After&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc. CEO Jeff Bezos expressed his interest of&nbsp;investing in space exploration,&nbsp;Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has&nbsp;said it’s “time to break up Amazon”.

The tweets from Musk began when a former New York Times reporter uploaded a screenshot of his book,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unreported Truths About COVID-19 and The Lockdown, not getting a complete green signal from Amazon for breaking unlisted guidelines. He claimed that his book was getting censored for no reason at all.

"THEY CENSORED IT! It is based entirely on published government data and scientific papers. It doesn’t say coronavirus isn’t real or doesn’t kill people (in fact, the worst-case death toll is likely to be striking to people). And Amazon won’t run it," he tweeted along with a screenshot of&nbsp;the received mail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-resumes-human-spaceflight-from-us-soil-with-historic-spacex-launch-302070">Also read:&nbsp;NASA resumes human spaceflight from US soil with historic SpaceX launch</a>

Musk -- (in)famous for his tweets --&nbsp;on that tweet, tagged Jeff Bezos for&nbsp;Alex Berenson, former NYT reporter.

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Time to break up Amazon. Monopolies are wrong!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1268603809409888256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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An Amazon spokeswoman later told a media organization that the said book was removed in error and the issues is being dealt with. “We have notified the author,” she said in an email.

Last year, a Space Exploration Technologies Corp. executive had told the media that&nbsp;Amazon’s effort to build a constellation of broadband internet satellites was years behind the closely held company. Musk founded SpaceX eight years before Bezos started rival manufacturer Blue Origin, and has recently sent two American astronauts to International Space Station after eight long years.

There has been no comments from Jeff Bezos yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

After Amazon.com Inc. CEO Jeff Bezos expressed his interest of investing in space exploration, Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has said it’s “time to break up Amazon”.

After Amazon.com Inc. CEO Jeff Bezos expressed his interest of investing in space exploration, Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has said it’s “time to break up Amazon”. The tweets from Musk began when a former New York Times reporter uploaded a screenshot of his book, Unreported Truths About COVID-19 and The Lockdown, not getting a complete green signal from Amazon for breaking unlisted guidelines. He claimed that his book was getting censored for no reason at all. "THEY CENSORED IT! It is based entirely on published government data and scientific papers. It doesn’t say coronavirus isn’t real or doesn’t kill people (in fact, the worst-case death toll is likely to be striking to people). And Amazon won’t run it," he tweeted along with a screenshot of the received mail. Also read: NASA resumes human spaceflight from US soil with historic SpaceX launch Musk -- (in)famous for his tweets -- on that tweet, tagged Jeff Bezos for Alex Berenson, former NYT reporter. Time to break up Amazon. Monopolies are wrong! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 4, 2020 × An Amazon spokeswoman later told a media organization that the said book was removed in error and the issues is being dealt with. “We have notified the author,” she said in an email. Last year, a Space Exploration Technologies Corp. executive had told the media that Amazon’s effort to build a constellation of broadband internet satellites was years behind the closely held company. Musk founded SpaceX eight years before Bezos started rival manufacturer Blue Origin, and has recently sent two American astronauts to International Space Station after eight long years. There has been no comments from Jeff Bezos yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk feels it's 'time to break up Amazon'; tweets to Jeff Bezos

Today in history: Singapore's first government, war between Israel and Arab states and more

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization.

Facebook will no longer recommend such groups to members of similar associations, a spokeswoman for the world`s largest social media network said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-employees-from-early-days-denounce-zuckerberg-stance-on-trump-posts-303079">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook employees from early days denounce Zuckerberg stance on Trump posts</a>

According to FBI's criminal complaint, out of three men, who were charged for plotting violence at a Las Vegas anti-racism protest, two had participated in&nbsp;Boogaloo groups on Facebook.

Facebook banned the usage of the term "Boogalo" and related words after few&nbsp;researchers and media observed that the term "Boogalo" was usually being accompanied by talks of taking up arms and&nbsp;promoting protests to "liberate" states from coronavirus restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-in-talks-to-invest-2-billion-in-bharti-airtel-report-303279">Also read:&nbsp;Amazon in talks to invest $2 billion in Bharti Airtel : Report</a>

However, participants of the infamous term are now coming up with similar terms to avoid Facebook's scrutiny. Terms such as&nbsp;"Big Igloo" or "Big Luau" are now becoming popular for all the similar wrong reasons. While the terms have changed, discussions on future wars and weapons remains the same.

Majority of these interactions are coming from people who identify with white nationalist groups or militias, according to researchers. Some of them are also gun-rights advocates, while others are anti-government protesters or apparent supporters of&nbsp;Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality.

Facebook said the politics of Boogaloo members it looked into "ran the gamut" from right to left.

Facebook has stated it will be take strict actions to stop any such activity happening on their social media platform.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization.

The social media giant, Facebook, is actively working towards ending Facebook accounts that are using the term "Boogaloo," which refers to a potential US civil war or the collapse of civilization. Facebook will no longer recommend such groups to members of similar associations, a spokeswoman for the world`s largest social media network said. Also read: Facebook employees from early days denounce Zuckerberg stance on Trump posts According to FBI's criminal complaint, out of three men, who were charged for plotting violence at a Las Vegas anti-racism protest, two had participated in Boogaloo groups on Facebook. Facebook banned the usage of the term "Boogalo" and related words after few researchers and media observed that the term "Boogalo" was usually being accompanied by talks of taking up arms and promoting protests to "liberate" states from coronavirus restrictions. Also read: Amazon in talks to invest $2 billion in Bharti Airtel : Report However, participants of the infamous term are now coming up with similar terms to avoid Facebook's scrutiny. Terms such as "Big Igloo" or "Big Luau" are now becoming popular for all the similar wrong reasons. While the terms have changed, discussions on future wars and weapons remains the same. Majority of these interactions are coming from people who identify with white nationalist groups or militias, according to researchers. Some of them are also gun-rights advocates, while others are anti-government protesters or apparent supporters of Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality. Facebook said the politics of Boogaloo members it looked into "ran the gamut" from right to left. Facebook has stated it will be take strict actions to stop any such activity happening on their social media platform. (With inputs from Reuters)

Facebook bans use of 'Boogaloo' that hints towards potential US civil war

A Malaysian court will deliver its verdict in a case against former prime minister Najib Razak on July 28, the first of several corruption trials he faces over a multibillion-dollar scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Najib, who was voted out of power in 2018, is facing dozens of criminal charges over allegations that about $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, a state fund he co-founded in 2009.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-singapore-defer-high-speed-rail-project-until-year-end-302147">Also read:&nbsp;Malaysia, Singapore defer high-speed rail project until year-end</a>

In the first case against him, Najib has plead not guilty to seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and abuse of power over accusations that he had illegally received transfers of 42 million ringgit ($9.84 million) from former 1MDB unit SRC international.

Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali on Friday set July 28 to issue his verdict, as prosecutors and defence lawyers delivered their closing arguments after a 14-month long trial.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/business-ties-between-india-and-malaysia-improve-as-political-relationship-makes-headway-301978">Also read:&nbsp;Business ties between India and Malaysia improve as political relationship makes headway</a>

If convicted, Najib, 66, faces hefty fines and jail terms of up to 15 to 20 years on each charge.

Defence lawyers say Najib was misled by Malaysian financier Jho Low and other 1MDB officials into believing that the SRC funds banked into his accounts in 2014 were donated by the Saudi royal family, rather than misappropriated from 1MDB as prosecutors have alleged.

Low faces charges in Malaysia and the United States over his alleged central role in the case. He has denied wrongdoing and his whereabouts are unknown.

A Malaysian court will deliver its verdict in a case against former prime minister Najib Razak on July 28, the first of several corruption trials he faces over a multibillion-dollar scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

A Malaysian court will deliver its verdict in a case against former prime minister Najib Razak on July 28, the first of several corruption trials he faces over a multibillion-dollar scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Najib, who was voted out of power in 2018, is facing dozens of criminal charges over allegations that about $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, a state fund he co-founded in 2009. Also read: Malaysia, Singapore defer high-speed rail project until year-end In the first case against him, Najib has plead not guilty to seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and abuse of power over accusations that he had illegally received transfers of 42 million ringgit ($9.84 million) from former 1MDB unit SRC international. Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali on Friday set July 28 to issue his verdict, as prosecutors and defence lawyers delivered their closing arguments after a 14-month long trial. Also read: Business ties between India and Malaysia improve as political relationship makes headway If convicted, Najib, 66, faces hefty fines and jail terms of up to 15 to 20 years on each charge. Defence lawyers say Najib was misled by Malaysian financier Jho Low and other 1MDB officials into believing that the SRC funds banked into his accounts in 2014 were donated by the Saudi royal family, rather than misappropriated from 1MDB as prosecutors have alleged. Low faces charges in Malaysia and the United States over his alleged central role in the case. He has denied wrongdoing and his whereabouts are unknown.

Malaysian ex-PM Najib faces July verdict in first 1MDB-linked trial

Normally, students with special needs are allowed to avail the facility of scribe for class 10 and 12 exams conducted by&nbsp;Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). However, this year, due to the pandemic, CBSE has announced change in plans.

All students who need a scribe can opt to skip the exams for this academic year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-students-can-take-board-exams-in-their-home-districts-ramesh-pokhriyal-301446">Also read:&nbsp;CBSE students can take board exams in their home districts: Ramesh Pokhriyal</a>

The students who opt out of exams will have their result declared as per an alternative assessment scheme, CBSE announced.

While majority of the exams were finished before the lockdown, few subject exams were still pending sue tot the nationwide lockdown that was initiated in March by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Recently, CBSE had announced resumption of the pending exams between July 1 to July 15.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-class-10-12-board-exams-2020-date-sheet-released-papers-to-be-held-between-july-1-15-299405">Also read:&nbsp;CBSE class 10, 12 board exams 2020 date sheet released, papers to be held between July 1-15</a>

"In case children with special needs availing the facility of scribe do not wish to appear in the forthcoming examination because of noncompliance of social distancing norms, the students can inform their respective schools and their result will be declared as per the assessment scheme to be decided by the board," a senior board official said.

The board grants several exemptions to children with special needs in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Ac, 2016.

"In addition to extra time, scribe or reader, computer or laptop (without internet), from this year we had also allowed use of basic calculators for candidates registered under CWSN category," the official added.

The CBSE has also decided that no pending exams will be conducted in foreign countries.

Normally, students with special needs are allowed to avail the facility of scribe for class 10 and 12 exams conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Normally, students with special needs are allowed to avail the facility of scribe for class 10 and 12 exams conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). However, this year, due to the pandemic, CBSE has announced change in plans. All students who need a scribe can opt to skip the exams for this academic year. Also read: CBSE students can take board exams in their home districts: Ramesh Pokhriyal The students who opt out of exams will have their result declared as per an alternative assessment scheme, CBSE announced. While majority of the exams were finished before the lockdown, few subject exams were still pending sue tot the nationwide lockdown that was initiated in March by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contain the spread of coronavirus. Recently, CBSE had announced resumption of the pending exams between July 1 to July 15. Also read: CBSE class 10, 12 board exams 2020 date sheet released, papers to be held between July 1-15 "In case children with special needs availing the facility of scribe do not wish to appear in the forthcoming examination because of noncompliance of social distancing norms, the students can inform their respective schools and their result will be declared as per the assessment scheme to be decided by the board," a senior board official said. The board grants several exemptions to children with special needs in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Ac, 2016. "In addition to extra time, scribe or reader, computer or laptop (without internet), from this year we had also allowed use of basic calculators for candidates registered under CWSN category," the official added. The CBSE has also decided that no pending exams will be conducted in foreign countries.

Students with special skills can skip pending board exams: CBSE

The IMF has asked cash-strapped Pakistan to freeze salaries of government employees and adhere to the fiscal consolidation path by showing a nominal primary deficit in the new budget due to the unsustainable public debt that is set to hit 90 per cent of the total value of the national economy.

Pakistan is finding it hard to concede to the two demands but the IMF is insisting that the country should continue to follow the fiscal consolidation path due to the high and unsustainable public debt, the Express Tribune reported on Friday.

Owing to the prevailing tight fiscal situation, growing public debt and Pakistan's decision to seek debt relief from G-20 countries, the International Monetary Fund has asked Islamabad to freeze salaries of government employees, the daily reported, citing sources in the Ministry of Finance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/world-bank-to-provide-188-million-to-pakistan-to-address-environmental-degradation-climate-change-302602">Also read:&nbsp;World Bank to provide $188 million to Pakistan to address environmental degradation, climate change&nbsp;</a>

However, the government is resisting the demand due to high inflation that has eroded people's real income. 
Nonetheless, it is inclined to abolish over 67,000 posts that have remained vacant for over one year and is also ready to further squeeze current expenditures including a ban on purchase of vehicles.

The IMF's key demand, which was also the reason for seeking to freeze the salaries, was that the government should announce a primary budget deficit target&nbsp;total deficit excluding interest payments of only Rs 184 billion or 0.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Pakistan has its own reasons for resisting the IMF's demands as it does not see a significant jump in revenue collection in the next fiscal year due to the prevailing economic conditions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-pakistan-crosses-68000-mark-uk-lends-financial-support-302118">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan crosses 68,000 mark; UK lends financial support</a>

The government is also inclined to give a raise in salaries due to high inflation that has eroded the real income of people, the daily reported.

The government will unveil the budget on June 12 as it struggles to strike a balance between continuing with the fiscal consolidation and providing an impetus to economic growth. The Finance Ministry is keen to restore the IMF programme and is holding video conferences with the IMF staff in Washington.

Against the IMF's demand for the 0.4 per cent primary budget deficit, the government has proposed that the target should be 1.9 per cent of GDP or Rs 875 billion.

The expenditure on interest payments, estimated at Rs 3 trillion or 6.5 per cent of GDP in the next fiscal year, is in addition to that.

This means the budget deficit target, as suggested by the IMF, will be around 7 per cent while the federal government sees the realistic deficit target at 8.4 per cent of GDP or Rs 3.9 trillion.

For this fiscal year, the estimated primary deficit is 2.9 per cent of GDP and the IMF wants a fiscal adjustment of 2.5 per cent within one year.

Another issue between Pakistan and the IMF was the FBR's tax target, which the IMF has proposed to be Rs 5.1 trillion. The FBR thinks it cannot collect more than Rs 4.7 trillion. Another FBR target that is currently under discussion is Rs 4.990 trillion.

For this fiscal year, the IMF had set a Rs 5.5-trillion tax collection target but actual collection is likely to remain around Rs 3.9 trillion. The politically sensitive issue for the government is the increase in salaries of civilian and military employees.

In the last budget, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had announced a 10 per cent increase in salaries of grade-1 to 16 officers and a 5 per cent raise was given to the officers serving in grade 17 to 20.

No raise had been given to the government and military officers serving in the two highest basic pay scales of grade 21 and 22. So the Joint Staff Headquarters has forwarded a request to the Ministry of Finance through the Ministry of Defence for an increase in salaries.

The secretaries' committee has recommended a 100 per cent increase in basic salaries of all employees working in the Pakistan Secretariat,&nbsp;the seat of federal bureaucracy, aimed at keeping the talent and offsetting the impact of high inflation.

The government is considering a 10-15 per cent pay raise and around 10 per cent increase in pensions.

The total estimated cost of running the civil government in the next fiscal year is Rs 495 billion and around half comprises the salary bill. Another Rs 475 billion may be allocated for paying pensions in fiscal year 2020-21.

The IMF has asked cash-strapped Pakistan to freeze salaries of government employees and adhere to the fiscal consolidation path by showing a nominal primary deficit in the new budget due to the unsustainable public debt that is set to hit 90 per cent of the total value of the national economy.

The IMF has asked cash-strapped Pakistan to freeze salaries of government employees and adhere to the fiscal consolidation path by showing a nominal primary deficit in the new budget due to the unsustainable public debt that is set to hit 90 per cent of the total value of the national economy. Pakistan is finding it hard to concede to the two demands but the IMF is insisting that the country should continue to follow the fiscal consolidation path due to the high and unsustainable public debt, the Express Tribune reported on Friday. Owing to the prevailing tight fiscal situation, growing public debt and Pakistan's decision to seek debt relief from G-20 countries, the International Monetary Fund has asked Islamabad to freeze salaries of government employees, the daily reported, citing sources in the Ministry of Finance. Also read: World Bank to provide $188 million to Pakistan to address environmental degradation, climate change However, the government is resisting the demand due to high inflation that has eroded people's real income. Nonetheless, it is inclined to abolish over 67,000 posts that have remained vacant for over one year and is also ready to further squeeze current expenditures including a ban on purchase of vehicles. The IMF's key demand, which was also the reason for seeking to freeze the salaries, was that the government should announce a primary budget deficit target total deficit excluding interest payments of only Rs 184 billion or 0.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Pakistan has its own reasons for resisting the IMF's demands as it does not see a significant jump in revenue collection in the next fiscal year due to the prevailing economic conditions. Also read: COVID 19: Pakistan crosses 68,000 mark; UK lends financial support The government is also inclined to give a raise in salaries due to high inflation that has eroded the real income of people, the daily reported. The government will unveil the budget on June 12 as it struggles to strike a balance between continuing with the fiscal consolidation and providing an impetus to economic growth. The Finance Ministry is keen to restore the IMF programme and is holding video conferences with the IMF staff in Washington. Against the IMF's demand for the 0.4 per cent primary budget deficit, the government has proposed that the target should be 1.9 per cent of GDP or Rs 875 billion. The expenditure on interest payments, estimated at Rs 3 trillion or 6.5 per cent of GDP in the next fiscal year, is in addition to that. This means the budget deficit target, as suggested by the IMF, will be around 7 per cent while the federal government sees the realistic deficit target at 8.4 per cent of GDP or Rs 3.9 trillion. For this fiscal year, the estimated primary deficit is 2.9 per cent of GDP and the IMF wants a fiscal adjustment of 2.5 per cent within one year. Another issue between Pakistan and the IMF was the FBR's tax target, which the IMF has proposed to be Rs 5.1 trillion. The FBR thinks it cannot collect more than Rs 4.7 trillion. Another FBR target that is currently under discussion is Rs 4.990 trillion. For this fiscal year, the IMF had set a Rs 5.5-trillion tax collection target but actual collection is likely to remain around Rs 3.9 trillion. The politically sensitive issue for the government is the increase in salaries of civilian and military employees. In the last budget, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had announced a 10 per cent increase in salaries of grade-1 to 16 officers and a 5 per cent raise was given to the officers serving in grade 17 to 20. No raise had been given to the government and military officers serving in the two highest basic pay scales of grade 21 and 22. So the Joint Staff Headquarters has forwarded a request to the Ministry of Finance through the Ministry of Defence for an increase in salaries. The secretaries' committee has recommended a 100 per cent increase in basic salaries of all employees working in the Pakistan Secretariat, the seat of federal bureaucracy, aimed at keeping the talent and offsetting the impact of high inflation. The government is considering a 10-15 per cent pay raise and around 10 per cent increase in pensions. The total estimated cost of running the civil government in the next fiscal year is Rs 495 billion and around half comprises the salary bill. Another Rs 475 billion may be allocated for paying pensions in fiscal year 2020-21.

IMF asks Pakistan to freeze government employees' salaries to cut public debt

The sparkle has returned to the Yamuna river flowing through India's capital of New Delhi, residents say, after decades of filthy and stinking waters, matted with garbage and polluted with toxic effluent from industry.

In a feat that eluded years of government cleanliness efforts, a nationwide lockdown against the coronavirus has brought about the transformation of a river many Hindus consider holy, with a halt in industrial activity since late in March.

Sanjay Gir, a 55-year-old Hindu monk who spends his time on the riverbank, said he could not remember when he had last seen the river so clean.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-crisis-can-trigger-collapse-of-25-trillion-fossil-fuel-industry-303280">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus crisis can trigger collapse of $25 trillion fossil fuel industry</a>

"Ever since the lockdown, we can take Mother Yamuna's water in our hands and offer it for prayer, as well as drink it," said the bearded Gir, clad in traditional white dhoti.

"Because everything is closed right now - all the factories, industries are shut...their waste is not coming into the river."

From its source among Himalayan peaks, the river meanders 1,376 km (855 miles) through a clutch of northern states to join the river Ganges in the city of Allahabad, where Hindu tradition says the two merge with a third, the mythical Saraswati.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-misplaced-trust-to-loss-of-faith-in-humanity-sketchers-react-on-elephants-murder-303202">Have a look:&nbsp;From misplaced trust to loss of faith in humanity, sketchers react on elephant's murder</a>

One of the world's toughest lockdowns against the coronavirus, which has caused nearly 217,000 infections and more than 6,000 deaths in India, kept out most of the industrial waste that normally clogs the Yamuna.

That was the key reason for the better water quality, said Anshuman Jaiswal of city research body the Energy and Resources Institute.

"The industrial discharge which was going into the Yamuna actually stopped and that, for sure, has reduced the pollution load," he added.

But the waters will deteriorate again, Jaiswal warned, as the lockdown lifts and industries re-open.

Nevertheless, while it lasts, a clean, revitalised Yamuna also augurs well for the environmental condition of the Taj Mahal, India's famed monument to love that stands on the riverbank in the northern city of Agra.

The sparkle has returned to the Yamuna river flowing through India's capital of New Delhi, residents say, after decades of filthy and stinking waters, matted with garbage and polluted with toxic effluent from industry.

The sparkle has returned to the Yamuna river flowing through India's capital of New Delhi, residents say, after decades of filthy and stinking waters, matted with garbage and polluted with toxic effluent from industry. In a feat that eluded years of government cleanliness efforts, a nationwide lockdown against the coronavirus has brought about the transformation of a river many Hindus consider holy, with a halt in industrial activity since late in March. Sanjay Gir, a 55-year-old Hindu monk who spends his time on the riverbank, said he could not remember when he had last seen the river so clean. Also read: Coronavirus crisis can trigger collapse of $25 trillion fossil fuel industry "Ever since the lockdown, we can take Mother Yamuna's water in our hands and offer it for prayer, as well as drink it," said the bearded Gir, clad in traditional white dhoti. "Because everything is closed right now - all the factories, industries are shut...their waste is not coming into the river." From its source among Himalayan peaks, the river meanders 1,376 km (855 miles) through a clutch of northern states to join the river Ganges in the city of Allahabad, where Hindu tradition says the two merge with a third, the mythical Saraswati. Have a look: From misplaced trust to loss of faith in humanity, sketchers react on elephant's murder One of the world's toughest lockdowns against the coronavirus, which has caused nearly 217,000 infections and more than 6,000 deaths in India, kept out most of the industrial waste that normally clogs the Yamuna. That was the key reason for the better water quality, said Anshuman Jaiswal of city research body the Energy and Resources Institute. "The industrial discharge which was going into the Yamuna actually stopped and that, for sure, has reduced the pollution load," he added. But the waters will deteriorate again, Jaiswal warned, as the lockdown lifts and industries re-open. Nevertheless, while it lasts, a clean, revitalised Yamuna also augurs well for the environmental condition of the Taj Mahal, India's famed monument to love that stands on the riverbank in the northern city of Agra.

Delhi: Yamuna river sparkles again as factory waste reduces amid lockdown

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said despite rising infections and deaths, the country would need to learn to "live with" the virus to avert pushing tens of millions living on daily wages into destitution.

Now, a Reuters review of government data shows over 20,000 cases of the virus were identified in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, and more than double that figure were identified in the three weeks since. 
To be sure, testing rates have also increased. But of those tested, the daily average of positive results climbed from on average 11.5% in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, to 15.4% on average in the subsequent three weeks. The ratio is around 23% this week, according to the data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-pakistan-records-4688-new-cases-government-reopens-economy-303472">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy</a>

Pakistan has officially identified over 80,000 cases of COVID-19, with 1,770 confirmed deaths.

"Those numbers are concerning, since they do suggest there may still be widespread transmission in certain parts of the country," said Claire Standley, assistant research professor at the Department of International Health at Georgetown University.

Experts say measures that could curb cases – like limits on religious gatherings and crowded shopping areas and emphasising social distancing – should be reinstated and some doctors are raising the alarm.

According to a letter seen by Reuters, a committee of experts backed by the local health department in Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, told the provincial government the lockdown needed to continue. The letter said random testing suggested more than 670,000 people in the provincial capital Lahore had likely contracted the virus, many of them asymptomatic.

The Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid said the letter had not been disregarded, but set aside in light of a Supreme Court decision that lockdowns should be lifted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/road-side-bomb-blast-kills-2-school-teachers-in-pakistan-303557">Also read:&nbsp;Road side bomb blast kills 2 school teachers in Pakistan</a>

Most hospitals in Lahore are now full and are sending cases to Mayo Hospital, a public facility with more than 400 beds dedicated to COVID-19 cases, said Salman Kazmi, general secretary of the Young Doctor’s Association, who is treating coronavirus patients there.

Asad Aslam, the CEO of Mayo, however disputed claims that Lahore hospitals were saturated. "We can handle further burden of patients," he said.

Herd immunity 
Pakistan lifted its lockdown on May 9, about two weeks before the Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with family gatherings and feasting. Transport and most businesses have re-opened but cinemas, theatres and schools remain closed.

There has been growing debate among experts globally on whether populous developing nations can afford comprehensive social distancing measures to contain the coronavirus while avoiding economic ruin.

Some officials have suggested "herd immunity" could contain the virus, a situation where enough people in a population have developed immunity to an infection to be able to effectively stop that disease from spreading.

However, the World Health Organization has warned countries that have "lax measures" in place against counting on herd immunity to halt the spread of COVID-19.

"The Pakistan government is setting itself up for a huge gamble but it's also a test case for herd immunity because South Asia has no other choice," a senior European Union official who oversees South Asia told Reuters.

Yet even those advocating rolling back strict lockdowns in developing nations are alarmed at the teeming crowds in Pakistan's streets, shopping malls and mosques, the ramping up of domestic flights, and the movement of millions of people for the Eid holiday.

"It's not about this dichotomy between complete lockdown and fully open," Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, a professor of economics at Yale University, told Reuters.

He said a smarter strategy would be to allow people out for core economic and public health activities, rather than a total relaxation of rules.

"There should still be complete bans on religious gatherings and social gatherings...those are things for which we need to see much better leadership," he said.

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown.

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown. Prime Minister Imran Khan has said despite rising infections and deaths, the country would need to learn to "live with" the virus to avert pushing tens of millions living on daily wages into destitution. Now, a Reuters review of government data shows over 20,000 cases of the virus were identified in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, and more than double that figure were identified in the three weeks since. To be sure, testing rates have also increased. But of those tested, the daily average of positive results climbed from on average 11.5% in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, to 15.4% on average in the subsequent three weeks. The ratio is around 23% this week, according to the data. Also read: COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy Pakistan has officially identified over 80,000 cases of COVID-19, with 1,770 confirmed deaths. "Those numbers are concerning, since they do suggest there may still be widespread transmission in certain parts of the country," said Claire Standley, assistant research professor at the Department of International Health at Georgetown University. Experts say measures that could curb cases – like limits on religious gatherings and crowded shopping areas and emphasising social distancing – should be reinstated and some doctors are raising the alarm. According to a letter seen by Reuters, a committee of experts backed by the local health department in Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, told the provincial government the lockdown needed to continue. The letter said random testing suggested more than 670,000 people in the provincial capital Lahore had likely contracted the virus, many of them asymptomatic. The Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid said the letter had not been disregarded, but set aside in light of a Supreme Court decision that lockdowns should be lifted. Also read: Road side bomb blast kills 2 school teachers in Pakistan Most hospitals in Lahore are now full and are sending cases to Mayo Hospital, a public facility with more than 400 beds dedicated to COVID-19 cases, said Salman Kazmi, general secretary of the Young Doctor’s Association, who is treating coronavirus patients there. Asad Aslam, the CEO of Mayo, however disputed claims that Lahore hospitals were saturated. "We can handle further burden of patients," he said. Herd immunity Pakistan lifted its lockdown on May 9, about two weeks before the Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with family gatherings and feasting. Transport and most businesses have re-opened but cinemas, theatres and schools remain closed. There has been growing debate among experts globally on whether populous developing nations can afford comprehensive social distancing measures to contain the coronavirus while avoiding economic ruin. Some officials have suggested "herd immunity" could contain the virus, a situation where enough people in a population have developed immunity to an infection to be able to effectively stop that disease from spreading. However, the World Health Organization has warned countries that have "lax measures" in place against counting on herd immunity to halt the spread of COVID-19. "The Pakistan government is setting itself up for a huge gamble but it's also a test case for herd immunity because South Asia has no other choice," a senior European Union official who oversees South Asia told Reuters. Yet even those advocating rolling back strict lockdowns in developing nations are alarmed at the teeming crowds in Pakistan's streets, shopping malls and mosques, the ramping up of domestic flights, and the movement of millions of people for the Eid holiday. "It's not about this dichotomy between complete lockdown and fully open," Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, a professor of economics at Yale University, told Reuters. He said a smarter strategy would be to allow people out for core economic and public health activities, rather than a total relaxation of rules. "There should still be complete bans on religious gatherings and social gatherings...those are things for which we need to see much better leadership," he said.

Live with virus: Pakistan PM says after lockdown gamble; COVID-19 cases surge

A road side bomb blast killed two school teachers in&nbsp;Pakistan's restive northwestern province bordering Afghanistan, an official said on Friday.

The bomb blast took place on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-pakistan-records-4688-new-cases-government-reopens-economy-303472">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy</a>

The two teachers were going on a bike in the Damadola area in&nbsp;Bajuar district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, when the bomb exploded near a stream.

The police have launched an investigation to look into the incident. No individual or militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

No other deaths have been reported yet. However, the two teachers died on the spot.&nbsp;

According to locals, Abdur Rahman was a teacher in a private school&nbsp;and Ismail was a government school teacher.

(With inputs from PTI)

A road side bomb blast killed two school teachers in Pakistan's restive northwestern province bordering Afghanistan, an official said on Friday. The bomb blast took place on Friday.

A road side bomb blast killed two school teachers in Pakistan's restive northwestern province bordering Afghanistan, an official said on Friday. The bomb blast took place on Friday. Also read: COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy The two teachers were going on a bike in the Damadola area in Bajuar district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, when the bomb exploded near a stream. The police have launched an investigation to look into the incident. No individual or militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident. No other deaths have been reported yet. However, the two teachers died on the spot. According to locals, Abdur Rahman was a teacher in a private school and Ismail was a government school teacher. (With inputs from PTI)

Road side bomb blast kills 2 school teachers in Pakistan

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