In a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US&nbsp;is probing Pakistanis who were fighting for the Islamic State in Syria.

At least 29 Pakistanis have been caught by the US-backed Kurdish-Syrian democratic forces, and nine of them are women. They are all being interrogated by the US.

The interrogations will focus on&nbsp;who sent them to fight for the Islamic State, their previous affiliations&nbsp;with terror groups in Pakistan and if they have links with Pakistan's secret agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/flash-floods-ravage-region-around-kabul-at-least-46-dead-in-afghanistan-323178">Also read:&nbsp;Flash floods ravage region around Kabul, at least 46 dead in Afghanistan</a>

For Prime Minister Imran Khan, this is another embarrassment and&nbsp;it has come at the worst possible time. In October, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is set to review Pakistan's record.

The FATF is a terror financing watchdog, and Pakistan has been on its grey list. It should be in the black list, but countries such as China, Turkey and Malaysia save Pakistan from that, so it remains in the grey list.

Pakistan wants to step out of this grey list but&nbsp;revelations like these&nbsp;will make sure it stays where it is.

Meanwhile, the people of Pakistan are worried as the floods are destroying their houses and resources. Heavy rains have killed at least 90 people and damaged 1,000 homes across the country. The city of Karachi is living under water. The locals are frustratedwith the government as this happens&nbsp;every monsoon season.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heavy-monsoon-rains-trigger-flash-floods-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan-323241">Have a look:&nbsp;Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan</a>

Three days of monsoon rains have left Pakistan flooded with more than 90 fatalities, and thousands of homes destroyed.

Nearly 23 people have been declared dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,&nbsp;15 are dead in Baluchistan, eight have died&nbsp;in Pakistan's Punjab, and&nbsp;13 reported dead elsewhere in Pakistan, including three in Pak-occupied Kashmir.

The province of Sindh is the worst affected where 31 have been declared dead.

31 dead --- in the annual monsoon deluge.

"You can see there is havoc. People are so annoyed. No vehicle can pass through the streets as all ways are inundated. We appeal to the government that must do something and clean storm nullahs (storm water drains) so the people would take a breath of relief," a local said.

At least eight people have died in Karachi alone, mostly due to electrocution and drowning.

To top this, now, sewage water is flooding homes in low-lying areas. Earlier this month, troops helped pump out rainwater, and this time disaster relief is yet to arrive.

Locals have alleged that the residents have had to save their homes, resources and their families on their own with no help from the government.

Every year, many cities 'go under' after heavy rains due to poor city planning. In the case of Karachi, it is due to outdated sewage systems.

In a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US is probing Pakistanis who were fighting for the Islamic State in Syria. At least 29 Pakistanis have been caught by the US-backed Kurdish-Syrian democratic forces, and nine of them are women.

In a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US is probing Pakistanis who were fighting for the Islamic State in Syria. At least 29 Pakistanis have been caught by the US-backed Kurdish-Syrian democratic forces, and nine of them are women. They are all being interrogated by the US. The interrogations will focus on who sent them to fight for the Islamic State, their previous affiliations with terror groups in Pakistan and if they have links with Pakistan's secret agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Also read: Flash floods ravage region around Kabul, at least 46 dead in Afghanistan For Prime Minister Imran Khan, this is another embarrassment and it has come at the worst possible time. In October, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is set to review Pakistan's record. The FATF is a terror financing watchdog, and Pakistan has been on its grey list. It should be in the black list, but countries such as China, Turkey and Malaysia save Pakistan from that, so it remains in the grey list. Pakistan wants to step out of this grey list but revelations like these will make sure it stays where it is. Meanwhile, the people of Pakistan are worried as the floods are destroying their houses and resources. Heavy rains have killed at least 90 people and damaged 1,000 homes across the country. The city of Karachi is living under water. The locals are frustratedwith the government as this happens every monsoon season. Have a look: Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan Three days of monsoon rains have left Pakistan flooded with more than 90 fatalities, and thousands of homes destroyed. Nearly 23 people have been declared dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 15 are dead in Baluchistan, eight have died in Pakistan's Punjab, and 13 reported dead elsewhere in Pakistan, including three in Pak-occupied Kashmir. The province of Sindh is the worst affected where 31 have been declared dead. 31 dead --- in the annual monsoon deluge. "You can see there is havoc. People are so annoyed. No vehicle can pass through the streets as all ways are inundated. We appeal to the government that must do something and clean storm nullahs (storm water drains) so the people would take a breath of relief," a local said. At least eight people have died in Karachi alone, mostly due to electrocution and drowning. To top this, now, sewage water is flooding homes in low-lying areas. Earlier this month, troops helped pump out rainwater, and this time disaster relief is yet to arrive. Locals have alleged that the residents have had to save their homes, resources and their families on their own with no help from the government. Every year, many cities 'go under' after heavy rains due to poor city planning. In the case of Karachi, it is due to outdated sewage systems.

Monsoon floods, Pakistani terrorists in Syria: Troubles for Imran Khan increase

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby.

"Turkish frigates TCG Barbaros and TCG Burgazada have conducted maritime training with American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill in the eastern Mediterranean on 26 August," the defence ministry announced in a tweet.

The ministry also released photos of three warships, two of them Turkish and one flying the Turkish and US flags.

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It did not specify the military drills' location or other details.

The Turkish announcement came in the heat of an escalating row over maritime borders and rights to large natural gas reserves that has pitted Turkey against its old rival Greece and the rest of the European Union.

Greece began three days of exercises with France, Italy and Cyprus on Wednesday in an area south of Crete.

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby.

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby. "Turkish frigates TCG Barbaros and TCG Burgazada have conducted maritime training with American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill in the eastern Mediterranean on 26 August," the defence ministry announced in a tweet. The ministry also released photos of three warships, two of them Turkish and one flying the Turkish and US flags. × It did not specify the military drills' location or other details. The Turkish announcement came in the heat of an escalating row over maritime borders and rights to large natural gas reserves that has pitted Turkey against its old rival Greece and the rest of the European Union. Greece began three days of exercises with France, Italy and Cyprus on Wednesday in an area south of Crete.

Turkey says conducted Mediterranean exercise with US

Thailand’s digital minister vowed no relent on Wednesday in a crackdown on social media content deemed illegal and said it was unlikely Facebook would follow through on plans to challenge an order to block access to a group critical of the Thai monarchy.

The “Royalist Marketplace” group, which had over 1 million members, was blocked within Thailand late on Monday after the digital ministry threatened legal action against Facebook under the country’s Computer Crime Act.

Facebook (FB.O) said it was compelled to comply and would mount a legal challenge in court.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-block-new-facebook-group-critical-of-thai-monarchy-gains-500000-members-323118">Also read:&nbsp;After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members</a>

The tension comes amid near daily youth-led protests against the government of a former junta chief, during which some demonstrators have made unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy, which is illegal to insult in Thailand.

Meanwhile, a new group with a similar name created by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and prominent critic of the monarchy, has amassed over 700,000 members in just two days.

“If they start a new group or do anything illegal again, we’ll need to act again. We’ll keep doing this no matter how many times it takes,” digital minister Puttipong Punnakanta said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-planning-to-challenge-thai-governments-demand-to-block-group-critical-of-monarchy-322913">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy</a>

He said he was encouraged by Facebook’s compliance with a deadline to act on court orders, which were attached to government request to block content locally. He warned Facebook’s Thailand office of possible cybercrime charges if the orders were not observed.

“This time Facebook complied in blocking everything we flagged, which is why I don’t think Facebook will pursue legal action,” Puttipong said.

“We’re not bullies. We use Thai laws to protect Thai cyber sovereignty.”

Facebook caving to Thai government pressure set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression online, said Rasha Abdul-Rahim of rights group Amnesty International.

“It’s welcome that Facebook is now planning legal action to challenge the government’s censorship demands, but the harm has already been done,” she said.

“The company should not have given in to the demands in the first place.”

Thailand’s digital minister vowed no relent on Wednesday in a crackdown on social media content deemed illegal and said it was unlikely Facebook would follow through on plans to challenge an order to block access to a group critical of the Thai monarchy.

Thailand’s digital minister vowed no relent on Wednesday in a crackdown on social media content deemed illegal and said it was unlikely Facebook would follow through on plans to challenge an order to block access to a group critical of the Thai monarchy. The “Royalist Marketplace” group, which had over 1 million members, was blocked within Thailand late on Monday after the digital ministry threatened legal action against Facebook under the country’s Computer Crime Act. Facebook (FB.O) said it was compelled to comply and would mount a legal challenge in court. Also read: After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members The tension comes amid near daily youth-led protests against the government of a former junta chief, during which some demonstrators have made unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy, which is illegal to insult in Thailand. Meanwhile, a new group with a similar name created by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and prominent critic of the monarchy, has amassed over 700,000 members in just two days. “If they start a new group or do anything illegal again, we’ll need to act again. We’ll keep doing this no matter how many times it takes,” digital minister Puttipong Punnakanta said. Also read: Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy He said he was encouraged by Facebook’s compliance with a deadline to act on court orders, which were attached to government request to block content locally. He warned Facebook’s Thailand office of possible cybercrime charges if the orders were not observed. “This time Facebook complied in blocking everything we flagged, which is why I don’t think Facebook will pursue legal action,” Puttipong said. “We’re not bullies. We use Thai laws to protect Thai cyber sovereignty.” Facebook caving to Thai government pressure set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression online, said Rasha Abdul-Rahim of rights group Amnesty International. “It’s welcome that Facebook is now planning legal action to challenge the government’s censorship demands, but the harm has already been done,” she said. “The company should not have given in to the demands in the first place.”

Thai minister says clampdown won't stop as Facebook plans to fight order

A packed aircraft, difficulty in breathing, numerous thermal checks and social distancing — the pandemic has surely made vacations a challenging experience.

Going to Italian beaches or staying at hawaiin shacks is now a waste of time and money as the visitors mainly will have to stay indoors or go outside to find majority popular attractions closed. Not to forget, there is always a risk of catching the novel coronavirus while travelling or staying at the hotel rooms.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-extreme-staycation-the-stay-at-home-vacation-323080/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So, people are bringing vacation spots into their homes.

A South Korean couple are now home-camping along with their children.The family has decorated their home like vacation spots. Their kitchen portrays the Netherlands, while bedroom is Bali-styled, coupled with a Hawaiian-styled living room.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-largest-nudist-resort-becomes-covid-19-hotspot-after-hundreds-test-positive-322992">Also read:&nbsp;World's largest 'nudist' resort becomes COVID-19 hotspot after hundreds test positive</a>

The idea popped up afte the damily had&nbsp;cancel their summer trip to the tropical islands in the pacific.&nbsp;"This time last year, we were in the Philippines, Danang (in Vietnam) and Guam, and had planned more trips for this summer with our children. But we can't go anywhere (abroad) due to the coronavirus. It is so sad."

So, the couple brought the vacation to their home, complete&nbsp;with beach wear, palm trees and a drink in hand.

Travel domestically

While converting your house into themed staycations is a good option, it might not suit everybody. However, there is another option — go visit places within your city with proper safety measures in place. That is what New Yorkers&nbsp;are being advised to do.

New Yorkers are being urged to discover their city which is packed with beautiful beaches, parks and museums. The local authorities are also urging locals to roam and shop local as they feel this can help the city get back on its feet.

With no headache of packing-unpacking, stress of hotel bookings and rushing to catch busses and planes, the idea of having a staycation in your own city has turned out to be a popular, safer, cheaper and more comfortable option for travellers this year.&nbsp;

A packed aircraft, difficulty in breathing, numerous thermal checks and social distancing — the pandemic has surely made vacations a challenging experience. Going to Italian beaches or staying at hawaiin shacks is now a waste of time and money as the visitors mainly will have to stay indoors or go outside to find majority popular attractions closed.

A packed aircraft, difficulty in breathing, numerous thermal checks and social distancing — the pandemic has surely made vacations a challenging experience. Going to Italian beaches or staying at hawaiin shacks is now a waste of time and money as the visitors mainly will have to stay indoors or go outside to find majority popular attractions closed. Not to forget, there is always a risk of catching the novel coronavirus while travelling or staying at the hotel rooms. So, people are bringing vacation spots into their homes. A South Korean couple are now home-camping along with their children.The family has decorated their home like vacation spots. Their kitchen portrays the Netherlands, while bedroom is Bali-styled, coupled with a Hawaiian-styled living room. Also read: World's largest 'nudist' resort becomes COVID-19 hotspot after hundreds test positive The idea popped up afte the damily had cancel their summer trip to the tropical islands in the pacific. "This time last year, we were in the Philippines, Danang (in Vietnam) and Guam, and had planned more trips for this summer with our children. But we can't go anywhere (abroad) due to the coronavirus. It is so sad." So, the couple brought the vacation to their home, complete with beach wear, palm trees and a drink in hand. Travel domestically While converting your house into themed staycations is a good option, it might not suit everybody. However, there is another option — go visit places within your city with proper safety measures in place. That is what New Yorkers are being advised to do. New Yorkers are being urged to discover their city which is packed with beautiful beaches, parks and museums. The local authorities are also urging locals to roam and shop local as they feel this can help the city get back on its feet. With no headache of packing-unpacking, stress of hotel bookings and rushing to catch busses and planes, the idea of having a staycation in your own city has turned out to be a popular, safer, cheaper and more comfortable option for travellers this year.

Travellers opt for 'staycation' amid threats of second wave of COVID-19

Not much has changed even after three months of the brutal killing of George Floyd, which was followed by nation-wide protests.&nbsp;This time, the state of Wisconsin is on fire.

On august 23,&nbsp;Jacob Blake, a black man, was shot in the back by white police officers in the city of Kenosha. Blake's three young sons were in the back of the car and they witnessed their father being shot.

Blake's fiancée, who was at the scene of shooting, pleaded with the officers to let the kids out but her cries were ignored.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-black-lives-matter-protest-wisconsin-burns-323077/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"That you treat somebody like that - who's not armed, not giving you no problems, he ain't throw no punch or nothing. What you mad because you tased him and he didn't bend, he didn't break, he pulled it out? So you felt intimidated cause you had a gun, so you used it!? You overused it! That's what you did," Blake's fiancée said.

After being shot in the back multiple times, Blake has had a surgery and doctors claims his condition is now stable.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wisconsin-governor-calls-national-guard-after-protesters-clash-with-police-over-shooting-of-jacob-blake-322910">Also read:&nbsp;Wisconsin governor calls National Guard after protesters clash with police over shooting of Jacob Blake</a>

The police officers have been placed on administrative leave. They were, reportedly, investigating a 911 call about domestic violence. When they arrived on the scene of the crime, they&nbsp;saw Blake leaving in his car, and later started shooting at him after a brief confronttation.

Shortly after the news broke out, hundreds of&nbsp;defied a curfew to demand justice. They demanded the officers to be fired and&nbsp;prosecuted immediately. However,&nbsp;what started as a peaceful protest turned into arson.

Governor Tony Evers had to bring in the national guard to help restore order.

"I would hate to see this not end with Jacob Blake. That's why we have to respond and we know that we can't remedy the white supremacy and the systemic racism that is built into all of our systems in just a couple of years or with any package of legislation. But that doesn't mean we don't act," he said.

Lebron James, a basketball player, also reacted to repeated instances of police brutality against the African-American community in the US. "If you're sitting here and telling me that there was no way to subdue that gentleman (jacob blake) or detain him or just before the firing of guns, then you're sitting here and lying to not only me, you're lying to every african american, and every black person in the community. Because we see it over and over and over," he said.

However, the US President Donald Trump has not reacted to the shooting of Jacob Blake. His competitior, Joe Biden, on the other hand, called for an immediate, full and transparent investigation into the shooting.

Not much has changed even after three months of the brutal killing of George Floyd, which was followed by nation-wide protests. This time, the state of Wisconsin is on fire.

Not much has changed even after three months of the brutal killing of George Floyd, which was followed by nation-wide protests. This time, the state of Wisconsin is on fire. On august 23, Jacob Blake, a black man, was shot in the back by white police officers in the city of Kenosha. Blake's three young sons were in the back of the car and they witnessed their father being shot. Blake's fiancée, who was at the scene of shooting, pleaded with the officers to let the kids out but her cries were ignored. "That you treat somebody like that - who's not armed, not giving you no problems, he ain't throw no punch or nothing. What you mad because you tased him and he didn't bend, he didn't break, he pulled it out? So you felt intimidated cause you had a gun, so you used it!? You overused it! That's what you did," Blake's fiancée said. After being shot in the back multiple times, Blake has had a surgery and doctors claims his condition is now stable. Also read: Wisconsin governor calls National Guard after protesters clash with police over shooting of Jacob Blake The police officers have been placed on administrative leave. They were, reportedly, investigating a 911 call about domestic violence. When they arrived on the scene of the crime, they saw Blake leaving in his car, and later started shooting at him after a brief confronttation. Shortly after the news broke out, hundreds of defied a curfew to demand justice. They demanded the officers to be fired and prosecuted immediately. However, what started as a peaceful protest turned into arson. Governor Tony Evers had to bring in the national guard to help restore order. "I would hate to see this not end with Jacob Blake. That's why we have to respond and we know that we can't remedy the white supremacy and the systemic racism that is built into all of our systems in just a couple of years or with any package of legislation. But that doesn't mean we don't act," he said. Lebron James, a basketball player, also reacted to repeated instances of police brutality against the African-American community in the US. "If you're sitting here and telling me that there was no way to subdue that gentleman (jacob blake) or detain him or just before the firing of guns, then you're sitting here and lying to not only me, you're lying to every african american, and every black person in the community. Because we see it over and over and over," he said. However, the US President Donald Trump has not reacted to the shooting of Jacob Blake. His competitior, Joe Biden, on the other hand, called for an immediate, full and transparent investigation into the shooting.

Black Lives Matter: After George Floyd, Jacob Blake becomes next victim of police brutality

Chinese cash is turning into kryptonite as all around the world chinese investors are either facing bans or going bust, and the losses are piling up.&nbsp;

Chinese companies were on a buying spree right before the novel coronavirus broke out. However, after the outbreak, they tried to capture assets with hostile takeovers across the globe.

All those investments are now running into losses&nbsp;and new deals are increasingly looking unlikely as&nbsp;China’s biggest groups are struggling in a post-pandemic world.&nbsp;
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-chinese-cash-turning-into-kryptonite-323075/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

In 2015, Chinese conglomerate Fosun International had made a major investment.&nbsp;It had put money in Cirque du Soleil Entertainment — a company that produces the world-famous circus by the same name. However, now Cirque du Soleil is struggling.&nbsp;Fosun International’s investment has been wiped out and the company is under a mountain of debt. The creditors are taking control of it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-blocks-chinese-firms-bid-to-buy-major-dairy-firm-322972">Also read:&nbsp;Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm</a>

In 2014, Chinese firm Hony Capital had bought Pizza Express — a&nbsp;British business with pizza outlets around the world.&nbsp;The deal was worth $1.54 billion. However, six years later, a group of British creditors want the company back as the Chinese company can not keep up with the payments.&nbsp;Reports say the Chinese company will return Pizza Express to the British.

While China is trapping countries with debt, these two&nbsp;Chinese companies&nbsp;have lost control of their crown jewel acquisitions due to debt. This is not a sporadic case of cruel irony, but is the tip of China's debt iceberg.

China has a hugh debt problem

According to a report, the Chinese economy is bracing for many defaults.&nbsp;China’s bond market is worth over four trillion dollars.&nbsp;Chinese economic recovery has been fragile so far.&nbsp;So, it is not in a position to save many distressed borrowers, and there will be defaults.

Debt papers worth well over $500 billion are set to mature by the end of this year. According to a report, the government has neither the firepower nor the will to backstop it all.&nbsp;China's total domestic debt hit 317 per cent of the GDP.

For the longest time, China has fueled its growth using debt. A lot of the borrowings are off the books, and the hidden government debt could be around $4.2 trillion. The Chinese state is running out of cash.

These two Chinese companies are not the only ones suffering. More chinese companies are being blocked from takeovers abroad.&nbsp;The latest setback comes from Australia where Lion Dairy and Drinks wanted to sell to a Chinese firm&nbsp;Mengniu Dairy, but the deal fell off as&nbsp;the Treasurer of Australia, Josh Frydenberg, objected to the agreement.&nbsp;He said that the deal will be “contrary to national interest”.&nbsp;

Chinese cash is turning into kryptonite as all around the world chinese investors are either facing bans or going bust, and the losses are piling up. Chinese companies were on a buying spree right before the novel coronavirus broke out.

Chinese cash is turning into kryptonite as all around the world chinese investors are either facing bans or going bust, and the losses are piling up. Chinese companies were on a buying spree right before the novel coronavirus broke out. However, after the outbreak, they tried to capture assets with hostile takeovers across the globe. All those investments are now running into losses and new deals are increasingly looking unlikely as China’s biggest groups are struggling in a post-pandemic world. In 2015, Chinese conglomerate Fosun International had made a major investment. It had put money in Cirque du Soleil Entertainment — a company that produces the world-famous circus by the same name. However, now Cirque du Soleil is struggling. Fosun International’s investment has been wiped out and the company is under a mountain of debt. The creditors are taking control of it. Also read: Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm In 2014, Chinese firm Hony Capital had bought Pizza Express — a British business with pizza outlets around the world. The deal was worth $1.54 billion. However, six years later, a group of British creditors want the company back as the Chinese company can not keep up with the payments. Reports say the Chinese company will return Pizza Express to the British. While China is trapping countries with debt, these two Chinese companies have lost control of their crown jewel acquisitions due to debt. This is not a sporadic case of cruel irony, but is the tip of China's debt iceberg. China has a hugh debt problem According to a report, the Chinese economy is bracing for many defaults. China’s bond market is worth over four trillion dollars. Chinese economic recovery has been fragile so far. So, it is not in a position to save many distressed borrowers, and there will be defaults. Debt papers worth well over $500 billion are set to mature by the end of this year. According to a report, the government has neither the firepower nor the will to backstop it all. China's total domestic debt hit 317 per cent of the GDP. For the longest time, China has fueled its growth using debt. A lot of the borrowings are off the books, and the hidden government debt could be around $4.2 trillion. The Chinese state is running out of cash. These two Chinese companies are not the only ones suffering. More chinese companies are being blocked from takeovers abroad. The latest setback comes from Australia where Lion Dairy and Drinks wanted to sell to a Chinese firm Mengniu Dairy, but the deal fell off as the Treasurer of Australia, Josh Frydenberg, objected to the agreement. He said that the deal will be “contrary to national interest”.

Economic distancing: Chinese companies face debts in post-pandemic world

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers.&nbsp;It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman.&nbsp;

The Christian cult is now banned in China, and is trying to make in-roads in India.

The Nagaland Baptist church in India is raising an alarm as there are reports that the cult is&nbsp;already active in the northeast and&nbsp;is steadily gaining followers through social media — platforms such&nbsp;as&nbsp;WhatsApp and YouTube.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-female-jesus-cult-a-new-threat-for-india-323081/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) as shot off a warning. This is the central organization of nearly 1,500 Baptist churches in Nagaland.&nbsp;They claim that this cult is connecting with people across India and are targeting the youth digitally.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-distancing-chinese-companies-face-debts-in-post-pandemic-world-323051">Also read|&nbsp;Economic distancing: Chinese companies face debts in post-pandemic world</a>

The group has been described as a radical group.&nbsp;It aggressively promotes doomsday scenarios and claims that Jesus has returned as a woman in China.&nbsp;

According to one report, people with limited education and family problems, especially women, are potential recruits for this cult.&nbsp;

It is a violent movement, and is&nbsp;also known as the Eastern Lightning Cult. It has been linked with more than 100 incidents of violence.&nbsp;

The origins of this cult can be traced back to 1991.&nbsp;Scholars identified a woman called Yang Xiangbin. Not a lot is known about her, except for the fact that she was born in northwestern China.&nbsp;

This cult says Jesus Christ has returned in the form of Yang Xiangbin. However, the church leaders in Nagaland have called all these claims to be falsehoods. They have said that this goes against the Christian faith.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-blocks-chinese-firms-bid-to-buy-major-dairy-firm-322972">Also read|&nbsp;Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm</a>

In recent years, China has clamped down aggressively on this cult, and has banned it in China. Its members have been subjected to harsh punishment.&nbsp;Reports suggest&nbsp;they were banned from using mobile phones, watching television or even reading fiction.&nbsp;

True to China's style, the clampdown has been relentless, especially since 2014 when&nbsp;five members of this group tried to recruit a woman at a McDonalds outlet in the Shandong province.&nbsp;When she refused, the group beat her to death.&nbsp;The five accused were caught and tried before a judge.&nbsp;They were found guilty — two members were sentenced to death and the rest were sent to jail.

Such treatment is not unique to this group. China clamps down on religion&nbsp;because it is officially atheist.&nbsp;The Chinese state wants citizens to know and follow only one religion — the Communist Party of China. So,&nbsp;it made an example out of the Church of Almighty God and&nbsp;continues to crush all forms of Christianit or Islam.&nbsp;

Reports say, the Church of Almighty God now operates underground in China and thrives&nbsp;behind computer screens.&nbsp;The whereabouts of members are not known. Although, followers have emerged in the US and few European countries.

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers. It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman.

'The Church of Almighty God' is a group that originally started from China and claims to have thousands of followers. It believes that Jesus Christ has returned to the Earth in the form of a Chinese woman. The Christian cult is now banned in China, and is trying to make in-roads in India. The Nagaland Baptist church in India is raising an alarm as there are reports that the cult is already active in the northeast and is steadily gaining followers through social media — platforms such as WhatsApp and YouTube. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) as shot off a warning. This is the central organization of nearly 1,500 Baptist churches in Nagaland. They claim that this cult is connecting with people across India and are targeting the youth digitally. Also read| Economic distancing: Chinese companies face debts in post-pandemic world The group has been described as a radical group. It aggressively promotes doomsday scenarios and claims that Jesus has returned as a woman in China. According to one report, people with limited education and family problems, especially women, are potential recruits for this cult. It is a violent movement, and is also known as the Eastern Lightning Cult. It has been linked with more than 100 incidents of violence. The origins of this cult can be traced back to 1991. Scholars identified a woman called Yang Xiangbin. Not a lot is known about her, except for the fact that she was born in northwestern China. This cult says Jesus Christ has returned in the form of Yang Xiangbin. However, the church leaders in Nagaland have called all these claims to be falsehoods. They have said that this goes against the Christian faith. Also read| Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm In recent years, China has clamped down aggressively on this cult, and has banned it in China. Its members have been subjected to harsh punishment. Reports suggest they were banned from using mobile phones, watching television or even reading fiction. True to China's style, the clampdown has been relentless, especially since 2014 when five members of this group tried to recruit a woman at a McDonalds outlet in the Shandong province. When she refused, the group beat her to death. The five accused were caught and tried before a judge. They were found guilty — two members were sentenced to death and the rest were sent to jail. Such treatment is not unique to this group. China clamps down on religion because it is officially atheist. The Chinese state wants citizens to know and follow only one religion — the Communist Party of China. So, it made an example out of the Church of Almighty God and continues to crush all forms of Christianit or Islam. Reports say, the Church of Almighty God now operates underground in China and thrives behind computer screens. The whereabouts of members are not known. Although, followers have emerged in the US and few European countries.

Radical Chinese Christian cult active in Northeast India: Reports

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months.

"China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area.

The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region. China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months. "China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. Also read| South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea. China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic. China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area. The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam condemns new Chinese military drills in South China Sea

Balochistan is Pakistan's biggest and most neglected province. The region has been torn between insurgency and state-sponsored crimes.

Pakistan's military is guilty of enforced disappearances, mass murder, arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings in Balochistan, making the province a text book example of human rights abuse.

China's entry into the region, through CPEC, has made matters worse. Those living in Balochistan do not want to be a part of Pakistan, but speaking up for independence results in disappearance or death.

On August 26, 2006, former Governor of Balochistan,&nbsp;and the tallest leader of the region, Akbar Bugti was assassinated by Pakistan's military. After 14 years of that incident, not much has changed. Pakistan's military continues to violate the Baloch, and their independence is not in sight.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-brahumdagh-bugti-speaks-to-wion-323079/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma,&nbsp;Brahmdagh Bugti, the grandson of&nbsp;Akbar Bugti and the President of the Baloch Republican Party, talked about the&nbsp;independence movement of Balochistan.

Fourteen years after the assassination of Akbar Bugti, the movement is on a larger scale now. "If you compare the independence movement with what was there 14 years ago, you will see that it was not this widely known on an international level. People are talking about it now, including the United Nations and various Human Rights activists, and a lot of other international platforms are highlighting the human rights violation in Balochistan,"&nbsp;Brahmdagh Bugti said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawab-akbar-bugtis-death-anniversary-how-baloch-leaders-killing-rocked-pakistan-323049">Also read|&nbsp;Nawab Akbar Bugti's death anniversary: How Baloch leader’s killing rocked Pakistan</a>

When asked about why isn't any action taken even after the awareness on an international level, he replied, "Each nation has its own interest. The people from the UN, in my experience, only come to speak and listen about what is going on, and promote their own interests and issues. They do help the countries that have human rights violations, but it is very less."

Bugti had also, in the past, sought help from India. However, the Indian government has not provided any help so far. "So far, we have not received any help from India except from the India media. However, I think there is nothing wrong in India helping if Pakistan requests it. People are dying (in Balochistan) and extreme physical force is being used on locals. Resources are being grabbed from one set of the community to benefit another. So, why cannot India help. In 1970s, India helped Bangladesh, so I don't see why India cannot help Balochistan. India can put pressure on Pakistan to stop it, and stop the bloodshed, torture and the violence," he said.

Brahmdagh Bugti has claimed that he is ready to have a dialogue with the Pakistan government on some conditions, but the government has not acknowledged the same. "Dialogue is a political thing. In no political situation can anyone reject a dialogue. I am ready for it, but the Pakistan government has not&nbsp;reached out to me recently. There have been few messages but nothing major."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-all-weather-friend-china-faces-heat-in-pok-over-dams-323010">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan's 'all-weather friend' China faces heat in PoK over dams</a>

The entry of China in Pakistan through the CPEC project, Bugti believes, is a destructive policy for the people of Baloch. "What we want for our future is on us to decide. Whether we want schools, universities, roads, port, or not is for us to decide. We should get to decide what happens on our land, and not someone else&nbsp;sitting in Islamabad or Beijing," he expressed. He also added that people who disagree with these decisions are labelled as terrorists, traitors, and criminals.

Bugti also claimed that the locals have no idea about what is being built there, and the locals are moved from one place to another on gunpoint for the project.

Talking about attacks on the Chinese workers in Balochistan, Bugti stressed that the incidents were not attacks but defense. "They are defensive actions. Attacking is going to someone's land and attacking, but they are only doing this in Balochistan," he said.

"These are not justified because we are against violence, but these are normal reactions," he added.

WION&nbsp;did extensive group reports from Balochistan focusing on the military role in forced disappearances from 2017. Bugti claims the situation has worsened since then.&nbsp;

While the&nbsp;Uighur Muslim group in China and the Tibet group are getting global support, Balochistan has not yet got as much support. "We are trying our best, and we have hope. A lot of people claim but in reality, there is nothing. If India supports us now, things will be different."

Talking about the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bugti alleged Khan of changing his words every day. "People are making jokes&nbsp;and laughing. If you see social media and even the local media, things are in a mess. Everybody is laughing at the situation," Bugti laughed.

"It is not Imran Khan, but the people behind him. It points towards their stupidity that they chose (Imran Khan) for such a position," he added.

Balochistan is Pakistan's biggest and most neglected province. The region has been torn between insurgency and state-sponsored crimes. Pakistan's military is guilty of enforced disappearances, mass murder, arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings in Balochistan, making the province a text book example of human rights abuse.

Balochistan is Pakistan's biggest and most neglected province. The region has been torn between insurgency and state-sponsored crimes. Pakistan's military is guilty of enforced disappearances, mass murder, arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings in Balochistan, making the province a text book example of human rights abuse. China's entry into the region, through CPEC, has made matters worse. Those living in Balochistan do not want to be a part of Pakistan, but speaking up for independence results in disappearance or death. On August 26, 2006, former Governor of Balochistan, and the tallest leader of the region, Akbar Bugti was assassinated by Pakistan's military. After 14 years of that incident, not much has changed. Pakistan's military continues to violate the Baloch, and their independence is not in sight. In an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma, Brahmdagh Bugti, the grandson of Akbar Bugti and the President of the Baloch Republican Party, talked about the independence movement of Balochistan. Fourteen years after the assassination of Akbar Bugti, the movement is on a larger scale now. "If you compare the independence movement with what was there 14 years ago, you will see that it was not this widely known on an international level. People are talking about it now, including the United Nations and various Human Rights activists, and a lot of other international platforms are highlighting the human rights violation in Balochistan," Brahmdagh Bugti said. Also read| Nawab Akbar Bugti's death anniversary: How Baloch leader’s killing rocked Pakistan When asked about why isn't any action taken even after the awareness on an international level, he replied, "Each nation has its own interest. The people from the UN, in my experience, only come to speak and listen about what is going on, and promote their own interests and issues. They do help the countries that have human rights violations, but it is very less." Bugti had also, in the past, sought help from India. However, the Indian government has not provided any help so far. "So far, we have not received any help from India except from the India media. However, I think there is nothing wrong in India helping if Pakistan requests it. People are dying (in Balochistan) and extreme physical force is being used on locals. Resources are being grabbed from one set of the community to benefit another. So, why cannot India help. In 1970s, India helped Bangladesh, so I don't see why India cannot help Balochistan. India can put pressure on Pakistan to stop it, and stop the bloodshed, torture and the violence," he said. Brahmdagh Bugti has claimed that he is ready to have a dialogue with the Pakistan government on some conditions, but the government has not acknowledged the same. "Dialogue is a political thing. In no political situation can anyone reject a dialogue. I am ready for it, but the Pakistan government has not reached out to me recently. There have been few messages but nothing major." Also read| Pakistan's 'all-weather friend' China faces heat in PoK over dams The entry of China in Pakistan through the CPEC project, Bugti believes, is a destructive policy for the people of Baloch. "What we want for our future is on us to decide. Whether we want schools, universities, roads, port, or not is for us to decide. We should get to decide what happens on our land, and not someone else sitting in Islamabad or Beijing," he expressed. He also added that people who disagree with these decisions are labelled as terrorists, traitors, and criminals. Bugti also claimed that the locals have no idea about what is being built there, and the locals are moved from one place to another on gunpoint for the project. Talking about attacks on the Chinese workers in Balochistan, Bugti stressed that the incidents were not attacks but defense. "They are defensive actions. Attacking is going to someone's land and attacking, but they are only doing this in Balochistan," he said. "These are not justified because we are against violence, but these are normal reactions," he added. WION did extensive group reports from Balochistan focusing on the military role in forced disappearances from 2017. Bugti claims the situation has worsened since then. While the Uighur Muslim group in China and the Tibet group are getting global support, Balochistan has not yet got as much support. "We are trying our best, and we have hope. A lot of people claim but in reality, there is nothing. If India supports us now, things will be different." Talking about the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bugti alleged Khan of changing his words every day. "People are making jokes and laughing. If you see social media and even the local media, things are in a mess. Everybody is laughing at the situation," Bugti laughed. "It is not Imran Khan, but the people behind him. It points towards their stupidity that they chose (Imran Khan) for such a position," he added.

EXCLUSIVE| 'Things have got worse in Balochistan': Akbar Bugti's grandson appeals for global support

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the&nbsp;Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody.

This can, as per experts, complicate things for the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already stuck in the damage caused by his unsuccessful attempt to get two important FATF-linked legislations enacted

The list includes names of four Pakistanis who claim to have citizenship of countries such as Turkey and Sudan.&nbsp;Nine out of the 29 terrorists are women fighters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-urges-taliban-leaders-to-start-peace-talks-323092">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan urges Taliban leaders to start peace talks</a>

The terrorists are being interrogated about their mission and their past connections with various terrorist groups.&nbsp;“The American security forces are currently interrogating these Pakistani nationals including who sent them to fight for IS in Syria and their past affiliations with terrorist groups like the Al Qaida or any other pan-Islamic group based in Pakistan. As the Pakistani deep state is involved with the so-called Islamic State of Khorasan Province in Afghanistan, the interrogation will also reveal its role if any,” said a counter-terror official in know of the list.

The terrorists were in Syria to fight for the so-called Islamic State, which is an ultra-onservative radical Sunni movement in Iraq and Syria, and has increased in the past decade.

Reports claim the terrorists are freelancers as the Islamic State does not hold any territory&nbsp;in Iraq or Syria.

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody.

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody. This can, as per experts, complicate things for the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already stuck in the damage caused by his unsuccessful attempt to get two important FATF-linked legislations enacted The list includes names of four Pakistanis who claim to have citizenship of countries such as Turkey and Sudan. Nine out of the 29 terrorists are women fighters. Also read: Pakistan urges Taliban leaders to start peace talks The terrorists are being interrogated about their mission and their past connections with various terrorist groups. “The American security forces are currently interrogating these Pakistani nationals including who sent them to fight for IS in Syria and their past affiliations with terrorist groups like the Al Qaida or any other pan-Islamic group based in Pakistan. As the Pakistani deep state is involved with the so-called Islamic State of Khorasan Province in Afghanistan, the interrogation will also reveal its role if any,” said a counter-terror official in know of the list. The terrorists were in Syria to fight for the so-called Islamic State, which is an ultra-onservative radical Sunni movement in Iraq and Syria, and has increased in the past decade. Reports claim the terrorists are freelancers as the Islamic State does not hold any territory in Iraq or Syria.

US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria

The Israeli military struck what it said were posts belonging to Lebanon`s Shi`ite Hezbollah movement early on Wednesday after shots were fired from the other side of the border towards its troops.

After a meeting, Lebanon`s Supreme Defence Council denounced the incident which it called "an Israeli assault" and said a complaint would be filed to the United Nations. The Lebanese army said on its Twitter account that Israeli helicopters had fired missiles at centres of a local environmental group.

Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Iran-backed Hezbollah had carried out an infiltration attempt, which the group denied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-vows-forceful-response-if-more-attacks-from-lebanon-323172">Also read:&nbsp;Netanyahu vows 'forceful' response if more attacks from Lebanon</a>

The Israeli military said no troops were wounded in the firing on Wednesday. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said.

"In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. The two sides last fought a deadly month-long war in 2006. Witnesses in south Lebanon said Israel had fired scores of flare munitions at border villages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-addresses-rnc-for-trump-from-jerusalem-sparks-criticism-323199">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo addresses RNC for Trump from Jerusalem, sparks criticism</a>

The statement from Lebanon`s defence council, which includes the president and top security officials, made no mention of any shots fired from the south towards Israel.

It said Lebanon`s army commander had briefed the council on "the denounced Israeli assault which took place last night at the southern border."

The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight.

"Israel views with great gravity Hezbollah`s firing at our forces," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Wednesday morning. "We will respond mightily to any attack on us."

The Israeli military struck what it said were posts belonging to Lebanon`s Shi`ite Hezbollah movement early on Wednesday after shots were fired from the other side of the border towards its troops.

The Israeli military struck what it said were posts belonging to Lebanon`s Shi`ite Hezbollah movement early on Wednesday after shots were fired from the other side of the border towards its troops. After a meeting, Lebanon`s Supreme Defence Council denounced the incident which it called "an Israeli assault" and said a complaint would be filed to the United Nations. The Lebanese army said on its Twitter account that Israeli helicopters had fired missiles at centres of a local environmental group. Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Iran-backed Hezbollah had carried out an infiltration attempt, which the group denied. Also read: Netanyahu vows 'forceful' response if more attacks from Lebanon The Israeli military said no troops were wounded in the firing on Wednesday. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said. "In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. The two sides last fought a deadly month-long war in 2006. Witnesses in south Lebanon said Israel had fired scores of flare munitions at border villages. Also read: Pompeo addresses RNC for Trump from Jerusalem, sparks criticism The statement from Lebanon`s defence council, which includes the president and top security officials, made no mention of any shots fired from the south towards Israel. It said Lebanon`s army commander had briefed the council on "the denounced Israeli assault which took place last night at the southern border." The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight. "Israel views with great gravity Hezbollah`s firing at our forces," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Wednesday morning. "We will respond mightily to any attack on us."

Israel strikes Hezbollah posts in Lebanon after firing at troops, military says

Smartphones have our life easier and faster, but some researchers have concluded that the invention has also brought extreme laziness in humans, especially I one of the countries.

Researchers have warned that laziness in the&nbsp;residents of the United Kingdom due to smartphones is alarmingly more than&nbsp;in any other major western European country.

The study was conducted for the period from 2007 to 2017, and interestingly the first iPhone was launched in Europe in 2007.&nbsp;Since then, there has been an alarming increase of 22 per cent in the&nbsp;levels of sedentary behaviour among adults in the UK, in a period of 10 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-really-pleased-with-reopening-of-schools-323026">Also read|&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson 'really pleased' with reopening of schools</a>

The increase has majorly been due to the change in lifestyle of adults between the age range of 35 to 44. People in this age, who earlier used to move around and indulge in various activities, have now started spending&nbsp;their leisure time on their smartphones.

Europe, as a whole, saw an increase of about 8 per cent, with France following the UK at 17.8 per cent, followed by a 7.4 per cent increase in Germany, 3.9 per cent in Spain, and just 0.2 per cent in Italy. Adults in these countries spend more than four hours sitting down using their smartphones.

The increase in the laziness is being considered as dangerous as the inactivity usually leads to deadly long-term diseases such as type-2 diabetes and cancer. It has also been revealed that nearly 12 per cent (or&nbsp;70,000 deaths) in the UK are caused due to inactivity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-to-ask-schools-to-reopen-by-september-reports-319158">Also read|&nbsp;Boris Johnson to ask schools to reopen by September: Reports</a>

The researchers are urging the respective government to encourage citizens to give up the temptation of sitting down and indulge in physical and healthy activities, other than gym trips.&nbsp;

The researchers feel this increase is majorly due to the advancement in technology, such as streaming platforms. Professor Xián Mayo Mauriz, who took part in the research at the King Juan Carlos University in Spain, said: "We propose that the observed increase in the prevalence of physical inactivity could be attributed to people increasingly interacting with technology such as smartphones and streaming services during work and leisure time.

“Our findings suggest that in addition to encouraging physical activity, governments should focus on reducing the amount of time people spend sitting per day."

The research was published in&nbsp;the journal BCM Public Health.

Another independent study in the UK last year had found out that people, on an average, spend nearly four hours every day on their phones, out of which nearly one hour is spent on social media.

Smartphones have our life easier and faster, but some researchers have concluded that the invention has also brought extreme laziness in humans, especially I one of the countries.

Smartphones have our life easier and faster, but some researchers have concluded that the invention has also brought extreme laziness in humans, especially I one of the countries. Researchers have warned that laziness in the residents of the United Kingdom due to smartphones is alarmingly more than in any other major western European country. The study was conducted for the period from 2007 to 2017, and interestingly the first iPhone was launched in Europe in 2007. Since then, there has been an alarming increase of 22 per cent in the levels of sedentary behaviour among adults in the UK, in a period of 10 years. Also read| UK PM Boris Johnson 'really pleased' with reopening of schools The increase has majorly been due to the change in lifestyle of adults between the age range of 35 to 44. People in this age, who earlier used to move around and indulge in various activities, have now started spending their leisure time on their smartphones. Europe, as a whole, saw an increase of about 8 per cent, with France following the UK at 17.8 per cent, followed by a 7.4 per cent increase in Germany, 3.9 per cent in Spain, and just 0.2 per cent in Italy. Adults in these countries spend more than four hours sitting down using their smartphones. The increase in the laziness is being considered as dangerous as the inactivity usually leads to deadly long-term diseases such as type-2 diabetes and cancer. It has also been revealed that nearly 12 per cent (or 70,000 deaths) in the UK are caused due to inactivity. Also read| Boris Johnson to ask schools to reopen by September: Reports The researchers are urging the respective government to encourage citizens to give up the temptation of sitting down and indulge in physical and healthy activities, other than gym trips. The researchers feel this increase is majorly due to the advancement in technology, such as streaming platforms. Professor Xián Mayo Mauriz, who took part in the research at the King Juan Carlos University in Spain, said: "We propose that the observed increase in the prevalence of physical inactivity could be attributed to people increasingly interacting with technology such as smartphones and streaming services during work and leisure time. “Our findings suggest that in addition to encouraging physical activity, governments should focus on reducing the amount of time people spend sitting per day." The research was published in the journal BCM Public Health. Another independent study in the UK last year had found out that people, on an average, spend nearly four hours every day on their phones, out of which nearly one hour is spent on social media.

Smartphones have made UK one of the laziest countries in Europe

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Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.