Turkey announced it would conduct a live fire naval exercise off the coast on Cyprus between Saturday and Monday despite the looming threat of EU sanctions.

Turkey is at loggerheads with Greece and Cyprus over hydrocarbon resources and naval influence in the eastern Mediterranean, sparking fears of more severe conflict.

In a message on NAVTEX, the international maritime navigational telex system, Turkey said on Friday there would be a gunnery exercise off the coast of Sadrazamkoy in northern Cyprus.

The announcement comes after southern European leaders warned on Thursday they were ready to back EU sanctions against Turkey if Ankara shunned dialogue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediterranean-crisis-greece-turkey-agree-de-escalation-talks-says-nato-325103">Also read|&nbsp;Mediterranean crisis: Greece, Turkey agree de-escalation talks says NATO</a>

The issue will be discussed again at a EU summit on 24-25 September.

Tensions escalated after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis seismic research vessel and a small navy flotilla to waters claimed by Greece on August 10.

Greece then responded by shadowing the Turkish ships and staging naval exercises with several EU allies and the United Arab Emirates in its own show of force.

The Oruc Reis is supposed to remain in the disputed waters until Saturday.

Turkey announced it would conduct a live fire naval exercise off the coast on Cyprus between Saturday and Monday despite the looming threat of EU sanctions. Turkey is at loggerheads with Greece and Cyprus over hydrocarbon resources and naval influence in the eastern Mediterranean, sparking fears of more severe conflict.

Turkey announced it would conduct a live fire naval exercise off the coast on Cyprus between Saturday and Monday despite the looming threat of EU sanctions. Turkey is at loggerheads with Greece and Cyprus over hydrocarbon resources and naval influence in the eastern Mediterranean, sparking fears of more severe conflict. In a message on NAVTEX, the international maritime navigational telex system, Turkey said on Friday there would be a gunnery exercise off the coast of Sadrazamkoy in northern Cyprus. The announcement comes after southern European leaders warned on Thursday they were ready to back EU sanctions against Turkey if Ankara shunned dialogue. Also read| Mediterranean crisis: Greece, Turkey agree de-escalation talks says NATO The issue will be discussed again at a EU summit on 24-25 September. Tensions escalated after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis seismic research vessel and a small navy flotilla to waters claimed by Greece on August 10. Greece then responded by shadowing the Turkish ships and staging naval exercises with several EU allies and the United Arab Emirates in its own show of force. The Oruc Reis is supposed to remain in the disputed waters until Saturday.

Turkey to conduct naval exercises off Cyprus coast

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday arrested two people who frequently smuggled drugs to Hong Kong concealed inside courier parcels.In a statement, the NCB said that on September 9, acting on a tip-off, they had seized 11.08 kilograms of Charas concealed inside a consignment which was being sent to Hong Kong through a courier service in Kolkata.

"NCB officers then conducted a follow-up investigation and identified the Consigner consignee and a drug supplier from Kolkata area," said the statement.

On September 10, the NCB apprehended two main suppliers of the seized drug from Dum Dum and Durga Nagar areas of Kolkata.

"Drug supplier named Ashim Ray, son of Shyama Pad Roy, and Kingpin Rajan Mishra, son of late Balkrisna Mishra were arrested. They send such parcels frequently to Hong Kong," said the statement.

The NCB further recovered approximately 100 gram of Charas along with 20 bottles of Codeine cough syrup and some other medicines from the possession of Mishra.

In follow-up investigation, a team of NCB further apprehended Biswanath Das, resident of Manikpara in Kolkata and seized 95 bottles of Wincirex, a codeine-based cough syrup, kept in his house without any documents related to the purchase or sale of it."

In his statement, he (Biswanath Das) admitted that he was doing all this for making extra money as his chemist shop was not functioning well," the statement added.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday arrested two people who frequently smuggled drugs to Hong Kong concealed inside courier parcels.In a statement, the NCB said that on September 9, acting on a tip-off, they had seized 11.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Friday arrested two people who frequently smuggled drugs to Hong Kong concealed inside courier parcels.In a statement, the NCB said that on September 9, acting on a tip-off, they had seized 11.08 kilograms of Charas concealed inside a consignment which was being sent to Hong Kong through a courier service in Kolkata. "NCB officers then conducted a follow-up investigation and identified the Consigner consignee and a drug supplier from Kolkata area," said the statement. On September 10, the NCB apprehended two main suppliers of the seized drug from Dum Dum and Durga Nagar areas of Kolkata. "Drug supplier named Ashim Ray, son of Shyama Pad Roy, and Kingpin Rajan Mishra, son of late Balkrisna Mishra were arrested. They send such parcels frequently to Hong Kong," said the statement. The NCB further recovered approximately 100 gram of Charas along with 20 bottles of Codeine cough syrup and some other medicines from the possession of Mishra. In follow-up investigation, a team of NCB further apprehended Biswanath Das, resident of Manikpara in Kolkata and seized 95 bottles of Wincirex, a codeine-based cough syrup, kept in his house without any documents related to the purchase or sale of it." In his statement, he (Biswanath Das) admitted that he was doing all this for making extra money as his chemist shop was not functioning well," the statement added.

NCB arrests two from Kolkata for smuggling drugs to Hong Kong

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday.

"Through his (social media) posts, Bilal Farooqi defamed the Pakistan Army and anti-state elements used these posts for their vested interests," said a police report seen by Reuters, which added that his online activity also spread religious hatred and incited mutiny against the military.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/culture-of-violence-in-pakistan-india-at-un-326744">Also read|&nbsp;‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN</a>

Farooqi's arrest is the latest in a spate of such moves against journalists who have been critical of the government and comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that Pakistan has a free media.

Farooqi has now been released by the Pakistani government after huge&nbsp;criticism.

In July, another journalist, Matiullah Jan, also a critic of Pakistan`s military and government, was freed hours after being abducted after his disappearance sparked outcry amongst journalists and rights activists.

No explanation was given for Jan's abduction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paks-watershed-moment-two-horrific-rapes-and-social-media-outrage-326949">Also read|&nbsp;Pak's watershed moment: Two horrific rapes and social media outrage</a>

In the case of Farooqi, police cited the country`s cyber crime law, which critics say contains vague language that can be used to criminalise basic online activities with fines and long-term imprisonment.

Online criticism of religion, the country, its courts and armed forces are among subjects attracting prosecution.

Earlier this week, a former journalist returned home days after disappearing from Islamabad. He has given no details about what happened to him.

Farooqi had written a tweet about the man`s "enforced disappearance," saying: "The powerful are above the law in this country."

Last year, journalist Shahzeb Jilani was charged under laws relating to cyber terrorism, hate speech, electronic fraud, incitement, and defamation, but the case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence.

At least four journalists and bloggers have been killed in connection with their reporting in the last year in Pakistan.

Earlier this week, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed increasing concern at instances of incitement to violence against journalists and human rights defenders.

"We have raised our concerns directly with the government and we have urged immediate, concrete steps to ensure the protection of journalists and human rights defenders who have been subjected to threats," UNHCR said in a statement.

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday.

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday. "Through his (social media) posts, Bilal Farooqi defamed the Pakistan Army and anti-state elements used these posts for their vested interests," said a police report seen by Reuters, which added that his online activity also spread religious hatred and incited mutiny against the military. Also read| ‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN Farooqi's arrest is the latest in a spate of such moves against journalists who have been critical of the government and comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that Pakistan has a free media. Farooqi has now been released by the Pakistani government after huge criticism. In July, another journalist, Matiullah Jan, also a critic of Pakistan`s military and government, was freed hours after being abducted after his disappearance sparked outcry amongst journalists and rights activists. No explanation was given for Jan's abduction. Also read| Pak's watershed moment: Two horrific rapes and social media outrage In the case of Farooqi, police cited the country`s cyber crime law, which critics say contains vague language that can be used to criminalise basic online activities with fines and long-term imprisonment. Online criticism of religion, the country, its courts and armed forces are among subjects attracting prosecution. Earlier this week, a former journalist returned home days after disappearing from Islamabad. He has given no details about what happened to him. Farooqi had written a tweet about the man`s "enforced disappearance," saying: "The powerful are above the law in this country." Last year, journalist Shahzeb Jilani was charged under laws relating to cyber terrorism, hate speech, electronic fraud, incitement, and defamation, but the case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence. At least four journalists and bloggers have been killed in connection with their reporting in the last year in Pakistan. Earlier this week, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed increasing concern at instances of incitement to violence against journalists and human rights defenders. "We have raised our concerns directly with the government and we have urged immediate, concrete steps to ensure the protection of journalists and human rights defenders who have been subjected to threats," UNHCR said in a statement.

Pakistani journalist,arrested for defaming military, released

Pakistan has reported 584 new cases of coronavirus, taking the country's total number of infections to 300,955, the health minister said on Saturday.

The Ministry of National Health Services said the nation has also reported three new deaths in the last 24 hours due to the deadly viral disease and the toll currently stands at 6,373.

"Coronavirus cases in Pakistan now stands at 3,00,955 and the deaths have reached 6,373," the ministry said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-financial-regulatory-agency-removes-records-of-asim-bajwas-sons-companies-from-website-327032">Also read:&nbsp;Pak financial regulatory agency removes records of Asim Bajwa's sons' companies from website</a>

The ministry said 534 people are in critical condition after getting diagnosed with the virus.

Sindh has till now reported 131,675 cases, Punjab 97,602, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 36,862, Islamabad 15,862, Balochistan 13,401, Gilgit-Baltistan 3,164 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 2,389 cases.

The authorities have so far performed another 28,724 tests in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of tests done so far to 2,908,379.&nbsp;

Pakistan has reported 584 new cases of coronavirus, taking the country's total number of infections to 300,955, the health minister said on Saturday. The Ministry of National Health Services said the nation has also reported three new deaths in the last 24 hours due to the deadly viral disease and the toll currently stands at 6,373.

Pakistan has reported 584 new cases of coronavirus, taking the country's total number of infections to 300,955, the health minister said on Saturday. The Ministry of National Health Services said the nation has also reported three new deaths in the last 24 hours due to the deadly viral disease and the toll currently stands at 6,373. "Coronavirus cases in Pakistan now stands at 3,00,955 and the deaths have reached 6,373," the ministry said in a statement. Also read: Pak financial regulatory agency removes records of Asim Bajwa's sons' companies from website The ministry said 534 people are in critical condition after getting diagnosed with the virus. Sindh has till now reported 131,675 cases, Punjab 97,602, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 36,862, Islamabad 15,862, Balochistan 13,401, Gilgit-Baltistan 3,164 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 2,389 cases. The authorities have so far performed another 28,724 tests in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of tests done so far to 2,908,379.

Pakistan reports 584 new cases of coronavirus: Health Ministry

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the country's financial regulatory agency, has deleted the records of five of six companies owned by China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa's family members, FactFocus reported.

Investigations by FactFocus began recently into the assets accumulated by Bajwa`s family during the military career of the retired general.

The five firms whose data was removed belonged to Bajwa's son while one company, whose data remained throughout on the website belonged to his brothers.The development was reported by FactFocus on August 27.

However, the five companies' records were restored on the SECP website after a few weeks. This is a significant yet bizarre incident where a government agency is responsible for regulating all firms in Pakistan and its nature of work should not meddle with politics.

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Even SECP Chairman Amir Khan refused to comment when asked if he knew that the records were deleted and whether the person was ordered to do so.

"You better contact the chief spokesperson of the SECP and this is the protocol that we follow," Amir Khan said.

When reminded that he was also the SECP's chief spokesperson along with the chairman of the commission, Amir Khan instead said the media section of SECP should be contacted.

FactFocus had made photographic copies of the SECP website on July 21, which included the records of companies owned by Bajwa's sons in Pakistan and other countries. Original photographs of some of the records were to be used as attachments so that readers will be able to view the details and verify the dates of capturing digital evidence by checking the files' properties.

However, during the Eid-ul-Zuha festival, the SECP removed the records of the companies owned by Bajwa`s sons — Muhammad Saleem Bajwa, Eusha Saleem Bajwa and Azib Saleem Bajwa.

On August 3, the first working day after Eid, FactFocus noticed the deletion of records from the site and continued checking it from different computers and places across the world. The result was the same — all the records of these companies disappeared.

Despite repeated reminders to the SECP chairman, no response has been received so far.Silkline Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd is the sixth company of the Bajwa family, which was listed on the SECP website but its data remained on the site throughout. This was the only company that belonged to Bajwa's brothers.

Earlier this month, Bajwa announced that he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan on information and broadcasting following corruption allegations against him.

The development came after an investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani alleged properties and business worth millions of Bajwa and his close family members in Pakistan and abroad.

The report claimed that Bajwa's brothers, wife and two sons own a business empire, which has set up 99 companies in four countries including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants worth an estimated USD 39.9 million.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the country's financial regulatory agency, has deleted the records of five of six companies owned by China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa's family members, FactFocus reported.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the country's financial regulatory agency, has deleted the records of five of six companies owned by China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa's family members, FactFocus reported. Investigations by FactFocus began recently into the assets accumulated by Bajwa`s family during the military career of the retired general. The five firms whose data was removed belonged to Bajwa's son while one company, whose data remained throughout on the website belonged to his brothers.The development was reported by FactFocus on August 27. However, the five companies' records were restored on the SECP website after a few weeks. This is a significant yet bizarre incident where a government agency is responsible for regulating all firms in Pakistan and its nature of work should not meddle with politics. × Even SECP Chairman Amir Khan refused to comment when asked if he knew that the records were deleted and whether the person was ordered to do so. "You better contact the chief spokesperson of the SECP and this is the protocol that we follow," Amir Khan said. When reminded that he was also the SECP's chief spokesperson along with the chairman of the commission, Amir Khan instead said the media section of SECP should be contacted. FactFocus had made photographic copies of the SECP website on July 21, which included the records of companies owned by Bajwa's sons in Pakistan and other countries. Original photographs of some of the records were to be used as attachments so that readers will be able to view the details and verify the dates of capturing digital evidence by checking the files' properties. However, during the Eid-ul-Zuha festival, the SECP removed the records of the companies owned by Bajwa`s sons — Muhammad Saleem Bajwa, Eusha Saleem Bajwa and Azib Saleem Bajwa. On August 3, the first working day after Eid, FactFocus noticed the deletion of records from the site and continued checking it from different computers and places across the world. The result was the same — all the records of these companies disappeared. Despite repeated reminders to the SECP chairman, no response has been received so far.Silkline Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd is the sixth company of the Bajwa family, which was listed on the SECP website but its data remained on the site throughout. This was the only company that belonged to Bajwa's brothers. Earlier this month, Bajwa announced that he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan on information and broadcasting following corruption allegations against him. The development came after an investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani alleged properties and business worth millions of Bajwa and his close family members in Pakistan and abroad. The report claimed that Bajwa's brothers, wife and two sons own a business empire, which has set up 99 companies in four countries including a pizza franchise with 133 restaurants worth an estimated USD 39.9 million.

Pak financial regulatory agency removes records of Asim Bajwa's sons' companies from website

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused the European Union of threatening to impose a food "blockade" between Britain and Northern Ireland that could tear the UK apart, throwing new fuel on the fire of simmering Brexit talks.

Writing in Saturday's Daily Telegraph newspaper, Johnson said the EU's stance justified his government's introduction of new legislation to rewrite its Brexit withdrawal treaty -- a bill that is causing deep alarm among his own MPs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-trade-deal-brits-do-not-understand-says-french-foreign-minister-325567">Also read|&nbsp;Brexit trade deal: Brits 'do not understand', says French foreign minister</a>

Talks between London and Brussels on a future trading relationship are deadlocked. Absent a deal by the end of this year, when the full force of Brexit kicks in, Johnson said the EU was bent on an "extreme interpretation" of rules for Northern Ireland.

"We are being told that the EU will not only impose tariffs on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, but that they might actually stop the transport of food products from GB to NI," he wrote.

"I have to say that we never seriously believed that the EU would be willing to use a treaty, negotiated in good faith, to blockade one part of the UK, to cut it off, or that they would actually threaten to destroy the economic and territorial integrity of the UK."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-wont-blink-first-uk-warns-the-eu-on-brexit-trade-negotiations-325513">Also read|&nbsp;'We won't blink first': UK warns the EU on Brexit trade negotiations</a>

The food dispute centres on the EU's refusal so far to grant Britain "third country" status, which acknowledges that nations meet basic requirements to export their foodstuffs to Europe.

Under Britain's EU withdrawal treaty, Northern Ireland will enjoy a special status to ensure no return of a border with EU member Ireland, in line with a 1998 peace pact that ended three decades of bloodshed.

The EU is worried that post-Brexit Britain could undercut its own food standards, as well as rules on state aid for companies, to send goods into its single market via Northern Ireland.

After another difficult round of trade talks this week in London, chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said "many uncertainties" remained about Britain's food export regime after January 1.

'Legal safety net'

"More clarity is needed for the EU to do the assessment for the third-country listing of the UK," he said in a statement.

Johnson said his government remained committed to finding agreement with the EU by the end of the year.

"But we cannot leave the theoretical power to carve up our country -– to divide it -– in the hands of an international organisation," he wrote, calling the new UK Internal Market Bill a "legal safety net".

The prime minister's article appeared after he held a chaotic videoconference on Friday evening with mutinous Conservative MPs who are aghast at the prospect of the government tearing up an international treaty.

"We must get this bill through," Johnson wrote, ahead of a debate in parliament on Monday. "So I say to my fellow parliamentarians that we cannot go back to the dark days of last year -– the squabbling that so undermined our negotiators."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused the European Union of threatening to impose a food "blockade" between Britain and Northern Ireland that could tear the UK apart, throwing new fuel on the fire of simmering Brexit talks.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused the European Union of threatening to impose a food "blockade" between Britain and Northern Ireland that could tear the UK apart, throwing new fuel on the fire of simmering Brexit talks. Writing in Saturday's Daily Telegraph newspaper, Johnson said the EU's stance justified his government's introduction of new legislation to rewrite its Brexit withdrawal treaty -- a bill that is causing deep alarm among his own MPs. Also read| Brexit trade deal: Brits 'do not understand', says French foreign minister Talks between London and Brussels on a future trading relationship are deadlocked. Absent a deal by the end of this year, when the full force of Brexit kicks in, Johnson said the EU was bent on an "extreme interpretation" of rules for Northern Ireland. "We are being told that the EU will not only impose tariffs on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, but that they might actually stop the transport of food products from GB to NI," he wrote. "I have to say that we never seriously believed that the EU would be willing to use a treaty, negotiated in good faith, to blockade one part of the UK, to cut it off, or that they would actually threaten to destroy the economic and territorial integrity of the UK." Also read| 'We won't blink first': UK warns the EU on Brexit trade negotiations The food dispute centres on the EU's refusal so far to grant Britain "third country" status, which acknowledges that nations meet basic requirements to export their foodstuffs to Europe. Under Britain's EU withdrawal treaty, Northern Ireland will enjoy a special status to ensure no return of a border with EU member Ireland, in line with a 1998 peace pact that ended three decades of bloodshed. The EU is worried that post-Brexit Britain could undercut its own food standards, as well as rules on state aid for companies, to send goods into its single market via Northern Ireland. After another difficult round of trade talks this week in London, chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said "many uncertainties" remained about Britain's food export regime after January 1. 'Legal safety net' "More clarity is needed for the EU to do the assessment for the third-country listing of the UK," he said in a statement. Johnson said his government remained committed to finding agreement with the EU by the end of the year. "But we cannot leave the theoretical power to carve up our country -– to divide it -– in the hands of an international organisation," he wrote, calling the new UK Internal Market Bill a "legal safety net". The prime minister's article appeared after he held a chaotic videoconference on Friday evening with mutinous Conservative MPs who are aghast at the prospect of the government tearing up an international treaty. "We must get this bill through," Johnson wrote, ahead of a debate in parliament on Monday. "So I say to my fellow parliamentarians that we cannot go back to the dark days of last year -– the squabbling that so undermined our negotiators."

Johnson accuses EU of plotting food 'blockade' on UK

A makeshift gold mine collapsed in the&nbsp;eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday after continuous&nbsp;torrential rain in the area.

The mine is located in&nbsp;the town of Kamituga, in South Kivu province. The accident has taken nearly 50 lives, as per the initial investigations, most of whom were young people trying to earn a living and support their families.

Kamituga mayor Alexandre Bundya said "we are not yet sure of the exact number" of victims. However, the locals present at the spot they can estimate more than 50 people who are being feared dead, with only one survivor.

The locals have told the local media that the collapse happened as a river flooded after torrential rain and water&nbsp;went into the three tunnels. The high pressure of the water unabled the miners to run out of the tunnels.

A two-day mourning period has been announced in the region to pay respects to the ones who lost their lives, and help the local authorities in rescue mission.

"Investigations must be carried out to find out the causes of this disaster," said a representative of the civil society, Nicolas Kyalangalilwa.

"The authorities must take responsibility instead of taxing" these miners.

A makeshift gold mine collapsed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday after continuous torrential rain in the area. The mine is located in the town of Kamituga, in South Kivu province.

A makeshift gold mine collapsed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday after continuous torrential rain in the area. The mine is located in the town of Kamituga, in South Kivu province. The accident has taken nearly 50 lives, as per the initial investigations, most of whom were young people trying to earn a living and support their families. Kamituga mayor Alexandre Bundya said "we are not yet sure of the exact number" of victims. However, the locals present at the spot they can estimate more than 50 people who are being feared dead, with only one survivor. The locals have told the local media that the collapse happened as a river flooded after torrential rain and water went into the three tunnels. The high pressure of the water unabled the miners to run out of the tunnels. A two-day mourning period has been announced in the region to pay respects to the ones who lost their lives, and help the local authorities in rescue mission. "Investigations must be carried out to find out the causes of this disaster," said a representative of the civil society, Nicolas Kyalangalilwa. "The authorities must take responsibility instead of taxing" these miners.

More than 50 feared dead after gold mine collapse in DR Congo

Australia and China are fighting a diplomatic war for the past few weeks now. The diplomatic tension has resulted in various attacks on the journalists from both sides.

While Australia pulled out all the last two journalists from China, after they were subjected to investigations by the Chinese authorities, Beijing, too, has accused of raiding the properties of the Chinese journalists in Australia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-will-repeat-itself-if-india-makes-same-border-mistake-says-chinas-mouthpiece-global-times-326217">Also read:&nbsp;History will repeat itself if India makes same border mistake, says China's mouthpiece Global Times</a>

The news of Chinese journalists being 'hounded' in Australia was reported in Chinese mouthpiece Global Times, claiming that the Australian authorities raided homes of four journalists in June.

The state news Xinhua has now slammed the "attacks" on the journalists calling them "utterly appalling".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-global-times-publishing-while-representatives-of-india-china-talk-325298">Also read:&nbsp;What is Global Times publishing while representatives of India, China talk?</a>

"This gross, imperious and unreasonable act was utterly appalling. It fully exposes the Cold-War mentality and political prejudice of some Australian departments and officials," a Xinhua spokesperson said, according to the agency.

"What they have done not only seriously harms the reputation and image of Chinese media, but also seriously interferes with the normal people-to-people exchanges between China and Australia," added the spokesperson, who was not identified.

The raids have also been slammed by the Chinese government. On Thursday, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that such action from Australia "blatantly violates the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese journalists there and caused severe harm to the physical and mental health of the journalists and their families."

However, the Australian authorities have responded back saying the raids were conducted by the security agencies with respect to proper procedure and law.

Australia and China are fighting a diplomatic war for the past few weeks now. The diplomatic tension has resulted in various attacks on the journalists from both sides.

Australia and China are fighting a diplomatic war for the past few weeks now. The diplomatic tension has resulted in various attacks on the journalists from both sides. While Australia pulled out all the last two journalists from China, after they were subjected to investigations by the Chinese authorities, Beijing, too, has accused of raiding the properties of the Chinese journalists in Australia. Also read: History will repeat itself if India makes same border mistake, says China's mouthpiece Global Times The news of Chinese journalists being 'hounded' in Australia was reported in Chinese mouthpiece Global Times, claiming that the Australian authorities raided homes of four journalists in June. The state news Xinhua has now slammed the "attacks" on the journalists calling them "utterly appalling". Also read: What is Global Times publishing while representatives of India, China talk? "This gross, imperious and unreasonable act was utterly appalling. It fully exposes the Cold-War mentality and political prejudice of some Australian departments and officials," a Xinhua spokesperson said, according to the agency. "What they have done not only seriously harms the reputation and image of Chinese media, but also seriously interferes with the normal people-to-people exchanges between China and Australia," added the spokesperson, who was not identified. The raids have also been slammed by the Chinese government. On Thursday, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that such action from Australia "blatantly violates the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese journalists there and caused severe harm to the physical and mental health of the journalists and their families." However, the Australian authorities have responded back saying the raids were conducted by the security agencies with respect to proper procedure and law.

Raiding of Chinese journalists in Australia 'utterly appalling', says state Chinese media

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has hit out at Pakistan's Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED), saying it has failed to hold perpetrators responsible for the crime in the last several years.

In 2011, the COIED was formed to trace the whereabouts of missing persons and fix the responsibility on individuals or organisations responsible for the enforced disappearances. The probe body is headed by Justice Javed Iqbal, Dawn reported.

According to a briefing paper titled 'Entrenching Impunity, Denying Redress: The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in Pakistan', the ICJ noted that although the COIED had traced the whereabouts of the missing persons in a number of cases, there was no effort to fix the responsibility for the crime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakhttps://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakisan-at-least-441-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-326535isan-at-least-441-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-326535">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan: At least 441 new coronavirus cases reported</a>

The paper evaluated the performance of COIED since its constitution and assessed the legal framework, under which the body operates as per international law and standards.

"This commission has failed in holding even a single perpetrator of enforced disappearance responsible in its nine years. A commission that does not address impunity, nor facilitate justice for victims and their families, can certainly not be considered effective," Ian Seiderman, the ICJ legal and policy director, was quoted as saying.

The ICJ was established in 1952 and is active in five continents. It comprises 60 eminent judges and lawyers from all regions of the world and protects human rights through rule of law by using its unique legal expertise to develop and strengthen national and international justice systems, Dawn reported.

Slamming the COIED, the ICJ regretted that hundreds of people continued to remain missing in Pakistan following their apparent arrest or abduction by security forces and military establishment. The UN Working Group on enforced disappearances has described a "culture of entrenched impunity" pertaining to the crime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-am-back-and-safe-secps-joint-director-sajid-gondal-resurfaces-326100">Also read|&nbsp;'I am back and safe': SECP's Joint Director Sajid Gondal resurfaces</a>

Despite the failure of the COIED to meet the objectives, its mandate was extended many times without consultation with the victims' groups. The present mandate is set to expire on September 14.

"The failure of COIED also demonstrates a larger problem," the ICJ said, adding that though ostensibly formed to provide a measure of public accountability, more often than not, the COIED had allegedly promoted impunity by diverting investigation of human rights violations and crimes through the criminal justice process into a parallel ad hoc mechanism vulnerable to political interference and manipulation, according to the Dawn.

"Recent experiences in Pakistan, the South Asia region and around the world suggested that without substantial reform to the existing law and practice, continued use of the COIED would not succeed in providing effective remedies to the victims of human rights violations," the ICJ noted.

The ICJ suggested that the mandate of the COIED should not be extended beyond September 14 and should make public the commission's final report.

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has hit out at Pakistan's Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED), saying it has failed to hold perpetrators responsible for the crime in the last several years.

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has hit out at Pakistan's Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED), saying it has failed to hold perpetrators responsible for the crime in the last several years. In 2011, the COIED was formed to trace the whereabouts of missing persons and fix the responsibility on individuals or organisations responsible for the enforced disappearances. The probe body is headed by Justice Javed Iqbal, Dawn reported. According to a briefing paper titled 'Entrenching Impunity, Denying Redress: The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in Pakistan', the ICJ noted that although the COIED had traced the whereabouts of the missing persons in a number of cases, there was no effort to fix the responsibility for the crime. Also read| Pakistan: At least 441 new coronavirus cases reported The paper evaluated the performance of COIED since its constitution and assessed the legal framework, under which the body operates as per international law and standards. "This commission has failed in holding even a single perpetrator of enforced disappearance responsible in its nine years. A commission that does not address impunity, nor facilitate justice for victims and their families, can certainly not be considered effective," Ian Seiderman, the ICJ legal and policy director, was quoted as saying. The ICJ was established in 1952 and is active in five continents. It comprises 60 eminent judges and lawyers from all regions of the world and protects human rights through rule of law by using its unique legal expertise to develop and strengthen national and international justice systems, Dawn reported. Slamming the COIED, the ICJ regretted that hundreds of people continued to remain missing in Pakistan following their apparent arrest or abduction by security forces and military establishment. The UN Working Group on enforced disappearances has described a "culture of entrenched impunity" pertaining to the crime. Also read| 'I am back and safe': SECP's Joint Director Sajid Gondal resurfaces Despite the failure of the COIED to meet the objectives, its mandate was extended many times without consultation with the victims' groups. The present mandate is set to expire on September 14. "The failure of COIED also demonstrates a larger problem," the ICJ said, adding that though ostensibly formed to provide a measure of public accountability, more often than not, the COIED had allegedly promoted impunity by diverting investigation of human rights violations and crimes through the criminal justice process into a parallel ad hoc mechanism vulnerable to political interference and manipulation, according to the Dawn. "Recent experiences in Pakistan, the South Asia region and around the world suggested that without substantial reform to the existing law and practice, continued use of the COIED would not succeed in providing effective remedies to the victims of human rights violations," the ICJ noted. The ICJ suggested that the mandate of the COIED should not be extended beyond September 14 and should make public the commission's final report.

ICJ chides Pakistan probe body on enforced disappearances

After Bob Woodward's book, titled Rage, revealed that Donald Trump downplayed the threat of the novel coronavirus in the United States, an explanation was being sought by the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.

However, all Trump had to say about the book and the allegations made on him was, "I didn't lie".

In Bob Woodward's book, that will be releasing few weeks before the upcoming US elections, Trump has been caught on tape in various interviews claiming that he "wanted to always play it down."

"I still like playing it down, because I don't want to create a panic," he has been quoted in the book.

The interview clippings are from the months of February and March, and have now been released for a book which will be published on September 15.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-admits-downplaying-seriousness-of-covid-19-326412">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19</a>

However, now, Trump claims that he downplayed the dangers posed by the novel coronavirus only to protect the Americans, instead of panicking.

"I'm not going to drive this country or the world into a frenzy," he continued. "We have to show leadership and the last thing you want to do is create a panic."

In the press conference organised at the White House on Tghirsday, Trump claimed, "I think we did a great job. I don't want to jump up and down and start screaming 'Death! Death!'"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/book-trouble-trumps-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-accuses-him-of-colluding-with-russia-to-win-elections-320361">Also read|&nbsp;Book trouble: Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, accuses him of colluding with Russia to win elections</a>

When asked about Why Bob Woodward did not reveal this earlier, considering this could have saved almost 200,000 Americans from getting affected and losing their battle to the deadly coronavirus, Trump said, "Because he knew they were good and proper answers. Calm, no panic!"

This revelation has given Trump's rival a chance to woo the voters.&nbsp;"He knew how deadly it was," Biden said on Wednesday. "He lied to the American people. He knowingly and willingly lied about the threat it posed to the country for months."

After Bob Woodward's book, titled Rage, revealed that Donald Trump downplayed the threat of the novel coronavirus in the United States, an explanation was being sought by the US President Donald Trump.

After Bob Woodward's book, titled Rage, revealed that Donald Trump downplayed the threat of the novel coronavirus in the United States, an explanation was being sought by the US President Donald Trump. However, all Trump had to say about the book and the allegations made on him was, "I didn't lie". In Bob Woodward's book, that will be releasing few weeks before the upcoming US elections, Trump has been caught on tape in various interviews claiming that he "wanted to always play it down." "I still like playing it down, because I don't want to create a panic," he has been quoted in the book. The interview clippings are from the months of February and March, and have now been released for a book which will be published on September 15. Also read| US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19 However, now, Trump claims that he downplayed the dangers posed by the novel coronavirus only to protect the Americans, instead of panicking. "I'm not going to drive this country or the world into a frenzy," he continued. "We have to show leadership and the last thing you want to do is create a panic." In the press conference organised at the White House on Tghirsday, Trump claimed, "I think we did a great job. I don't want to jump up and down and start screaming 'Death! Death!'" Also read| Book trouble: Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, accuses him of colluding with Russia to win elections When asked about Why Bob Woodward did not reveal this earlier, considering this could have saved almost 200,000 Americans from getting affected and losing their battle to the deadly coronavirus, Trump said, "Because he knew they were good and proper answers. Calm, no panic!" This revelation has given Trump's rival a chance to woo the voters. "He knew how deadly it was," Biden said on Wednesday. "He lied to the American people. He knowingly and willingly lied about the threat it posed to the country for months."

'Calm, no panic': Donald Trump says he didn't lie about coronavirus after Bob Woodward's book-reveal

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists.

Talking to PTI, General-Officer-in-Command of strategically located XV corps in Kashmir Lt Gen B S Raju said after an incident "across Peer Panjal", a reference to Jammu region in army parlance, "we have alerted all formations to keep a check on any flying object seen along the LoC".

He said the terrorists holed up in the Kashmir valley have been facing acute shortage of arms and ammunition and they are desperately looking for some help from across the border for the same.

In June, BSF had shot down a Pakistani drone, loaded with a sophisticated rifle and seven grenades, along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-listed-cross-border-terrorists-impacting-child-rights-india-326713">Also read|&nbsp;UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India</a>

The Chinese-made drone weighed about 17.5 kgs and had a payload of 5.5 kg including a sophisticated US-made M4 semi-automatic carbine and seven Chinese grenades. Four batteries, a radio signal receiver and two Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were also recovered.

This, according to Gen Raju, is a "new dimension" in decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "Instructions have been passed on to the forward formations to keep an eye on any flying object coming from across the border (LoC) and hit it hard to bring it down," he said.

As small drones are tough to detect, an extra vigil using all high-tech gadgets along with human scrutiny is being maintained.

A strict watch is also being maintained for movement of civilians along the Line of Control as terrorists may disguise themselves as nomads or shepherds to pick up an arms consignment.

"We have discovered some dumps of arms and ammunition in recent past along the LoC. This is a clear indication that people across the border are making shallow infiltration, dumping the weapons and returning to their launch pads across the border. This may be because of robust anti-infiltration grid being in place."

On whether Pakistan is gathering its troops along the LoC in the view of increased tension in Ladakh sector between India and China, Gen Raju said, "We have not noticed any such attempts so far but let me assure that we are prepared for any eventuality and ready to give a befitting reply".

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists.

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists. Talking to PTI, General-Officer-in-Command of strategically located XV corps in Kashmir Lt Gen B S Raju said after an incident "across Peer Panjal", a reference to Jammu region in army parlance, "we have alerted all formations to keep a check on any flying object seen along the LoC". He said the terrorists holed up in the Kashmir valley have been facing acute shortage of arms and ammunition and they are desperately looking for some help from across the border for the same. In June, BSF had shot down a Pakistani drone, loaded with a sophisticated rifle and seven grenades, along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu region. Also read| UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India The Chinese-made drone weighed about 17.5 kgs and had a payload of 5.5 kg including a sophisticated US-made M4 semi-automatic carbine and seven Chinese grenades. Four batteries, a radio signal receiver and two Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were also recovered. This, according to Gen Raju, is a "new dimension" in decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "Instructions have been passed on to the forward formations to keep an eye on any flying object coming from across the border (LoC) and hit it hard to bring it down," he said. As small drones are tough to detect, an extra vigil using all high-tech gadgets along with human scrutiny is being maintained. A strict watch is also being maintained for movement of civilians along the Line of Control as terrorists may disguise themselves as nomads or shepherds to pick up an arms consignment. "We have discovered some dumps of arms and ammunition in recent past along the LoC. This is a clear indication that people across the border are making shallow infiltration, dumping the weapons and returning to their launch pads across the border. This may be because of robust anti-infiltration grid being in place." On whether Pakistan is gathering its troops along the LoC in the view of increased tension in Ladakh sector between India and China, Gen Raju said, "We have not noticed any such attempts so far but let me assure that we are prepared for any eventuality and ready to give a befitting reply".

Alert along LoC after ISI uses drones to drop weapons for terrorists

North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, according to the commander of US forces in the South.

The impoverished North — whose crumbling health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak — has not confirmed a single case of the disease that has swept the world since first emerging in China, the North's key ally.

Pyongyang closed its border with China in January to try to prevent contamination, and in July state media said it had raised its state of emergency to the maximum level.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-de-facto-second-in-command-kim-yo-jong-disappears-off-public-radar-326210">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea's de facto second-in-command Kim Yo-jong disappears off public radar</a>

US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Robert Abrams said that the border shutdown had increased demand for smuggled goods, prompting authorities to intervene.

The North introduced a new "buffer zone, one or two kilometers up on the Chinese border," Abrams told an online conference organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington on Thursday.

"They've got North Korean SOF (Special Operations Forces) out there. ... Strike forces, they've got shoot-to-kill orders in place."

The border closure had effectively "accelerated the effects" of economic sanctions imposed on the North over its nuclear programs, he added, with imports from China plunging 85 percent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-sister-is-de-facto-second-in-command-says-lawmaker-322027">Also read|&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister is 'de facto second-in-command', says lawmaker</a>

The isolated country is also grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Maysak, with its state media reporting more than 2,000 houses have been destroyed or inundated.

As a result, Abrams did not expect to see any major provocations from Pyongyang in the near future, although he said it might show off a new weapons system at next month's celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Kim Jong Un's ruling party.

"The regime right now –- the military -– is focused principally on getting their country recovered and to help mitigate the risk of Covid-19," he said.&nbsp;

"We're not seeing any indications right now of any sort of lashing out."

But CSIS published on its website a satellite image of North Korea's Sinpo South naval shipyard, which its experts believe shows activity that could indicate preparations for a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile.

A new North Korean missile test would be yet another sign of the lack of progress in denuclearization talks between the US and Pyongyang, which have been stalled despite multiple meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump.

Trump, who is seeking reelection in November, was the first sitting US leader to meet a member of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its founding.

On Thursday, Trump tweeted, without further explanation: "Kim Jong Un is in good health. Never underestimate him!"

North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, according to the commander of US forces in the South.

North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, according to the commander of US forces in the South. The impoverished North — whose crumbling health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak — has not confirmed a single case of the disease that has swept the world since first emerging in China, the North's key ally. Pyongyang closed its border with China in January to try to prevent contamination, and in July state media said it had raised its state of emergency to the maximum level. Also read: North Korea's de facto second-in-command Kim Yo-jong disappears off public radar US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Robert Abrams said that the border shutdown had increased demand for smuggled goods, prompting authorities to intervene. The North introduced a new "buffer zone, one or two kilometers up on the Chinese border," Abrams told an online conference organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington on Thursday. "They've got North Korean SOF (Special Operations Forces) out there. ... Strike forces, they've got shoot-to-kill orders in place." The border closure had effectively "accelerated the effects" of economic sanctions imposed on the North over its nuclear programs, he added, with imports from China plunging 85 percent. Also read| North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister is 'de facto second-in-command', says lawmaker The isolated country is also grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Maysak, with its state media reporting more than 2,000 houses have been destroyed or inundated. As a result, Abrams did not expect to see any major provocations from Pyongyang in the near future, although he said it might show off a new weapons system at next month's celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Kim Jong Un's ruling party. "The regime right now –- the military -– is focused principally on getting their country recovered and to help mitigate the risk of Covid-19," he said. "We're not seeing any indications right now of any sort of lashing out." But CSIS published on its website a satellite image of North Korea's Sinpo South naval shipyard, which its experts believe shows activity that could indicate preparations for a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile. A new North Korean missile test would be yet another sign of the lack of progress in denuclearization talks between the US and Pyongyang, which have been stalled despite multiple meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Trump, who is seeking reelection in November, was the first sitting US leader to meet a member of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its founding. On Thursday, Trump tweeted, without further explanation: "Kim Jong Un is in good health. Never underestimate him!"

North Korea issues shoot-to-kill orders to prevent virus: US

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