UK PM Boris Johnson’s climate spokesperson Allegra Stratton reveals she drives a 'third-hand' diesel Volkswagen Golf, a report by the Guardian said. &nbsp;

Stratton, who is the prime minister’s former press secretary, has criticised the critical infrastructure needed to run an electric car, by saying, it is not letting people like her switch to an electric car.&nbsp;

She also cited the time taken to recharge on long journeys to be an issue even as average electric vehicle now has range of over 200 miles.&nbsp;

In an interview with Times Radio, Stratton explained she needed to visit elderly relatives '200, 250 miles away', and having to stop the vehicle to charge it would slow her down, particularly with two young children, who might otherwise remain asleep during the ride.&nbsp;

The spokesperson, who lives in north London, said, “I don’t fancy it just yet,” because of the length of time, it takes to make trips to visit her father in south Scotland, her mother in Gloucestershire, her grandmother in north Wales, and her in-laws in the Lake district.&nbsp;

Stratton said, “They’re all journeys that I think would be at least one quite long stop to charge,” while adding an electric car would become a more viable option for her if 'the stop times for recharging improve so much that it’s half an hour'.&nbsp;

UK PM Boris Johnson’s climate spokesperson Allegra Stratton reveals she drives a 'third-hand' diesel Volkswagen Golf, a report by the Guardian said. Stratton, who is the prime minister’s former press secretary, has criticised the critical infrastructure needed to run an electric car, by saying, it is not letting people like her switch to an electric car.

UK PM Boris Johnson’s climate spokesperson Allegra Stratton reveals she drives a 'third-hand' diesel Volkswagen Golf, a report by the Guardian said. Stratton, who is the prime minister’s former press secretary, has criticised the critical infrastructure needed to run an electric car, by saying, it is not letting people like her switch to an electric car. She also cited the time taken to recharge on long journeys to be an issue even as average electric vehicle now has range of over 200 miles. In an interview with Times Radio, Stratton explained she needed to visit elderly relatives '200, 250 miles away', and having to stop the vehicle to charge it would slow her down, particularly with two young children, who might otherwise remain asleep during the ride. The spokesperson, who lives in north London, said, “I don’t fancy it just yet,” because of the length of time, it takes to make trips to visit her father in south Scotland, her mother in Gloucestershire, her grandmother in north Wales, and her in-laws in the Lake district. Stratton said, “They’re all journeys that I think would be at least one quite long stop to charge,” while adding an electric car would become a more viable option for her if 'the stop times for recharging improve so much that it’s half an hour'.

UK PM’s climate spokesperson says diesel car suits better than electric 

Defying security concerns, Afghanistan’s first vice president Amrullah Saleh took to streets on Tuesday to protest the rising incidents of Taliban’s offensive against the country’s security forces in a rush to grab power by force.&nbsp;

Joining a civilian protest in streets of Kabul, Saleh chanted ‘Allah-o-Akbar' and slammed Pakistan for supporting the Taliban. The Afghan vice president said, "God is not Pakistan's product."&nbsp;

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It was such an historic moment to echo the Kabul masses " Allah o Akbar, death to Talib terrorists &amp; their backer". Unforgettable moments of emotions &amp; patriotism. در سه بخش کابل با مردم همصدایی کردم که الله و اکبر و نابود باد طالب و حامی طالب. لحظه های فراموش ناشدنی پر از احساس
— Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2/status/1422628477346500623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet after taking part in the protest, Saleh said, "It was such an historic moment to echo the Kabul masses ‘Allah o Akbar’, death to Talib terrorists and their backer. Unforgettable moments of emotions and patriotism." &nbsp;

Before the protest, he had said on Twitter, "Shame to its backer(s)." &nbsp;

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First vice president, <a href="https://twitter.com/AmrullahSaleh2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmrullahSaleh2</a> on the streets of Kabul among people. 
God is great <a href="https://t.co/Kyfj9fGDG8">pic.twitter.com/Kyfj9fGDG8</a>
— Fawad Aman (@FawadAman2) <a href="https://twitter.com/FawadAman2/status/1422628827113697281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Saleh had said, "Pakistan is a direct party to the Afghan conflict and crisis. Treating them as normal neighbour won't help the peace process. Defining their role in war and peace must be part of the discussion. Silence, sugar coating, appeasement or simply ignoring it won't help. Taliban leaders are in Pakistan." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan has been long blamed for providing support to Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. It is no secret that scores of top Afghan Taliban leaders are hidden in Pakistan. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Defying security concerns, Afghanistan’s first vice president Amrullah Saleh took to streets on Tuesday to protest the rising incidents of Taliban’s offensive against the country’s security forces in a rush to grab power by force.

Defying security concerns, Afghanistan’s first vice president Amrullah Saleh took to streets on Tuesday to protest the rising incidents of Taliban’s offensive against the country’s security forces in a rush to grab power by force. Joining a civilian protest in streets of Kabul, Saleh chanted ‘Allah-o-Akbar' and slammed Pakistan for supporting the Taliban. The Afghan vice president said, "God is not Pakistan's product." It was such an historic moment to echo the Kabul masses " Allah o Akbar, death to Talib terrorists & their backer". Unforgettable moments of emotions & patriotism. در سه بخش کابل با مردم همصدایی کردم که الله و اکبر و نابود باد طالب و حامی طالب. لحظه های فراموش ناشدنی پر از احساس — Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) August 3, 2021 × In a tweet after taking part in the protest, Saleh said, "It was such an historic moment to echo the Kabul masses ‘Allah o Akbar’, death to Talib terrorists and their backer. Unforgettable moments of emotions and patriotism." Before the protest, he had said on Twitter, "Shame to its backer(s)." First vice president, @AmrullahSaleh2 on the streets of Kabul among people. God is great pic.twitter.com/Kyfj9fGDG8 — Fawad Aman (@FawadAman2) August 3, 2021 × Earlier, Saleh had said, "Pakistan is a direct party to the Afghan conflict and crisis. Treating them as normal neighbour won't help the peace process. Defining their role in war and peace must be part of the discussion. Silence, sugar coating, appeasement or simply ignoring it won't help. Taliban leaders are in Pakistan." Pakistan has been long blamed for providing support to Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. It is no secret that scores of top Afghan Taliban leaders are hidden in Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Taking to streets, Afghan first VP Saleh slams Pak for supporting Taliban 

In a recent TikTok session over COVID-19 vaccination on Monday, French president Emmanuel Macron ditched his trademark grey suit, white shirt and tie and donned a trendy look with a black and short-sleeved T-shirt. &nbsp;

Although the session was organised to encourage French youngsters to get vaccinated, the netizens seem to somehow got stuck with the meaning of the logo of the Macron’s T-shirt.&nbsp;

The efforts to allay fears about vaccination seem to somehow not pay off as hours after the session, the social media buzz across the country was over the conspiracy theories cooked up about the logo. &nbsp;

Macron’s message, which was shared during the question-and-answer appearance on TikTok, seem to have lost in the midst.&nbsp;

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I see <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BohemianClub?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BohemianClub</a> is trending in France because Emmanuel Macron's black T-shirt featured its owl logo — proof, it seems, he belongs to a global secret society. The club, in fact, was founded in San Francisco in the 19th century when the "Bohemian" movement was in vogue.
— Matthew Fraser (@frasermatthew) <a href="https://twitter.com/frasermatthew/status/1422525995018559509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the speculation over logo design, netizens asked all sorts of questions, such as ‘Was it a bird?’, ‘Is it a subliminal message or a secret sign?’, ‘Or just a logo of an owl on a T-shirt?’, etc.&nbsp;

The Élysée Palace, which is the official residence of the President of the French Republic, has not given any official response to questions about the T-shirt.&nbsp;

The speculation seems to have benefitted only the sales of a similar T-shirt, which was being sold online as 'the Macron Tik-Tok T-shirt' for €19.99. &nbsp;

In a recent TikTok session over COVID-19 vaccination on Monday, French president Emmanuel Macron ditched his trademark grey suit, white shirt and tie and donned a trendy look with a black and short-sleeved T-shirt.

In a recent TikTok session over COVID-19 vaccination on Monday, French president Emmanuel Macron ditched his trademark grey suit, white shirt and tie and donned a trendy look with a black and short-sleeved T-shirt. Although the session was organised to encourage French youngsters to get vaccinated, the netizens seem to somehow got stuck with the meaning of the logo of the Macron’s T-shirt. The efforts to allay fears about vaccination seem to somehow not pay off as hours after the session, the social media buzz across the country was over the conspiracy theories cooked up about the logo. Macron’s message, which was shared during the question-and-answer appearance on TikTok, seem to have lost in the midst. I see #BohemianClub is trending in France because Emmanuel Macron's black T-shirt featured its owl logo — proof, it seems, he belongs to a global secret society. The club, in fact, was founded in San Francisco in the 19th century when the "Bohemian" movement was in vogue. — Matthew Fraser (@frasermatthew) August 3, 2021 × In the speculation over logo design, netizens asked all sorts of questions, such as ‘Was it a bird?’, ‘Is it a subliminal message or a secret sign?’, ‘Or just a logo of an owl on a T-shirt?’, etc. The Élysée Palace, which is the official residence of the President of the French Republic, has not given any official response to questions about the T-shirt. The speculation seems to have benefitted only the sales of a similar T-shirt, which was being sold online as 'the Macron Tik-Tok T-shirt' for €19.99.

T-shirt logo in French president’s TikTok session makes netizens wonder 

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said.&nbsp;

According to police, the woman used to work as a helicopter engineer in Alberta. The Alberta Forest lies in the north-west region of the province.&nbsp;

Before calling for help, a co-worker, who witnessed the attack, helped to scare off the bear.&nbsp;

RCMP spokesperson Cpl Troy Savinkoff said, “She was evacuated by her co-worker on a helicopter and brought back to the Swan Hills airport where they met up with an ambulance, emergency crews, and she was subsequently declared deceased at the airport.” &nbsp;

The family of the victim has asked that she should not be identified.&nbsp;

Several private companies hire tree planters to re-forest swaths of the taiga after logging operations are carried out in remote and rugged terrain areas.&nbsp;

While working in these areas, tree planters often come across wild animals, including wolves, cougars and bears.&nbsp;

Only five other fatal black bear attacks have occurred in Alberta since 1958.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said.

In a rare attack by one of the world’s fiercest predators, a 26-year-old woman recently was mauled to death while planting trees after a logging operation by an adult black bear in remote Alberta Forest, Canada, a report by the Guardian said. According to police, the woman used to work as a helicopter engineer in Alberta. The Alberta Forest lies in the north-west region of the province. Before calling for help, a co-worker, who witnessed the attack, helped to scare off the bear. RCMP spokesperson Cpl Troy Savinkoff said, “She was evacuated by her co-worker on a helicopter and brought back to the Swan Hills airport where they met up with an ambulance, emergency crews, and she was subsequently declared deceased at the airport.” The family of the victim has asked that she should not be identified. Several private companies hire tree planters to re-forest swaths of the taiga after logging operations are carried out in remote and rugged terrain areas. While working in these areas, tree planters often come across wild animals, including wolves, cougars and bears. Only five other fatal black bear attacks have occurred in Alberta since 1958. (With inputs from agencies)

26-year-old woman dies after a rare attack by black bear in Canada 

In what could be called a big win, Czech Republic President Miloš Zeman signed a bill into law this week. This law will help women, who were sterilised without their consent, get compensation.&nbsp;

The government has announced a compensation of around 300,000&nbsp;Czech Korunas&nbsp;(14,000 US dollars) for these women, most of whom were Roma. &nbsp;

Roma or Romani people, an ethnic minority in the Czech Republic, are believed to be originally migrated from India long time back.&nbsp;

Human rights activist Gwendolyn Albert, who was campaigning for the change, said, “This means the wrongdoing committed against all who have been sterilised without their informed consent is acknowledged and can be redressed.”&nbsp;

From 1966 to 2012, several women were forced to undergo the procedure due to coercion, a report by The Guardian said. Threats and incentives were used widely.&nbsp;

There is no specific data to suggest the exact number of affected women, but the campaigners believe there were several hundred victims of this forced sterilisation.&nbsp;

Although the programme ended with communist regime’s collapse in 1989, the women in labour were continued to be misled into signing consent forms before caesarean births. In some cases, they were not even told that they were being sterilised after the delivery. &nbsp;

The compensation claims will be administered by Czech health ministry. It is also yet to announce when the process will begin. The victims will also have to support their claims. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Elena Gorolová, a 51-year-old social worker from Ostrava, said, the move marks a historic win. She was sterilised at the age of 21.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In what could be called a big win, Czech Republic President Miloš Zeman signed a bill into law this week. This law will help women, who were sterilised without their consent, get compensation.

In what could be called a big win, Czech Republic President Miloš Zeman signed a bill into law this week. This law will help women, who were sterilised without their consent, get compensation. The government has announced a compensation of around 300,000 Czech Korunas (14,000 US dollars) for these women, most of whom were Roma. Roma or Romani people, an ethnic minority in the Czech Republic, are believed to be originally migrated from India long time back. Human rights activist Gwendolyn Albert, who was campaigning for the change, said, “This means the wrongdoing committed against all who have been sterilised without their informed consent is acknowledged and can be redressed.” From 1966 to 2012, several women were forced to undergo the procedure due to coercion, a report by The Guardian said. Threats and incentives were used widely. There is no specific data to suggest the exact number of affected women, but the campaigners believe there were several hundred victims of this forced sterilisation. Although the programme ended with communist regime’s collapse in 1989, the women in labour were continued to be misled into signing consent forms before caesarean births. In some cases, they were not even told that they were being sterilised after the delivery. The compensation claims will be administered by Czech health ministry. It is also yet to announce when the process will begin. The victims will also have to support their claims. Elena Gorolová, a 51-year-old social worker from Ostrava, said, the move marks a historic win. She was sterilised at the age of 21. (With inputs from agencies)

Women sterilised without consent in Czech Republic to get compensation 

Warning more assaults on top government officials,&nbsp;the Taliban&nbsp;claimed to have carried out the&nbsp;deadly attack on the Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister&nbsp;in Kabul. The group spokesman said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;its fighters were behind the incident.&nbsp;

In a statement,&nbsp;Zabihullah&nbsp;Mujahid,&nbsp;spokesman,&nbsp;Taliban said,&nbsp;"Last night a martyrdom attack was carried out on the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister's residence."&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also added&nbsp;that more&nbsp;'retaliatory operations'&nbsp;against top government officials were being planned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the attack,&nbsp;at least eight people, including a woman, were killed.&nbsp;More than 20 others were also hurt in a car bomb blast. The incident happened&nbsp;near&nbsp;Acting Defense Minister Gen Bismillah Mohammadi’s&nbsp;residence on Tuesday night, said&nbsp;Interior Ministry&nbsp;on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The attack was carried out around&nbsp;8 pm local time in&nbsp;Shirpoor&nbsp;area, district 10, Kabul.&nbsp;In the area, most of the high-ranking government officials reside.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At first,&nbsp;car bomb exploded&nbsp;close to Minister’s&nbsp;house&nbsp;and then, around&nbsp;four gunmen entered a nearby house and fought&nbsp;with&nbsp;security guards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The security forces&nbsp;also&nbsp;arrived at the scene shortly,&nbsp;and ambulances were also seen leaving the area within an hour of the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Warning more assaults on top government officials, the Taliban claimed to have carried out the deadly attack on the Afghan defence minister in Kabul. The group spokesman said on Wednesday, its fighters were behind the incident.

Warning more assaults on top government officials, the Taliban claimed to have carried out the deadly attack on the Afghan defence minister in Kabul. The group spokesman said on Wednesday, its fighters were behind the incident. In a statement, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman, Taliban said, "Last night a martyrdom attack was carried out on the defence minister's residence." He also added that more 'retaliatory operations' against top government officials were being planned. In the attack, at least eight people, including a woman, were killed. More than 20 others were also hurt in a car bomb blast. The incident happened near Acting Defense Minister Gen Bismillah Mohammadi’s residence on Tuesday night, said Interior Ministry on Wednesday. The attack was carried out around 8 pm local time in Shirpoor area, district 10, Kabul. In the area, most of the high-ranking government officials reside. At first, car bomb exploded close to Minister’s house and then, around four gunmen entered a nearby house and fought with security guards. The security forces also arrived at the scene shortly, and ambulances were also seen leaving the area within an hour of the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban  

In an incident of violence outside world’s one of the safest places, a Pentagon police officer died after being stabbed on Tuesday. &nbsp;

The violence occurred at a transit station outside Pentagon, which lies on the outskirts of Washington DC. In the incident, security agencies also shot a suspect, who died at the scene, said officials.&nbsp;

The US military headquarters, Pentagon, was placed on a temporary lockdown after gunshots were fired near the building’s entrance. The lockdown was lifted later.&nbsp;

On the condition of anonymity, some officials told Associated Press, a Pentagon police officer, who was stabbed, died. &nbsp;

Although it is still unclear that the shooting and the stabbing of the officer are interlinked or not, more information about the incident may come in after Pentagon holds a news conference. &nbsp;

According to the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the violence happened on a Metro bus platform, which is a part of the Pentagon transit center.&nbsp;

It is very close to Pentagon building, which is in Arlington County, Virginia.&nbsp;

Multiple gunshots were heard near the building and police were heard yelling 'shooter'. The facility was on lockdown due to 'police activity', said a Pentagon announcement. &nbsp;

The Pentagon authorities are yet to provide more details or the sequence of events.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an incident of violence outside world’s one of the safest places, a Pentagon police officer died after being stabbed on Tuesday. The violence occurred at a transit station outside Pentagon, which lies on the outskirts of Washington DC.

In an incident of violence outside world’s one of the safest places, a Pentagon police officer died after being stabbed on Tuesday. The violence occurred at a transit station outside Pentagon, which lies on the outskirts of Washington DC. In the incident, security agencies also shot a suspect, who died at the scene, said officials. The US military headquarters, Pentagon, was placed on a temporary lockdown after gunshots were fired near the building’s entrance. The lockdown was lifted later. On the condition of anonymity, some officials told Associated Press, a Pentagon police officer, who was stabbed, died. Although it is still unclear that the shooting and the stabbing of the officer are interlinked or not, more information about the incident may come in after Pentagon holds a news conference. According to the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the violence happened on a Metro bus platform, which is a part of the Pentagon transit center. It is very close to Pentagon building, which is in Arlington County, Virginia. Multiple gunshots were heard near the building and police were heard yelling 'shooter'. The facility was on lockdown due to 'police activity', said a Pentagon announcement. The Pentagon authorities are yet to provide more details or the sequence of events. (With inputs from agencies)

Officer dead in violence outside Pentagon, say US officials 

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said.&nbsp;

The US federal government has been reporting data about breakthrough infections, which result in hospitalisation or death.&nbsp;

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data says, less than 0.004% people, who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalisation, while less than 0.001% died. Out of more than 163 million fully vaccinated people in the US, it is about 6,600 severe cases. The analysis shows breakthrough infections are extremely rare.&nbsp;

Around half of US states reported data on the breakthrough cases. In each state, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people got a breakthrough infection. It ranged from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.9% in Oklahoma.&nbsp;

The analysis also said over 90% of cases and more than 95% of hospitalisations and deaths have been reported among unvaccinated people.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of daily coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the peak set last summer. "COVID-19 is clearly not done with us and so, our battle must last a little longer,” Walensky said.&nbsp;

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said. The US federal government has been reporting data about breakthrough infections, which result in hospitalisation or death. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data says, less than 0.004% people, who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalisation, while less than 0.001% died. Out of more than 163 million fully vaccinated people in the US, it is about 6,600 severe cases. The analysis shows breakthrough infections are extremely rare. Around half of US states reported data on the breakthrough cases. In each state, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people got a breakthrough infection. It ranged from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.9% in Oklahoma. The analysis also said over 90% of cases and more than 95% of hospitalisations and deaths have been reported among unvaccinated people. Meanwhile, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of daily coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the peak set last summer. "COVID-19 is clearly not done with us and so, our battle must last a little longer,” Walensky said.

Less than 1% fully vaccinated may get a ‘breakthrough’ Covid infection: Report

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions.&nbsp;

In a statement, Etihad said, “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the UAE and Etihad's network has been suspended until August 7, 2021.” &nbsp;

On its website, Abu Dhabi-based airline said, “This is an evolving situation, and this date may have to be extended in line with government mandates.”&nbsp;

Although official delegations, diplomatic missions, UAE nationals and Golden residence holders are exempted from the UAE entry restriction, these passengers may have to quarantine themselves. &nbsp;

Currently, Etihad is operating normal commercial flights to all four countries. The airline said cargo will continue to operate in both directions without any impact.&nbsp;

Earlier, national carrier Etihad Airways informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2.&nbsp;

"We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions.

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions. In a statement, Etihad said, “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the UAE and Etihad's network has been suspended until August 7, 2021.” On its website, Abu Dhabi-based airline said, “This is an evolving situation, and this date may have to be extended in line with government mandates.” Although official delegations, diplomatic missions, UAE nationals and Golden residence holders are exempted from the UAE entry restriction, these passengers may have to quarantine themselves. Currently, Etihad is operating normal commercial flights to all four countries. The airline said cargo will continue to operate in both directions without any impact. Earlier, national carrier Etihad Airways informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2. "We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet. (With inputs from agencies)

Flights’ suspension from India, Pak, Bangladesh and Lanka to UAE extended till Aug 7 

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;EU putting sanctions on 8 more Nicaraguans&nbsp;as presidential race takes shape to&nbsp;Japan government starting to 'name and shame' quarantine rule-breakers,&nbsp;we have it all.

You can also&nbsp;read about&nbsp;Brazil's court to probe Bolsonaro for attacks on voting system, and&nbsp;Seoul says no decision on drills, but exercises shouldn't create tension in North Korea.&nbsp;And also read&nbsp;CDC says&nbsp;seven-day daily COVID-19 average in US surpassed peak set last summer.

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-day-daily-covid-19-average-in-us-surpassed-peak-set-last-summer-cdc-402502">Seven-day daily COVID-19 average in US surpassed peak set last summer: CDC</a>

<img alt="Br1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da91a989-635d-41be-92a3-9a4a349154cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BrB1.JPG" />

As the US witnesses a surge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-breaks-covid-19-hospitalisation-record-as-cases-surge-402390">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases,&nbsp;CDC&nbsp;Director Dr&nbsp;Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of daily coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the peak set&nbsp;last summer.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-court-to-probe-bolsonaro-for-attacks-on-voting-system-402497">Brazil court to probe Bolsonaro for attacks on voting system</a>

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12d597aa-7997-4858-af22-c3654970380d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BrB2.JPG" />

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided to open an investigation into President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections.&nbsp;Bolsonaro has repeatedly said Brazil's electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-says-no-decision-on-us-drills-but-exercises-should-not-create-north-korea-tension-402498">Seoul: No decision on drills, but exercises shouldn't create N Korea tension</a>

<img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb0c7a51-bc92-4524-80e1-bd1e2e994cec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BrB3.JPG" />

South Korea said no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-puts-sanctions-on-8-more-nicaraguans-as-presidential-race-takes-shape-402496">EU puts sanctions on 8 more Nicaraguans, as presidential race takes shape</a>

<img alt="Brief 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2603a125-4b87-42dc-8740-dbf5934f0be2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BrB4.JPG" />

The European Union imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including vice president Rosario Murillo.&nbsp;The step adds to growing international isolation of President Daniel Ortega's government, which has been criticised for crackdowns against his opponents.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-government-starts-to-name-and-shame-quarantine-rule-breakers-402495">Japan government starts to 'name and shame' quarantine rule-breakers</a>

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Japan has carried out a threat to publicly shame people not complying with COVID-19 border control measures, releasing the names of three people who broke quarantine rules after returning from overseas.

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Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The third wave in India "begins this month"

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From EU putting sanctions on 8 more Nicaraguans as presidential race takes shape to Japan government starting to 'name and shame' quarantine rule-breakers, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From EU putting sanctions on 8 more Nicaraguans as presidential race takes shape to Japan government starting to 'name and shame' quarantine rule-breakers, we have it all. You can also read about Brazil's court to probe Bolsonaro for attacks on voting system, and Seoul says no decision on drills, but exercises shouldn't create tension in North Korea. And also read CDC says seven-day daily COVID-19 average in US surpassed peak set last summer. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Seven-day daily COVID-19 average in US surpassed peak set last summer: CDC As the US witnesses a surge in coronavirus cases, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said the seven-day average of daily coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the peak set last summer. Brazil court to probe Bolsonaro for attacks on voting system Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided to open an investigation into President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections. Bolsonaro has repeatedly said Brazil's electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Seoul: No decision on drills, but exercises shouldn't create N Korea tension South Korea said no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises. EU puts sanctions on 8 more Nicaraguans, as presidential race takes shape The European Union imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including vice president Rosario Murillo. The step adds to growing international isolation of President Daniel Ortega's government, which has been criticised for crackdowns against his opponents. Japan government starts to 'name and shame' quarantine rule-breakers Japan has carried out a threat to publicly shame people not complying with COVID-19 border control measures, releasing the names of three people who broke quarantine rules after returning from overseas. Watch | Gravitas: The third wave in India "begins this month" ×

Morning news brief: Brazil court to probe Bolsonaro for attacks on voting system and more

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. 
 
South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, mainly in the spring and summer, which North Korea routinely denounces as rehearsals for war. 
 
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned Seoul on Sunday that holding the drills would undercut efforts to rebuild relations. 
 
Her warning came days after the two Koreas restored hotlines Pyongyang severed a year ago and South Korean officials said Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were seeking to repair strained ties and resume summits. 
 
South Korea's defence ministry said Seoul and Washington were in talks over the drills but no decision had yet been made. 
 
"We have nothing to comment on her statement, but regarding the exercises, the timing and method have not been finalised," ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan told a briefing. 
 
He said the allies would make a decision after considering COVID-19, joint defence posture, planned transfer of wartime operational control, and the issue of "supporting diplomatic efforts for establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." 
 
Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of Seoul's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the exercises should not be a "source of military tension in any case", without elaborating. 
 
The Pentagon also declined to comment on Kim Yo Jong's statement. It said it did not comment on "planned or conducted training readiness" but "combined training events" were a bilateral decision "and any decisions will be a mutual agreement." 
 
A US&nbsp;State Department spokesperson reiterated that Washington "supports inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and welcomes the recent developments related to inter-Korean communication," adding that "diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." 
 
At the same time, US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to call on Southeast Asian counterparts in a meeting this week to fully implement sanctions on North Korea. 
 
A US&nbsp;official briefing reporters ahead of a series of virtual regional meetings this week, said North Korea's foreign minister was expected to attend one, the ASEAN Regional Forum, but Blinken, who would also take part, had no plan to engage with him on any particular issue. 
 
US-South Korea exercises have been scaled back in recent years to facilitate talks between North Korea and the administration of former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return for US&nbsp;sanctions relief. 
 
But the negotiations stalled following a failed second Trump-Kim summit in 2019. 
 
The pandemic has affected the drills, with the allies focusing on computerised simulations and minimising live field training without mobilising US-based troops. 
 
A high-level Unification Ministry official said on Friday the exercises should be postponed to help restart talks, but Lee declined to comment when asked if the ministry plans to make a formal recommendation. 
 
Lee said Seoul last week proposed setting up a video conference system to expedite inter-Korean dialogue and approved plans by two civilian relief groups to send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations.

South Korea said on Monday no decision has yet been made on its joint military exercises with the United States but they should not create tension, after North Korea warned the South against holding the exercises amid signs of a thaw in relations. South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, mainly in the spring and summer, which North Korea routinely denounces as rehearsals for war. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned Seoul on Sunday that holding the drills would undercut efforts to rebuild relations. Her warning came days after the two Koreas restored hotlines Pyongyang severed a year ago and South Korean officials said Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in were seeking to repair strained ties and resume summits. South Korea's defence ministry said Seoul and Washington were in talks over the drills but no decision had yet been made. "We have nothing to comment on her statement, but regarding the exercises, the timing and method have not been finalised," ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan told a briefing. He said the allies would make a decision after considering COVID-19, joint defence posture, planned transfer of wartime operational control, and the issue of "supporting diplomatic efforts for establishing lasting peace on the Korean peninsula." Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of Seoul's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the exercises should not be a "source of military tension in any case", without elaborating. The Pentagon also declined to comment on Kim Yo Jong's statement. It said it did not comment on "planned or conducted training readiness" but "combined training events" were a bilateral decision "and any decisions will be a mutual agreement." A US State Department spokesperson reiterated that Washington "supports inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and welcomes the recent developments related to inter-Korean communication," adding that "diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." At the same time, US State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to call on Southeast Asian counterparts in a meeting this week to fully implement sanctions on North Korea. A US official briefing reporters ahead of a series of virtual regional meetings this week, said North Korea's foreign minister was expected to attend one, the ASEAN Regional Forum, but Blinken, who would also take part, had no plan to engage with him on any particular issue. US-South Korea exercises have been scaled back in recent years to facilitate talks between North Korea and the administration of former US President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return for US sanctions relief. But the negotiations stalled following a failed second Trump-Kim summit in 2019. The pandemic has affected the drills, with the allies focusing on computerised simulations and minimising live field training without mobilising US-based troops. A high-level Unification Ministry official said on Friday the exercises should be postponed to help restart talks, but Lee declined to comment when asked if the ministry plans to make a formal recommendation. Lee said Seoul last week proposed setting up a video conference system to expedite inter-Korean dialogue and approved plans by two civilian relief groups to send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

Seoul says no decision on US drills, but exercises should not create North Korea tension

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections. 
 
Bolsonaro, who is expected to seek a second term in 2022, has repeatedly said Brazil's electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud. 
 
Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts with his unfounded claims in order to pave the way for him not to accept defeat in 2022. 
 
The TSE also decided to ask the Supreme Court to investigate whether Bolsonaro committed a crime by attacking the electoral system on social media and threatening Brazil's democracy. 
 
The TSE voted to investigate Bolsonaro after he accused the court's members of complicity in maintaining a voting system that would help former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva return to power. 
 
Bolsonaro is calling for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed, a paper trail that would change the current all-electronic voting system. Bolsonaro has said he might not accept the result of next year's presidential election if the system is not changed. 
 
Over the weekend, supporters of the president held demonstrations in several cities backing his proposal. 
 
Earlier on Monday, a group of 18 active and former Brazilian Supreme Court justices, who also serve as judges on the TSE, said the election system is free of fraud. 
 
"Brazil has eliminated a history of election fraud," the judges said in a statement, saying that since the electronic voting system was adopted in 1996, there has never been a documented fraud case in any election. 
 
"The electronic voting system is subject to audits before, during and after the election," they said. The judges said all the steps are monitored by political parties, prosecutors, federal police, universities and the Brazilian Bar Association. 
 
The judges said printed ballots are less safe than electronic voting, and that if Brazil goes back to manual counting of 150 million printed ballots, the chance of fraud would be higher. 
 
A congressional committee will vote Thursday on a proposal pushed by Bolsonaro to introduce paper ballots. 
 
The government solicitor general's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the TSE decision.

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections.

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections. Bolsonaro, who is expected to seek a second term in 2022, has repeatedly said Brazil's electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts with his unfounded claims in order to pave the way for him not to accept defeat in 2022. The TSE also decided to ask the Supreme Court to investigate whether Bolsonaro committed a crime by attacking the electoral system on social media and threatening Brazil's democracy. The TSE voted to investigate Bolsonaro after he accused the court's members of complicity in maintaining a voting system that would help former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva return to power. Bolsonaro is calling for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed, a paper trail that would change the current all-electronic voting system. Bolsonaro has said he might not accept the result of next year's presidential election if the system is not changed. Over the weekend, supporters of the president held demonstrations in several cities backing his proposal. Earlier on Monday, a group of 18 active and former Brazilian Supreme Court justices, who also serve as judges on the TSE, said the election system is free of fraud. "Brazil has eliminated a history of election fraud," the judges said in a statement, saying that since the electronic voting system was adopted in 1996, there has never been a documented fraud case in any election. "The electronic voting system is subject to audits before, during and after the election," they said. The judges said all the steps are monitored by political parties, prosecutors, federal police, universities and the Brazilian Bar Association. The judges said printed ballots are less safe than electronic voting, and that if Brazil goes back to manual counting of 150 million printed ballots, the chance of fraud would be higher. A congressional committee will vote Thursday on a proposal pushed by Bolsonaro to introduce paper ballots. The government solicitor general's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the TSE decision.

Brazil court to probe Bolsonaro for attacks on voting system

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