President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests.

At least 10,000 people demonstrated in Khabarovsk on Saturday to demand Moscow release Sergei Furgal, a member of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) who won election in 2018 after beating a rival from the ruling pro-Putin party.

Furgal, born in Russia`s Far East, was detained on July 9 and flown to Moscow to face charges over the murder and attempted murder of multiple businessmen 15 years ago. He denies wrongdoing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-protests-over-arrest-of-regional-governor-in-moscow-314379">Also watch|&nbsp;Russia: Protests over arrest of regional governor in Moscow</a>

Protests broke out soon afterwards and have continued for over a week. Their size is unusual for Russia`s regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up.

Putin on Monday formally removed Furgal from his post and appointed Mikhail Degtyaryov, 39, a lawmaker and also an LDPR member, to take over as the acting head of the region, according to a decree published on the Kremlin website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elite-club-russia-secretly-tested-its-coronavirus-vaccine-among-the-affluent-as-early-as-april-314557">Also read|&nbsp;Elite club: Russia secretly tested its coronavirus vaccine among the affluent as early as April</a>

The Kremlin has so far publicly played down the protests which have highlighted anger among some in the Far East over what they see as policies emanating from detached federal authorities located in Moscow seven time zones to the west.

The unrest also comes less than three weeks after Russians voted to back a set of sweeping reforms clearing the way for Putin to run for two more presidential terms, potentially remaining in the Kremlin until 2036 rather than stepping down in 2024.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose allies in the region have backed the demonstrations, cast Degtyaryov as a detached Kremlin appointee whose selection he predicted would fail to appease protesters.

Khabarovsk will hold regional elections to choose a fully-fledged new governor in September next year, Russia`s election commission said.

President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests.

President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests. At least 10,000 people demonstrated in Khabarovsk on Saturday to demand Moscow release Sergei Furgal, a member of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) who won election in 2018 after beating a rival from the ruling pro-Putin party. Furgal, born in Russia`s Far East, was detained on July 9 and flown to Moscow to face charges over the murder and attempted murder of multiple businessmen 15 years ago. He denies wrongdoing. Also watch| Russia: Protests over arrest of regional governor in Moscow Protests broke out soon afterwards and have continued for over a week. Their size is unusual for Russia`s regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up. Putin on Monday formally removed Furgal from his post and appointed Mikhail Degtyaryov, 39, a lawmaker and also an LDPR member, to take over as the acting head of the region, according to a decree published on the Kremlin website. Also read| Elite club: Russia secretly tested its coronavirus vaccine among the affluent as early as April The Kremlin has so far publicly played down the protests which have highlighted anger among some in the Far East over what they see as policies emanating from detached federal authorities located in Moscow seven time zones to the west. The unrest also comes less than three weeks after Russians voted to back a set of sweeping reforms clearing the way for Putin to run for two more presidential terms, potentially remaining in the Kremlin until 2036 rather than stepping down in 2024. Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose allies in the region have backed the demonstrations, cast Degtyaryov as a detached Kremlin appointee whose selection he predicted would fail to appease protesters. Khabarovsk will hold regional elections to choose a fully-fledged new governor in September next year, Russia`s election commission said.

Putin names new governor of restive Russian region hit by protests

Caged: Italian coastguard help giant sperm whale caught in illegal fishing net

Environment became tense in the Puducherry legislative assembly as the&nbsp;Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy carried on delivering the annual budge for the year 2020-2021, despite objections from the&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi.

Kiran Bedia said she wrote to the Chief Minister earlier today with a request to "send the file for laying AFS and Demand for Grants before Assembly for her to accord considered approval and give fresh date for presenting Budget."

However, she later tweeted in the afternoon claiming that the annual budget had still not reached her.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Annual budget file has still not been released from office of the Chief Minister for Administrative approval by LG, as per UT Act &amp; Business Rules. 
This will lead to a serious financial crisis caused by the office of CM. Ppl of Puducherry pl b informed<a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a> <a href="https://t.co/M0pvwgvxvY">pic.twitter.com/M0pvwgvxvY</a>
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) <a href="https://twitter.com/thekiranbedi/status/1285129075791499266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 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 session was scheduled to&nbsp;start on 9:30 am on Monday. However, as Kiran Bedi did not reach the assembly for the inaugural speech, the session got delayed&nbsp;and started at 12 pm.

Kiran Bedi alleged that his letter requesting her to deliver inaugural speech reached Rajnivas at 3:30 am today.

"An intriguing case of Puducherry Assembly without the Budget even seen &amp; approved by (LG) &amp; `trustees` wanting to discuss the rooms, design &amp; more!" she tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
An intriguing case of Puducherry Assembly without the Budget even seen &amp; approved by (LG) &amp; ‘trustees’ wanting to discuss the rooms, design &amp; more! <a href="https://t.co/5pIqO9Cfjs">pic.twitter.com/5pIqO9Cfjs</a>
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) <a href="https://twitter.com/thekiranbedi/status/1285065472191238145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 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>

In the budget, the Chief Minister announced abolition of drinking water tax and electricity tax (less than 100 units) for BPL families. "The government has decided to start Nammalvazhvar Agricultural Innovation Program and subsidise crops including grains and paddy," he said.

Environment became tense in the Puducherry legislative assembly as the Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy carried on delivering the annual budge for the year 2020-2021, despite objections from the Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi.

Environment became tense in the Puducherry legislative assembly as the Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy carried on delivering the annual budge for the year 2020-2021, despite objections from the Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi. Kiran Bedia said she wrote to the Chief Minister earlier today with a request to "send the file for laying AFS and Demand for Grants before Assembly for her to accord considered approval and give fresh date for presenting Budget." However, she later tweeted in the afternoon claiming that the annual budget had still not reached her. Annual budget file has still not been released from office of the Chief Minister for Administrative approval by LG, as per UT Act & Business Rules. This will lead to a serious financial crisis caused by the office of CM. Ppl of Puducherry pl b informed@AmitShah @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/M0pvwgvxvY — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) July 20, 2020 × The session was scheduled to start on 9:30 am on Monday. However, as Kiran Bedi did not reach the assembly for the inaugural speech, the session got delayed and started at 12 pm. Kiran Bedi alleged that his letter requesting her to deliver inaugural speech reached Rajnivas at 3:30 am today. "An intriguing case of Puducherry Assembly without the Budget even seen & approved by (LG) & `trustees` wanting to discuss the rooms, design & more!" she tweeted. An intriguing case of Puducherry Assembly without the Budget even seen & approved by (LG) & ‘trustees’ wanting to discuss the rooms, design & more! pic.twitter.com/5pIqO9Cfjs — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) July 20, 2020 × In the budget, the Chief Minister announced abolition of drinking water tax and electricity tax (less than 100 units) for BPL families. "The government has decided to start Nammalvazhvar Agricultural Innovation Program and subsidise crops including grains and paddy," he said.

Puducherry CM presents budget without LG Kiran Bedi despite her objections

Six advisors of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan posses dual citizenships and several of top 20 aides have admitted of owning movable and immovable assets worth millions of dollars abroad.

The list was published on the official website of Pakistan government`s cabinet division.

All the dual nationals were working as special assistants to the prime minister (SAPM). These people include SAPM on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari (UK), SAPM on Power Division Shahzad Qasim (US), SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar (US), SAPM on Political Affairs Shahbaz Gill (US), SAPM on Parliamentary Coordination Nadeem Afzal Gondal (Canada) and SAPM on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus (Canadian citizenship by birth).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-coronavirus-tally-reaches-263496-314425">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's coronavirus tally reaches 263,496</a>

According to Gulf News report, the wealthiest SAPM is Power Division and Mineral Resources Assistant Shahzad Syed Qasim who has assets worth over Rs 4 billion followed by SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar with assets worth Rs 2.75 billion. Meanwhile, Adviser for Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari`s net assets is estimated over Rs 2 billion.

Giving further details of the wealthiest SAPM, the official website stated that the PM`s aide on Power Division and Coordination of Marketing and Development of Mineral Resources owns assets in Pakistan, UAE and US. His three properties in UAE include two villas in Jumeirah Golf Estates and Sienna Lakes, Jumeirah Golf Estates and an apartment at Park Towers, DIFC - all worth Dh20,688,000. He has three cars in the UAE worth Dh400,000 and in the US, he has property worth US$865,000 while he has Rs 4 billion in various local and foreign bank accounts and retirement funds including $2.1 million in US.

Meanwhile, Nadeem Babbar, who is Special Assistant on Petroleum Division, owns assets worth over Rs 2.7 billion, including several properties in Pakistan and abroad and stakes in more than 30 local and foreign companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-resumes-polio-vaccination-campaign-amid-covid-19-pandemic-314672">Also read:&nbsp;Pak resumes polio vaccination campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic</a>

The Gulf News further reported that in the list Dr Moeed Yusuf`s, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning, the name was also included but was later withdrawn as it was clarified that he had the US residency and only holds the citizenship of Pakistan as per the affidavit submitted to the government. "I have not returned to the US since I took up my current responsibility, have no employment or income in the US nor do I have any millions worth properties abroad" Dr Yusuf was quoted as saying.

The latest list on PM Imran Khan`s advisors possessing dual nationalities has sparked strong criticisms by the Opposition leaders.

Six advisors of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan posses dual citizenships and several of top 20 aides have admitted of owning movable and immovable assets worth millions of dollars abroad.

Six advisors of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan posses dual citizenships and several of top 20 aides have admitted of owning movable and immovable assets worth millions of dollars abroad. The list was published on the official website of Pakistan government`s cabinet division. All the dual nationals were working as special assistants to the prime minister (SAPM). These people include SAPM on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari (UK), SAPM on Power Division Shahzad Qasim (US), SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar (US), SAPM on Political Affairs Shahbaz Gill (US), SAPM on Parliamentary Coordination Nadeem Afzal Gondal (Canada) and SAPM on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus (Canadian citizenship by birth). Also read: Pakistan's coronavirus tally reaches 263,496 According to Gulf News report, the wealthiest SAPM is Power Division and Mineral Resources Assistant Shahzad Syed Qasim who has assets worth over Rs 4 billion followed by SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar with assets worth Rs 2.75 billion. Meanwhile, Adviser for Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari`s net assets is estimated over Rs 2 billion. Giving further details of the wealthiest SAPM, the official website stated that the PM`s aide on Power Division and Coordination of Marketing and Development of Mineral Resources owns assets in Pakistan, UAE and US. His three properties in UAE include two villas in Jumeirah Golf Estates and Sienna Lakes, Jumeirah Golf Estates and an apartment at Park Towers, DIFC - all worth Dh20,688,000. He has three cars in the UAE worth Dh400,000 and in the US, he has property worth US$865,000 while he has Rs 4 billion in various local and foreign bank accounts and retirement funds including $2.1 million in US. Meanwhile, Nadeem Babbar, who is Special Assistant on Petroleum Division, owns assets worth over Rs 2.7 billion, including several properties in Pakistan and abroad and stakes in more than 30 local and foreign companies. Also read: Pak resumes polio vaccination campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic The Gulf News further reported that in the list Dr Moeed Yusuf`s, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning, the name was also included but was later withdrawn as it was clarified that he had the US residency and only holds the citizenship of Pakistan as per the affidavit submitted to the government. "I have not returned to the US since I took up my current responsibility, have no employment or income in the US nor do I have any millions worth properties abroad" Dr Yusuf was quoted as saying. The latest list on PM Imran Khan`s advisors possessing dual nationalities has sparked strong criticisms by the Opposition leaders.

Pak PM's advisors possess assets worth millions of dollars, dual citizenship

Pakistan, whose total population is approximately 220.9 million, is among the top two fastest growing countries in the South Asian region with an annual fertility rate of 3.6 children per couple, according to a new report by a US-based private non-profit organisation.

Strife-torn Afghanistan topped the chart among the South Asian countries with 4.5 children per couple, according to the 2020 World Population Data Sheet released recently by the US Population Reference Bureau.

With 1.4 billion people, India has the second largest population in the world but has reduced its fertility rate to 2.2, it said in a recent report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-resumes-polio-vaccination-campaign-amid-covid-19-pandemic-314672">Also read:&nbsp;Pak resumes polio vaccination campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic</a>

At Pakistan's growth rate&nbsp;3.6 per cent a population doubles in 19.4 years. A country needs to bring its growth rate down to 2 per cent a year to reduce its population. The replacement fertility rate is 2.1, the average number of children a couple needs to have to replace themselves, the Dawn News reported citing the study.

According to the study, South Asia is among the fastest growing regions in the world. Within the region, it marked Afghanistan and Pakistan as the fastest growing populations.

Afghanistan has a faster growth rate than Pakistan, 4.5 per couple. But because of high death rates and low life expectancy, the country's total population is still 38.9 million, the report noted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anti-pakistan-protest-held-outside-10-downing-street-to-demand-justice-for-baloch-victims-314542">Also read:&nbsp;Anti-Pakistan protest held outside 10 Downing Street to demand justice for Baloch victims</a>

The total population of Bangladesh, another South Asian country, in 2020 is estimated at 169.8 million, with an annual fertility rate of 2.3. It the third fastest growing nation in the region, followed by Maldives at fourth position, India and Nepal at fifth and Sri Lanka and Bhutan sharing the last slot.

The study noted Asia as the world's most populous region and its overall population is projected to increase by 15 per cent - from 4.6 billion in 2020 to 5.3 billion in 2050.

However, the pattern of future population change varies within the region from a 3 per cent decline in East Asia to a 38 per cent increase in Western Asia. Asia's total fertility rate is below replacement level at 2.0.

Interestingly, the report projected China's population, currently the highest in the world, to decrease by 2050.

With a total of 1.424 billion people, China still has the largest population in the world but has been able to reduce its fertility rate to 1.5, the study noted.

The US has 329.9 million population and between 2020 and 2050 its population is projected to increase, but at a much slower pace than recent decades. The US has an annual fertility rate of 1.7, which forces it to allow immigrants to strengthen its work force.

The data estimate the current global population at 7.8 billion. People aged 65 and above account for 9 per cent of the global population, in part because of the declining fertility rates, the report said.

According to the report Middle Africa is the youngest region where 46 per cent of the population is under the age of 15 years, while Southern Europe is the world's oldest region with 23 per cent of the population aged 65 or above.

The world population is projected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, an increase of more than 25 per cent from 2020.

"In 91 countries and territories — nearly 45 per cent of the world's population — total fertility rates are below replacement level, the average number of children at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next in the absence of migration.

And in 21 countries and territories, including several that have suffered devastating loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, people ages 65 and older account for at least 20 per cent of the population," it said.

This trend is most pronounced in Europe and East Asia. In contrast, many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and some in Asia continue to experience rapid population growth and high fertility rates. The population of 25 countries is expected to at least double between 2020 and 2050.

The global total fertility rate is 2.3 births per woman, while the replacement level is 2.1 births per woman, the report said.

Referring to the coronavirus crisis, the report warned that "population density in urban areas, household size, and population aging contribute to our vulnerability to pandemics".

Pakistan, whose total population is approximately 220.9 million, is among the top two fastest growing countries in the South Asian region with an annual fertility rate of 3.

Pakistan, whose total population is approximately 220.9 million, is among the top two fastest growing countries in the South Asian region with an annual fertility rate of 3.6 children per couple, according to a new report by a US-based private non-profit organisation. Strife-torn Afghanistan topped the chart among the South Asian countries with 4.5 children per couple, according to the 2020 World Population Data Sheet released recently by the US Population Reference Bureau. With 1.4 billion people, India has the second largest population in the world but has reduced its fertility rate to 2.2, it said in a recent report. Also read: Pak resumes polio vaccination campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic At Pakistan's growth rate 3.6 per cent a population doubles in 19.4 years. A country needs to bring its growth rate down to 2 per cent a year to reduce its population. The replacement fertility rate is 2.1, the average number of children a couple needs to have to replace themselves, the Dawn News reported citing the study. According to the study, South Asia is among the fastest growing regions in the world. Within the region, it marked Afghanistan and Pakistan as the fastest growing populations. Afghanistan has a faster growth rate than Pakistan, 4.5 per couple. But because of high death rates and low life expectancy, the country's total population is still 38.9 million, the report noted. Also read: Anti-Pakistan protest held outside 10 Downing Street to demand justice for Baloch victims The total population of Bangladesh, another South Asian country, in 2020 is estimated at 169.8 million, with an annual fertility rate of 2.3. It the third fastest growing nation in the region, followed by Maldives at fourth position, India and Nepal at fifth and Sri Lanka and Bhutan sharing the last slot. The study noted Asia as the world's most populous region and its overall population is projected to increase by 15 per cent - from 4.6 billion in 2020 to 5.3 billion in 2050. However, the pattern of future population change varies within the region from a 3 per cent decline in East Asia to a 38 per cent increase in Western Asia. Asia's total fertility rate is below replacement level at 2.0. Interestingly, the report projected China's population, currently the highest in the world, to decrease by 2050. With a total of 1.424 billion people, China still has the largest population in the world but has been able to reduce its fertility rate to 1.5, the study noted. The US has 329.9 million population and between 2020 and 2050 its population is projected to increase, but at a much slower pace than recent decades. The US has an annual fertility rate of 1.7, which forces it to allow immigrants to strengthen its work force. The data estimate the current global population at 7.8 billion. People aged 65 and above account for 9 per cent of the global population, in part because of the declining fertility rates, the report said. According to the report Middle Africa is the youngest region where 46 per cent of the population is under the age of 15 years, while Southern Europe is the world's oldest region with 23 per cent of the population aged 65 or above. The world population is projected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, an increase of more than 25 per cent from 2020. "In 91 countries and territories — nearly 45 per cent of the world's population — total fertility rates are below replacement level, the average number of children at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next in the absence of migration. And in 21 countries and territories, including several that have suffered devastating loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, people ages 65 and older account for at least 20 per cent of the population," it said. This trend is most pronounced in Europe and East Asia. In contrast, many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and some in Asia continue to experience rapid population growth and high fertility rates. The population of 25 countries is expected to at least double between 2020 and 2050. The global total fertility rate is 2.3 births per woman, while the replacement level is 2.1 births per woman, the report said. Referring to the coronavirus crisis, the report warned that "population density in urban areas, household size, and population aging contribute to our vulnerability to pandemics".

Pak with annual fertility rate of 3.6 among top two fastest growing South Asian nations: Report

Afghans shared accounts of violence linked to the Taliban on social media with the hashtag phrase `don`t redeem the Taliban` as anxiety grows as the United States withdraws troops and attempts to usher peace talks with the militant group.

The accounts of alleged violence and human rights abuses with the hashtag phrase in Dari meaning `don`t redeem the Taliban' have been shared more than 100,000 times on Twitter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/qatar-likely-to-hold-peace-talks-between-afghanistan-taliban-minister-314130">Also read|&nbsp;Qatar likely to hold peace talks between Afghanistan-Taliban: Minister</a>

Kabul-based Twitter user Ejaz Malikzada, 26, said the message had gained traction as Afghan social media users sought to remind foreign powers not to sacrifice achievements on human rights made in the last few decades.

"By participating in this hashtag I want to tell those foreigners who insist on starting peace talks in Afghanistan, they have ignored or forgotten the crimes and violence committed by the Taliban against Afghan people," he said.

Though millions of Afghans have no access to Twitter, for many, social media movements allow people to voice their concerns and share their grief from remote parts of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-all-girls-robotics-team-designs-low-cost-ventilator-to-treat-coronavirus-patients-314677">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan all-girls robotics team designs low-cost ventilator to treat coronavirus patients</a>

The Taliban has carried out attacks that have killed thousands of civilians around the country as they waged an insurgency since their ouster from power.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a number of attacks this month, the most recent last week when a car bomb exploded at a government compound.

During their 1996-2001 rule they enforced their strict interpretation of Islamic law under which women were barred from education or leaving the house without a male relative.

The group say they have changed their approach to women`s rights and operations by government and foreign forces have also killed many civilians.

But many Afghans and human rights activists remain sceptical, saying they are concerned that impending U.S.-brokered peace talks, aimed at ending more than 18 years of war, will not include adequate protection of human rights if the insurgent group returns to a role in formal power.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said he suspected the social media campaign was due to 'anti-peace elements' and that "no legitimate rights will be lost" during peace talks.

Afghans shared accounts of violence linked to the Taliban on social media with the hashtag phrase `don`t redeem the Taliban` as anxiety grows as the United States withdraws troops and attempts to usher peace talks with the militant group.

Afghans shared accounts of violence linked to the Taliban on social media with the hashtag phrase `don`t redeem the Taliban` as anxiety grows as the United States withdraws troops and attempts to usher peace talks with the militant group. The accounts of alleged violence and human rights abuses with the hashtag phrase in Dari meaning `don`t redeem the Taliban' have been shared more than 100,000 times on Twitter. Also read| Qatar likely to hold peace talks between Afghanistan-Taliban: Minister Kabul-based Twitter user Ejaz Malikzada, 26, said the message had gained traction as Afghan social media users sought to remind foreign powers not to sacrifice achievements on human rights made in the last few decades. "By participating in this hashtag I want to tell those foreigners who insist on starting peace talks in Afghanistan, they have ignored or forgotten the crimes and violence committed by the Taliban against Afghan people," he said. Though millions of Afghans have no access to Twitter, for many, social media movements allow people to voice their concerns and share their grief from remote parts of the country. Also read| Afghan all-girls robotics team designs low-cost ventilator to treat coronavirus patients The Taliban has carried out attacks that have killed thousands of civilians around the country as they waged an insurgency since their ouster from power. The Taliban claimed responsibility for a number of attacks this month, the most recent last week when a car bomb exploded at a government compound. During their 1996-2001 rule they enforced their strict interpretation of Islamic law under which women were barred from education or leaving the house without a male relative. The group say they have changed their approach to women`s rights and operations by government and foreign forces have also killed many civilians. But many Afghans and human rights activists remain sceptical, saying they are concerned that impending U.S.-brokered peace talks, aimed at ending more than 18 years of war, will not include adequate protection of human rights if the insurgent group returns to a role in formal power. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said he suspected the social media campaign was due to 'anti-peace elements' and that "no legitimate rights will be lost" during peace talks.

'Don't redeem the Taliban', Afghan social media users ask world before peace talks

In the eastern Afghan city of Herat, 18-year-old high school student Somaya Faruqi adjusts a suction cap as she puts the finishing touches before unveiling a low-cost, lightweight ventilator created by her and six other young women.

The all-female Afghan Robotics Team, which has won international awards for its robots, started work in March on an open-source, low-cost ventilator as the coronavirus pandemic hit the war-torn nation.

It took the team almost four months to finalise the ventilator, which is partly based on a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) design, and they received guidance from experts at Harvard University.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/families-step-in-at-kabul-covid-19-ward-to-care-for-patients-314632">Also read|&nbsp;Families step in at Kabul COVID-19 ward to care for patients</a>

The device is easy to carry, can run on battery power for 10 hours, and costs roughly $700 to produce, compared with the $20,000 price of a traditional ventilator.

"We are delighted that we were able to take our first step in the field of medicine and to be able to serve the people in this area as well. All members of our team feel happy because after months of hard work, we were able to achieve this result,” Faruqi told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/qatar-likely-to-hold-peace-talks-between-afghanistan-taliban-minister-314130">Also read|&nbsp;Qatar likely to hold peace talks between Afghanistan-Taliban: Minister</a>

Although the ventilator still has to undergo final testing from health authorities before it can be used, officials welcome it in a country with only 800 ventilators to treat the fast-growing number of coronavirus cases in a health system damaged by decades of war.

Health Ministry spokesman Akmal Samsor said once the ventilators were approved they would be rolled out in Afghan hospitals and the design shared with the World Health Organization.

"We appreciate the initiative and creativity in Afghanistan`s health sector...after they are approved, we will use these ventilators and we are determined to contract with companies so we can also export them," he said.

Afghanistan has recorded around 35,500 COVID-19 cases and 1,181 deaths, though experts warn the true count is probably far higher due to low testing rates.

In the eastern Afghan city of Herat, 18-year-old high school student Somaya Faruqi adjusts a suction cap as she puts the finishing touches before unveiling a low-cost, lightweight ventilator created by her and six other young women.

In the eastern Afghan city of Herat, 18-year-old high school student Somaya Faruqi adjusts a suction cap as she puts the finishing touches before unveiling a low-cost, lightweight ventilator created by her and six other young women. The all-female Afghan Robotics Team, which has won international awards for its robots, started work in March on an open-source, low-cost ventilator as the coronavirus pandemic hit the war-torn nation. It took the team almost four months to finalise the ventilator, which is partly based on a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) design, and they received guidance from experts at Harvard University. Also read| Families step in at Kabul COVID-19 ward to care for patients The device is easy to carry, can run on battery power for 10 hours, and costs roughly $700 to produce, compared with the $20,000 price of a traditional ventilator. "We are delighted that we were able to take our first step in the field of medicine and to be able to serve the people in this area as well. All members of our team feel happy because after months of hard work, we were able to achieve this result,” Faruqi told Reuters. Also read| Qatar likely to hold peace talks between Afghanistan-Taliban: Minister Although the ventilator still has to undergo final testing from health authorities before it can be used, officials welcome it in a country with only 800 ventilators to treat the fast-growing number of coronavirus cases in a health system damaged by decades of war. Health Ministry spokesman Akmal Samsor said once the ventilators were approved they would be rolled out in Afghan hospitals and the design shared with the World Health Organization. "We appreciate the initiative and creativity in Afghanistan`s health sector...after they are approved, we will use these ventilators and we are determined to contract with companies so we can also export them," he said. Afghanistan has recorded around 35,500 COVID-19 cases and 1,181 deaths, though experts warn the true count is probably far higher due to low testing rates.

Afghan all-girls robotics team designs low-cost ventilator to treat coronavirus patients

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

Pakistan on February 17 launched a countrywide anti-polio campaign to vaccinate about 39.6 million children under the age of five as the government appealed to the people for their support to eradicate polio. However, it was put on hold after the country recorded its first coronavirus case in February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anti-pakistan-protest-held-outside-10-downing-street-to-demand-justice-for-baloch-victims-314542">Also read:&nbsp;Anti-Pakistan protest held outside 10 Downing Street to demand justice for Baloch victims</a>

In Punjab province, the anti-polio drive was launched in 44 union councils of Faisalabad and 14 union councils of Attock. In Karachi, the drive would target Baldia, Orangi, North Nazimabad and Liaquatabad, according to officials of the National Institute of Health.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the campaign would focus on the South Waziristan district, while in Balochistan the drive would cover 10 Union Councils of Quetta, the provincial capital.

Special arrangements were made to provide security to the anti-polio campaign teams.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-coronavirus-tally-reaches-263496-314425">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's coronavirus tally reaches 263,496</a>

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the three countries in the world where polio is still endemic.

This year so far 59 new cases have been reported. Last year, 147 polio cases were reported nationwide, far higher than 12 in 2018 and eight in 2017.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in December last said that it was a "matter of shame" that Pakistan was among the countries where polio was still prevalent.

Attempts to eradicate the disease have been seriously hampered by deadly targeting of vaccination teams in recent years by militants, who oppose the drives, claiming the polio drops cause infertility.

Attacks on immunisation teams have claimed nearly 70 lives since December 2012.

Last month, Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the country will restart the anti-polio campaign in the coming weeks and the military will support the government's efforts.

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said. Pakistan on February 17 launched a countrywide anti-polio campaign to vaccinate about 39.6 million children under the age of five as the government appealed to the people for their support to eradicate polio. However, it was put on hold after the country recorded its first coronavirus case in February. Also read: Anti-Pakistan protest held outside 10 Downing Street to demand justice for Baloch victims In Punjab province, the anti-polio drive was launched in 44 union councils of Faisalabad and 14 union councils of Attock. In Karachi, the drive would target Baldia, Orangi, North Nazimabad and Liaquatabad, according to officials of the National Institute of Health. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the campaign would focus on the South Waziristan district, while in Balochistan the drive would cover 10 Union Councils of Quetta, the provincial capital. Special arrangements were made to provide security to the anti-polio campaign teams. Also read: Pakistan's coronavirus tally reaches 263,496 Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the three countries in the world where polio is still endemic. This year so far 59 new cases have been reported. Last year, 147 polio cases were reported nationwide, far higher than 12 in 2018 and eight in 2017. Prime Minister Imran Khan in December last said that it was a "matter of shame" that Pakistan was among the countries where polio was still prevalent. Attempts to eradicate the disease have been seriously hampered by deadly targeting of vaccination teams in recent years by militants, who oppose the drives, claiming the polio drops cause infertility. Attacks on immunisation teams have claimed nearly 70 lives since December 2012. Last month, Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the country will restart the anti-polio campaign in the coming weeks and the military will support the government's efforts.

Pak resumes polio vaccination campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic

Spain does not reject the setting of conditions on the disbursement of European Union funds to help countries recover from the coronavirus pandemic, nor strong governance to oversee their distribution, Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said on Monday.

"Spain has clear ideas: We don`t reject conditionality," Gonzalez Laya said in an interview with Cadena SER radio. "We need a basis that gives confidence to us and to our partners."

EU leaders meet again on Monday to discuss the creation of a recovery fund and the seven-year EU budget. They are at odds over what strings to attach for countries it would benefit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mr-no-no-no-why-dutch-pm-rutte-plays-role-of-eu-bogeyman-314529">Also read|&nbsp;'Mr No, No, No': Why Dutch PM Rutte plays role of EU bogeyman</a>

"We are at a time of great geopolitical confusion and mutation of our economies that force upon us deep structural changes," Gonzalez said.

The 750 billion euros proposed for the recovery fund would be raised on behalf of them all on capital markets by the EU`s executive European Commission and then funnelled mostly to hard-hit Mediterranean rim countries.

A significant part of that money would be transferred as grants and not loans.

Northern countries led by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte want to impose macroeconomic reforms on the countries receiving cash.

Spain does not reject the setting of conditions on the disbursement of European Union funds to help countries recover from the coronavirus pandemic, nor strong governance to oversee their distribution, Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said on Monday.

Spain does not reject the setting of conditions on the disbursement of European Union funds to help countries recover from the coronavirus pandemic, nor strong governance to oversee their distribution, Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said on Monday. "Spain has clear ideas: We don`t reject conditionality," Gonzalez Laya said in an interview with Cadena SER radio. "We need a basis that gives confidence to us and to our partners." EU leaders meet again on Monday to discuss the creation of a recovery fund and the seven-year EU budget. They are at odds over what strings to attach for countries it would benefit. Also read| 'Mr No, No, No': Why Dutch PM Rutte plays role of EU bogeyman "We are at a time of great geopolitical confusion and mutation of our economies that force upon us deep structural changes," Gonzalez said. The 750 billion euros proposed for the recovery fund would be raised on behalf of them all on capital markets by the EU`s executive European Commission and then funnelled mostly to hard-hit Mediterranean rim countries. A significant part of that money would be transferred as grants and not loans. Northern countries led by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte want to impose macroeconomic reforms on the countries receiving cash.

Spain does not reject conditions on EU fund transfers: foreign minister

Hard days for the video-sharing app TikTok are not coming to an end. After India banned the app and the US is looking at a possible ban, Australia too has expressed concern over app's&nbsp;safety issues.

TikTok is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance and has been alleged of sharing customer data with the Chinese government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-in-talks-with-uk-government-for-new-headquarters-in-london-sources-314485">Also read|&nbsp;TikTok in talks with UK government for new headquarters in London: Sources</a>

The company opened an office in Australia in the&nbsp;recent weeks. After the new office was established, offices of both the Home Affairs and Attorney-General are discussing TikTok's operations, the sources said.

Talking about how the government is strictly looking at the privacy issues,&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison said,&nbsp;"If we consider there is a need to take further action than we are taking now, then I can tell you we won`t be shy about it."

This scrutiny has come after Labor Senator Jenny McAllister urged the government to look into the app's data-sharing app noting that noting 1.6 million young Australians used the app. "Some of these approaches to moderating content might be inconsistent with Australian values," she said in a local radio interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-may-leave-chinese-parent-company-to-avoid-us-ban-trump-adviser-313981">Also read|&nbsp;TikTok may leave Chinese parent company to avoid US ban: Trump adviser</a>

"For example, removing material about Tiananmen Square, or deprioritising material about Hong Kong protests," she added, referring to student protests in Beijing in 1989 and pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong over the past year.

However, TikTok Australia's&nbsp;General Manager Lee Hunter has written to the Australian government assuring that the company will cooperate, but also raised concern that the app&nbsp;was "being used as a political football".

Hard days for the video-sharing app TikTok are not coming to an end. After India banned the app and the US is looking at a possible ban, Australia too has expressed concern over app's safety issues.

Hard days for the video-sharing app TikTok are not coming to an end. After India banned the app and the US is looking at a possible ban, Australia too has expressed concern over app's safety issues. TikTok is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance and has been alleged of sharing customer data with the Chinese government. Also read| TikTok in talks with UK government for new headquarters in London: Sources The company opened an office in Australia in the recent weeks. After the new office was established, offices of both the Home Affairs and Attorney-General are discussing TikTok's operations, the sources said. Talking about how the government is strictly looking at the privacy issues, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, "If we consider there is a need to take further action than we are taking now, then I can tell you we won`t be shy about it." This scrutiny has come after Labor Senator Jenny McAllister urged the government to look into the app's data-sharing app noting that noting 1.6 million young Australians used the app. "Some of these approaches to moderating content might be inconsistent with Australian values," she said in a local radio interview. Also read| TikTok may leave Chinese parent company to avoid US ban: Trump adviser "For example, removing material about Tiananmen Square, or deprioritising material about Hong Kong protests," she added, referring to student protests in Beijing in 1989 and pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong over the past year. However, TikTok Australia's General Manager Lee Hunter has written to the Australian government assuring that the company will cooperate, but also raised concern that the app was "being used as a political football".

TikTok faces scrutiny in Australia after India and US raise question on data security

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase&nbsp;in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

The vaccine has been developed by China's&nbsp;Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China, a new ally of Bangladesh, has been looking for volunteers for the vaccine trial outside of China, reported&nbsp;Bangladesh’s national technical advisory committee to tackle COVID-19.

There will be 4,200 volunteers for this trial and half of them will be vaccinated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-of-covid-19-jumps-to-144-million-death-toll-crosses-600000-314509">Also read:&nbsp;Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000</a>

The trial will begin next month and will be conducted by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B).

“We have given ethical permission for the trial after reviewing the research protocol,” Mahmood Uz Jahan, director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) said.

Seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, have been finalised to conduct this trial on the selected volunteers.

Experts believe that the densely-populated country Bangladesh is participating in this trial study with an expectation of scoring a priority in delivering of the vaccine, if the trial is successful.

Bangladesh has more than 204,525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,618 deaths.

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine has been developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China, a new ally of Bangladesh, has been looking for volunteers for the vaccine trial outside of China, reported Bangladesh’s national technical advisory committee to tackle COVID-19. There will be 4,200 volunteers for this trial and half of them will be vaccinated. Also read: Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000 The trial will begin next month and will be conducted by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). “We have given ethical permission for the trial after reviewing the research protocol,” Mahmood Uz Jahan, director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) said. Seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, have been finalised to conduct this trial on the selected volunteers. Experts believe that the densely-populated country Bangladesh is participating in this trial study with an expectation of scoring a priority in delivering of the vaccine, if the trial is successful. Bangladesh has more than 204,525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,618 deaths.

Bangladesh allows stage III trial of China's COVID-19 vaccine

A heavy machine for a space project has finally reached the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in the southern city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Monday.

The heavy and sophisticated machinery was transported to Kerala from Maharashtra by road, and it took the truck a little more than one&nbsp;whole year to reach it's destination.

The machine traveled across four states before reaching its destination state on Sunday, and the destination space centre on Monday.

"We started the journey on July 8, 2019, from Maharashtra. Now after travelling for one year and across four states, we have reached Thiruvananthapuram. We hope to deliver the cargo today at VSSC," a staff member transporting the machine said.

The VSSC had ordered for an Aerospace Horizontal Autoclave machine which is used to make weightless material. The giant machine weighs about 70 tonnes and has a height and width of 7.5 metres and 6.65 metres respectively. The machinery was produced in Nashik, Maharashtra and has been commissioned for VSSC.

The machinery had to be transported by road, instead of a ship, due to the heavy weight of the product.

A heavy machine for a space project has finally reached the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in the southern city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Monday. The heavy and sophisticated machinery was transported to Kerala from Maharashtra by road, and it took the truck a little more than one whole year to reach it's destination.

A heavy machine for a space project has finally reached the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in the southern city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Monday. The heavy and sophisticated machinery was transported to Kerala from Maharashtra by road, and it took the truck a little more than one whole year to reach it's destination. The machine traveled across four states before reaching its destination state on Sunday, and the destination space centre on Monday. "We started the journey on July 8, 2019, from Maharashtra. Now after travelling for one year and across four states, we have reached Thiruvananthapuram. We hope to deliver the cargo today at VSSC," a staff member transporting the machine said. The VSSC had ordered for an Aerospace Horizontal Autoclave machine which is used to make weightless material. The giant machine weighs about 70 tonnes and has a height and width of 7.5 metres and 6.65 metres respectively. The machinery was produced in Nashik, Maharashtra and has been commissioned for VSSC. The machinery had to be transported by road, instead of a ship, due to the heavy weight of the product.

Heavy space project machine reaches Kerala after a year long journey

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.