Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence.

In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-share-covid-19-vaccine-technology-with-other-countries-314263">Also read:&nbsp;Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries</a>

Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote.

Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless".

The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart.

"Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-in-talks-with-moderna-biontech-curevac-to-secure-possible-covid-vaccines-314155">Also read:&nbsp;EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines</a>

The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic".

In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain".

Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018.

The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement.

Completely unacceptable 
Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday.

But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-depends-on-india-to-mass-produce-covid-19-vaccine-314209">Also watch:&nbsp;World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine</a>

NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware.

APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added.

Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable".

"While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added.

Election meddling 
Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party.

The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump.

Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim.&nbsp;

Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory".

Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement.

But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online.

Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump.

It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee.

This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research. The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence. In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States. Also read: Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote. Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless". The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart. "Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said. Also read: EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic". In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain". Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018. The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement. Completely unacceptable Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday. But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property". Also watch: World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware. APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added. Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year. Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable". "While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added. Election meddling Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States. An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party. The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump. Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim. Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory". Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement. But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online. Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump. It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee. This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-damages-cathedral-in-french-city-of-nantes-314247">Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/18/150384-untitled-design-3.jpg?itok=K7CNK90c" />

Officials said the cathedral's organ was destroyed and its platform could collapse, but added that the damage was not comparable to last year's fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-may-be-exaggerated-uk-government-to-pause-daily-updates-314305">Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/18/150431-coronavirus-in-uk.jpg?itok=O_3uDfA-" />

Experts said coronavirus patients will be counted in the death toll even if they recover and later have 'a heart attack or were run over by a bus three months later'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-he-will-not-consider-making-masks-mandatory-314297">US President Trump says he will not consider making masks mandatory</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/01/135256-untitled-design.jpg?itok=1D6Qh9lZ" />

Asked in an interview on Fox News to be broadcast on Sunday if he would consider a mandate, Trump said: 'No, I want people to have a certain freedom, and I don’t believe in that.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-bolivian-city-a-fake-and-toxic-coronavirus-cure-proves-popular-314194">In Bolivian city, a fake and toxic coronavirus cure proves popular</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/18/150333-chlorine-do2-reu.jpg?itok=ts9pPjKb" />

This rush in the city of Cochabamba comes even after the Bolivian Health Ministry warned of its dangers and said at least five people were poisoned after taking chlorine dioxide in the capital city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-chinas-western-city-urumqi-enters-wartime-mode-after-reporting-16-cases-314307">COVID-19: China's western city Urumqi enters 'wartime mode' after reporting 16 cases</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/15/136867-5463.jpg?itok=ZyUcxq8X" />

State broadcaster CCTV cited unnamed officials as telling a press conference on Saturday that the city had suspended gatherings and ordered communities to restrict visits to other households.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-share-covid-19-vaccine-technology-with-other-countries-314263">Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/18/150390-covid-vaccine.jpg?itok=J6sFt4tP" />

The Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-white-house-breaks-tradition-moves-bush-clinton-portraits-to-disused-room-314206">Trump's White House breaks tradition; moves Bush, Clinton portraits to disused room</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/18/150340-white-house-bush-afp.jpg?itok=XaDyk8uo" />

It's a White House tradition that the presidents who served most recently get prominent placement in the Grand Foyer so their portraits are seen at events -- but the new portraits are those of presidents who served more than a 100 years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-rouhani-says-35-million-iranians-face-virus-infection-314273">President Rouhani says 35 million Iranians face virus infection</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/08/26/107770-untitled-design.jpg?itok=WyTt0bZv" />

Rouhani's deputy head of communications, Alireza Moezi, said on Twitter hours later that the 25 million in fact refers to "those who have encountered the virus and achieved complete immunity".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bts-army-gather-more-than-8000-for-assam-flood-relief-funds-314296">BTS 'Army' gather more than $8,000 for Assam flood relief funds</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/18/150427-bts.jpg?itok=2NwMcklb" />

The floods have affected nearly 5,400,000 people and more than 200 hundred wildlife animals in the 30 districts of the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-issues-ban-on-confederate-flag-at-military-bases-314197">Pentagon issues ban on Confederate flag at military bases</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/18/150335-confederate-flag.jpg?itok=R41kQPVm" />

Republican President Donald Trump had, however, earlier cited free speech rights in his defense of Americans who fly the Confederate flag.

Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes Officials said the cathedral's organ was destroyed and its platform could collapse, but added that the damage was not comparable to last year's fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes Officials said the cathedral's organ was destroyed and its platform could collapse, but added that the damage was not comparable to last year's fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates Experts said coronavirus patients will be counted in the death toll even if they recover and later have 'a heart attack or were run over by a bus three months later'. US President Trump says he will not consider making masks mandatory Asked in an interview on Fox News to be broadcast on Sunday if he would consider a mandate, Trump said: 'No, I want people to have a certain freedom, and I don’t believe in that. In Bolivian city, a fake and toxic coronavirus cure proves popular This rush in the city of Cochabamba comes even after the Bolivian Health Ministry warned of its dangers and said at least five people were poisoned after taking chlorine dioxide in the capital city. COVID-19: China's western city Urumqi enters 'wartime mode' after reporting 16 cases State broadcaster CCTV cited unnamed officials as telling a press conference on Saturday that the city had suspended gatherings and ordered communities to restrict visits to other households. Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries The Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia. Trump's White House breaks tradition; moves Bush, Clinton portraits to disused room It's a White House tradition that the presidents who served most recently get prominent placement in the Grand Foyer so their portraits are seen at events -- but the new portraits are those of presidents who served more than a 100 years ago. President Rouhani says 35 million Iranians face virus infection Rouhani's deputy head of communications, Alireza Moezi, said on Twitter hours later that the 25 million in fact refers to "those who have encountered the virus and achieved complete immunity". BTS 'Army' gather more than $8,000 for Assam flood relief funds The floods have affected nearly 5,400,000 people and more than 200 hundred wildlife animals in the 30 districts of the state. Pentagon issues ban on Confederate flag at military bases Republican President Donald Trump had, however, earlier cited free speech rights in his defense of Americans who fly the Confederate flag.

Top 10 world news today: Nantes Cathedral fire, Trump breaks White House tradition and more

The Dutch welcomed new proposals on a massive EU stimulus fund on Saturday in a second day of negotiations among the bloc`s leaders though a final deal on how to revive growth stifled by the coronavirus pandemic remained far off.

The talks on Friday were deadlocked over who should control how the money is spent, as Prime Minister Mark Rutte held out against his EU counterparts after 13 hours of negotiations at a summit in Brussels.

With the pandemic dealing many European economies their worst economic shock since World War Two, leaders seek to agree on a 750 billion euro ($856 billion) recovery fund and a 2021-27 EU budget of more than 1 trillion euros.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-leaders-discuss-covid-funding-deal-in-first-face-to-face-summit-since-pandemic-314217">Also watch:&nbsp;EU leaders discuss COVID funding deal in first face-to-face summit since pandemic</a>

"I`m doing this for the whole of Europe, because it is also in the interest of Spain and Italy that they emerge from this crisis with strength," Rutte told reporters early on Saturday, referring to the two EU countries most affected by the pandemic.

Many of the 27 leaders — wearing masks in their first face-to-face meeting since February — had their own demands in negotiations crisscrossing different regional and economic priorities.

But the Dutch position highlighted the deep splits in the bloc, as the executive European Commission seeks a mandate to borrow billions of euros on capital markets for the first time.

Fiscally conservative countries such as Austria, Denmark and Sweden are adamant that any new debt should be strictly policed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-in-talks-with-moderna-biontech-curevac-to-secure-possible-covid-vaccines-314155">Also read:&nbsp;EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines</a>

The European Parliament must also approve any deal done by leaders.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said he saw a route to a compromise by involving EU finance ministers in monitoring new debt, rather than just the European Commission.

Senior EU lawmaker Guy Verhofstadt via Twitter rejected involving finance ministers, however, concerned that the parliament might be sidelined.

"The recovery fund cannot be a pretext to undermine EU democracy," he said.

New proposals 
The leaders of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the Commission also held talks, meeting in a format once used to discuss Greek debt relief, an issue that dogged the bloc for years.

European Council President Charles Michel, who chaired the summit, then circulated new proposals seen by Reuters which tried to resolve the Dutch demands.

"In the end this is a package and there are many more issues to solve. But the proposal on governance as put forward by Michel is a serious step in the right direction," a Dutch diplomat said in reaction.

"Many issues remain and whether we get there will depend on the next 24 hours."

The exact size of the new EU budget and how far to use payouts as leverage for reforms, or whether to withhold money from countries that fail to live up to democratic standards, were still to be resolved.

A senior diplomat said: "The key question now is whether... we can move on to other issues. There will still need to be a discussion on volume, and that`s before we get into the rule of law."

Hungary, backed by its eurosceptic, nationalist ally Poland, threatened to veto the whole package over a new envisaged mechanism to freeze out countries flouting democratic principles.

Under the new proposals, the portion of grants in the 750 billion euro recovery fund would be reduced to 450 billion euros from 500 billion.

They also call for an `emergency brake` on disbursement of funds, to appease states who want conditions attached to grants and would prefer to see those countries worst affected by the coronavirus crisis take loans.

The proposals would also increase rebates on the multi-year EU budget for Austria, Denmark and Sweden.

"We are not at the end of the negotiation, but this at least provides a basis for negotiation," a second EU diplomat said.

The Dutch welcomed new proposals on a massive EU stimulus fund on Saturday in a second day of negotiations among the bloc`s leaders though a final deal on how to revive growth stifled by the coronavirus pandemic remained far off.

The Dutch welcomed new proposals on a massive EU stimulus fund on Saturday in a second day of negotiations among the bloc`s leaders though a final deal on how to revive growth stifled by the coronavirus pandemic remained far off. The talks on Friday were deadlocked over who should control how the money is spent, as Prime Minister Mark Rutte held out against his EU counterparts after 13 hours of negotiations at a summit in Brussels. With the pandemic dealing many European economies their worst economic shock since World War Two, leaders seek to agree on a 750 billion euro ($856 billion) recovery fund and a 2021-27 EU budget of more than 1 trillion euros. Also watch: EU leaders discuss COVID funding deal in first face-to-face summit since pandemic "I`m doing this for the whole of Europe, because it is also in the interest of Spain and Italy that they emerge from this crisis with strength," Rutte told reporters early on Saturday, referring to the two EU countries most affected by the pandemic. Many of the 27 leaders — wearing masks in their first face-to-face meeting since February — had their own demands in negotiations crisscrossing different regional and economic priorities. But the Dutch position highlighted the deep splits in the bloc, as the executive European Commission seeks a mandate to borrow billions of euros on capital markets for the first time. Fiscally conservative countries such as Austria, Denmark and Sweden are adamant that any new debt should be strictly policed. Also read: EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines The European Parliament must also approve any deal done by leaders. Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said he saw a route to a compromise by involving EU finance ministers in monitoring new debt, rather than just the European Commission. Senior EU lawmaker Guy Verhofstadt via Twitter rejected involving finance ministers, however, concerned that the parliament might be sidelined. "The recovery fund cannot be a pretext to undermine EU democracy," he said. New proposals The leaders of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the Commission also held talks, meeting in a format once used to discuss Greek debt relief, an issue that dogged the bloc for years. European Council President Charles Michel, who chaired the summit, then circulated new proposals seen by Reuters which tried to resolve the Dutch demands. "In the end this is a package and there are many more issues to solve. But the proposal on governance as put forward by Michel is a serious step in the right direction," a Dutch diplomat said in reaction. "Many issues remain and whether we get there will depend on the next 24 hours." The exact size of the new EU budget and how far to use payouts as leverage for reforms, or whether to withhold money from countries that fail to live up to democratic standards, were still to be resolved. A senior diplomat said: "The key question now is whether... we can move on to other issues. There will still need to be a discussion on volume, and that`s before we get into the rule of law." Hungary, backed by its eurosceptic, nationalist ally Poland, threatened to veto the whole package over a new envisaged mechanism to freeze out countries flouting democratic principles. Under the new proposals, the portion of grants in the 750 billion euro recovery fund would be reduced to 450 billion euros from 500 billion. They also call for an `emergency brake` on disbursement of funds, to appease states who want conditions attached to grants and would prefer to see those countries worst affected by the coronavirus crisis take loans. The proposals would also increase rebates on the multi-year EU budget for Austria, Denmark and Sweden. "We are not at the end of the negotiation, but this at least provides a basis for negotiation," a second EU diplomat said.

Dutch welcome new ideas on EU recovery fund but deal far off

The very famous South Korean boy band BTS has a huge fan following all over the world, including India. The fans, also known as BTS Army, are known to not only enjoy the KPop music but also for actively participating in charitable work and lending needful support.

One such incident happened in India when the Indian fan following got together through Twitter to gather funds for the people of the North Eastern state Assam who suffered in the recent floods.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-floods-five-more-killed-over-4-million-affected-313792">Also read|&nbsp;Assam floods: Five more killed; over 4 million affected</a>

The initiative was started by a Twitter page 'BTSArmy helps India' (@btshelpsindia).&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Assam has been neglected for so long by the mainland and media we need to help them as we have a platform, today assam fights with not only covid 19 but also massive floods <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProtectAssam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProtectAssam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssamFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamNeedsUs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssamNeedsUs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssamFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamDeservesBetter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssamDeservesBetter</a><a href="https://t.co/qsdmxPvZ6j">https://t.co/qsdmxPvZ6j</a>
— 𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙖𖧵⁷⁺¹²⁷°ˣ¹⇆⧖|| CHECK 📌📌 (@minheeseyelid) <a href="https://twitter.com/minheeseyelid/status/1283694645495525377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 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 group had aimed to collect around $6,600 (INR 5,00,000). Surprisingly, as the word spread on different social media platforms, the fans were able to gather nearly $8,000 (INR 5,80,000) in less than 24 hours.

<img alt="BTS Army helps Assam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5993087e-0b11-4db9-bdfb-7339592a131c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BTS%20%281%29_0.jpg" />

After reaching the target, the fandom established new donation links (https://assamfloods.carrd.co/) and urged fellow fans and everyone else to educate people about the ongoing tragedy in Assam and donate as much as possible.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This wouldn't have happened without the support of Armys. 
We started with a small goal and were able to reach 5 lakh+ all because of you guys. 
Let's keep spreading the message of <a href="https://twitter.com/BTS_twt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BTS_twt</a> . 
Thank you so much💜<a href="https://t.co/FOkEx51fod">https://t.co/FOkEx51fod</a>
— BTSARMY HELPS INDIA (@btshelpsindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/btshelpsindia/status/1284102357341499395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 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>

Assam is a North Eastern state in India which is a floods prone area. However, the floods this year have been worse than usual and have affected nearly 5,400,000 people and more than 200 hundred wildlife animals in the 30 districts of the state.&nbsp;

The very famous South Korean boy band BTS has a huge fan following all over the world, including India. The fans, also known as BTS Army, are known to not only enjoy the KPop music but also for actively participating in charitable work and lending needful support.

The very famous South Korean boy band BTS has a huge fan following all over the world, including India. The fans, also known as BTS Army, are known to not only enjoy the KPop music but also for actively participating in charitable work and lending needful support. One such incident happened in India when the Indian fan following got together through Twitter to gather funds for the people of the North Eastern state Assam who suffered in the recent floods. Also read| Assam floods: Five more killed; over 4 million affected The initiative was started by a Twitter page 'BTSArmy helps India' (@btshelpsindia). Assam has been neglected for so long by the mainland and media we need to help them as we have a platform, today assam fights with not only covid 19 but also massive floods #ProtectAssam #AssamFloods #AssamNeedsUs #AssamFloods #AssamDeservesBetterhttps://t.co/qsdmxPvZ6j — 𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙖𖧵⁷⁺¹²⁷°ˣ¹⇆⧖|| CHECK 📌📌 (@minheeseyelid) July 16, 2020 × The group had aimed to collect around $6,600 (INR 5,00,000). Surprisingly, as the word spread on different social media platforms, the fans were able to gather nearly $8,000 (INR 5,80,000) in less than 24 hours. After reaching the target, the fandom established new donation links (https://assamfloods.carrd.co/) and urged fellow fans and everyone else to educate people about the ongoing tragedy in Assam and donate as much as possible. This wouldn't have happened without the support of Armys. We started with a small goal and were able to reach 5 lakh+ all because of you guys. Let's keep spreading the message of @BTS_twt . Thank you so much💜https://t.co/FOkEx51fod — BTSARMY HELPS INDIA (@btshelpsindia) July 17, 2020 × Assam is a North Eastern state in India which is a floods prone area. However, the floods this year have been worse than usual and have affected nearly 5,400,000 people and more than 200 hundred wildlife animals in the 30 districts of the state.

BTS 'Army' gather more than $8,000 for Assam flood relief funds

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists.

In a statement, president of HRFP, Naveed Walter also condemned the negative propaganda against the Shri Krishna Mandir Complex through social, print and electronic media and also through religious and political mediums.

The new temple planned for Islamabad, the city`s first, was supposed to be a symbol of tolerance. Instead, violence and controversy have turned it into an emblem of Pakistan`s troubled relationship with its religious minorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-pakistans-cases-cross-260000-mark-before-eid-314269">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan's cases cross 260,000 mark before Eid</a>

Several Muslim clerics ruled that no Hindu temple should be built because Pakistan is a Muslim country.

Walter said, "The Hindu`s temple construction should be as normal as the mosques and other worship places of all religions may construct in any country`s capital and areas around the world".

Naveed Walter added that if the one`s worship place is owned and funded by state then why the state adopted a different policy for others?

"The prayer &amp; worship places are a basic right of every citizen and religious minorities including Hindus", said Walter.

He said at the time of partition in 1947, almost 23 per cent of Pakistan`s population was comprised of non-Muslim minorities but today they declined to 5 per cent and will go down further if the same discriminatory practices will be continued.

Naveed Walter questioned if the Hindus temple construction stopping does not mean that the country`s land ownership only belonged to extremists who could make decisions to permit for establishing any temple, church, worship place or not?

"There are many same examples of not only about worship places, graveyards, community institutions but it has been seen severally in individual`s cases also as like the most recent issue of Nadeem Joseph, a Christian man with family who murdered by his neighbors in Peshawar for just moving in his new house in a Muslim area and wasthreatened to leave. On his bold stand on 4th June 2020, the perpetrators opened indiscriminate fire on Joseph and his mother-in-law. They both died," said Walter.

Naveed Walter said the incidents with groups and individuals happen differently but the resemblance in mindsets looks same on their levels.&nbsp;

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists.

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists. In a statement, president of HRFP, Naveed Walter also condemned the negative propaganda against the Shri Krishna Mandir Complex through social, print and electronic media and also through religious and political mediums. The new temple planned for Islamabad, the city`s first, was supposed to be a symbol of tolerance. Instead, violence and controversy have turned it into an emblem of Pakistan`s troubled relationship with its religious minorities. Also read| COVID 19: Pakistan's cases cross 260,000 mark before Eid Several Muslim clerics ruled that no Hindu temple should be built because Pakistan is a Muslim country. Walter said, "The Hindu`s temple construction should be as normal as the mosques and other worship places of all religions may construct in any country`s capital and areas around the world". Naveed Walter added that if the one`s worship place is owned and funded by state then why the state adopted a different policy for others? "The prayer & worship places are a basic right of every citizen and religious minorities including Hindus", said Walter. He said at the time of partition in 1947, almost 23 per cent of Pakistan`s population was comprised of non-Muslim minorities but today they declined to 5 per cent and will go down further if the same discriminatory practices will be continued. Naveed Walter questioned if the Hindus temple construction stopping does not mean that the country`s land ownership only belonged to extremists who could make decisions to permit for establishing any temple, church, worship place or not? "There are many same examples of not only about worship places, graveyards, community institutions but it has been seen severally in individual`s cases also as like the most recent issue of Nadeem Joseph, a Christian man with family who murdered by his neighbors in Peshawar for just moving in his new house in a Muslim area and wasthreatened to leave. On his bold stand on 4th June 2020, the perpetrators opened indiscriminate fire on Joseph and his mother-in-law. They both died," said Walter. Naveed Walter said the incidents with groups and individuals happen differently but the resemblance in mindsets looks same on their levels.

Pak-based rights group demands resumption of temple construction in Islamabad

After being blamed for spreading the coronavirus in the whole world, Chinese technology companies have become an easy target.

Huawei is facing bans,&nbsp;Chinese apps are being boycotted and now&nbsp;the US could be taking inspiration from India on banning Chinese mobile applications.

The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo&nbsp;had earlier indicated that he could ban Chinese apps such as TikTok. Due to the spreading hatred towards TikTok, its parents company Bytedance could consider selling off TikTok and the White House believes it is possible.

<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>

Economic adviser Larry Kudlow believes that bleeding Bytedance could cut off its hand to save itself.

“We haven’t made final decisions [on the ban] but as has been reported in some places, I think TikTok is going to pull out of the holding company which is China-run and operate as an independent company,” Kudlow said.

In such a situation, TikTok could slip out of the clutches of the Communist Party.&nbsp;TikTok’s ban is an economic loss for China —&nbsp;something that adds to a long list of troubles for the Communist Party.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-tiktok-distance-itself-from-china-314140/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The impact of coronavirus on China’s economy was immense and has triggered a major job&nbsp;crisis.&nbsp;This summer&nbsp;more than eight million Chinese students are set to graduate&nbsp;and are in search of jobs. However, China doesn’t have enough jobs right now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-indian-paratroopers-conduct-air-exercise-in-ladakh-314080">Have a look|&nbsp;India-China standoff: Indian paratroopers conduct air exercise in Ladakh</a>

According to the official data, the urban unemployment rate was around 5.7 per cent in June. It is believed that the&nbsp;actual numbers could be much worse. According to a report, 80 million service sector employees and 20 million manufacturing jobs have been affected by the coronavirus.

In addition, companies are moving out of China. Apple’s supplier Foxconn has announced its plans for India. The manufacturer for iPhones and iPads will invest one billion dollars over the next three years and the money will go towards Foxconn’s plant in Tamil Nadu.

For now, this facility produces lower end variants of the iPhone. After the investment, the plant will make other iPhone models that are produced in China.

Until now, China was facing the threat&nbsp;of economic distancing from the world. However, now companies that called China their home are moving away.

After being blamed for spreading the coronavirus in the whole world, Chinese technology companies have become an easy target. Huawei is facing bans, Chinese apps are being boycotted and now the US could be taking inspiration from India on banning Chinese mobile applications.

After being blamed for spreading the coronavirus in the whole world, Chinese technology companies have become an easy target. Huawei is facing bans, Chinese apps are being boycotted and now the US could be taking inspiration from India on banning Chinese mobile applications. The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo had earlier indicated that he could ban Chinese apps such as TikTok. Due to the spreading hatred towards TikTok, its parents company Bytedance could consider selling off TikTok and the White House believes it is possible. Also read| TikTok may leave Chinese parent company to avoid US ban: Trump adviser Economic adviser Larry Kudlow believes that bleeding Bytedance could cut off its hand to save itself. “We haven’t made final decisions [on the ban] but as has been reported in some places, I think TikTok is going to pull out of the holding company which is China-run and operate as an independent company,” Kudlow said. In such a situation, TikTok could slip out of the clutches of the Communist Party. TikTok’s ban is an economic loss for China — something that adds to a long list of troubles for the Communist Party. The impact of coronavirus on China’s economy was immense and has triggered a major job crisis. This summer more than eight million Chinese students are set to graduate and are in search of jobs. However, China doesn’t have enough jobs right now. Have a look| India-China standoff: Indian paratroopers conduct air exercise in Ladakh According to the official data, the urban unemployment rate was around 5.7 per cent in June. It is believed that the actual numbers could be much worse. According to a report, 80 million service sector employees and 20 million manufacturing jobs have been affected by the coronavirus. In addition, companies are moving out of China. Apple’s supplier Foxconn has announced its plans for India. The manufacturer for iPhones and iPads will invest one billion dollars over the next three years and the money will go towards Foxconn’s plant in Tamil Nadu. For now, this facility produces lower end variants of the iPhone. After the investment, the plant will make other iPhone models that are produced in China. Until now, China was facing the threat of economic distancing from the world. However, now companies that called China their home are moving away.

As Chinese tech giants become global targets, Bytedance may sell off TikTok

In China, it looks like the life has returned back to normal and the&nbsp;battle against coronavirus has been won with workers back in factories, trains back on platforms and the ports filled with containers.

However, it&nbsp;may not be completely true and things may not be as normal as they are being portrayed.

A Chinese province Xinjiang is reporting a new wave of coronavirus cases. Its capital, Urumqi,&nbsp;is home to 3.5 million people.&nbsp;At least 5&nbsp;have tested positive in the last 24 hours. Although, the percentage is&nbsp;minuscule, coronavirus is contagious and the numbers can double up in no time.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-china-is-not-virus-free-xinjiang-emerges-as-the-new-hotspot-314141/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After the new cluster of coronavirus was found, the province cancelled almost 600 flights and the air traffic was slashed by 80 per cent. All metro services have been suspended, shuttle buses to the airport have been cut off and&nbsp;the bus services in the neighbouring districts have been shut.

At least 1 million Uighurs are detained in the&nbsp;concentration camps located in the province if a new cluster breaks out in the&nbsp;camps, another tragedy will be upon China.

Earlier this year, 73 per cent inmates at an Ohio prison tested positive. Even Peru's prisons have been a virus hotbed. So, there is a possibility that an outbreak in the concentration camps in Xinjiang could spell a death sentence.

According to a worldometer tally, there were&nbsp;259 active cases in China on July 17 and&nbsp;there were 252 cases on June 17, 86 cases on May 17 and 66 cases on April 17.

In China, it looks like the life has returned back to normal and the battle against coronavirus has been won with workers back in factories, trains back on platforms and the ports filled with containers.

In China, it looks like the life has returned back to normal and the battle against coronavirus has been won with workers back in factories, trains back on platforms and the ports filled with containers. However, it may not be completely true and things may not be as normal as they are being portrayed. A Chinese province Xinjiang is reporting a new wave of coronavirus cases. Its capital, Urumqi, is home to 3.5 million people. At least 5 have tested positive in the last 24 hours. Although, the percentage is minuscule, coronavirus is contagious and the numbers can double up in no time. After the new cluster of coronavirus was found, the province cancelled almost 600 flights and the air traffic was slashed by 80 per cent. All metro services have been suspended, shuttle buses to the airport have been cut off and the bus services in the neighbouring districts have been shut. At least 1 million Uighurs are detained in the concentration camps located in the province if a new cluster breaks out in the camps, another tragedy will be upon China. Earlier this year, 73 per cent inmates at an Ohio prison tested positive. Even Peru's prisons have been a virus hotbed. So, there is a possibility that an outbreak in the concentration camps in Xinjiang could spell a death sentence. According to a worldometer tally, there were 259 active cases in China on July 17 and there were 252 cases on June 17, 86 cases on May 17 and 66 cases on April 17.

Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, the UK government has decided to pause publishing of the daily coronavirus tally after detecting a possibility of having the wrong figures displayed.

The UK government on Saturday said that it suspects the toll might have been exaggerated.

"Currently the daily deaths measure counts all people who have tested positive for coronavirus and since died, with no cut-off between time of testing and date of death," a message on the government's website said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnson-announces-adittional-funding-for-nhs-314088">Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson announces additional funding for NHS</a>

"There have been claims that the lack of cut-off may distort the current daily deaths number. We are therefore pausing the publication of the daily figure while this is resolved," it further read.

The UK government also feels that the international comparisons are misleading as different countries record the death toll in different ways. UK's death toll is a little over 45,000.

Experts believe that&nbsp;Public Health England (PHE), the government agency responsible for managing infectious disease outbreaks, calculates the figures in England means they may be distorted compared to other parts of the United Kingdom.

Health Minister Matt Hancock has ordered an investigation into the PHE's reporting after experts reported that coronavirus patients will be counted in the death toll even if they recover and later have&nbsp;"a heart attack or were run over by a bus three months later".

(With inputs from agencies)

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, the UK government has decided to pause publishing of the daily coronavirus tally after detecting a possibility of having the wrong figures displayed.

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, the UK government has decided to pause publishing of the daily coronavirus tally after detecting a possibility of having the wrong figures displayed. The UK government on Saturday said that it suspects the toll might have been exaggerated. "Currently the daily deaths measure counts all people who have tested positive for coronavirus and since died, with no cut-off between time of testing and date of death," a message on the government's website said. Also watch: UK PM Boris Johnson announces additional funding for NHS "There have been claims that the lack of cut-off may distort the current daily deaths number. We are therefore pausing the publication of the daily figure while this is resolved," it further read. The UK government also feels that the international comparisons are misleading as different countries record the death toll in different ways. UK's death toll is a little over 45,000. Experts believe that Public Health England (PHE), the government agency responsible for managing infectious disease outbreaks, calculates the figures in England means they may be distorted compared to other parts of the United Kingdom. Health Minister Matt Hancock has ordered an investigation into the PHE's reporting after experts reported that coronavirus patients will be counted in the death toll even if they recover and later have "a heart attack or were run over by a bus three months later". (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates

'Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst' is a phrase that was coined in the 18th century but is still relevant, especially in the present circumstances on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

LAC is the&nbsp;undefined border dividing India and China — the two nuclear-armed Asian giants. The last 30 days have been among the most tense months in the history of LAC as&nbsp;20 Indian troops died in action in the Galwan skirmish on June 15.

Since then, there have been multiple rounds of talks, rhetorics and top level visits. However, not much of this has resulted in&nbsp;de-escalation along the LAC.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-india-china-standoff-the-latest-on-the-disengagement-process-314139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The first problem is China, till now has not&nbsp;revealed any casualty numbers. But what is almost unprecedented is India's approach to the stand-off.

Indian government knows it is dealing with a difficult neighbour. So, while it is sending a message of peace, it is not mincing its words while warning China against future provocation. India is also setting new traditions and preparing for the worst.

On July 03, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian troops at Ladakh, which is a rare sighting in our country. Modi&nbsp;sent a message of peace from Ladakh but&nbsp;also hinted to Biejing that&nbsp;the age of expansionism is over.

After PM Modi, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also visited Ladakh along with top defence officials on Friday morning to review the ground situation. He visited forward military locations and interacted with the troops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-economy-suffers-after-covid-19-huawei-trouble-and-tiktok-ban-314107">Also read:&nbsp;Chinese economy suffers after COVID-19, Huawei trouble and TikTok ban</a>

The Defence Minister also addressed Indian soldiers at the Lukung post near the Pangong lake. His message had the same tone as that of the Prime Minister. He&nbsp;said that India believes in vasudhaiva kutumbakam&nbsp;— the world is one family — but India is not shy of giving a befitting reply to any provocation.

"We do not want unrest, we want peace. It has not been our nature to hurt any country's pride. If any attempt is made to hurt India's pride, it won't be tolerated. We will give a befitting reply," he said.

"Whatever talks have happened so &nbsp;far, the matter should get resolved. But to what extent it would be resolved, I cannot guarantee," he added,

From tanks carrying out military exercises to&nbsp;para drops by Indian troops, Indian military might was at display this morning.

Beijing, of course, was watching all of this. China has promised peace, but the actions do not match the words.

There has been a pull back at patrolling points 14, 15, and 17-a. Indian troops and the PLA have created a bufffer zone of 1 to 4 kilomerters, i.e.&nbsp;at these patrolling points, the two sides are no longer eyeball-to-eyeball.

However, the problem remains the same at the Pangong lake. The LAC&nbsp;runs through water here and&nbsp;mountain folds jutting into the Pangong lake are called 'fingers'. The Chinese troops had earlier come till the 'finger 4', and have not gone back to 'finger 5'. But, this is not complete withdrawal.

India insists that the PLA return to pre-stand-off position, which is 'finger 8'. Clearly, there has been little progress in the Pangong Tso in the last one month.

There have been several rounds of diplomatic and military level talks between India and China in the last 30 days. Officials of the Indian army and the PLA have met thrice since the skirmish.&nbsp;The first military level talks were on June 22 and the latest were on July 14. There have also been two&nbsp;rounds of diplomatic talks between India and China and a phone conversation has also happened between India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval,&nbsp;and Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi on July 05.

However, even after all this there is not guarantee that a complete de-escalation will take place. So, the best way forward for India would be to 'hope for the best, but&nbsp;prepare for the worst'.

'Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst' is a phrase that was coined in the 18th century but is still relevant, especially in the present circumstances on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

'Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst' is a phrase that was coined in the 18th century but is still relevant, especially in the present circumstances on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). LAC is the undefined border dividing India and China — the two nuclear-armed Asian giants. The last 30 days have been among the most tense months in the history of LAC as 20 Indian troops died in action in the Galwan skirmish on June 15. Since then, there have been multiple rounds of talks, rhetorics and top level visits. However, not much of this has resulted in de-escalation along the LAC. The first problem is China, till now has not revealed any casualty numbers. But what is almost unprecedented is India's approach to the stand-off. Indian government knows it is dealing with a difficult neighbour. So, while it is sending a message of peace, it is not mincing its words while warning China against future provocation. India is also setting new traditions and preparing for the worst. On July 03, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian troops at Ladakh, which is a rare sighting in our country. Modi sent a message of peace from Ladakh but also hinted to Biejing that the age of expansionism is over. After PM Modi, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also visited Ladakh along with top defence officials on Friday morning to review the ground situation. He visited forward military locations and interacted with the troops. Also read: Chinese economy suffers after COVID-19, Huawei trouble and TikTok ban The Defence Minister also addressed Indian soldiers at the Lukung post near the Pangong lake. His message had the same tone as that of the Prime Minister. He said that India believes in vasudhaiva kutumbakam — the world is one family — but India is not shy of giving a befitting reply to any provocation. "We do not want unrest, we want peace. It has not been our nature to hurt any country's pride. If any attempt is made to hurt India's pride, it won't be tolerated. We will give a befitting reply," he said. "Whatever talks have happened so far, the matter should get resolved. But to what extent it would be resolved, I cannot guarantee," he added, From tanks carrying out military exercises to para drops by Indian troops, Indian military might was at display this morning. Beijing, of course, was watching all of this. China has promised peace, but the actions do not match the words. There has been a pull back at patrolling points 14, 15, and 17-a. Indian troops and the PLA have created a bufffer zone of 1 to 4 kilomerters, i.e. at these patrolling points, the two sides are no longer eyeball-to-eyeball. However, the problem remains the same at the Pangong lake. The LAC runs through water here and mountain folds jutting into the Pangong lake are called 'fingers'. The Chinese troops had earlier come till the 'finger 4', and have not gone back to 'finger 5'. But, this is not complete withdrawal. India insists that the PLA return to pre-stand-off position, which is 'finger 8'. Clearly, there has been little progress in the Pangong Tso in the last one month. There have been several rounds of diplomatic and military level talks between India and China in the last 30 days. Officials of the Indian army and the PLA have met thrice since the skirmish. The first military level talks were on June 22 and the latest were on July 14. There have also been two rounds of diplomatic talks between India and China and a phone conversation has also happened between India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi on July 05. However, even after all this there is not guarantee that a complete de-escalation will take place. So, the best way forward for India would be to 'hope for the best, but prepare for the worst'.

Rajnath Singh sends out strong message against China on his visit to Ladakh

French cathedral catches fire in Nantes; contained within hours

The number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the South Asian country Pakistan. The total tally of coronavirus cases increased to&nbsp;261,917&nbsp;and the total tally of deaths due to the virus reached 5,522 on Saturday morning.

As per the latest figures of the local media, a total of&nbsp;198,509 people have recovered from the novel coronavirus till Saturday.&nbsp;From Sindh, 111,238 cases have been reported while from Punjab 89,465 cases have been reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-aviation-authority-suspends-15-more-pilots-having-fake-licenses-314253">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan aviation authority suspends 15 more pilots having fake licenses</a>

On Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan took a dig at India while urging citizens to stay safe during the upcoming festival of Eid.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pak is amongst the fortunate countries where COVID 19 cases in hospitals, esp in intensive care &amp; death rate have gone down, unlike in our unfortunate neighbor India. This positive trend has been the result of our smart lockdown policy &amp; the nation observing govt SOPs.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1284056089944895489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Following the tweet, a National Command and Operation Center meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Asad Umar in Karachi on Saturday to discuss preventive measures and the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Eidul Azha. The meeting was also attended by&nbsp; Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, health minister Azra Pechuho and other officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the South Asian country Pakistan. The total tally of coronavirus cases increased to 261,917 and the total tally of deaths due to the virus reached 5,522 on Saturday morning.

The number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the South Asian country Pakistan. The total tally of coronavirus cases increased to 261,917 and the total tally of deaths due to the virus reached 5,522 on Saturday morning. As per the latest figures of the local media, a total of 198,509 people have recovered from the novel coronavirus till Saturday. From Sindh, 111,238 cases have been reported while from Punjab 89,465 cases have been reported. Also read: Pakistan aviation authority suspends 15 more pilots having fake licenses On Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan took a dig at India while urging citizens to stay safe during the upcoming festival of Eid. Pak is amongst the fortunate countries where COVID 19 cases in hospitals, esp in intensive care & death rate have gone down, unlike in our unfortunate neighbor India. This positive trend has been the result of our smart lockdown policy & the nation observing govt SOPs. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 17, 2020 × Following the tweet, a National Command and Operation Center meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Asad Umar in Karachi on Saturday to discuss preventive measures and the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Eidul Azha. The meeting was also attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, health minister Azra Pechuho and other officials. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID 19: Pakistan's cases cross 260,000 mark before Eid

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has request Interpol to issue a blue corner notice against Faisal Fareed, an accused in the high-profile Kerala gold smuggling case.

Earlier, a non-bailable warrant was issued against Fareed by a special NIA court in Kochi.

A blue corner notice is an international request for cooperation or alerts for sharing critical crime-related information to help track individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities and suspected to be in other countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-gold-smuggling-case-accused-swapna-suresh-taken-into-custody-312609">Also read:&nbsp;Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh taken into custody</a>

The NIA had earlier informed the special court that they will hand over the warrant to Interpol as Faisal Fareed is currently suspected of being in Dubai.According to the agency, Fareed was involved in forging seal and emblem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy to commit the crime.

"The documents were forged by Faisal Fareed to ensure diplomatic protection for the baggage. Fareed is the third accused in the case. The gold smuggled into Kerala was not used for jewellery but terror activities. The accused smuggled gold twice in 2019, in two batches of 18 kg and 9 kg," the NIA had submitted before the special court.

Meanwhile, three others accused in the matter — Sarith PS, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair — are currently under the custody of the NIA, which is probing the matter.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has request Interpol to issue a blue corner notice against Faisal Fareed, an accused in the high-profile Kerala gold smuggling case.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has request Interpol to issue a blue corner notice against Faisal Fareed, an accused in the high-profile Kerala gold smuggling case. Earlier, a non-bailable warrant was issued against Fareed by a special NIA court in Kochi. A blue corner notice is an international request for cooperation or alerts for sharing critical crime-related information to help track individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities and suspected to be in other countries. Also read: Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh taken into custody The NIA had earlier informed the special court that they will hand over the warrant to Interpol as Faisal Fareed is currently suspected of being in Dubai.According to the agency, Fareed was involved in forging seal and emblem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy to commit the crime. "The documents were forged by Faisal Fareed to ensure diplomatic protection for the baggage. Fareed is the third accused in the case. The gold smuggled into Kerala was not used for jewellery but terror activities. The accused smuggled gold twice in 2019, in two batches of 18 kg and 9 kg," the NIA had submitted before the special court. Meanwhile, three others accused in the matter — Sarith PS, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair — are currently under the custody of the NIA, which is probing the matter.

Kerala gold smuggling case: NIA requests Interpol to issue blue corner notice against Faisal Fareed

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