A Pakistan court on Thursday ordered Pakistan Telecom Authority to ban TikTok for "spreading obscenity". &nbsp;

"The court has asked PTA to block access to TikTok," Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) spokesman Khurram Mehran told news agency Reuters.

He added that the telecom authority would comply with the order given by Peshawar High Court.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan said that videos that are being uploaded on TikTok are "unacceptable for Pakistani society".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-and-chinese-version-douyin-grab-number-one-spot-in-downloads-in-february-369140">TikTok and Chinese version Douyin grab number one spot in downloads in February</a>

"TikTok is affecting most of the youth. Reports being received about the platform in Peshawar are sad," the chief justice said.&nbsp;

He underscored that the videos were "spreading obscenity" and so the platform must be immediately shut down.&nbsp;

TikTok, owned by a Chinese firm, was banned in Pakistan in October over "unethical content," but the ban was later lifted over conditions and warnings that it will adhere to the laws of the country.&nbsp;

The short-video making platform has faced a lot of heat from countries like India and the US.&nbsp;

It has been banned in India since June 29 and for engaging "in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order."

A Pakistan court on Thursday ordered Pakistan Telecom Authority to ban TikTok for "spreading obscenity". "The court has asked PTA to block access to TikTok," Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) spokesman Khurram Mehran told news agency Reuters.

A Pakistan court on Thursday ordered Pakistan Telecom Authority to ban TikTok for "spreading obscenity". "The court has asked PTA to block access to TikTok," Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) spokesman Khurram Mehran told news agency Reuters. He added that the telecom authority would comply with the order given by Peshawar High Court. During the hearing, Chief Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan said that videos that are being uploaded on TikTok are "unacceptable for Pakistani society". Also read | TikTok and Chinese version Douyin grab number one spot in downloads in February "TikTok is affecting most of the youth. Reports being received about the platform in Peshawar are sad," the chief justice said. He underscored that the videos were "spreading obscenity" and so the platform must be immediately shut down. TikTok, owned by a Chinese firm, was banned in Pakistan in October over "unethical content," but the ban was later lifted over conditions and warnings that it will adhere to the laws of the country. The short-video making platform has faced a lot of heat from countries like India and the US. It has been banned in India since June 29 and for engaging "in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order."

Pakistan court orders ban on TikTok over 'obscene' content

Russia's telecommunications watchdog on Thursday said that Twitter has still not deleted over 3,000 posts with illegal content after Kremlin slowed down Twitter's services in the nation.&nbsp;

"As of March 11, 2021, more than 3,100 publications containing banned information have not been deleted," Roskomnadzor in a statement said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The watchdog also said the social media has given no response to its request "to delete banned materials containing child pornography, pro-drug and suicide content."

It reiterated that the measures would not be applicable to photo, video and graphics shared on Twitter.&nbsp;

"The owners of the social media network should bring its work in Russia into compliance with our country's legislation," Roskomnadzor further said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-coup-russia-slows-down-twitter-files-cases-against-facebook-and-google-369526">Social media coup: Russia slows down Twitter; Files cases against Facebook and Google</a>

On Wednesday, Roskomnadzor said it was slowing down Twitter's services in Russia, alleging that the social media company failed to comply with its requests to take down contented related to child pornography, drug use and provoking minors to commit suicide.

Twitter, late on Wednesday, said that Russia's measures are to "block and throttle online public conversation".

It said that there is a "zero-tolerance" policy on "child sexual exploitation" and it did not encourage suicide and self-harm.&nbsp;

Russia's telecommunications watchdog on Thursday said that Twitter has still not deleted over 3,000 posts with illegal content after Kremlin slowed down Twitter's services in the nation.

Russia's telecommunications watchdog on Thursday said that Twitter has still not deleted over 3,000 posts with illegal content after Kremlin slowed down Twitter's services in the nation. "As of March 11, 2021, more than 3,100 publications containing banned information have not been deleted," Roskomnadzor in a statement said on Thursday. Watch | The watchdog also said the social media has given no response to its request "to delete banned materials containing child pornography, pro-drug and suicide content." It reiterated that the measures would not be applicable to photo, video and graphics shared on Twitter. "The owners of the social media network should bring its work in Russia into compliance with our country's legislation," Roskomnadzor further said. Also read | Social media coup: Russia slows down Twitter; Files cases against Facebook and Google On Wednesday, Roskomnadzor said it was slowing down Twitter's services in Russia, alleging that the social media company failed to comply with its requests to take down contented related to child pornography, drug use and provoking minors to commit suicide. Twitter, late on Wednesday, said that Russia's measures are to "block and throttle online public conversation". It said that there is a "zero-tolerance" policy on "child sexual exploitation" and it did not encourage suicide and self-harm.

Russia vs Twitter: Kremlin says over 3,000 posts with illegal content still not deleted

Facebook on Wednesday announced that a lightweight version of Instagram would be rolling out in 170 countries in a bid to bring service to regions that do not have access to high-speed internet.&nbsp;

Instagram Lite will be available for phones with Android operating system and it needs less bandwidth than the regular version.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/invite-only-photo-sharing-app-dispo-launched-as-instagrams-rival-367613">Invite-only photo sharing app, Dispo, launched as Instagram's rival</a>

"Our teams build these lightweight versions of our apps for people with low connectivity or limited data plans because our basic premise is to leave no one behind," Tzach Hadar, head of product management for Facebook Tel Aviv, said

"We wanted the Instagram experience to remain fast, high-quality, and reliable, irrespective of the device, platform, and network people are on."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/instagram-drove-new-users-to-fake-news-conspiracy-theories-during-peak-of-pandemic-report-369271">Instagram drove new users to fake news, conspiracy theories during peak of pandemic: Report</a>

Instagram Lite requires two megabytes as compared with 30 MB in the regular version, and removes features like animation and augmented reality filters.

Hadar said 170 nations did not represent a complete global launch, but "it's a step on the way."

He also highlighted that other than TV and reels, for making and sharing short videos, the new version included most key features of Instagram.

The rollout comes as social media platforms are seeing an increase in demand due to coronavirus restrictions that have choked outings and public get-togethers.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Facebook on Wednesday announced that a lightweight version of Instagram would be rolling out in 170 countries in a bid to bring service to regions that do not have access to high-speed internet.

Facebook on Wednesday announced that a lightweight version of Instagram would be rolling out in 170 countries in a bid to bring service to regions that do not have access to high-speed internet. Instagram Lite will be available for phones with Android operating system and it needs less bandwidth than the regular version. Also read | Invite-only photo sharing app, Dispo, launched as Instagram's rival "Our teams build these lightweight versions of our apps for people with low connectivity or limited data plans because our basic premise is to leave no one behind," Tzach Hadar, head of product management for Facebook Tel Aviv, said "We wanted the Instagram experience to remain fast, high-quality, and reliable, irrespective of the device, platform, and network people are on." Also read | Instagram drove new users to fake news, conspiracy theories during peak of pandemic: Report Instagram Lite requires two megabytes as compared with 30 MB in the regular version, and removes features like animation and augmented reality filters. Hadar said 170 nations did not represent a complete global launch, but "it's a step on the way." He also highlighted that other than TV and reels, for making and sharing short videos, the new version included most key features of Instagram. The rollout comes as social media platforms are seeing an increase in demand due to coronavirus restrictions that have choked outings and public get-togethers.

Instagram Lite launched for 170 countries to extend services in low-speed regions

A night with Buddha: How statue of religious leader returned virtually in Afghanistan

Sri Lanka has invited the new foreign minister of Myanmar's junta to a regional meeting next month, sparking accusations on social media that Colombo is tacitly endorsing the military coup.

There has been no formal international recognition of the regime which toppled Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 although Wunna Maung Lwin, the junta's newly appointed foreign minister, has met virtually and physically with some regional counterparts.

Myanmar's junta and the envoy sent by its toppled civilian government have also launched contradictory claims over who represents the country at the United Nations.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Sri Lanka's invitation, seen by AFP, is for an April 1 virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

"The 17th ministerial meeting will greatly benefit from your Excellency's valued participation, and I look forward to our close engagement over the course of the meeting," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says in the letter.

Several Myanmar activists bombarded the Sri Lankan foreign ministry's social media platforms to slam the decision.

"Shame on you!!!," said Twitter user SweZtun."You invited a member of the Burmese Military Terrorist group to your BIMSTEC meeting...You are shamelessly legitimising Terrorist group..."

"Sri Lanka supporting to terrorist group is the worst shameless behaviour after China," said another Twitter user identifying as Hein Min Htay.&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from Sri Lanka's foreign ministry. The two countries have close religious ties, both following the same branch of Buddhism.

Dozens of Sri Lankan activists meanwhile staged a demonstration outside the Myanmar embassy in Colombo Wednesday denouncing the military coup, in a protest planned before the announcement of the invitation.

"No to the terrorist junta!," said a banner carried by them. "Prosecute the junta for crimes against humanity and genocide."

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted the civilian government last month triggering daily protests demanding a return to democracy.

Close to 2,000 people have been arrested and the death toll has climbed to more than 60, as Myanmar security forces attempt to quash the resistance.

Sri Lanka has invited the new foreign minister of Myanmar's junta to a regional meeting next month, sparking accusations on social media that Colombo is tacitly endorsing the military coup.

Sri Lanka has invited the new foreign minister of Myanmar's junta to a regional meeting next month, sparking accusations on social media that Colombo is tacitly endorsing the military coup. There has been no formal international recognition of the regime which toppled Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 although Wunna Maung Lwin, the junta's newly appointed foreign minister, has met virtually and physically with some regional counterparts. Myanmar's junta and the envoy sent by its toppled civilian government have also launched contradictory claims over who represents the country at the United Nations. Watch | Sri Lanka's invitation, seen by AFP, is for an April 1 virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). "The 17th ministerial meeting will greatly benefit from your Excellency's valued participation, and I look forward to our close engagement over the course of the meeting," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says in the letter. Several Myanmar activists bombarded the Sri Lankan foreign ministry's social media platforms to slam the decision. "Shame on you!!!," said Twitter user SweZtun."You invited a member of the Burmese Military Terrorist group to your BIMSTEC meeting...You are shamelessly legitimising Terrorist group..." "Sri Lanka supporting to terrorist group is the worst shameless behaviour after China," said another Twitter user identifying as Hein Min Htay. There was no immediate comment from Sri Lanka's foreign ministry. The two countries have close religious ties, both following the same branch of Buddhism. Dozens of Sri Lankan activists meanwhile staged a demonstration outside the Myanmar embassy in Colombo Wednesday denouncing the military coup, in a protest planned before the announcement of the invitation. "No to the terrorist junta!," said a banner carried by them. "Prosecute the junta for crimes against humanity and genocide." Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted the civilian government last month triggering daily protests demanding a return to democracy. Close to 2,000 people have been arrested and the death toll has climbed to more than 60, as Myanmar security forces attempt to quash the resistance.

Sri Lanka invites foreign minister of Myanmar junta

Google and Viber on Wednesday said that they were reviewing recent advertisements carried by a Myanmar military-backed telecommunications firm post the February 1 coup.

This comes as Justice for Myanmar, an advocacy group alleged on Wednesday that Google and Viber were running new ads for Mytel, a telecoms company partially owned by the Myanmar army, following a ban by Facebook.

Watch |&nbsp;

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About 2,000 people have been arrested and more than 60 people have died so far, reports news agency AFP as security personnel has intensified crackdown against the pro-democracy protesters.&nbsp;

Google said it was reviewing the ads and had separately disabled some accounts linked to the military including ones on Gmail, Blogger, and the Google Play store.

"We have taken action against accounts on our platforms... including disabling accounts on Google services and taking down a number of YouTube channels and videos related to the Myanmar military," a Google spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shoot-till-they-are-dead-some-myanmar-police-say-fled-to-india-after-refusing-orders-369360">‘Shoot till they are dead’: Some Myanmar police say fled to India after refusing orders</a>

Earlier, messaging platform Viber announced on Wednesday that it is stopping all advertisements in Myanmar temporarily.&nbsp;

"We are looking into the current situation to ensure all ads comply with guidelines," the company responded to a tweet of news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

"Viber continues to focus on the most important task - ensuring people in Myanmar continue to communicate freely and securely under the circumstances." 
&nbsp;

Google and Viber on Wednesday said that they were reviewing recent advertisements carried by a Myanmar military-backed telecommunications firm post the February 1 coup.

Google and Viber on Wednesday said that they were reviewing recent advertisements carried by a Myanmar military-backed telecommunications firm post the February 1 coup. This comes as Justice for Myanmar, an advocacy group alleged on Wednesday that Google and Viber were running new ads for Mytel, a telecoms company partially owned by the Myanmar army, following a ban by Facebook. Watch | About 2,000 people have been arrested and more than 60 people have died so far, reports news agency AFP as security personnel has intensified crackdown against the pro-democracy protesters. Google said it was reviewing the ads and had separately disabled some accounts linked to the military including ones on Gmail, Blogger, and the Google Play store. "We have taken action against accounts on our platforms... including disabling accounts on Google services and taking down a number of YouTube channels and videos related to the Myanmar military," a Google spokeswoman said. Also read | ‘Shoot till they are dead’: Some Myanmar police say fled to India after refusing orders Earlier, messaging platform Viber announced on Wednesday that it is stopping all advertisements in Myanmar temporarily. "We are looking into the current situation to ensure all ads comply with guidelines," the company responded to a tweet of news agency Reuters. "Viber continues to focus on the most important task - ensuring people in Myanmar continue to communicate freely and securely under the circumstances."

Google, Viber review ads posted by military-backed firm

India can again reclaim the position of the fastest growing economy in the world in 2021-22, a report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday said.&nbsp;

The report also projected the Indian economy to grow at 12.6 per cent, the highest among the G20 countries in the financial year 2021-22.&nbsp;

It said if India achieves the projected growth, the country will "reclaim its status as the fastest-growing major economy from China."

Watch |&nbsp;

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The projections have come after India recorded a 0.4 per cent rise in GDP in the last quarter, ending two back-to-back negative growth rates.&nbsp;

The forecast for the global economy rose to 5.6 per cent in 2021 from the previous estimate of 4.2 per cent, the report said.

It said that in recent months global economic prospects have improved considerably due to a gradual supply of effective vaccines and countries have announced more fiscal support.&nbsp;

"Significant fiscal and monetary support continues to underpin activity. Additional discretionary fiscal measures announced in several countries during the past three months will add to the overall support this year, including in the US, Japan, Germany, Canada, and India," the report said. 
&nbsp;

India can again reclaim the position of the fastest growing economy in the world in 2021-22, a report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday said.

India can again reclaim the position of the fastest growing economy in the world in 2021-22, a report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday said. The report also projected the Indian economy to grow at 12.6 per cent, the highest among the G20 countries in the financial year 2021-22. It said if India achieves the projected growth, the country will "reclaim its status as the fastest-growing major economy from China." Watch | The projections have come after India recorded a 0.4 per cent rise in GDP in the last quarter, ending two back-to-back negative growth rates. The forecast for the global economy rose to 5.6 per cent in 2021 from the previous estimate of 4.2 per cent, the report said. It said that in recent months global economic prospects have improved considerably due to a gradual supply of effective vaccines and countries have announced more fiscal support. "Significant fiscal and monetary support continues to underpin activity. Additional discretionary fiscal measures announced in several countries during the past three months will add to the overall support this year, including in the US, Japan, Germany, Canada, and India," the report said.

With growth rate of 12.6%, India could become world's fastest-growing economy: Report

Delhi recorded 370 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases on Wednesday, the highest daily count in nearly two months, even as the positivity rate rose to 0.52 per cent, according to data shared by the Health Department.

The death toll rose to 10,931 with three more fatalities, the latest health bulletin issued by the Delhi Health Department stated.

Delhi had recorded 320 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths due to the disease on Tuesday, breaching the 300-mark again after a gap of two days.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-travel-rules-for-international-arrivals-testing-increased-at-delhi-airport-for-new-covid-19-variant-365419">New travel rules for international arrivals: Testing increased at Delhi airport for new Covid-19 variant</a>

On Sunday and Monday, 286 and 239 cases, respectively, were recorded in the national capital. The city had registered 321 coronavirus cases and a death last Saturday, and 312 cases and a fatality on Friday.

A total of 585 cases were reported on January 1 and 384 on January 4. The daily count had dropped to 306 on January 11 and risen again to 386 on January 12, according to official figures.

The numbers had started to come down in February, and on February 26, 256 cases were recorded, the highest daily count in that month.

On Wednesday, 370 new coronavirus cases were recorded, taking the infection tally to 6,42,030, the bulletin said.

The number of active cases of the disease in the city rose to 1,900 on Wednesday from 1,812 on Tuesday, while the positivity rate rose to 0.52 per cent from 0.48 per cent on Tuesday.

Health experts and doctors have attributed this sudden rise&nbsp;to complacency in people and not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and assuming all is well now.

The total number of tests conducted on Tuesday stood at 71,153, including 45,322 RT-PCR tests and 25,831 rapid antigen tests, the bulletin said.

The number of people under home isolation on Wednesday rose to 982 from 952 on Tuesday, the bulletin said, adding that over 6.29 lakh people have recovered from the infection till date.&nbsp;

Delhi recorded 370 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the highest daily count in nearly two months, even as the positivity rate rose to 0.52 per cent, according to data shared by the Health Department.

Delhi recorded 370 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the highest daily count in nearly two months, even as the positivity rate rose to 0.52 per cent, according to data shared by the Health Department. The death toll rose to 10,931 with three more fatalities, the latest health bulletin issued by the Delhi Health Department stated. Delhi had recorded 320 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths due to the disease on Tuesday, breaching the 300-mark again after a gap of two days. Also read | New travel rules for international arrivals: Testing increased at Delhi airport for new Covid-19 variant On Sunday and Monday, 286 and 239 cases, respectively, were recorded in the national capital. The city had registered 321 coronavirus cases and a death last Saturday, and 312 cases and a fatality on Friday. A total of 585 cases were reported on January 1 and 384 on January 4. The daily count had dropped to 306 on January 11 and risen again to 386 on January 12, according to official figures. The numbers had started to come down in February, and on February 26, 256 cases were recorded, the highest daily count in that month. On Wednesday, 370 new coronavirus cases were recorded, taking the infection tally to 6,42,030, the bulletin said. The number of active cases of the disease in the city rose to 1,900 on Wednesday from 1,812 on Tuesday, while the positivity rate rose to 0.52 per cent from 0.48 per cent on Tuesday. Health experts and doctors have attributed this sudden rise to complacency in people and not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and assuming all is well now. The total number of tests conducted on Tuesday stood at 71,153, including 45,322 RT-PCR tests and 25,831 rapid antigen tests, the bulletin said. The number of people under home isolation on Wednesday rose to 982 from 952 on Tuesday, the bulletin said, adding that over 6.29 lakh people have recovered from the infection till date.

370 fresh COVID-19 cases in Delhi, highest in nearly two months

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday filed her nomination for Nandigram assembly seat, where she will take on her former protege and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and exuded confidence of winning it saying she has never returned empty-handed from the land of anti-farm land acquisition movement.

Accompanied by TMC president Subrata Bakshi, Banerjee filed her papers at the Haldia sub-divisional office here after taking part in a 2-km roadshow. She offered prayers at a temple before filing her nomination, and at another after doing so.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-releases-tmc-list-for-291-assembly-seats-368207">Mamata Banerjee releases TMC list for 291 assembly seats</a>

"I am confident about my victory from the Nandigram assembly seat. I could have easily contested from Bhawanipur seat (which she represents).

"When I had visited Nandigram in January, there was no MLA from here as the sitting MLA had resigned. I looked at the faces of the common people and decided to contest from here," she said after filing her paper.

Deputy chairman of East Midnapore zilla parishad Sheikh Sufiyan has been appointed as Banerjee's election agent.

"I have never returned empty-handed from here. Nandigram is not just a name, it is the name of a movement. Bhulte pari sobar naam, bhulbo nako Nandigram (I can forget everyone's name, but can never forget Nandigram). That's the significance of this place for me," the TMC supremo said.

Banerjee said that she had made up her mind this time to contest either from the Singur or Nandigram - the cradles of the anti-farm land acquisition movement which had catapulted her to power in 2011.

"My feeling is very clear - no one can divide this place along religious lines. During the Nandigram movement all the communities had participated in it. Those who are lecturing now about its legacy were nowhere when violence was unleashed here. I was fighting alone," she said.

The feisty TMC chief will contest from Nandigram for the first time after relinquishing her Bhowanipore constituency in Kolkata.

She has rented a house in Nandigram and will campaign from there.

Nandigram assembly constituency is set for a high octane battle with Banerjee deciding to contest from the seat against Adhikari, who recently switched over to the saffron camp.

Adhikari, who will file his nomination paper for the seat on a later date, called her an "outsider" to Nandigram and himself a "bhoomiputra" (son of the soil).

He had won the Nandigram seat in the 2016 assembly poll, while another TMC candidate emerged victorious from the constituency in 2011.

Adhikari had quit TMC and resigned from the assembly late last year to join BJP following differences with the state's ruling party.

Both the leaders were prominent figures in the anti-farm land acquisition movement in Nandigram in 2007 that had catapulted Banerjee to power in West Bengal in 2011 ending the 34-year-long rule of the Left Front.

The little-known rural area, which had witnessed one of the bloodiest movements against the government's acquisition of cultivable land for industrialisation, had then changed the political landscape of West Bengal.

Now after more than a decade of peace, Nandigram, home to 70 per cent Hindus and 30 per cent Muslims, is witnessing political and communal polarisation.

The Muslims are firmly behind TMC that has controlled the area for the last 15 years.

The constituency mainly comprises two blocks -- Nandigram I and Nandigram II -- with the first having 30 per minority population and the second almost 15 per cent.

Election in Nandigram is slated to be held on April 1.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday filed her nomination for Nandigram assembly seat, where she will take on her former protege and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and exuded confidence of winning it saying she has never returned empty-handed from the land of anti-farm land acquisition movement.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday filed her nomination for Nandigram assembly seat, where she will take on her former protege and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and exuded confidence of winning it saying she has never returned empty-handed from the land of anti-farm land acquisition movement. Accompanied by TMC president Subrata Bakshi, Banerjee filed her papers at the Haldia sub-divisional office here after taking part in a 2-km roadshow. She offered prayers at a temple before filing her nomination, and at another after doing so. Also read | Mamata Banerjee releases TMC list for 291 assembly seats "I am confident about my victory from the Nandigram assembly seat. I could have easily contested from Bhawanipur seat (which she represents). "When I had visited Nandigram in January, there was no MLA from here as the sitting MLA had resigned. I looked at the faces of the common people and decided to contest from here," she said after filing her paper. Deputy chairman of East Midnapore zilla parishad Sheikh Sufiyan has been appointed as Banerjee's election agent. "I have never returned empty-handed from here. Nandigram is not just a name, it is the name of a movement. Bhulte pari sobar naam, bhulbo nako Nandigram (I can forget everyone's name, but can never forget Nandigram). That's the significance of this place for me," the TMC supremo said. Banerjee said that she had made up her mind this time to contest either from the Singur or Nandigram - the cradles of the anti-farm land acquisition movement which had catapulted her to power in 2011. "My feeling is very clear - no one can divide this place along religious lines. During the Nandigram movement all the communities had participated in it. Those who are lecturing now about its legacy were nowhere when violence was unleashed here. I was fighting alone," she said. The feisty TMC chief will contest from Nandigram for the first time after relinquishing her Bhowanipore constituency in Kolkata. She has rented a house in Nandigram and will campaign from there. Nandigram assembly constituency is set for a high octane battle with Banerjee deciding to contest from the seat against Adhikari, who recently switched over to the saffron camp. Adhikari, who will file his nomination paper for the seat on a later date, called her an "outsider" to Nandigram and himself a "bhoomiputra" (son of the soil). He had won the Nandigram seat in the 2016 assembly poll, while another TMC candidate emerged victorious from the constituency in 2011. Adhikari had quit TMC and resigned from the assembly late last year to join BJP following differences with the state's ruling party. Both the leaders were prominent figures in the anti-farm land acquisition movement in Nandigram in 2007 that had catapulted Banerjee to power in West Bengal in 2011 ending the 34-year-long rule of the Left Front. The little-known rural area, which had witnessed one of the bloodiest movements against the government's acquisition of cultivable land for industrialisation, had then changed the political landscape of West Bengal. Now after more than a decade of peace, Nandigram, home to 70 per cent Hindus and 30 per cent Muslims, is witnessing political and communal polarisation. The Muslims are firmly behind TMC that has controlled the area for the last 15 years. The constituency mainly comprises two blocks -- Nandigram I and Nandigram II -- with the first having 30 per minority population and the second almost 15 per cent. Election in Nandigram is slated to be held on April 1.

Mamata files nomination from Nandigram, exudes confidence of winning the seat 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced results from its latest poll of recent travellers, showing growing confidence in a return to air travel, frustration with current travel restrictions and acceptance of a travel app to manage health credentials for travel.

While 88 per cent believe that when opening borders, the right balance must be struck between managing Covid-19 risks and getting the economy going again, 85 per cent believe that governments should set Covid-19 targets (like testing capacity or vaccine distribution) to re-open borders.

About 84 per cent believe that Covid-19 will not disappear and there is need to manage its risks while living and travelling normally, 68 per cent agreed that their quality of life has suffered with travel restrictions.

Nearly 49 per cent believe that air travel restrictions have gone too far.

A total of 4,700 interviews were conducted online in 11 markets between February 15 and 23. The sample size was 500 in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, India and Australia.

In Chile, Japan, UAE and Singapore the sample size was 300.

The poll showed while there is public support for travel restrictions, it is becoming clear that people are feeling more comfortable with managing the risks of Covid-19.

People are also feeling frustrated with the loss of freedom to travel with 68 per cent of respondents indicating their quality of life is suffering as a result.

Travel restrictions come with health, social and economic consequences.

Nearly 40 per cent of respondents reported mental stress and missing an important human moment as a result of travel restrictions.

And over a third have said that restrictions prevent them from doing business normally.

"The top priority of everybody at the moment is staying safe amid the Covid-19 crisis. But it is important that we map a way to being able to re-open borders, manage risks and enable people to get on with their lives," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA`s Director General and CEO.

"That includes the freedom to travel. It is becoming clear that we will need to learn to live and travel in a world that has Covid-19. Given the health, social and economic costs of travel restrictions, airlines should be ready to re-connect the world as soon as governments are able to re-open borders.

"The poll showed that 57 per cent expect to be travelling within two months of the pandemic being contained (improved from 49 per cent in September 2020). About 72 per cent want to travel to see family and friends as soon as possible (improved from 63 per cent in September 2020).

Nearly 81 per cent believe that they will be more likely to travel once they are vaccinated and 84 per cent said they will not travel if there is a chance of quarantine at destination (largely unchanged from 83 per cent in September 2020).

About 56 per cent believe that they will postpone travel until the economy stabilises (improved from 65 per cent in September 2020).

There are some headwinds in travel trends. About 84 per cent of travellers will not travel if it involves quarantine at destination.

And there are still indications that the pick-up in business travel will take time with 62 per cent of respondents saying they are likely to travel less for business even after the virus is contained.&nbsp;

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced results from its latest poll of recent travellers, showing growing confidence in a return to air travel, frustration with current travel restrictions and acceptance of a travel app to manage health credentials for travel.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced results from its latest poll of recent travellers, showing growing confidence in a return to air travel, frustration with current travel restrictions and acceptance of a travel app to manage health credentials for travel. While 88 per cent believe that when opening borders, the right balance must be struck between managing Covid-19 risks and getting the economy going again, 85 per cent believe that governments should set Covid-19 targets (like testing capacity or vaccine distribution) to re-open borders. About 84 per cent believe that Covid-19 will not disappear and there is need to manage its risks while living and travelling normally, 68 per cent agreed that their quality of life has suffered with travel restrictions. Nearly 49 per cent believe that air travel restrictions have gone too far. A total of 4,700 interviews were conducted online in 11 markets between February 15 and 23. The sample size was 500 in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, India and Australia. In Chile, Japan, UAE and Singapore the sample size was 300. The poll showed while there is public support for travel restrictions, it is becoming clear that people are feeling more comfortable with managing the risks of Covid-19. People are also feeling frustrated with the loss of freedom to travel with 68 per cent of respondents indicating their quality of life is suffering as a result. Travel restrictions come with health, social and economic consequences. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents reported mental stress and missing an important human moment as a result of travel restrictions. And over a third have said that restrictions prevent them from doing business normally. "The top priority of everybody at the moment is staying safe amid the Covid-19 crisis. But it is important that we map a way to being able to re-open borders, manage risks and enable people to get on with their lives," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA`s Director General and CEO. "That includes the freedom to travel. It is becoming clear that we will need to learn to live and travel in a world that has Covid-19. Given the health, social and economic costs of travel restrictions, airlines should be ready to re-connect the world as soon as governments are able to re-open borders. "The poll showed that 57 per cent expect to be travelling within two months of the pandemic being contained (improved from 49 per cent in September 2020). About 72 per cent want to travel to see family and friends as soon as possible (improved from 63 per cent in September 2020). Nearly 81 per cent believe that they will be more likely to travel once they are vaccinated and 84 per cent said they will not travel if there is a chance of quarantine at destination (largely unchanged from 83 per cent in September 2020). About 56 per cent believe that they will postpone travel until the economy stabilises (improved from 65 per cent in September 2020). There are some headwinds in travel trends. About 84 per cent of travellers will not travel if it involves quarantine at destination. And there are still indications that the pick-up in business travel will take time with 62 per cent of respondents saying they are likely to travel less for business even after the virus is contained.

Air travellers gaining confidence, time to plan for restart: IATA

Brazil on Tuesday set yet another grim record of highest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>deaths in a single day with 1,972 new fatalities, according to the Health Ministry.&nbsp;

As many as 70,764 new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the country in the last 24 hours and 168,370 people have died due to the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-posts-new-record-of-1972-covid-related-deaths-in-a-single-day-369305/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;The previous record daily death toll was set on March 3 with just over 1,900 deaths. The severity of the crisis in Brazil can be understood from the fact that in recent days, the country is regularly crossing the record death toll.&nbsp;

"The fight against Covid-19 was lost in 2020 and there is not the slightest chance of reversing this tragic circumstance in the first half of 2021," epidemiologist Jesem Orellana of Fiocruz/Amazonia told news agency AFP.

"The best we can do is hope for the miracle of mass vaccination or a radical change in the management of the pandemic."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finds-missing-case-of-brazil-variant-claims-no-sign-it-has-spread-368354">UK finds missing case of Brazil variant, claims no sign it has spread</a>

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been severely criticised for his response to the pandemic, which includes downplaying the threat of Covid-19 and flouting social distancing and mask-wearing rules to contain the spread of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

The vaccination program is also being conducted in the country at a slow pace any so far only 8.6 million people or 4.1 per cent of the population have received the first dose of the vaccine.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Brazil on Tuesday set yet another grim record of highest coronavirus deaths in a single day with 1,972 new fatalities, according to the Health Ministry. As many as 70,764 new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the country in the last 24 hours and 168,370 people have died due to the deadly virus.

Brazil on Tuesday set yet another grim record of highest coronavirus deaths in a single day with 1,972 new fatalities, according to the Health Ministry. As many as 70,764 new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the country in the last 24 hours and 168,370 people have died due to the deadly virus. Watch | The previous record daily death toll was set on March 3 with just over 1,900 deaths. The severity of the crisis in Brazil can be understood from the fact that in recent days, the country is regularly crossing the record death toll. "The fight against Covid-19 was lost in 2020 and there is not the slightest chance of reversing this tragic circumstance in the first half of 2021," epidemiologist Jesem Orellana of Fiocruz/Amazonia told news agency AFP. "The best we can do is hope for the miracle of mass vaccination or a radical change in the management of the pandemic." Also read | UK finds missing case of Brazil variant, claims no sign it has spread Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been severely criticised for his response to the pandemic, which includes downplaying the threat of Covid-19 and flouting social distancing and mask-wearing rules to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The vaccination program is also being conducted in the country at a slow pace any so far only 8.6 million people or 4.1 per cent of the population have received the first dose of the vaccine.

With 1,972 new fatalities, Brazil yet again sees record Covid-19 deaths

Two Afghan youths have been sentenced to five-years-jail for setting Europe's largest camp on fire on the island of Lesbos in Greece, lawyers said on Wednesday.

About 13,000 people including pregnant women, the elderly, and young children were left without any shelter in two successive fires in September that destroyed the Moria camp.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/qatar-inhumane-conditions-of-migrant-workers-6500-migrant-workers-have-died-365912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The camp was poorly kept for years, but its destruction caused the migrants to sleep on the streets for days until another tent camp could be installed.&nbsp;

Legal Centre Lesvos, a civil organisation that gives legal services to migrants and represented the two Afghans said there had been a "lack of credible evidence" put forward and they would appeal against the verdict.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refugee-who-set-herself-on-fire-in-greece-is-charged-with-arson-366422">Refugee who set herself on fire in Greece is charged with arson</a>

"While we are disappointed with today’s result, things could have been much worse for the two young men," the organisation in a statement said, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"The arson conviction alone could have carried a sentence of up to 10 years in prison."

Meanwhile, four other youths who have also been detained for involvement in the case, are awaiting their trial.&nbsp;

Migrant camps often catch fire, accidentally often, but sometimes by refugees to protest the wretched conditions of the camp and refusal of granting asylum.&nbsp;

Two Afghan youths have been sentenced to five-years-jail for setting Europe's largest camp on fire on the island of Lesbos in Greece, lawyers said on Wednesday. About 13,000 people including pregnant women, the elderly, and young children were left without any shelter in two successive fires in September that destroyed the Moria camp.

Two Afghan youths have been sentenced to five-years-jail for setting Europe's largest camp on fire on the island of Lesbos in Greece, lawyers said on Wednesday. About 13,000 people including pregnant women, the elderly, and young children were left without any shelter in two successive fires in September that destroyed the Moria camp. Watch | The camp was poorly kept for years, but its destruction caused the migrants to sleep on the streets for days until another tent camp could be installed. Legal Centre Lesvos, a civil organisation that gives legal services to migrants and represented the two Afghans said there had been a "lack of credible evidence" put forward and they would appeal against the verdict. Also read | Refugee who set herself on fire in Greece is charged with arson "While we are disappointed with today’s result, things could have been much worse for the two young men," the organisation in a statement said, as quoted by news agency AFP. "The arson conviction alone could have carried a sentence of up to 10 years in prison." Meanwhile, four other youths who have also been detained for involvement in the case, are awaiting their trial. Migrant camps often catch fire, accidentally often, but sometimes by refugees to protest the wretched conditions of the camp and refusal of granting asylum.

Two Afghan youths jailed for fire in Greek migrant camp

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