The US Congress on Wednesday authorized sanctions against Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs, ramping up pressure on another front in the troubled relationship between the Pacific powers. 
 
The House of Representatives voted with just one dissent in favor of the Uighur Human Rights Act, hours of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took a major step to press China on another major issue -- the autonomy of Hong Kong.

Rights groups say at least one million Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims in China's northwestern Xinjiang region have been incarcerated in camps in a massive brainwashing campaign with few modern parallels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bid-of-global-dominion-trump-offers-to-negotiate-between-india-china-standoff-301402">Also read:&nbsp;In bid of global dominion, Trump offers to negotiate between India-China standoff</a>

"If America does not speak out against human rights (violations) in China because of some commercial interest, then we lose all moral authority to speak out on human rights violations any place in the world," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

The message was bipartisan with Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accusing China of "state-sponsored cultural genocide."

Beijing is out to "completely eradicate an entire culture simply because it doesn't fit within what the Chinese Communist Party deems 'Chinese,'" McCaul said.

"We can't sit idly by and allow this to continue," he said. "Our silence will be complicit, and our inaction will be our appeasement."

The legislation requires the US administration to determine which Chinese officials are responsible for the "arbitrary detention, torture and harassment" of Uighurs and other minorities.

The United States would then freeze any assets the officials hold in the world's largest economy and ban their entry into the country.

The law specifically mentions Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief in Xinjiang. Previously posted in Tibet, Chen has built a reputation for clamping down on restive minorities.

China denounces 'smears'

China initially denied the mass incarceration but has since described the camps as vocational training centers aimed at discouraging Islamic radicalism.

After an earlier version of the law passed in December, the Chinese foreign ministry accused the United States of hypocrisy in its own "counter-terrorism" efforts.

"This bill deliberately smears the human rights condition in Xinjiang, slanders China's efforts in de-radicalization and counter-terrorism and viciously attacks the Chinese government's Xinjiang policy," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, urging the United States to stop the law.

Trump can veto the legislation. But Congress could easily override his veto.

Trump last year hesitated at signing another law that angered China that sought to safeguard Hong Kong's autonomy but went ahead in the face of overwhelming support in Congress.

The House of Representatives passed a tougher version of the law that would restrict exports of technology involved in the mass surveillance of Uighurs, as critics fear a new dystopian model with Beijing tracking minorities' every move.

The Republican-led Senate stripped out the export provision to ensure unanimous passage, letting Trump handle technology issues as part of his long-running trade war with the Asian power.

The Commerce Department last week imposed sanctions on eight Chinese companies and an institute seen as complicit in the persecution of Uighurs and other minorities, including through surveillance.

The final version of the bill also requires a classified report by US intelligence on Xinjiang as well as a study led by the FBI on alleged efforts by China to target US citizens and residents of Uighur heritage.

Rubio and a Democrat, Representative James McGovern, have introduced separate legislation that would ban all exports from Xinjiang, a major supplier of cotton.

The lawmakers say forced labor is so prevalent in Xinjiang that it is impossible to ensure that products from the region are free of slavery.

The US Congress on Wednesday authorized sanctions against Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs, ramping up pressure on another front in the troubled relationship between the Pacific powers.

The US Congress on Wednesday authorized sanctions against Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs, ramping up pressure on another front in the troubled relationship between the Pacific powers. The House of Representatives voted with just one dissent in favor of the Uighur Human Rights Act, hours of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took a major step to press China on another major issue -- the autonomy of Hong Kong. Rights groups say at least one million Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims in China's northwestern Xinjiang region have been incarcerated in camps in a massive brainwashing campaign with few modern parallels. Also read: In bid of global dominion, Trump offers to negotiate between India-China standoff "If America does not speak out against human rights (violations) in China because of some commercial interest, then we lose all moral authority to speak out on human rights violations any place in the world," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. The message was bipartisan with Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accusing China of "state-sponsored cultural genocide." Beijing is out to "completely eradicate an entire culture simply because it doesn't fit within what the Chinese Communist Party deems 'Chinese,'" McCaul said. "We can't sit idly by and allow this to continue," he said. "Our silence will be complicit, and our inaction will be our appeasement." The legislation requires the US administration to determine which Chinese officials are responsible for the "arbitrary detention, torture and harassment" of Uighurs and other minorities. The United States would then freeze any assets the officials hold in the world's largest economy and ban their entry into the country. The law specifically mentions Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief in Xinjiang. Previously posted in Tibet, Chen has built a reputation for clamping down on restive minorities. China denounces 'smears' China initially denied the mass incarceration but has since described the camps as vocational training centers aimed at discouraging Islamic radicalism. After an earlier version of the law passed in December, the Chinese foreign ministry accused the United States of hypocrisy in its own "counter-terrorism" efforts. "This bill deliberately smears the human rights condition in Xinjiang, slanders China's efforts in de-radicalization and counter-terrorism and viciously attacks the Chinese government's Xinjiang policy," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, urging the United States to stop the law. Trump can veto the legislation. But Congress could easily override his veto. Trump last year hesitated at signing another law that angered China that sought to safeguard Hong Kong's autonomy but went ahead in the face of overwhelming support in Congress. The House of Representatives passed a tougher version of the law that would restrict exports of technology involved in the mass surveillance of Uighurs, as critics fear a new dystopian model with Beijing tracking minorities' every move. The Republican-led Senate stripped out the export provision to ensure unanimous passage, letting Trump handle technology issues as part of his long-running trade war with the Asian power. The Commerce Department last week imposed sanctions on eight Chinese companies and an institute seen as complicit in the persecution of Uighurs and other minorities, including through surveillance. The final version of the bill also requires a classified report by US intelligence on Xinjiang as well as a study led by the FBI on alleged efforts by China to target US citizens and residents of Uighur heritage. Rubio and a Democrat, Representative James McGovern, have introduced separate legislation that would ban all exports from Xinjiang, a major supplier of cotton. The lawmakers say forced labor is so prevalent in Xinjiang that it is impossible to ensure that products from the region are free of slavery.

US Congress passes Uighur human rights bill, prodding Trump to punish China

Some students, who were to appear for class 10 and 12 CBSE board examinations, had traveled back to their hometown as inter-state travel resumed in India amid the lockdown.&nbsp;

After the travel resumed, CBSE announced that the left exams for classes 10th and 12th will take place from June. While students welcomed the move, as they think this will finally help them resume their educational plans, some students were worried that &nbsp;they might have to travel back to their school states.

However, HRD minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, on Thursday morning announced that CBSE will be making an announcement soon to help students.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📢Attention! 
Students who are currently not in the same district as their board examination centre, we have a major announcement coming their way this evening. 
Stay tuned! <a href="https://t.co/QtuDNsRiK0">pic.twitter.com/QtuDNsRiK0</a>
— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1265521014945054723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-rising-covid-19-cases-domestic-flight-services-resume-after-two-months-300820">Also read: Amid rising COVID-19 cases, domestic flight services resume after two months</a>

Later in the evening, through Twitter, he announced that all students who are not in the same district as their school will be allowed to appear for the exam in a school in their hometown.&nbsp;However, students, themselves, have to reach out to the officials and inform them about this needed switch.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📢Students, who are currently not in the same district as their board examination centers due to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lockdown</a>! 
 
I have advised <a href="https://twitter.com/cbseindia29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cbseindia29</a> to shift your examination center to your current district. Kindly get in touch with your respective schools for further information.
— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1265628712663425024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a> संकट के कारण हजारों बच्चे अपने गृह प्रदेश में चले गए थे, ऐसी स्थिति में सीबीएसई की बोर्ड परीक्षाओं में शामिल हो रहे विद्यार्थियों की समस्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBSE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBSE</a> ने यह फैसला लिया है कि ऐसे विद्यार्थी अपनी बोर्ड परीक्षा अपने गृह जिले में ही दे सकते हैं।<a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://t.co/3UFkbISIPm">pic.twitter.com/3UFkbISIPm</a>
— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1265612302054600704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

HRD minister, with this announcement, hopes that students will be able to take a sigh of relief and focus on their preparations instead now. He also expressed that he understands the mental pressure the students have right now due to the pandemic, and hopes that students will do their best.

As the lockdown was initiated in mid March, few board exams were postponed till further notice. Students, in the meanwhile, had traveled back to their hometown and had expressed concern over this issue to the ministry.

Some students, who were to appear for class 10 and 12 CBSE board examinations, had traveled back to their hometown as inter-state travel resumed in India amid the lockdown.

Some students, who were to appear for class 10 and 12 CBSE board examinations, had traveled back to their hometown as inter-state travel resumed in India amid the lockdown. After the travel resumed, CBSE announced that the left exams for classes 10th and 12th will take place from June. While students welcomed the move, as they think this will finally help them resume their educational plans, some students were worried that they might have to travel back to their school states. However, HRD minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, on Thursday morning announced that CBSE will be making an announcement soon to help students. 📢Attention! Students who are currently not in the same district as their board examination centre, we have a major announcement coming their way this evening. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/QtuDNsRiK0 — Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 27, 2020 × Also read: Amid rising COVID-19 cases, domestic flight services resume after two months Later in the evening, through Twitter, he announced that all students who are not in the same district as their school will be allowed to appear for the exam in a school in their hometown. However, students, themselves, have to reach out to the officials and inform them about this needed switch. 📢Students, who are currently not in the same district as their board examination centers due to #lockdown! I have advised @cbseindia29 to shift your examination center to your current district. Kindly get in touch with your respective schools for further information. — Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 27, 2020 × #Covid_19 संकट के कारण हजारों बच्चे अपने गृह प्रदेश में चले गए थे, ऐसी स्थिति में सीबीएसई की बोर्ड परीक्षाओं में शामिल हो रहे विद्यार्थियों की समस्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए #CBSE ने यह फैसला लिया है कि ऐसे विद्यार्थी अपनी बोर्ड परीक्षा अपने गृह जिले में ही दे सकते हैं।@DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/3UFkbISIPm — Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 27, 2020 × HRD minister, with this announcement, hopes that students will be able to take a sigh of relief and focus on their preparations instead now. He also expressed that he understands the mental pressure the students have right now due to the pandemic, and hopes that students will do their best. As the lockdown was initiated in mid March, few board exams were postponed till further notice. Students, in the meanwhile, had traveled back to their hometown and had expressed concern over this issue to the ministry.

CBSE students can take board exams in their home districts: Ramesh Pokhriyal

May 28 in history: Coal mine disaster in India, Volkswagen founded and many more

After US President Donald Trump ordered to shut down websites that he feels stifle conservative voices, White House has said Donald Trump will sign an executive order on social media companies on Thursday.

No other details were provided by the White House officials. It is still unclear as to how will the President follow on the threat of shutting down private social media giants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/comedian-kathy-griffin-picks-up-a-beef-with-donald-trump-yet-again-301393">Also read: Comedian Kathy Griffin picks up a beef with Donald Trump, yet again!</a>

Trump was upset as Twitter, for the first time, tagged his tweets about unsubstantiated claims of fraud in mail-in voting with a warning prompting readers to fact check the posts. This warning upset Trump to a limit that he threatened the private companies.

On a similar issue, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington on Wednesday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit by a conservative group and right-wing YouTube personality against Google, Facebook, Twitter and Apple accusing them of conspiring to suppress conservative political views.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, on the other hand, feels that censoring social media platforms is not the right reflex for a government which is constantly worried about censorship.&nbsp;

Following this threat by Trump, shares of Facebook and Twitter saw a steep decline on Wednesday.

General Counsel Sean Edgett on Wednesday said, "We have a group and committee of folks who take a look at these things and make decisions on what`s getting a lot of visibility and traction."

The issue of censorship has been a topic of debate in the White House for few years now, as the President feels "Republicans feel that Social Media Platforms totally silence conservatives voices. We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen."

Republican and Democratic lawmakers, along with the U.S. Justice Department, have been considering changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a federal law largely exempting online platforms from legal liability for the material their users post.

(With inputs from Reuters)

After US President Donald Trump ordered to shut down websites that he feels stifle conservative voices, White House has said Donald Trump will sign an executive order on social media companies on Thursday.

After US President Donald Trump ordered to shut down websites that he feels stifle conservative voices, White House has said Donald Trump will sign an executive order on social media companies on Thursday. No other details were provided by the White House officials. It is still unclear as to how will the President follow on the threat of shutting down private social media giants. Also read: Comedian Kathy Griffin picks up a beef with Donald Trump, yet again! Trump was upset as Twitter, for the first time, tagged his tweets about unsubstantiated claims of fraud in mail-in voting with a warning prompting readers to fact check the posts. This warning upset Trump to a limit that he threatened the private companies. On a similar issue, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington on Wednesday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit by a conservative group and right-wing YouTube personality against Google, Facebook, Twitter and Apple accusing them of conspiring to suppress conservative political views. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, on the other hand, feels that censoring social media platforms is not the right reflex for a government which is constantly worried about censorship. Following this threat by Trump, shares of Facebook and Twitter saw a steep decline on Wednesday. General Counsel Sean Edgett on Wednesday said, "We have a group and committee of folks who take a look at these things and make decisions on what`s getting a lot of visibility and traction." The issue of censorship has been a topic of debate in the White House for few years now, as the President feels "Republicans feel that Social Media Platforms totally silence conservatives voices. We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen." Republican and Democratic lawmakers, along with the U.S. Justice Department, have been considering changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a federal law largely exempting online platforms from legal liability for the material their users post. (With inputs from Reuters)

Donald Trump  to sign executive order on social media on Thursday

Pakistan, on Wednesday night,&nbsp;criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple&nbsp;in Ayodhya. The government&nbsp;said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised.

"The commencement of construction of a mandir at the site of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on May 26, 2020, is another step in this direction and the Government and people of Pakistan condemn it in the strongest terms," said&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) in a statement.

The ministry also alleged India of not setting the priorities right, and said that while the nation is battling a pandemic,&nbsp;"the RSS-BJP combine" was advancing the "Hindutva" agenda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-cross-61000-mark-death-toll-soars-to-1260-301537">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260</a>

Criticizing the Indian Supreme Court's judgement, Pakistan said the decision&nbsp;&nbsp;"completely failed to uphold the demands of justice".

The FO said the developments relating to the Babri Masjid, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and initiation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process are vivid illustrations of how the Muslims in India are being marginalised.

The Indian government has not responded to the allegations by the Pakistan government and has claimed that this is an internal matter of the country.

Pakistan, on Wednesday night, criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The government said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised.

Pakistan, on Wednesday night, criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The government said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised. "The commencement of construction of a mandir at the site of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on May 26, 2020, is another step in this direction and the Government and people of Pakistan condemn it in the strongest terms," said Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) in a statement. The ministry also alleged India of not setting the priorities right, and said that while the nation is battling a pandemic, "the RSS-BJP combine" was advancing the "Hindutva" agenda. Also read| COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260 Criticizing the Indian Supreme Court's judgement, Pakistan said the decision "completely failed to uphold the demands of justice". The FO said the developments relating to the Babri Masjid, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and initiation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process are vivid illustrations of how the Muslims in India are being marginalised. The Indian government has not responded to the allegations by the Pakistan government and has claimed that this is an internal matter of the country.

Pakistan criticizes construction of Ram Mandir; calls it Hindutva agenda

Pakistan's intelligence services are deploying secretive surveillance technology normally used to locate militants to instead track coronavirus patients and the people they come into contact with.

In a programme publicly touted by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government has turned to the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) for help in tackling the virus, which still is spreading at an accelerating rate across Pakistan.

Details about the project have not been released, but two officials told AFP that intelligence services are using geo-fencing and phone-monitoring systems that ordinarily are employed to hunt high-value targets including homegrown and foreign militants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-tries-to-fuel-tension-between-india-and-china-passes-offensive-remark-301359">Also read:&nbsp;Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark</a>

A lack of awareness, stigma and fear have contributed to some people with symptoms not seeking treatment or even fleeing hospitals, while others who've had contact with virus patients have flouted self-isolation rules.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior security official told AFP that agencies are now "quite effectively" using the technology to track coronavirus cases.

"The government has been successful in tracing even those who tested positive but went into hiding," the security official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-cross-61000-mark-death-toll-soars-to-1260-301537">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260</a>

Geo-fencing, a discreet tracking system that alerts authorities when someone leaves a specific geographic area, has helped officials monitor neighbourhoods on lockdown.

Authorities are also listening in to the calls of COVID-19 patients to monitor whether their contacts are talking about having symptoms.

"The trace-and-track system basically helps us track the mobile phones of corona patients as well as anyone they get in touch with before of after their disappearance," an intelligence official said.

Khan recently praised the programme, which has come up against little public debate or scrutiny over its use in the virus fight.&nbsp;

"It was originally used against terrorism, but now it is has come in useful against coronavirus," he said.

Nearly 60,000 people in Pakistan have tested positive for the disease and more than 1,200 patients have died.&nbsp;

But with testing still limited, officials worry the true numbers are much higher.

Concerns&nbsp; 
Pakistan's intelligence services and military hold vast sway over many aspects of cultural and political life, with the US and India accusing Islamabad of backing insurgents fighting in Kashmir and Afghanistan -- claims denied by officials.

Rights groups worry authorities might abuse their sweeping surveillance powers to trace political dissidents.

Leading rights activist and ex-senator Afrasiab Khattak told AFP that involving the ISI would spread unnecessary fear among the population.

"The task of tracking and tracing the patients and suspected cases should be dealt with by provincial governments and local communities -- let intelligence agencies do their actual job," he said.

Countries across the world have employed track-and-trace methods to control the virus's spread, raising privacy concerns.

Israel's intelligence services have been using counter-terrorism technology, including tracking mobile phones, prompting the Supreme Court to raise privacy concerns.

In Pakistan, authorities struggled to present a cohesive national strategy to control the coronavirus. Khan was reluctant to call for a sweeping lockdown, arguing the impoverished country could not afford it.&nbsp;

He also largely caved to pressure from Pakistan's powerful religious lobby, which pushed back against the closure of mosques.

Pakistan's intelligence services are deploying secretive surveillance technology normally used to locate militants to instead track coronavirus patients and the people they come into contact with.

Pakistan's intelligence services are deploying secretive surveillance technology normally used to locate militants to instead track coronavirus patients and the people they come into contact with. In a programme publicly touted by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government has turned to the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) for help in tackling the virus, which still is spreading at an accelerating rate across Pakistan. Details about the project have not been released, but two officials told AFP that intelligence services are using geo-fencing and phone-monitoring systems that ordinarily are employed to hunt high-value targets including homegrown and foreign militants. Also read: Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark A lack of awareness, stigma and fear have contributed to some people with symptoms not seeking treatment or even fleeing hospitals, while others who've had contact with virus patients have flouted self-isolation rules. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior security official told AFP that agencies are now "quite effectively" using the technology to track coronavirus cases. "The government has been successful in tracing even those who tested positive but went into hiding," the security official said. Also read: COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260 Geo-fencing, a discreet tracking system that alerts authorities when someone leaves a specific geographic area, has helped officials monitor neighbourhoods on lockdown. Authorities are also listening in to the calls of COVID-19 patients to monitor whether their contacts are talking about having symptoms. "The trace-and-track system basically helps us track the mobile phones of corona patients as well as anyone they get in touch with before of after their disappearance," an intelligence official said. Khan recently praised the programme, which has come up against little public debate or scrutiny over its use in the virus fight. "It was originally used against terrorism, but now it is has come in useful against coronavirus," he said. Nearly 60,000 people in Pakistan have tested positive for the disease and more than 1,200 patients have died. But with testing still limited, officials worry the true numbers are much higher. Concerns Pakistan's intelligence services and military hold vast sway over many aspects of cultural and political life, with the US and India accusing Islamabad of backing insurgents fighting in Kashmir and Afghanistan -- claims denied by officials. Rights groups worry authorities might abuse their sweeping surveillance powers to trace political dissidents. Leading rights activist and ex-senator Afrasiab Khattak told AFP that involving the ISI would spread unnecessary fear among the population. "The task of tracking and tracing the patients and suspected cases should be dealt with by provincial governments and local communities -- let intelligence agencies do their actual job," he said. Countries across the world have employed track-and-trace methods to control the virus's spread, raising privacy concerns. Israel's intelligence services have been using counter-terrorism technology, including tracking mobile phones, prompting the Supreme Court to raise privacy concerns. In Pakistan, authorities struggled to present a cohesive national strategy to control the coronavirus. Khan was reluctant to call for a sweeping lockdown, arguing the impoverished country could not afford it. He also largely caved to pressure from Pakistan's powerful religious lobby, which pushed back against the closure of mosques.

Pakistan to use militant tracking technology to hunt COVID 19 patients

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down&nbsp;an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control.

The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in&nbsp;Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-tries-to-fuel-tension-between-india-and-china-passes-offensive-remark-301359">Also read:&nbsp;Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark</a>

He claimed that the quadcopter was brought down as it had intruded 650 metres on Pakistan''s side of the LoC.

In April, too, the Pakistan Army had claimed to have shot down an Indian drone.

The constant retaliations and the rise in tension between the two countries started from the Balakot&nbsp;strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations.

Lately, the two countries have been engaged in crossfires along the borders, claiming few lives of personnel.

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control. The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC.

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control. The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC. Also read: Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark He claimed that the quadcopter was brought down as it had intruded 650 metres on Pakistan''s side of the LoC. In April, too, the Pakistan Army had claimed to have shot down an Indian drone. The constant retaliations and the rise in tension between the two countries started from the Balakot strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations. Lately, the two countries have been engaged in crossfires along the borders, claiming few lives of personnel.

Pakistan army claims shooting Indian spying quadcopter along LoC

Bangladesh has decided not to extend further the nationwide lockdown after May 30 that was imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus but every citizen needed to strictly abide by the health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15, Junior Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh, where the nation-wide shutdown was enforced on March 26, has till now witnessed 36,715 infections with 522 deaths.

“The general holiday will not be extended after its expiry on May 30, but everyone must strictly abide by health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15,” Hossain told reporters.

He said the elderly, sick people and the pregnant women would, however, refrain from joining their offices while “others will attend office “maintaining 13 specific guidelines”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/bangaldesh-five-coronavirus-patients-die-in-hospital-fire-301543">Also read:&nbsp;Bangaldesh: Five coronavirus patients die in hospital fire</a>

The junior minister said the government also planned to allow “limited reopening” of public transport services like passenger buses, trains and ferries maintaining as well the health guidelines and restrictions.

Asked to explain the “limited” and “restricted” reopening Hossain said it meant the “transport services will operate in a “controlled manner” maintaining health directives while local authorities will take detailed decisions in this regard.

“The private aviation operators will also restore their services under their own management maintaining the health guidelines,” Hossain said.

But the existing ban on public gatherings and unnecessary movement of people from 8 pm to 6 am would remain enforced while violation of the order would be treated as a punishable offence, he said.

The shops would remain open from 8 am to 4 pm strictly enforcing social and physical distancing and maintaining other health guidelines.

Hossain said an official order was expected to be issued on Thursday announcing the government decision.

“We have obtained Prime Minister’s (Sheikh Hasina) approval in this regard,” he said.

Since its enforcement on March 26, coinciding with the Independence Day anniversary, the shutdown was extended in six phases until May 30.

Bangladesh has decided not to extend further the nationwide lockdown after May 30 that was imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus but every citizen needed to strictly abide by the health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15, Junior Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh has decided not to extend further the nationwide lockdown after May 30 that was imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus but every citizen needed to strictly abide by the health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15, Junior Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said on Wednesday. Bangladesh, where the nation-wide shutdown was enforced on March 26, has till now witnessed 36,715 infections with 522 deaths. “The general holiday will not be extended after its expiry on May 30, but everyone must strictly abide by health guidelines for COVID-19 until June 15,” Hossain told reporters. He said the elderly, sick people and the pregnant women would, however, refrain from joining their offices while “others will attend office “maintaining 13 specific guidelines”. Also read: Bangaldesh: Five coronavirus patients die in hospital fire The junior minister said the government also planned to allow “limited reopening” of public transport services like passenger buses, trains and ferries maintaining as well the health guidelines and restrictions. Asked to explain the “limited” and “restricted” reopening Hossain said it meant the “transport services will operate in a “controlled manner” maintaining health directives while local authorities will take detailed decisions in this regard. “The private aviation operators will also restore their services under their own management maintaining the health guidelines,” Hossain said. But the existing ban on public gatherings and unnecessary movement of people from 8 pm to 6 am would remain enforced while violation of the order would be treated as a punishable offence, he said. The shops would remain open from 8 am to 4 pm strictly enforcing social and physical distancing and maintaining other health guidelines. Hossain said an official order was expected to be issued on Thursday announcing the government decision. “We have obtained Prime Minister’s (Sheikh Hasina) approval in this regard,” he said. Since its enforcement on March 26, coinciding with the Independence Day anniversary, the shutdown was extended in six phases until May 30.

COVID 19: Bangladesh will not extend lockdown after May 30

Five coronavirus patients died in a hospital fire in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Wednesday, a fire service official said.

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire, said Zillur Rahman, a fire service director. Firefighters extinguished the flames in about an hour, Rahman said.

Five bodies were recovered from the makeshift isolation unit of the United Hospital treating COVID-19 patients, Rahman said. The dead included four men and a woman aged between 45 and 75, he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-fire-breaks-out-in-a-hotel-24-doctors-rescued-301456">Also read:&nbsp;Mumbai: Fire breaks out in a hotel; 24 doctors rescued</a>

Hospitals are struggling to deal with a spike in coronavirus infections in recent weeks in Bangladesh, which has reported 38,292 cases and 544 deaths.

Some health experts are concerned that the real number of cases could be higher in a country of more than 160 million people where many have only limited access to healthcare.

Lax regulations and poor enforcement have often been blamed for large fires in the South Asian nation that have killed hundreds of people in recent years.

At least 25 people were killed in March last year when a fire broke out in a 22-storey commercial building in Dhaka’s upscale area of Banani.

In February last year, an inferno in a centuries-old neighbourhood of Dhaka killed 71 people and injured dozens.

Five coronavirus patients died in a hospital fire in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Wednesday, a fire service official said. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire, said Zillur Rahman, a fire service director.

Five coronavirus patients died in a hospital fire in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Wednesday, a fire service official said. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire, said Zillur Rahman, a fire service director. Firefighters extinguished the flames in about an hour, Rahman said. Five bodies were recovered from the makeshift isolation unit of the United Hospital treating COVID-19 patients, Rahman said. The dead included four men and a woman aged between 45 and 75, he said. Also read: Mumbai: Fire breaks out in a hotel; 24 doctors rescued Hospitals are struggling to deal with a spike in coronavirus infections in recent weeks in Bangladesh, which has reported 38,292 cases and 544 deaths. Some health experts are concerned that the real number of cases could be higher in a country of more than 160 million people where many have only limited access to healthcare. Lax regulations and poor enforcement have often been blamed for large fires in the South Asian nation that have killed hundreds of people in recent years. At least 25 people were killed in March last year when a fire broke out in a 22-storey commercial building in Dhaka’s upscale area of Banani. In February last year, an inferno in a centuries-old neighbourhood of Dhaka killed 71 people and injured dozens.

Bangaldesh: Five coronavirus patients die in hospital fire

Pakistan on Thursday crossed the 61,000-mark with 2,076 new coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.

As many as 36 more patients died of the deadly viral infection, bringing the total death toll in the country to 1,260. 
With 2,076 new infections, the nationwide tally of coronavirus cases now stands at 61,227, the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-forces-prevent-2019-like-pulwama-attack-after-seizing-45-kg-ied-in-car-driver-escapes-301464">Also read:&nbsp;Security forces prevent 2019-like Pulwama attack after seizing 45 kg IED in car; driver escapes</a>

Sindh reported the maximum number of 24,206 cases, followed by 22,037 in Punjab, 8,483 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 3,616 in Balochistan, 2,015 in Islamabad, 651 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 219 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

A total of 20,231 patients have recovered so far, the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-will-not-support-icc-in-rescheduling-of-t20-world-cup-for-ipl-2020-pcb-official-301515">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan will not support ICC in rescheduling of T20 World Cup for IPL 2020: PCB official</a>

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said under Pakistan's leadership, a representative group of developing and developed countries, and major financial institutions, have commenced informal consultations on the sidelines of the United Nations to evolve agreement on some measures and practical actions to address the debt challenge of the developing countries.

The meeting is in response to Prime Minister Imran Khan's call in April for a global initiative on debt relief to create fiscal space for developing countries to enable them to recover from the current crisis and revive sustainable economic growth, it said.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Thursday crossed the 61,000-mark with 2,076 new coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said. As many as 36 more patients died of the deadly viral infection, bringing the total death toll in the country to 1,260.

Pakistan on Thursday crossed the 61,000-mark with 2,076 new coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said. As many as 36 more patients died of the deadly viral infection, bringing the total death toll in the country to 1,260. With 2,076 new infections, the nationwide tally of coronavirus cases now stands at 61,227, the ministry said. Also read: Security forces prevent 2019-like Pulwama attack after seizing 45 kg IED in car; driver escapes Sindh reported the maximum number of 24,206 cases, followed by 22,037 in Punjab, 8,483 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 3,616 in Balochistan, 2,015 in Islamabad, 651 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 219 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). A total of 20,231 patients have recovered so far, the ministry said. Also read: Pakistan will not support ICC in rescheduling of T20 World Cup for IPL 2020: PCB official Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said under Pakistan's leadership, a representative group of developing and developed countries, and major financial institutions, have commenced informal consultations on the sidelines of the United Nations to evolve agreement on some measures and practical actions to address the debt challenge of the developing countries. The meeting is in response to Prime Minister Imran Khan's call in April for a global initiative on debt relief to create fiscal space for developing countries to enable them to recover from the current crisis and revive sustainable economic growth, it said.

COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260

Hong Kong streets crowded with protesters; police takes control by throwing pepper bombs

With boarding pass in one hand and identification proof in the other, dozens of passengers flocked to the domestic airports to board flights to go back to their hometown.

Reaching the airport was a task in itself, as Chennai has not allowed cab services to function. Little did they know that they will reach the airport only to be told that the flight has been cancelled at the last minute.

The morning at Chennai domestic airport started with angry customers at Air India's window. Dozens of people, few who had travelled hours to reach the airport, were told to take a refund and go back home as the Civil Aviation Ministry cancelled few Air India flights at the last minute. When the angry crowd protested against it, the tickets were finally rescheduled for a later flight. 
 
<img alt="Travel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cc183cde-8d53-4cd5-b771-2f7cc4021a86" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blog1.jpg" />

Absence of crowd

The Chennai domestic airport saw only 30 per cent of the usual rush, as few selected flights were allowed to take off and land. Passengers, including students and elderly, travelled from far off places.&nbsp;

Before entering, every passenger is asked to show the 'you are safe' badge on the Aarogya Setu app. The airport authority makes sure that passengers maintain the decided social distance before entering.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Travel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dbd2aa3-ec0a-4e0a-a231-97d8fc1cbec9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blog2.jpg" />

To enter the airport, after checking the Aarogya Setu App, the passengers are required to show the e-boarding pass and identification proof to the personnel standing behind a glass sheet. This is the first place where the passengers are asked to remove their masks for facial recognition.&nbsp;

Then, the luggage is checked in and boarding passes are issued, all while maintaining social distance.&nbsp;

The passengers are then asked to head to the security check, where once again personnel behind a glass wall ask to show the boarding pass along with an uncovered face in the camera.&nbsp;

Thermal screening

This is the point where all passengers expect to go through the much talked about thermal screening.

As the electronic gadgets go in the tray, and one steps into the security check booth, the passengers realize that there was no specific change and no identified thermal screening happening (although few cameras installed might be helping to screen the passengers). It was one policewoman doing the regular security check, but while wearing a face shield that resembles a bee-keepers face shield. 
 
A self-declaration form was also signed by and collected from the passengers, through which the passengers declare that they are ready to cooperate with the authorities if an unfortunate situation takes place.

A long wait

Since the passengers are urged to report 3-4 hours before the departure time, they had to wait for a long time in the waiting lounge. The waiting area's shopping area is functional. However, the food services are limited to liquids (barring alcohol) and packaged goods such as chips, chocolates and cup noodles.

The executives running the shops told WION, "Before entering the airport premises, they check our fever. If they suspect anything wrong, they don't allow us to enter. It is risky for us personally, but this is my job and I have to do it."

"The sales are obviously less, but it is better than zero sales," he said while talking about the downfall in business. 
 
<img alt="Travel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f6c128f-42cb-488d-80f4-f073aa469727" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/blog5.jpg" />

The waiting area is marked with social distancing marks, i.e. on a chair set of three, one middle seat had to be left unoccupied. All passengers waiting have to compulsorily wear facemasks and avoid all physical contact.&nbsp;

If this is the new normal, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) will have to face financial blunt for the next few months.

Take-off

For boarding the flight, the passengers are asked to queue in small groups, depending on seat numbers. The ground staff, equipped with face masks and gloves only, stands behind a small glass screen and checks the boarding pass from behind the wall and hands over a care package to all passengers which consists of a face mask, a face shield and five sachets of hand sanitizer. All passengers are told to discard their old face masks and only wear the ones provided by the airlines. The face shields are compulsory from this point forward.

The passengers then go through one more temperature check, and are then greeted in the aircraft by flight attendants, who are dressed in PPE suits. 
 
<img alt="Travel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74570f82-2758-4279-b5aa-2e63c27ea65e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blog_7.jpg" /> 
 
That, surprisingly, was the end of the much talked and much-hyped strict health check-ups.

On landing, passengers are allowed to deboard in small groups. With no change in baggage claim, passengers are allowed to exit the airport through a specific gate which is manned by personnel keeping an eye on a camera-monitor screen.

And that is how flying domestic feels like in the new normal. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With boarding pass in one hand and identification proof in the other, dozens of passengers flocked to the domestic airports to board flights to go back to their hometown.

With boarding pass in one hand and identification proof in the other, dozens of passengers flocked to the domestic airports to board flights to go back to their hometown. Reaching the airport was a task in itself, as Chennai has not allowed cab services to function. Little did they know that they will reach the airport only to be told that the flight has been cancelled at the last minute. The morning at Chennai domestic airport started with angry customers at Air India's window. Dozens of people, few who had travelled hours to reach the airport, were told to take a refund and go back home as the Civil Aviation Ministry cancelled few Air India flights at the last minute. When the angry crowd protested against it, the tickets were finally rescheduled for a later flight. Absence of crowd The Chennai domestic airport saw only 30 per cent of the usual rush, as few selected flights were allowed to take off and land. Passengers, including students and elderly, travelled from far off places. Before entering, every passenger is asked to show the 'you are safe' badge on the Aarogya Setu app. The airport authority makes sure that passengers maintain the decided social distance before entering. To enter the airport, after checking the Aarogya Setu App, the passengers are required to show the e-boarding pass and identification proof to the personnel standing behind a glass sheet. This is the first place where the passengers are asked to remove their masks for facial recognition. Then, the luggage is checked in and boarding passes are issued, all while maintaining social distance. The passengers are then asked to head to the security check, where once again personnel behind a glass wall ask to show the boarding pass along with an uncovered face in the camera. Thermal screening This is the point where all passengers expect to go through the much talked about thermal screening. As the electronic gadgets go in the tray, and one steps into the security check booth, the passengers realize that there was no specific change and no identified thermal screening happening (although few cameras installed might be helping to screen the passengers). It was one policewoman doing the regular security check, but while wearing a face shield that resembles a bee-keepers face shield. A self-declaration form was also signed by and collected from the passengers, through which the passengers declare that they are ready to cooperate with the authorities if an unfortunate situation takes place. A long wait Since the passengers are urged to report 3-4 hours before the departure time, they had to wait for a long time in the waiting lounge. The waiting area's shopping area is functional. However, the food services are limited to liquids (barring alcohol) and packaged goods such as chips, chocolates and cup noodles. The executives running the shops told WION, "Before entering the airport premises, they check our fever. If they suspect anything wrong, they don't allow us to enter. It is risky for us personally, but this is my job and I have to do it." "The sales are obviously less, but it is better than zero sales," he said while talking about the downfall in business. The waiting area is marked with social distancing marks, i.e. on a chair set of three, one middle seat had to be left unoccupied. All passengers waiting have to compulsorily wear facemasks and avoid all physical contact. If this is the new normal, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) will have to face financial blunt for the next few months. Take-off For boarding the flight, the passengers are asked to queue in small groups, depending on seat numbers. The ground staff, equipped with face masks and gloves only, stands behind a small glass screen and checks the boarding pass from behind the wall and hands over a care package to all passengers which consists of a face mask, a face shield and five sachets of hand sanitizer. All passengers are told to discard their old face masks and only wear the ones provided by the airlines. The face shields are compulsory from this point forward. The passengers then go through one more temperature check, and are then greeted in the aircraft by flight attendants, who are dressed in PPE suits. That, surprisingly, was the end of the much talked and much-hyped strict health check-ups. On landing, passengers are allowed to deboard in small groups. With no change in baggage claim, passengers are allowed to exit the airport through a specific gate which is manned by personnel keeping an eye on a camera-monitor screen. And that is how flying domestic feels like in the new normal. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: Flying in the new normal days

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Deeksha Teri

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.