<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-condemns-cowardly-attack-in-niger-vows-to-fight-terrorist-groups-in-the-sahel-region-319283">Macron condemns 'cowardly' attack in Niger, vows to fight 'terrorist groups in the Sahel region'</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/17/137170-111827890061089327.jpg?itok=jIqKjRu-" /></p>

<p>The French leader, who spoke with his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou, added that he was determined to help counter the "terrorist groups in the Sahel region".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ongoing-historic-visit-to-taiwan-a-true-honour-for-trump-administration-319305">Ongoing historic visit to Taiwan a 'true honour' for Trump administration</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/10/153821-untitled-design-2.jpg?itok=DCcRs8Y-" /></p>

<p>The visit is largely being seen as a token of support to Taiwan, which has for long been sidelined diplomatically with countries favouring recognition of China instead.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-arrested-under-national-security-law-319295">Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under National Security Law</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/10/153812-jimmy-lai.jpg?itok=kgS4n80F" /></p>

<p>Lai, a beloved voice in Hong Kong, is seen as a traitor and &nbsp;the biggest 'black hand' in the Chinese media.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-protesters-clash-after-belarus-presidential-vote-319291">Police, protesters clash after Belarus presidential vote</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/10/153810-belarus-protests-reu.jpg?itok=8FcID7j2" /></p>

<p>State-approved exit polls showed him winning 79.7% of the vote while his main opponent Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, a former English teacher who emerged from obscurity a few weeks ago to lead rallies against him, received 6.8%.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-blast-protests-near-parliament-building-protesters-rebelled-with-tear-gas-319303">Lebanon Blast: Protests near Parliament building, Protesters rebelled with tear gas</a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Macron condemns 'cowardly' attack in Niger, vows to fight 'terrorist groups in the Sahel region' The French leader, who spoke with his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou, added that he was determined to help counter the "terrorist groups in the Sahel region".

Macron condemns 'cowardly' attack in Niger, vows to fight 'terrorist groups in the Sahel region' The French leader, who spoke with his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou, added that he was determined to help counter the "terrorist groups in the Sahel region". Ongoing historic visit to Taiwan a 'true honour' for Trump administration The visit is largely being seen as a token of support to Taiwan, which has for long been sidelined diplomatically with countries favouring recognition of China instead. Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under National Security Law Lai, a beloved voice in Hong Kong, is seen as a traitor and the biggest 'black hand' in the Chinese media. Police, protesters clash after Belarus presidential vote State-approved exit polls showed him winning 79.7% of the vote while his main opponent Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, a former English teacher who emerged from obscurity a few weeks ago to lead rallies against him, received 6.8%. Lebanon Blast: Protests near Parliament building, Protesters rebelled with tear gas ×

Morning news brief: Belarus violence, Macron condemns Niger attack and more

<p>Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group&nbsp;under China's new National Security Law.</p>

<p>"They arrested him at his house at about 7am. Our lawyers are on the way to the police station," Mark Simon, a close aide of Lai told the media.</p>

<p>The media tycoon and his aides were detained on Monday for fraud and 'colluding with foreign forces'. Lai has been an active pro-democracy voice and had raised his voice against China's much criticised new National Security Law in Hong Kong, calling it&nbsp; "a death knell for Hong Kong".</p>

<p>"It will supersede or destroy our rule of law and destroy our international financial status," he said earlier.</p>

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<p>The new security law imposed by China in Hong Kong has been criticised internationally, and especially in Hong Kong. Since the implementation of the law, several pro-democracy activists have been arrested, as it was feared earlier.</p>

<p>Lai, a beloved voice in Hong Kong, is seen as a traitor and&nbsp;&nbsp;the biggest "black hand" in the Chinese media. However, Lai had earlier declared that he will be willing to go to the prison if that is what it took to raise his voice against the imposition of the new law.</p>

<p>"I'm prepared for prison," he had earlier said. "If it comes, I will have the opportunity to read books I haven't read. The only thing I can do is to be positive."</p>

<p>He had earlier predicted that the authorities would come after him and his journalists after the law was implemented. However, this is not his first arrest.&nbsp;He is already being prosecuted for taking part in last year's protests and for defying a police ban to attend a vigil in early June commemorating Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown in 1989.</p>

<p>Lai's team of lawyers had rushed to the authorities soon after his arrest.</p>

<p>Hours after the arrest was made dozens of Hong Kong police officers started an extensive search of Jimmy Lai's organisation, Apple Daily. Live images broadcast on Facebook by Apple Daily's own reporters showed officers searching their newsroom in an industrial park on the outskirts of the international financial hub.&nbsp;</p>


Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group under China's new National Security Law. "They arrested him at his house at about 7am.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group under China's new National Security Law. "They arrested him at his house at about 7am. Our lawyers are on the way to the police station," Mark Simon, a close aide of Lai told the media. The media tycoon and his aides were detained on Monday for fraud and 'colluding with foreign forces'. Lai has been an active pro-democracy voice and had raised his voice against China's much criticised new National Security Law in Hong Kong, calling it "a death knell for Hong Kong". "It will supersede or destroy our rule of law and destroy our international financial status," he said earlier. × The new security law imposed by China in Hong Kong has been criticised internationally, and especially in Hong Kong. Since the implementation of the law, several pro-democracy activists have been arrested, as it was feared earlier. Lai, a beloved voice in Hong Kong, is seen as a traitor and the biggest "black hand" in the Chinese media. However, Lai had earlier declared that he will be willing to go to the prison if that is what it took to raise his voice against the imposition of the new law. "I'm prepared for prison," he had earlier said. "If it comes, I will have the opportunity to read books I haven't read. The only thing I can do is to be positive." He had earlier predicted that the authorities would come after him and his journalists after the law was implemented. However, this is not his first arrest. He is already being prosecuted for taking part in last year's protests and for defying a police ban to attend a vigil in early June commemorating Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown in 1989. Lai's team of lawyers had rushed to the authorities soon after his arrest. Hours after the arrest was made dozens of Hong Kong police officers started an extensive search of Jimmy Lai's organisation, Apple Daily. Live images broadcast on Facebook by Apple Daily's own reporters showed officers searching their newsroom in an industrial park on the outskirts of the international financial hub.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under National Security Law

<p>Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store.</p>

<p>The list contains&nbsp;Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app.</p>

<p>The decision was taken by Apple as the company claims that the three tech-giants did not submit the games individually for review. Apple claimed that their company does not allow apps to feature on their store without a review, and since the companies did not submit individual games for review, Apple decided to block the games that could enable access to these non-reviewed games.</p>

<p>The company issued a statement explaining the reason behind the decision of blocking these games. "Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely&nbsp;launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set&nbsp;of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search.&nbsp;In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach&nbsp;all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers&nbsp;on the App Store."</p>

<p>Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg reacted to the news by saying, “Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the stand-alone Facebook Gaming app.”</p>

<p>In a Twitter thread, Facebook Gaming announced the launch of&nbsp;standalone Facebook Gaming app. "But for FB game developers and players...we have some bad news. After months of submissions and repeated rejections by Apple, we’ve had to remove instant games entirely from the standalone app," Facebook Gaming tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🍏🎮🧵<br />
<br />
1/ Well, we have some good news. We’re launching the standalone Facebook Gaming app today on iOS! Download today 👉 <a href="https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA">https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA</a><br />
<br />
We know many creators and fans have been waiting a long time for it, so thanks for sitting tight.</p>
— Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) <a href="https://twitter.com/FacebookGaming/status/1291708615015858176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Microsoft, too, issued a statement that read, "Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. And it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."</p>


Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store. The list contains Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app.

Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store. The list contains Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app. The decision was taken by Apple as the company claims that the three tech-giants did not submit the games individually for review. Apple claimed that their company does not allow apps to feature on their store without a review, and since the companies did not submit individual games for review, Apple decided to block the games that could enable access to these non-reviewed games. The company issued a statement explaining the reason behind the decision of blocking these games. "Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search. In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers on the App Store." Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg reacted to the news by saying, “Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the stand-alone Facebook Gaming app.” In a Twitter thread, Facebook Gaming announced the launch of standalone Facebook Gaming app. "But for FB game developers and players...we have some bad news. After months of submissions and repeated rejections by Apple, we’ve had to remove instant games entirely from the standalone app," Facebook Gaming tweeted. 🍏🎮🧵 1/ Well, we have some good news. We’re launching the standalone Facebook Gaming app today on iOS! Download today 👉 https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA We know many creators and fans have been waiting a long time for it, so thanks for sitting tight. — Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) August 7, 2020 × Microsoft, too, issued a statement that read, "Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. And it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."

Apple blocks games from Microsoft, Google, and Facebook; fight gets Twitter-official

<p>A&nbsp;27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology.</p>

<p>An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Facebook staffer reacted quickly and wittingly to these red flags and contacted&nbsp;Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Anyesh Roy as the victim, whose name has not been revealed, had his contact number registered to a Delhi network.</p>

<p>The Delhi Police traced the number under the command of&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Jasmeet Singh and reached to the listed address, only to find out the resident of the property, the unnamed man's wife, to be safe on Saturday night.</p>

<p>However, the woman informed the police that the Facebook account was handled by her husband who had left for Mumbai few days ago, after a fight, to work as a Chef in a small hotel.</p>

<p>Roy contacted his Mumbai counterpart&nbsp;DCP (Cyber) Rashmi Karandikar, who started a search mission for the man, with nothing but just his phone number.</p>

<p>Karandikar was able to locate and save the man around 1:30 am, after asking his mother to video call him, which didn't connect. His location was traced after he called back his mother through another phone number.</p>

<p>"The man then contacted his mother through another number and that's how we traced his location. For an hour, one of my officers kept him engaged on phone call and tried to convince him to not take any an extreme step," the senior Mumbai police officer said.</p>

<p>The man claimed he was under huge financial burden and was unable to provide for his family, especially his newly-born child.</p>

<p><em>If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://aasra.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aasra</a>&nbsp;(Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://snehaindia.org/new/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sneha</a>&nbsp;(Chennai) 044-24640050,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://sumaitri.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sumaitri&nbsp;</a>(Delhi) 011-23389090,<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://cooj.co.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;Cooj</a>&nbsp;(Goa) 0832- 2252525,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://jeevanhelplinesuicideprevention.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeevan</a>&nbsp;(Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://www.maithrikochi.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maithri&nbsp;</a>(Kochi) 0484-2540530,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://roshnitrusthyd.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roshni&nbsp;</a>(Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata),&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://parivarthan.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parivarthan</a>&nbsp;(Bangalore) +91 76766 02602</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations</em></p>


A 27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology. An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts.

A 27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology. An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts. The Facebook staffer reacted quickly and wittingly to these red flags and contacted Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Anyesh Roy as the victim, whose name has not been revealed, had his contact number registered to a Delhi network. The Delhi Police traced the number under the command of Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Jasmeet Singh and reached to the listed address, only to find out the resident of the property, the unnamed man's wife, to be safe on Saturday night. However, the woman informed the police that the Facebook account was handled by her husband who had left for Mumbai few days ago, after a fight, to work as a Chef in a small hotel. Roy contacted his Mumbai counterpart DCP (Cyber) Rashmi Karandikar, who started a search mission for the man, with nothing but just his phone number. Karandikar was able to locate and save the man around 1:30 am, after asking his mother to video call him, which didn't connect. His location was traced after he called back his mother through another phone number. "The man then contacted his mother through another number and that's how we traced his location. For an hour, one of my officers kept him engaged on phone call and tried to convince him to not take any an extreme step," the senior Mumbai police officer said. The man claimed he was under huge financial burden and was unable to provide for his family, especially his newly-born child. If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police save a 'suicidal man'

<p>Iran has rejected as "unrealistic" a call by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the United Nations to extend an international arms embargo on Tehran that ends in October, state TV reported on Monday.</p>

<p>The GCC, made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, said on Sunday that Iran`s continued interference in neighbouring countries made an extension necessary.</p>

<p>The arms embargo is currently set to end on October&nbsp;18 as part of Tehran`s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which the United States quit in 2018.</p>

<p>"The GCC is currently at the apex of its incompetence and its unrealistic policies have rendered it ineffective," Iran`s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a televised news conference.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/irans-ayatollah-khamenei-creates-official-hindi-twitter-account-319286"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei creates official Hindi Twitter account</strong></a></p>

<p>"The council, swayed by the wrong and destructive policies and behaviour of certain member states, has turned into a mouthpiece for anti-Iran elements inside and outside the region."</p>

<p>U. S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council will vote this week on a U.S. bid to extend the arms embargo on Iran, despite warnings by some diplomats that the measure lacks support.</p>

<p>If the United States is unsuccessful in extending the embargo, it has threatened to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran under a process agreed in the 2015 deal.</p>

<p>In May, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani threatened a "crushing response" if the embargo on Iranian trade of conventional arms was extended.</p>

<p>Iran has breached parts of the nuclear deal in response to the 2018 U.S. withdrawal and Washington’s reimposition of sanctions.</p>


Iran has rejected as "unrealistic" a call by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the United Nations to extend an international arms embargo on Tehran that ends in October, state TV reported on Monday.

Iran has rejected as "unrealistic" a call by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the United Nations to extend an international arms embargo on Tehran that ends in October, state TV reported on Monday. The GCC, made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, said on Sunday that Iran`s continued interference in neighbouring countries made an extension necessary. The arms embargo is currently set to end on October 18 as part of Tehran`s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which the United States quit in 2018. "The GCC is currently at the apex of its incompetence and its unrealistic policies have rendered it ineffective," Iran`s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a televised news conference. Also read: Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei creates official Hindi Twitter account "The council, swayed by the wrong and destructive policies and behaviour of certain member states, has turned into a mouthpiece for anti-Iran elements inside and outside the region." U. S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council will vote this week on a U.S. bid to extend the arms embargo on Iran, despite warnings by some diplomats that the measure lacks support. If the United States is unsuccessful in extending the embargo, it has threatened to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran under a process agreed in the 2015 deal. In May, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani threatened a "crushing response" if the embargo on Iranian trade of conventional arms was extended. Iran has breached parts of the nuclear deal in response to the 2018 U.S. withdrawal and Washington’s reimposition of sanctions.

Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic'

<p>Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece.</p>

<p>The two NATO allies are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations.</p>

<p>But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-erdogan-announces-resuming-eastern-mediterranean-energy-search-318877"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search</strong></a></p>

<p>Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was expected to chair a meeting of the government council on foreign affairs and defence issues at 0900 GMT, his office said on Monday.</p>

<p>Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Greek state TV that Athens was in full "political and operational readiness." Greece stood ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey on their differences, he said.</p>

<p>The NAVTEX, issued by the Turkish navy`s office of navigation, covered an area of sea south of Turkey`s Antalya and west of Cyprus. It will be in effect between August 10-23.</p>

<p>The Oruc Reis vessel has already reached the location where it will operate after leaving the area where it was anchored off Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus.</p>

<p>Erdogan`s announcement of the new exploration work came after Egypt and Greece signed an accord last Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean.</p>

<p>Diplomats in Greece said that agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya, but Erdogan said Turkey would maintain its agreement with Libya "decisively".</p>


Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece.

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece. The two NATO allies are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations. But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue. Also read| Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was expected to chair a meeting of the government council on foreign affairs and defence issues at 0900 GMT, his office said on Monday. Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Greek state TV that Athens was in full "political and operational readiness." Greece stood ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey on their differences, he said. The NAVTEX, issued by the Turkish navy`s office of navigation, covered an area of sea south of Turkey`s Antalya and west of Cyprus. It will be in effect between August 10-23. The Oruc Reis vessel has already reached the location where it will operate after leaving the area where it was anchored off Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter. Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus. Erdogan`s announcement of the new exploration work came after Egypt and Greece signed an accord last Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean. Diplomats in Greece said that agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya, but Erdogan said Turkey would maintain its agreement with Libya "decisively".

Turkey's new seismic survey in Mediterranean set to revive Greek tensions

<p>Bangladesh's&nbsp;Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to&nbsp;construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. The anniversary&nbsp;coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country's independence.</p>

<p>“We are constructing the monument coinciding with the 50th anniversary of our independence” crucially backed by India, a ministry spokesman quoted Haque as saying.</p>

<p>The statement was made when the&nbsp;Indian High Commisisoner Riva Ganguly paid a farewell visit to Haque. Both the leaders assured he media that the two countries are friendly neighbours and friends.</p>

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<p>“Some people are out to spread misleading information purposely to worsen the relations between the two next-door neighbours but the Bangladesh-India ties are not so fragile,” Ganguly said.</p>

<p>She also urged the Bangladesh government to translate the books based on Liberation War to Hindi, and expressed willingness to participate in Bangladesh's golden jubilee of their independence in 2021.</p>

<p>An official familiar with the monument project said the government has selected 3.5 acres of land at frontier Ashuganj of Brahmanbaia district bordering Agartala.</p>

<p>“The site which has been selected has historic significance . . . Indian army fought Pakistanis some decisive wars in 1971 along with our freedom fighters in Ashuganj,” the official said.</p>

<p>The monument's construction will begin this year and will be completed in the next two years, the minister claimed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.

Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. The anniversary coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. “We are constructing the monument coinciding with the 50th anniversary of our independence” crucially backed by India, a ministry spokesman quoted Haque as saying. The statement was made when the Indian High Commisisoner Riva Ganguly paid a farewell visit to Haque. Both the leaders assured he media that the two countries are friendly neighbours and friends. × “Some people are out to spread misleading information purposely to worsen the relations between the two next-door neighbours but the Bangladesh-India ties are not so fragile,” Ganguly said. She also urged the Bangladesh government to translate the books based on Liberation War to Hindi, and expressed willingness to participate in Bangladesh's golden jubilee of their independence in 2021. An official familiar with the monument project said the government has selected 3.5 acres of land at frontier Ashuganj of Brahmanbaia district bordering Agartala. “The site which has been selected has historic significance . . . Indian army fought Pakistanis some decisive wars in 1971 along with our freedom fighters in Ashuganj,” the official said. The monument's construction will begin this year and will be completed in the next two years, the minister claimed. (With inputs from PTI)

Bangladesh to build monument for Indian soldiers martyred in 1971 Liberation War

August 08 in history: Quit India Movement, establishment of ASEAN and more

<p>After waves of controversies related to a possible ban and discussions with Microsoft to take over the US operations, TikTok now has a new suitor.</p>

<p>Twitter, the California-based company, is in talks with TikTok to discuss the possibility of merging the two companies, according to reports published by a leading US media house.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-planning-to-buy-tiktoks-global-business-reports-318751"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>Few weeks ago, the US President Donald Trump had announced a ban on the short-video sharing app claiming that the app was a front for Chinese intelligence to snoop in on the US. Later, Microsoft came to the rescue of the Chinese app, announcing a possibility of taking over TikTok's US operations.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>However, there has been no confirmation on the possible take-over. Meanwhile, Trump has given a 45-days notice to TikTok to either sell or face the ban, demanding&nbsp;significant portion of the sale go to the US Treasury.</p>

<p>Now, it has been revealed by the US media that the social media giant Twitter, co-founded by&nbsp;Jack Dorsey, might be in discussions to merge with TikTok. Since Twitter is a smaller company than Microsoft, Twitter would have a long-shot bid for TikTok and would need support of other investors to acquire this deal. However, Twitter, in such a case, has the benefit of facing less scrutiny than Microsoft, due to its size.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-banning-transactions-with-tiktok-owner-after-45-days-318735"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days</strong></a></p>

<p>Since the reports came out, people have been trying to figure out how the transformation of Twitter — an app that has very limited characters and upload size — look like if combined with TikTok — an app that usually has fun short videos.</p>

<p>This is not the first time Twitter has proposed such a deal. In 2012, Twitter acquired Vine, a similar app to TikTok, but had to shut it down in 2016.</p>

<p>There have been no official statements from TikTok and Twitter on this issue.</p>


After waves of controversies related to a possible ban and discussions with Microsoft to take over the US operations, TikTok now has a new suitor. Twitter, the California-based company, is in talks with TikTok to discuss the possibility of merging the two companies, according to reports published by a leading US media house.

After waves of controversies related to a possible ban and discussions with Microsoft to take over the US operations, TikTok now has a new suitor. Twitter, the California-based company, is in talks with TikTok to discuss the possibility of merging the two companies, according to reports published by a leading US media house. Also read| Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports Few weeks ago, the US President Donald Trump had announced a ban on the short-video sharing app claiming that the app was a front for Chinese intelligence to snoop in on the US. Later, Microsoft came to the rescue of the Chinese app, announcing a possibility of taking over TikTok's US operations. × However, there has been no confirmation on the possible take-over. Meanwhile, Trump has given a 45-days notice to TikTok to either sell or face the ban, demanding significant portion of the sale go to the US Treasury. Now, it has been revealed by the US media that the social media giant Twitter, co-founded by Jack Dorsey, might be in discussions to merge with TikTok. Since Twitter is a smaller company than Microsoft, Twitter would have a long-shot bid for TikTok and would need support of other investors to acquire this deal. However, Twitter, in such a case, has the benefit of facing less scrutiny than Microsoft, due to its size. Also read| Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days Since the reports came out, people have been trying to figure out how the transformation of Twitter — an app that has very limited characters and upload size — look like if combined with TikTok — an app that usually has fun short videos. This is not the first time Twitter has proposed such a deal. In 2012, Twitter acquired Vine, a similar app to TikTok, but had to shut it down in 2016. There have been no official statements from TikTok and Twitter on this issue.

Twitter in talks with TikTok to discuss possible merging: Reports

<p>A fire broke out at a hotel in&nbsp;Vijayawada on Sunday early morning. Fire tenders were rushed to the hotel minutes after the fire broke out.</p>

<p>The hotel was being used as a COVID-19 facility and had around 22 patients admitted for their treatment.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/survivors-of-kozhikode-air-crash-yet-to-recover-from-shock-319074"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Survivors of Kozhikode air crash yet to recover from shock</strong></a></p>

<p>Initial reports claim the&nbsp;fire broke out at the fourth floor of the hospital due to a short circuit.&nbsp;“The incident took place around 5am. Around 22 patients are being treated in the hospital. We are evacuating the entire building,” Mohammad Imtiaz, Krishna’s district collector said.</p>

<p>“The reason of fire appears to be a short circuit, as per the preliminary report. But we will have to ascertain,” he added.</p>

<p>Seven people lost their lives to this fire. Other patients are being looked at, at the moment. Thirty people were rescued from the fire till 8am on Sunday.</p>

<p>Amit Shah offered condolences through Twitter, "Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1292311170813067264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rescue operations are still underway, and more details are awaited.</p>


A fire broke out at a hotel in Vijayawada on Sunday early morning. Fire tenders were rushed to the hotel minutes after the fire broke out. The hotel was being used as a COVID-19 facility and had around 22 patients admitted for their treatment.

A fire broke out at a hotel in Vijayawada on Sunday early morning. Fire tenders were rushed to the hotel minutes after the fire broke out. The hotel was being used as a COVID-19 facility and had around 22 patients admitted for their treatment. Also read: Survivors of Kozhikode air crash yet to recover from shock Initial reports claim the fire broke out at the fourth floor of the hospital due to a short circuit. “The incident took place around 5am. Around 22 patients are being treated in the hospital. We are evacuating the entire building,” Mohammad Imtiaz, Krishna’s district collector said. “The reason of fire appears to be a short circuit, as per the preliminary report. But we will have to ascertain,” he added. Seven people lost their lives to this fire. Other patients are being looked at, at the moment. Thirty people were rescued from the fire till 8am on Sunday. Amit Shah offered condolences through Twitter, "Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured." Deeply anguished by the news of tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Centre assures all possible support to the state govt. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 9, 2020 × Rescue operations are still underway, and more details are awaited.

COVID-19 facility catches fire in Vijayawada; 7 declared dead, 30 rescued

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening.</p>

<p>The Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the table-top runway at Kozhikode airport at 7:41 pm last night. There were 184 passengers onboard including 10 infants, two pilots and four cabin crew.</p>

<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the victims late night on Friday. "Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1291797658454163459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's other neighbours, Sri Lanka and Nepal, too, sent out messages on Twitter.</p>

<p>Pradeep Gyawali,&nbsp;Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal tweeted:&nbsp;Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured.</p>
— Pradeep Gyawali (@PradeepgyawaliK) <a href="https://twitter.com/PradeepgyawaliK/status/1291953695756779520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>. We express our deepest condolences to bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> at this hour of grief.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainSL</a></p>
— MFA SL (@MFA_SriLanka) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka/status/1291942049801834497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely saddened to hear of the Air India Express plane crash in Kerala on Friday evening. I offer my condolences to the families of those affected by this tragedy, and prayers for the ongoing recovery effort.</p>
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1291896001008033792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Other countries that offered their condolences and prayers to the victims included Japan, China, the US and more.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On behalf of the U.S. Mission, we are deeply saddened by the news of the Air India accident in Kozhikode. The victims and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.</p>
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1291797570050695168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shocked to hear about the tragic accident of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndiaExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndiaExpress</a> aircraft in Kerala. My deep condolences to the families of the victims. Wish a quick recovery of the injured.</p>
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1291798350543511552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply saddened by the news of the Air India Express Plane accident in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kozhikode?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kozhikode</a>. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. 🙏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KozhikodePlaneCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KozhikodePlaneCrash</a></p>
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1291949588685889536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My heart bleeds for the air accident of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndiaExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndiaExpress</a> in Kozhikode and landslide in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Idukki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Idukki</a>. My thoughts are with those who lost their beloved ones and are injured. I hope search &amp; rescue will conclude as quickly as possible.</p>
— Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/EOJinIndia/status/1291954814931226631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm shocked &amp; saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, Kerala. On behalf of the Gov. &amp; People of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a>, I express my deepest condolences to bereaved families &amp; wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our prayers are w/the people of India at this hour of grief.</p>
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa/status/1291998754174722048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team reached the crash site from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi to help with the rescue mission.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/17-dead-more-than-100-injured-in-the-air-india-plane-crash-at-calicut-airport-on-friday-318976"><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;17 dead, more than 100 injured in the Air India plane crash at Calicut Airport on Friday</strong></a></p>


As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening.

As the death toll for the Air India plane crash rose to 18, various political leaders from around the world offered their condolences to the people who have been affected by the tragic crash that took place on Friday late evening. The Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the table-top runway at Kozhikode airport at 7:41 pm last night. There were 184 passengers onboard including 10 infants, two pilots and four cabin crew. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the victims late night on Friday. "Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour," he tweeted. Saddened to learn of the Air India plane crash in Kerala state leading to loss of innocent lives. May Allah give strength to the bereaved families in their difficult hour. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 7, 2020 × India's other neighbours, Sri Lanka and Nepal, too, sent out messages on Twitter. Pradeep Gyawali, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal tweeted: Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured. Deeply saddened by the news of Air India Express aircraft's accident in Kerala, India last night. Nepal extends deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those injured. — Pradeep Gyawali (@PradeepgyawaliK) August 8, 2020 × We are shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, #Kerala. We express our deepest condolences to bereaved families and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of #India at this hour of grief.#Lk @IndiainSL — MFA SL (@MFA_SriLanka) August 8, 2020 × Extremely saddened to hear of the Air India Express plane crash in Kerala on Friday evening. I offer my condolences to the families of those affected by this tragedy, and prayers for the ongoing recovery effort. — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) August 8, 2020 × Other countries that offered their condolences and prayers to the victims included Japan, China, the US and more. On behalf of the U.S. Mission, we are deeply saddened by the news of the Air India accident in Kozhikode. The victims and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. — Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) August 7, 2020 × Shocked to hear about the tragic accident of #AirIndiaExpress aircraft in Kerala. My deep condolences to the families of the victims. Wish a quick recovery of the injured. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) August 7, 2020 × Deeply saddened by the news of the Air India Express Plane accident in #Kozhikode. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. 🙏🏻 @airindiain #KozhikodePlaneCrash — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) August 8, 2020 × My heart bleeds for the air accident of #AirIndiaExpress in Kozhikode and landslide in #Idukki. My thoughts are with those who lost their beloved ones and are injured. I hope search & rescue will conclude as quickly as possible. — Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) August 8, 2020 × I'm shocked & saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash at Kozhikode, Kerala. On behalf of the Gov. & People of #SriLanka, I express my deepest condolences to bereaved families & wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our prayers are w/the people of India at this hour of grief. — Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) August 8, 2020 × Members of the Emergency Response and the Special Assistance Team reached the crash site from Cochin, Mumbai and Delhi to help with the rescue mission. Also watch: 17 dead, more than 100 injured in the Air India plane crash at Calicut Airport on Friday

Air India plane crash: US, Pakistan, China and others offer condolences

<p>Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaka was sworn in on Sunday as the country’s new prime minister at a historic Buddhist temple, days after his party won a landslide victory in the General Election.</p>

<p>The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) leader was administered the oath of office for the ninth Parliament by his younger brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-strongman-mahinda-rajapaksa-to-take-oath-of-prime-minister-on-sunday-319094"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa to take oath of Prime Minister on Sunday</strong></a></p>

<p>Mahinda Rajapaksa completed 50 years of parliamentary politics in July this year. He was elected as a Member of Parliament at the young age of 24 in 1970. He has since been elected President twice and has been appointed Prime Minister thrice.</p>

<p>The SLPP, led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, registered a landslide victory in the August 5 general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power.</p>

<p>Mahinda Rajapaksa polled over 500,000 individual preference votes -- the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch the live streaming of the swearing in ceremony of the new PM <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PresRajapaksa</a> at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya from below link <a href="https://t.co/NKuf1CVT1L">https://t.co/NKuf1CVT1L</a></p>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1292299443144802305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The SLPP won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament.</p>

<p>The cabinet ministers, state and deputy ministers are expected to be sworn-in on Monday.</p>

<p>The Rajapaksa family -- including SLPP founder and its National Organiser 69-year-old Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, and Mahinda Rajapaksa -- has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades.</p>

<p>Mahinda Rajapaksa previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015.</p>

<p>President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the November presidential election on the SLPP ticket.</p>

<p>In the parliamentary election, he was seeking 150 seats mandatory to execute constitutional changes, including to repeal the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which had curbed the presidential powers while strengthening the role of Parliament.</p>

<p>Activists, already alarmed by the diminishing space for dissent and criticism in the island nation, fear such a move could lead to authoritarianism.</p>

<p>The biggest casualty from the election outcome was the United National Party (UNP) of former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe which managed to win only one seat. The country''s grand old party failed to win a single seat from any of the 22 districts.</p>

<p>UNP leader and four-time prime minister Wikremesinghe was unseated for the first time since he entered Parliament in 1977.</p>


Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaka was sworn in on Sunday as the country’s new prime minister at a historic Buddhist temple, days after his party won a landslide victory in the General Election.

Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaka was sworn in on Sunday as the country’s new prime minister at a historic Buddhist temple, days after his party won a landslide victory in the General Election. The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) leader was administered the oath of office for the ninth Parliament by his younger brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb. Also read| Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa to take oath of Prime Minister on Sunday Mahinda Rajapaksa completed 50 years of parliamentary politics in July this year. He was elected as a Member of Parliament at the young age of 24 in 1970. He has since been elected President twice and has been appointed Prime Minister thrice. The SLPP, led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, registered a landslide victory in the August 5 general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power. Mahinda Rajapaksa polled over 500,000 individual preference votes -- the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections. Watch the live streaming of the swearing in ceremony of the new PM @PresRajapaksa at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya from below link https://t.co/NKuf1CVT1L — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) August 9, 2020 × The SLPP won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament. The cabinet ministers, state and deputy ministers are expected to be sworn-in on Monday. The Rajapaksa family -- including SLPP founder and its National Organiser 69-year-old Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 71, and Mahinda Rajapaksa -- has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades. Mahinda Rajapaksa previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had won the November presidential election on the SLPP ticket. In the parliamentary election, he was seeking 150 seats mandatory to execute constitutional changes, including to repeal the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which had curbed the presidential powers while strengthening the role of Parliament. Activists, already alarmed by the diminishing space for dissent and criticism in the island nation, fear such a move could lead to authoritarianism. The biggest casualty from the election outcome was the United National Party (UNP) of former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe which managed to win only one seat. The country''s grand old party failed to win a single seat from any of the 22 districts. UNP leader and four-time prime minister Wikremesinghe was unseated for the first time since he entered Parliament in 1977.

Mahinda Rajapaksa takes oath as Sri Lankan Prime Minister

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