Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers.

The decision to add these companies in the list was announced in a tax report on Friday morning.

The statement came after last month the country's tax department announced a 10 per cent VAT on sales by technology companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-planning-to-buy-tiktoks-global-business-reports-318751">Also read:&nbsp;Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports</a>

The decision was made keeping in mind the shift in spending patterns of the&nbsp;270 million residents of Indonesia during the pandemic. This shift has caused financial difficulties for the government, that it aims to get rid of with this new tax plan.

Other organisations that are a part of the list are Amazon Netflix, Spotify, Google, three units of Facebook, Tiktok Pte Ltd, Apple Distribution International Ltd, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd, and more of Amazon’s subsidiaries, including its audiobook unit Audible and its voice assistant Alexa.

Under Indonesia’s rules, non-resident foreign firms which sell digital products and services in Indonesia worth at least 600 million rupiah ($41,039.67) a year or which generate yearly traffic from at least 12,000 users will be required to pay the 10% VAT.

The companies added to the list on Friday have not issued a comment on the increase in tax.

The Indonesian government is expecting a huge drop of 13 per cent in its state revenue due to the ongoing pandemic.

Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers.

Indonesia had added Facebook, Disney and TikTok to the list of technology companies that will be obligated to pay 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on sales to Indonesian customers. The decision to add these companies in the list was announced in a tax report on Friday morning. The statement came after last month the country's tax department announced a 10 per cent VAT on sales by technology companies. Also read: Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports The decision was made keeping in mind the shift in spending patterns of the 270 million residents of Indonesia during the pandemic. This shift has caused financial difficulties for the government, that it aims to get rid of with this new tax plan. Other organisations that are a part of the list are Amazon Netflix, Spotify, Google, three units of Facebook, Tiktok Pte Ltd, Apple Distribution International Ltd, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd, and more of Amazon’s subsidiaries, including its audiobook unit Audible and its voice assistant Alexa. Under Indonesia’s rules, non-resident foreign firms which sell digital products and services in Indonesia worth at least 600 million rupiah ($41,039.67) a year or which generate yearly traffic from at least 12,000 users will be required to pay the 10% VAT. The companies added to the list on Friday have not issued a comment on the increase in tax. The Indonesian government is expecting a huge drop of 13 per cent in its state revenue due to the ongoing pandemic.

Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories.

Many of the 35 Facebook and 88 Instagram accounts posed as Americans, and some managed Trump fan pages, but they ran afoul of the social network’s rules on what it calls coordinated inauthentic behavior. In addition to misleading people about their location, some account holders ran multiple personas with similar names that posted identical content.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-asks-facebook-tiktok-and-disney-to-pay-10-vat-tax-reports-318797">Also read|&nbsp;Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports</a>

The network had a small reach, with only 1,600 accounts following the Facebook pages and 7,200 tracking the accounts on Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.

Facebook security policy head Nathaniel Gleicher said the company was unable to tell whether the Romanian group was motivated by money, ideology or government directive.

The nonprofit Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensics Research Lab said some pages only shared content from Trump`s page, while others promoted QAnon, which connects various theories around the idea that Trump is secretly waging a war against powerful Democrats who worship the devil and abuse children. The FBI warned last year that QAnon would likely motivate extremists to commit violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-employees-to-work-from-home-until-july-2021-get-1000-for-home-offices-318749">Also read|&nbsp;Facebook employees to work from home until July 2021; get $1,000 for home offices</a>

Atlantic Council Lab Director Graham Brookie said there were no clear connections to Trump associates or surrogates, and Gleicher said there were no obvious ties to established commercial players such as companies that sell "likes" and followers.

Facebook previously removed much larger and better-connected networks that supported Trump, including one connected to the Epoch Times, which was founded by supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual movement and often criticizes the government of China.

Facebook said on Thursday it had removed another network that reposted content from the Epoch Times and other Falun Gong media in a follow-up action.

While smaller than the network in the December takedown, the new one had amassed more than 2 million followers by posting on topics including the Hong Kong protests, the coronavirus, and U.S. policy toward China, as well as posting animal pictures.

Other July takedowns dismantled a major operation aimed at politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than a million accounts followed pages in the network, which sometimes impersonated political figures.

Facebook said it connected the activity to Congolese political party Force des Patriotes.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it recently removed a small network of accounts operating from Romania that had been promoting President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign with stories about his support from conservatives, Black Americans, Christians and followers of the QAnon web of baseless conspiracy theories. Many of the 35 Facebook and 88 Instagram accounts posed as Americans, and some managed Trump fan pages, but they ran afoul of the social network’s rules on what it calls coordinated inauthentic behavior. In addition to misleading people about their location, some account holders ran multiple personas with similar names that posted identical content. Also read| Indonesia asks Facebook, TikTok and Disney to pay 10% VAT: Tax reports The network had a small reach, with only 1,600 accounts following the Facebook pages and 7,200 tracking the accounts on Instagram, which is owned by Facebook. Facebook security policy head Nathaniel Gleicher said the company was unable to tell whether the Romanian group was motivated by money, ideology or government directive. The nonprofit Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensics Research Lab said some pages only shared content from Trump`s page, while others promoted QAnon, which connects various theories around the idea that Trump is secretly waging a war against powerful Democrats who worship the devil and abuse children. The FBI warned last year that QAnon would likely motivate extremists to commit violence. Also read| Facebook employees to work from home until July 2021; get $1,000 for home offices Atlantic Council Lab Director Graham Brookie said there were no clear connections to Trump associates or surrogates, and Gleicher said there were no obvious ties to established commercial players such as companies that sell "likes" and followers. Facebook previously removed much larger and better-connected networks that supported Trump, including one connected to the Epoch Times, which was founded by supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual movement and often criticizes the government of China. Facebook said on Thursday it had removed another network that reposted content from the Epoch Times and other Falun Gong media in a follow-up action. While smaller than the network in the December takedown, the new one had amassed more than 2 million followers by posting on topics including the Hong Kong protests, the coronavirus, and U.S. policy toward China, as well as posting animal pictures. Other July takedowns dismantled a major operation aimed at politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than a million accounts followed pages in the network, which sometimes impersonated political figures. Facebook said it connected the activity to Congolese political party Force des Patriotes.

Facebook removes small pro-Trump network based in Romania

The United States is negotiating the sale of at least four sophisticated aerial drones to Taiwan for the first time, according to six U.S. sources familiar with the negotiations, aircraft that can keep watch over huge swathes of sea and land.

The SeaGuardian surveillance drones have a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km), far greater than the 160-mile range of Taiwan’s current fleet of drones, potentially giving the island greater capacity to peer into China, observing its air force, missiles and other facilities.

While the State Department tacitly authorized the sale of the unmanned aerial vehicles, two of the people said, it is not known whether the U.S. officials have approved exporting the drones with weapons attached, one of them said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-builds-on-taiwan-ties-us-highest-level-visit-to-taiwan-world-news-318374">Also watch|&nbsp;US builds on Taiwan ties: US highest-level visit to Taiwan | World News</a>

The deal must be approved by members of Congress, who may receive formal notification as soon as next month, two of the people said. Congress could block a final agreement.

Such a sale would most likely anger China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday that would block the export, transfer or trade of many advanced drones to countries that are not close U.S. allies. Sales would be allowed to NATO members, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Israel.

A deal with Taiwan would be the first drone sale after President Donald Trump’s administration moved ahead with its plan to sell more drones to more countries by reinterpreting an international arms control agreement called the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry declined to comment.

While Taiwan’s military is well-trained and well-equipped with mostly US-made hardware, China has a huge numerical advantage and is adding advanced equipment of its own, including stealthy fighters, anti-satellite missiles and aircraft carriers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-chief-to-visit-taiwan-likely-angering-china-318231">Also read|&nbsp;US health chief to visit Taiwan, likely angering China</a>

Taiwan submitted its request to buy armed drones early this year, one of the people familiar with the talks said. The United States last week sent Taiwan the pricing and availability data for the deal, a key step that denotes official approval to advance the sale. It is, however, non-binding and could be reversed.

A deal for the four drones, ground stations, spares, training and support could be worth around $600 million using previous sales as a guide. There could also be options for additional units in the future, one of the people said.

The island is bolstering its defenses in the face of what it sees as increasingly threatening moves by Beijing, such as regular Chinese air force and naval exercises near Taiwan

Taiwan unveiled its largest defense spending increase in more than a decade last year. President Tsai Ing-wen has made defense modernization a priority, including building new submarines and upgrading Taiwan’s F-16 fighter fleet.

Relations between Beijing and Washington - already at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a trade war, the coronavirus and Hong Kong - could fray more if the deal gets the final go-ahead from U.S. officials. The Pentagon has said arms sales to Taiwan will continue, and the Trump administration has kept a steady pace of Navy warships passing through the Taiwan Strait.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control. Beijing has denounced the Trump administration’s increased support for Taiwan.

China’s sophisticated air defenses could likely shoot down a handful of drones, according to Bonnie Glaser, the director of the China Power Project at CSIS, a Washington think tank. But she still expects “China to scream about even the smallest arms sale that the U.S. makes to Taiwan because any sale challenges the ‘One China’ principle.”

&nbsp; &nbsp; “They get particularly agitated if they think it’s an offensive capability,” she said, adding that she expected the Trump administration to be less cautious than its predecessors.

“As a matter of policy we do not comment on or confirm proposed defense sales or transfers until they have been formally notified to Congress,” a State Department spokesman said.

Only for few US allies 
The U.S. has been eager to sell Taiwan tanks and fighter jets, but the deal to sell drones would be notable since only a few close allies - including Britain, Italy, Australia, Japan and South Korea - have been allowed to purchase the largest U.S.-made drones.

Currently, the Taiwanese government has a fleet of 26 Albatross drones made by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, a quasi-defense ministry research agency, that can fly 160 nautical miles (300 km), or 80 before returning to base, according to records kept by the Bard Center for the Study of the Drone.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc’s SeaGuardian has an airframe that can handle carrying weapons - but only if contractually allowed by the U.S. government.

The United States has sold France unarmed MQ-9 Reapers which are similar to SeaGuardians, and later here gave permission to arm them.

Last year, the United States approved a potential sale to Taiwan of 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks worth around $2 billion as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft munitions. A separate sale of 66 Lockheed Martin-made fighter jets also made it through the State Department’s process.

In recent weeks, China said it will sanction Lockheed Martin Co for involvement in the latest U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.

The United States is negotiating the sale of at least four sophisticated aerial drones to Taiwan for the first time, according to six U.S. sources familiar with the negotiations, aircraft that can keep watch over huge swathes of sea and land.

The United States is negotiating the sale of at least four sophisticated aerial drones to Taiwan for the first time, according to six U.S. sources familiar with the negotiations, aircraft that can keep watch over huge swathes of sea and land. The SeaGuardian surveillance drones have a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km), far greater than the 160-mile range of Taiwan’s current fleet of drones, potentially giving the island greater capacity to peer into China, observing its air force, missiles and other facilities. While the State Department tacitly authorized the sale of the unmanned aerial vehicles, two of the people said, it is not known whether the U.S. officials have approved exporting the drones with weapons attached, one of them said. Also watch| US builds on Taiwan ties: US highest-level visit to Taiwan | World News The deal must be approved by members of Congress, who may receive formal notification as soon as next month, two of the people said. Congress could block a final agreement. Such a sale would most likely anger China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory. Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday that would block the export, transfer or trade of many advanced drones to countries that are not close U.S. allies. Sales would be allowed to NATO members, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Israel. A deal with Taiwan would be the first drone sale after President Donald Trump’s administration moved ahead with its plan to sell more drones to more countries by reinterpreting an international arms control agreement called the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Taiwan’s Defense Ministry declined to comment. While Taiwan’s military is well-trained and well-equipped with mostly US-made hardware, China has a huge numerical advantage and is adding advanced equipment of its own, including stealthy fighters, anti-satellite missiles and aircraft carriers. Also read| US health chief to visit Taiwan, likely angering China Taiwan submitted its request to buy armed drones early this year, one of the people familiar with the talks said. The United States last week sent Taiwan the pricing and availability data for the deal, a key step that denotes official approval to advance the sale. It is, however, non-binding and could be reversed. A deal for the four drones, ground stations, spares, training and support could be worth around $600 million using previous sales as a guide. There could also be options for additional units in the future, one of the people said. The island is bolstering its defenses in the face of what it sees as increasingly threatening moves by Beijing, such as regular Chinese air force and naval exercises near Taiwan Taiwan unveiled its largest defense spending increase in more than a decade last year. President Tsai Ing-wen has made defense modernization a priority, including building new submarines and upgrading Taiwan’s F-16 fighter fleet. Relations between Beijing and Washington - already at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a trade war, the coronavirus and Hong Kong - could fray more if the deal gets the final go-ahead from U.S. officials. The Pentagon has said arms sales to Taiwan will continue, and the Trump administration has kept a steady pace of Navy warships passing through the Taiwan Strait. China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control. Beijing has denounced the Trump administration’s increased support for Taiwan. China’s sophisticated air defenses could likely shoot down a handful of drones, according to Bonnie Glaser, the director of the China Power Project at CSIS, a Washington think tank. But she still expects “China to scream about even the smallest arms sale that the U.S. makes to Taiwan because any sale challenges the ‘One China’ principle.” “They get particularly agitated if they think it’s an offensive capability,” she said, adding that she expected the Trump administration to be less cautious than its predecessors. “As a matter of policy we do not comment on or confirm proposed defense sales or transfers until they have been formally notified to Congress,” a State Department spokesman said. Only for few US allies The U.S. has been eager to sell Taiwan tanks and fighter jets, but the deal to sell drones would be notable since only a few close allies - including Britain, Italy, Australia, Japan and South Korea - have been allowed to purchase the largest U.S.-made drones. Currently, the Taiwanese government has a fleet of 26 Albatross drones made by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, a quasi-defense ministry research agency, that can fly 160 nautical miles (300 km), or 80 before returning to base, according to records kept by the Bard Center for the Study of the Drone. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc’s SeaGuardian has an airframe that can handle carrying weapons - but only if contractually allowed by the U.S. government. The United States has sold France unarmed MQ-9 Reapers which are similar to SeaGuardians, and later here gave permission to arm them. Last year, the United States approved a potential sale to Taiwan of 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks worth around $2 billion as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft munitions. A separate sale of 66 Lockheed Martin-made fighter jets also made it through the State Department’s process. In recent weeks, China said it will sanction Lockheed Martin Co for involvement in the latest U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.

Taiwan in talks to make first purchase of sophisticated US drones: Sources

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo got on a phone call&nbsp;to discuss about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has affected more than&nbsp;850,000 people and claimed over 42,000 lives globally.

The two leaders discussed about the combined and coordinated efforts by India and the US. Mike Pompeo focused on the importance of close cooperation between the US, India and their mutual allies to overcome this global crisis, according to Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson of the US State Department.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> about the importance of the U.S.-India partnership to advance international peace and prosperity. We look forward to the Quadrilateral consultation and the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial.<a href="https://t.co/KMIBwklu83">https://t.co/KMIBwklu83</a>
— Cale Brown (@StateDeputySPOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDeputySPOX/status/1291440598491320327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 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>

Pompeo also added that&nbsp;US' unwavering commitment to work with India to advance peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe, the spokesperson said in a readout of the call.

This was the second call between the two leaders since the start of the pandemic.

Before the call, the US President Donald Trump extended the social distancing guidelines further and urged people to exercise caution as he believes the next 30 days will be very crucial for Americans with respect to the novel coronavirus.

(With inputs from PTI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo got on a phone call to discuss about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has affected more than 850,000 people and claimed over 42,000 lives globally.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo got on a phone call to discuss about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has affected more than 850,000 people and claimed over 42,000 lives globally. The two leaders discussed about the combined and coordinated efforts by India and the US. Mike Pompeo focused on the importance of close cooperation between the US, India and their mutual allies to overcome this global crisis, according to Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson of the US State Department. .@SecPompeo spoke with Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar about the importance of the U.S.-India partnership to advance international peace and prosperity. We look forward to the Quadrilateral consultation and the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial.https://t.co/KMIBwklu83 — Cale Brown (@StateDeputySPOX) August 6, 2020 × Pompeo also added that US' unwavering commitment to work with India to advance peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe, the spokesperson said in a readout of the call. This was the second call between the two leaders since the start of the pandemic. Before the call, the US President Donald Trump extended the social distancing guidelines further and urged people to exercise caution as he believes the next 30 days will be very crucial for Americans with respect to the novel coronavirus. (With inputs from PTI)

S Jaishankar and Mike Pompeo discuss COVID-19 approach over phone

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night.

The training individuals are four pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF). The astronauts are being considered for India's first manned space mission, which had an initial possible launch date of 2022, which may now be delayed to the ongoing pandemic. The training is taking place at&nbsp;Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Moscow.

The astronauts passed a test in short-term weightless mode aboard the IL-76MDK special laboratory in June in Moscow. Later, in July, they were trained to lift aboard a helicopter while evacuating from the descent module landing point.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-protecting-economy-says-ex-rbi-governor-318737">Also read|&nbsp;India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor</a>

The astronauts were in good health and determined to continue their training, it said. "To date, Indian cosmonauts have completed training on crew actions in the event of an abnormal descent module landing: in wooded and marshy areas in winter (completed in February 2020), on the water surface (completed in June 2020), in the steppe in summer (completed in July 2020)," Glavkosmos,&nbsp;a subsidiary of Russian space organisation Roscosmos said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Indian cosmonauts are undergoing training at the GCTC following the courses of the space training program and of the systems of the Soyuz MS spacecraft — <a href="https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre">https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre</a> 
 
🧑‍🚀🇮🇳 All of the Indian cosmonauts are in good health and are determined to continue training <a href="https://t.co/SieXQN0hkT">pic.twitter.com/SieXQN0hkT</a>
— РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) <a href="https://twitter.com/roscosmos/status/1291387344852070412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 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>

"The GCTC instructors praise the effort and high motivation of the Indian cosmonauts. They also note their extremely serious and very professional attitude to the training process," it added.

The programme also included training in a centrifuge and in a hyperbaric chamber to prepare their organisms for sustaining spaceflight factors, such as G-force, hypoxia and pressure drops, it said, adding that these training are to be held in the near future.

After the astronauts complete the training — which is due to be over in the first half of 2021 — the four candidates will be given module-specific training by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in India.

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night.

Four Indian astronauts who are training in Russia to conduct India's first manned space mission have successfully completed their training, Roscosmos reported on Thursday night. The training individuals are four pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF). The astronauts are being considered for India's first manned space mission, which had an initial possible launch date of 2022, which may now be delayed to the ongoing pandemic. The training is taking place at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Moscow. The astronauts passed a test in short-term weightless mode aboard the IL-76MDK special laboratory in June in Moscow. Later, in July, they were trained to lift aboard a helicopter while evacuating from the descent module landing point. Also read| India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor The astronauts were in good health and determined to continue their training, it said. "To date, Indian cosmonauts have completed training on crew actions in the event of an abnormal descent module landing: in wooded and marshy areas in winter (completed in February 2020), on the water surface (completed in June 2020), in the steppe in summer (completed in July 2020)," Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of Russian space organisation Roscosmos said. The Indian cosmonauts are undergoing training at the GCTC following the courses of the space training program and of the systems of the Soyuz MS spacecraft — https://t.co/Q9vw69Ezre 🧑‍🚀🇮🇳 All of the Indian cosmonauts are in good health and are determined to continue training pic.twitter.com/SieXQN0hkT — РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) August 6, 2020 × "The GCTC instructors praise the effort and high motivation of the Indian cosmonauts. They also note their extremely serious and very professional attitude to the training process," it added. The programme also included training in a centrifuge and in a hyperbaric chamber to prepare their organisms for sustaining spaceflight factors, such as G-force, hypoxia and pressure drops, it said, adding that these training are to be held in the near future. After the astronauts complete the training — which is due to be over in the first half of 2021 — the four candidates will be given module-specific training by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in India.

Astronauts for India's first manned space mission, Gangayaan, complete training in Russia

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged prominent Afghans holding a major meeting Friday to free Taliban prisoners, promising help if the war-torn nation moves forward on peace efforts.

"We acknowledge that the release of these prisoners is unpopular," Pompeo said in a statement.

"But this difficult action will lead to an important result long sought by Afghans and Afghanistan's friends: reduction of violence and direct talks resulting in a peace agreement and an end to the war."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-foreign-minister-says-pakistani-terror-groups-have-symbiotic-relations-with-al-qaeda-is-318709">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS</a>

In a statement unthinkable after the September 11, 2001 attacks triggered the US invasion, the top US diplomat told Afghan leaders that the Taliban were committed to reducing violence after talks start.

"The United States intends to hold the Taliban to these commitments," Pompeo said.

The Taliban are demanding the release of 400 prisoners -- many accused of serious offenses, with more than 150 on death row -- as a condition to start peace talks with the internationally recognized government in Kabul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-10-taliban-terrorists-killed-as-clashes-resume-post-eid-ceasefire-318642">Also read|&nbsp;Afghanistan: 10 Taliban terrorists killed as clashes resume post Eid ceasefire</a>

President Ashraf Ghani deferred the decision on whether to release these inmates to a loya jirga -- a traditional Afghan meeting of tribal elders and other stakeholders.

President Donald Trump's administration is eager to wind down America's longest war and showcase a foreign policy success ahead of November elections.

The United States on February 29 signed a deal with the Taliban under which all US troops would leave by mid-2021.

Pompeo vowed that the United States would maintain support for Afghanistan.

"We are ready to support a peace settlement, including by extending US development programs to previously underserved areas," Pompeo said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged prominent Afghans holding a major meeting Friday to free Taliban prisoners, promising help if the war-torn nation moves forward on peace efforts.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged prominent Afghans holding a major meeting Friday to free Taliban prisoners, promising help if the war-torn nation moves forward on peace efforts. "We acknowledge that the release of these prisoners is unpopular," Pompeo said in a statement. "But this difficult action will lead to an important result long sought by Afghans and Afghanistan's friends: reduction of violence and direct talks resulting in a peace agreement and an end to the war." Also read| Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS In a statement unthinkable after the September 11, 2001 attacks triggered the US invasion, the top US diplomat told Afghan leaders that the Taliban were committed to reducing violence after talks start. "The United States intends to hold the Taliban to these commitments," Pompeo said. The Taliban are demanding the release of 400 prisoners -- many accused of serious offenses, with more than 150 on death row -- as a condition to start peace talks with the internationally recognized government in Kabul. Also read| Afghanistan: 10 Taliban terrorists killed as clashes resume post Eid ceasefire President Ashraf Ghani deferred the decision on whether to release these inmates to a loya jirga -- a traditional Afghan meeting of tribal elders and other stakeholders. President Donald Trump's administration is eager to wind down America's longest war and showcase a foreign policy success ahead of November elections. The United States on February 29 signed a deal with the Taliban under which all US troops would leave by mid-2021. Pompeo vowed that the United States would maintain support for Afghanistan. "We are ready to support a peace settlement, including by extending US development programs to previously underserved areas," Pompeo said.

Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners

India crossed the 20 lakh mark with its highest single-day spike of&nbsp;62,538 new coronavirus cases reported on Friday morning.

The tally has now increased to&nbsp;20,27,075 including 6,07,384 &nbsp;active cases, 13,78,106 cured/discharged/migrated and 41,585 deaths.

The total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to August 06 is 2,27,24,134, including 5,74,783 samples tested yesterday, according to&nbsp;Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-protecting-economy-says-ex-rbi-governor-318737">Also read:&nbsp;India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor</a>

Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states by coronavirus in India, recorded 11,514 new cases and 316 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 4,79,779, including 1,46,305 active cases, 3,16,375 recovered and 16,792 deaths. State's capital, Mumbai, reported 910 new cases, 57 deaths and 988 recoveries. The total number of cases in Mumbai stands at 1,20,165 including 20,562 active cases, 92,661 recovered, and 6,645 deaths. Recovery rate stands at 77 per cent.

Tamil Nadu reported 5,684 new cases, 6,272 discharged, and&nbsp;110 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2,79,144, including 2,21,087 discharged, 53,486 active cases and 4,571 deaths.

The Ministry of Health also reported that India has ramped up its testing infrastructure to 1,370 labs on August 07. "The progressively increasing daily new recoveries are due to focused attention on surveillance, containment and effective clinical management. India created a network of COVID dedicated hospitals to manage the cases," it said in a statement.

India crossed the 20 lakh mark with its highest single-day spike of 62,538 new coronavirus cases reported on Friday morning. The tally has now increased to 20,27,075 including 6,07,384 active cases, 13,78,106 cured/discharged/migrated and 41,585 deaths.

India crossed the 20 lakh mark with its highest single-day spike of 62,538 new coronavirus cases reported on Friday morning. The tally has now increased to 20,27,075 including 6,07,384 active cases, 13,78,106 cured/discharged/migrated and 41,585 deaths. The total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to August 06 is 2,27,24,134, including 5,74,783 samples tested yesterday, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Also read: India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states by coronavirus in India, recorded 11,514 new cases and 316 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 4,79,779, including 1,46,305 active cases, 3,16,375 recovered and 16,792 deaths. State's capital, Mumbai, reported 910 new cases, 57 deaths and 988 recoveries. The total number of cases in Mumbai stands at 1,20,165 including 20,562 active cases, 92,661 recovered, and 6,645 deaths. Recovery rate stands at 77 per cent. Tamil Nadu reported 5,684 new cases, 6,272 discharged, and 110 deaths. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2,79,144, including 2,21,087 discharged, 53,486 active cases and 4,571 deaths. The Ministry of Health also reported that India has ramped up its testing infrastructure to 1,370 labs on August 07. "The progressively increasing daily new recoveries are due to focused attention on surveillance, containment and effective clinical management. India created a network of COVID dedicated hospitals to manage the cases," it said in a statement.

India's COVID-19 tally crosses 20 lakh with highest single-day spike of 62,538

Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia' ex-finance minister, has been charged with a corruption charge regarding the $1.5 billion construction project.

The leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has pleaded not guilty to soliciting bribe from a businessman in exchange for being appointed for the project.&nbsp;

His allies have come out in support and have alleged this case to be a politically motivated move.

The case centres on a 6.3 billion ringgit ($1.5 billion) project to build an undersea tunnel in the northern state of Penang, which Lim led as chief minister from 2008 to 2018.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-departure-from-past-malaysia-refrains-from-commenting-on-kashmir-as-ties-improve-318693">Also read:&nbsp;In a departure from past, Malaysia refrains from commenting on Kashmir as ties improve</a>

The allegations claim that the amount was&nbsp;a cut of profits the company would have gained from the work it performed on the project.&nbsp;

While the leader was let out on bail on Friday morning, he faces the danger of a 20-year prison sentence, if proven guilty for the corruption charge.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will also face two more corruption charges next week, according to the anti-graft agency.

This i&nbsp; not the first time the 59-year-old leader has had to face the jury for such an allegation. Few years ago, too, Lim Guan Eng was faced with similar corruption charges. However, those were dropped in 2018.

Lim is not the first leader to come under the microscope for such allegations. Many leaders from his party are being challenged for their actions, in the present and past, for the last few months now. Lim, however, is the highest-profile figure to face a criminal probe in recent months.

Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia' ex-finance minister, has been charged with a corruption charge regarding the $1.5 billion construction project. The leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has pleaded not guilty to soliciting bribe from a businessman in exchange for being appointed for the project.

Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia' ex-finance minister, has been charged with a corruption charge regarding the $1.5 billion construction project. The leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has pleaded not guilty to soliciting bribe from a businessman in exchange for being appointed for the project. His allies have come out in support and have alleged this case to be a politically motivated move. The case centres on a 6.3 billion ringgit ($1.5 billion) project to build an undersea tunnel in the northern state of Penang, which Lim led as chief minister from 2008 to 2018. Also read: In a departure from past, Malaysia refrains from commenting on Kashmir as ties improve The allegations claim that the amount was a cut of profits the company would have gained from the work it performed on the project. While the leader was let out on bail on Friday morning, he faces the danger of a 20-year prison sentence, if proven guilty for the corruption charge. He will also face two more corruption charges next week, according to the anti-graft agency. This i not the first time the 59-year-old leader has had to face the jury for such an allegation. Few years ago, too, Lim Guan Eng was faced with similar corruption charges. However, those were dropped in 2018. Lim is not the first leader to come under the microscope for such allegations. Many leaders from his party are being challenged for their actions, in the present and past, for the last few months now. Lim, however, is the highest-profile figure to face a criminal probe in recent months.

Malaysian ex-finance minister faces corruption charge; issued bail

Even as Pakistan this week drew international attention to the plight of Muslims in Indian Kashmir, Islamabad stayed conspicuously silent about another embattled Muslim community -- China's Uighur population.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has presented himself as a defender of Muslims worldwide and routinely speaks out on the disputed Kashmir region, even comparing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Adolf Hitler and accusing him of overseeing a genocide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-foreign-minister-says-pakistani-terror-groups-have-symbiotic-relations-with-al-qaeda-is-318709">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS</a>

"We will never accept, and neither will the Kashmiris, the illegal Indian actions and oppression of the Kashmiri people," Khan said Wednesday as Pakistan marked the one-year anniversary of India stripping the Muslim-majority region of its semi-autonomous status.

This week he led a march through Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as thousands took to the streets across the country.

But even amid mounting evidence of a harsh crackdown on the Uighur population in neighbouring China's Xinjiang region, Khan has refused to be drawn into the domestic affairs of Pakistan's long-time ally.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-proximity-with-china-has-distanced-his-other-master-318708">Also read:&nbsp;Imran Khan's proximity with China has distanced his other master</a>

Rights groups estimate more than one million Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking minorities have been rounded up into a network of internment camps, which China has branded "re-education centres".

Both Kashmiris and Uighurs have been subjected to curfews, profiling, and a massive presence of security forces along with moves to allow outsiders to settle in their homelands.

"Silence on Uighurs will also cost Pakistan credibility on the Kashmir issue," columnist Huma Yusuf wrote in Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.

"Khan has previously argued that the scale of the two issues is different. But this argument will not be enough if Pakistan wants to be perceived as a genuine champion of Muslims' and human rights when speaking on Kashmir."

Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the US-based Wilson Center, said such criticism was "justifiable".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approves-most-expensive-china-aided-project-to-date-318443">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan approves most expensive China-aided project to date</a>

"Pakistan should be held to a higher standard because it accords so much bandwidth and policy space to the plight of Kashmiri Muslims as well as Indian Muslims, while saying nothing about Uighurs," Kugelman said.

'Grateful to China' 
Pakistan and India have clashed over Kashmir since independence from Britain in 1947, with both countries claiming the territory that has sparked two full-blown wars between the foes.&nbsp;

China meanwhile has steadily poured cash into Pakistan, investing more than $50 billion as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that has upgraded infrastructure, power and transport links connecting Xinjiang to Pakistan's newly refurbished Gwadar port.

China has also offered steadfast diplomatic support to Pakistan during its frequent bouts of unrest with India.

"Pakistan sees China as its principal supporter against India and is unwilling to say or do anything that disrupts ties with Beijing," Husain Haqqani -- Pakistan's former ambassador to the US who is now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute -- told AFP.

When asked about the Uighurs, Khan has wafted between citing unfamiliarity with the issue and defending Pakistan's vital relationship China.

"China has helped us when we were at rock bottom. We are really grateful to the Chinese government, so we have decided that any issues we have had with China we will handle privately," Khan said at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January.

Pakistan's silence on the Uighurs is not unique in the Islamic world.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, heir to the throne of Saudi Arabia and the country's de facto leader, has also defended China, saying he respected Beijing's "anti-terrorism" efforts. Turkey has also toned down criticism on the issue.

Analysts say Khan and future Pakistani leaders are unlikely to change course.

"Because Pakistan's population doesn't know much about and doesn't feel strongly about the Uighur issue, the state insulates itself from charges of hypocrisy," said Madiha Afzal, a Brookings Institution fellow.

"On the other hand, Kashmir is an issue of visceral importance to many Pakistanis, and central to Pakistan's conflict with India -- as such, the Pakistani state is almost expected by its people to raise its voice."

Even as Pakistan this week drew international attention to the plight of Muslims in Indian Kashmir, Islamabad stayed conspicuously silent about another embattled Muslim community -- China's Uighur population.

Even as Pakistan this week drew international attention to the plight of Muslims in Indian Kashmir, Islamabad stayed conspicuously silent about another embattled Muslim community -- China's Uighur population. Prime Minister Imran Khan has presented himself as a defender of Muslims worldwide and routinely speaks out on the disputed Kashmir region, even comparing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Adolf Hitler and accusing him of overseeing a genocide. Also read: Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS "We will never accept, and neither will the Kashmiris, the illegal Indian actions and oppression of the Kashmiri people," Khan said Wednesday as Pakistan marked the one-year anniversary of India stripping the Muslim-majority region of its semi-autonomous status. This week he led a march through Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as thousands took to the streets across the country. But even amid mounting evidence of a harsh crackdown on the Uighur population in neighbouring China's Xinjiang region, Khan has refused to be drawn into the domestic affairs of Pakistan's long-time ally. Also read: Imran Khan's proximity with China has distanced his other master Rights groups estimate more than one million Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking minorities have been rounded up into a network of internment camps, which China has branded "re-education centres". Both Kashmiris and Uighurs have been subjected to curfews, profiling, and a massive presence of security forces along with moves to allow outsiders to settle in their homelands. "Silence on Uighurs will also cost Pakistan credibility on the Kashmir issue," columnist Huma Yusuf wrote in Pakistan's Dawn newspaper. "Khan has previously argued that the scale of the two issues is different. But this argument will not be enough if Pakistan wants to be perceived as a genuine champion of Muslims' and human rights when speaking on Kashmir." Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the US-based Wilson Center, said such criticism was "justifiable". Also read: Pakistan approves most expensive China-aided project to date "Pakistan should be held to a higher standard because it accords so much bandwidth and policy space to the plight of Kashmiri Muslims as well as Indian Muslims, while saying nothing about Uighurs," Kugelman said. 'Grateful to China' Pakistan and India have clashed over Kashmir since independence from Britain in 1947, with both countries claiming the territory that has sparked two full-blown wars between the foes. China meanwhile has steadily poured cash into Pakistan, investing more than $50 billion as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that has upgraded infrastructure, power and transport links connecting Xinjiang to Pakistan's newly refurbished Gwadar port. China has also offered steadfast diplomatic support to Pakistan during its frequent bouts of unrest with India. "Pakistan sees China as its principal supporter against India and is unwilling to say or do anything that disrupts ties with Beijing," Husain Haqqani -- Pakistan's former ambassador to the US who is now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute -- told AFP. When asked about the Uighurs, Khan has wafted between citing unfamiliarity with the issue and defending Pakistan's vital relationship China. "China has helped us when we were at rock bottom. We are really grateful to the Chinese government, so we have decided that any issues we have had with China we will handle privately," Khan said at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January. Pakistan's silence on the Uighurs is not unique in the Islamic world. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, heir to the throne of Saudi Arabia and the country's de facto leader, has also defended China, saying he respected Beijing's "anti-terrorism" efforts. Turkey has also toned down criticism on the issue. Analysts say Khan and future Pakistani leaders are unlikely to change course. "Because Pakistan's population doesn't know much about and doesn't feel strongly about the Uighur issue, the state insulates itself from charges of hypocrisy," said Madiha Afzal, a Brookings Institution fellow. "On the other hand, Kashmir is an issue of visceral importance to many Pakistanis, and central to Pakistan's conflict with India -- as such, the Pakistani state is almost expected by its people to raise its voice."

Pakistan demands Kashmir action while ignoring China's Uighurs

After Microsoft declared its intentions to buy the US operations of the famous short-video sharing app TikTok, reports are now claiming that the tech giant might be looking at buying more of TikTok.

Talking with few insiders, a financial publication claimed Microsoft is planning to buy the global operations of the Chinese app TikTok.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-banning-transactions-with-tiktok-owner-after-45-days-318735">Also read:&nbsp;Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days</a>

Microsoft, however, has not given a confirmation on these speculations yet. As of now, the tech giant is looking to buy TikTok operations of North America,&nbsp;Australia and New Zealand. It is being reported that Microsoft is now trying to add India and Europe to this existing deal.

It has not been revealed what would be the selling amount of the social media app, however ByteDance executives value all of TikTok at more than $50 billion.

The report also claimed that Microsoft was in talks with TikTok's Chinese parent-company ByteDance for acquiring its operations in India, but the deal fell through before reaching any solid grounding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-to-label-state-owned-media-and-officials-accounts-318746">Also read:&nbsp;Twitter to label state-owned media and officials' accounts</a>

TikTok has not issued any&nbsp;comment on this report ye, while Microsoft has declined a comment to the local media houses.

The report is being circulated after Trump gave TikTok a 45-day notice to either sell its operations to a US-based company or face a ban, citing national security issues.

After Microsoft declared its intentions to buy the US operations of the famous short-video sharing app TikTok, reports are now claiming that the tech giant might be looking at buying more of TikTok.

After Microsoft declared its intentions to buy the US operations of the famous short-video sharing app TikTok, reports are now claiming that the tech giant might be looking at buying more of TikTok. Talking with few insiders, a financial publication claimed Microsoft is planning to buy the global operations of the Chinese app TikTok. Also read: Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days Microsoft, however, has not given a confirmation on these speculations yet. As of now, the tech giant is looking to buy TikTok operations of North America, Australia and New Zealand. It is being reported that Microsoft is now trying to add India and Europe to this existing deal. It has not been revealed what would be the selling amount of the social media app, however ByteDance executives value all of TikTok at more than $50 billion. The report also claimed that Microsoft was in talks with TikTok's Chinese parent-company ByteDance for acquiring its operations in India, but the deal fell through before reaching any solid grounding. Also read: Twitter to label state-owned media and officials' accounts TikTok has not issued any comment on this report ye, while Microsoft has declined a comment to the local media houses. The report is being circulated after Trump gave TikTok a 45-day notice to either sell its operations to a US-based company or face a ban, citing national security issues.

Microsoft planning to buy TikTok's global business: Reports

The social media giant, Twitter Inc has decided to label the accounts which are state-affiliated media outlets to help people know which accounts are directly or indirectly related to their government.

In a blog post released on Thursday, twitter said the accounts that are directly or indirectly related to the government, senor staff and key officials will now be labeled.

“We believe that people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor,” Twitter said in its blog.&nbsp;

These accounts will also not be amplified by twitter's recommendation system.

this process will be followed in the countries where the state has established its control over specific media organisations, such as&nbsp;Russia’s Sputnik, RT, and China’s Xinhua News, as reported by a&nbsp;Twitter spokesman. He also added that there are many more media houses in this list. However, it is being reported that there are no US-based media houses in this list.

Additionally, the media houses that are state-owned but exercise editorial independence will be given a free pass and will not be labeled under this process — such as National Public Radio in the US, or the BBC in the UK. The personal accounts of the state heads will also not be labeled as Twitter believes people are already aware about these accounts.

The news was not well received by every government. Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador&nbsp;Dmitry Polyanskiy, whose account now reads the label of "Russia government account" took to Twitter to criticise the move,&nbsp;“They think they can set the rules of the game! This is an illusion. Such clear double standards backfire and undermine credibility of Western media, with ‘state-affiliate’ labels or without. People can’t find truth and facts there anymore.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
They think they can set the rules of the game! This is an illusion. Such clear double standards backfire and undermine credibility of Western media, with “state-affiliated” lables or without. People can’t find truth and facts there anymore <a href="https://t.co/0ZMNX9OuC5">https://t.co/0ZMNX9OuC5</a>
— Dmitry Polyanskiy (@Dpol_un) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dpol_un/status/1291447834366160896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 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>

The labels will first be tested by applying only to the countries that are a part of the UN Security Council —&nbsp;China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States.&nbsp;

For now, all accounts that act as a mouthpiece for different governments have been labeled, such as&nbsp;@WhiteHouse, @StateDept, @Elysee, @10DowningStreet and @KremlinRussia.

The social media giant, Twitter Inc has decided to label the accounts which are state-affiliated media outlets to help people know which accounts are directly or indirectly related to their government.

The social media giant, Twitter Inc has decided to label the accounts which are state-affiliated media outlets to help people know which accounts are directly or indirectly related to their government. In a blog post released on Thursday, twitter said the accounts that are directly or indirectly related to the government, senor staff and key officials will now be labeled. “We believe that people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor,” Twitter said in its blog. These accounts will also not be amplified by twitter's recommendation system. this process will be followed in the countries where the state has established its control over specific media organisations, such as Russia’s Sputnik, RT, and China’s Xinhua News, as reported by a Twitter spokesman. He also added that there are many more media houses in this list. However, it is being reported that there are no US-based media houses in this list. Additionally, the media houses that are state-owned but exercise editorial independence will be given a free pass and will not be labeled under this process — such as National Public Radio in the US, or the BBC in the UK. The personal accounts of the state heads will also not be labeled as Twitter believes people are already aware about these accounts. The news was not well received by every government. Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy, whose account now reads the label of "Russia government account" took to Twitter to criticise the move, “They think they can set the rules of the game! This is an illusion. Such clear double standards backfire and undermine credibility of Western media, with ‘state-affiliate’ labels or without. People can’t find truth and facts there anymore.” They think they can set the rules of the game! This is an illusion. Such clear double standards backfire and undermine credibility of Western media, with “state-affiliated” lables or without. People can’t find truth and facts there anymore https://t.co/0ZMNX9OuC5 — Dmitry Polyanskiy (@Dpol_un) August 6, 2020 × The labels will first be tested by applying only to the countries that are a part of the UN Security Council — China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States. For now, all accounts that act as a mouthpiece for different governments have been labeled, such as @WhiteHouse, @StateDept, @Elysee, @10DowningStreet and @KremlinRussia.

Twitter to label state-owned media and officials' accounts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-banning-transactions-with-tiktok-owner-after-45-days-318735">Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/20/150711-trump1.jpg?itok=_y1rsUsj" />

'The United States must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security,' the order said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-led-slpp-registers-landslide-victory-in-sri-lankas-parliamentary-polls-318727">Mahinda Rajapaksa-led SLPP registers landslide victory in Sri Lanka's parliamentary polls</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/07/153446-mahinda-rajapaksa-led-slpp.jpg?itok=DmMJihmX" />

The official results declared showed that the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) alone had won 145 seats and with its allies have 150 seats, a two thirds majority in the 225-member parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-saudi-spy-accuses-crown-prince-of-trying-to-assassinate-him-318715">Ex-Saudi spy accuses crown prince of trying to assassinate him</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/07/153442-saudi-afp.jpg?itok=MQRpjWgN" />

Saad Aljabri said Prince Mohammed sent a 'hit squad' to Canada, where he lives in exile, to kill and dismember him in the same way that Khashoggi was murdered allegedly by the prince's agents in Istanbul in October 2018.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-revokes-global-do-not-travel-coronavirus-warning-318718">US revokes global 'do not travel' coronavirus warning</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/07/153443-us-travel.jpg?itok=eSXDV5xl" />

The announcement comes as President Donald Trump seeks a quick return to normal in the United States, which has suffered by far the highest number of deaths from COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-beirut-blasts-first-ground-report-on-wion-318706">Gravitas: Beirut blasts | First ground report on WION</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D%3D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days 'The United States must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security,' the order said.

Trump signs executive order banning transactions with TikTok owner after 45 days 'The United States must take aggressive action against the owners of TikTok to protect our national security,' the order said. Mahinda Rajapaksa-led SLPP registers landslide victory in Sri Lanka's parliamentary polls The official results declared showed that the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) alone had won 145 seats and with its allies have 150 seats, a two thirds majority in the 225-member parliament. Ex-Saudi spy accuses crown prince of trying to assassinate him Saad Aljabri said Prince Mohammed sent a 'hit squad' to Canada, where he lives in exile, to kill and dismember him in the same way that Khashoggi was murdered allegedly by the prince's agents in Istanbul in October 2018. US revokes global 'do not travel' coronavirus warning The announcement comes as President Donald Trump seeks a quick return to normal in the United States, which has suffered by far the highest number of deaths from COVID-19. Gravitas: Beirut blasts | First ground report on WION ×

Morning news brief: Trump issues orders for TikTok ban in 45 days, Sri Lanka poll result and more

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Deeksha Teri

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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