With Unlock 1.0 completing a month now, coronavirus cases are increasing at a rapid rate.

On Monday, India recorded a spike of 19,459 cases and 380 deaths&nbsp;in last 24 hours.&nbsp;Positive cases in India stand at 5,48,318 including 2,10,120 active cases, 3,21,723 cured/discharged/migrated and 16,475 deaths.

Maharashtra, the epicentre of the country, reported 5,493 new cases and 156 deaths in the last 24 hours. Out of 156 deaths, 60 occurred in the last 48 hours and 96 from the previous period. The total number of cases in the state reaches 1,64,626 including 70,607 active cases.

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Total number of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases in Himachal Pradesh are 916 including 378 active cases, 518 recoveries and 7 deaths: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/GVo1N1rNI1">pic.twitter.com/GVo1N1rNI1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1277281233064456192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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National capital, Delhi, reported&nbsp;2,889 new positive cases and 65 deaths today. Total number of cases stands at 83,077 including 27,847 active cases, 52,607 recovered/discharged/migrated cases and 2,623 deaths.

Tamil Nadu recorded&nbsp;Tamil 3,940 new cases and 54 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases stand at 82,275 including 45,537 discharges, 35,656 active cases and &nbsp;1,079 deaths. The southern state has been on a complete lockdown for the past feww weeks to contain the spread of coronavirus.

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Jharkhand reports 22 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases and 69 recoveries today. Total number of cases stands at 2342 including 606 active cases,1724 recoveries and 12 deaths: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/AzbKK53LMl">pic.twitter.com/AzbKK53LMl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1277283847390949376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday night, Karnataka reported 1,267 positive cases including 783 cases from Bengaluru, taking the total number of cases to 13,190. Death toll now stands at 207 after 16 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours.

Telangana's toll increased to 14,419, as the state&nbsp;recorded 983 new positive cases. Death toll increased to 247 after 4 deaths were reported. There are 9,000 active cases and 5,172 patients have been discharged till date.

The northern state of Haryana reported 402 new positive cases; taking the total number of cases to 13,829. Death toll now stands at&nbsp;223 after five deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

With Unlock 1.0 completing a month now, coronavirus cases are increasing at a rapid rate. On Monday, India recorded a spike of 19,459 cases and 380 deaths in last 24 hours.

With Unlock 1.0 completing a month now, coronavirus cases are increasing at a rapid rate. On Monday, India recorded a spike of 19,459 cases and 380 deaths in last 24 hours. Positive cases in India stand at 5,48,318 including 2,10,120 active cases, 3,21,723 cured/discharged/migrated and 16,475 deaths. Maharashtra, the epicentre of the country, reported 5,493 new cases and 156 deaths in the last 24 hours. Out of 156 deaths, 60 occurred in the last 48 hours and 96 from the previous period. The total number of cases in the state reaches 1,64,626 including 70,607 active cases. Total number of #COVID19 positive cases in Himachal Pradesh are 916 including 378 active cases, 518 recoveries and 7 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/GVo1N1rNI1 — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2020 × National capital, Delhi, reported 2,889 new positive cases and 65 deaths today. Total number of cases stands at 83,077 including 27,847 active cases, 52,607 recovered/discharged/migrated cases and 2,623 deaths. Tamil Nadu recorded Tamil 3,940 new cases and 54 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases stand at 82,275 including 45,537 discharges, 35,656 active cases and 1,079 deaths. The southern state has been on a complete lockdown for the past feww weeks to contain the spread of coronavirus. Jharkhand reports 22 new #COVID19 positive cases and 69 recoveries today. Total number of cases stands at 2342 including 606 active cases,1724 recoveries and 12 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/AzbKK53LMl — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2020 × On Sunday night, Karnataka reported 1,267 positive cases including 783 cases from Bengaluru, taking the total number of cases to 13,190. Death toll now stands at 207 after 16 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours. Telangana's toll increased to 14,419, as the state recorded 983 new positive cases. Death toll increased to 247 after 4 deaths were reported. There are 9,000 active cases and 5,172 patients have been discharged till date. The northern state of Haryana reported 402 new positive cases; taking the total number of cases to 13,829. Death toll now stands at 223 after five deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

COVID-19: India reports 19,459 cases in 24 hours; death toll rises to 16,475

On Sunday, a man in his early 30s, drove into a Walmart distribution center in Northern California and open fired at the crowd. The shooting rampage wounded four people and killed one person, and the shooter.

The man has been identified as a former employee of the same Walmart distribution center.

Louis Wesley Lane, 31, was fired in February 2019 from the distribution center near Red Bluff in February. the reason stated for his termination of employment was his lack of attendance at work, Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston told media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-walmart-shooting-kills-2-people-4-wounded-309110">Also read|&nbsp;US: Walmart shooting kills 2 people; 4 wounded</a>

Lane had started firing at people with a semi-automatic gun in the parking lot and the building. He exchanged 20 to 30 rounds of fire with the&nbsp;Red Bluff police officers who were first to get to the scene, the sheriff's office said. He was later shot by the police, and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The motive of the shooting is not clear. However, officials are now assuming it to be the shooter's termination of employment from Walmart.

The employee who died was Martin Haro-Lozano, 45, from Orland, California, and had been working at the Walmart for 12 years. He was taken to the hospital by a sheriff's deputy due to the extent of his injuries, but later succumbed to injuries.

"We are shocked and heartbroken about the horrific event that occurred," John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart US&nbsp;said in a statement.

The wounded victims are being treated in&nbsp;St. Elizabeth Community Hospital.

On Sunday, a man in his early 30s, drove into a Walmart distribution center in Northern California and open fired at the crowd. The shooting rampage wounded four people and killed one person, and the shooter.

On Sunday, a man in his early 30s, drove into a Walmart distribution center in Northern California and open fired at the crowd. The shooting rampage wounded four people and killed one person, and the shooter. The man has been identified as a former employee of the same Walmart distribution center. Louis Wesley Lane, 31, was fired in February 2019 from the distribution center near Red Bluff in February. the reason stated for his termination of employment was his lack of attendance at work, Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston told media. Also read| US: Walmart shooting kills 2 people; 4 wounded Lane had started firing at people with a semi-automatic gun in the parking lot and the building. He exchanged 20 to 30 rounds of fire with the Red Bluff police officers who were first to get to the scene, the sheriff's office said. He was later shot by the police, and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The motive of the shooting is not clear. However, officials are now assuming it to be the shooter's termination of employment from Walmart. The employee who died was Martin Haro-Lozano, 45, from Orland, California, and had been working at the Walmart for 12 years. He was taken to the hospital by a sheriff's deputy due to the extent of his injuries, but later succumbed to injuries. "We are shocked and heartbroken about the horrific event that occurred," John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart US said in a statement. The wounded victims are being treated in St. Elizabeth Community Hospital.

US: Walmart shooter a former employee

June 29 in history: Brazil's first FIFA title, first iPhone and more

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement.

"...Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden &amp; Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine - Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”?," Trump had tweeted.

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Nobody briefed or told me, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Pence, or Chief of Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkMeadows?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkMeadows</a> about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. Everybody is denying it &amp; there have not been many attacks on us.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1277202159109537793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inaccurate-white-house-rubbishes-reports-of-trumps-failed-actions-on-russian-bounties-case-309084">Also read|&nbsp;Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case</a>

"It is pretty remarkable the President's going out of his way to say he has not heard anything about it. One asks, why would he do something like that?," said John Bolton, Trump's former National Security Advisor (NSA), and present nemesis.

White House and Trump's statements of clarification came after&nbsp;New York Times, a national top-selling newspaper, reported that the intelligence service had informed the President about Russia secretly offering bounties to Afghanistan to kill the US soldiers, but Trump had failed to take any action.

"The fact that the President feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he was not paying attention. So he is saying well nobody told me, therefore you cannot blame me," Bolton said.

John Bolton&nbsp;has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'.

As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House, and has become the centre of controversy as the Trump administration has tried, on multiple occasions, to suspend the publication of the book.

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement.

After Donald Trump and White House claimed that the the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, were not briefed on the Russian bounty case, John Bolton has criticised Trump's statement. "...Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden & Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine - Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”?," Trump had tweeted. Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News @nytimes. Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020 × Also read| Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case "It is pretty remarkable the President's going out of his way to say he has not heard anything about it. One asks, why would he do something like that?," said John Bolton, Trump's former National Security Advisor (NSA), and present nemesis. White House and Trump's statements of clarification came after New York Times, a national top-selling newspaper, reported that the intelligence service had informed the President about Russia secretly offering bounties to Afghanistan to kill the US soldiers, but Trump had failed to take any action. "The fact that the President feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he was not paying attention. So he is saying well nobody told me, therefore you cannot blame me," Bolton said. John Bolton has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'. As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House, and has become the centre of controversy as the Trump administration has tried, on multiple occasions, to suspend the publication of the book.

It's all about him: John Bolton criticises Trump's statement on Russian bounties

On Sunday, Sudan detained 122 nationals as they were spotted marching towards Libya to fight as "mercenaries", the local media houses reported.

"Joint security forces detained 122 outlaws including eight children who were heading to (fight as) mercenaries in Libya," said&nbsp;Brigadier Jamal Jumaa, spokesman for the Rapid Reaction Forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-sudan-ethiopia-wont-fill-disputed-dam-before-accord-308912">Also read|&nbsp;Egypt, Sudan: Ethiopia won't fill disputed dam before accord</a>

Libya had&nbsp;earlier accused Sudan of sending fighters to back military&nbsp;strongman Khalifa Haftar who controls much of the country's east. The accusation was denied by Sudan.

The local media houses broadcast&nbsp;a video that showed dozens of youngsters sitting on the ground and surrounded by military vehicles. It is being reported that the video was shot in Al-Junayna, the capital of West Darfur province.

Sudan's Foreign Minister has denied any involvement of Sudanese government in the Libyan conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Sunday, Sudan detained 122 nationals as they were spotted marching towards Libya to fight as "mercenaries", the local media houses reported. "Joint security forces detained 122 outlaws including eight children who were heading to (fight as) mercenaries in Libya," said Brigadier Jamal Jumaa, spokesman for the Rapid Reaction Forces.

On Sunday, Sudan detained 122 nationals as they were spotted marching towards Libya to fight as "mercenaries", the local media houses reported. "Joint security forces detained 122 outlaws including eight children who were heading to (fight as) mercenaries in Libya," said Brigadier Jamal Jumaa, spokesman for the Rapid Reaction Forces. Also read| Egypt, Sudan: Ethiopia won't fill disputed dam before accord Libya had earlier accused Sudan of sending fighters to back military strongman Khalifa Haftar who controls much of the country's east. The accusation was denied by Sudan. The local media houses broadcast a video that showed dozens of youngsters sitting on the ground and surrounded by military vehicles. It is being reported that the video was shot in Al-Junayna, the capital of West Darfur province. Sudan's Foreign Minister has denied any involvement of Sudanese government in the Libyan conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Sudan detains 122 nationals marching towards Libya to become 'mercenaries'

To show solidarity with all minority, online and offline,&nbsp; communities, Starbucks has also&nbsp;announced a temporary stop to all social media advertisements to come up with a plan to "stop the spread of hate speech"

"We believe in bringing communities together, both in person and online, and we stand against hate speech," the Seattle-based coffee giant said in a statement.

"We believe more must be done to create welcoming and inclusive online communities, and we believe both business leaders and policy makers need to come together to affect real change."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coca-cola-says-pausing-social-media-advertising-308915">Also read:&nbsp;Coca-Cola says pausing social media advertising</a>

Few days after Unilever and Coco Cola announced a temporary social media advertisement ban, Starbucks too announced a temporary stop to the social media advertisements. However, Starbucks has cleared that this is not a boycott, but just a way to come up with a more inclusive approach.

"We will pause advertising on all social media platforms while we continue discussions internally, with our media partners and with civil rights organizations in the effort to stop the spread of hate speech," the statement continued.

While protests against racism took over the streets of the US, social media platforms, especially Facebook, were criticised for allowing, and indirectly spreading, hate messages towards minority groups on their platforms.

After this accusation, NAACP, a civil rights group that defends African Americans' interests,&nbsp;and the Anti-Defamation League, which fights anti-Semitism, called for an advertising boycott which was supported by Unilever and Coca Cola.

To show solidarity with all minority, online and offline, communities, Starbucks has also announced a temporary stop to all social media advertisements to come up with a plan to "stop the spread of hate speech" "We believe in bringing communities together, both in person and online, and we stand against hate speech," the Seattle-based coffee giant said in a statement.

To show solidarity with all minority, online and offline, communities, Starbucks has also announced a temporary stop to all social media advertisements to come up with a plan to "stop the spread of hate speech" "We believe in bringing communities together, both in person and online, and we stand against hate speech," the Seattle-based coffee giant said in a statement. "We believe more must be done to create welcoming and inclusive online communities, and we believe both business leaders and policy makers need to come together to affect real change." Also read: Coca-Cola says pausing social media advertising Few days after Unilever and Coco Cola announced a temporary social media advertisement ban, Starbucks too announced a temporary stop to the social media advertisements. However, Starbucks has cleared that this is not a boycott, but just a way to come up with a more inclusive approach. "We will pause advertising on all social media platforms while we continue discussions internally, with our media partners and with civil rights organizations in the effort to stop the spread of hate speech," the statement continued. While protests against racism took over the streets of the US, social media platforms, especially Facebook, were criticised for allowing, and indirectly spreading, hate messages towards minority groups on their platforms. After this accusation, NAACP, a civil rights group that defends African Americans' interests, and the Anti-Defamation League, which fights anti-Semitism, called for an advertising boycott which was supported by Unilever and Coca Cola.

Starbucks pauses social media ads to fight against 'hate speech'

The wife of one of the two detained Canadians in China has expressed her disappointment over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's refusal to consider the 'prisoner swap'.

Few days ago, a&nbsp;group of 19 prominent figures, including former cabinet ministers and diplomats, wrote a letter urging Trudeau to halt the extradition proceedings against Meng, with a hope that two detained citizens will finally be let free by China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-rejects-prisoner-swap-of-top-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-308720">Also read|&nbsp;Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap' of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou</a>

However, Trudeau rejected the request and said, “(This) would endanger the millions of Canadians who live and travel overseas every single year. We cannot allow political pressures or random arrests of Canadian citizens to influence the functioning of our justice system."

Now, in an interview with a local media channel,&nbsp;Michael Kovrig's wife,&nbsp;Vina Nadjibulla, has expressed disappointment over the lack of efforts from the Canadian government.

"We can do both," she said. "It isn't a question of, 'We need to do everything we can to release Michael,’ or, 'We protect Canadians in the future.' Both have to be on the table, and the government has a responsibility to do both," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/groundless-allegations-china-criticises-canadas-megaphone-diplomacy-over-spy-charges-309115">Also read|&nbsp;Groundless allegations: China criticises Canada's 'megaphone diplomacy' over spy charges</a>

"There is no cost-free solution. We have to pay a price. The question becomes, who pays the highest price, and at the moment Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are paying that price, and I believe Canadians understand that, that is fundamentally unfair and unjust,"&nbsp;Nadjibulla added.

While she is disappointed by Trudeau, she expressed relief that finally after so long there is at least an open debate on this matter, instead of the matter staying behind closed doors.

"Even though I'm disappointed that the PM said no to this particular solution," Nadjibulla said, "I'm glad that we finally have a conversation on what can be done and options that can be explored to resolve Michael's prolonged and painful detention."

Her statement has come a day after China criticized Canadian government for its "irresponsible" statements and&nbsp;asked the Canadian government to put a stop to its "Megaphone Diplomacy".

(With inputs from agencies)

The wife of one of the two detained Canadians in China has expressed her disappointment over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's refusal to consider the 'prisoner swap'.

The wife of one of the two detained Canadians in China has expressed her disappointment over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's refusal to consider the 'prisoner swap'. Few days ago, a group of 19 prominent figures, including former cabinet ministers and diplomats, wrote a letter urging Trudeau to halt the extradition proceedings against Meng, with a hope that two detained citizens will finally be let free by China. Also read| Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap' of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou However, Trudeau rejected the request and said, “(This) would endanger the millions of Canadians who live and travel overseas every single year. We cannot allow political pressures or random arrests of Canadian citizens to influence the functioning of our justice system." Now, in an interview with a local media channel, Michael Kovrig's wife, Vina Nadjibulla, has expressed disappointment over the lack of efforts from the Canadian government. "We can do both," she said. "It isn't a question of, 'We need to do everything we can to release Michael,’ or, 'We protect Canadians in the future.' Both have to be on the table, and the government has a responsibility to do both," she said. Also read| Groundless allegations: China criticises Canada's 'megaphone diplomacy' over spy charges "There is no cost-free solution. We have to pay a price. The question becomes, who pays the highest price, and at the moment Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are paying that price, and I believe Canadians understand that, that is fundamentally unfair and unjust," Nadjibulla added. While she is disappointed by Trudeau, she expressed relief that finally after so long there is at least an open debate on this matter, instead of the matter staying behind closed doors. "Even though I'm disappointed that the PM said no to this particular solution," Nadjibulla said, "I'm glad that we finally have a conversation on what can be done and options that can be explored to resolve Michael's prolonged and painful detention." Her statement has come a day after China criticized Canadian government for its "irresponsible" statements and asked the Canadian government to put a stop to its "Megaphone Diplomacy". (With inputs from agencies)

We can do both: Canadian detainee's wife disappointed after Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap'

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases.

"US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad departed on June 28 for travel to Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent. At all three locations, Ambassador Khalilzad will urge support for all Afghans to meet their remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases," the US State Department said in a statement.

Khalilzad is joined by US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Adam Boehler and his team.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bomb-attack-kills-two-human-rights-workers-in-kabul-308990">Also read:&nbsp;Bomb attack kills two human rights workers in Kabul</a>

"Afghan peace, economic growth, and regional connectivity are closely linked and mutually supportive. The delegation will explore investment opportunities and partnerships in a range of sectors to advance the economic recovery of Afghanistan and support sustained peace and stability in the region," the department said.

The intra-Afghan talks were initially set to commence on March 10, under the US-Taliban peace deal, but were pushed back due to disagreements over the mutual release of prisoners. The Taliban, in particular, demanded that Kabul free all 5,000 prisoners at once.

However, the prisoner exchanges that have been taking place over the last few months, as well as the Eid al-Fitr ceasefire, demonstrated some potential for a breakthrough in the Afghan peace process.

Last week, Khalilzad said that intra-Afghan talks are closer than ever, praising Kabul for freeing over 3,000 Taliban prisoners and the Taliban for releasing more than 500 government prisoners.

"Due to the challenges of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Khalilzad, CEO Boehler and their delegation will also conduct meetings with Afghan officials throughout the trip remotely via video," the statement further said.

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases.

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases. "US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad departed on June 28 for travel to Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent. At all three locations, Ambassador Khalilzad will urge support for all Afghans to meet their remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases," the US State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad is joined by US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Adam Boehler and his team. Also read: Bomb attack kills two human rights workers in Kabul "Afghan peace, economic growth, and regional connectivity are closely linked and mutually supportive. The delegation will explore investment opportunities and partnerships in a range of sectors to advance the economic recovery of Afghanistan and support sustained peace and stability in the region," the department said. The intra-Afghan talks were initially set to commence on March 10, under the US-Taliban peace deal, but were pushed back due to disagreements over the mutual release of prisoners. The Taliban, in particular, demanded that Kabul free all 5,000 prisoners at once. However, the prisoner exchanges that have been taking place over the last few months, as well as the Eid al-Fitr ceasefire, demonstrated some potential for a breakthrough in the Afghan peace process. Last week, Khalilzad said that intra-Afghan talks are closer than ever, praising Kabul for freeing over 3,000 Taliban prisoners and the Taliban for releasing more than 500 government prisoners. "Due to the challenges of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Khalilzad, CEO Boehler and their delegation will also conduct meetings with Afghan officials throughout the trip remotely via video," the statement further said.

US special envoy Khalilzad travels to Pak to forge remaining commitments of intra-Afghan peace talks

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Chief Secretary Dr Roop Singh on Monday said that SGPC wants Kartarpur Sahib corridor to reopen but the final decision will be taken by the Central government and the body will abide by it.

Pakistan on Saturday said that it is prepared to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib corridor for all Sikh pilgrims from June 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-reopening-pak-going-against-bilateral-commitments-creating-mirage-of-goodwill-says-india-308981">Also read|&nbsp;Kartarpur corridor reopening: Pak going against bilateral commitments, creating mirage of goodwill, says India</a>

"All the Sikh pilgrims want that the Kartarpur Sahib corridor should reopen, even SGPC is of this opinion but the final decision will be taken by the Government of India as the issue deals with the health of the Indian citizens. We will abide by Centre's decision," said Dr Singh.

Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said he has conveyed to India about Pakistan's readiness to reopen the 4.7-kilometre passage to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

Kartarpur Sahib corridor is a 4.7 kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India`s Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur. It was inaugurated last year.

Pakistan's announcement regarding the corridor comes as the country is gradually lifting the restrictions imposed in the wake of coronavirus in phases.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Chief Secretary Dr Roop Singh on Monday said that SGPC wants Kartarpur Sahib corridor to reopen but the final decision will be taken by the Central government and the body will abide by it.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Chief Secretary Dr Roop Singh on Monday said that SGPC wants Kartarpur Sahib corridor to reopen but the final decision will be taken by the Central government and the body will abide by it. Pakistan on Saturday said that it is prepared to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib corridor for all Sikh pilgrims from June 29. Also read| Kartarpur corridor reopening: Pak going against bilateral commitments, creating mirage of goodwill, says India "All the Sikh pilgrims want that the Kartarpur Sahib corridor should reopen, even SGPC is of this opinion but the final decision will be taken by the Government of India as the issue deals with the health of the Indian citizens. We will abide by Centre's decision," said Dr Singh. Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said he has conveyed to India about Pakistan's readiness to reopen the 4.7-kilometre passage to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. Kartarpur Sahib corridor is a 4.7 kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India`s Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur. It was inaugurated last year. Pakistan's announcement regarding the corridor comes as the country is gradually lifting the restrictions imposed in the wake of coronavirus in phases.

Final decision to reopen Kartarpur Sahib corridor to be taken by Centre: SGPC

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday.

The spokesman, quoted by Saudi news agency SPA, said the Iranian vessels refused to stop after they entered Saudi waters despite repeated warnings, which forced the Saudi authorities to fire the warning shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-big-power-rivalry-is-likely-to-unfold-in-the-gulf-region-308187">Also read|&nbsp;How big power rivalry is likely to unfold in the Gulf region</a>

Iranian state media quoted a local official in Bushehr province on the Gulf as saying the Saudi coastguard had opened fire on Iranian fishermen who had strayed into Saudi waters but that initial reports said no one was hurt.

The Iranian report said the fishermen had left on June 21 for a 10-day trip. It did not specify when the engagement with the Saudi coastguard occurred.

It was not immediately clear whether the two reports referred to the same incident.

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday. The spokesman, quoted by Saudi news agency SPA, said the Iranian vessels refused to stop after they entered Saudi waters despite repeated warnings, which forced the Saudi authorities to fire the warning shots. Also read| How big power rivalry is likely to unfold in the Gulf region Iranian state media quoted a local official in Bushehr province on the Gulf as saying the Saudi coastguard had opened fire on Iranian fishermen who had strayed into Saudi waters but that initial reports said no one was hurt. The Iranian report said the fishermen had left on June 21 for a 10-day trip. It did not specify when the engagement with the Saudi coastguard occurred. It was not immediately clear whether the two reports referred to the same incident.

Saudi Arabia says it forces three Iranian boats out of its waters

After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined the 'prisoner swap' offer from Canadian leaders, he went on to claim that he believes China arrested the two Canadian citizens only as a retaliation against Canadian arrest of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

Days after the statement was made by Trudeau, China has criticized the "irresponsible" statements made by Canadian leaders, and asked the Canadian government to put a stop to its&nbsp;"Megaphone Diplomacy."

China has claimed that the two Canadian citizens, former Beijing diplomat Michael Kovrig and North Korean consultant Michael Spavor, have been arrested on&nbsp;"solid and sufficient" &nbsp;evidence, a statement posted on the website of the Chinese embassy in Ottawa said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-rejects-prisoner-swap-of-top-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-308720">Also read:&nbsp;Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap' of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou</a>

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly called the detention of the two men "arbitrary", which China has constantly declined.

"The accusation of so-called 'arbitrarily' detaining Canadian citizens is totally groundless," the Chinese statement read.

However, China has claimed that Meng's arrest is, on the contrary, 'arbitary' and "a grave political incident concocted by the United States to suppress Chinese high-tech enterprises and Huawei, and Canada is its accomplice."

"Chinese judicial organs will continue to handle the above cases strictly in accordance with law, and protect the two Canadians' lawful rights," it added.

"Stop making irresponsible remarks on cases of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and exerting pressure on China through 'Megaphone Diplomacy'," it continued.

"At the same time, Canada should reflect on its mistakes in the Meng Wanzhou incident, stop political manipulation, immediately release Ms. Meng Wanzhou and ensure her safe return to China."

Justin Trudeau has not yet issued a statement on China's claims.

After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined the 'prisoner swap' offer from Canadian leaders, he went on to claim that he believes China arrested the two Canadian citizens only as a retaliation against Canadian arrest of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined the 'prisoner swap' offer from Canadian leaders, he went on to claim that he believes China arrested the two Canadian citizens only as a retaliation against Canadian arrest of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Days after the statement was made by Trudeau, China has criticized the "irresponsible" statements made by Canadian leaders, and asked the Canadian government to put a stop to its "Megaphone Diplomacy." China has claimed that the two Canadian citizens, former Beijing diplomat Michael Kovrig and North Korean consultant Michael Spavor, have been arrested on "solid and sufficient" evidence, a statement posted on the website of the Chinese embassy in Ottawa said. Also read: Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap' of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly called the detention of the two men "arbitrary", which China has constantly declined. "The accusation of so-called 'arbitrarily' detaining Canadian citizens is totally groundless," the Chinese statement read. However, China has claimed that Meng's arrest is, on the contrary, 'arbitary' and "a grave political incident concocted by the United States to suppress Chinese high-tech enterprises and Huawei, and Canada is its accomplice." "Chinese judicial organs will continue to handle the above cases strictly in accordance with law, and protect the two Canadians' lawful rights," it added. "Stop making irresponsible remarks on cases of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and exerting pressure on China through 'Megaphone Diplomacy'," it continued. "At the same time, Canada should reflect on its mistakes in the Meng Wanzhou incident, stop political manipulation, immediately release Ms. Meng Wanzhou and ensure her safe return to China." Justin Trudeau has not yet issued a statement on China's claims.

Groundless allegations: China criticises Canada's 'megaphone diplomacy' over spy charges

Police, paramilitary rangers and other law enforcement agencies arrested several men and women, including students protesting against enforced disappearances in Sindh from Karachi press club on Saturday.

According to sources, the late crowd including family members of the victims gathered at the Karachi press club to hold a peaceful protest against illegal arrests and enforced disappearances of their loved ones.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-anti-graft-body-files-corruption-case-against-nawaz-sharif-309025">Also watch:&nbsp;Pakistan's anti-graft body files corruption case against Nawaz Sharif</a>

According to details when protesters started chanting slogans against enforced disappearances, a large number of Police, Paramilitary Rangers, and plainclothes personnel of intelligence agencies attacked peaceful protesters. They baton charged and tortured elderly men, women, young girls and students.

Many were injured. Security forces manhandled girls and threw them into police mobile vehicles and were shifted to an unknown place.

It is learned that since the last two weeks, more than 200 Sindhis and Mohajirs belonging to MQM and different groups of Jiye Sindh have been arrested by Paramilitary Rangers and other law enforcement agencies in Karachi, Hyderabad and other cities of Sindh.

No arrested person was presented before any court of law, said sources. 
&nbsp;

Police, paramilitary rangers and other law enforcement agencies arrested several men and women, including students protesting against enforced disappearances in Sindh from Karachi press club on Saturday.

Police, paramilitary rangers and other law enforcement agencies arrested several men and women, including students protesting against enforced disappearances in Sindh from Karachi press club on Saturday. According to sources, the late crowd including family members of the victims gathered at the Karachi press club to hold a peaceful protest against illegal arrests and enforced disappearances of their loved ones. Also watch: Pakistan's anti-graft body files corruption case against Nawaz Sharif According to details when protesters started chanting slogans against enforced disappearances, a large number of Police, Paramilitary Rangers, and plainclothes personnel of intelligence agencies attacked peaceful protesters. They baton charged and tortured elderly men, women, young girls and students. Many were injured. Security forces manhandled girls and threw them into police mobile vehicles and were shifted to an unknown place. It is learned that since the last two weeks, more than 200 Sindhis and Mohajirs belonging to MQM and different groups of Jiye Sindh have been arrested by Paramilitary Rangers and other law enforcement agencies in Karachi, Hyderabad and other cities of Sindh. No arrested person was presented before any court of law, said sources.

Massive protest in Karachi against enforced disappearances in Sindh

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Deeksha Teri

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