintained that Pakistan does not want to take sides in the power politics of big countries, adding that Islamabad desires to expand its ties with the United States beyond Afghanistan, a statement seconded by Sherman."This is a positive development. Pakistan had requested the US not to put it in a difficult situation as the country wanted to move away from geo-politics to geo-economics. The us can help us in achieving that transformation," said Qureshi."We have told US that we want a productive relationship with all the countries. We believe that US is an important country and will remain so. Our relationship has seen many ups and downs but both countries benefit whenever they work together."Pakistan is in a difficult position with US and China, showing signs of a new cold war. Pakistan has strong ties with China, while on the other hand, it values its relationship with the US due to the influence Washington exercises over the international financial system, something that Islamabad look up to for its financial bailout.Experts say that Pakistan's snub to the US invitation can have serious repercussions and can undermine Islamabad's position with the west in the coming days.READ MORE: Joe Biden invokes Mahatma Gandhi in Democracy Summit speech

Pakistan reaches out to US to justify non-participation in Joe Biden's Democracy Summit

Pakistan's refusal to attend the Democracy Summit was linked with China, which was not invited to the summit, making it difficult for Islamabad to give a positive nod to the invitation.

f3cd6618a74c8449e53efb0f2c09cde2

Imran Khan loses majority as MQM strikes deal with oppositionImran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government received a major blow by the key ally and the main coalition partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM) after it struck a deal with the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)."The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement. Rabta committee MQM and PPP CEC will ratify the said agreement. We will then share details with the media in a press conference tomorrow IA. Congratulations Pakistan," tweeted PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.The PTI government lost the majority in the lower house of the parliament following the late-night development ahead of the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan on March 31.The joint opposition has 177 members of the national assembly after the ruling coalition partner MQM-P decided to part ways with the Imran Khan-led government that has left with 164 MNAs.Notably, in order to make the no-confidence motion against the prime minister successful, the joint opposition requires the support of 172 MNAs.Meanwhile, after Imran Khan alleged that some people are trying to topple his government with the help of foreign funds, federal minister Asad Umar claimed that the PM is ready to show a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to back his claims.PM Imran had said during his rally, "Attempts are being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan. Our people are being used. Mostly inadvertently, but some people are using money against us. We know from what places attempts are being to pressure us. We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest."(With inputs from ANI)Also Read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan directs his party lawmakers to abstain from voting on no-confidence motion

Imran Khan loses majority as MQM strikes deal with opposition ahead of no-confidence motion

Notably, in order to make the no-confidence motion against the prime minister successful, the joint opposition requires the support of 172 MNAs.

962d2e1d1cb47a5390ca6893ecb0ab04

A Pakistan Air Force official briefs Prime Minister Imran Khan, center in cockpit, about Chinese-built J-10C fighter jet during a ceremony in Minhas Base near Islamabad, PakistanPakistan has inducted multi-purpose J-10C fighter jets, acquired from China, into its Air Force to improve its combat capabilities.In a formal induction ceremony on Friday held at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base Minhas Kamra in Attock district of Punjab to induct the jet, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said any country would have to think twice before harbouring any aggression towards Pakistan, asserting that the armed forces were well-equipped and trained to defeat any threat.His statement is a veiled reference about India's recent procurement of Rafale fighter jets from France."Unfortunately, efforts are being made to create an imbalance in the region and to address this, a big addition has been made today to our defence system," Khan said addressing the ceremony.He also stated that induction of J-10 C is a big movement for Pakistan after about 40 years when F-16 provided by the US were inducted into the PAF.Khan thanked China for providing the aircraft in a short span of about eight months when it often takes years to acquire modern jets.The J-10C is a 4.5-generation medium-sized fighter jet and is more powerful than the China-Pakistan jointly developed lightweight fighter jet, the JF-17, currently being used by the PAF.Pakistan had announced the display of the new jet on March 23 at the annual Defence Day Parade. J-10C is manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) for the Chinese Air Force.It can carry out air-to-air combat including strike missions. Pakistan had requested to buy the fighter jets as far back as 2006. The negotiations finally led to the purchase of 25 J-10C fighters.

Pakistan inducts J-10C fighter jets from China to counter India's Rafale

The J-10C is a 4.5-generation medium-sized fighter jet and is more powerful than the China-Pakistan jointly developed lightweight fighter jet, the JF-17, currently being used by the PAF.

973cef1d8a609947c76de53edf241d1d

Effect of common COVID-19 antibiotic found similar to that of placeboThe findings of a new study from UC San Francisco suggests that among non-hospitalized patients the antibiotic azithromycin was no more effective than a placebo in preventing symptoms of COVID-19. Despite widespread prescription of the antibiotic for the disease, it might increase the chance of hospitalization.The study, which was conducted in collaboration with Stanford University, appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association."These findings do not support the routine use of azithromycin for outpatient SARS-CoV-2 infection," said lead author Catherine E. Oldenburg, ScD, MPH, an assistant professor with the UCSF Proctor Foundation. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.Azithromycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is widely prescribed as a treatment for COVID-19 in the United States and the rest of the world. "The hypothesis is that it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent progression if treated early in the disease," said Oldenburg. "We did not find this to be the case."The study included 263 participants who all tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within seven days before entering the study. None were hospitalized at the time of enrollment. In a random selection process, 171 participants received a single, 1.2-gram oral dose of azithromycin and 92 received an identical placebo.At day 14 of the study, 50 percent of the participants remained symptom-free in both groups. By day 21, five of the participants who received azithromycin had been hospitalized with severe symptoms of COVID-19 and none of the placebo group had been hospitalized.The researchers concluded that treatment with a single dose of azithromycin compared to placebo did not result in greater likelihood of being symptom-free."Most of the trials done so far with azithromycin have focused on hospitalized patients with pretty severe disease," said Oldenburg. "Our paper is one of the first placebo-controlled studies showing no role for azithromycin in outpatients."(With ANI inputs)

Effect of common COVID-19 antibiotic found similar to that of placebo

Azithromycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is widely prescribed as a treatment for COVID-19 in the United States and the rest of the world.

4e6b41e9c14079e0c4378a250ffdf633

US President Donald Trump today said he would extend his trip in the Philippines by another day to attend the East Asia Summit, a key meeting between ASEAN and eight of its partners.The US was originally scheduled to be represented by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the all-important East Asia Summit to be held in the Philippines on November 14.Related Stories China hopes to improve ties with US during President Donald Trump's visitSecurity and trade challenge Donald Trump on first Asia tripTrump announced the news to reporters before boarding Marine One on the White House lawns for the nearly two-week long maiden trip to Asia with stops in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. This is the longest trip ever by a US President to Asia in a quarter century."We're going to have a very successful trip. There is a lot of goodwill," Trump told reporters.Looking forward to his trip, Trump said he is "actually staying an extra day" in the Philippines."We have a big conference, a second conference. I think we’re going to have great success," he said, referring to the East Asia Summit."We'll be talking about trade. We'll be talking about obviously North Korea. We'll be enlisting the help of a lot of people and countries and we’ll see what happens," Trump said.Later, the White House said that President Trump plans to spend an additional day in the Philippines to attend the East Asia Summit.Officials said the trip is to "strengthen longstanding" alliances and expand new partnerships.On the eve of Trump's departure, National Security Advisor H R McMaster said the "historic trip" will build on his ongoing presidential diplomacy.Trump's trip will focus on three goals: strengthening international resolve to denuclearise North Korea; promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region; and advance American prosperity through fair and reciprocal trade and economic practices.In the last 10 months, Trump has actively engaged leaders in the Indo-Pacific to address a range of strategic issues, including, most notably, the North Korean nuclear threat.Since taking office, Trump has placed 43 calls to Indo-Pacific leaders and conducted bilateral meetings with Japan, South Korea, China, India, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand."This trip is a great opportunity to demonstrate America's and the Trump administration's commitment to the Indo-Pacific and our efforts to strengthen longstanding American alliances and expand new partnerships," McMaster said.The US remains committed to the complete, verifiable and permanent denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, he said, asserting that during his trip Trump will reiterate the plain fact that North Korea threatens not just its allies, but also a threat to the entire world.So all nations of the world must do more to counter that threat, he said. "That is happening. But the president recognizes that we're running out of time and will ask all nations to do more," McMaster said.In particular, he will continue to call on all responsible nations, especially those with the most influence over North Korea, to isolate its regime economically and politically, to convince its leaders that the pursuit of nuclear weapons is a dead end and that it is past time to denuclearize.During his meetings with world leaders, Trump will remind friend and foe alike that the US stands ready to defend itself and its allies using the full range of its capabilities.McMaster said Trump will also use his trip to promote his vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. He will make the case that respect for freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law, sovereignty, freedom from coercion, and private enterprise and open markets is the best model to increase prosperity throughout the region, and to secure the freedom and independence of all nations, the top presidential advisor said.Observing that increasing prosperity of the American people is always one of Trump's top priorities, McMaster said that throughout the trip, the president will stress his commitment to free, fair and reciprocal trade.

Donald Trump to stay an extra day in Philippines to attend EAS Summit

Trump announced the news to reporters before boarding Marine One on the White House lawns for the nearly two-week long maiden trip to Asia with stops in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

ebed504f3e74b878fd8c9f19b5516c88

America's massive trade deficit with China is estimated to have resulted in about two million job losses in the US, the White House has said, defending President Donald Trump's decision to initiate strong actions against China's "unfair" trade practices.Trump imposed USD 60 billion of tariffs on Chinese imports to punish the country for its "unfair" seizure of American intellectual property, a move that could escalate the already tense trade relations between the world's two biggest economies.Trump directed the US trade representative to level tariffs on about USD 60 billion worth of Chinese imports after a seven-month investigation into the intellectual property theft, which has been a longstanding point of contention in US-China trade relations.China also announced retaliatory measures against the US.A senior administration official told reporters: "By some calculations, every billion dollar of trade deficit that arises from market-distorted policies, costs us about 6,000 jobs. A very conservative calculation, by some estimates, is that trade deficit results in about two million more jobs in China and two million less here. This is a serious problem that the US side is keenly aware of".China's "unfair" trade practices has resulted in a goods trade deficit of USD 370 billion, the official said.The Trump administration said that it is for China to decide what course it wants to take."The point here is that China will have a choice as to how to respond, and they have benefited far more from this relationship than we have. We will certainly take that into account," the official said.The typical American corporation that wants to go to China and sell its goods into the Chinese market is on the horns of a dilemma.Responding to questions, the official said the concerns with Chinese economic practices are widespread throughout the United States and around the world."We have heard from many of our trading partners that they share many of these concerns," the official said.Another administration official said China benefits far more from the US-China trade relationship than the US does.Since 2001, when China joined the World Trade Organisation, its economy has grown from USD 1 trillion of GDP to USD 12 trillion; roughly an 800 per cent growth rate."During the same period of time, the American economy sputtered. It went from an annual growth rate of about 3.5 per cent between 1947 and 2000, down to around two per cent, which everybody wanted to say was the new normal for America. But the contrast between China's growth and its unfair trade practices, and what had happened to the US in terms of growth and wage growth, is quite startling," the official said.Later State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said Trump has been very clear from the first day on the campaign trail, longstanding concerns that he has and administration-wide people have, with China's "unfair" trade practices."It's natural for us to have to address things that we don't agree on. One of them is certainly trade. The President has fought very hard for advancing opportunities, economic opportunities for American businesses, but also the American people," she said.Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden welcomed the decision."China has cheated, stolen and bullied American industry on trade for decades, causing massive economic wreckage to workers, employers and communities across America in the process. Our country must stand up against China's trade blackmail, so I am encouraged that the administration is focused on protecting the technologies that China publicly targeted," Wyden said.Senator Sherrod Brown welcomed the news that the Trump administration is taking steps to launch crackdown on China's violation of intellectual property laws.Business Roundtable said unilaterally imposing tariffs or other restrictions without a long-term strategy to bring about reforms in China will only raise prices in America, make American companies and products less competitive, and harm US workers and consumers."The administration should instead pursue a comprehensive approach centred around several strategic priorities. This includes working closely with our international partners to identify unfair trade barriers and practices that China must remove, setting deadlines for such reforms and outlining actions that the US will take if those reforms are not undertaken," it said.

Trade deficit with China costs two million jobs to US: White House

Trump imposed USD 60 billion of tariffs on Chinese imports to punish the country for its "unfair" seizure of American intellectual property, a move that could escalate the already tense trade relations between the world's two biggest economies.

41540a1a9b7e341b0258e398963f8531

Donald Trump threatens Iraq of sanctions, says will not leave until Baghdad pays for airbaseUS President Donald Trump on Monday said that he will not withdraw his troops from Iraq until Baghdad pays for an 'extraordinarily expensive' US airbase that is in the gulf country. Trump also threatened that any misdoings will lead to sanctions that Iraq would have not seen before. “We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build. Long before my time We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it. We will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever. It’ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame”, Donald Trump said on Sunday.Earlier, Iraqi parliament had voted to support the expulsion of all foreign troops from Iraqi territory and in favour of cutting off ties with US-led international anti-terrorist coalition. This development comes in the aftermath of the strike that killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani on Iraqi soil.Tension in the Gulf has been rising as Iran refused to back down and said that US will pay for its actions.Also Read | US withdrawing forces from Middle-East, claims Iran's Press TV /* .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_9633748259 = { "file": "https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_uoy6gsu9_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_uoy6gsu9_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "If Iran strikes Americans, US targeting 52 Iranian sites: Donald Trump", "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_9633748259 = ''; jwsetup_9633748259(); function jwsetup_9633748259() { jwvidplayer_9633748259 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_9633748259").setup(jwconfig_9633748259); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_9633748259, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_uoy6gsu9\", ns_st_pr=\"If Iran strikes Americans, US targeting 52 Iranian sites: Donald Trump\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"If Iran strikes Americans, US targeting 52 Iranian sites: Donald Trump\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"If Iran strikes Americans, US targeting 52 Iranian sites: Donald Trump\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2020-01-05\", ns_st_tdt=\"2020-01-05\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://indiatv-vh.akamaihd.net/i/vod/0_uoy6gsu9_,20,21,22,.mp4.csmil/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_9633748259.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_9633748259.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_9633748259.stop(); jwvidplayer_9633748259.remove(); jwvidplayer_9633748259 = ''; jwsetup_9633748259(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_9633748259.stop(); jwvidplayer_9633748259.remove(); jwvidplayer_9633748259 = ''; jwsetup_9633748259(); return; }); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_9633748259.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); } ​

Donald Trump threatens Iraq of sanctions, says will not leave until Baghdad pays for airbase

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he will not withdraw his troops from Iraq until Baghdad pays for an 'extraordinarily expensive' US airbase that is in the gulf country. Trump also threatened that any misdoings will lead to sanctions that Iraq would have not seen before.

9deebad60e3a12abcfe3ec2fae44ff47

US President Donald Trump has yet again offered to mediate in the Kashmir issue, only if asked by both India and Pakistan. According to a senior administration official, the onus for peace talks lies on Islamabad by taking sustained and irreversible actions against terrorist groups. Commenting on the development, a senior State Department official said President Trump obviously has expressed his concern over the level of tension between India and Pakistan. He discussed Kashmir directly in his meetings with Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Imran Khan. "He (Trump) certainly is prepared to play a mediation role, if both the countries ask. It has been India's position not to seek outside mediation," said the official in response to a question.Requesting anonymity, the official said the US will continue to encourage an atmosphere that will allow for constructive dialogue, that also includes important steps that Pakistan will need to take to show there are irreversible and sustainable actions as one precludes the cross border terrorism that has hijacked earlier efforts at constructive bilateral dialogue between the two countries.If the president is asked to mediate by both countries, he has expressed his willingness and his interests to help facilitate a solution, the official told a group of reporters when pressed further. India has been quite clear in Prime Minister Modi's office saying that they are not seeking mediation, the official said.That doesn't mean that the US is not actively encouraging that a dialogue take place and that an atmosphere for constructive dialogue between the two countries be established, the official said.The official termed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Kartarpur Corridor a welcome confidence-building measure between India and Pakistan which will help increase people-to-people contact."While it's a small step, we need more like this to also create the will, the goodwill and the environment for constructive dialogue," the official said.Asked if the US supports India's position that "talks and terror cannot go together", the official said it is important that Pakistan take "sustainable and irreversible steps against terrorism". It is also possible to have a dialogue and the United States encourages the countries to engage as two nuclear powers living side by side, the official said.When you have two nuclear powers that have fought to the military conflict under a nuclear umbrella, it is important that your all avenues be explored to increase contact and communication between the two sides, the official said, adding that President Trump is engaged with leaders of both the countries.Referring to the Howdy Modi event in Houston in September, the official said this demonstrated the very close partnership and friendship that the US has with India."The India-US strategic partnership has been growing over the last two and a half years. It is obviously part of a longer bipartisan two decade's of effort to improve relations with India that has now reached a stage of confidence and maturity," the official said. Also Read | Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind wiped out from KashmirAlso Read | J&K DGP calls for strengthening intelligence grid along LoC in Kashmir 

Trump offers to mediate on Kashmir again; only if asked by India, Pakistan

If the president is asked to mediate by both countries, he has expressed his willingness and his interests to help facilitate a solution, the official told a group of reporters.

d108c0d08ada7cc6a4a6a657893f933d

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks in a pre-recorded message which was played during the 75th session of the United Nations General AssemblyBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a special reference to India's role in the manufacture and access to one of the most promising coronavirus vaccine candidates currently undergoing trials during his address to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.In reference to the vaccine being worked on by the University of Oxford, Johnson stressed the importance of equitable access of any successful vaccine because the health of every country depends on the whole world having access to a safe and effective vaccine, wherever a breakthrough might occur."As I speak there are 100 potential vaccines that are trying to clear the hurdles of safety and efficacy, as if in a giant global steeplechase,” Johnson said in a prerecorded speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday."The Oxford vaccine is now in Stage 3 of clinical trials, and in case of success AstraZeneca has already begun to manufacture millions of doses, in readiness for rapid distribution, and they have reached agreement with the Serum Institute of India to supply 1 billion doses to low and middle-income countries," he said.Declaring that "humanity was caught napping" as the pandemic struck and has been "scrabbling to catch up" ever since, Johnson issued a spirited defence of the World Health Organisation as the one body that marshals humanity against the legions of disease and confirmed increased investment that would make the UK the largest state donor to the UN health agency if US President Donald Trump’s exit from the multilateral body goes through next year.He pushed for greater international collaboration to fight a common enemy such as the virus and urged countries to reach across borders and repair "ugly rifts" and "heal the world"."And after nine months of fighting COVID-19, the very notion of the international community looks, frankly, pretty tattered. And we know that we simply can't continue in this way. Unless we get our act together," he said."That is why we in the UK – global Britain – are one of the biggest global funders of that organisation, contributing 340 million pounds over the next four years, that’s an increase of 30 per cent," Johnson said.The biggest single donor to the efforts of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness to find a vaccine and contribution of up to 571 million pounds to COVAX, a new initiative designed to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine across the world, were among some of the other UK initiatives Johnson sought to highlight in his address.He also called for honesty to reach a joint understanding of how the pandemic began and how it was able to spread as a "moral imperative", indicating that he had no intention of finger-pointing at China."Not because I want to blame any country or government, or to score points. I simply believe – as a former COVID patient – that we all have a right to know, so that we can collectively do our best to prevent a recurrence," he said."And as we now send our medical detectives to interview the witnesses and the suspects – bats, the pangolins, whoever – we should have enough humility to acknowledge that alarm bells were ringing before this calamity struck," he said.Describing the pandemic as an "immense psychic shock" to the human race, he declared it outrageous that such a "microscopic enemy" should have routed the unity of the human race as he condemned the perverse ranking of death tolls across different regions of the world."COVID-19 has caused us to cease other vital work, and I’m afraid it made individual nations seem selfish and divided from each other. Every day people were openly encouraged to study a grisly reverse Olympic league table, and to take morbid and totally mistaken comfort in the greater sufferings of others,” he said."We cannot go on like that, we cannot make these mistakes again,” he concluded.

British PM Boris Johnson hails India's vaccine efforts in his UNGA address

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a special reference to India's role in the manufacture and access to one of the most promising coronavirus vaccine candidates currently undergoing trials during his address to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

567b69f9c437e3c3e53737c2df576eda

Iran said Saturday it won’t accept any changes to its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after President Donald Trump vowed to pull out of the accord in a few months if European allies did not fix its “terrible flaws.”In a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, the Foreign Ministry said Iran “will not accept any change in the deal, neither now nor in future,” adding that it will “not take any action beyond its commitments.”Related Stories Donald Trump says he will soon take a decision on Iran sanctions Donald Trump waives Iran nuclear sanctions for last time, Treasury slaps more sanctionsIt also said Iran would not allow the deal to be linked to other issues, after Trump suggested that the sanctions relief under the deal be tied to Iran limiting its long-range ballistic missile program.Trump on Friday extended the waivers of key economic sanctions that were lifted under the agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear program. But he said he would work with European allies to remove so-called “sunset clauses” that allow Iran to gradually resume advanced nuclear activities in the next decade.He paired Friday’s concession with other, targeted sanctions on Iran for human rights abuses and ballistic missile development. The Treasury Department’s action hits 14 Iranian officials and companies and businessmen from Iran, China and Malaysia, freezing any assets they have in the U.S. and banning Americans from doing business with them.The Iranian statement said the targeting of one of the officials, judiciary chief Sadegh Amoli Larijani, “crossed all behavioral red lines of the international community.” It said the sanctions are against international law and go against U.S. commitments, saying they would bring a “strong reaction” from Iran.The 2015 nuclear accord, reached after months of painstaking negotiations with the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia, lifted international sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly criticized the accord, while Iran has accused the U.S. of failing to comply with it. The next sanctions waivers are due in May.

Iran rejects Donald Trump’s demand for changing 2015 nuclear deal

In a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, the Foreign Ministry said Iran “will not accept any change in the deal, neither now nor in future,” adding that it will “not take any action beyond its commitments.”

c5962e7042abe3df7a05525079d87129

US promises to consider reviewing lifting ban on Covid-19 vaccine raw material supplyThe Biden administration has conveyed to New Delhi that it understands India's pharmaceutical requirements and promised to give the matter a due consideration, observing that the current difficulty in the export of critical raw materials needed to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines is mainly due to an Act that forces American companies to prioritise domestic consumption.President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump had invoked the war-time Defence Production Act (DPA) that leaves US companies with no option but to give priority to the production of COVID-19 vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for domestic production to combat the deadly pandemic in America, the worst-hit nation.Since the US has ramped up the production of COVID-19 vaccines, mostly by Pfizer and Moderna, so as to meet the goal of vaccinating its entire population by July 4, the suppliers of its raw material, which is in high demand globally and sought after by major Indian manufacturers, are being forced to provide it only for domestic manufacturers.Among other things, the DPA, that was enacted in 1950, authorises the President to require businesses to accept and prioritise contracts for materials deemed necessary for national defence, regardless of a loss incurred on business.The issue received global attention in recent days after Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), tagged President Biden in a tweet. "Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the U.S., I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the U.S. so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details," he tweeted.The SII is the world's largest producer of COVID-19 vaccine. Neither the US nor India has released details of the raw material that it is asking from the US.READ MORE: 'Respected POTUS...': Adar Poonawalla urges US Prez to lift embargo on vaccine raw material exportsIn recent weeks, India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been taking up the matter with the Biden administration officials. During his meetings with the US interlocutors, the top Indian diplomat has sought a smooth supply of certain inputs for production of COVID-19 vaccines in India. In addition, officials from the two sides have held discussions to ease the supply of critical materials, considering their increased requirements in both the US and India."US side has clarified that there are no export restrictions on such items and that domestic regulations have only prioritised use of these materials for production of vaccines in the US," sources familiar with the conversations told PTI on Monday.Informed sources said that the Biden administration has conveyed to India that they understand India's requirements and has promised to give the matter a due consideration. The US officials, in these meetings, have acknowledged the larger framework of the India-US health cooperation. It is believed that the US Embassy in Delhi is also in contact with the relevant Indian stakeholders.The Indian Embassy continues to be in touch with the US administration to find ways to ease the supply chain for vaccine production, consistent with the shared commitment to deepen India-US health partnership, particularly in the context of COVID-19.The Quad Vaccine Initiative, under which India will manufacture US-developed vaccines -- Novovax and Johnson & Johnson -- is a concrete example of the US-India partnership. The Vaccine Experts' Group, which has been constituted under the Quad, has already begun its work, sources noted.During the telephonic conversation between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, the two top diplomats also discussed the coronavirus pandemic and ways to deal with it.Earlier, the White House refrained from answering questions on the export ban on COVID-19 raw materials. Asked about the SII's request for the supply of raw materials, both Dr Anthony Fauci, Director at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Dr Andy Slacitt, White House COVID-19 response senior advisor said that they do not have an answer yet."I don't, I'm sorry... we could get back to you on that. I'm sure. But I don't have anything for you right now," Dr Fauci said."Let me get back to you. Suffice to say we are taking very seriously the global threat from the pandemic. We've been a leader in the funding of COVAX, have done several bilateral transfers of vaccines, and are looking very hard and taking very seriously all of these complex issues, we'll get back to you on specifics," Dr Slavitt said.White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, when a similar question was asked during her daily news conference, referred to a recent speech at the WTO by US Trade Representative Katherine Tai."The significant inequalities we are seeing in access to vaccines between developed and developing countries are completely unacceptable. Extraordinary times require extraordinary leadership, communication and creativity," she said."We of course are working with WTO members on a global response to COVID. That includes a number of components, whether it's USD 4 billion commitment to COVAX or discussions about how we can aid and assist countries that need help the most. Our focus is on determining the most effective steps that will help get the pandemic under control. We don't have anything further in terms of next steps or a timeline, but we are considering a range of options," Psaki added.READ MORE: US advises citizens against travel to India; says 'even those fully vaccinated may be at risk'READ MORE: White House refuses to comment on lifting ban on COVID-19 vaccine raw materials export to India /* .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_6029578372 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/04/0_cdye94z0/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_cdye94z0_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "COVID-19 vaccine for all above age of 18 years from May 1", "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": "302", "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_6029578372 = ''; jwsetup_6029578372(); function jwsetup_6029578372() { jwvidplayer_6029578372 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_6029578372").setup(jwconfig_6029578372); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_6029578372, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_cdye94z0\", ns_st_pr=\"COVID-19 vaccine for all above age of 18 years from May 1\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"COVID-19 vaccine for all above age of 18 years from May 1\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"COVID-19 vaccine for all above age of 18 years from May 1\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-04-20\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-04-20\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/04/0_cdye94z0/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_6029578372.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_6029578372.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_6029578372.stop(); jwvidplayer_6029578372.remove(); jwvidplayer_6029578372 = ''; jwsetup_6029578372(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_6029578372.stop(); jwvidplayer_6029578372.remove(); jwvidplayer_6029578372 = ''; jwsetup_6029578372(); return; }); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_6029578372.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

'Understand India's pharmaceutical needs': US to consider lifting ban on Covid-19 vaccine raw material supply

The Biden administration has conveyed to India that they understand India's pharmaceutical requirements and has promised to review embargo on Covid-19 vaccine raw material.

3fad0bea0d9ca10a1929e3515dfa0fb1

United States Presdient Joe Biden.United States President Joe Biden caught Twitter's attention after his gesture of shaking hands post a speech, but wait there was nobody standing next to him at the podium, so whom did he greet to, even the Twitter is puzzled.The 79-year-old US President Biden was giving a speech at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro on Thursday.After completing his speech, Joe Biden turned right and moved his hand forward giving a handshake gesture but there was nobody standing next to him. The scene was caught on camera. Take a look.As the video went viral, the Twitter users took it forward to share, react on what they could guess from Biden's gesture.Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, an American lawyer and Republican Party official also reacted to Biden's handshake saying, "I repeat, where are the White House and Biden family handlers whose job it is to make him look good? This is truly bizarre, unless they WANT him to look like a dementia patient."Check out some more reactions.ALSO READ | Jaishankar's stern parting message in US: 'We know what we are doing'ALSO READ | Pak Army says no 'conspiracy' against Imran Khan but demarche issued to US for 'interference'

Video: Joe Biden's 'ghostly' handshake with nobody! Twitter has a field day

The 79-year-old US President Biden was giving a speech at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro on Thursday.

5d29b1beb3e2789142c120ff0590e168

Trump is scheduled to attend  G7 summit on Friday US President Donald Trump will skip scheduled sessions on climate change, clean energy and oceans during the two-day G7 Summit which is slated to begin on Friday in Quebec, Canada, the White House announced.Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, announced on Thursday that Trump will leave the resort in Charlevoix (where all the events are taking place) at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday, well before the Summit officially concludes later that day, reports The New York Times. Related Stories Trump-Kim Jong-Un summit: US President to seek complete, irreversible denuclearisation of Korean peninsulaAhead of Trump-Kim summit, North Korea vows to destroy nuclear tunnels; US, South Korea welcome decision Ahead of Trump-Kim summit, North Korean delegation visits ChinaTrump challenges Mueller's legal authority, insists he can pardon himselfHe will attend an early-morning session on "women's empowerment", but he will be gone before any joint statement is issued by the other leaders, Sanders added.Earlier Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lashed out at Trump for imposing tariffs on their steel and aluminium industries. "The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a six country agreement if need be," Macron tweeted. "Because these six countries represent values, they represent an economic market which has the weight of history behind it and which is now a true international force."Also on Thursday, Trudeau said at a news conference that with Macron, "we are going to defend our industries and our workers" and "show the US President that his unacceptable actions are hurting his own citizens".Trump responded with his trademark Twitter bluntness a few hours later, The New York Times reported.Trump is scheduled to arrive Friday morning for the Summit. He will then attend a gathering that traditionally includes a moment of global camaraderie -- the "family photo" that captures Presidents and Prime Ministers smiling for the camera.The tariffs he imposed last week on Canada, Mexico and the European Union have drawn sharp backlash from allies, whose leaders have described feelings of anger, regret and confusion, reports CNN. "Patently absurd" is what Liam Fox, the British trade minister, called them. German Chancellor Angela Merkelsaid they were "illegal", while Trudeau said they were "insulting and totally unacceptable". But Trump's aides have signaled that he was unwilling to rethink the decision."There are disagreements. He's sticking to his guns, and he's going to talk to them," said Larry Kudlow, Trump's top economic adviser, at a briefing on Wednesday. He described the disputes as a "family quarrel".

Donald Trump to skip G7 climate sessions following spat with Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau

Trudeau lashed out at Trump for imposing tariffs on their steel and aluminium industries, Trump will skip scheduled sessions on climate change

6e71fe99738302b1cbed9d64d6c3eb32

WHO panel recommends Emergency Use Listing status for Covaxin.Covaxin, India's indigenously developed coronavirus vaccine by Bharat Biotech, has been recommended for emergency use listing by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Technical Advisory Group of WHO on Wednesday recommended Covaxin for emergency use status, according to PTI.The Technical Advisory Group (TAG), an independent advisory committee of the World Health Organisation (WHO), recommended Emergency Use Listing (EUL) status for Bharat Biotech COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, sources in the know of the development said."Technical Advisory Group, convened by WHO and made up of regulatory experts from around the world, has determined that Covaxin vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID, that benefit of the vaccine far outweighs risks and the vaccine can be used across the world," the world health body said."Covaxin vaccine was also reviewed by WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), and recommended the use of this vaccine in two doses, with a dose interval of four weeks, in all age groups 18 and above," it said."Glad to see one more vaccine, Covaxin, being granted WHO emergency use listing. The more products we have to fight Covid-19, the better," said WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.Following approval from WHO, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya thanked the world health body for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to Made-in-India Covaxin.Taking to Twitter, Mandaviya wrote, "This is a sign of a capable leadership. This is the story of Modi Ji's resolve."WHO, however, said, "Available data on vaccination of pregnant women with the Covaxin vaccine are insufficient to assess vaccine safety or efficacy in pregnancy; studies in pregnant women are planned, including a pregnancy sub-study and a pregnancy registry."The WHO is in the process of evaluating Covaxin's clinical trial data for use of  EUL.The TAG on October 26 had sought "additional clarifications" from the company for Covaxin to conduct a final "risk-benefit assessment" for Emergency Use Listing of the vaccine."The Technical Advisory Group of WHO has recommended Emergency Use Listing status for Covaxin," a source told PTI.The TAG-EUL is an independent advisory group that provides recommendations to WHO on whether a COVID-19 vaccine can be listed for emergency use under the EUL procedure.Earlier today, Bharat Biotech said the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved the extension of shelf life of its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin up to 12 months from the date of manufacture.Bharat Biotech was initially given permission for the sale and distribution of Covaxin with a shelf life of six months, which was later extended to nine months, a company spokesperson told PTI."The CDSCO has approved the extension of shelf life of Covaxin up to 12 months, from the date of manufacture. This approval of shelf life extension is based on the availability of additional stability data, which was submitted to CDSCO," Bharat Biotech said in a tweet.The shelf life extension has been communicated to "our stakeholders," it added.The approval for the extension of shelf life of the vaccine comes ahead of crucial World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting for a final risk-benefit assessment for the emergency use listing (EUL) for the vaccine.The WHO's Technical Advisory Group for EUL last week had sought additional clarifications from Bharat Biotech for Covaxin.ALSO READ | PM holds review meet with districts having low Covid-19 vaccination rate: 'Try innovative ways'ALSO READ | COVID-19: Over 107 crore vaccine doses administered in India so far /* .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_5026239523 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/10/0_0svbocvu/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_0svbocvu_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Nation has achieved a major milestone of administering 100 cr vaccine doses: PM Modi", "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": "2048", "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_5026239523 = ''; jwsetup_5026239523(); function jwsetup_5026239523() { jwvidplayer_5026239523 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_5026239523").setup(jwconfig_5026239523); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_5026239523, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_0svbocvu\", ns_st_pr=\"Nation has achieved a major milestone of administering 100 cr vaccine doses: PM Modi\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Nation has achieved a major milestone of administering 100 cr vaccine doses: PM Modi\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Nation has achieved a major milestone of administering 100 cr vaccine doses: PM Modi\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-10-25\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-10-25\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/10/0_0svbocvu/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_5026239523.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_5026239523.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_5026239523.stop(); jwvidplayer_5026239523.remove(); jwvidplayer_5026239523 = ''; jwsetup_5026239523(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_5026239523.stop(); jwvidplayer_5026239523.remove(); jwvidplayer_5026239523 = ''; jwsetup_5026239523(); return; }); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_5026239523.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

WHO approves Bharat Biotech's Covaxin

Technical Advisory Group, convened by WHO and made up of regulatory experts from around the world, has determined that Covaxin vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID, that benefit of the vaccine far outweighs risks and the vaccine can be used across the world," the world health body said.

9af2dd14deef4bec9184a3a65f02e2e5

Official admits Chinese vaccines have low effectiveness. In a rare admission of the weakness of Chinese coronavirus vaccines, the country's top disease control official says their effectiveness is low and the government is considering mixing them to get a boost. Chinese vaccines "don't have very high protection rates," said the director of the China Centres for Disease Control, Gao Fu, at a conference Saturday in the southwestern city of Chengdu.Beijing has distributed hundreds of millions of doses abroad while trying to promote doubt about the effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine made using the previously experimental messenger RNA, or mRNA, process."It is now under formal consideration whether we should use different vaccines from different technical lines for the immunization process," Gao said.Officials at a news conference Sunday didn't respond directly to questions about Gao's comment or possible changes in official plans. But another CDC official said developers are working on mRNA-based vaccines. Gao did not respond to a phone call requesting further comment."The mRNA vaccines developed in our country have also entered the clinical trial stage," said the official, Wang Huaqing. He gave no timeline for possible use.Experts say mixing vaccines, or sequential immunization, might boost effectiveness. Researchers in Britain are studying a possible combination of Pfizer-BioNTech and the traditional AstraZeneca vaccine.The coronavirus pandemic, which began in central China in late 2019, marks the first time the Chinese drug industry has played a role in responding to a global health emergency.Vaccines made by Sinovac, a private company, and Sinopharm, a state-owned firm, have made up the majority of Chinese vaccines distributed to several dozen countries including Mexico, Turkey, Indonesia, Hungary, Brazil and Turkey.The effectiveness of a Sinovac vaccine at preventing symptomatic infections was found to be as low as 50.4 per cent by researchers in Brazil, near the 50% threshold at which health experts say a vaccine is useful. By comparison, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been found to be 97 per cent effective.Health experts say Chinese vaccines are unlikely to be sold to the United States, western Europe and Japan due to the complexity of the approval process. A Sinovac spokesman, Liu Peicheng, acknowledged varying levels of effectiveness have been found but said that can be due to the age of people in a study, the strain of virus and other factors.Beijing has yet to approve any foreign vaccines for use in China. Gao gave no details of possible changes in strategy but cited mRNA as a possibility."Everyone should consider the benefits mRNA vaccines can bring for humanity," Gao said. "We must follow it carefully and not ignore it just because we already have several types of vaccines already."Gao previously questioned the safety of mRNA vaccines. He was quoted by the official Xinhua News Agency as saying in December he couldn't rule out negative side effects because they were being used for the first time on healthy people.Chinese state media and popular health and science blogs also have questioned the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.As of April 2, some 34 million people in China have received both of the two doses required for Chinese vaccines and about 65 million received one, according to Gao.The Sinovac spokesman, Liu, said studies find protection "may be better” if time between vaccinations is longer than the current 14 days but gave no indication that might be made standard practice. /* .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_8455547302 = { "file": "https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/04/0_b89hn5cy/master.m3u8", "image": "https://thumbs.indiatvnews.com/vod/0_b89hn5cy_big_thumb.jpg", "title": "Second wave of coronavirus is harming children too, here's how you can boost immunity", "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": "2263", "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_8455547302 = ''; jwsetup_8455547302(); function jwsetup_8455547302() { jwvidplayer_8455547302 = jwplayer("jwvidplayer_8455547302").setup(jwconfig_8455547302); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('ready', function () { ns_.StreamingAnalytics.JWPlayer(jwvidplayer_8455547302, { publisherId: "20465327", labelmapping: "c2=\"20465327\", c3=\"IndiaTV News\", c4=\"null\", c6=\"null\", ns_st_mp=\"jwplayer\", ns_st_cl=\"0\", ns_st_ci=\"0_b89hn5cy\", ns_st_pr=\"Second wave of coronavirus is harming children too, here's how you can boost immunity\", ns_st_sn=\"0\", ns_st_en=\"0\", ns_st_ep=\"Second wave of coronavirus is harming children too, here's how you can boost immunity\", ns_st_ct=\"null\", ns_st_ge=\"News\", ns_st_st=\"Second wave of coronavirus is harming children too, here's how you can boost immunity\", ns_st_ce=\"0\", ns_st_ia=\"0\", ns_st_ddt=\"2021-04-10\", ns_st_tdt=\"2021-04-10\", ns_st_pu=\"IndiaTV News\", ns_st_cu=\"https://vod-indiatv.akamaized.net/hls/2021/04/0_b89hn5cy/master.m3u8\", ns_st_ty=\"video\"" }); }); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('all', function (r) { if (jwvidplayer_8455547302.getState() == 'error' || jwvidplayer_8455547302.getState() == 'setupError') { jwvidplayer_8455547302.stop(); jwvidplayer_8455547302.remove(); jwvidplayer_8455547302 = ''; jwsetup_8455547302(); return; } }); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('error', function (t) { jwvidplayer_8455547302.stop(); jwvidplayer_8455547302.remove(); jwvidplayer_8455547302 = ''; jwsetup_8455547302(); return; }); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('mute', function () { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('adPlay', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('adPause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('pause', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('error', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); jwvidplayer_8455547302.on('adBlock', function (event) { ga('send', 'event', 'JW Player Events', 'Errors', event.message); }); }

Top official admits Chinese COVID-19 vaccines have low effectiveness

Beijing has distributed hundreds of millions of doses abroad while trying to promote doubt about effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine made using the previously experimental messenger RNA, or mRNA, process.

1df6bc407a87d9f791b85ed532db566b

A file photo of former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah (Twitter)The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court the reason for detention in the dossier on Omar Abdullah indicates existence of "live and proximate link" in the events that occurred in the past, and that there is a strong possibility of activities of Abdullah causing prejudice to the maintenance of public order, especially due to the geographical proximity with Pakistan.The Jammu and Kashmir administration, which is a Union Territory, in its response said former chief minister Omar Abdullah has been a vocal critic of Article 370 even before its abrogation before August 5."It is submitted that considering very peculiar geopolitical position of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and its proximity to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the concept of public order needs to be examined contextually," said the affidavit filed in the top court.The Centre also emphasized that Abdullah "squarely fell within the realm of public order, as it was calculated to disturb public peace and tranquillity. It is needless to emphasise that the incitement of public at large, pertains to public order."After a brief hearing on the matter, the Supreme Court said: "Matter pertaining to liberty can be entertained", and agreed to hear a plea by Sara Abdullah Pilot, challenging detention of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and her brother Omar Abdullah. Pilot had filed a habeas corpus in the top court.Attorney General (AG) K.K. Venugopal, representing the Jammu and Kashmir administration, contended before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra that no reason has been produced by the petitioner for not moving the High Court in the matter."Even in detention matters, one is supposed to move the High Court at the first instance", said the AG, citing data on petitions of similar nature filed before the High Court and the progress made on them.The administration also cited there is enough material and grounds to continue Abdullah's detention considering the "past conduct and the possibility of such conduct being repeated on release and thereby prejudcing the public order in the Union Territory.""Matter pertains to liberty can be entertained", said Justice Mishra listing the matter for final disposal on Thursday this week. The court also took on record the response of the Jammu and Kashmir administration.Justice Mishra observed that there is another similar matter -- a plea filed by daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.The court indicated the listing of the matter for hearing on Tuesday, but the AG cited his inability to attend, as he has a special bench.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is also representing the Jammu and and Kashmir administration, contended before the court that his reply is ready and that he has shared a copy of it with the petitioner.Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Pilot, said the reply was handed over before the beginning of the hearing, but then there is no issue with it.Abdullah has been detained under Public Safety Act since February 5.Also read: Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti booked under Public Safety Act

'Proximity to Pakistan': Centre cites 'links' of Omar Abdullah to activities prejudicial to public order

"It is submitted that considering very peculiar geopolitical position of J&K and Ladakh and its proximity to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the concept of public order needs to be examined contextually," said the affidavit filed in the top court.

f5c07dddc242323f037df3f864f5ae40

Sputnik V: Russia's first registered coronavirus vaccine to be tested on 40,000 peopleMass testing of Russia’s first potential COVID-19 vaccine to get domestic regulatory approval will involve more than 40,000 people, the TASS news agency cited the vaccine’s developer as saying on Thursday.The vaccine, called “Sputnik V” in homage to the world’s first satellite launched by the Soviet Union, has been hailed as safe and effective by Russian authorities and scientists following two months of small-scale human trials, the results of which have not been made public yet.Currently there are about 165 different vaccines for COVID-19 being developed around the world. The main types of vaccines include: viral vector-based vaccines, virus-based, nucleic acid-based and protein-based vaccines. Russian adenovirus vector-based vaccine was registered by the Russian Ministry of Health on August 11 and became the first registered COVID-19 vaccine on the market.Indian Embassy in Russia in touch with developer of Sputnik VAfter Russia announced it has developed the world's first vaccine against Covid-19, the Indian Embassy in Moscow has been in touch with the Russian Medical Research Institute, as per an Indian Express report citing government sources.“The Indian Mission is engaging separately with the Russian side through our embassy in Moscow. We are now awaiting the safety and efficacy data of this vaccine for Covid-19,” a source said.First batch of vaccines ready in two weeks timesAccording to reports from Russian agencies, the first batch of vaccine doses, which will be administered to doctors, teachers and other frontline workers will be ready in the next two weeks time. Russian President Vladimir Putin's daughter was also said to be the first one to have received a jab of the vaccine and plans are further underway to have millions of doses ready for the population.

Sputnik V: Russia's first registered coronavirus vaccine to be tested on 40,000 people

Mass testing of Russia’s first potential COVID-19 vaccine to get domestic regulatory approval will involve more than 40,000 people, the TASS news agency cited the vaccine’s developer as saying on Thursday.

ad6c40267b3830fbb2e816c25e0c6586

Sri Lankan parliamentary committee proposes immediate burqa banA Sri Lankan parliamentary committee on national security has proposed an immediate ban on the burqa and suspending the registration of political parties on ethnic and religious basis, following the Easter Sunday terror attack that killed over 250 people. The proposals featured in a special report presented in Parliament on Thursday to resolve 14 controversial issues following the April 21 Easter attack last year. The report was tabled by MP Malith Jayatilaka, Chairman Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security, the Daily Mirror reported.According to the report, a number of countries have already banned the burqa. The report suggested that the police should have the power to ask anyone wearing a face covering in a public place to take off such clothing in order to establish the identity of the person.If such a request is not complied with, police should have the power to arrest the individual without a warrant, the report said. It also recommended the country's Election Commission to enact a legislation to suspend the registration of political parties on ethnic and religious basis.The report also said that the registration of political parties which have some racial or religious conflict or in its name should also prohibited. Such a party should be converted into a political or non-religious political party within a specified period of time, the report said. The report states that all students studying in madrassas should be absorbed into the normal school system under the Ministry of Education within three years.The report also proposes to establish a special committee to regulate the madrasas under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. Nine suicide bombers belonging to local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on the Easter Sunday, killing 258 people, including 11 Indians.ALSO READ | Israel confirms first case of coronavirusALSO READ | US-Taliban Peace deal to be signed on Feb 29, says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Sri Lankan parliamentary committee proposes immediate burqa ban

A Sri Lankan parliamentary committee on national security has proposed an immediate ban on the burqa and suspending the registration of political parties on ethnic and religious basis, following the Easter Sunday terror attack that killed over 250 people.

f631bd3e9d0418978a8d559f1c8116ff

Alibaba, TikTok, Lenovo among Chinese cos to emerge as global donors during pandemicAs the coronavirus spread, the world’s richest communist dug into his deep pockets. Jack Ma, the founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and a member of the ruling Communist Party, helped to pay for 1,000 ventilators delivered to New York in April. Ma's foundation also is giving ventilators, masks and other supplies in Africa, Latin America and Asia.The pandemic marks the debut of China's business elite as global humanitarian donors alongside their American, European and Japanese counterparts. Ma, Alibaba and other Chinese companies and tycoons are donating hundreds of millions of dollars of medical supplies, food and cash in dozens of countries.Video service TikTok has promised $250 million to pay health workers and help others hurt by the outbreak. Tencent, operator of the popular WeChat messaging service, pledged $100 million and says it has sent masks and protective gear to 15 countries including the United States.Other companies including computer maker Lenovo and electric automaker BYD Auto have given masks and other supplies. Haier Smart Home, a global appliance maker, says its factory in Pakistan is distributing food to neighbors.That gives donors a chance to repair China’s image and gain credit with President Xi Jinping's government, which faces criticism its secrecy and delay in responding to the virus that emerged in central China in December made the outbreak worse.“No single country can handle this crisis independently,” Ma said during an online seminar organized by his foundation for African doctors to speak with Chinese experts who fought the outbreak.This wave of Chinese donations is notable for “giving internationally, which is usually quite limited in scope,” said Edward Cunningham, who researches Chinese philanthropy at the Ash Center of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, in an email.Philanthropy in China has grown as its economy flourished but has been focused at home or on foreign universities with family connections to donors, said Cunningham.American companies including Walmart Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. have given medical supplies and money in Africa, India and Latin America. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey promised $1 billion and has announced donations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the United States. Cisco Systems Inc. donated to the World Health Organization and the United Nations.Ma’s foundation is helping the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expand virus testing to 1 million people across the continent, according to John Nkengasong, director of the agency.Africa, where experts fear health systems with limited resources will face a spike in infections, is a longtime diplomatic priority for Beijing. Chinese companies see the continent as a source of resources and its 1.3 billion people as an important market.“We are extremely pleased and proud of the partnership with the Jack Ma Foundation,” said Nkengasong during the April 28 online seminar. He said some 1,600 medical workers from across Africa participated.Giving can be politically fraught at a time when Beijing is mired in conflicts with the United States, Europe and its Asian neighbors over trade, technology, spying allegations and territorial claims.The European Union’s foreign minister, Josep Borrell, wrote in March there was a “struggle for influence” under way through the “politics of generosity.”Huawei Technologies Ltd., the biggest global maker of telecom switching equipment and the No. 2 smartphone brand, says it has given medical and communications technology, masks and other protective gear in more than 20 countries including Spain, Ireland, Zambia and South Africa.U.S. officials say Huawei is is a security risk, which the company denies. Washington wants European and other allies to shun Huawei technology as they upgrade to next-generation telecoms networks.Huawei didn’t directly answer a question about whether it was trying to influence official decisions but said in a written statement donations “will be guided by actual needs on the ground.”Jack Ma’s foundation has promised supplies to all 54 African countries including 500 ventilators, 200,000 protective suits and 500,000 gloves.“There is a sentimental impact among the populations who can see in China a country which values their health,” said Mame Goor Ngom, a political analyst and editor for Africa Check, an organization in Senegal that checks the accuracy of public claims.African governments including Senegal, Rwanda and Ethiopia publicly thanked Chinese donors.Chinese donations in Ghana “cannot be compared with what the Americans gave out, but they got more publicity,” said Manasseh Awuni Azure, a Ghanaian commentator.China faces complaints after Africans in the southern city of Guangzhou reported they were evicted from their homes, forcibly tested for the virus or suffered discrimination.“The stigma of this violence cannot disappear so easily,” said Ngom.Other companies have sent donations to the United States and other developed countries where they have few commercial interests.JD.com, China’s biggest online retailer, said its founder, Richard Liu, and his wife, Nancy Zhang, have given 50 ventilators, 5 million masks, surgical gloves and other supplies to British hospitals. The company provides free online medical and psychological counseling services worldwide.Virus test kits paid for by Jack Ma’s foundation that arrived in Rwanda in March were “a much needed contribution,” said the country’s president, Paul Kagame, on Twitter. “I know the people of Rwanda join me in gratitude.”Jack Ma, who retired as Alibaba chairman in 2019, is China’s richest entrepreneur, with a net worth of 275 billion yuan ($39 billion), according to the Hurun Report, which tracks the country’s wealthy. Tencent founder Ma Huateng, who is no relation, was No. 2 last year at 260 billion yuan ($37 billion).The delivery of ventilators in New York, paid for by the family foundation of Ma’s former deputy, Joseph Tsai, and his wife, Clara, came as its governor, Andrew Cuomo, was complaining the 400 his state received from the federal government were inadequate.Global technology and risk control "are the strongest in history,” Ma said in the online seminar. “It is up to us to decide whether we want to use this capacity to create division and isolation or use them to enhance cooperation and collaboration.”(Except the headline, IndiaTvNews.com has not edited the AP copy)

Alibaba, TikTok, Lenovo among Chinese cos to emerge as global donors during pandemic

As the coronavirus spread, the world’s richest communist dug into his deep pockets. Jack Ma, the founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and a member of the ruling Communist Party, helped to pay for 1,000 ventilators delivered to New York in April. Ma's foundation also is giving ventilators, masks and other supplies in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

3fa61030291a80eba9c08250c58f0392

China: Scientists find 18 more viruses from wet markets (Representational Image)An international team of scientists has identified 18 mammalian viruses, which pose high risk to humans and domestic animals, from China's infamous wet markets.The origins of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has so far resulted in 253.6 million cases of infections and 5.11 million deaths, has been linked with a seafood market in Wuhan. China has maintained that the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 likely emerged from animal to human transmission at a wet market in Wuhan.In the study, researchers from China, the US, Belgium and Australia claimed to have unearthed game animals that are commonly hunted or consumed as exotic food in China, and have been potential reservoirs for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.The team also examined many species for the first time, some of which have been banned by the Chinese government for trading or artificial breeding since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.They performed an analysis of 1,725 game animals, representing 16 species and five mammalian orders, sampled across China."From this we identified 71 mammalian viruses, with 45 described for the first time. Eighteen viruses were considered as potentially high risk to humans and domestic animals," said corresponding author Shuo Su from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Nanjing Agricultural University in China.Notably, the team did not identify any SARS-CoV-2-like or SARS-CoV-like sequences, including the Malayan pangolins from which SARS-CoV-2-like viruses have previously been identified, Su said in the study posted on preprint server biorxiv, meaning not yet peer-reviewed.According to researchers, one reason for the lack of pangolin SARS-like viruses could be that previous virus-positive samples were all confiscated by the custom authorities in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, both of which were characterised by an intensive network of animal smuggling.In contrast, the new samples were obtained from Zhejiang province in eastern China which does not have an international border that would facilitate smuggling, they said.Further, the team found that Civets (Paguma larvata) carried the highest number of potentially high risk viruses. The cat-like carnivores have been known as potential reservoirs for coronavirus.They also identified the transmission of bat coronavirus HKU8 from a bat to a civet, as well as cross-species jumps of coronavirus from bats to hedgehogs and from birds to porcupines.Similarly avian influenza virus H9N2 was also identified in civets and Asian badgers, with the latter displaying respiratory symptoms, as well as cases of likely human-to-wildlife virus transmission."These data highlight the importance of game animals as potential drivers of disease emergence," the researchers said.ALSO READ: New outbreak prompts China to lock down university campusALSO READ: China-US should respect, coexist with each other: Xi Jinping tells Joe Biden at virtual summit 

Scientists find 18 more viruses from China's wet markets

In the study, researchers from China, the US, Belgium and Australia claimed to have unearthed game animals that are commonly hunted or consumed as exotic food in China, and have been potential reservoirs for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.

e02a5e8a9a25bdcfdc1774693dd0b05d

UN warns coronavirus could lead to next pandemic of global starvation, hungerThe United Nations has warned that the coronavirus outbreak that has brought the world to a standstill may very well lead to the next pandemic -- Hunger and Global Starvation. UN's agency World Food Program (WFP) believes that COVID-19 will lead to a rise in global poverty and starvation."While dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also on the brink of a hunger pandemic. There is also a real danger that more people could potentially die from the economic impact of COVID-19 that from the virus itself," said WFP executive director David Beasley. Last week Beasley had cautioned the UN Security Council that the risk of large-scale famine across much of the developing world was no 'of biblical proportions' due to the coronavirus outbreak. "We can confidently state that levels have risen. Quarantine regulations, shipping challenges, and overall supply chain issues are compounding and adding to previously existing starvation conditions," Ian Bradbury, CEO of the Canada-based humanitarian organization 1st NAEF, told Fox News.He further added, "We can expect more global deaths due to secondary impacts of COVID-19 than the virus itself — the World Food Program currently estimates that 265 million will be on the brink of starvation by the end of the year."Coronavirus has already infected over 3.2 million people across the world while 228,215 have died. The number of people who have recovered after contracting the virus has now crossed one million. 

UN warns coronavirus could lead to next pandemic of global starvation, hunger

The United Nations has warned that the coronavirus outbreak that has brought the world to a standstill may very well lead to the next pandemic -- Hunger and Global Starvation. UN's agency World Food Program (WFP) believes that COVID-19 will lead to a rise in global poverty and starvation.

a9e6bc366bad108462206f06f99e600b

Trump defends trade war with China US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his trade war with China and said the US trade deficit with the Asian giant is ‘not acceptable’. Before the United Nations General Assembly, Trump demanded that changes be urgently made to the ‘world trading system’.Trump warned that the US "will no longer tolerate it and we will not allow our workers to be victimized, our companies to be cheated, and our wealth to be plundered and transferred."In a calmly forceful address to the General Assembly, the US leader said, “last month, we announced a ground-breaking US-Mexico trade agreement. Yesterday, I stood with (South Korean) President Moon (Jae-in) to announce the successful completion of the brand-new US-Korea trade deal.”"This is just the beginning. Many nations in this hall will agree that the world trading system is in dire need of change," he declared."The United States has just announced tariffs on another $200 billion in Chinese-made goods. The total so far of $250 billion," he said."I have great respect and affection for my friend, (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping), but I have made clear that our trade imbalance is just not acceptable. The market distortions and the way that they deal cannot be tolerated as my administration has demonstrated," Trump said."We reject the ideology of globalism and accept the ideology of patriotism," Trump said."Sovereign and independent nations are the only vehicle where freedom has ever survived, democracy has ever endured, or peace has ever prospered," said the US leader."Together, let us choose a future of patriotism, prosperity, and pride. Let us choose peace and freedom over domination and defeat," he urged the assembled world leaders and delegates.

Trump defends tariff war with China, demands changes in global trade

Trump warned that the US "will no longer tolerate it and we will not allow our workers to be victimized, our companies to be cheated, and our wealth to be plundered and transferred."

d11a631ad5fddb5ebb9b068fa0432874

Imran Khan said that 70,000 Pakistanis had died in the aftermath of the US war in Afghanistan.Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the US 'really messed it up' in Afghanistan as he questioned the American motive for the 2001 invasion of the country in the first place and then their subsequent attempts of seeking a political solution with the Taliban from a position of weakness.Khan also said that the only good solution to Afghanistan’s situation is through a political settlement that is 'inclusive' and involves all factions, including the Taliban."I think the US has really messed it up in Afghanistan," Khan said during an interview with Judy Woodruff on PBS NewsHour, an American news programme, aired on Tuesday night, Dawn newspaper reported.ALSO READ: Pakistan: Gunmen attack car carrying Chinese workers in Karachi, one injuredUnder a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control. US President Joe Biden has announced that American troops will be out of the country by August 31.The Taliban ruled Afghanistan by brute force from 1996 to 2001 when the US invasion toppled their government.The US invaded Afghanistan in October, 2001 after the Taliban refused to hand over al-Qaeda’s leader Osama bin Laden, who was behind the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in America.Khan criticised the US for trying to "look for a military solution in Afghanistan, when there never was one".ALSO READ: Afghanistan Vice President trolls Pakistan, posts Pak Army's photo of 1971 surrender to Indian Army"And people like me who kept saying that there's no military solution, who know the history of Afghanistan, we were called — people like me were called anti-American. I was called Taliban Khan," Khan said.He lamented that by the time the US realised that there was no military solution in Afghanistan, "unfortunately, the bargaining power of the Americans or the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces) had gone".The prime minister said the US should have opted for a political settlement much earlier, when there were as many as 150,000 NATO troops in Afghanistan.ALSO READ: Al-Qaeda operates under Taliban protection: UN report"But once they had reduced the troops to barely 10,000, and then, when they gave an exit date, the Taliban thought they had won. And so, therefore, it was very difficult for now to get them to compromise," he said.When the interviewer asked whether he thought the Taliban resurgence was a positive development for Afghanistan, the prime minister reiterated that the only good outcome would be a political settlement, “which is inclusive”."Obviously, Taliban (will be) part of that government," he added.Khan described the "worst-case scenario" as being one where Afghanistan descends into a civil war. "From Pakistan's point of view, that is the worst-case scenario, because we then ...we face two scenarios, one (of them being) a refugee problem," he said."Already, Pakistan is hosting over three million Afghan refugees. And what we fear is that a protracted civil war would [bring] more refugees. And our economic situation is not such that we can have another influx," he said.Elaborating on the second problem, he expressed concerns that the fallout of a potential civil war across the border could "flow into Pakistan".Prime Minister Khan explained that the Taliban were ethnic Pashtuns and "if this (civil war and violence in Afghanistan) goes on, the Pashtuns on our side will be drawn into it." "That … is the last thing we want," he said.When asked about Pakistan's alleged military, intelligence and financial support to Afghanistan, he replied: "I find this extremely unfair".Khan said that 70,000 Pakistanis had died in the aftermath of the US war in Afghanistan, even when "Pakistan had nothing to do with what happened [in New York on September 11, 2001]."At the time, Al Qaeda was based in Afghanistan and "there were no militant Taliban in Pakistan," he said, maintaining that no Pakistani national was involved in the attack on the World Trade Centre."We had nothing to do with," he repeated, regretting that the war in Afghanistan had resulted in a loss of $150 billion to Pakistan’s economy.When questioned about his controversial remarks on rape, which had drawn widespread criticism and earned him rebuke from civil society, political circles and on social media, Khan said that "anyone who commits rape, solely and solely, that person is responsible.""No matter whatever, how much ever a woman is provocative or whatever she wears, the person who commits rape, he is fully responsible. Never is the victim responsible,” he clarified.In an interview with HBO last month, Khan had said: “If a woman is wearing very few clothes, it will have an impact on men unless they are robots. I mean it's common sense. If you have a society where people haven't seen that sort of thing it will have an impact on them."He claimed that his comments in the HBO interview were taken out of context.He said that he would never say "such a stupid thing" that "a person who's raped is responsible ...It's always the rapist that is responsible."

US 'really messed it up' in Afghanistan, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Imran Khan also said that the only good solution to Afghanistan’s situation is through a political settlement that is 'inclusive' and involves all factions, including the Taliban.

f70ea06d7d9f0f25e92f9c19984b5534

Former South Africa President Jacob Zuma sentenced to 15-months jail for contemptSouth Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been found guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear before an inquiry probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption during his tenure from 2009 to 2018.Zuma was not in court for the ruling on Tuesday and has been ordered to hand himself over within five days to a police station in his hometown of Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal province or in Johannesburg.If Zuma fails to turn himself in within five days South Africa’s minister of police and the police commissioner have been ordered to take him into custody within three days.This is the first time in South Africa’s history that a former president has been sentenced to prison.The country’s apex court, the Constitutional Court, ruled that Zuma defied an order by the country’s highest court by refusing to cooperate with the commission of inquiry, which is chaired by deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo.“The Constitutional Court holds that there can be no doubt that Mr. Zuma is in contempt of court. Mr. Zuma was served with the order and it is impossible to conclude anything other than that he was unequivocally aware of what it required of him,” said acting chief justice Sisi Khampepe.She added that in determining the jail sentence for Zuma, the court found it impossible to conclude that he would comply with any other order.“Mr. Zuma has repeatedly reiterated that he would rather be imprisoned than to cooperate with the commission or comply with the order made,” said Khampepe.Zuma has previously expressed his unwillingness to appear before the commission, which has so far heard evidence directly implicating Zuma in wrongdoing.In a previous 21-page letter written to Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, which the court has described as “scandalous,” Zuma claimed that he was ready to be sent to prison.In his letter which he released to the public, Zuma claimed that the commission chairman, Zondo, was biased against him and that evidence presented against him was politically motivated.Some former Cabinet ministers, high-ranking government officials and executives of state-owned enterprises are among witnesses who have implicated Zuma in corruption.Several have testified that while president Zuma allowed members of the controversial Gupta family to influence his appointment of Cabinet ministers and lucrative contracts at state-owned companies.Zuma is also facing additional legal woes as he is standing trial to face charges related to bribes that he allegedly received during South Africa’s 1999 arms procurement deal.He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his lawyers have applied for the lead prosecutor in his case to step down because of alleged bias against Zuma.

Former South Africa President Jacob Zuma sentenced to 15-months jail for contempt

​South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been found guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear before an inquiry probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption during his tenure from 2009 to 2018.

7c3e088c0a7227f3f9b78e2bad801941

India is looking forward to working with Nepal’s democratically elected government to take bilateral ties to newer heights for mutual benefit and supports its efforts for economic growth and development, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj assured the country’s top leadership. Swaraj, who arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday on a two-day goodwill visit, today called on President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and held talks with CPN-Maoist Centre chairman ‘Prachanda’.   Swaraj said during her interactions today she discussed ways to advance India’s multi-dimensional and historic ties with Nepal. Related Stories Sushma Swaraj arrives in KathmanduSushma Swaraj assures India's support for political stability in Nepal Sushma Swaraj meets Nepalese leaders, discusses ways to enhance bilateral ties Swaraj conveyed to all political leaders of Nepal that the Government of India was looking forward to working with the democratically-elected government to take forward bilateral ties to newer heights for mutual benefit, and to support the Government of Nepal, as per its priorities, in its endeavours for rapid economic growth and development, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. “We will extend full cooperation to Nepal in attaining political stability and development,” Swaraj said during her breakfast meeting with Prachanda. “We discussed about the situation emerging after the conclusion of the elections and the preparation for formation of new government,” said Prachanda, whose party formed Left Alliance with CPN-UML during the recently held elections in Nepal. “I told Swaraj that we want political stability and development for which we need cooperation from the neighbours.  Swaraj assured that India will extend full cooperation to Nepal in her efforts towards attaining political stability and development,” Prachanda said. The Maoist chief said Swaraj was curious to know about the political developments taking place in Nepal.  “The talks we had were very positive and constructive.  She also congratulated the Left Alliance for gaining victory during the recently concluded elections,” he said.  “EAM @SushmaSwaraj met with Chairman CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda of #Nepal and complemented him on his party’s performance in the recent elections. The two leaders discussed steps to further deepen our unique India- Nepal bilateral relations,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.  During her courtesy call on Nepal Prime Minister Deuba, she congratulated him on the successful conduct of the recent elections.“Discussions focused on enhancing our bilateral cooperation to take our age-old and historical partnership forward,” Kumar said. During her talks with Bhandari, Swaraj congratulated her on the successful conduct of election in Nepal. “Exchange of views on advancing our multi-dimensional relationship took place,” Kumar said.  Swaraj yesterday held one-on-one talks with CPN-UML chairman K P Sharma Oli, who is likely to be the next prime minister, and prominent leaders of Madhesi parties.  Swaraj congratulated Oli for the victory of the Left Alliance in the recently concluded elections and expressed willingness to work with the new government.Oli said his party is eager to work in collaboration with neighbouring countries and would forge partnership with India to move forward the country towards the path of economic prosperity, according to CPN-UML sources.  The clear victory to the Left alliance—CPN-UML led by Oli and the CPN-Maoist led by Prachanda—was not seen as a positive development for India given that Oli had publicly criticised New Delhi for interfering in Nepal’s internal matters and accused it of toppling his government last year.  Swaraj left for home in the afternoon.

India looks forward to work with Nepal’s democratically-elected govt: Sushma Swaraj

Swaraj, who arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday on a two-day goodwill visit, today called on President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and held talks with CPN-Maoist Centre chairman ‘Prachanda’.

ad30d827286060ef0cb2cf27e932c576

China has deployed me to crush Baloch movement: Pak general Ayman BilalMajor General Ayman Bilal of the Pakistan Army has confessed to China's role and support in his deployment in Balochistan, Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Sun has reported. "China has deployed me here to crush the Baloch movement and has given me a six-month task," Maj Gen Bilal said."If the threat of FATF is averted, we will go inside Iran and take action. Iran is the biggest enemy of Pakistan which has a direct hand in the instability of Balochistan," said new IG FC South Balochistan, Major General Bilal at a special 'jirga' (meeting) at FC headquarters in Turbat with few notables including local agents of FC and intelligence agencies.As per the report, Major General Bilal stationed in Ketch District has openly admitted to China's role in his deployment and assistance and other important matters.In this special 'jirga' session of FC, Raheema Jalal, sister of Federal Minister for Defence Production Zubeida Jalal, Sardar Aziz, head of state formed death squad from Pedarak, Yasir Bahram, head of state death squad Nagor Dasht, Hasil Kolwahi and heads of armed groups who are working on state parole from Tump, Mand, Buleda, Zamuran, Dasht and Hoshap were also present.Maj Gen Bilal, while admitting in the 'jirga', said with concern that he had been posted by China in Balochistan based on his 30 years of service experience at a hefty salary and had only six months on the task to "crush" the Baloch national struggle.He said that he has extensive experience of working in Balochistan for the last 30 years and has worked in Quetta, Sibi, Kolwah, Dera Bugti and Awaran."China has paid me a salary and a large sum of money and officially posted me here for their regional interests and to thwart Iran's conspiracies against CPEC, as it is a kind of investment in regional interests," he said, as per the report.Bilal said that the end of the Baloch movement and the success of CPEC is very important for Pakistan and China. "We have a good amount of money for this task, so let us know how much you need because we can't wait any longer for Iran to create unrest in Balochistan, conspire against CPEC and stab us in the stomach in the name of friendship," he is reported to have said.Bilal further said that Iran is the biggest enemy of Pakistan now. "The threat of FATF is averted today, tomorrow we will go inside Iran and teach the Baloch separatists a lesson that their future generations will remember. At the moment we have the option to take action within 25 kilometres of the Iranian border and we will use this option on time," he said.ALSO READ | Prominent Baloch activist Karima, who once sent rakhi message to PM Modi, found dead in Canada

China has deployed me to crush Baloch movement: Pak general Ayman Bilal

Major General Ayman Bilal of the Pakistan Army has confessed to China's role and support in his deployment in Balochistan, Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Sun has reported.

c55d56ba1b98921d212b65ff4e0b042f

Pitching India as a land of opportunities in several sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called upon Russian investors to invest in the country.“In India, sky is the limit. There are opportunities in several sectors,” the PM said as he invited Russian investments in infrastructure, defence and manufacturing sectors. Addressing the plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia a short while ago, Modi said that ‘India is a fast growing economy and this is a sentiment leading global agencies are reflecting’. Inviting companies to invest more in India, he said that ‘political will, political stability and clear vision has set the tone for transformative reforms, making New Delhi one of the most sought-after markets in the world’.Modi is the first Prime Minister of India to be invited to attend the SPIEF, an annual event held in the Russian city of St Pertersburg which is also Russian President Vladimir Putin's home town. Sharing stage with the Russian President, Modi said that India-Russia relations have continuously strengthened over 70 years irrespective of changes in the world. “India-Russia relations have continuously strengthened over 70 years irrespective of changes in the world,” he added. The Prime Minister also said that ‘India is growing at a rapid pace and over the last three years the impetus to financial inclusion has been tremendous’.He said ‘our constant aim is to bridge the digital divide’, adding that India is today among the top FDI destinations in the world.Held from June 1-3, the SPIEF is attended by thousands of business leaders from across the globe. This is the first time India has been invited to the forum as a guest nation.Modi said that his government’s journey towards developing India is built on investments in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and services.“Fifty cities need metros, 500 cities need solid waste management and drinking water. Besides, India has the world’s second largest railway network. It needs to be expanded, upgraded technologically to make it safer and reliable. The clean India movement has embarked on a program to clean the 2,500 kilometer long Ganga,” Modi said.All this provides immense opportunities for investment, he added.In agriculture, he said his emphasis is on “seed to market,” and increasing yield through technological intervention, organic farming and value addition through food processing.“The market is open even for defence manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and medical devices. I invite you all. A nation of 1.2 billion people invites the world. The world’s oldest civilization invites you all,” he said.

Modi in Russia: In strong pitch for foreign investments, PM says sky is the limit for opportunities in India

Held from June 1-3, the SPIEF is attended by thousands of business leaders from across the globe. This is the first time India has been invited to the forum as a guest nation.

2e685a9d348266d4247e3a3a45250d8a

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan/WHO chief scientistHealthy and young people might not get shots of coronavirus vaccine until 2022 as the elderly and vulnerable groups remain on priority for immunisation, top officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday. According to WHO chief scientist, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, health workers, frontline workers and the elderly will likely be offered a vaccine first. She, however, added that prioritisation details are still being worked out by the WHO and its advisory groups. "People tend to think that on the first of January of the first of April, I'm going to get the vaccine, and then things will be back to normal," Swaminathan said, adding that "it's not going to work like that."Dr. Swaminathan said that the world will hopefully have at least one safe and effective vaccine by 2021, but it will be available in "limited quantities."Noting that over 10 coronavirus vaccines around the world are in late-stage clinical trials, she said that WHO's strategic advisory group of experts on immunization, or SAGE, will release guidance on what populations each vaccine is best suited for and how to logistically distribute it. "Most people agree that it's starting with healthcare workers and frontline workers, but even then you need to define which of them are at highest risk and then the elderly and so on,"Swaminathan said. "There will be a lot of guidance coming out, but I think an average person, a healthy young person might have to wait until 2022 to get a vaccine."

Young, healthy people might not get shots of coronavirus vaccine until 2022: WHO

Healthy and young people might not get shots of coronavirus vaccine until 2022 as the elderly and vulnerable groups remain on priority for immunisation, top officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday.

4901415d88c2739369689b35933092d7

Boris Johnson announces month-long lockdown in England as UK Covid-19 cases pass 1 millionUK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a second stay-at-home lockdown across England, starting from next Thursday and to run for four weeks until at least the start of December, in order to deal with the rapidly increasing coronavirus infections. Addressing a briefing from 10 Downing Street on Saturday, Johnson said there was no choice but to be humble in the face of nature” and unless tough action is taken now the peak of mortality in the country could be even greater than the first wave triggering a medical and moral disaster. The new England-wide measures will lapse by December 2 and, unless a further intervention in the meantime, England will revert to the current three-tier localised lockdown system. Now is the time to take action because there is no alternative,” said Johnson.“You must stay at home, you must only leave home for education, work if you cannot work from home, recreational exercise with one person from another household or your household, and to escape injury or harm, to shop for food and essentials or provide care for vulnerable people as a volunteer,” he said, adding that this lockdown would be less “restrictive” than the first lockdown of earlier this year. He also confirmed an extension to the furlough scheme until December, the wage support scheme for businesses which was set to end from November 1.Non-essential shops and leisure and hospitality venues, such as restaurants, bars and pubs, will be required to close down. Takeaways will be allowed to stay open and people can only meet one person from outside their household outdoors. Unlike the first complete lockdown in March, schools, colleges and universities will be allowed to stay open. Johnson also indicated that he sincerely hopes that the restrictions can be lifted enough for families to come together in time for Christmas but set no further details around that.I am very optimistic that this will feel better by next spring, he said, indicating no significant changes are to be expected until early 2021. The latest lockdown plans will be tabled in Parliament next week for a debate and vote by Wednesday, for them to come in effect from Thursday.At the Downing Street briefing, Johnson was joined by England’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, and the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance. Across virtually the entire country, the rate of increase is on rapid increase, said Whitty, as he presented maps of the latest coronavirus spread across England.Perhaps half a million people or more are with infections, based on different models in terms of death rates, there is potential for things to be twice as bad as the first wave, noted Vallance, as he described the situation as a very grim picture. The devolved administrations of the United Kingdom will continue to follow their own already strict lockdown policies, calling on residents to refrain from non-essential travels to and from England. Wales is currently in a firebreak lockdown which is due to be in place until November 9 and Scotland’s stringent four-tier system, with Tier 4 akin to a complete shutdown, is set to come into force from Monday.Northern Ireland, meanwhile, has been in complete lockdown since the middle of October, scheduled for a month. Earlier on Saturday, several media reports had indicated plans for the month-long lockdown were afoot after Johnson met his most senior Cabinet colleagues on Friday to discuss the possible toughening of restrictions in light of worsening coronavirus infection rate and hospital cases. Downing Street moved to bring forward the PM’s announcement, initially planned for Monday, in the wake of the leaked media reports.Meanwhile, the UK recorded another 21,915 confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 1,011,660. Another 326 people were reported to have died within 28 days of a positive test this weekend, taking its death toll past 46,500. Documents from the government’s Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M-O) revealed this week that England has breached its “reasonable worst-case” scenario for COVID-19 infections and hospital admissions for the winter months. The scientists warned that the number of daily coronavirus deaths in England is in line with that scenario, but “is almost certain to exceed this within the next two weeks”.Infection rates are currently soaring across much of Europe, prompting new forms of lockdown across Germany, France and Belgium. The Opposition Labour Party accused the UK government of dithering over the issue of what has previously been described as a short circuit-breaker complete lockdown.We could have saved more of the economy and reduced the impact of [lockdown] with a shorter, earlier circuit-breaker that coincided with half term, said Labour’s shadow business minister Lucy Powell. Scientific advisers at the top of government believe it is now too late for a two-week national circuit-breaker to have enough of an effect and a longer national lockdown is needed to drive the reproduction number, or R value, of the virus below one.

Boris Johnson announces month-long lockdown in England as UK Covid-19 cases pass 1 million

Addressing a briefing from 10 Downing Street on Saturday, Johnson said there was no choice but to be humble in the face of nature" and unless tough action is taken now the peak of mortality in the country could be even greater than the first wave triggering a medical and moral disaster.

5d3f86db2c846264ac67e939cdcf83a8

Indian expat killed in Dubai building blastA 47-year-old Indian expatriate died following a massive gas pipe explosion in an apartment building in Dubai, authorities revealed on Monday.The explosion took place on Saturday in the sixth floor of the apartment in the Al Ghurair Building in Mankhool while a mechanic was trying to repair a gas leak, the Khaleej Times reported.Dubai Police took to Twitter to confirm that the explosion caused by cooking gas leakage has resulted in one death and three serious injuries."Police authorities secured the area while the victims, all Asian nationals, were transferred to Rashid Hospital," tweeted Dubai Police.The victim's wife told Khaleej Times, "The blast took place in the apartment next door to ours. I was at home with my younger daughter, and my husband was on his way back home with our older daughter after her study lessons."There was a sudden and massive explosion that came from the apartment next door. The impact was so huge, and it hit our apartment as well. The roof fell; there was debris everywhere."A huge door had fallen on him, and the impact of the blast caused severe injuries to his body. My daughter suffered small bruises on her leg."The family originally from Lucknow wants to repatriate the victim's body back to India as soon as possible.In response to the accident, Consulate General of India in Dubai issued a tweet saying: "We are in touch with the friends and family as well as with local authorities. We express our sincere condolences to the family and want to assure that we will help in all ways possible."ALSO READ | 15 wounded in blast at southern Afghanistan polling stationALSO READ | 19 people killed in China factory fire

Indian expat killed in Dubai building blast

The explosion took place on Saturday in the sixth floor of the apartment in the Al Ghurair Building in Mankhool while a mechanic was trying to repair a gas leak, the Khaleej Times reported.

4052b0fa50c84c4105278033dd48cc0b

3 rockets hit Baghdad AirportThree Katyusha rockets landed at Baghdad Airport, damaging four vehicles, the Iraqi military said. The attack took place in the evening when the rockets were fired from Abu Gharib area, west of Baghdad's city center, and landed in the airport, the media office of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a statement on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.One of the rockets struck a car park in the airport and caused damage to four civilian cars, the JOC said.No group has so far claimed responsibility for the rocket attack. Baghdad Airport and the Iraqi military bases housing US troops across Iraq, as well as the US embassy in the Green Zone, have been frequently targeted by mortar and rocket attacks.More than 5,000 US troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against the Islamic State militants, mainly providing training and advising to the Iraqi forces.(With IANS inputs)

3 rockets hit Baghdad Airport, 4 cars damaged

Three Katyusha rockets landed at Baghdad Airport, damaging four vehicles, the Iraqi military said. The attack took place in the evening when the rockets were fired from Abu Gharib area, west of Baghdad's city center, and landed in the airport.

1a718de1607a35346e6c5a9047b9843b

The passage of a US warship close to a disputed island in the South China Sea was a "serious political and military provocation", Beijing said, one that could further strain relations between the superpowers.The destroyer, the USS Stethem, sailed less than 12 nautical miles from tiny Triton Island in the Paracel Islands archipelago, which is claimed by China as well as Taiwan and Vietnam, a US official told AFP. The distance is commonly accepted as consituting theterritorial waters of a landmass.The operation, meant to demonstrate freedom of navigation in disputed waters, came just hours before a scheduled phone call between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.China had dispatched military vessels and fighter planes in response, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement late yesterday, according to state news agency Xinhua. "The Chinese side strongly urges the US side to immediately stop such kind of provocative operations that violate China's sovereignty and threaten China's security," the spokesman said. The statement added that Beijing would continue to take all necessary means to defend national sovereignty and security. It was the second operation of its kind carried out by the United States since Trump took office and comes days after his administration took a number of steps that seemed sure to strain US-Chinese relations. Trump on Thursday authorised a USD 1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China considers a rebel province. The same day, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash. Also Thursday, the State Department expressed concern about Beijing's respect for freedom in Hong Kong, on the 20th anniversary of Britain ceding the territory back to China. And two days earlier, the State Department placed China on a list of the world's worst human trafficking offenders. All those steps added up to a sharp reversal in tone from April, when Xi travelled to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for a first face-to-face meeting that Trump later said had helped build an "outstanding" relationship. Further positive signs had followed, including an agreement in May on exporting US beef and natural gas to China. Trump had praised China's efforts to bring pressure on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs. But when those efforts failed to produce results -- Pyongyang conducted new missile tests in violation of UN Security Council resolutions -- the American president made his frustration known. Those efforts had "not worked out," Trump tweeted on June 20, adding, "At least I know China tried!"  Trump is scheduled to speak with Xi today at 8:45 pm, 45 minutes after speaking with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The latest US "freedom of navigation" exercise comes as Beijing continues muscular efforts to cement its claim to nearly all of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by Taiwan and Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam. The United Nations says countries can establish the reach of their territorial waters up to a limit of 12 nautical miles. China has rapidly built reefs in the area into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes. Freedom of navigation operations are designed to challenge the sovereignty of countries with claims to disputed territory. Washington has challenged annexations of South China Sea islets while advocating for a diplomatic settlement. On May 25, the USS Dewey guided-missile destroyer sailed less than 12 nautical miles from Mischief Reef -- part of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, south of the Paracel Islands.

US warship near South China Sea island 'serious provocation': Beijing

The passage of a US warship close to a disputed island in the South China Sea was a "serious political and military provocation", Beijing said, one that could further strain relations between the superpowers