War, hunger and pandemic --&nbsp;Yemen is facing the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It is the most needy place on earth right now. Yemen is&nbsp;completely devasted by conflict.

Millions have no access to food, healthcare, clean water or sanitation. It's a festering pool of coronavirus infections.

In a country ravaged by war, the true scale of the pandemic is beyond comprehension. The United Nations (UN) says the death toll could surpass 100,000. That is more than the combined death toll of war, disease, and hunger in Yemen over the last five years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/millions-of-yemeni-children-face-threat-of-starvation-309148">Also watch:&nbsp;Millions of Yemeni children face threat of starvation</a>

The COVID-19 mortality rate is five times the global average.&nbsp;One out of five people infected by the virus is dying. Five years of war has decimated the healthcare system. Nearly half of Yemen's 3,500 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed in air strikes. Clinics are overcrowded without basic medicines and equipment.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-yemen-collapses-under-pandemic-strain-310589/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a country of 27.5 million people, only 500 ventilators and 700 intensive care units are available. Even before the pandemic, Yemen faced a health crisis with mounting cases of dengue, malaria and cholera. Now, it has become worse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-led-coalition-starts-military-operation-against-yemens-houthis-310372">Also watch:&nbsp;Saudi-led coalition starts military operation against Yemen's Houthis</a>

The UN is not able to do much due to lack of funds. It has warned that most of its relief programs will be suspended in the coming weeks.

"More than 30 of the 41 UN-supported programmes in Yemen will close in the coming weeks if additional funds are not secured. Now, more than ever, the country needs the outside world's help, and it's not really getting it."

In early June,&nbsp;the UN raised the alarm and received 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Yemen, which is just half of what it got last year.

For Yemen, which entirely depends on aid to survive, this is detrimental as 80 per cent of the population relies on handouts.

Over two million children suffer malnutrition and&nbsp;could be pushed to the brink of starvation.&nbsp;

The war has turned Yemen into middle-east's poorest nation. Northern Yemen is held by Saudi Arabia-backed government and southern Yemen is ruled by the Houthi militants with the help of Iran.

The civil war has left millions unemployed. Now, 80 per cent of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance but the two warring sides are blocking vital food and medical aid.

Yemen is a failed state without a central government in charge.

War, hunger and pandemic -- Yemen is facing the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It is the most needy place on earth right now. Yemen is completely devasted by conflict.

War, hunger and pandemic -- Yemen is facing the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It is the most needy place on earth right now. Yemen is completely devasted by conflict. Millions have no access to food, healthcare, clean water or sanitation. It's a festering pool of coronavirus infections. In a country ravaged by war, the true scale of the pandemic is beyond comprehension. The United Nations (UN) says the death toll could surpass 100,000. That is more than the combined death toll of war, disease, and hunger in Yemen over the last five years. Also watch: Millions of Yemeni children face threat of starvation The COVID-19 mortality rate is five times the global average. One out of five people infected by the virus is dying. Five years of war has decimated the healthcare system. Nearly half of Yemen's 3,500 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed in air strikes. Clinics are overcrowded without basic medicines and equipment. In a country of 27.5 million people, only 500 ventilators and 700 intensive care units are available. Even before the pandemic, Yemen faced a health crisis with mounting cases of dengue, malaria and cholera. Now, it has become worse. Also watch: Saudi-led coalition starts military operation against Yemen's Houthis The UN is not able to do much due to lack of funds. It has warned that most of its relief programs will be suspended in the coming weeks. "More than 30 of the 41 UN-supported programmes in Yemen will close in the coming weeks if additional funds are not secured. Now, more than ever, the country needs the outside world's help, and it's not really getting it." In early June, the UN raised the alarm and received 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Yemen, which is just half of what it got last year. For Yemen, which entirely depends on aid to survive, this is detrimental as 80 per cent of the population relies on handouts. Over two million children suffer malnutrition and could be pushed to the brink of starvation. The war has turned Yemen into middle-east's poorest nation. Northern Yemen is held by Saudi Arabia-backed government and southern Yemen is ruled by the Houthi militants with the help of Iran. The civil war has left millions unemployed. Now, 80 per cent of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance but the two warring sides are blocking vital food and medical aid. Yemen is a failed state without a central government in charge.

Yemen's humanitarian crisis becomes worse; death toll may cross 100,000

Two Somalian cities had explosions on Saturday, one in Mogadishu and the second one in Baidoa. The explosions have left several people wounded and at least four people dead.

Officials said a suicide car bomber detonated near the port in Mogadishu. The bomb detonated near the gates of the motor vehicle imports duty authority headquarters.&nbsp;The bomber sped through the first security checkpoint before police officers opened fire at the vehicle which exploded outside the gates, Ismail Mukhtar, spokesman for Somalia's information ministry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somaliland-next-to-chinas-only-military-base-in-indian-ocean-establishes-ties-with-taiwan-310704">Also read:&nbsp;Somaliland, next to China's only military base in Indian Ocean establishes ties with Taiwan</a>

Another blast followed at a land mine in a restaurant on the outskirts of&nbsp;Baidoa while miners were dining during the rush hours.

Ali Abdullahi, an official with the Southwestern regional state, informed the media that the blast in Baidoa was detonated through a remote control during the rush hour. Several other people are wounded, he said.

While no group has claimed responsibility yet for the attacks, experts believe that this might be another attack by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group, as the group&nbsp;has targeted the city in the past too.

Five policemen have also been injured in the blasts, informed Sadik Aden Ali, spokesman for Somalia's police force.

Two Somalian cities had explosions on Saturday, one in Mogadishu and the second one in Baidoa. The explosions have left several people wounded and at least four people dead.

Two Somalian cities had explosions on Saturday, one in Mogadishu and the second one in Baidoa. The explosions have left several people wounded and at least four people dead. Officials said a suicide car bomber detonated near the port in Mogadishu. The bomb detonated near the gates of the motor vehicle imports duty authority headquarters. The bomber sped through the first security checkpoint before police officers opened fire at the vehicle which exploded outside the gates, Ismail Mukhtar, spokesman for Somalia's information ministry. Also read: Somaliland, next to China's only military base in Indian Ocean establishes ties with Taiwan Another blast followed at a land mine in a restaurant on the outskirts of Baidoa while miners were dining during the rush hours. Ali Abdullahi, an official with the Southwestern regional state, informed the media that the blast in Baidoa was detonated through a remote control during the rush hour. Several other people are wounded, he said. While no group has claimed responsibility yet for the attacks, experts believe that this might be another attack by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group, as the group has targeted the city in the past too. Five policemen have also been injured in the blasts, informed Sadik Aden Ali, spokesman for Somalia's police force.

Two explosions rock Somalian cities; 4 dead, several injured

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched `Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge` to facilitate the techies and start-up community to create world-class Made in India Apps.

The challenge is an endeavour of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Atal Innovation Mission. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister said that there is immense enthusiasm among the tech and start-up community to create world class Made in India Apps.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinablockswion-readers-stand-in-solidarity-with-us-310490">Also read|&nbsp;#ChinaBlocksWION: Readers stand in solidarity with us</a>

"Today there is immense enthusiasm among the tech &amp; start-up community to create world class Made in India Apps. To facilitate their ideas and products @GoI_MeitY and @AIMtoInnovate are launching the Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge," he tweeted.

In another tweet, Prime Minister Modi urged tech community to participate. "This challenge is for you if you have such a working product or if you feel you have the vision and expertise to create such products. I urge all my friends in the tech community to participate. Sharing my thoughts in my @LinkedIn post," he tweeted attaching LinkedIn post.

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This challenge is for you if you have such a working product or if you feel you have the vision and expertise to create such products. I urge all my friends in the tech community to participate. 
 
Sharing my thoughts in my <a href="https://twitter.com/LinkedIn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LinkedIn</a> post. <a href="https://t.co/aO5cMYi4SH">https://t.co/aO5cMYi4SH</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1279353810897387520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In his LinkedIn post, PM Modi wrote, "Nowadays, we are seeing huge interest and enthusiasm among the start-up and tech ecosystem to innovate, develop and promote homegrown apps. Today, when the entire nation is working towards creating an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it is a good opportunity to give direction to their efforts, momentum to their hard-work and mentorship to their talent to evolve Apps which can satisfy our market as well as compete with the world."

He wrote that this challenge will run in two tracks--Promotion of existing apps and development of new apps.

"Track-01 will work in mission mode for identifying good quality Apps for the leader-board and shall be completed in around a month. Track-02 initiative will work to help create new champions in India by providing support in ideation, incubation, prototyping and roll out along with market access," he wrote in the post.

The outcome of this challenge will be to give better visibility and clarity to existing Apps to achieve their goals, and to create tech products to find solutions to tech conundrums with the help of mentorship, tech support and guidance during the entire life-cycle, he wrote.

Prime Minister Modi in his post said that there is tremendous scope among these sectors for new Apps that solve specific issues for India and the world."Can we think of making traditional Indian games more popular via Apps? Can we develop Apps with targeted and smart access to the right age group for learning, gaming, etc? Can we develop gaming apps for people in rehabilitation or getting counselling to help them in their journey? There are many such questions and technology alone can give answers in a creative manner," said PM Modi.

Recently, the government has banned 59 mobile apps linked to China including Tik Tok, UC Browser, Helo, YouCam makeup and Mi Community in view of the information available that they are engaged in activities which are "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity and defence" of the country.

Almost all the apps banned on Monday have some preferential Chinese interest and the majority have parent Chinese companies.The ban came amid border tensions with China in Eastern Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched `Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge` to facilitate the techies and start-up community to create world-class Made in India Apps.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched `Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge` to facilitate the techies and start-up community to create world-class Made in India Apps. The challenge is an endeavour of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Atal Innovation Mission. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister said that there is immense enthusiasm among the tech and start-up community to create world class Made in India Apps. Also read| #ChinaBlocksWION: Readers stand in solidarity with us "Today there is immense enthusiasm among the tech & start-up community to create world class Made in India Apps. To facilitate their ideas and products @GoI_MeitY and @AIMtoInnovate are launching the Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge," he tweeted. In another tweet, Prime Minister Modi urged tech community to participate. "This challenge is for you if you have such a working product or if you feel you have the vision and expertise to create such products. I urge all my friends in the tech community to participate. Sharing my thoughts in my @LinkedIn post," he tweeted attaching LinkedIn post. This challenge is for you if you have such a working product or if you feel you have the vision and expertise to create such products. I urge all my friends in the tech community to participate. Sharing my thoughts in my @LinkedIn post. https://t.co/aO5cMYi4SH — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2020 × In his LinkedIn post, PM Modi wrote, "Nowadays, we are seeing huge interest and enthusiasm among the start-up and tech ecosystem to innovate, develop and promote homegrown apps. Today, when the entire nation is working towards creating an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it is a good opportunity to give direction to their efforts, momentum to their hard-work and mentorship to their talent to evolve Apps which can satisfy our market as well as compete with the world." He wrote that this challenge will run in two tracks--Promotion of existing apps and development of new apps. "Track-01 will work in mission mode for identifying good quality Apps for the leader-board and shall be completed in around a month. Track-02 initiative will work to help create new champions in India by providing support in ideation, incubation, prototyping and roll out along with market access," he wrote in the post. The outcome of this challenge will be to give better visibility and clarity to existing Apps to achieve their goals, and to create tech products to find solutions to tech conundrums with the help of mentorship, tech support and guidance during the entire life-cycle, he wrote. Prime Minister Modi in his post said that there is tremendous scope among these sectors for new Apps that solve specific issues for India and the world."Can we think of making traditional Indian games more popular via Apps? Can we develop Apps with targeted and smart access to the right age group for learning, gaming, etc? Can we develop gaming apps for people in rehabilitation or getting counselling to help them in their journey? There are many such questions and technology alone can give answers in a creative manner," said PM Modi. Recently, the government has banned 59 mobile apps linked to China including Tik Tok, UC Browser, Helo, YouCam makeup and Mi Community in view of the information available that they are engaged in activities which are "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity and defence" of the country. Almost all the apps banned on Monday have some preferential Chinese interest and the majority have parent Chinese companies.The ban came amid border tensions with China in Eastern Ladakh.

PM Modi launches 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge' for techies, start-up community

Italy police on Saturday has busted a child pornography ring which circulated illicit material through an instant messaging platform, which has not been named yet.

On Saturday, the Italian police slammed opened dozens of doors with arrest warrants, after putting together intel received through various sources.

As of Saturday morning, three people have been arrested and 50 people are under investigation for participation and possession of "huge quantities of pornographic material depicting minors." The officials also added that some of the pictures were also of newborn babies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spike-in-child-pornography-consumption-in-india-during-lockdown-period-294879">Also watch:&nbsp;Spike in child pornography consumption in India during lockdown period</a>

The officials have confirmed that they found horrible nude pictures of minors, including newborns, and other "horrifying content, depicting actual sexual violence where the victims were often newborns."

It has also been stated that the circulation was going through an instant messaging application. Although the name of the application has not been confirmed, the officials have stated that the application is well-known.

The Italy police also thanked the Canadian organization, the National Child Exploitation Coordination Center, who helped the officials track down and bust this rung.

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy police on Saturday has busted a child pornography ring which circulated illicit material through an instant messaging platform, which has not been named yet.

Italy police on Saturday has busted a child pornography ring which circulated illicit material through an instant messaging platform, which has not been named yet. On Saturday, the Italian police slammed opened dozens of doors with arrest warrants, after putting together intel received through various sources. As of Saturday morning, three people have been arrested and 50 people are under investigation for participation and possession of "huge quantities of pornographic material depicting minors." The officials also added that some of the pictures were also of newborn babies. Also watch: Spike in child pornography consumption in India during lockdown period The officials have confirmed that they found horrible nude pictures of minors, including newborns, and other "horrifying content, depicting actual sexual violence where the victims were often newborns." It has also been stated that the circulation was going through an instant messaging application. Although the name of the application has not been confirmed, the officials have stated that the application is well-known. The Italy police also thanked the Canadian organization, the National Child Exploitation Coordination Center, who helped the officials track down and bust this rung. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian police bust child pornography ring; 50 people under investigation

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan have risen to 2,25,283 while the fatalities related to the deadly virus in the country stand at 4,619.

According to latest figures available on Dawn, 125,094 people have recovered. So far Sindh has reported 90,721 cases of coronavirus while 80,297 cases have been recorded in Punjab so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-vows-to-finish-cpec-corridor-at-any-cost-amid-rising-domestic-issues-310688">Also read:&nbsp;Imran Khan vows to finish CPEC corridor 'at any cost' amid rising domestic issues</a>

Islamabad and the federal territories collectively reported 163 new cases and two deaths, the government`s Covid-19 portal said.Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had on Friday announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and said he will carry on his duties from home.

"This afternoon, I felt a slight fever and immediately quarantined myself at home. I have now tested positive for COVID-19. By the grace of Allah, I feel strong and energetic. I will continue to carry on my duties from home. Please keep me in your prayers," Qureshi said in a tweet.

According to a Dawn report several politicians, including members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have been diagnosed with the virus over the past few months as the infection continues to spread in Pakistan.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan have risen to 2,25,283 while the fatalities related to the deadly virus in the country stand at 4,619. According to latest figures available on Dawn, 125,094 people have recovered.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan have risen to 2,25,283 while the fatalities related to the deadly virus in the country stand at 4,619. According to latest figures available on Dawn, 125,094 people have recovered. So far Sindh has reported 90,721 cases of coronavirus while 80,297 cases have been recorded in Punjab so far. Also read: Imran Khan vows to finish CPEC corridor 'at any cost' amid rising domestic issues Islamabad and the federal territories collectively reported 163 new cases and two deaths, the government`s Covid-19 portal said.Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had on Friday announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and said he will carry on his duties from home. "This afternoon, I felt a slight fever and immediately quarantined myself at home. I have now tested positive for COVID-19. By the grace of Allah, I feel strong and energetic. I will continue to carry on my duties from home. Please keep me in your prayers," Qureshi said in a tweet. According to a Dawn report several politicians, including members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have been diagnosed with the virus over the past few months as the infection continues to spread in Pakistan.

COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rise to 225,283; fatalities stand at 4,619

Amid rising coronavirus cases and a crippling economy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed that his government will complete the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project "at any cost".

The project, which is a USD 60 billion project is being seen as a manifestation of the all-weather friendship between the two Asian countries, Pakistan and China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-enormous-ambition-is-leading-his-country-to-ruin-310580">Also read:&nbsp;Xi Jinping's enormous ambition is leading his country to ruin</a>

Imran Khan believes this project is an important step in the socio-economic development and the "gigantic multi-faceted initiative would guarantee a bright future for the nation", he said in CPEC review meeting.

"The corridor is a manifestation of Pakistan-China friendship and the government will complete it at any cost and bring its fruit to every Pakistani," Khan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-guilty-of-forced-labour-under-horrendous-conditions-on-bri-project-us-report-308661">Also read:&nbsp;China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report</a>

While praising the efforts of the ongoing developments of the project, he urged the officials and workers to increase the productivity of the project.

The comments has come a day after the Chinese Foriegn Minister Wang Yi discussed the developments of the CPEC projects with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi during a phone conversation.

The CPEC will connect Pakistan's&nbsp;Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, and is one of the first projects under Pakistan's&nbsp;Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China's BRI has been under the magnifying glass of criticism as experts and country leaders feel that this is a way of China expanding it;s control over foreign lands, and this way China is reeling&nbsp;smaller countries under mounting Chinese debt after Sri Lanka gave its Hambantota port in a debt swap to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease.

Amid rising coronavirus cases and a crippling economy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed that his government will complete the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project "at any cost".

Amid rising coronavirus cases and a crippling economy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed that his government will complete the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project "at any cost". The project, which is a USD 60 billion project is being seen as a manifestation of the all-weather friendship between the two Asian countries, Pakistan and China. Also read: Xi Jinping's enormous ambition is leading his country to ruin Imran Khan believes this project is an important step in the socio-economic development and the "gigantic multi-faceted initiative would guarantee a bright future for the nation", he said in CPEC review meeting. "The corridor is a manifestation of Pakistan-China friendship and the government will complete it at any cost and bring its fruit to every Pakistani," Khan said. Also read: China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report While praising the efforts of the ongoing developments of the project, he urged the officials and workers to increase the productivity of the project. The comments has come a day after the Chinese Foriegn Minister Wang Yi discussed the developments of the CPEC projects with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi during a phone conversation. The CPEC will connect Pakistan's Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, and is one of the first projects under Pakistan's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China's BRI has been under the magnifying glass of criticism as experts and country leaders feel that this is a way of China expanding it;s control over foreign lands, and this way China is reeling smaller countries under mounting Chinese debt after Sri Lanka gave its Hambantota port in a debt swap to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease.

Imran Khan vows to finish CPEC corridor 'at any cost' amid rising domestic issues

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that&nbsp;1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking.

It has now been announced on Saturday by&nbsp;Philippines Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that&nbsp;Wirecard's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek did not arrive on the island, as it was earlier documented.

It has been revealed that the immigration documents for Marsalek entering&nbsp;in the Philippines on June 23 and departing for China the next day were falsified.

The officials who are suspects of falsifying this information have been fired from the job and are under investigation, as of now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/total-disaster-after-germanys-wirecard-claims-21b-was-never-there-307680">Also read:&nbsp;'Total disaster' after Germany's Wirecard claims $2.1b was 'never there'</a>

"The investigation has now turned to persons who made the false entries in the database, their motives and their cohorts," Guevarra told reporters.

However, he added, "Notwithstanding the Bureau of Immigration report, I do not totally discount the possibility that Marsalek may be in the Philippines. We are an island country, and there are backdoors through which undocumented foreigners may slip through," he said.

Marsalek has an arrest warrant issued on his name, but he has been in hiding since the day the warrant was issued. Warrants were issued against ex-CEO Markus Braun and Marsalek on June 22. While Braun turned himself in that day, Marsalek disappeared without a trace and has not made any known contact since then.

The warrants have been issued for the investigation against the&nbsp;missing money and the alleged global fraud that took place through Wirecard.

Marsalek's lawyer has declined all requests for comment.

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that 1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking.

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that 1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking. It has now been announced on Saturday by Philippines Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that Wirecard's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek did not arrive on the island, as it was earlier documented. It has been revealed that the immigration documents for Marsalek entering in the Philippines on June 23 and departing for China the next day were falsified. The officials who are suspects of falsifying this information have been fired from the job and are under investigation, as of now. Also read: 'Total disaster' after Germany's Wirecard claims $2.1b was 'never there' "The investigation has now turned to persons who made the false entries in the database, their motives and their cohorts," Guevarra told reporters. However, he added, "Notwithstanding the Bureau of Immigration report, I do not totally discount the possibility that Marsalek may be in the Philippines. We are an island country, and there are backdoors through which undocumented foreigners may slip through," he said. Marsalek has an arrest warrant issued on his name, but he has been in hiding since the day the warrant was issued. Warrants were issued against ex-CEO Markus Braun and Marsalek on June 22. While Braun turned himself in that day, Marsalek disappeared without a trace and has not made any known contact since then. The warrants have been issued for the investigation against the missing money and the alleged global fraud that took place through Wirecard. Marsalek's lawyer has declined all requests for comment.

Wirecard fraud: Ex-COO Marsalek's immigration papers in Philippines were faked

Two local Pakistan TV reporters were tortured for a coronavirus centre in the southwestern Balochistan province, reported Reporters Without Borders (RWF/RSF).

According to a report by Reporters Without Borders,&nbsp;Saeed Ali Achakzai, a reporter for the Urdu-language Samaa News TV, and Abdul Mateen Achakzai, a reporter for the Pashtun-language Khyber News TV went missing for three days.

The two reporters were called to the&nbsp;Frontier Corps command centre in Chaman, a city near the Afghan border. The two reporters reappeared after three days, but with torture marks on their bodies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-blacklists-pakistani-organiser-of-bollywood-events-in-houston-310374">Also read:&nbsp;India blacklists Pakistani organiser of Bollywood events in Houston</a>

"We were blindfolded and taken to a place where we were handed over to the Anti-Terrorism Force that is operated by the Balochistan Levies, and the ATF took us to the notorious Machh prison and tortured us there to the point that you can see signs of the torture on our back," Abdul Mateen Achakzai said.

"We had been getting WhatsApp messages threatening us with arrest, because the deputy commissioner and paramilitary force commanders were unhappy with our coverage of a public protest against the poor facilities at the quarantine centre," he added.

The&nbsp;Reporters Without Borders issued a report on June 20.

With the report, the RSF officials have called on the Balochistan Chief Minister to start an enquiry into the abduction and torture.

"It is absolutely unacceptable that representatives of the security forces should commit acts of torture simply because they didn`t like what these two journalists reported. We call on Balochistan chief minister Jam Kamal Khan to order a judicial enquiry into those responsible for their abduction so that this shocking press freedom violation does not remain unpunished. The credibility of the rule of law in Pakistan is at stake," said&nbsp;Daniel Bastard, head of RSF`s Asia-Pacific desk.

Daniel also added that that journalists in several areas of Pakistan, especially Chaman region, have been subjected to such tortures earlier too. According to the RSF`s 2020 World Press Freedom Index, Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two local Pakistan TV reporters were tortured for a coronavirus centre in the southwestern Balochistan province, reported Reporters Without Borders (RWF/RSF). According to a report by Reporters Without Borders, Saeed Ali Achakzai, a reporter for the Urdu-language Samaa News TV, and Abdul Mateen Achakzai, a reporter for the Pashtun-language Khyber News TV went missing for three days.

Two local Pakistan TV reporters were tortured for a coronavirus centre in the southwestern Balochistan province, reported Reporters Without Borders (RWF/RSF). According to a report by Reporters Without Borders, Saeed Ali Achakzai, a reporter for the Urdu-language Samaa News TV, and Abdul Mateen Achakzai, a reporter for the Pashtun-language Khyber News TV went missing for three days. The two reporters were called to the Frontier Corps command centre in Chaman, a city near the Afghan border. The two reporters reappeared after three days, but with torture marks on their bodies. Also read: India blacklists Pakistani organiser of Bollywood events in Houston "We were blindfolded and taken to a place where we were handed over to the Anti-Terrorism Force that is operated by the Balochistan Levies, and the ATF took us to the notorious Machh prison and tortured us there to the point that you can see signs of the torture on our back," Abdul Mateen Achakzai said. "We had been getting WhatsApp messages threatening us with arrest, because the deputy commissioner and paramilitary force commanders were unhappy with our coverage of a public protest against the poor facilities at the quarantine centre," he added. The Reporters Without Borders issued a report on June 20. With the report, the RSF officials have called on the Balochistan Chief Minister to start an enquiry into the abduction and torture. "It is absolutely unacceptable that representatives of the security forces should commit acts of torture simply because they didn`t like what these two journalists reported. We call on Balochistan chief minister Jam Kamal Khan to order a judicial enquiry into those responsible for their abduction so that this shocking press freedom violation does not remain unpunished. The credibility of the rule of law in Pakistan is at stake," said Daniel Bastard, head of RSF`s Asia-Pacific desk. Daniel also added that that journalists in several areas of Pakistan, especially Chaman region, have been subjected to such tortures earlier too. According to the RSF`s 2020 World Press Freedom Index, Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Pakistani journalists tortured for showing truth in Pakistan's quarantine centre

Malaysia`s aviation regulator has temporarily suspended pilots employed by domestic airlines who hold Pakistani licences, after the government of the South Asian nation revealed that many pilots had dubious qualifications.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said in a statement on Thursday that the decision came after an evaluation of all foreign pilots in Malaysia. The regulator told Reuters that there are less than 20 Pakistani pilots in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-airlines-ground-pakistani-pilots-over-reports-of-dubious-licences-310031">Also read:&nbsp;International airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'dubious licences'</a>

National carrier Malaysia Airlines said it does not have any Pakistani pilot, Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesia`s Lion Air, said it does not have any foreign pilots, and AirAsia said it does not have any Pakistani pilot. 
CAAM said the pilots were employed with “local operators”, such as flying schools, flying clubs and training organisations.

Pakistan last week grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. Pakistan has a total of 860 pilots, 107 of whom work for foreign airlines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-global-image-continues-to-worsen-pia-suspension-in-eu-latest-fallout-310309">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout</a>

Global concern has mounted since the announcement, with countries grounding Pakistan pilots and seeking to verify their credentials.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also suspended Pakistan International Airlines` authorisation to fly to the bloc for six months.

CAAM said it is making efforts with its Pakistani counterpart to verify the authenticity of the licence holders.

"Licence holders that are verified as valid by (the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority) will be reinstated immediately," it said.

Malaysia`s aviation regulator has temporarily suspended pilots employed by domestic airlines who hold Pakistani licences, after the government of the South Asian nation revealed that many pilots had dubious qualifications.

Malaysia`s aviation regulator has temporarily suspended pilots employed by domestic airlines who hold Pakistani licences, after the government of the South Asian nation revealed that many pilots had dubious qualifications. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said in a statement on Thursday that the decision came after an evaluation of all foreign pilots in Malaysia. The regulator told Reuters that there are less than 20 Pakistani pilots in the country. Also read: International airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'dubious licences' National carrier Malaysia Airlines said it does not have any Pakistani pilot, Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesia`s Lion Air, said it does not have any foreign pilots, and AirAsia said it does not have any Pakistani pilot. CAAM said the pilots were employed with “local operators”, such as flying schools, flying clubs and training organisations. Pakistan last week grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. Pakistan has a total of 860 pilots, 107 of whom work for foreign airlines. Also read: Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout Global concern has mounted since the announcement, with countries grounding Pakistan pilots and seeking to verify their credentials. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also suspended Pakistan International Airlines` authorisation to fly to the bloc for six months. CAAM said it is making efforts with its Pakistani counterpart to verify the authenticity of the licence holders. "Licence holders that are verified as valid by (the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority) will be reinstated immediately," it said.

Malaysia suspends Pakistan pilots after licence fraud revelation

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Friday he had tested positive for COVID-19, days after holding high profile meetings including one with U.S. special representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad.

"This afternoon I felt a slight fever and immediately quarantined myself at home," Qureshi said on Twitter. He said he felt healthy and would carry on his duties from home.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-global-image-continues-to-worsen-pia-suspension-in-eu-latest-fallout-310309">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout</a>

In the last few days, Qureshi has had contact with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in parliament and in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Qureshi also met Khalilzad on Wednesday when the U.S. special representative travelled to Pakistan to discuss progress on the Afghan peace process.

Pictures released from those meetings showed Qureshi and others wearing face masks.

Pakistan has reported 221,896 cases of the coronavirus and 4,451 deaths. The country has continued to see around 4,000 new cases on a daily basis, despite daily testing numbers falling.

A number of high officials have tested positive for COVID-19 in Pakistan, including Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed and the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Asad Qaiser.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Friday he had tested positive for COVID-19, days after holding high profile meetings including one with U.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Friday he had tested positive for COVID-19, days after holding high profile meetings including one with U.S. special representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in Islamabad. "This afternoon I felt a slight fever and immediately quarantined myself at home," Qureshi said on Twitter. He said he felt healthy and would carry on his duties from home. Also read: Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout In the last few days, Qureshi has had contact with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in parliament and in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Qureshi also met Khalilzad on Wednesday when the U.S. special representative travelled to Pakistan to discuss progress on the Afghan peace process. Pictures released from those meetings showed Qureshi and others wearing face masks. Pakistan has reported 221,896 cases of the coronavirus and 4,451 deaths. The country has continued to see around 4,000 new cases on a daily basis, despite daily testing numbers falling. A number of high officials have tested positive for COVID-19 in Pakistan, including Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed and the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Asad Qaiser.

Pakistani foreign minister tests positive for COVID-19

Almost 30 per cent of genome sequencing data from samples of the COVID-19 virus collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown signs of mutation, but there is no evidence this has led to more severe disease, a top WHO official said on Friday.

"I think it`s quite widespread," Soumya Swaminathan, WHO chief scientist, told Reuters on the sidelines of a briefing held by the U.N. journalists` association ACANU in Geneva.

The UN&nbsp;agency has so far collected 60,000 samples of the disease, she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-humanitarian-crisis-becomes-worse-death-toll-may-cross-100000-310555">Also read:&nbsp;Yemen's humanitarian crisis becomes worse; death toll may cross 100,000</a>

Scientists at Scripps Research this month found that by April the mutated virus accounted for some 65% of cases submitted from around the world to a major database.

The genetic mutation in the new coronavirus, designated D614G, significantly increases its ability to infect cells and may explain why outbreaks in northern Italy and New York were larger than ones seen earlier in the pandemic, they found in a study.

Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, said at Friday`s briefing the mutated strain had been identified as early as February and had been circulating in Europe and the Americas.

"So far, there is no evidence it leads to more severe disease," she said.

Almost 30 per cent of genome sequencing data from samples of the COVID-19 virus collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown signs of mutation, but there is no evidence this has led to more severe disease, a top WHO official said on Friday.

Almost 30 per cent of genome sequencing data from samples of the COVID-19 virus collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown signs of mutation, but there is no evidence this has led to more severe disease, a top WHO official said on Friday. "I think it`s quite widespread," Soumya Swaminathan, WHO chief scientist, told Reuters on the sidelines of a briefing held by the U.N. journalists` association ACANU in Geneva. The UN agency has so far collected 60,000 samples of the disease, she said. Also read: Yemen's humanitarian crisis becomes worse; death toll may cross 100,000 Scientists at Scripps Research this month found that by April the mutated virus accounted for some 65% of cases submitted from around the world to a major database. The genetic mutation in the new coronavirus, designated D614G, significantly increases its ability to infect cells and may explain why outbreaks in northern Italy and New York were larger than ones seen earlier in the pandemic, they found in a study. Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, said at Friday`s briefing the mutated strain had been identified as early as February and had been circulating in Europe and the Americas. "So far, there is no evidence it leads to more severe disease," she said.

Almost a third of COVID-19 samples show mutation, but not worse disease: WHO

Iran will retaliate against any country that carries out cyber attacks on its nuclear sites, the head of civilian defence said, after a fire at its Natanz plant which some Iranian officials said may have been caused by cyber sabotage.

The Natanz uranium-enrichment site, much of which is underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Iran`s top security body said on Friday that the cause of the "incident" at the nuclear site had been determined, but "due to security considerations" it would be announced at a convenient time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-government-boosts-cyber-security-after-state-backed-attacks-309605">Also read:&nbsp;Australian government boosts cyber security after state-backed attacks</a>

Iran`s Atomic Energy Organisation initially reported an "incident" had occurred early on Thursday at Natanz, located in the desert in the central province of Isfahan.

It later published a photo of a one-storey brick building with its roof and walls partly burned. A door hanging off its hinges suggested that there had been an explosion inside the building.

"Responding to cyber attacks is part of the country`s defence might. If it is proven that our country has been targeted by a cyber attack, we will respond," civil defence chief Gholamreza Jalali told state TV late on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-sees-china-as-main-suspect-in-state-based-cyberattacks-says-report-307077">Also read:&nbsp;Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report</a>

An article issued on Thursday by state news agency IRNA addressed what it called the possibility of sabotage by enemies such as Israel and the United States, although it stopped short of accusing either directly.

"So far Iran has tried to prevent intensifying crises and the formation of unpredictable conditions and situations," IRNA said. "But the crossing of red lines of the Islamic Republic of Iran by hostile countries, especially the Zionist regime and the U.S., means that strategy...should be revised."

Suspicions

Three Iranian officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said they believed the fire was the result of a cyber attack, but did not cite any evidence.

One of the officials said the attack had targeted a centrifuge assembly building, referring to the delicate cylindrical machines that enrich uranium, and said Iran`s enemies had carried out similar acts in the past.

Two of the officials said Israel could have been behind the Natanz incident, but offered no evidence.

Asked on Thursday evening about recent incidents reported at strategic Iranian sites, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters: "Clearly we can`t get into that."

The Israeli military and Netanyahu`s office, which oversees Israel`s foreign intelligence service Mossad, did not immediately respond to Reuters queries on Friday.

In 2010, the Stuxnet computer virus, which is widely believed to have been developed by the United States and Israel, was discovered after it was used to attack the Natanz facility.

The IAEA said on Friday the location of the fire did not contain nuclear materials, and that none of its inspectors was present at the time.

"The Agency has been in contact with relevant Iranian authorities to confirm there will be no impact on its safeguards verification activities, which are expected to continue as before," an IAEA statement said, adding that Iran had told it the cause of the fire was not yet known.

Natanz is the centrepiece of Iran`s enrichment programme, which Tehran says is only for peaceful purposes.

Western intelligence agencies and the IAEA believe it had a coordinated, clandestine nuclear arms programme that it halted in 2003.

Tehran denies ever seeking nuclear weapons, saying its atomic programme is only for peaceful purposes.

Iran curbed its nuclear work in exchange for the removal of most global sanctions under an accord reached with six world powers in 2015, but has reduced compliance with the deal`s restrictions since the United States withdrew in 2018.

Iran will retaliate against any country that carries out cyber attacks on its nuclear sites, the head of civilian defence said, after a fire at its Natanz plant which some Iranian officials said may have been caused by cyber sabotage.

Iran will retaliate against any country that carries out cyber attacks on its nuclear sites, the head of civilian defence said, after a fire at its Natanz plant which some Iranian officials said may have been caused by cyber sabotage. The Natanz uranium-enrichment site, much of which is underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Iran`s top security body said on Friday that the cause of the "incident" at the nuclear site had been determined, but "due to security considerations" it would be announced at a convenient time. Also read: Australian government boosts cyber security after state-backed attacks Iran`s Atomic Energy Organisation initially reported an "incident" had occurred early on Thursday at Natanz, located in the desert in the central province of Isfahan. It later published a photo of a one-storey brick building with its roof and walls partly burned. A door hanging off its hinges suggested that there had been an explosion inside the building. "Responding to cyber attacks is part of the country`s defence might. If it is proven that our country has been targeted by a cyber attack, we will respond," civil defence chief Gholamreza Jalali told state TV late on Thursday. Also read: Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report An article issued on Thursday by state news agency IRNA addressed what it called the possibility of sabotage by enemies such as Israel and the United States, although it stopped short of accusing either directly. "So far Iran has tried to prevent intensifying crises and the formation of unpredictable conditions and situations," IRNA said. "But the crossing of red lines of the Islamic Republic of Iran by hostile countries, especially the Zionist regime and the U.S., means that strategy...should be revised." Suspicions Three Iranian officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said they believed the fire was the result of a cyber attack, but did not cite any evidence. One of the officials said the attack had targeted a centrifuge assembly building, referring to the delicate cylindrical machines that enrich uranium, and said Iran`s enemies had carried out similar acts in the past. Two of the officials said Israel could have been behind the Natanz incident, but offered no evidence. Asked on Thursday evening about recent incidents reported at strategic Iranian sites, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters: "Clearly we can`t get into that." The Israeli military and Netanyahu`s office, which oversees Israel`s foreign intelligence service Mossad, did not immediately respond to Reuters queries on Friday. In 2010, the Stuxnet computer virus, which is widely believed to have been developed by the United States and Israel, was discovered after it was used to attack the Natanz facility. The IAEA said on Friday the location of the fire did not contain nuclear materials, and that none of its inspectors was present at the time. "The Agency has been in contact with relevant Iranian authorities to confirm there will be no impact on its safeguards verification activities, which are expected to continue as before," an IAEA statement said, adding that Iran had told it the cause of the fire was not yet known. Natanz is the centrepiece of Iran`s enrichment programme, which Tehran says is only for peaceful purposes. Western intelligence agencies and the IAEA believe it had a coordinated, clandestine nuclear arms programme that it halted in 2003. Tehran denies ever seeking nuclear weapons, saying its atomic programme is only for peaceful purposes. Iran curbed its nuclear work in exchange for the removal of most global sanctions under an accord reached with six world powers in 2015, but has reduced compliance with the deal`s restrictions since the United States withdrew in 2018.

Iran threatens retaliation after what it calls possible cyber attack on nuclear site

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