The US Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States, citing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerns over Pakistani pilot certifications.

The information is contained in a revocation of special authorisation dated July 1 provided by the department to Reuters on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malaysia-suspends-pakistan-pilots-after-licence-fraud-revelation-310573">Also read:&nbsp;Malaysia suspends Pakistan pilots after licence fraud revelation</a>

Pakistan last month grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. 
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency suspended PIA`s authorisation to fly to the bloc for six months in a blow to the carrier`s operations.

PIA was not available immediately for comment outside normal business hours.

Pakistan`s Geo News reported PIA had confirmed the US ban and said it would address the concerns through ongoing corrective measures within the airline.

Pakistan`s grounding of pilots with dubious credentials followed the crash of a PIA jet in May that killed 97 people.

The US Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States, citing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerns over Pakistani pilot certifications.

The US Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States, citing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerns over Pakistani pilot certifications. The information is contained in a revocation of special authorisation dated July 1 provided by the department to Reuters on Friday. Also read: Malaysia suspends Pakistan pilots after licence fraud revelation Pakistan last month grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency suspended PIA`s authorisation to fly to the bloc for six months in a blow to the carrier`s operations. PIA was not available immediately for comment outside normal business hours. Pakistan`s Geo News reported PIA had confirmed the US ban and said it would address the concerns through ongoing corrective measures within the airline. Pakistan`s grounding of pilots with dubious credentials followed the crash of a PIA jet in May that killed 97 people.

US bans Pakistan International Airlines flights over pilot concerns

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to 82 Bangladeshi nationals who participated in the Markaz Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin area, which had reportedly become an epicentre of COVID-19 spread in the country.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur granted bail to the 82 Bangladeshi nationals on furnishing personal bonds of Rs 10,000 each.

Advocates Ashima Mandla, Mandakini Singh and Fahim Khan appeared for Bangladeshi nationals. The plea bargaining application will be filed by tomorrow, the lawyers said.

Plea bargaining is an arrangement between the prosecutor and the defendant, in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lenient sentence or an agreement to drop other charges.

The Bangladeshi nationals had appeared before the court today through video conferencing in pursuance of summons issued against them. They have been duly identified by the concerned official of concern High Commissions as well as investigating officer.

The court had recently taken cognisance of various charge sheets filed against 956 foreign nationals who attended the Nizamuddin congregation.

According to the Delhi Police, the investigation related to the 956 foreign nationals is complete in the case and each of the foreign national has been found to have independently committed the offence for which he or she has been charge-sheeted.

Investigation Officer categorically specified that no evidence has come against the foreign nationals concerned under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and hence they have not been charge-sheeted for the abovesaid offences.Delhi Police said that the charge sheet against the Bangladeshi nationals has been filed under relevant Sections of the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which are independent of the other offences which were added during the investigation of the source FIR.&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to 82 Bangladeshi nationals who participated in the Markaz Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin area, which had reportedly become an epicentre of COVID-19 spread in the country.

A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to 82 Bangladeshi nationals who participated in the Markaz Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin area, which had reportedly become an epicentre of COVID-19 spread in the country. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur granted bail to the 82 Bangladeshi nationals on furnishing personal bonds of Rs 10,000 each. Advocates Ashima Mandla, Mandakini Singh and Fahim Khan appeared for Bangladeshi nationals. The plea bargaining application will be filed by tomorrow, the lawyers said. Plea bargaining is an arrangement between the prosecutor and the defendant, in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lenient sentence or an agreement to drop other charges. The Bangladeshi nationals had appeared before the court today through video conferencing in pursuance of summons issued against them. They have been duly identified by the concerned official of concern High Commissions as well as investigating officer. The court had recently taken cognisance of various charge sheets filed against 956 foreign nationals who attended the Nizamuddin congregation. According to the Delhi Police, the investigation related to the 956 foreign nationals is complete in the case and each of the foreign national has been found to have independently committed the offence for which he or she has been charge-sheeted. Investigation Officer categorically specified that no evidence has come against the foreign nationals concerned under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and hence they have not been charge-sheeted for the abovesaid offences.Delhi Police said that the charge sheet against the Bangladeshi nationals has been filed under relevant Sections of the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which are independent of the other offences which were added during the investigation of the source FIR.

Delhi court grants bail to 82 Bangladeshi Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendees

Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources.

Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange.

Earlier, the Afghan government had reportedly not released 597 of 5,000 listed prisoners, as part of the US-Taliban agreement, because they were not only affiliated with the Taliban but were also involved in serious "moral" crimes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-violence-pose-serious-challenges-to-afghan-peace-process-ghani-311350">Also read|&nbsp;Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani</a>

The report said the 21-member peace negotiating team is working in four groups as part of their preparations for talks with the Taliban.

However, the Taliban has said that they will not participate in the intra-Afghan talks unless the Afghan government releases its 5,000 prisoners.

The release of the Taliban prisoners is part of the US-Taliban deal signed in Doha in February, the report said.

Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources. Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange.

Taliban has submitted a fresh list of 592 prisoners after its earlier list was rejected by the Afghan government, TOLO news reported citing sources. Till now, the government has released 4,019 prisoners and the Taliban has released 737 in exchange. Earlier, the Afghan government had reportedly not released 597 of 5,000 listed prisoners, as part of the US-Taliban agreement, because they were not only affiliated with the Taliban but were also involved in serious "moral" crimes. Also read| Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani The report said the 21-member peace negotiating team is working in four groups as part of their preparations for talks with the Taliban. However, the Taliban has said that they will not participate in the intra-Afghan talks unless the Afghan government releases its 5,000 prisoners. The release of the Taliban prisoners is part of the US-Taliban deal signed in Doha in February, the report said.

Taliban submits fresh list of 592 prisoners for release to Afghan govt

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-release-prisoners-from-taliban-list-in-push-for-talks-311920">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks</a>

Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA.

Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan.

"But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-violence-pose-serious-challenges-to-afghan-peace-process-ghani-311350">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani</a>

"We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference."

He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal."

President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month.

A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him.

Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts.

But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them."

He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday. The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops. Also read: Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA. Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan. "But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing. Also read: Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani "We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference." He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal." President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month. A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him. Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts. But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them." He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

US doesn't know if Russia directed Taliban attacks in Afghanistan: Pentagon

Japanese host and hostess clubs must act quickly to ensure they abide by rules to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus after nightlife districts became new hot spots in a resurgence of infections, the economy minister said on Friday.

The call from Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, tasked with leading Japan`s pandemic response, came as Tokyo reported a record daily high of 243 new infections on Friday.

Infections in the capital have been creeping up since the government lifted a state of emergency about a month ago, with the notorious Kabukicho red-light district becoming a major source of cases.

"We need to take steps quickly," Nishimura told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-theme-parks-instruct-riders-to-keep-their-screams-inside-and-be-serious-311970">Also read:&nbsp;Japan: Theme parks instruct riders to keep their 'screams inside' and be 'serious'</a>

Clusters were first found among Kabukicho`s many host clubs, where smartly dressed young men entertain women customers over drinks, and then at the female equivalent hostess or "cabaret" clubs.

Outbreaks have also been found in similar clubs in Ikebukuro`s red-light district, as well as in some cafes where women dress up as maids to entertain customers in the Akihabara electronics town.

"Infections are coming out of host and cabaret clubs and it`s important to take firm measures there," Nishimura said.

"We need to make sure they thoroughly follow guidelines."

He did not elaborate on exactly what steps he wants the clubs to take but said he would meet experts and chiefs of the nightlife districts later on Friday to decide on measures.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who will also join the meeting, said the metropolis would step up efforts to educate nightlife workers, including through a new video that will be available on its website next week.

At a media briefing, Koike showed a clip of the video in which a young host sits at a night club in one frame asking a doctor in the opposite frame, via video chat, what kind of symptoms young people could expect if they contracted the virus. The questions would be posed in relay form by a number of hosts and hostesses, Koike said.

"In this way, they can pose whatever questions they have directly to a doctor and get easy-to-understand explanations," she said, with questions ranging from how to safely greet customers to where to go to take a PCR test.

Tokyo will also provide a service for workers to make enquiries over a messaging app, she said.

Tokyo`s jump in cases has accompanied a rise in testing to around 3,000 a day, and Economy Minister Nishimura said authorities needed to be even more aggressive to stamp out the surge.

Japan has had about 20,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 980 deaths.

Japanese host and hostess clubs must act quickly to ensure they abide by rules to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus after nightlife districts became new hot spots in a resurgence of infections, the economy minister said on Friday.

Japanese host and hostess clubs must act quickly to ensure they abide by rules to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus after nightlife districts became new hot spots in a resurgence of infections, the economy minister said on Friday. The call from Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, tasked with leading Japan`s pandemic response, came as Tokyo reported a record daily high of 243 new infections on Friday. Infections in the capital have been creeping up since the government lifted a state of emergency about a month ago, with the notorious Kabukicho red-light district becoming a major source of cases. "We need to take steps quickly," Nishimura told reporters. Also read: Japan: Theme parks instruct riders to keep their 'screams inside' and be 'serious' Clusters were first found among Kabukicho`s many host clubs, where smartly dressed young men entertain women customers over drinks, and then at the female equivalent hostess or "cabaret" clubs. Outbreaks have also been found in similar clubs in Ikebukuro`s red-light district, as well as in some cafes where women dress up as maids to entertain customers in the Akihabara electronics town. "Infections are coming out of host and cabaret clubs and it`s important to take firm measures there," Nishimura said. "We need to make sure they thoroughly follow guidelines." He did not elaborate on exactly what steps he wants the clubs to take but said he would meet experts and chiefs of the nightlife districts later on Friday to decide on measures. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who will also join the meeting, said the metropolis would step up efforts to educate nightlife workers, including through a new video that will be available on its website next week. At a media briefing, Koike showed a clip of the video in which a young host sits at a night club in one frame asking a doctor in the opposite frame, via video chat, what kind of symptoms young people could expect if they contracted the virus. The questions would be posed in relay form by a number of hosts and hostesses, Koike said. "In this way, they can pose whatever questions they have directly to a doctor and get easy-to-understand explanations," she said, with questions ranging from how to safely greet customers to where to go to take a PCR test. Tokyo will also provide a service for workers to make enquiries over a messaging app, she said. Tokyo`s jump in cases has accompanied a rise in testing to around 3,000 a day, and Economy Minister Nishimura said authorities needed to be even more aggressive to stamp out the surge. Japan has had about 20,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 980 deaths.

Japan nightclub 'hotspots' must follow coronavirus rules to stop spread: government

With an increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases despite a second lockdown, the Kazakh President is now getting frustrated with his cabinet.

On Saturday,&nbsp;Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said he may sack his whole cabinet if the second lockdown fails to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"It would raise questions about the government's ability to work in its current composition" if there is no improvement by the end of the lockdown, Tokayev's office quoted him as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unknown-pneumonia-deadlier-than-coronavirus-sweeping-across-kazakhstan-warns-chinese-embassy-312099">Also read:&nbsp;'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy</a>

Tokayev says the inability of the cabinet to handle the pandemic reflects poorly on the entire government. The statement came after the number of coronavirus cases rose to&nbsp;55,000, including 264 deaths. The country reported its highest daily spike of coronavirus cases on Thursday of 1,962 cases, and reduced to 1,726 on Friday.

The statement has also come after China alleged that the 'unknown pneumonia' in Kazakhistan is deadlier than the novel coronavirus.

He also ordered the cabinet to bring the crippling economy out of the downward spiral after the economy shrank by 1.8 per cent year-on-year in January-June due to the service sector being hit by the first lockdown in March-May.

Tokayev said the government would allocate an additional 150 billion tenge ($363 million) towards combating the COVID-19 outbreak and urged the central bank to lower its inflation target to 8.0-8.5% from 9.0-11.0% this year.&nbsp;

Along with the financial decisions, he has also&nbsp;permanently banned sales of agricultural land to foreigners, ending a long-running discussion about controversial land reform plans.

With an increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases despite a second lockdown, the Kazakh President is now getting frustrated with his cabinet. On Saturday, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said he may sack his whole cabinet if the second lockdown fails to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

With an increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases despite a second lockdown, the Kazakh President is now getting frustrated with his cabinet. On Saturday, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said he may sack his whole cabinet if the second lockdown fails to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. "It would raise questions about the government's ability to work in its current composition" if there is no improvement by the end of the lockdown, Tokayev's office quoted him as saying. Also read: 'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy Tokayev says the inability of the cabinet to handle the pandemic reflects poorly on the entire government. The statement came after the number of coronavirus cases rose to 55,000, including 264 deaths. The country reported its highest daily spike of coronavirus cases on Thursday of 1,962 cases, and reduced to 1,726 on Friday. The statement has also come after China alleged that the 'unknown pneumonia' in Kazakhistan is deadlier than the novel coronavirus. He also ordered the cabinet to bring the crippling economy out of the downward spiral after the economy shrank by 1.8 per cent year-on-year in January-June due to the service sector being hit by the first lockdown in March-May. Tokayev said the government would allocate an additional 150 billion tenge ($363 million) towards combating the COVID-19 outbreak and urged the central bank to lower its inflation target to 8.0-8.5% from 9.0-11.0% this year. Along with the financial decisions, he has also permanently banned sales of agricultural land to foreigners, ending a long-running discussion about controversial land reform plans.

Stop the spread or go home: Kazakh president threatens the entire cabinet

With a sudden increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the city, Hong Kong officials have asked the schools to suspend school and shift to online classes.

As the city reported 42 new cases on Thursday, the Hong Kong Education Bureau on Friday announced that all schools should be closed from Monday, and the classes should be shifted back to online teaching.

Out of the 42 new cases, 34 were locally transmitted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-deplores-australian-safe-haven-offer-to-hong-kongers-311927">Also read:&nbsp;China deplores Australian safe haven offer to Hong Kongers</a>

The&nbsp;Education Secretary Kevin Yeung said the decision was taken after it was observed that some of the recent cases were of students and parents.

Schools all over the city had been closed since February. However, some schools had now started reopening.&nbsp;Many international schools are already on summer break.

The total number of coronavirus cases has now increased to&nbsp;1,366, including seven people who lost their lives to the novel virus.

The city has been observing protests against the new infamous security law implemented on the city by China, which has been criticised for suppressing democratic voices. The protests, too, may have added to the spread of the infection, some believe.

With a sudden increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the city, Hong Kong officials have asked the schools to suspend school and shift to online classes. As the city reported 42 new cases on Thursday, the Hong Kong Education Bureau on Friday announced that all schools should be closed from Monday, and the classes should be shifted back to online teaching.

With a sudden increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the city, Hong Kong officials have asked the schools to suspend school and shift to online classes. As the city reported 42 new cases on Thursday, the Hong Kong Education Bureau on Friday announced that all schools should be closed from Monday, and the classes should be shifted back to online teaching. Out of the 42 new cases, 34 were locally transmitted. Also read: China deplores Australian safe haven offer to Hong Kongers The Education Secretary Kevin Yeung said the decision was taken after it was observed that some of the recent cases were of students and parents. Schools all over the city had been closed since February. However, some schools had now started reopening. Many international schools are already on summer break. The total number of coronavirus cases has now increased to 1,366, including seven people who lost their lives to the novel virus. The city has been observing protests against the new infamous security law implemented on the city by China, which has been criticised for suppressing democratic voices. The protests, too, may have added to the spread of the infection, some believe.

Hong Kong to close schools amid rise in COVID-19 cases

The coronavirus death toll in Pakistan crossed the 5,000-mark on Friday with 75 new fatalities, the health ministry said. 
According to the Ministry of National Health Services, another 2,751 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the national tally to 243,599.

The ministry data showed that Sindh became the first province of the country where the number of coronavirus patients crossed the 100,000-mark.

The ministry reported that 5,058 patients have died while 149,092 recovered while another 2,375 were in critical condition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-hit-pak-fm-qureshi-dismisses-reports-of-his-death-as-false-news-312071">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-hit Pak FM Qureshi dismisses reports of his death as 'false news'</a>

Out of the total 243,599 infections, Sindh reported 100,900 cases, Punjab 85,261, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 29,406, Islamabad, 13,829, Balochistan 11,099, Gilgit-Baltistan 1,619 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 1,485 cases.

A total of 1,514,858 coronavirus tests have been conducted, including 23,255 in the last 24 hours.

Minister for Planning Asad Umar has said that people adopted standard operating procedures and precautionary measures due to which the number of coronavirus cases have decreased to great extent.

Radio Pakistan reported that Umar told a private news channel that the government has taken solid steps and also instructed the masses to strictly follow Standard Of Procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of the COVID-19. 
The minister said all the stakeholders were effectively working and devising strategies to combat the pandemic.

He hoped that people would follow the SOPs set by the government in connection with Eid-ul-Azha, which is in August 12, to contain the spread of outbreak.

The coronavirus death toll in Pakistan crossed the 5,000-mark on Friday with 75 new fatalities, the health ministry said. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, another 2,751 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the national tally to 243,599.

The coronavirus death toll in Pakistan crossed the 5,000-mark on Friday with 75 new fatalities, the health ministry said. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, another 2,751 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the national tally to 243,599. The ministry data showed that Sindh became the first province of the country where the number of coronavirus patients crossed the 100,000-mark. The ministry reported that 5,058 patients have died while 149,092 recovered while another 2,375 were in critical condition. Also read: COVID-hit Pak FM Qureshi dismisses reports of his death as 'false news' Out of the total 243,599 infections, Sindh reported 100,900 cases, Punjab 85,261, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 29,406, Islamabad, 13,829, Balochistan 11,099, Gilgit-Baltistan 1,619 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 1,485 cases. A total of 1,514,858 coronavirus tests have been conducted, including 23,255 in the last 24 hours. Minister for Planning Asad Umar has said that people adopted standard operating procedures and precautionary measures due to which the number of coronavirus cases have decreased to great extent. Radio Pakistan reported that Umar told a private news channel that the government has taken solid steps and also instructed the masses to strictly follow Standard Of Procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of the COVID-19. The minister said all the stakeholders were effectively working and devising strategies to combat the pandemic. He hoped that people would follow the SOPs set by the government in connection with Eid-ul-Azha, which is in August 12, to contain the spread of outbreak.

Coronavirus death toll in Pakistan crosses 5,000-mark

Boom Supersonic jet Overture to begin test flights in 2021

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order with the aim of providing better access and quality of education and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

"The executive order I will sign in a few moments will expand our efforts across all of federal government to deliver educational and economic opportunity for Hispanic Americans," Trump said at the White House.

This order will help improve the access to educational, training and economic opportunities for Hispanic American students. Under this program, the Hispanic American students will be provided with better school choice, personalized learning, family engagement, civics education, and pathways to in-demand jobs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/challenging-trump-on-economy-biden-unveils-700-bn-recovery-plan-312141">Also read:&nbsp;Challenging Trump on economy, Biden unveils $700 bn recovery plan</a>

The executive order also establishes the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative and Interagency Working Group. It also creates the President`s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity.

The signing of order, so close to elections, is being seen as a move to get more votes from the community, as a poll conducted by&nbsp;&nbsp;Quinnipiac University last month had revealed that almost&nbsp;57 per cent of Hispanic voters in the United States support former Vice President Joe Biden, while only 31 per cent support Trump.

However, Biden has now lost 9 per cent points compared to a previous poll conducted by the organisation while Trump gained 3 per cent points.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order with the aim of providing better access and quality of education and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order with the aim of providing better access and quality of education and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans. "The executive order I will sign in a few moments will expand our efforts across all of federal government to deliver educational and economic opportunity for Hispanic Americans," Trump said at the White House. This order will help improve the access to educational, training and economic opportunities for Hispanic American students. Under this program, the Hispanic American students will be provided with better school choice, personalized learning, family engagement, civics education, and pathways to in-demand jobs. Also read: Challenging Trump on economy, Biden unveils $700 bn recovery plan The executive order also establishes the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative and Interagency Working Group. It also creates the President`s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity. The signing of order, so close to elections, is being seen as a move to get more votes from the community, as a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University last month had revealed that almost 57 per cent of Hispanic voters in the United States support former Vice President Joe Biden, while only 31 per cent support Trump. However, Biden has now lost 9 per cent points compared to a previous poll conducted by the organisation while Trump gained 3 per cent points.

Trump signs order for better educational and economical opportunities for Hispanic Americans

A rare colony of birds in New Zealand has suddenly gone missing, and the scientists seem to have no clue about this sudden disappearance.

Shore plover, or tūturuatu, are the world's rarest plover. After surviving for almost 100 years in a remote colony on the Chatham Islands, 650km west of New Zealand,The colony could now be found on Mana&nbsp;Island. However, the disappearance has now baffled the experts.&nbsp;

Half of the population of these birds was earlier wiped out by a single rat, and the rest died due to complications. To make sure the birds survive this time, experts waited till the pest problem was resolved.&nbsp;

In the April and May months of 2020, experts transported few birds to the island again. However, the birds have now vanished yet again. As the birds did not have a tracking device -- they were only colour-branded -- the experts have no concrete answer of the reason.&nbsp;

The experts have said it seems that&nbsp;nearly the entire population has either&nbsp;been killed by avian predators such as rūrū, or have flown off to the mainland. That is all that the experts know, as of now.

Out of the 29 transported birds, 26 have vanished, while three were tracked to Plimmerton beach on the mainland, after a search and recovery team had been established to find the missing birds.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) have claimed that they are still looking into this "frustrating disappearances", and are not sure what can be leading to the birds flying off. Calling it "frustrating" the Shore Plover Recovery Group Leader, Dave Houston, said a lot of time, money and resources have been invested in relocating this colony of birds and therefore the disappearance is frustrating for the department.

"The birds haven’t stayed at home like we hoped they would,” Houston told a media house.

“We honestly don’t know what is making them leave; but it could be that a single bird decided to fly to the mainland and everyone else followed them – it could be random behaviour, we’re not sure,” he continued.

A rare colony of birds in New Zealand has suddenly gone missing, and the scientists seem to have no clue about this sudden disappearance. Shore plover, or tūturuatu, are the world's rarest plover.

A rare colony of birds in New Zealand has suddenly gone missing, and the scientists seem to have no clue about this sudden disappearance. Shore plover, or tūturuatu, are the world's rarest plover. After surviving for almost 100 years in a remote colony on the Chatham Islands, 650km west of New Zealand,The colony could now be found on Mana Island. However, the disappearance has now baffled the experts. Half of the population of these birds was earlier wiped out by a single rat, and the rest died due to complications. To make sure the birds survive this time, experts waited till the pest problem was resolved. In the April and May months of 2020, experts transported few birds to the island again. However, the birds have now vanished yet again. As the birds did not have a tracking device -- they were only colour-branded -- the experts have no concrete answer of the reason. The experts have said it seems that nearly the entire population has either been killed by avian predators such as rūrū, or have flown off to the mainland. That is all that the experts know, as of now. Out of the 29 transported birds, 26 have vanished, while three were tracked to Plimmerton beach on the mainland, after a search and recovery team had been established to find the missing birds. The Department of Conservation (DoC) have claimed that they are still looking into this "frustrating disappearances", and are not sure what can be leading to the birds flying off. Calling it "frustrating" the Shore Plover Recovery Group Leader, Dave Houston, said a lot of time, money and resources have been invested in relocating this colony of birds and therefore the disappearance is frustrating for the department. "The birds haven’t stayed at home like we hoped they would,” Houston told a media house. “We honestly don’t know what is making them leave; but it could be that a single bird decided to fly to the mainland and everyone else followed them – it could be random behaviour, we’re not sure,” he continued.

Rare species of birds goes missing in New Zealand; experts unsure about reasons of this 'frustrating' disappearance

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the Egyptian government to stop harassing the US citizens residing in Egypt.

The statement came after Egypt released&nbsp;Mohamed Amashah, an American medical student, after being locked up in Egyptian prison for nearly 16 months.

Amashah was&nbsp;arrested in Cairo's Tahrir Square for holding up a sign seeking the release of prisoners, according to human rights campaigners. He is a dual-citizen of the US and Egypt but resides in New Jersey. He was released from the Egyptian prison on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/egypt-welcomes-tourists-to-pyramids-after-covid-19-closure-310337">Also watch:Egypt welcomes tourists to pyramids after COVID-19 closure</a>

"We thank Egypt for securing his release and his repatriation," Pompeo told a news conference.

"But at the same time, we urge Egyptian officials to stop unwarranted harassment of US citizens and their families who remain there," he said.

Pompeo issued the statement after a group of foreign policy experts urged him to warn the Egyptian government against the ongoing harassment of the US citizens and even the Egyptian journalists and activists. The group had asked Pompeo to make it clear to the Egyptian government that all sort of aids, including military aid, will be at stake if Egypt does not stop the harassment.

"As the Trump administration tries to hold Iran and China to account for their reckless and dangerous abuses of human rights, we hope that you will hold Egypt to the same standards," said the working group on Egypt organized under the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Continued mass violations of human rights increase the prospect of instability in Egypt and threaten US national security interests," they wrote.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the Egyptian government to stop harassing the US citizens residing in Egypt. The statement came after Egypt released Mohamed Amashah, an American medical student, after being locked up in Egyptian prison for nearly 16 months.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the Egyptian government to stop harassing the US citizens residing in Egypt. The statement came after Egypt released Mohamed Amashah, an American medical student, after being locked up in Egyptian prison for nearly 16 months. Amashah was arrested in Cairo's Tahrir Square for holding up a sign seeking the release of prisoners, according to human rights campaigners. He is a dual-citizen of the US and Egypt but resides in New Jersey. He was released from the Egyptian prison on Monday. Also watch:Egypt welcomes tourists to pyramids after COVID-19 closure "We thank Egypt for securing his release and his repatriation," Pompeo told a news conference. "But at the same time, we urge Egyptian officials to stop unwarranted harassment of US citizens and their families who remain there," he said. Pompeo issued the statement after a group of foreign policy experts urged him to warn the Egyptian government against the ongoing harassment of the US citizens and even the Egyptian journalists and activists. The group had asked Pompeo to make it clear to the Egyptian government that all sort of aids, including military aid, will be at stake if Egypt does not stop the harassment. "As the Trump administration tries to hold Iran and China to account for their reckless and dangerous abuses of human rights, we hope that you will hold Egypt to the same standards," said the working group on Egypt organized under the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "Continued mass violations of human rights increase the prospect of instability in Egypt and threaten US national security interests," they wrote.

Stop harassing US citizens in Egypt: Mike Pompeo warns Egypt after release of American student

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