An Indian businessman, based in India, won the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire on Wednesday.&nbsp;Rajan Kurian, a 43 year old businessman from&nbsp;Kottayam, Kerala, won&nbsp;a million dollars (equivalent to&nbsp;Rs. 76 million).

His winning ticket&nbsp;number 2852 was picked up from series 330.

Rajan had been buying tickets for DDF promotions since October 2019.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-was-boycottuae-trending-in-pak-300019">Also watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Why was #BoycottUAE trending in Pak?</a>

“I will set aside a good part of my win to help needy. I feel grateful with the win but I need to share it people who need it,” he told a media organization.

Rajan was escalated to win the DDF, as the past few days have been gloomy and difficult due to the coronavirus pandemic. He has planned to use a part of the money for his business developments, and will save the rest for his children's future needs.

“The last few months have been tough with the COVID-19 situation. My business has come to a standstill. This money will be put to good use," he told a media organization.

Four other winners were announced who won a luxury vehicle each.

An Indian businessman, based in India, won the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire on Wednesday. Rajan Kurian, a 43 year old businessman from Kottayam, Kerala, won a million dollars (equivalent to Rs.

An Indian businessman, based in India, won the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire on Wednesday. Rajan Kurian, a 43 year old businessman from Kottayam, Kerala, won a million dollars (equivalent to Rs. 76 million). His winning ticket number 2852 was picked up from series 330. Rajan had been buying tickets for DDF promotions since October 2019. Also watch: Gravitas: Why was #BoycottUAE trending in Pak? “I will set aside a good part of my win to help needy. I feel grateful with the win but I need to share it people who need it,” he told a media organization. Rajan was escalated to win the DDF, as the past few days have been gloomy and difficult due to the coronavirus pandemic. He has planned to use a part of the money for his business developments, and will save the rest for his children's future needs. “The last few months have been tough with the COVID-19 situation. My business has come to a standstill. This money will be put to good use," he told a media organization. Four other winners were announced who won a luxury vehicle each.

Kerala-based businessman wins a million dollar in Dubai Duty Free draw

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that developing countries like Pakistan face the dilemma of whether to protect their people from COVID-19 or hunger as he defended his decision to ease the nationwide lockdown to save millions of people who would have starved to death due to the coronavirus-related restrictions.

Khan made the comments while addressing the the World Economic Forum through a video link, highlighting the economic vulnerabilities of the developing countries in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We had to face a twin challenge. One was to stem the growth of the virus, but the bigger challenge is how to mitigate the effects of lockdown on our population and rising poverty," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-plans-to-seek-2-billion-in-loans-from-world-bank-adb-299924">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan plans to seek $2 billion in loans from World Bank, ADB</a>

Pakistan on May 9 began easing the month-long nationwide lockdown in a phased manner by allowing various businesses to open up, citing the economic crisis due to the shutdown.

Khan defended his policy of easing the lockdown as millions would have starved if the government had not lifted the lockdown meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"In Pakistan, we have 25 million workers who are either daily wagers or are self-employed, and these are 25 million families. I say it has affected 120-150 million in total," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/now-pakistan-digs-up-680-million-scam-linked-to-chinas-cpec-299995">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC</a>

He said that the Pakistan government made a critical decision to provide cash to poor families and so far 15 million families had received money.

"These people are facing stark poverty, and unless these people work, they will starve," he said, adding that his government started a cash disbursement programme but that is only a "short term solution."

Khan supported the effort by the G-20 nations to come up with debt relief, saying it would help divert resources to fight the pandemic.

"G-20 countries are coming up with a debt relief [initiative] but we need more details. The reason why there should be [such an initiative] is because we need that fiscal space to divert resources to healthcare and the environment," he said.

He said already a lot of the developing countries lack the fiscal space to put money into healthcare and it was now becoming even more difficult due to their economic fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak.

"I have spoken to the leaders of Nigeria, Ethiopia and Egypt and they told me that they were facing similar issues such as drop in exports and revenue," he said.

Khan said that the pandemic did not hit the developing countries like Pakistan, India and Bangladesh with the speed as it did in the Europe and the US.

"Firstly, the speed with which the virus spread in the Europe and the US, it didn't spread in the same way here," he said, adding that countries like Pakistan faced tough economic challenges.

He said the virus hit Pakistan at the worst time when it was in a position to make economic recovery after tough reforms.

Khan said that the coming year would be a challenge for Pakistan and also for the rest of the world.

"After the pandemic, every country looked within and became insular. But ultimately we are all connected and the response has to be global," he said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that developing countries like Pakistan face the dilemma of whether to protect their people from COVID-19 or hunger as he defended his decision to ease the nationwide lockdown to save millions of people who would have starved to death due to the coronavirus-related restrictions.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that developing countries like Pakistan face the dilemma of whether to protect their people from COVID-19 or hunger as he defended his decision to ease the nationwide lockdown to save millions of people who would have starved to death due to the coronavirus-related restrictions. Khan made the comments while addressing the the World Economic Forum through a video link, highlighting the economic vulnerabilities of the developing countries in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. "We had to face a twin challenge. One was to stem the growth of the virus, but the bigger challenge is how to mitigate the effects of lockdown on our population and rising poverty," he said. Also read: Pakistan plans to seek $2 billion in loans from World Bank, ADB Pakistan on May 9 began easing the month-long nationwide lockdown in a phased manner by allowing various businesses to open up, citing the economic crisis due to the shutdown. Khan defended his policy of easing the lockdown as millions would have starved if the government had not lifted the lockdown meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus. "In Pakistan, we have 25 million workers who are either daily wagers or are self-employed, and these are 25 million families. I say it has affected 120-150 million in total," he said. Also read: Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC He said that the Pakistan government made a critical decision to provide cash to poor families and so far 15 million families had received money. "These people are facing stark poverty, and unless these people work, they will starve," he said, adding that his government started a cash disbursement programme but that is only a "short term solution." Khan supported the effort by the G-20 nations to come up with debt relief, saying it would help divert resources to fight the pandemic. "G-20 countries are coming up with a debt relief [initiative] but we need more details. The reason why there should be [such an initiative] is because we need that fiscal space to divert resources to healthcare and the environment," he said. He said already a lot of the developing countries lack the fiscal space to put money into healthcare and it was now becoming even more difficult due to their economic fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak. "I have spoken to the leaders of Nigeria, Ethiopia and Egypt and they told me that they were facing similar issues such as drop in exports and revenue," he said. Khan said that the pandemic did not hit the developing countries like Pakistan, India and Bangladesh with the speed as it did in the Europe and the US. "Firstly, the speed with which the virus spread in the Europe and the US, it didn't spread in the same way here," he said, adding that countries like Pakistan faced tough economic challenges. He said the virus hit Pakistan at the worst time when it was in a position to make economic recovery after tough reforms. Khan said that the coming year would be a challenge for Pakistan and also for the rest of the world. "After the pandemic, every country looked within and became insular. But ultimately we are all connected and the response has to be global," he said.

Millions would have starved if COVID-19 lockdown was not eased: Pak PM

The United States'&nbsp;special envoy for Afghanistan on Wednesday met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former rival Abdullah Abdullah, to discuss progress towards a peace deal with the insurgent Taliban.

The meeting was the first between the three men since Ghani and Abdullah ended a months-long political impasse in which both claimed to be Afghanistan`s rightful leader.

The pair struck a power-sharing agreement on Sunday, removing a major obstacle to the US-brokered peace process and in which Abdullah was appointed head of a reconciliation council designated to hold talks with the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-mosque-attack-kills-eight-worshippers-breaking-ramzan-fast-299879">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan mosque attack kills eight worshippers breaking Ramzan fast</a>

Ghani said that during his meeting with Khalilzad, shortly before the three men met, they had discussed a ceasefire with the Taliban.

"Both sides talked about the upcoming steps for the peace process and both side stressed the issue of a ceasefire before the start of the inter-Afghan talks," Ghani's statement said, adding they discussed how to continue with a prisoner swap that the Taliban have demanded before beginning talks.

His statement made no mention of a $1 billion aid cut the United States announced in March when Abdullah and Ghani failed to strike a deal and which officials have asked be reinstated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/gunmen-kill-11-in-two-separate-attacks-afghanistan-officials-say-299878">Also read:&nbsp;Gunmen kill 11 in two separate attacks, Afghanistan officials say</a>

Khalilzad is in the region to escalate efforts to bring the Afghan government and the Taliban to the negotiating table after months of delays.

The Taliban has increased violence even after a February 29 US-Taliban pact on the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

In the latest attack in northeastern Takhar province on Tuesday evening the Taliban killed nine pro-government militia force members.

On Wednesday the Taliban's leader Haibatullah Akhundzada released a statement marking the Islamic celebration of Eid, calling for progress on the peace deal but also asking its fighters to stay "focused on their objectives" and "consolidate ... ranks", which government security officials criticised as inciting violence.

The United States' special envoy for Afghanistan on Wednesday met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former rival Abdullah Abdullah, to discuss progress towards a peace deal with the insurgent Taliban.

The United States' special envoy for Afghanistan on Wednesday met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his former rival Abdullah Abdullah, to discuss progress towards a peace deal with the insurgent Taliban. The meeting was the first between the three men since Ghani and Abdullah ended a months-long political impasse in which both claimed to be Afghanistan`s rightful leader. The pair struck a power-sharing agreement on Sunday, removing a major obstacle to the US-brokered peace process and in which Abdullah was appointed head of a reconciliation council designated to hold talks with the Taliban. Also read: Afghan mosque attack kills eight worshippers breaking Ramzan fast Ghani said that during his meeting with Khalilzad, shortly before the three men met, they had discussed a ceasefire with the Taliban. "Both sides talked about the upcoming steps for the peace process and both side stressed the issue of a ceasefire before the start of the inter-Afghan talks," Ghani's statement said, adding they discussed how to continue with a prisoner swap that the Taliban have demanded before beginning talks. His statement made no mention of a $1 billion aid cut the United States announced in March when Abdullah and Ghani failed to strike a deal and which officials have asked be reinstated. Also read: Gunmen kill 11 in two separate attacks, Afghanistan officials say Khalilzad is in the region to escalate efforts to bring the Afghan government and the Taliban to the negotiating table after months of delays. The Taliban has increased violence even after a February 29 US-Taliban pact on the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. In the latest attack in northeastern Takhar province on Tuesday evening the Taliban killed nine pro-government militia force members. On Wednesday the Taliban's leader Haibatullah Akhundzada released a statement marking the Islamic celebration of Eid, calling for progress on the peace deal but also asking its fighters to stay "focused on their objectives" and "consolidate ... ranks", which government security officials criticised as inciting violence.

US envoy meets Afghan president and former rival Abdullah in push for peace

For decades, it was believed that the&nbsp;fragments from the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were blank. These were stored carefully at the University of Manchester, but only because such authentic fragments of the scrolls have been hard to come by.

However, it has been recently discovered that four out of 51 fragments actually have&nbsp;readable Hebrew/Aramaic text on them.

These fragments may have text related to the biblical book of Ezekiel (46:1-3), and only needed a special camera to see it.

"The most substantial fragment has the remains of four lines of text with 15-16 letters, most of which are only partially preserved, but the word Shabbat (Sabbath) can be clearly read," the University of Manchester said in a statement.

For decades, scientists have tried to&nbsp;gain a better understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are some of the oldest versions of the Hebrew Bible and other religious texts. These texts date back to the time of Jesus, and can help in better understanding of these texts.

The discovery was recently made after decades as Professor Joan Taylor of King's College, London started examining the fragments for a new study. She photographed all these fragments using&nbsp;multispectral imaging after she thought that there was a slight possibility that one of the fragments contained a letter.

The process revealed text that was invisible to the naked eye.

"With new techniques for revealing ancient texts now available, I felt we had to know if these letters could be exposed. There are only a few on each fragment, but they are like missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle you find under a sofa," she said in a statement.

In recent times, few Dead Sea Scroll fragments were proved fake. However, these had been excavated when the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered in the West Bank's Qumran Caves. These were later, in 1950, gifted&nbsp;by the Jordanian government to Ronald Reed, a leather expert at the University of Leeds.&nbsp;Ronald Reed published his findings, but did not report finding any text on these fragments.

These fragments were later donated to&nbsp;The University of Manchester in 1997, where they were preserved, but not being extensively researched upon, until recently.

More developments about this will be published in a report as the researchers continue their investigations.

For decades, it was believed that the fragments from the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were blank. These were stored carefully at the University of Manchester, but only because such authentic fragments of the scrolls have been hard to come by.

For decades, it was believed that the fragments from the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were blank. These were stored carefully at the University of Manchester, but only because such authentic fragments of the scrolls have been hard to come by. However, it has been recently discovered that four out of 51 fragments actually have readable Hebrew/Aramaic text on them. These fragments may have text related to the biblical book of Ezekiel (46:1-3), and only needed a special camera to see it. "The most substantial fragment has the remains of four lines of text with 15-16 letters, most of which are only partially preserved, but the word Shabbat (Sabbath) can be clearly read," the University of Manchester said in a statement. For decades, scientists have tried to gain a better understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are some of the oldest versions of the Hebrew Bible and other religious texts. These texts date back to the time of Jesus, and can help in better understanding of these texts. The discovery was recently made after decades as Professor Joan Taylor of King's College, London started examining the fragments for a new study. She photographed all these fragments using multispectral imaging after she thought that there was a slight possibility that one of the fragments contained a letter. The process revealed text that was invisible to the naked eye. "With new techniques for revealing ancient texts now available, I felt we had to know if these letters could be exposed. There are only a few on each fragment, but they are like missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle you find under a sofa," she said in a statement. In recent times, few Dead Sea Scroll fragments were proved fake. However, these had been excavated when the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered in the West Bank's Qumran Caves. These were later, in 1950, gifted by the Jordanian government to Ronald Reed, a leather expert at the University of Leeds. Ronald Reed published his findings, but did not report finding any text on these fragments. These fragments were later donated to The University of Manchester in 1997, where they were preserved, but not being extensively researched upon, until recently. More developments about this will be published in a report as the researchers continue their investigations.

Scientists discover fragments of Dead Sea Scrolls contain Hebrew text invisible to naked eye

Scientists have created the first large-scale map of microscopic algae on the Antarctic peninsula. The map showed the surface turning green and&nbsp;potentially creating a source of nutrition for other species.

The team of biologists from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey spent six years on this research. They detected and measured the green snow algae using a combination of satellite data and ground observation.

The study was published in the journal Nature Communications on Wednesday.

Describing the algae map as a missing piece of the carbon cycle jigsaw in the Antarctic, Matt Davey, one of the scientists on the team said, “It’s a community. This could potentially form new habitats. In some place, it would be the beginning of a new ecosystem.” He also explained that the&nbsp;algae have formed close bonds with small fungal spores and bacteria.&nbsp;

In some areas, these single-cell life-forms are so dense, they turn the snow bright green. these can also be spotted from the space, according to the study. This large-scale map of the algae will be used to assess the speed at which Antarctica is turning green and maybe providing sustenance to other species.

It identifies 1,679 separate blooms of green snow algae. This, together, will cover an area of 1.9 sq. km and equals 479 tonnes per year carbon sink. While this will not make much of a difference in the planet's carbon budget, Matt explained this to&nbsp;equal to emissions of about 875,000 car journeys in the UK.

Almost two-thirds of the green algal blooms were found on islands around Peninsula, but these were small islands. These have&nbsp;experienced the most intense heating in the world. The snow algae were less conspicuous in colder and&nbsp;southern regions.

This is not the first time green has been spotted. Scientists say that earlier michen and mass was spotted, however, those grow&nbsp;extremely slowly in comparison to&nbsp;algae. The scientists also plan to measure&nbsp;red and orange algae to&nbsp;calculate the effect of the&nbsp;presence of these colourful forms on&nbsp;the heat-reflecting albedo quality of the snow.

Andrew Gray, the lead author of the paper, said, “I think we will get more large blooms in the future. Before we know whether this has a significant impact on carbon budgets or bio albedo, we need to run the numbers.”

Scientists have created the first large-scale map of microscopic algae on the Antarctic peninsula. The map showed the surface turning green and potentially creating a source of nutrition for other species.

Scientists have created the first large-scale map of microscopic algae on the Antarctic peninsula. The map showed the surface turning green and potentially creating a source of nutrition for other species. The team of biologists from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey spent six years on this research. They detected and measured the green snow algae using a combination of satellite data and ground observation. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications on Wednesday. Describing the algae map as a missing piece of the carbon cycle jigsaw in the Antarctic, Matt Davey, one of the scientists on the team said, “It’s a community. This could potentially form new habitats. In some place, it would be the beginning of a new ecosystem.” He also explained that the algae have formed close bonds with small fungal spores and bacteria. In some areas, these single-cell life-forms are so dense, they turn the snow bright green. these can also be spotted from the space, according to the study. This large-scale map of the algae will be used to assess the speed at which Antarctica is turning green and maybe providing sustenance to other species. It identifies 1,679 separate blooms of green snow algae. This, together, will cover an area of 1.9 sq. km and equals 479 tonnes per year carbon sink. While this will not make much of a difference in the planet's carbon budget, Matt explained this to equal to emissions of about 875,000 car journeys in the UK. Almost two-thirds of the green algal blooms were found on islands around Peninsula, but these were small islands. These have experienced the most intense heating in the world. The snow algae were less conspicuous in colder and southern regions. This is not the first time green has been spotted. Scientists say that earlier michen and mass was spotted, however, those grow extremely slowly in comparison to algae. The scientists also plan to measure red and orange algae to calculate the effect of the presence of these colourful forms on the heat-reflecting albedo quality of the snow. Andrew Gray, the lead author of the paper, said, “I think we will get more large blooms in the future. Before we know whether this has a significant impact on carbon budgets or bio albedo, we need to run the numbers.”

Scientists prepare a map of Antarctica turning green due to climate change

Amid these tough times of coronavirus, the Trump administration has decided to end the two-year rent holiday for&nbsp;solar and wind projects that are operating on federal lands.

The US government has handed these projects&nbsp;huge retroactive bills, which the corporations were not expecting. "The bills came as a surprise," Shannon Eddy, executive director of the Large-scale Solar Association, a trade group for owners of big solar farms, told a media house.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-united-states-to-stop-unreasonable-suppression-of-huawei-299116">Also read:&nbsp;China asks United States to stop 'unreasonable suppression' of Huawei</a>

The decision has come as a huge shock, especially given the current scenario when a lot of industries have had to face the brunt of cancelled or delayed projects by the global health crisis, which has cut investment and dimmed the demand outlook for power.

This has also fallen into direct contrast with the government's promise of helping US companies through the&nbsp;economic turmoil through federal loans, waived fees, tax breaks and trimmed regulatory enforcement.

U.S. power plant owner Avangrid Inc, majority owned by Spain`s Iberdrola, received a bill for more than $3 million for two years of rent on its 131-megawatt Tule wind project on federal land near San Diego, according to spokesman Paul Copleman.

The decision of allowing corporations to have a two-year rent holiday was taken by the Trump administration in 2018, in order to&nbsp;review the situation after hearing complaints that the Obama administration&nbsp;had increased the rent&nbsp;too much, which is calculated based on acreage, as well as the amount of power and the type of technology being used to generate it. This increase made the companies uncompetitive with rents on private property.

The Interior Department's official website shows an expected collection of&nbsp;$50 million in rent fees for wind and solar projects in 2020, up from $1.1 million in 2019 and $21.6 million in 2018.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, meanwhile, recently agreed to a 90-day fee deferral for nuclear power plant owners due to economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Amid these tough times of coronavirus, the Trump administration has decided to end the two-year rent holiday for solar and wind projects that are operating on federal lands.

Amid these tough times of coronavirus, the Trump administration has decided to end the two-year rent holiday for solar and wind projects that are operating on federal lands. The US government has handed these projects huge retroactive bills, which the corporations were not expecting. "The bills came as a surprise," Shannon Eddy, executive director of the Large-scale Solar Association, a trade group for owners of big solar farms, told a media house. Also read: China asks United States to stop 'unreasonable suppression' of Huawei The decision has come as a huge shock, especially given the current scenario when a lot of industries have had to face the brunt of cancelled or delayed projects by the global health crisis, which has cut investment and dimmed the demand outlook for power. This has also fallen into direct contrast with the government's promise of helping US companies through the economic turmoil through federal loans, waived fees, tax breaks and trimmed regulatory enforcement. U.S. power plant owner Avangrid Inc, majority owned by Spain`s Iberdrola, received a bill for more than $3 million for two years of rent on its 131-megawatt Tule wind project on federal land near San Diego, according to spokesman Paul Copleman. The decision of allowing corporations to have a two-year rent holiday was taken by the Trump administration in 2018, in order to review the situation after hearing complaints that the Obama administration had increased the rent too much, which is calculated based on acreage, as well as the amount of power and the type of technology being used to generate it. This increase made the companies uncompetitive with rents on private property. The Interior Department's official website shows an expected collection of $50 million in rent fees for wind and solar projects in 2020, up from $1.1 million in 2019 and $21.6 million in 2018. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, meanwhile, recently agreed to a 90-day fee deferral for nuclear power plant owners due to economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump administration ends two-year rent holiday for solar and wind projects

US and China have been at a verbal war for few months now. While the US has blamed China for withholding information about coronavirus, China has blamed US for discriminating with the Chinese journalists.

The war doesn't seem to end, as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that he has reasons to believe that China is interfering in the work of US journalists in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-issues-travel-advisory-asks-foreign-diplomats-to-stay-away-299071">Also read:&nbsp;China issues travel advisory, asks foreign diplomats to 'stay away'</a>

In 1997, Britain returned Hong Kong to China. It was established that the territory will have a high degree of autonomy for 50 years. The system formed the basis of the territory`s special status under U.S. law, which has helped it thrive as a world financial center.

However, Pompeo now believes that China is interfering in Hong Kong's working.&nbsp;"These journalists are members of a free press, not propaganda cadres, and their valuable reporting informs Chinese citizens and the world," Pompeo said in a statement.

He also stated earlier this months that the State Department was delaying a report to Congress assessing whether Hong Kong enjoyed sufficient autonomy from China to continue receiving special treatment from the United States. He has now threatened the Chinese government that their decisions on this matter could affect the US assessment of Hong Kong's autonomy status.

He said at the time the delay was to allow the report to account for any actions Beijing might contemplate in the run-up to China's May 22 National People's Congress.

The two countries have had their horns locked regarding treatment of journalists.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration decided to treat five major Chinese-run media houses the same as foreign embassies, requiring them to register their employees and U.S. properties with the State Department.

This was retaliated by the Chinese government, who fired two American journalists stating the reason as&nbsp;an opinion column by Wall Street Journal&nbsp;that called China the "real sick man of Asia".

Later, in March, the US government decreased the number of work visas from 160 to 100 for journalists working at four major Chinese state-owned media. Chinese government, in return,&nbsp;revoked the accreditations of American correspondents with the New York Times, News Corp's Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post whose credentials expire by the end of 2020.

(With inputs from Reuters)

US and China have been at a verbal war for few months now. While the US has blamed China for withholding information about coronavirus, China has blamed US for discriminating with the Chinese journalists.

US and China have been at a verbal war for few months now. While the US has blamed China for withholding information about coronavirus, China has blamed US for discriminating with the Chinese journalists. The war doesn't seem to end, as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that he has reasons to believe that China is interfering in the work of US journalists in Hong Kong. Also read: China issues travel advisory, asks foreign diplomats to 'stay away' In 1997, Britain returned Hong Kong to China. It was established that the territory will have a high degree of autonomy for 50 years. The system formed the basis of the territory`s special status under U.S. law, which has helped it thrive as a world financial center. However, Pompeo now believes that China is interfering in Hong Kong's working. "These journalists are members of a free press, not propaganda cadres, and their valuable reporting informs Chinese citizens and the world," Pompeo said in a statement. He also stated earlier this months that the State Department was delaying a report to Congress assessing whether Hong Kong enjoyed sufficient autonomy from China to continue receiving special treatment from the United States. He has now threatened the Chinese government that their decisions on this matter could affect the US assessment of Hong Kong's autonomy status. He said at the time the delay was to allow the report to account for any actions Beijing might contemplate in the run-up to China's May 22 National People's Congress. The two countries have had their horns locked regarding treatment of journalists. Earlier this year, the Trump administration decided to treat five major Chinese-run media houses the same as foreign embassies, requiring them to register their employees and U.S. properties with the State Department. This was retaliated by the Chinese government, who fired two American journalists stating the reason as an opinion column by Wall Street Journal that called China the "real sick man of Asia". Later, in March, the US government decreased the number of work visas from 160 to 100 for journalists working at four major Chinese state-owned media. Chinese government, in return, revoked the accreditations of American correspondents with the New York Times, News Corp's Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post whose credentials expire by the end of 2020. (With inputs from Reuters)

Mike Pompeo warns China over interference with American journalists in Hong Kong; threatens HK's autonomy status

A sad incident took place in Canada on Sunday, as a plane from Canada's Snowbirds, an elite air force aerobatics team, crashed in British Columbia during a performance to salute the COVID-19 warriors.

The performance was to thank the frontline workers and public for the efforts against the coronavirus, the military said.

According to local media, the plane crashed into the front yard of a house shortly after taking off from Kamloops Airport on Sunday morning along with one other plane.

Provincial Health Minister Adrian Dix stated that one person has been admitted to the hospital.

"The #RCAF has been made aware that a Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Kamloops, BC. "Our priority at this time is determining the status of our personnel and supporting emergency personnel," the Royal Canadian Air Force tweeted, without giving further details.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-strikes-deal-with-china-to-make-coronavirus-vaccine-298708">Also read:&nbsp;Canada strikes deal with China to make coronavirus vaccine</a>

Witnesses said the pilot managed to eject from the plane with a parachute before the crash. Local media reportes state that he landed on the roof of a house, and has suffered back and neck injuries.

A part of the house was on fire, and the pictures emerging from locals showed debris infront of the house.&nbsp;"It was complete chaos. People were yelling and screaming. We thought we were getting bombed or something. That's how hectic it was," a local man, next to whose house the plane crashed, was quoted by local media news network.

The two planes were scheduled to fly over British Columbia as part of a tour dubbed "Operation Inspiration," launched earlier this month to pay tribute to Canadians' efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

The Snowbirds' signature nine-jet formation, with trailing white smoke, began its tour in Nova Scotia and was to perform aerial displays over cities from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, at elevations as low as 500 feet (150 meters).

(With inputs from AFP)

A sad incident took place in Canada on Sunday, as a plane from Canada's Snowbirds, an elite air force aerobatics team, crashed in British Columbia during a performance to salute the COVID-19 warriors.

A sad incident took place in Canada on Sunday, as a plane from Canada's Snowbirds, an elite air force aerobatics team, crashed in British Columbia during a performance to salute the COVID-19 warriors. The performance was to thank the frontline workers and public for the efforts against the coronavirus, the military said. According to local media, the plane crashed into the front yard of a house shortly after taking off from Kamloops Airport on Sunday morning along with one other plane. Provincial Health Minister Adrian Dix stated that one person has been admitted to the hospital. "The #RCAF has been made aware that a Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Kamloops, BC. "Our priority at this time is determining the status of our personnel and supporting emergency personnel," the Royal Canadian Air Force tweeted, without giving further details. Also read: Canada strikes deal with China to make coronavirus vaccine Witnesses said the pilot managed to eject from the plane with a parachute before the crash. Local media reportes state that he landed on the roof of a house, and has suffered back and neck injuries. A part of the house was on fire, and the pictures emerging from locals showed debris infront of the house. "It was complete chaos. People were yelling and screaming. We thought we were getting bombed or something. That's how hectic it was," a local man, next to whose house the plane crashed, was quoted by local media news network. The two planes were scheduled to fly over British Columbia as part of a tour dubbed "Operation Inspiration," launched earlier this month to pay tribute to Canadians' efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic. The Snowbirds' signature nine-jet formation, with trailing white smoke, began its tour in Nova Scotia and was to perform aerial displays over cities from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, at elevations as low as 500 feet (150 meters). (With inputs from AFP)

Canadian Air Force plane crashes paying tribute to COVID-19 warriors

The US Air Force successfully launched its Atlas V rocket, carrying a X-37B space plane for a secretive mission.

The space plane was launched from&nbsp;Cape Canaveral, Florida on Sunday.

X-37B is a classified programme. There has not been much information provided by the US government or by the authorities in the past.

The aircraft, also known as an Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is on its sixth mission in space, where it will deploy a satellite into orbit. It will&nbsp;test power-beaming technology, and will also test&nbsp;the effect of radiation on seeds and other materials.

The mission was dedicated to frontline workers and corona warriors. The plane's payload fairing saw "America strong" written on it.

"The success of this mission resulted from collaboration with our customer while working through challenging, and ever changing, health and safety conditions. We were honoured to partner with the US Space Force to dedicate the mission to first responders, front-line workers, and those affected by COVID-19," said Gary Wentz, ULA's Vice President of government and commercial programs, in a news release.

The plane, which will orbit the Earth while carrying experiments,&nbsp;has been built by Boeing. The plane measures over 29ft long and has a wingspan of nearly 15ft and weighs 11,000lbs.&nbsp;It uses solar panels for power in orbit.

The length of the mission is unknown. The last mission that took place in 2010, lasted for two years.

The US Air Force successfully launched its Atlas V rocket, carrying a X-37B space plane for a secretive mission. The space plane was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Sunday.

The US Air Force successfully launched its Atlas V rocket, carrying a X-37B space plane for a secretive mission. The space plane was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Sunday. X-37B is a classified programme. There has not been much information provided by the US government or by the authorities in the past. The aircraft, also known as an Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is on its sixth mission in space, where it will deploy a satellite into orbit. It will test power-beaming technology, and will also test the effect of radiation on seeds and other materials. The mission was dedicated to frontline workers and corona warriors. The plane's payload fairing saw "America strong" written on it. "The success of this mission resulted from collaboration with our customer while working through challenging, and ever changing, health and safety conditions. We were honoured to partner with the US Space Force to dedicate the mission to first responders, front-line workers, and those affected by COVID-19," said Gary Wentz, ULA's Vice President of government and commercial programs, in a news release. The plane, which will orbit the Earth while carrying experiments, has been built by Boeing. The plane measures over 29ft long and has a wingspan of nearly 15ft and weighs 11,000lbs. It uses solar panels for power in orbit. The length of the mission is unknown. The last mission that took place in 2010, lasted for two years.

US Air Force launches space plane for secretive mission; dedicates mission to COVID-19 warriors

A lot of questions are being raised on British Government's decision on refusing a request from indian government to&nbsp;extradite Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, also known as `Tiger Hanif`,&nbsp;a suspect in 1993 bomb blasts that happened in Surat, Gujarat.

He is&nbsp;alleged to be an aide of the infamous underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. He has been accused by the Indian government of playing a main role in the devastating 1993 Surat bomb blasts.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-loses-final-chance-to-appeal-against-india-extradition-plea-298675">Also read:&nbsp;Vijay Mallya loses final chance to appeal against India extradition plea</a>

The bombings took place in january 1993&nbsp;at a railway station in the Varachha area of Surat, and left dozens of people critically injured.

Hanif has, in the past, stated that his human rights will be violated and he will be tortured in india, but has lost multiple legal bids to remain in the UK.&nbsp;

It is believed that Hanif arrived in the UK illegally in 1996 after jumping bail in India, following his arrest over the attacks and eventually obtained a British passport in 2005. He was arrested by British police in 2010 after India requested his extradition. He had been picked up whilst working at a grocery store in northern England.

Since 2013, the 57-year-old has lost a number of legal bids to remain in the UK by claiming that his human rights would be violated. He has repeatedly insisted that he would be tortured if returned to India.

Although he has been cleared to return to India,&nbsp;UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid refused the request for extradition in 2019, and thus Hanif has managed to stay in the UK.

A lot of questions are being raised on this decision by Sajid Javid, as he approved Indian government's similar request for Vijay Mallya, but refused for Hanif. In both cases, the individuals had contested against extradition on similar grounds that they would not receive fair trials and jail conditions would breach their basic human rights.

A lot of questions are being raised on British Government's decision on refusing a request from indian government to extradite Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, also known as `Tiger Hanif`, a suspect in 1993 bomb blasts that happened in Surat, Gujarat.

A lot of questions are being raised on British Government's decision on refusing a request from indian government to extradite Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, also known as `Tiger Hanif`, a suspect in 1993 bomb blasts that happened in Surat, Gujarat. He is alleged to be an aide of the infamous underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. He has been accused by the Indian government of playing a main role in the devastating 1993 Surat bomb blasts. Also read: Vijay Mallya loses final chance to appeal against India extradition plea The bombings took place in january 1993 at a railway station in the Varachha area of Surat, and left dozens of people critically injured. Hanif has, in the past, stated that his human rights will be violated and he will be tortured in india, but has lost multiple legal bids to remain in the UK. It is believed that Hanif arrived in the UK illegally in 1996 after jumping bail in India, following his arrest over the attacks and eventually obtained a British passport in 2005. He was arrested by British police in 2010 after India requested his extradition. He had been picked up whilst working at a grocery store in northern England. Since 2013, the 57-year-old has lost a number of legal bids to remain in the UK by claiming that his human rights would be violated. He has repeatedly insisted that he would be tortured if returned to India. Although he has been cleared to return to India, UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid refused the request for extradition in 2019, and thus Hanif has managed to stay in the UK. A lot of questions are being raised on this decision by Sajid Javid, as he approved Indian government's similar request for Vijay Mallya, but refused for Hanif. In both cases, the individuals had contested against extradition on similar grounds that they would not receive fair trials and jail conditions would breach their basic human rights.

Questions raised as UK Home Secretary says no to extradition of Dawood's aide

May 18 in history: India joins Nuclear club, woman breaks sound barrier and more

Sri Lanka will mark the 11th anniversary of its victory over the LTTE with a low key state ceremony on Tuesday, amidst the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Tamil separatist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which led an armed rebellion for over three decades against the Sri Lankan government to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern province of the island nation was defeated by the Army in May 2009.

"This year the celebrations will be held at a simple scale. The main ceremony is to take place near Parliament tomorrow and the occasion is to be graced by the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa," Lt Gen Shavendra Silva, the Army Commander told reporters here.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-in-an-exclusive-conversation-with-indias-new-high-commissioner-to-sri-lanka-gopal-baglay-299337">Also watch:&nbsp;WION in an exclusive conversation with India's New High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay</a>

The Sri Lankan Government would be holding a restricted state commemoration ceremony on Tuesday due to the COVID-19 pandemic that would be graced by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

A large number of war heroes would be commemorated during the occasion.

On May 19, 2009, the formal end to the bloody separatist war was signalled with the discovery of the body of the feared LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabakaran.

Lt Gen. Silva headed one of the Army divisions which cornered the LTTE in Army's final victory and President Rajapaksa was the top defense bureaucrat under his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa's then presidency.

Silva said the close relatives of war heroes will attend the restricted commemoration ceremony in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lanka has so far reported 981 infections of coronavirus with 9 deaths.

Silva said the Army is to give its biggest share of promotions to the lower rankers to coincide with the Hero's Day on Tuesday. Some 14,617 of them are to be elevated to their next rank.

The Army chief said that 23,962 soldiers, 1,160 sailors, 440 Air Force men, 2,598 policemen and 456 civil defense force cadres, who were killed during the three decades old conflict, would be commemorated at tomorrow's ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Tamil groups claimed that the military was keeping a close watch on the organisers of commemorations marked for the Tamils who died in the final battle.

They would light candles in their remembrance.

The LTTE was fighting the government troops since the mid 1970s to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern regions of the island nation.

Sri Lanka's human rights record, particularly over the impunity enjoyed by law enforcement officers, has been the subject of international condemnation.

The UN Human Rights Council has called for an international probe into the alleged war crimes during the military conflict with the LTTE.

According to the government figures, around 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts, including the war with Lankan Tamils which claimed at least 100,000 lives.

Sri Lanka will mark the 11th anniversary of its victory over the LTTE with a low key state ceremony on Tuesday, amidst the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Tamil separatist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which led an armed rebellion for over three decades against the Sri Lankan government to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern province of the island nation was defeated by the Army in May 2009.

Sri Lanka will mark the 11th anniversary of its victory over the LTTE with a low key state ceremony on Tuesday, amidst the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Tamil separatist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which led an armed rebellion for over three decades against the Sri Lankan government to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern province of the island nation was defeated by the Army in May 2009. "This year the celebrations will be held at a simple scale. The main ceremony is to take place near Parliament tomorrow and the occasion is to be graced by the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa," Lt Gen Shavendra Silva, the Army Commander told reporters here. Also watch: WION in an exclusive conversation with India's New High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay The Sri Lankan Government would be holding a restricted state commemoration ceremony on Tuesday due to the COVID-19 pandemic that would be graced by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. A large number of war heroes would be commemorated during the occasion. On May 19, 2009, the formal end to the bloody separatist war was signalled with the discovery of the body of the feared LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabakaran. Lt Gen. Silva headed one of the Army divisions which cornered the LTTE in Army's final victory and President Rajapaksa was the top defense bureaucrat under his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa's then presidency. Silva said the close relatives of war heroes will attend the restricted commemoration ceremony in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka has so far reported 981 infections of coronavirus with 9 deaths. Silva said the Army is to give its biggest share of promotions to the lower rankers to coincide with the Hero's Day on Tuesday. Some 14,617 of them are to be elevated to their next rank. The Army chief said that 23,962 soldiers, 1,160 sailors, 440 Air Force men, 2,598 policemen and 456 civil defense force cadres, who were killed during the three decades old conflict, would be commemorated at tomorrow's ceremony. Meanwhile, the Tamil groups claimed that the military was keeping a close watch on the organisers of commemorations marked for the Tamils who died in the final battle. They would light candles in their remembrance. The LTTE was fighting the government troops since the mid 1970s to set up a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern regions of the island nation. Sri Lanka's human rights record, particularly over the impunity enjoyed by law enforcement officers, has been the subject of international condemnation. The UN Human Rights Council has called for an international probe into the alleged war crimes during the military conflict with the LTTE. According to the government figures, around 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts, including the war with Lankan Tamils which claimed at least 100,000 lives.

Sri Lanka to keep 11th anniversary of victory over LTTE low key amidst COVID-19

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