A Chinese stat-run company is planning to buy a&nbsp;gold mine in the&nbsp;Canadian Arctic. The plans of a state-run company acquiring the area has&nbsp;sparked concerns for the Canadian government.

Shandong Gold Mining Co.'s plans on&nbsp;buying the gold mines from a Canadian company as&nbsp;experts believe it&nbsp;shows how China is expanding its presence in strategically important region.

The Canadian opposition party has raised concerns and has urged the Trudeau government&nbsp;to take steps as it holds a&nbsp;cabinet meeting over this deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-backs-us-rejects-beijings-south-china-sea-claims-315887">Also read:&nbsp;Australia backs US, rejects Beijing's South China Sea claims</a>

The opposition has urged the Prime Minister to block the deal and discourage China from acquiring any more assets in the Arcitc after the US warned that China could be aiming to assert its importance in sensitive and important regions such as Arctic, similar to the South China Sea dispute.

“This purchase should not go forward,” said Richard Fadden, who was national security adviser to both PM Trudeau and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “They are clearly adversaries, and I think we have to take that into account every time they seek to buy something.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-china-steal-organs-of-falun-gong-practitioners-315513">Also read:&nbsp;Did China steal organs of Falun Gong practitioners?</a>

The Canadian company&nbsp;TMAC Resources Inc. has approved the deal and the only step remaining is a green signal from the Canadian government. In Canada, all assets being sold to foreign state-owned company has to be approved by the government, and the cabinet holds the power to block the deal if it poses a threat to the national security — a term undefined by the Canadian government.

“We are a commercially focused company that is well known to the Canadian mining industry,” said Jack Yue, director of corporate development and global investment. “The Canadian government will decide whether to approve this acquisition, but we see it as a straightforward gold-mining transaction.”

While the experts and Canadian opposition are looking at Trudeau's administration for a final decision now, his office has not issued a statement on this matter yet.

A Chinese stat-run company is planning to buy a gold mine in the Canadian Arctic. The plans of a state-run company acquiring the area has sparked concerns for the Canadian government.

A Chinese stat-run company is planning to buy a gold mine in the Canadian Arctic. The plans of a state-run company acquiring the area has sparked concerns for the Canadian government. Shandong Gold Mining Co.'s plans on buying the gold mines from a Canadian company as experts believe it shows how China is expanding its presence in strategically important region. The Canadian opposition party has raised concerns and has urged the Trudeau government to take steps as it holds a cabinet meeting over this deal. Also read: Australia backs US, rejects Beijing's South China Sea claims The opposition has urged the Prime Minister to block the deal and discourage China from acquiring any more assets in the Arcitc after the US warned that China could be aiming to assert its importance in sensitive and important regions such as Arctic, similar to the South China Sea dispute. “This purchase should not go forward,” said Richard Fadden, who was national security adviser to both PM Trudeau and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “They are clearly adversaries, and I think we have to take that into account every time they seek to buy something.” Also read: Did China steal organs of Falun Gong practitioners? The Canadian company TMAC Resources Inc. has approved the deal and the only step remaining is a green signal from the Canadian government. In Canada, all assets being sold to foreign state-owned company has to be approved by the government, and the cabinet holds the power to block the deal if it poses a threat to the national security — a term undefined by the Canadian government. “We are a commercially focused company that is well known to the Canadian mining industry,” said Jack Yue, director of corporate development and global investment. “The Canadian government will decide whether to approve this acquisition, but we see it as a straightforward gold-mining transaction.” While the experts and Canadian opposition are looking at Trudeau's administration for a final decision now, his office has not issued a statement on this matter yet.

China plans to buy gold mine in Arctic; Trudeau government to decide deal

More than twenty Rohingya refugees have been found alive in Malaysia after they were feared dead last week. The news was reported by a senior coastguard official on Monday.

Twenty six refugees were found hiding in the bushes on a nearby small island. The group of refugees was feared dead after reports of them missing surfaced.

Malaysia has been harsh on the undocumented foreign workers, especially the&nbsp;Rohingya refugees.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-24-rohingya-migrants-feared-drowned-off-malaysia-316077">Also read:&nbsp;At least 24 Rohingya migrants feared drowned off Malaysia</a>

The refugees could be found after one refugee swam ashore from a small boat on Langkawi on Saturday night.While the officials feared that the rest of the group had drowned, they continued the search and found them on a small island off the coast.

“They were found hiding in the bushes on the island,” Mohd Zubil Mat Som, director-general of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said.

The group of refugees were suspected to have sneaked into the Malaysian border on a small boat. “Our investigations found that this syndicate transfers migrants from motherboats near the maritime border to local fishing boats to evade local authorities,” MMEA’s provincial director Mohd Zawawi Abdullah

More than twenty Rohingya refugees have been found alive in Malaysia after they were feared dead last week. The news was reported by a senior coastguard official on Monday.

More than twenty Rohingya refugees have been found alive in Malaysia after they were feared dead last week. The news was reported by a senior coastguard official on Monday. Twenty six refugees were found hiding in the bushes on a nearby small island. The group of refugees was feared dead after reports of them missing surfaced. Malaysia has been harsh on the undocumented foreign workers, especially the Rohingya refugees. Also read: At least 24 Rohingya migrants feared drowned off Malaysia The refugees could be found after one refugee swam ashore from a small boat on Langkawi on Saturday night.While the officials feared that the rest of the group had drowned, they continued the search and found them on a small island off the coast. “They were found hiding in the bushes on the island,” Mohd Zubil Mat Som, director-general of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said. The group of refugees were suspected to have sneaked into the Malaysian border on a small boat. “Our investigations found that this syndicate transfers migrants from motherboats near the maritime border to local fishing boats to evade local authorities,” MMEA’s provincial director Mohd Zawawi Abdullah

Malaysia: 26 Rohingya refugees found alive on a small island

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday.

Ukrainian, Russian and OSCE negotiators agreed on a full ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine from late July, putting on hold the military conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014.

"The leaders agreed on the need for an urgent implementation of extra measures to support the ceasefire regime in Donbass," Zelenskiy`s office said, referring to eastern Ukraine.

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Zelenskiy came to power last year promising to end the conflict. Since then, Ukraine and Russia have implemented some confidence-building measures, including prisoner swaps and phased troop withdrawals in designated areas.

Putin told Zelenskiy in a phone call that Ukraine`s decision to hold regional elections in 2020 contradicts the Minsk peace accords aimed at resolving the conflict.

Kyiv plans to hold local elections in October across the country apart from breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions. 
Zelenskiy`s office said the Ukrainian president told Putin that further steps were needed to free Ukrainian citizens being held in eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Russia.

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Ukraine and Russia have been foes since 2014, when Moscow seized Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula and backed the rebellion in the east. Major combat ended with a ceasefire agreed in the Belarus capital Minsk in 2015, but sporadic clashes still regularly kill civilians, Ukrainian soldiers and separatists.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine`s Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and both expressed support for a ceasefire that starts on July 27, their offices said on Sunday. Ukrainian, Russian and OSCE negotiators agreed on a full ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine from late July, putting on hold the military conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014. "The leaders agreed on the need for an urgent implementation of extra measures to support the ceasefire regime in Donbass," Zelenskiy`s office said, referring to eastern Ukraine. Also read: Putin says Russian Navy to get hypersonic nuclear strike weapons Zelenskiy came to power last year promising to end the conflict. Since then, Ukraine and Russia have implemented some confidence-building measures, including prisoner swaps and phased troop withdrawals in designated areas. Putin told Zelenskiy in a phone call that Ukraine`s decision to hold regional elections in 2020 contradicts the Minsk peace accords aimed at resolving the conflict. Kyiv plans to hold local elections in October across the country apart from breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Zelenskiy`s office said the Ukrainian president told Putin that further steps were needed to free Ukrainian citizens being held in eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Russia. Also watch: Russia honors its sailors on the Navy day, President Putin opens the Navy day parade Ukraine and Russia have been foes since 2014, when Moscow seized Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula and backed the rebellion in the east. Major combat ended with a ceasefire agreed in the Belarus capital Minsk in 2015, but sporadic clashes still regularly kill civilians, Ukrainian soldiers and separatists.

Putin, Zelenskiy discuss conflict in eastern Ukraine on eve of ceasefire

A weapons depot belonging to Iraq`s federal police force exploded on Sunday in Baghdad's southern suburbs because of high summer temperatures and poor storage, the military said in a statement.

Multiple explosions could be heard in Baghdad on Sunday evening. Security sources said the depot, which is part of a military base used by both the police and paramilitary forces, was one that had caught fire in August last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/between-6000-6500-pakistani-terrorists-in-afghanistan-un-report-315907">Also read|&nbsp;Between 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists in Afghanistan: UN report</a>

That fire also set off explosions heard across Baghdad, killing one person and injuring 29 others. There were no casualties reported immediately on Sunday.

Iraqi paramilitary groups with links to Iran last year blamed a series of blasts at their weapons depots and bases on the United States and Israel as tension escalated between Washington and Tehran.

The US killing of Iran`s military mastermind Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a missile strike in Baghdad in January raised the threat that Iraq could become a battlefield in a conflict between Washington and Tehran.

A weapons depot belonging to Iraq`s federal police force exploded on Sunday in Baghdad's southern suburbs because of high summer temperatures and poor storage, the military said in a statement.

A weapons depot belonging to Iraq`s federal police force exploded on Sunday in Baghdad's southern suburbs because of high summer temperatures and poor storage, the military said in a statement. Multiple explosions could be heard in Baghdad on Sunday evening. Security sources said the depot, which is part of a military base used by both the police and paramilitary forces, was one that had caught fire in August last year. Also read| Between 6,000-6,500 Pakistani terrorists in Afghanistan: UN report That fire also set off explosions heard across Baghdad, killing one person and injuring 29 others. There were no casualties reported immediately on Sunday. Iraqi paramilitary groups with links to Iran last year blamed a series of blasts at their weapons depots and bases on the United States and Israel as tension escalated between Washington and Tehran. The US killing of Iran`s military mastermind Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a missile strike in Baghdad in January raised the threat that Iraq could become a battlefield in a conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Explosion hits southern Baghdad weapons depot, blamed on heat

The US special representative for Iran on Sunday sought to rally Gulf allies as Washington tried to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, warning failure would "intensify" regional conflicts.

"I've spoken with leaders here in the Gulf and around the world -- no one believes that Iran should be able to freely buy and sell conventional weapons such as fighter jets... and various kinds of missiles," Brian Hook told journalists in an online briefing while on a visit to Qatar.

The United States has urged the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran that expires in October.

The extension is opposed by veto-wielding Russia and China, which stand to gain major arms contracts from Iran.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-judiciary-says-passengers-on-harassed-airliner-can-sue-terrorist-us-military-in-iran-courts-315930">Also read:&nbsp;Iranian judiciary says passengers on 'harassed' airliner can sue 'terrorist' US military in Iran courts</a>

"If the Security Council fails to extend the arms embargo by October 18, Iran will be able to freely buy and sell these weapons," Hook said.

"Imagine what the region will look like if this happens, conflicts in places like Syria and Yemen will certainly intensify."

US arch-foe Iran is a key player on the side of the Syrian government in the country's conflict and is aligned with Huthi rebels in Yemen fighting the government, supported by a coalition led by US ally Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Washington has warned it could employ a disputed legal move to restore wide UN sanctions on Iran if the Security Council does not prolong a ban on conventional arms sales to the Islamic republic.

Iran is also at the heart of a dispute between Qatar and a Saudi-led quartet of regional countries that cut diplomatic, economic and travel ties with Doha in 2017.

Hook reiterated Washington's call for a resolution to the feud that saw Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain break with Qatar over accusations Doha was too close to Iran and backing radical Islamists. Qatar denies the allegations.

"The dispute has continued for too long and it ultimately harms our shared regional interests in stability prosperity and security," Hook said.

Kuwait has long led mediation efforts between Qatar and the quartet, but the country's ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, travelled to the US on Thursday for medical treatment.

"I know that Kuwait has also invested a lot of time in this I should also add that we very much hope for the improved health of the emir of Kuwait," Hook said.&nbsp;

The US envoy will visit Kuwait on the next leg of his trip, having already visited Tunisia, a current member of the Security Council.

The US special representative for Iran on Sunday sought to rally Gulf allies as Washington tried to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, warning failure would "intensify" regional conflicts.

The US special representative for Iran on Sunday sought to rally Gulf allies as Washington tried to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, warning failure would "intensify" regional conflicts. "I've spoken with leaders here in the Gulf and around the world -- no one believes that Iran should be able to freely buy and sell conventional weapons such as fighter jets... and various kinds of missiles," Brian Hook told journalists in an online briefing while on a visit to Qatar. The United States has urged the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran that expires in October. The extension is opposed by veto-wielding Russia and China, which stand to gain major arms contracts from Iran. Also read: Iranian judiciary says passengers on 'harassed' airliner can sue 'terrorist' US military in Iran courts "If the Security Council fails to extend the arms embargo by October 18, Iran will be able to freely buy and sell these weapons," Hook said. "Imagine what the region will look like if this happens, conflicts in places like Syria and Yemen will certainly intensify." US arch-foe Iran is a key player on the side of the Syrian government in the country's conflict and is aligned with Huthi rebels in Yemen fighting the government, supported by a coalition led by US ally Saudi Arabia. Washington has warned it could employ a disputed legal move to restore wide UN sanctions on Iran if the Security Council does not prolong a ban on conventional arms sales to the Islamic republic. Iran is also at the heart of a dispute between Qatar and a Saudi-led quartet of regional countries that cut diplomatic, economic and travel ties with Doha in 2017. Hook reiterated Washington's call for a resolution to the feud that saw Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain break with Qatar over accusations Doha was too close to Iran and backing radical Islamists. Qatar denies the allegations. "The dispute has continued for too long and it ultimately harms our shared regional interests in stability prosperity and security," Hook said. Kuwait has long led mediation efforts between Qatar and the quartet, but the country's ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, travelled to the US on Thursday for medical treatment. "I know that Kuwait has also invested a lot of time in this I should also add that we very much hope for the improved health of the emir of Kuwait," Hook said. The US envoy will visit Kuwait on the next leg of his trip, having already visited Tunisia, a current member of the Security Council.

Iran arms embargo lapse would 'intensify' regional violence: US envoy

Malaysian government is deporting an immigrant from Bangladesh who was last spotted in a documentary that highlighted the ill treatment of undocumented foreign workers in Malaysia.

“This Bangladeshi national will be deported and blacklisted from entering Malaysia forever,” Immigration Director General Khairul Dzaimee Daud said, without disclosing the reason behind this deportation.

An arrest warrant was issued for the Bangladesh national&nbsp;Mohammad Rayhan Kabir after a documentary, that released on July 3, showed him complaining&nbsp;Malaysia’s treatment of undocumented foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qatar-based media house Al Jazeera came forward and said that many of the people who took a part in the documentary, including participants and staff, were facing&nbsp;abuse, death threats and the disclosure of their personal details on social media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-24-rohingya-migrants-feared-drowned-off-malaysia-316077">Also read:&nbsp;At least 24 Rohingya migrants feared drowned off Malaysia</a>

When Daud announced deportation of Rayhan, the human rights activists came forward and called these arrests inhumane, but in vain. There has been no reason given by the immigration department or Rayhan's employers. Whethere Rayhan was involved in a crime or not is still unclear.

Calling it a disturbing move, Al Jazeera said it firmy believes that Rayhan was arrested&nbsp;“for choosing to speak up about some of the experiences of the voiceless and the vulnerable.”

Malaysia has been facing criticism for arresting immigrants,&nbsp;including children and Rohingya refugees, during the lockdown claiming it to be an important step to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Malaysian government is deporting an immigrant from Bangladesh who was last spotted in a documentary that highlighted the ill treatment of undocumented foreign workers in Malaysia.

Malaysian government is deporting an immigrant from Bangladesh who was last spotted in a documentary that highlighted the ill treatment of undocumented foreign workers in Malaysia. “This Bangladeshi national will be deported and blacklisted from entering Malaysia forever,” Immigration Director General Khairul Dzaimee Daud said, without disclosing the reason behind this deportation. An arrest warrant was issued for the Bangladesh national Mohammad Rayhan Kabir after a documentary, that released on July 3, showed him complaining Malaysia’s treatment of undocumented foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qatar-based media house Al Jazeera came forward and said that many of the people who took a part in the documentary, including participants and staff, were facing abuse, death threats and the disclosure of their personal details on social media. Also read: At least 24 Rohingya migrants feared drowned off Malaysia When Daud announced deportation of Rayhan, the human rights activists came forward and called these arrests inhumane, but in vain. There has been no reason given by the immigration department or Rayhan's employers. Whethere Rayhan was involved in a crime or not is still unclear. Calling it a disturbing move, Al Jazeera said it firmy believes that Rayhan was arrested “for choosing to speak up about some of the experiences of the voiceless and the vulnerable.” Malaysia has been facing criticism for arresting immigrants, including children and Rohingya refugees, during the lockdown claiming it to be an important step to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Malaysia to deport Bangladeshi worker who participated in anti-government documentary

China’s crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia rose 15% in June from a year ago, as refiners ordered record volumes of the fuel in March and April when oil prices tumbled, cementing the kingdom’s position as the top oil supplier to China.

Imports from Saudi Arabia rose to 8.88 million tonnes in June, or 2.16 million bpd, in June, according to data from the General Administration of Customs on Sunday.

That was in line with May’s volumes, but well above 1.89 million bpd during the same period last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-all-set-to-host-truncated-hajj-pilgrimage-during-covid-19-outbreak-316044">Also watch|&nbsp;Saudi Arabia all set to host truncated hajj pilgrimage during COVID-19 outbreak</a>

The record imports follow a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world’s top oil exporters, during March and April when the coronavirus pandemic dampened demand and caused a global fuel glut.

Shipments from Russia were at 7.98 million tonnes last month, or 1.95 million barrels per day (bpd), up around 7% from 1.82 million bpd in May and 1.73 million bpd in June 2019.

Saudi, however, delivered bigger oil cuts from June and raised crude prices as a plunge in oil prices weighed on the kingdom’s budget.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-may-introduce-income-tax-as-economy-shrinks-due-to-coronavirus-315504">Also read|&nbsp;Saudi Arabia may introduce income tax as economy shrinks due to coronavirus</a>

China, the world’s biggest crude oil importer, took in a record 53.18 million tonnes last month, according to customs data.

China also boosted inflows from Brazil, Norway and Angola, said Emma Li, analyst from Refinitiv.

Brazil, whose massive offshore projects are coming online, offered Asian refiners competitive deals on relatively high-quality oil just as China and other Asian countries contained the coronavirus and reopened their economies.

Analysts expect China to see another record amount of crude imports in July as some May-loading cargoes are still underway while swelling oil inventory at major Chinese ports slows new arrivals.

China’s crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia rose 15% in June from a year ago, as refiners ordered record volumes of the fuel in March and April when oil prices tumbled, cementing the kingdom’s position as the top oil supplier to China.

China’s crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia rose 15% in June from a year ago, as refiners ordered record volumes of the fuel in March and April when oil prices tumbled, cementing the kingdom’s position as the top oil supplier to China. Imports from Saudi Arabia rose to 8.88 million tonnes in June, or 2.16 million bpd, in June, according to data from the General Administration of Customs on Sunday. That was in line with May’s volumes, but well above 1.89 million bpd during the same period last year. Also watch| Saudi Arabia all set to host truncated hajj pilgrimage during COVID-19 outbreak The record imports follow a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world’s top oil exporters, during March and April when the coronavirus pandemic dampened demand and caused a global fuel glut. Shipments from Russia were at 7.98 million tonnes last month, or 1.95 million barrels per day (bpd), up around 7% from 1.82 million bpd in May and 1.73 million bpd in June 2019. Saudi, however, delivered bigger oil cuts from June and raised crude prices as a plunge in oil prices weighed on the kingdom’s budget. Also read| Saudi Arabia may introduce income tax as economy shrinks due to coronavirus China, the world’s biggest crude oil importer, took in a record 53.18 million tonnes last month, according to customs data. China also boosted inflows from Brazil, Norway and Angola, said Emma Li, analyst from Refinitiv. Brazil, whose massive offshore projects are coming online, offered Asian refiners competitive deals on relatively high-quality oil just as China and other Asian countries contained the coronavirus and reopened their economies. Analysts expect China to see another record amount of crude imports in July as some May-loading cargoes are still underway while swelling oil inventory at major Chinese ports slows new arrivals.

China imports more oil from Saudi than any other country in June

British interior minister Priti Patel said on Sunday she had asked Twitter and Instagram for a full explanation of why anti-Semitic comments made by rap artist Wiley remained on the social media platforms for so long.

Wiley is facing a police investigation after comments appeared on his social media accounts on Friday asserting that Jews systematically exploited Black artists in the music industry, continuing a pattern of exploitation dating back to the slave trade.

"The anti-Semitic posts from Wiley are abhorrent," Patel said on Twitter.

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The antisemitic posts from Wiley are abhorrent. 
 
They should not have been able to remain on Twitter and Instagram for so long and I have asked them for a full explanation. 
 
Social media companies must act much faster to remove such appalling hatred from their platforms.
— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/pritipatel/status/1287353007852716032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"They should not have been able to remain on Twitter and Instagram for so long and I have asked them for a full explanation. Social media companies must act much faster to remove such appalling hatred from their platforms."

Twitter has deleted some anti-Semitic statements on Wiley's Twitter account.

Wiley, 41, whose real name is Richard Cowie, released a number one single in Britain in 2012 and had several other top 10 hits. He received a UK government honour for his contribution to music in 2018.

John Woolf, of A-List Management, has said he would no longer represent the artist.

British interior minister Priti Patel said on Sunday she had asked Twitter and Instagram for a full explanation of why anti-Semitic comments made by rap artist Wiley remained on the social media platforms for so long.

British interior minister Priti Patel said on Sunday she had asked Twitter and Instagram for a full explanation of why anti-Semitic comments made by rap artist Wiley remained on the social media platforms for so long. Wiley is facing a police investigation after comments appeared on his social media accounts on Friday asserting that Jews systematically exploited Black artists in the music industry, continuing a pattern of exploitation dating back to the slave trade. "The anti-Semitic posts from Wiley are abhorrent," Patel said on Twitter. The antisemitic posts from Wiley are abhorrent. They should not have been able to remain on Twitter and Instagram for so long and I have asked them for a full explanation. Social media companies must act much faster to remove such appalling hatred from their platforms. — Priti Patel (@pritipatel) July 26, 2020 × "They should not have been able to remain on Twitter and Instagram for so long and I have asked them for a full explanation. Social media companies must act much faster to remove such appalling hatred from their platforms." Twitter has deleted some anti-Semitic statements on Wiley's Twitter account. Wiley, 41, whose real name is Richard Cowie, released a number one single in Britain in 2012 and had several other top 10 hits. He received a UK government honour for his contribution to music in 2018. John Woolf, of A-List Management, has said he would no longer represent the artist.

UK critical of Twitter, Instagram for being slow to remove Wiley's posts

Pakistan has seen an 80-per cent drop in coronavirus deaths but risks a spike in new cases after the upcoming Eid festival, a government health official said Sunday.

According to government data, Pakistan saw daily virus deaths peak at about 150 in June. On Saturday, only 24 new fatalities were reported over the previous day.&nbsp;

Zafar Mirza, a senior health advisor for Prime Minister Imran Khan, told reporters about six percent of those being tested were positive for coronavirus.

"The number of deaths caused by coronavirus has dropped by 80 percent in Pakistan," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistanis-head-terror-groups-isil-k-aqis-ttp-not-yet-blacklisted-un-report-316034">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistanis head terror groups ISIL-K, AQIS, TTP; not yet blacklisted: UN report</a>

In all, Pakistan has confirmed more than 270,000 cases including nearly 5,800 deaths.

Some observers, however, warn the numbers do not reflect the true extent of cases in Pakistan, with many people reluctant to get tested and overall testing rates still low.&nbsp;

Faisal Sultan, who is helping lead the government's coronavirus response, said Sunday that only 23,000 out of an available 50,000 tests had been utilised in the previous 24 hours.&nbsp;

The health ministry did not immediately respond to a query about why the testing rate was so low.

Many people ignored social distancing guidelines and flocked to mosques and markets during the last religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan in May, helping fuel a subsequent surge in COVID-19 cases across Pakistan.

The increase prompted the World Health Organization to call for new lockdowns across Pakistan.

For the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival, which begins Friday in Pakistan, Mirza said people should not flock to animal markets and urged them to "buy sacrificial animals online to prevent a spike in new coronavirus cases".

"Any negligence... could make the situation worse," he said

Pakistan has seen an 80-per cent drop in coronavirus deaths but risks a spike in new cases after the upcoming Eid festival, a government health official said Sunday.

Pakistan has seen an 80-per cent drop in coronavirus deaths but risks a spike in new cases after the upcoming Eid festival, a government health official said Sunday. According to government data, Pakistan saw daily virus deaths peak at about 150 in June. On Saturday, only 24 new fatalities were reported over the previous day. Zafar Mirza, a senior health advisor for Prime Minister Imran Khan, told reporters about six percent of those being tested were positive for coronavirus. "The number of deaths caused by coronavirus has dropped by 80 percent in Pakistan," he said. Also read| Pakistanis head terror groups ISIL-K, AQIS, TTP; not yet blacklisted: UN report In all, Pakistan has confirmed more than 270,000 cases including nearly 5,800 deaths. Some observers, however, warn the numbers do not reflect the true extent of cases in Pakistan, with many people reluctant to get tested and overall testing rates still low. Faisal Sultan, who is helping lead the government's coronavirus response, said Sunday that only 23,000 out of an available 50,000 tests had been utilised in the previous 24 hours. The health ministry did not immediately respond to a query about why the testing rate was so low. Many people ignored social distancing guidelines and flocked to mosques and markets during the last religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan in May, helping fuel a subsequent surge in COVID-19 cases across Pakistan. The increase prompted the World Health Organization to call for new lockdowns across Pakistan. For the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival, which begins Friday in Pakistan, Mirza said people should not flock to animal markets and urged them to "buy sacrificial animals online to prevent a spike in new coronavirus cases". "Any negligence... could make the situation worse," he said

Pakistan virus deaths drop, but government warns of Eid spike

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<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/26/151618-coronavirus-in-uk.jpg?itok=SY0m5qKu" />

Raab said the decision was taken as a "real-time response" to the surge in coronavirus cases in Spain and to protect their own citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-protests-turn-ugly-in-us-as-texas-reports-one-death-316068">Black Lives Matter protests turn ugly in US as Texas reports one death</a>

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Portland is now the scene of a highly controversial crackdown by federal agents ordered by US President Donald Trump -- one that is not supported by local officials, and which many said smacked of authoritarianism.

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Folake Akindele Coker founded Tiffany Amber in 1998, and it's now considered one of Nigeria's most influential fashion and lifestyle brands.

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Kim convened an emergency politburo meeting in response to what he called a "critical situation in which the vicious virus could be said to have entered the country", the North's KCNA state news reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteer-indicted-over-french-cathedral-fire-316020">Volunteer indicted over French cathedral fire</a>

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The man, already held and released by police last week, was indicted "on charges of destruction and damage by fire" of the gothic cathedral of Nantes, the public prosecutor for the western city said.

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The case comes weeks after India cited security concerns in banning Alibaba's UC News, UC Browser and 57 other Chinese apps after a clash between the two countries' forces on their border.

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After the online and offline outrage over the decision, the attorney-general's office has decided to set up a committee to investigate why the charges were dropped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-continue-to-protest-against-governments-response-to-coronavirus-crisis-316062">Israelis continue to protest against government's response to coronavirus crisis</a>

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Last week, Israel police used water cannons to disperse the crowd in Jerusalem. Israel is reporting an average of 2,000 coronavirus cases daily.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russian-navy-to-get-hypersonic-nuclear-strike-weapons-316099">Putin says Russian Navy to get hypersonic nuclear strike weapons</a>

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Putin, who says he does not want an arms race, has often spoken of a new generation of Russian nuclear weapons that he says are unequalled and can hit almost anywhere in the world. Some Western experts have questioned how advanced they are.

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Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked.

'It's a real time response': Britain defends decision on Spanish quarantine move Raab said the decision was taken as a "real-time response" to the surge in coronavirus cases in Spain and to protect their own citizens.

'It's a real time response': Britain defends decision on Spanish quarantine move Raab said the decision was taken as a "real-time response" to the surge in coronavirus cases in Spain and to protect their own citizens. Black Lives Matter protests turn ugly in US as Texas reports one death Portland is now the scene of a highly controversial crackdown by federal agents ordered by US President Donald Trump -- one that is not supported by local officials, and which many said smacked of authoritarianism. Nigerian fashion label swaps couture for coronavirus PPE kits Folake Akindele Coker founded Tiffany Amber in 1998, and it's now considered one of Nigeria's most influential fashion and lifestyle brands. North Korea declares emergency in border town over first COVID-19 case Kim convened an emergency politburo meeting in response to what he called a "critical situation in which the vicious virus could be said to have entered the country", the North's KCNA state news reported. Volunteer indicted over French cathedral fire The man, already held and released by police last week, was indicted "on charges of destruction and damage by fire" of the gothic cathedral of Nantes, the public prosecutor for the western city said. Alibaba, Jack Ma summoned by Indian court on former employee's complaint The case comes weeks after India cited security concerns in banning Alibaba's UC News, UC Browser and 57 other Chinese apps after a clash between the two countries' forces on their border. Red Bull TCP Group says Thai heir not a part of company after controversies After the online and offline outrage over the decision, the attorney-general's office has decided to set up a committee to investigate why the charges were dropped. Israelis continue to protest against government's response to coronavirus crisis Last week, Israel police used water cannons to disperse the crowd in Jerusalem. Israel is reporting an average of 2,000 coronavirus cases daily. Putin says Russian Navy to get hypersonic nuclear strike weapons Putin, who says he does not want an arms race, has often spoken of a new generation of Russian nuclear weapons that he says are unequalled and can hit almost anywhere in the world. Some Western experts have questioned how advanced they are. Vietnamese city reimposes distancing after first local infections in months Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked.

Top 10 world news today: Emergency declared in North Korea, Texas protests, and more

Sporting animal ears and stuffed hamster toys, hundreds of young protesters gathered Sunday at Bangkok's Democracy Monument to call for the government's dissolution, the latest subversive show of creativity from the kingdom's nascent pro-democracy movement.

As dozens of police watched, the protesters sang a parody of the theme song for Hamtaro -- a popular Japanese anime character that is a sparkly-eyed hamster -- replacing the lyrics with the refrain "dissolve the parliament".

The demonstrators brought a different mood from a week ago, when thousands of young, black-clad Thais shouted vitriolic anti-government rap songs at the monument.&nbsp;

But the message remains the same, as boom-box wielding Thais started to jog around the monument in an apparent symbolic attempt to show how the kingdom's politics falls into a cycle they wish to break.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dance-of-democracy-thai-lgbt-activists-rally-for-equal-rights-316108">Also read|&nbsp;Dance of democracy: Thai LGBT activists rally for equal rights</a>

"I want a future where people can fight for democracy," said Bowie, a 27-year-old lawyer who only provided his nickname.

"We need freedom to fight because this government attacks everyone that is not on their side," he said before running to join his fellow protesters.&nbsp;

The kingdom's rambunctious political scene has long been defined by coups and deadly street protests.&nbsp;

Stoked anger 
The current government headed by former army general-turned-premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha is regarded as part of the pro-military royalist establishment.

But a freefalling economy due to the coronavirus epidemic, and the recent disappearance of a pro-democracy activist has stoked the anger of younger internet-savvy Thais who are well-versed in viral movements.&nbsp;

The Hamtaro theme was chosen for its viral potential in other countries, said Jessie, a 19-year-old university student.

Most notably, the jaunty chorus -- "The most delicious thing is sunflower seeds" -- have been changed to "The most delicious thing is the people's taxes".

"They should use our taxes to develop our country," Jessie said.&nbsp;

"We are scared but for us, it is important to start speaking up about it," she told AFP. "We need change right now."&nbsp;

Sunday's gathering was the latest in a string of rallies across the country, displaying a deep well of discontent among young Thais from all walks of life.&nbsp;

The day before, LGBT activists gathered at Democracy Monument to call for marriage equality and demand for Prayut's resignation.&nbsp;

The premier said last week he was "worried" for the parents of the young protesters, and defended keeping the emergency laws in place -- which critics say is a way to erode freedoms.

The kingdom's powerful army chief, General Apirat Kongsompong, called on Friday for all Thais to keep their minds "neutral", especially on social media.&nbsp;

"Although I am the army chief, I speak as a Thai citizen that whatever you do, you will regret it when looking back," he said.&nbsp;

Sporting animal ears and stuffed hamster toys, hundreds of young protesters gathered Sunday at Bangkok's Democracy Monument to call for the government's dissolution, the latest subversive show of creativity from the kingdom's nascent pro-democracy movement.

Sporting animal ears and stuffed hamster toys, hundreds of young protesters gathered Sunday at Bangkok's Democracy Monument to call for the government's dissolution, the latest subversive show of creativity from the kingdom's nascent pro-democracy movement. As dozens of police watched, the protesters sang a parody of the theme song for Hamtaro -- a popular Japanese anime character that is a sparkly-eyed hamster -- replacing the lyrics with the refrain "dissolve the parliament". The demonstrators brought a different mood from a week ago, when thousands of young, black-clad Thais shouted vitriolic anti-government rap songs at the monument. But the message remains the same, as boom-box wielding Thais started to jog around the monument in an apparent symbolic attempt to show how the kingdom's politics falls into a cycle they wish to break. Also read| Dance of democracy: Thai LGBT activists rally for equal rights "I want a future where people can fight for democracy," said Bowie, a 27-year-old lawyer who only provided his nickname. "We need freedom to fight because this government attacks everyone that is not on their side," he said before running to join his fellow protesters. The kingdom's rambunctious political scene has long been defined by coups and deadly street protests. Stoked anger The current government headed by former army general-turned-premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha is regarded as part of the pro-military royalist establishment. But a freefalling economy due to the coronavirus epidemic, and the recent disappearance of a pro-democracy activist has stoked the anger of younger internet-savvy Thais who are well-versed in viral movements. The Hamtaro theme was chosen for its viral potential in other countries, said Jessie, a 19-year-old university student. Most notably, the jaunty chorus -- "The most delicious thing is sunflower seeds" -- have been changed to "The most delicious thing is the people's taxes". "They should use our taxes to develop our country," Jessie said. "We are scared but for us, it is important to start speaking up about it," she told AFP. "We need change right now." Sunday's gathering was the latest in a string of rallies across the country, displaying a deep well of discontent among young Thais from all walks of life. The day before, LGBT activists gathered at Democracy Monument to call for marriage equality and demand for Prayut's resignation. The premier said last week he was "worried" for the parents of the young protesters, and defended keeping the emergency laws in place -- which critics say is a way to erode freedoms. The kingdom's powerful army chief, General Apirat Kongsompong, called on Friday for all Thais to keep their minds "neutral", especially on social media. "Although I am the army chief, I speak as a Thai citizen that whatever you do, you will regret it when looking back," he said.

Thai youths resort to subversive anime in pro-democracy protest

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.

The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infection since April, and another case early on Sunday, both in the tourism hot spot of Danang.

The two new cases included a 17-year-old boy in Quang Ngai province and a 71-year-old woman in Danang, the government said late on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 420.

Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bus-crash-kills-13-on-high-school-reunion-trip-in-vietnam-316094">Also read:&nbsp;Bus crash kills 13 on high school reunion trip in Vietnam</a>

The city`s social distancing measures would come into force until further notice, the government said on its website. 
Danang will stop receiving inbound tourists for 14 days and all religious, sports and cultural events will be suspended.

Wearing masks in public places in the city is now compulsory and gatherings of more than 30 people at public places are banned, the government said.

The detection of the new cases, which come as Vietnam seeks to revive its economy and resume international commercial flights, has prompted authorities to step up a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

State media said dozens of migrants from China have been detected in Danang over recent days.

Thanks to strict quarantine measures and an aggressive and widespread testing programme, Vietnam has kept its virus total to an impressively low level with no deaths.

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months. The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infection since April, and another case early on Sunday, both in the tourism hot spot of Danang. The two new cases included a 17-year-old boy in Quang Ngai province and a 71-year-old woman in Danang, the government said late on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 420. Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked. Also read: Bus crash kills 13 on high school reunion trip in Vietnam The city`s social distancing measures would come into force until further notice, the government said on its website. Danang will stop receiving inbound tourists for 14 days and all religious, sports and cultural events will be suspended. Wearing masks in public places in the city is now compulsory and gatherings of more than 30 people at public places are banned, the government said. The detection of the new cases, which come as Vietnam seeks to revive its economy and resume international commercial flights, has prompted authorities to step up a crackdown on illegal immigrants. State media said dozens of migrants from China have been detected in Danang over recent days. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and an aggressive and widespread testing programme, Vietnam has kept its virus total to an impressively low level with no deaths.

Vietnamese city reimposes distancing after first local infections in months

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